Cutter & Buck and NAEIR: Sportswear Company’s Overstocks Find “Good Homes” Through In-Kind Donation

RENTON, Wash. — August 21, 2023 — For Seattle-based Cutter & Buck, the 33-year-old manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of quality sportswear and activewear, sustainability is a key corporate commitment and business strategy.

That’s what attracted the company to NAEIR, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, when it came time to do some warehouse spring cleaning, said CEO Joel Freet.

Cutter & Buck has made in-kind donations of men’s and women’s apparel, valued at nearly $8 million, to NAEIR, which then makes products available to qualified non-profits, enabling them to stretch their budgets and help communities around the country.

“At Cutter & Buck, we a have firm commitment to sustainability, while also being committed to owning large stock levels for our business model,” Freet said. “When we do discontinue a product line with large stock, we are often left with a broken size scale, with perhaps one to two sizes left out of 10, and we truly are unable to completely sell out.”

Looking for the best possible home for these end-of-run products, Cutter & Buck partnered with NAEIR. “NAIER has enabled us to keep our commitment to sustainably, finding a good final home for our end-of-run products, while having the distribution volume high enough to help us exactly when it is best for us,” he added.

“It’s a win for sustainability, a win for our storage space and a win for the recipients that NAEIR is in the position to help. We make regular product donations to non-profits in our own community based on local need, but NAEIR has the capacity and the network to find where the products are needed most.”

Since its founding in 1977, Galesburg, Ill.-based NAEIR has received donations from more than 8,000 U.S. corporations and distributed more than $3 billion in products. CEO Gary C. Smith says he and his staff are delighted to welcome Cutter & Buck to their donor base, which includes such iconic brands as Crayola, 3M, Avery and PaperMate.

“I agree with Joel that everybody wins,” Smith said. “In a perfect world, companies would sell every item they manufacture. But, in reality, sometimes they produce too much, orders are cancelled or models are discontinued. Unsold merchandise piles up, takes up valuable warehouse space and costs a lot to store.”

Rather than risk merchandise ending up in a landfill or with a liquidator, companies have the option to donate it to NAEIR. Then, NAEIR gives it to 501(c)(3) nonprofits including churches, shelters, community groups and schools, for only a nominal handling fee.

“NAEIR members can use all those extra supplies and tools to help teachers give better lessons, shelters take care of more people and churches provide more help for the needy,” Smith says. “Companies like Cutter & Buck have the satisfaction of knowing they have kept their commitment to sustainability while supporting communities.”

Posted August 25, 2023

Source: Cutter & Buck

Teijin Cordley And WR Supply Announce Japan’s First Project To Recycle Release Paper For Artificial Leather Manufacturing

TOKYO — August 24, 2023 — Teijin Cordley Ltd. and WR Supply Inc. today announced they will jointly develop a new process for recycling release paper from artificial leather manufacturing. Using the technology to manufacture the base paper for artificial leather release paper using raw materials derived from 100-percent recycled paper, it will be possible to recycle the used release paper into recycled base paper and other paperboard products. The new process incorporates WR Supply’s EB Series base paper. When used to replace conventional products, EB Series base paper is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from manufacturing new base paper and incinerating used release paper, as well as promote recycling. This achievement will be a first for Japan.

Teijin Cordley is the Teijin Frontier Group’s high-grade artificial leather business; WR Supply is a venture focused on ecologically recycled products and environmental consulting. Teijin Cordley has been promoting environmentally friendly products and manufacturing processes, such as using recycled raw materials for artificial leather base fabrics and using water-based polyurethane without organic solvents. Teijin Cordley and WR Supply will start recycling of used release paper with Rengo Co. Ltd. — a corrugated board, paperboard and packaging specialist — at the end of 2023. The two companies will contribute to the realization of a recycling-focused society by working with the release paper and artificial leather industries to build a system that advances sustainable recycling.

Promoting Circularity

Release paper used in manufacturing artificial leather is a two-layer structure comprised of a base paper and a resin coating. The resin is used as a mold to transfer patterns and textures such as natural leather markings and geometric designs to the artificial leather surface. In the new collaboration, Teijin Cordley will collect used release paper from its artificial leather manufacturing production. Rengo will recycle and process the used release paper, and produce EB Series base paper in accordance with WR Supply’s patent. Rengo will use the recycled release paper for other kinds of paperboard. WR Supply will sell the EB Series base paper to manufacturers of release papers. To complete the circle, Teijin Cordley will purchase release paper made with EB Series base paper and use it for artificial leather production.

Reducing CO2 Emissions and Conserving Trees

WR Supply’s patented process and Rengo’s paperboard manufacturing technology enable recycled paper to be dissolved in water, avoiding the need for heat and chemicals to separate pulp chips. These environmentally impactful ingredients, as well as the from virgin pulp. Using this novel method reduces CO2 emissions during manufacturing by approximately 60 percent, according to studies by WR Supply. Further, thanks to the use of 100 percent recycled content, there is no need to cut down additional trees. For example, when 10,000m of conventional base paper is replaced with EB Series base paper, approximately 100 acacia trees can be conserved. By recycling the base paper portion of used release paper from artificial leather, Teijin Cordley will be able to reduce CO2 emissions from incineration by approximately 100 tons per year, and to reduce the volume of industrial waste derived from used release paper by 80 percent per year. Importantly, EB Series base paper delivers the same quality as conventional base paper, even though it is made from recycled paper.

Posted: August 24, 2023

Source: Teijin Group

Four Finalists To Compete For The 2023 RISE® Innovation Award

CARY, N.C. — August 24, 2023 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the finalists that will compete for the RISE® Innovation Award. RISE®, the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference, will take place September 26-27 at Talley Student Union, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.

The finalists who will present their product innovations on Tuesday, September 26th, include:

ESC-8 – The JOA® Electronic Size Change Unit by Curt G. Joa Inc.

The JOA® ESC-8™ unit allows unprecedented Adult Pant design flexibility with the ability to process nearly limitless combinations of insert and chassis sizes at industry best speeds. Additionally, this technology enables the production of a greener, more sustainable product by eliminating up to 250 tons of material, 5 tons of glue, and 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

BicoBio Fiber by Fiberpartner ApS

The BicoBio Fiber is a bicomponent fiber core sheath construction, developed from materials with a low carbon footprint. This fiber is designed to biodegrade in the environments where most plastics are found: landfills and the ocean. The fiber’s BioBased PE is produced from sugar cane and has a negative carbon footprint. The fiber’s recycled PET is GRS certified. PrimaLoft® Bio™, a technology that enables polyester fibers to biodegrade, is utilized in the production of BicoBio Fibers. These fibers can be processed with a variety of nonwoven technologies.

Reifenhäuser Reicofil RF5 XHL by Reifenhäuser REICOFIL GmbH & Co. KG

Reicofil XHL (Extra High Loft) is the game changer for a super soft and drapeable nonwoven offering an incomparable feel the nonwoven market has never seen before. The outstanding soft touch is unique and intended for use in the hygiene sector. XHL focuses on low basis weight and high thickness with the best visual appearance. The high performance and efficient use of raw materials and energy ensure cost-effectiveness and environmentally-friendly production.

SAPMonit by TiHiVE

TiHive’s game-changing innovation, SAPMonit — a visionary French technology breakthrough — inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of Super Absorbents weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

The RISE Innovation Award winner will be announced Wednesday afternoon, September 27.

In 2022, the RISE® Innovation Award was presented to DiaperRecycle for their Cat Litter Made from Recycled Diapers. DiaperRecycle leverages innovative technology to recycle used diapers into absorbent and flushable cat litter.

“The RISE Conference promotes innovation and technical achievements in the nonwoven and engineered material industry. For me, RISE has been the proverbial crystal ball that gives me insight into technologies I or my competition will be using tomorrow. Events like RISE are integral to having a robust, multi-generational technology and product pipeline,” said Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s director of Education and Technical Affairs.  “In my prior roles of R&D Director and Product Manager, having this glimpse into tomorrow was an invaluable edge.”

Posted: August 24, 2023

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Carnegie Announces Acquisition Of Xorel Artform Manufacturing Division Of DFB Sales

NEW YORK CITY — August 23, 2023 — Carnegie — a supplier of sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions — today announced its acquisition of the Xorel Artform manufacturing division of DFB Sales Inc., a New York City-based producer of high quality interior finish products. This acquisition will give Carnegie end-to-end control of Xorel Artform from design to manufacture and distribution, resulting in a streamlined and optimized supply chain that yields process efficiencies, expedited lead times, and expanded product options for designers and specifiers.

“DFB has been a trusted partner in manufacturing our Xorel Artform panels over the past eight years” said Dana Pucillo, vice president of Carnegie Acoustic Solutions. “Our ability to absorb and leverage their manufacturing knowledge into overall Carnegie operations will create unprecedented opportunities to bring more products to market faster, which underscores Carnegie’s continued commitment to develop innovative products that are high performing and environmentally responsible.”

Control over production will also simplify the design-to-manufacture process, allowing for increase in overall production volume.

“Carnegie continues to build on its success in sustainable, high-performance acoustic solutions and growing our footprint in this important arena” said Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie. “This acquisition demonstrates our continued commitment to being a market-driven organization, continuously investing in improvements for our processes and products, and serving as a trusted partner for designers and specifiers of our acoustic offerings.”

Posted: August 23, 2023

Source: Carnegie

Herculite Partners With Renegade Plastics To Offer Recyclable Barn Curtain

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — August 23, 2023 — Herculite® Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high- performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce a partnership with Renegade Plastics to offer a recyclable alternative as a part of its industry-leading agricultural barn curtain fabrics offering.

The Renegade Plastics fabric used in Herculite’s line of eco-friendly barn curtains is a medium-duty polypropylene-based coated fabric free from phthalates, dioxins, PFAS, and heavy metals like lead. This revolutionary material offers maximum UV stability and, based on evidence from lab tests and anecdotes from field pilots, lets in less thermal infrared radiation than polyethylene-based products while also proving to be a better insulator.

These recyclable materials make them a critical purchase for operations looking to enhance their circularity and keep microplastics out of their soil and livestock. Herculite barn curtains made with Renegade Plastics’ fabrics are better for biosafety and for reducing plastic waste from the agricultural industry.

“Herculite is known for its innovation and ability to understand its customers’ emerging needs. They visualize solutions and deliver innovative products and services that help them grow their businesses,” said Renegade Plastics Co-Founder Curran Hughes. “As the agriculture industry evolves, there is a demand for more sustainable textiles that are better for our animals and soils with no loss of strength or durability. We proudly offer a fabric that paves the way towards a healthier farming and ranching future.”

Posted: August 23, 2023

Source: Herculite®, Inc.

Industry Groups Support California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

WASHINGTON — August 23, 2023 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association, the Accessories Council, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Fashion Makes Change, express support for California’s proposed Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253), introduced by Senators Scott Wiener, Lena Gonzalez and Henry Stern.

This bill establishes that corporations with more than $1 billion in gross revenues — that do business in the state of California — must annually and publicly disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

As stated in today’s letter of support, “The timelines and assurance levels required for reporting reflect ambitious, but realistic, science-based understanding of the current difficulty of and evolution pathway for collecting accurate emissions data. The initial direction to enforcing agencies to assess the status and feasibility of assurance levels for Scope 3 reporting shows crucial adjustability and the safe harbor for good faith reporting of Scope 3 emissions demonstrates this legislation is designed to help companies succeed at a difficult task where imperfections are virtually guaranteed. Finally, clear, public reporting requirements make the bill enforceable. … SB 253 would break new ground on ambitious climate policy, but more importantly, because it is compatible with the THREADS Protocol, we believe the legislation will be effective in meeting its objectives.”

In January 2023, these groups released the THREADS Protocol which provides a rubric for crafting policy that will meaningfully address sustainability and social responsibility issues, showing the industry’s commitment to supporting policies that are: Transparently Developed & Enforced; Harmonized Across Jurisdictions & Industries; have Realistic Timelines; are Enforceable, Adjustable, Designed for Success, and Science-Based.

“The continual warming of our planet poses a significant risk to our industry and our communities. We believe it is essential that we work together, pre-competitively, to ensure that the industry plays its part in meeting our climate change targets. AAFA’s support for this bill means we are confident the bill meets the THREADS protocol criteria,” said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar.

Posted: August 23, 2023

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Philip J. Brown To Receive The 2023 AATCC Olney Medal

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — August 23, 2023 — AATCC is proud to announce the 2023 recipient of the Olney Medal, Philip J. Brown, Swetenburg Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University. He is being recognized for his prolific work with fiber materials, including spinning and the production of deep groove capillary surface channeled fibers; fabrication of polymeric photonic crystal fibers; the production and properties of hollow fiber membranes, including examination of phase inversion conditions; the dry jet wet and wet spinning of fibers; and electrospinning of fibers and nanofibers. Fundamentally, Brown’s research has developed fibers that illuminate, transport, bind, hold, and heal.

Career

The results of Brown’s research projects are found in peer reviewed publications, monographs, and books, as well as presentations and patents. He has received several Clemson University Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence for research collaborations. He also received the AATCC J.W. Weaver Paper of the Year Award in 2008.

In addition to working with Clemson University’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) programs, Brown also teaches science as part of the Emerging Scholars Program at Clemson, a program that provides students from poor, rural areas with limited educational opportunities, a chance to gain a better education and learn what it takes to succeed in college. The program involves teachers, students, parents, and the community to help students find a university where they will succeed. He believes it is very important to inspire young people to become interested and excited about science and engineering.

Philosophy

Brown continually envisions fiber’s many uses. He created a research philosophy, involving the development of multicomponent melt and wet spinning techniques that become “viable vehicles to produce functional/smart, active, or adaptive fibers.” He would also like to delve further into polymer and nanoparticle synthesis. Brown sees this research as multi-disciplinary and collaborative, involving textiles, engineering, design, and marketing — a well-rounded process from creation to final product.

Besides Brown’s research philosophy, he also has a teaching philosophy and methodology. Early in his teaching career, he earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from the University of Leeds. He values what he learned about different teaching styles and their effectiveness. He uses self-assessment, student assessment, faculty input, and teaching texts to improve his ways of teaching. He developed an anatomy of a lecture, from the introduction of the class through to the structure and flexibility of his lectures, including how to keep students awake (literally) and engaged. Brown’s self-assessment of teaching is “to find ways to initiate student learning,” believing that a student who is an independent learner will develop “general learning skills that are transferable to other courses, and later on to their chosen careers.”

Brown is a humble visionary, who, whether focusing on fiber or students, takes the time to ponder the possibilities and picture the potential.

The Olney Medal

Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science. The award consists of a gold medal, a scroll, and an honorarium.

Presentation of the medal each year is a highlight of AATCC’s annual conference. This year the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC from September 12-14, 2023. The Association will present the Olney Medal at the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Brown will deliver the traditional Olney Medal Address on September 14 at 8 a.m.

The title of his talk is “Beyond the Fig Leaf”. Brown will discuss recent approaches to mitigate the water saturated, dank, waterlogged effect that drizzle and deluges can have on people and their clothes. In essence, he will explore the development of fibers and textiles that possess long-lasting hydrophobic and oleophobic properties through replenishing additives and specific fiber geometries.

Posted: August 23, 2023

Source: AATCC

Crealet Stands For 20 Years Of Electronic Warp Feeding Expertise

WALD, Switzerland — August 23, 2023 — Crealet, provider of electronic warp feeding systems for both wide and narrow fabric weaving, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The two decades are notable for solutions which fit the special needs of weavers.

Crealet was formed through a management-buy-out from Willy Grob AG. The time was right, as weaving machine manufacturers were integrating their own electronic warp let-off systems and this part of the Willy Grob business was affected as a result. A growing need for warp let-off controls with specific customized solutions was identified by Walter Wirz and Leo Kuster, at that time employed as CEO and Design Manager at Willy Grob. The pair seized the opportunity, supported by Johann Georg Schmid and Altmann Holding AG, and Crealet was established — its name based on ’creative warp let-off’.

KAST history

Crealet aimed to offer a universal control system suitable for different applications with the plus to achieve high warp tensions what’s often impossible on weaving machines featuring integrated warp let-off. So in 2008, the UKAST was introduced. It was also a replacement for the KAST 197, for use in wide weaving for ground and warp beams in high positions, as well as for warp beams in free-standing warp beam frames.

This was one year after ITMA 2007 in Munich, where Crealet was a newcomer, presenting its customer-specific warp yarn feeder program for weaving machines. “We also took the occasion to look for agents in order to get in contact with customers worldwide. We needed to convince them of our idea for a service which was not widely realized at that point in time,” says Walter Wirz, then CEO of Crealet. The young company’s offer was as individual as the weavers’ needs, e.g. for early developments in the field of technical textiles.

Crealet built a reputation for developing systems to replace older control units, or to meet the requirements of new applications such as ribbon weaving. The firm’s experts devised a wide variety of solutions — such as selvedge yarn feeders to prevent waviness at fabric edges, and feeders for weaving carbon or tyre cord fabrics.

Always developing

At ITMA 2015, Crealet’s self-confidence and strength were underlined by its new slogan “We Drive You to Success.” Subsequent years proved that the focus on customized solutions was the right one. But it remained a challenge to explain the value of a system which was absolutely tailor-made, complex and individual.

Crealet’s philosophy is that self-satisfaction should not last too long. Being good listeners, Crealet experts well understand what customers need. For example, there was a demand for a servo control to offer high precision and to approach and hold defined positions without torque loss. With the control of KAST ERGO, it’s possible for weavers to switch from mechanical fabric take-off to electronic.

The Crealet innovation Linked Motion Control was first introduced at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, signaling a new era of warp tension measurement. This innovative load cell sensor system includes the advantage that the set-point can be entered at the control unit, ensuring that the warp tension settings are highly reproducible.

Crealet believes its high level of service and support sets it apart from other industry players. Customers can rely on instant professional help from knowledgeable engineers in case of a malfunction. The new controls are designed to allow direct access to the warp let-off system via a remote maintenance tool. Quick and efficient support is guaranteed, without the need for a specialist on-site — a definite saving in time and money.

The show goes on

No single KAST solution will ever be ideal for all warp beams and weaving machine types. Crealet takes the view that ‘good enough is not enough’ with its program of various controls. Actually, the portfolio goes far beyond control devices, and includes the entire mechanical design of the system. Only when all components are perfectly coordinated can a system work perfectly.

Crealet has developed as a one-stop source for comprehensive consulting and solutions, with two key business partnerships bringing synergies and added value. The company has joined forces with COMSAT (core competence in sectional and direct warping machines and creels) and AEI (specialized in manufacturing quality assurance solutions in warp knitting and warp preparation). The alliances broadened the expertise and range of technologies available to customers.

Crealet upholds the typical Swiss values of quality, reliability and innovative power, living in the pioneering spirit of their ancestors — and facing the textile industry’s new challenges. “We are never satisfied, until our customers are satisfied,” Wirz said, nowadays Emeritus CEO at Crealet. He has never regretted taking the risk to open up the business with his partners. Companions describe him as always remaining modest, despite the success of Crealet products and services and the company’s world-leading position as manufacturer of electronic warp feeding systems.

Posted: August 23, 2023

Source: Crealet AG

Lynda Kelly To Leave Suominen, Markku Koivisto Appointed Interim Senior Vice President, Americas

HELSINKI — August 22, 2023 — Lynda Kelly, senior vice president, Americas & Business Development, will leave Suominen for medical reasons. Markku Koivisto has been appointed as interim senior vice president, Americas in addition to his current role as senior vice president, Europe and R&D. The change is effective immediately.

The process to recruit a new senior vice president, Americas has been started.

“I want to thank Lynda for her contribution to the company both in her role as SVP, Americas & Business Development and in her previous role in heading the Care business. I also want to thank Lynda for her valuable contribution in our Executive Team,” said Tommi Björnman, president and CEO of Suominen.

“With a full heart, I leave Suominen to focus on my health recovery. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the employees, customers, and suppliers of Suominen,” Kelly said.

Posted August 22, 2023

Source: Suominen

Grant For Rhode Island Manufacturers Will Strengthen And Expand Local Supply Chain

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — August 22, 2023 — Polaris MEP has been awarded a $400,000 federal grant to help Rhode Island’s manufacturers transform and strengthen their supply chains. The non-profit consulting group has selected Kayla Viveiros to lead grant administration and act as Program Manager of the Supply Chain Solutions portfolio.

“This funding makes it possible for Polaris MEP to introduce a more robust suite of Supply Chain Solutions for Rhode Island manufacturers,” said Matt Watson, Polaris MEP Center Director. “We’ll link Rhode Island manufacturers to even more resources for reducing the cost, friction and risk in their supply chain.”

Polaris MEP is one of 51 non-profit Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers that make up the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings MEP National Network.

In June, each of the centers was awarded $400,000 through funding authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Each Center was challenged to develop a plan for expanding their supply chain services and to support a new national Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN).

“With this dedicated funding, Polaris MEP will begin to fast-track the expansion of the Center’s supply chain services,” said Viveiros. “Solutions are being specifically designed with the input of our state’s smaller manufacturers. We want every manufacturing company in RI, no matter how large or small, to be able to transform their supply chain and thrive.”

Polaris MEP Supply Chain Solutions to be rolled out over the coming months include:

  • Expanded matchmaking, tapping into an established NIST MEP “Supplier Scouting” platform;
  • Technology scouting, acceleration and deployment support to improve production; and
  • Education, awareness and resources for identifying, validating and incorporating alternative or advanced materials.

Viveiros has been with Polaris MEP for more than five years, starting as a project manager. She most recently served as the Program Manager of the Center’s specialist network. Viveiros is a graduate of the NIST MEP Tab Wilkins Emerging Leaders Program and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Supply Chain.

In a statement, NIST noted that the CHIPS and Science Act funding also will help develop the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN), a national database designed to support the coordination of supplier scouting services.

“Supply chain shortages are due to a lack of supply chain capacity. To address this issue, we’re creating an information system that lays out all the suppliers across various industries. This way, we can connect small suppliers to more opportunities in the supply chain,” said Pravina Raghavan, director of the NIST MEP program.

Viveiros said Polaris MEP will leverage SCOIN in efforts to connect original equipment manufacturers from across the U.S. with small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Ocean State.

“Solving supply chain challenges, promoting localized sourcing — these are critical to keeping high-skilled manufacturing jobs in the state and the U.S.,” Watson said, adding that he believes Polaris MEP is uniquely qualified to generate the most impact on Rhode Island’s economy with the new grant. “Polaris MEP is extremely well-connected locally and in the region.”

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Polaris MEP

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