MONTEBELLO, Calif. — November 14, 2023 — ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D), global leaders in high performance, ethically sourced down, and MN Inter-Fashion, manufacturers of high performance luxury outerwear, are proud to announce that the ALLIED Feather + Down outerwear collection will now be available to the European market.
Bulky down jacket in icicle
Originally released only in Japan, this exclusive collection will be available to select European boutique retailers for the fall 2024 season. Limited to a few hundred pieces, this line will showcase the breadth of ALLIED’s down offering, from their industry-leading ExpeDRY down insulation to their exceedingly high performance 1000 fill power down. It will also include MN Inter-Fashion’s decades of experience delivering quality design and craftsmanship to some of the best known fashion houses in the world.
“ALLIED works with some of the biggest names in fashion and outdoor, and we’ve developed a very close relationship with the talented team at MN Inter-Fashion. This collaboration showcases what we both can do,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative and Marketing Director for ALLIED. “Made with the finest materials available and assembled by a world leader in luxury apparel, our line enjoyed a very successful launch in Japan so we decided to bring it to the fashion-forward European market as well.”
Lounge down blouson in coyote
Designed, cut, and sewn by MN Inter-Fashion in Japan using materials from ALLIED and Pertex, these jackets represent a collision between cutting edge fashion aesthetics and materials normally reserved for highly technical outerwear. The result is a unique garment that presents a sophisticated urban look blended with performance that rivals the most technical outdoor apparel available.
This collection will be on full display during ISPO in Munich, November 28-30, in the ALLIED booth A2.102.
Posted: November 14, 2023 Updated November 15, 2023
BANGKOK, Thailand — November 14, 2023 — Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, today reported stable third-quarter earnings as the company’s management focuses on conserving cash and improving competitiveness to bolster performance in a continued period of weakness in the global chemical industry.
Indorama Ventures achieved EBITDA of $324 million in 3Q23, an increase of 1% QoQ and a decline of 37% YoY, impacted by a weak economic environment, geopolitical tensions, and continued post-pandemic disruptions in global markets. Sales volumes dropped 5% from a year ago to 3.6 million tons as China recovers from the pandemic more slowly than expected and an extended period of destocking in the manufacturing and chemical sectors continues to normalize from unprecedented levels last year.
Management continues to focus on conserving cash, realizing efficiency improvements, and optimizing the company’s operational footprint to boost profitability. These efforts resulted in positive operating cash flow of US$410 million in the quarter, positive free cash flow of $79 million year to date, and room for further reductions in working capital going forward. The company’s AA- rating was maintained by TRIS in the quarter, with a stable outlook.
The company expects the operating environment to improve in 2024 as customer destocking continues to ease across all three of Indorama Ventures’ segments. The ramp up of PET and fibers expansion projects operations in India and the U.S. will also contribute to increased volumes.
Combined PET posted EBITDA of $146 million, a 25% decline QoQ, amid historically low benchmark PET margins, increased feedstock prices in Western markets, and lingering effects of destocking. Integrated Oxides and Derivatives (IOD) segment posted a 27% rise in EBITDA to $119 million QoQ, supported by strong MTBE margins in the Integrated Intermediates business.
The Integrated Downstream portfolio’s profitability was impacted by destocking, inflationary pressures, and margin pressure from imports. Fibers segment achieved a 140% increase in EBITDA to $48 million QoQ as Lifestyle volumes grew in key markets in Asia, and the Mobility and Hygiene verticals benefited from management’s focus on optimizing operations and refocusing the organization.
Mr. DK Agarwal, Deputy Group CEO of Indorama Ventures
Mr. DK Agarwal, Deputy Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “I am pleased to report that we are making meaningful progress on the management actions that I mentioned in the last quarter. In the short term, these are resulting in positive free cash flow generation, while in medium term we continue to defend aggressively our first-quartile cost position to emerge with enhanced profitability post the return to normalization in 2024 from the challenging operating environment that the industry faces.
I must admit it is surprising that global inventory levels have yet to reach optimum levels, including our own, as the value chains in our segments de-leverage against higher operating costs, especially in Europe and in general from steep interest costs that we feel may stay at peak levels for longer. We are adjusting our global footprint to meet the anticipated supply/demand environment and trade flows to ensure we continue to provide our customers with competitive and reliable offerings and are aligned in providing best-in-class sustainable solutions.”
Posted: November 14, 2023
Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — November 14, 2023 — On November 5th, 2023, during the Annual Conference 2023 of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) in Keqiao, China, the Committee of Management of the Federation elected the members of the Board for the period 2023-2025.
Mr. K.V. Srinivasan (India) was unanimously elected as the new ITMF President
Mr. K.V. Srinivasan (India) was unanimously elected as the new President of the Federation (see attached CV).
Mr. Juan Parès (Spain) was re-elected and Mr. Mustafa Denizer (Türkiye) elected as Vice Presidents of the Federation.
Mr. Ernesto Maurer (Switzerland) was elected as Honorary Treasurer.
The following persons were re-elected to the Non-executive Board:
Mr. Uday Gill (Thailand)
Mr. Salman Ispahani (Bangladesh)
Mr. Tae Jin Kang (Korea)
Mr. Mohammad Kassem (Egypt)
Ms. Suchita Jain Oswal (India)
Mrs. Michelle Tjokrosaputro (Indonesia)
Mr. Yingxin Xu (China)
The following persons were elected as new Non-executive Board Members:
Mr. Stefan Hutter (Singapore)
Mr. Anees Khawaja (Pakistan)
Mr. Than Duc Viet (Vietnam)
Ms. Yan Yan (China)
Mr. Rafael Cervone (Brazil), Mr. John Cheh (Hong -Kong, China), Mr. Muharrem Kayhan (Türkiye), and Mr. Loek de Vries (Netherlands) were co-opted to the Board.
Mr. Ruizhe Sun (China) was appointed Honorary Life Member of the Federation in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Federation as Vice President (2016-2020) and as President (2020-2023).
The President:
Mr. K.V. Srinivasan (India)
Education
1983: Completed B.Tech. in Textile Technology at PSG College of Technology 1984: Obtained M.Sc in Textile Technology from the University of Manchester 1986: Obtained a Ph.D from the University of Manchester for research work in warp spinning technology
Scholarship/Awards
1984: William Jones Scholarship 1985: University of Manchester Overseas Research Student Award 1986: Textile Institute Scholarship
Professional Career
On completion of Ph.D worked on a joint research project between Mezdan, Platts Saco Lowell and University of Manchester on evaluation of splicing of spun yarns
Managing Director of Premier Mills Pvt Ltd and Premier Fine Linens Pvt Ltd
Member of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation from 2000 to 2003
Chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), Coimbatore, from 2007 to 2009
Chairman of the South India Textile Research Association, Coimbatore, from 2016 to 2019
Chairman of The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, Mumbai, (TEXPROCIL) from 2018 to 2020
Vice President of ITMF from 2018
Posted: November 14, 2023
Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
PARIS — November 13, 2023 — Integris Composites, the global supplier of armor protection for the world’s elite military and law-enforcement units, will display its new “make your own shield” concept and soft body armor vests at Milipol Paris 2023 Stand 5 F009, taking place Nov. 14–17 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.
“We are presenting two innovations,” said Jan Grimberg, the senior vice president of marketing and sales EMEA at Integris, “a new product line of body armor vests with our Rapid Don/Doff system that is an industry first and a new line of customizable ballistic shields.”
Integris Composites Facility in France
Integris, the new name for TenCate Advanced Armour, is continuing the company’s quarter-century emphasis on safety, reliability and survivability.
Make Your Own Shield Concept
The new shield line is designed to respond to law enforcement and military organizations, which frequently want designs tailored to their procedures.
“Bespoke solutions are nothing new for Integris Composites, but in the past, small-quantity, custom shield orders had to contend with the entire industry’s inherent need to tailor-make molds for every version—cost prohibitive for small orders,” said James Williamson, Integris Composite’s sales manager for France, Spain and Portugal.
The addition of new equipment in the past year enables Integris to make shields that are specific to a customer’s needs for shape, size and weight, but with a significantly shorter lead time and at a price like that of larger series. “Our new manufacturing capability reduces the nonrecurring costs (NRC) of molds. This makes one, two or a few handheld portable shields completely feasible,” explained Williamson.
A Dream Capability
“This is a dream capability. Now, as a customer, you have a choice. You can buy something off the shelf from our catalog. Or you can buy a customized solution that’s a lot more affordable than it was in the past,” said Williamson.
Custom products are especially appealing to law enforcement and military since many units require specifications in size, weight and shape to allow active members to perform their duties with a focus on safety and durability. “They don’t have to buy a million euros worth of product to get exactly what they want. They do not have to buy thousands of units to get exactly what they want. They can get exactly what they want when ordering a few units,” added Williamson.
Testing New Rapid Don/Doff Vests
Throughout the show, Integris invites active members of law enforcement and the military to try on Rapid Don/Doff armor vests, which are making their public debut here.
Inspecting Armor Plate at Integris Composites
These vests use a magnetic buckle system. “They can take it off, put it on in two seconds without losing their settings,” said Stephen Jackson, regional director of Turkey, the Middle East and Africa. “This enhances safety, comfort and predictability.”
Special Pride
“There is a special pride in participating in Milipol,” said Grimberg. “We are a truly international company. With 25 percent of our workforce in France, we are proud to have the opportunity to display these two innovations in Paris under the banner of a new name,” said Grimberg.
Integris is an engineering company and the manufacturer of composite armor for land vehicles, aircraft, naval craft, protection housing for optronics and other sensitive technology, and personal protection gear. The company’s scope includes the design, development, production, sales and services of composite armor solutions. Integris’ product portfolio consists of panels or ready-to-install kits made from high-strength materials like HDPE, aramids and ceramics. For more information go to: www.integriscomposites.com.
Integris Composites Launching Shields at Milipol
Milipol Paris 2023 is the leading event dedicated to homeland security and safety, with over 30,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors. It is presented every two years under the auspices of the French Ministry of the Interior in partnership with several governmental bodies. For more information go to: www.milipol.com.
NEW YORK — November 13, 2023 — PVH Corp. and Basic Resources, a private, family-owned organization that manufactures and distributes apparel for consumer brands, today announced that Basic Resources will acquire PVH’s Warners, Olga and True & Co. businesses. The all-cash purchase price is $160 million, subject to adjustment, plus an earnout based on the net sales on a portion of the acquired businesses for calendar 2024, with a maximum value of $10 million. The transaction is expected to close at the end of November, subject to standard closing conditions.
“This transaction is an important next step as we continue to accelerate our focus under the PVH+ Plan to build our core brands, Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER, into the most desirable lifestyle brands in the world,” said Stefan Larsson, Chief Executive Officer of PVH. “I want to thank our teams for building Warners, Olga and True&Co into the beloved brands they are today. We know the Basic Resources team well as a longstanding PVH partner and are confident they are the right company to help grow these brands and ensure their continued success over the long term.”
“We are thrilled to bring the Warners, Olga and True&Co brands into our portfolio of leading consumer brands. Under these powerful brands, PVH has built a business that offers innovative, solution-oriented products that strongly resonate with consumers. We look forward to welcoming the team and leveraging our resources and expertise in the market to drive continued growth by offering customers well-designed, high-quality products,” said Salomon Harari, CEO of Basic Resources.
PVH intends to use the net proceeds from the transaction to repurchase shares of its common stock.
LOUISVILLE, KY — November 13, 2023 — Linnworks, an inventory management system (“IMS”), order management system (“OMS”), and warehouse management system (“WMS”) solutions provider and recently announced Connected CommerceOps platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Georgia Leybourne as its new Chief Marketing Officer.
In her role, Georgia brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the e-commerce industry. With a background across multiple disciplines: customer service, sales, project management, business development, marketing, and partner alliances, Georgia is focused on maximizing revenue potential for retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer operations by creating frictionless journeys for consumers.
Georgia will be responsible for overseeing Linnworks’ marketing efforts, enhancing brand awareness, and creating strategies to effectively reach and serve a diverse customer base. Her expertise in the e-commerce sector will be instrumental in expanding Linnworks’ presence and reinforcing the company’s reputation as a unified software provider under its Connected CommerceOps platform. As part of the Connected CommerceOps suite, retailers will benefit from three core features: connectivity to multiple marketplaces, automation of traditionally time-consuming e-commerce processes, and a centralized repository that combines listings, inventory, orders, and shipments into one single platform.
Prior to joining the company, she held key marketing leadership positions at both Transporeon and Manhattan Associates, where she successfully drove brand recognition and customer engagement through innovative marketing strategies.
Reflecting on her appointment, Georgia Leybourne, Chief Marketing Officer, Linnworks, said:
“Linnworks represents as a market leader for SMBs looking to quickly grow and scale their offering across multiple marketplaces and shipping partners. In addition to simplifying e-commerce retailers’ lives, Linnworks helps them expand their business while driving efficiency within their commerce operations. I am thrilled to join Linnworks at such an exciting time for the company and its customers.”
Chris Timmer, CEO of Linnworks, said: “We are excited to welcome Georgia to our leadership team as we continue to expand our services. Her expertise and impressive track record will bolster our efforts to deliver a unified software platform under the Connected CommerceOps brand.
Chris continued: “We look forward to the innovation and strategic insights Georgia will bring to the company as we embark on this new chapter and offer a comprehensive and multifaceted e-commerce solution for our customers.”
LONDON, UK — November 13, 2023 — RHEON Labs® is officially introducing a curved protector for motorcycle riders. Previously only released via innovation partner Harley-Davidson, the specialist RHEON™ technology will now be available to the wider motorcycle apparel community.
As well as offering the highest level of protection (Level 2 for impact protection and Type B for area coverage), the curved protectors are super breathable, soft, and lightweight. The secret is RHEON’s superpolymer which has ultra-high energy-absorbing properties. The geometry and pattern of the inserts is designed using a patented algorithm which mimics how cells are packed in nature for a naturally lighter protector, which is manufactured using a unique form of 3D printing.
The technology in the protectors is the same as in the Harley-Davidson ADV & Quest ranges.
“These curved protectors for moto riders are an essential addition to our growing RHEON ™ Armour Collection, and for any moto rider who wants to uplevel their protective gear.” says Paul Farrar from RHEON Labs®.
“Motorcycling has always meant enduring uncomfortable body armour. Being hot and sweaty, with bulky armour has been a given. We decided to fix this age-old problem.”
“Since its founding in 2017, our team has relentlessly pursued innovation to create materials and products that were previously thought impossible. In our collaborations with Harley-Davidson & beyond we have built superior body armour specifically designed for moto riders. This wider launch is the next step in making those superior technical benefits available to the wider riding community.”
Watch out for more RHEON™ launches and real-world testing by well-known riders in the coming season.
RHEON™ technology
Every now and then a new material is developed with a set of properties that were previously thought impossible.
At the core of RHEON™ is an energy-absorbing super polymer. It is soft and flexible in its natural state but absorbs energy by stiffening when subjected to force. It can be integrated into countless products to dissipate high levels of energy or give them unique responsive properties.
SEOUL, South Korea — November 13, 2023 — The world is witnessing a growing demand for sustainable and innovative solutions within the textile and fashion industry. To meet the evolving needs of consumers and the environment, Hyosung is collaborating with two of the leading global seamless companies, Tefron and Santoni, to introduce a new generation of sustainable sportswear and seamless apparel made with its certified and multi-functional yarns.
Hyosung, Tefron, and Santoni will unveil their collaborative product, which aims to set new standards in sustainable activewear and seamless clothing, at ISPO Munich this November 28-30 in Hall A1, Booth 335.
“The collaboration between Tefron, Hyosung, and Santoni presents a winning combination of certified eco-friendly raw materials and innovative production techniques,” said Susie Barak, Business Director, Tefron. “By integrating Tefron’s global one-stop shop expertise in seamless knitting with Hyosung’s creora® Bio-Based yarn, the partnership paves the way for innovative designs and styles that were previously challenging to achieve with traditional materials and manufacturing techniques.”
“We are delighted to team-up with two of the most powerful players in the seamless apparel market,” said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Hyosung Global Marketing Director -Textiles. “The benefits of our collaboration are numerous and range from traceable, certified fibres, comfort, and performance to innovative design and versatility.”
To inspire seamless mills and fashion brands, Santoni will introduce its first-ever capsule collection of seamless materials made with Hyosung USDA, SGS-certified creora® Bio-Based elastane, RCS-certified 100% recycled creora® regen elastane, and soft-stretch creora® EasyFlex made on its world-class seamless knitting machines.
At the Santoni ISPO booth, the company will introduce its new SANTONI SM8-TOP2ST machine, a variant of its best-selling SANTONI SM8-TOP2V that allows for the creation of sculptured terry patterns and upgraded seamless designs. Santoni and Hyosung have partnered to create an environmentally friendly and innovative “capsule collection” made with Hyosung USDA, SGS-certified creora® Bio-Based elastane, which will be presented in the Hyosung booth. The collection features terry knitting solutions to produce different padding effects based on higher protection and comfort.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new capsule collection of knits, made with Hyosung’s sustainable fibres, at i alongside Tefron,” said Patrick Silva, Marketing Manager/Business Developer, Santoni. “This joint endeavor aims to illustrate how our dynamic partnership can introduce fresh and innovative seamless solutions to brands’ product offerings.”
MILAN — November 13, 2023 — A delegation of 12 Italian textile machinery manufacturers will be on hand at the ITME Africa trade show, to be held in Nairobi (Kenya) from November 30th to December 2nd 2023. These Italian companies will be exhibiting at the Italian Pavilion, organized by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, and by the Italian Trade Agency.
Kenya’s economy is among the most dynamic in sub-Saharan Africa, with annual GDP growth rates of around 6%. Its textile and garments industry ranks among the Country’s leading economic revenue sources, and is supported by government programs aimed at sustaining growth, as well as international agreements, such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and Kenya, currently in the process of ratification.
The total value of Kenya’s imports of textile machinery reached Euros 24 million in 2022. In the future, demand from local companies will mainly focus on high-end and medium to high-end technology, thus allowing Italian manufacturers to strengthen their market share in Kenya. Currently, Italian imports amount to approximately 4% of total imported machinery technology, for a value of roughly Euros 900 thousands in 2022.
Among the 12 Italian exhibitors the following ones are ACIMIT associated members: Biancalani, Bianco; Danitech, Ferraro, Lgl, Mei, Monti Antonio, Reggiani Macchine, Savio, Stalam and Tomsic.
Posted: November 13, 2023
Source:The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)
ADLINGTON, UK — November 13, 2023 — Global workwear textile manufacturer, Carrington Textiles, received the Fabric & Fibre Innovation accolade at the Protective Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Summit and Awards event held in Porto last week for its latest stretch military fabric development.
Hosted by the European Textile Services Association’s (ETSA) Secretary General, Elena Lai, the Fabric & Fibre Innovation Award was presented to Carrington Textiles’ Spartan HT Flex Lite. “A fabric that uniquely combines high-performance durability with exceptional comfort and flexibility. Developed specifically for military applications, Spartan HT Flex Lite provides the optimal balance between robustness and wearability that defence personnel require”, said Elena.
At a weight of 195gsm, Spartan HT Flex Lite is the only product from the Carrington Textiles’ Spartan military ripstop fabric family that incorporates 2% LYCRA® and 37% cotton in its composition for integrated stretch and outstanding wearer comfort. It also features 61% CORDURA® military grade high tenacity nylon 6.6 for strength and durability.
PCIAW event highlights
Carrington Textiles was the Premier Sponsor of this 3-day event, which started with a tour of a series of production facilities including Carrington Textiles’ Portuguese factory, MGC, where visitors learnt about the full manufacturing process and the sustainable technologies implemented at the site to produce the factory’s own steam with natural resources in a carbon neutral way.
Day 2 continued with a summit focusing on industry topics of interest. In his opening speech, Carrington Textiles’ Sales and Marketing Director and member of the PCIAW board, Paul Farrell, said: “It’s exciting for us to be a part of this wonderful event, the first to be held outside of the UK, in the city of Porto. As a founding member of the PCIAW, and Premier Sponsor, it brings me immense pleasure to see our collective vision come to life here in Portugal, which is a place close to our manufacturing heart. This is an important production location for our group, ensuring that we are close to our customers in mainland Europe.
Over the past years, PCIAW® has evolved into a formidable platform, offering its membership and businesses the tools and guidance to thrive. We have also been privileged to leverage this by expanding our own network and making connections both nationally and internationally”, Paul added.
Industry Insights
A series of insightful discussion panels focused on the industry’s burning topics also took place at the event. Carrington Textiles’ Business Strategy Analyst Louise Becart participated in a panel discussing the implications of EU Sustainability, where she explained: “There is currently an industry wide lack of understanding of these regulations. Fortunately, we have transparency throughout our supply chain and work with our customers to help them find the right solutions and provide them with the correct data for them to comply.”
In terms of sustainability, Louise explained that the company sees an increasing demand on sustainability credentials, including in public tenders for the defence sector. Additionally on the topic of microfibre pollution, she added: “We have been working to understand the causes of microfibre shedding. Whilst not conclusive, we found that there was a reduction in shedding by utilising different spinning methods. Data suggests that vortex spun fibres shed less than ring spun. We are now able to include CiCLO technology to polyester during the extrusion phase, so it biodegrades at a rate comparable to natural, cellulosic fibres. This is a strategy to mitigate the problem.”
Supporting future industry talent
Carrington Textiles was also a fabric sponsor of the event’s student design competition, PCA Vision, that took place on day 3 during the awards ceremony.
This year’s winner, Sophie Woodlife, from Manchester Metropolitan University, designed a striking high visibility workwear garment for airport groundcrew, coming in a variety of styles including hoodies and cargo shorts. In her design, Sophie chose Carrington Textiles waterproof fabric, Alaska Pro 2 due to its compliance with EN20471 standards, ideal for keeping air traffic control crew safe. Finalists Megan Dyson used Tomboy black, yellow and saffron colours for her New York Inspired corporatewear, while Connor Read incorporated a mix of the company’s Coolcel 200 Plus, Meridian and Astacon 180S fabrics to build his nature conservationist workwear.
The PCIAW Summit and Awards event and the accolade for Spartan HT Flex Lite, has not only highlighted Carrington Textiles’ pioneering role in fabric innovation and commitment to sustainable manufacturing, but also the company’s dedication to combining technological advancement with wearer comfort and durability.
