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

Zero Discharge Of Hazardous Chemicals: TÜV Rheinland Is Approved Laboratory For Manmade Cellulosic Fibers Testing

COLOGNE, Germany — August 22, 2023 — Manmade cellulosic fibers (MMCF) include viscose staple fiber, lyocell, viscose filament yarn (VFY), cuprammonium rayon (cupro), and cellulose acetate (acetate), and play a significant role in textile manufacturing. To date, the sector has faced considerable social and environmental challenges, for in example in the sectors of raw material sourcing or safe chemical use in the production process. As per MMCF 2030 vision, Zero discharge of hazardous wastewater and sludge is crucial underpinning for producing with zero harm.

TÜV Rheinland has been certified as an approved laboratory under the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) MMCF Guidelines Wastewater Version 2.1. The recently released ZDHC MMCF guidelines 2.1 provide a clear point of reference for sector-wide benchmarking and best practice sharing on hazardous emissions and chemicals management. The guidelines provide a collaborative and aligned approach to these fibers that would generate cleaner outputs from production while including a circular approach to their processes.

The ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) is a collaboration of brands, value chain affiliates and associates committed to eliminating hazardous substances from the textile, apparel and footwear value chain. To address the use and discharge of hazardous chemicals in MMCF manufacturing, ZDHC published the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V1.0 in April 2020. MMCF manufacturing facilities will need to implement the MMCF Wastewater Guidelines V2.1 requirements from the October 2023 testing cycle.

Overall, the importance of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines lies in their potential to create a more sustainable, less hazardous, and environmentally responsible textile industry. The qualification of TÜV Rheinland as a ZDHC MMCF wastewater and sludge approved laboratory is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to supply sustainable practices across industries. As a leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, TÜV Rheinland is dedicated to helping brands and manufacturing sites reduce the environmental footprint of the textile industry.

Posted August 22, 2023

Source: TÜV Rheinland

 

Saucony® Announces Product Sustainability Goals; Launches Corn-Powered Triumph RFG

WALTHAM, Mass. — August 22, 2023 — Running toward a more sustainable future, global performance running lifestyle brand Saucony today announced a major step in its sustainability journey — a goal that 90 percent of its products will contain organic, recycled or renewable materials by 2025, with 100 percent by 2030. Underlining this commitment, the brand is making an immediate impact to reduce its environmental footprint with the launch of the Triumph RFG (Run For Good), Saucony’s most sustainable shoe to date. The all-new Triumph RFG brings together plant-based dyes in the upper with a 55-percent corn-based PWRRUN BIO+™ midsole foam to help limit the dependence on plastic; a major contributor to negative environmental impact. The 80-percent natural rubber outsole is engineered to offer the same level of performance as a synthetic sole. The Triumph RFG will be available September 5 at saucony.com and select retailers globally.

“This year, as we celebrate Saucony’s 125th anniversary, we look back on how creating a better world has always been part of our deep-rooted heritage,” said Rob Griffiths, Saucony global brand president. “At Saucony, we say that when we innovate, we elevate — the industry, our partners and the sport. But quite simply, the future of our sport depends on the future of our planet, and we know we can do better for ourselves and the earth. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That means as a member of the global community, it is imperative that we are constantly innovating, researching, and committing to our promise to find more sustainable options. We believe there is no finish line when it comes to sustainability; we are dedicated to pushing ourselves and the industry to do better.”

Over the years, Saucony has implemented a variety of projects on its sustainability journey, including the launch of its Spring 2020 apparel line — nearly 100 percent of styles were made in part with organic, recycled or renewable materials.. In 2021, the brand launched the Jazz Court RFG, crafted using only seven natural materials and zero plastic; it became Saucony’s most eco-friendly shoe at the time, delivering on the brand’s long-term goal of excluding virgin plastic from their products. Further, in 2022, Saucony became the first running brand to collaborate with Cycora by Ambercycle™, creating performance running tops made from 23-percent Cycora material, a regenerated polyester sourced from textile waste that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.

“What we use to make our footwear and apparel has a big impact on our environmental footprint — that’s why we focus on natural and recycled materials that reduce the need for synthetic chemicals and harmful production processes,” said Brian Moore, senior vice president of global product for Saucony. “Sustainability and running performance don’t always go hand-in-hand and runners who care about the environment shouldn’t have to make a choice. The Triumph RFG is proof that sustainability and performance can work in tandem with the added goal of ensuring that the product remains affordable for the consumer. Saucony continues to make progress in its sustainability journey, and the Triumph RFG is just one of many Saucony styles to be reimagined with the future of the planet at the forefront.”

As part of its sustainability strategy, Saucony has initiated the RFG Standard, a baseline measurement that indicates if a product meets the brand’s sustainability goals while continuing to deliver on the performance consumers need. A product that meets those standards, such as the Triumph RFG, earns the RFG Badge.

Triumph RFG Features

  • PWRRUN BIO+ cushioning is 55% corn based, limiting dependence on plastic;
  • PWRRUN BIO+ sockliner; made to perform with PWRRUN+ sockliner for added comfort;
  • Durable gum rubber outsole is made from 80% natural rubber;
  • Breathable mesh upper made of cotton using plant-based dyes;
  • Soft collar and padded tongue for 360 degree fit and feel;
  • Category: Neutral;
  • Heel-to-toe Offset: 10mm (37mm heel/27mm forefoot);
  • Weight: Men’s 10.4oz. (295g), Women’s 9.7oz (275g); and
  • Sustainability: This style is vegan and contains recycled materials.

Pricing and Sizing

The Triumph RFG is available in men’s sizes 7-13, and 14 and 15, and women’s sizes 5-12 at a suggested retail price of $160.00.

Posted August 22, 2023

Source: Saucony

Recover™ And Lands’ End Collaborate To Transform Textile Waste Into Sustainble Denim

MADRID — August 22, 2023 — Lands’ End, the classic American lifestyle brand, has collaborated with global recycled cotton fiber producers Recover™ to launch a low-impact denim collection using recycled fiber.

The two companies have partnered together to develop sustainable denim pieces, in timeless styles for both men and women, and all of which contain 20 percent of Recover’s recycled cotton fiber produced from textile waste scraps.

Using Recover’s high-quality recycled cotton fiber, significantly reduces the environmental impact of the garment compared to apparel made with virgin fiber, and this collaboration shows how textile waste can be integrated back into the system to create a more sustainable production model.

Furthermore, the adoption of Recover’s recycled cotton fiber supports Lands’ End’s ambition to becoming a more circular business.

Senior Vice President of Marketing at Recover™, Boris Mercier, commented: “We’re delighted to collaborate with an iconic American brand such as Lands’ End, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable initiatives all over the world and bring low-impact fashion closer to the consumer.”

Kym Maas, senior vice president of Product and Merchandising at Lands’ End, added “Lands’ End is committed to helping better our environment and minimize our impact on the earth with help from partners, such as Recover. We look forward to the launch of our men’s and women’s denim collection this fall/holiday.”

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Recover™

VF Corp. Appoints Brent Hyder As Chief People Officer

Brent Hyder

DENVER — August 22, 2023 — VF Corp. today announced the appointment of Brent Hyder to the position of chief people officer, effective September 5. Hyder will report to President and CEO Bracken Darrell and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team.

Hyder joins VF after nearly four years as chief people officer at Salesforce. Under his leadership, the company earned top spots on best workplace lists, including Great Place to Work, Fortune, People, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Before joining Salesforce, Hyder spent almost 30 years in retail, including 15 years at Gap Inc. where he last served as chief human resources officer responsible for all human resources efforts, communications, security, Gap Inc. Foundation, and sustainability worldwide. Previously, he was global chief operating officer of the Gap brand and led Gap Japan as its representative director and general manager.

Hyder held other operating roles and responsibilities focused on stores and store operations at the Target Corp., Best Buy, and across Gap Inc. and its multiple brands.

“We’re thrilled to have Brent join the VF team. His proven success in building top-rated employee experiences and high-performance inclusive cultures, combined with his strong global retail management experience, make Brent the ideal people leader for VF,” Darrell said. “Brent shares a deep respect for VF’s incredible brands and a strong desire to build a workplace that attracts, develops, and retains the very best and most diverse talent in service to our consumers.”

As chief people officer for VF, Hyder will be responsible for all aspects of the human resources function globally and drive strategies to optimize employee and business success. He will lead best-in-class talent acquisition and management programs focused on developing and retaining VF’s more than 30,000 performance-driven employees.

Hyder offered: “I’m honored and excited to join VF and get back to my love of working in the retail industry. VF is a company that I’ve long admired for its many fundamental strengths — from incredible brands, to talent, to environmental stewardship, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity. I look forward to working with the HR organization and the entire VF team to build and deliver our exciting consumer-focused growth strategy.”

Hyder attended Brigham Young University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of Enterprise for Youth, a Bay Area nonprofit that helps under-resourced youth reach their potential through transformative paid internship experiences.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: VFCorporation

Kora Expands Bamboo Line With New Activewear Capsule

BALI, Indonesia — August 22, 2023 — Kora — a company with expertise in crafting technical apparel with natural fibers including yak wool, merino and bamboo — today announced the expansion of its bamboo apparel range with the introduction of a new Activewear Capsule: comfortable everyday tops and leggings and pants for women and men.

Since its founding, kora has crafted all of its own fabrics, a meticulous process of research, development and testing to provide unparalleled comfort, performance and handfeel. Kora Bamboo was first introduced in June 2023 with a range of technical fit baselayers. The new activewear capsule expands the range with new styles for active people who prize comfort and versatility, as each piece in the capsule offers the natural cooling, breathability and sweat-wicking properties of bamboo with exceptional stretch and unrestricted movement.

The activewear capsule offers more relaxed fit pieces that can be worn alone or layered and standout pieces include tank tops, a midweight zip hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, track pants and legging.

The eco-friendly fabric uses Forest Stewardship Council (FCS)-certified bamboo as the foundation, adding in spandex for the right amount of stretch and comfort. Kora Bamboo Collection features two midweight fabrics (220 gsm and 270 gsm) both incredibly soft, durable and breathable and naturally wick away sweat to keep the body cooler as temperatures rise. Kora Bamboo is a versatile choice for everyday use, easily transitioning between activities and climates, and the fabric provides a second skin feel that hugs your body and moves with you. For those with sensitive skin, bamboo is an ideal non-itch, plant-based alternative to wool.

As with all kora garments and accessories, each purchase of the new Bamboo Collection helps kora support Tibetan nomads adapt to the threats posed by climate change and rural-urban migration.

Bamboo is renowned for its fast growth and minimal environmental impact, making it an ideal choice for conscious consumers. With FSC-certification, kora ensures that the bamboo used in the new collections come from responsibly managed plantations, promoting forest conservation and the well-being of local communities. The bamboo layers have undergone rigorous testing to confirm the UPF-50 properties, offering enhanced sun protection while enjoying outdoor activities.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Kora

Hyosung Presents Certified Textile Solutions For Sustainability And Dyeable Spandex At Intertextile Shanghai

SEOUL, South Korea — August 22, 2023 — Hyosung, a complete sustainable textile solutions provider, is looking forward to returning to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel and Fabrics Fair this August 28-30 where it will introduce its latest textile innovations in its booth E103.

For the first time since COVID -19, Hyosung will once again support many of its major mill partners as co-exhibitors in its booth, which has been a longstanding Hyosung Intertextile Shanghai (ITS) tradition.

“We are happy to have 24 co-exhibitors with us at ITS this autumn — 7 from East China, 12 from South China, 5 from South Korea such as Billion Rise, Jinkai, Jinhu, Julian, and more,” said Scott Park, Hyosung Chinese marketing director. “We’ve found it’s a fabulous benefit for apparel manufacturers to be able to see all the great fabrics made with our innovative fibre technology and we are proud to collaborate with many of our mill partners to offer this opportunity at the show.”

At ITS, Hyosung will present fabrics from global mill partners that focus on its latest innovative fiber innovations to include:

  • creora® bio-based spandex/elastane: USDA and SGS-certified spandex partly made with renewable resources, providing reduced carbon emissions compared to production of conventional spandex. According to a recent third-party LCA, the manufacture of creora bio-based spandex reduces its carbon footprint by 20 percent and decreases water use by 50 precent as compared to the production of conventional spandex.
  • regen ocean nylon: GRS-certified, 100-percent recycled nylon made from discarded fishing nets and other reclaimed nylon waste. Hyosung conducts an extensive collection, chemical recycling, and creation process to produce exceptional-quality yarn that meets brands’ performance expectations and contributes to their corporate sustainability goals. Third party LCA data shows that the manufacture of 1 kg regen ocean post-consumer recycled nylon made with discarded fishing nets reduces CO2 emissions by 73 percent, fossil resource use by 75 percent, and water consumption by 98 percent compared to the manufacture of 1 kilogram of conventional nylon.
  • creora Color+ spandex/elastane: a special acid/reactive dyeable spandex called creora Color+ spandex, which will also be emphasized at the show. Hyosung creora Color+ has the same performance stretch characteristics as its flagship fiber, creora PowerFit, with the added benefit of providing long-lasting richer colors in nylon and natural fiber blends, which are popular among leading intimate, activewear and ready-to-wear brands.

“There’s been an increase in consumer desire for more color variety in comfort apparel,” Park said. “As regular spandex does not take color well, it’s a challenge to achieve all-over, rich color when dyeing it with nylon and natural fibers. With creora Color+ spandex, brands can now offer consumers fashionable, colorful apparel without ever having to worry about the dreaded grin-through.”

According to Messe Frankfurt, producers of Intertextile Shanghai, over 67 000 industry professionals visit the trade show to meet their growing sourcing needs. Intertextile Shanghai Autumn 2023 oversees product categories with a broad range of applications, including suitings, casual wear, ladieswear, functional wear, shirtings and more.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Hyosung

Mimaki Launches Faster TxF300-75 Printer To Expand Opportunities In Reliable, Quality Direct-To-Film Printing

AMSTERDAM — August 22, 2023 — Mimaki Europe — a provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers — has today introduced a new direct-to-film (DTF) printer, the TxF300-75. The new system incorporates the already well-received stability and functionality of Mimaki’s first DTF printer, the TxF150-75, while delivering new levels of productivity with print speeds that are three times higher.

Mimaki’s aim when entering the DTF market earlier this year was to offer customers a stable, efficient DTF platform that incorporates Mimaki’s renowned quality standards. Demand for this system was even higher than expected, and Mimaki therefore increased capacity to ensure the availability of this solution.

The new TxF300-75 meets the same objectives as the first model, as well as catering to a diverse set of printing demands, including large companies requiring high-quality outputs with high productivity.

“We believe in giving customers choice and anticipating their needs, which is why we are expanding our DTF printer line-up hot on the heels of the inaugural system. The TxF300-75 has been designed to offer even greater productivity. The innovative 80cm width introduced with our first DTF printer remains a feature of this new system, enabling customers to print more efficiently. It also retains the Mimaki technologies that overcome the common ink ejection and ink sedimentation issues of the other DTF printers in the market,” explained Arjen Evertse, general sales manager, Mimaki Europe.

The reliability of the Mimaki’s DTF printer series is owing to the built-in ink circulation system to prevent white ink clogging and a degassed ink pack, lowering the risk of poor ink ejection. The new printer also includes core Mimaki features, including NCU (Nozzle Check Unit) and NRS (Nozzle Recovery System) for stable, uninterrupted print production. The DTF process also enables customers to print on a wider range of fabric such as cotton, mixed fabric, polyester, and dark coloured fabrics.

In line with Mimaki’s sustainability goals, the TxF300-75 utilises Mimaki’s PHT50 pigment inks which are ECO-PASSPORT certified — validating their lower environmental impact and meeting the requirements for OEKO-TEX certification.

Mimaki also announced its partnership with heat transfer technology manufacturer, Adkins, at FESPA 2023. Adkins has developed the Inline 800 DTF Powder Shaker Cure Unit, a finishing solution that matches Mimaki’s DTF systems in both size and quality. This unit is also compatible with the new TxF300-75, ensuring that customers benefit from a complete solution from industry market-leaders if they choose either Mimaki DTF model.

Evertse concluded: “Our customers’ profitability and business success are always at the forefront when Mimaki develops new technologies. We consider the total solution when it comes to installing our printers and look for ways to make the entire print production process as seamless as possible. As such, our collaboration with Adkins as a finishing partner in this space will continue as we develop our portfolio of DTF printers and further strengthen our position in this sector.”

The new TxF300 will be commercially available in the EMEA region in Q4 2023.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd.

Uster’s Two-Way Approach For Quality Assurance In Nonwovens

USTER, Switzerland — August 22, 2023 — Where quality is critical and contamination just not acceptable, the Uster contamination sorter is the key to success. In fabric inspection, Uster Technologies offers the only safe and secure solution for nonwovens producers. Customers trust in Uster equipment — but they also understand that expert knowledge and the “Think Quality” approach is what makes the real difference.

Practical cases and established success stories are always valuable in the nonwovens business: everybody wants to know the secrets of success. How do some companies achieve outstanding product quality standards and maintain a highly profitable business? Of course, this info is private and jealously guarded by the companies, as well as by the Uster experts who share their confidences.

Contamination control, part one

What Uster will do, however, is provide the key for companies to unlock these secrets for themselves. Basically, it’s the perfect combination of top technology and world-class application knowledge. Powerful imaging spectroscopes in the Uster contamination sorter will detect and eject any particle that differs even slightly in color from the main fiber. Nothing can hide: contamination in cotton or synthetic fibers can be reliably identified down to a size of one square millimeter. And here we open another secret of success: the Uster Jossi Vision Shield N is ideally located directly after the fine opener, exactly the point where contamination can’t hide from the spectroscopes.

Many nonwovens producers are now seeing the growing business potential in recycled fibers. Profit margins look fine, but getting the quality right is not easy. “It is a proven fact that recycled fibers are still today prone to infinite and inconsistent quality variations. Operating a high-performance contamination sorter in the production line is the best way to ensure an acceptable end-product,” says Mario Siegenthaler, product manager Fiber Cleaning at Uster Technologies.

Uster Jossi Vision Shield N can detect defects from any light pastel, grayish or brownish base material. “We use our know-how and expertise to further develop technologies in the ‘invisible’ range of IR and UV light for our imaging spectroscopes,” Siegenthaler said.

Contamination control, part two

Uster solutions have a two-way approach to superior quality control. Uster EVS Fabriq Vision N comes at the end of the production sequence, for automated detection of all the main defects arising from the process — and any remaining contamination. Even at full line speeds, Uster guarantees reliably high levels of fault detection for nonwovens manufacturers. Fabrics are automatically inspected and graded. It’s total control, preventing any defects in manufacturing from reaching the end-product.

The most common defects include unopened fibers, neps, black spots, holes and other issues, all of which are reliably detected by the Uster systems. They prevent raw material losses, second quality production, or — worst of all — customer claims. “Uster EVS Fabriq Vision N ensures reliable fault detection by using automated inspection during the production process – and significantly reduces the risk of customer claims. The system’s ability to capture any visible faults also allows web yield to be optimized,” said Michelle Salg, product manager Fabric Inspection at Uster Technologies.

Opening secrets

Uster’s automated quality monitoring solutions are also attracting interest from the nonwovens machinery manufacturers. “We are proud to say that completed projects show that the Uster Jossi Vision Shield N has a relevant impact on major business goals and influences key performance indicators positively,” says Siegenthaler. “With our reputation for attention to detail, nonwovens companies are eager to raise their issues for discussion.”

Nonwovens companies regularly call at Uster exhibition booths to leave samples for testing — or send them in later. “We consider this as a sign of trust. And of course, we like to help and use our expertise to give advises,” Siegenthaler said.

The producers also appreciate the detailed advice of Uster experts on obtaining greatest business value from their investment, by ideally integrating its systems into their production and processing environment. It is this perfect balance between open collaboration within the mill and total confidentiality outside that makes Uster a reliable partner for the nonwovens industry.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Source: Uster Technologies AG

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