Indorama Ventures Almost Triples Its PET Recycling Capacity In Brazil, Supported By IFC ‘Blue Loan’

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 8, 2023 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., one of the world’s largest producers of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, announced the completion of the expansion of its recycling facility in Brazil, supported by a ‘Blue Loan’ from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank.

The recycling facility, located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is increasing its production capacity from 9 thousand tons to 25 thousand tons per year of PET made from post-consumer recycled (PET-PCR) material. The project is part of Indorama Ventures’ Vision 2030 ambition to continue building a sustainable global company, including spending $1.5 billion to increase its recycling capacity to 50 billion PET bottles per year by 2025.

PET is a unique and widely used plastic for water and soda bottles and the most recycled plastic in the world. Indorama Ventures, the world’s largest provider of recycled PET resin used to make beverage bottles, invested $20 million to optimize its Brazil facility’s processes and acquire new equipment such as washing machines to help remove labels, grind bottles in water and reduce water consumption by 70 percent.

In November 2020, the IFC provided $300 million in Blue Loan funding to Indorama Ventures with the objective of increasing recycling capacity and diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India, and Brazil — countries which are grappling with mismanaged waste and serious plastic waste in the environment. Blue Loan funds are certified and tracked for projects that support sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health. Indorama Ventures has secured a total $2.4 billion in long-term sustainable financing from various financial institutions between 2018–2022 to support sustainability projects.

DK Agarwal, Deputy Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “It is extremely gratifying to leverage the IFC’s generous funding to invest in important projects that build on Indorama Ventures’ industry leadership in sustainability. We are grateful to IFC for this blue loan reinforcing Brazil’s importance as a leader in sustainability, and which also recognize the excellence and potential of our recycling operations.”

Carlos Leiria Pinto, IFC Country Manager in Brazil, said: “This is IFC’s first blue loan focused exclusively on combating marine plastic pollution. Working together with a global leader in this industry demonstrates the mutual commitment towards sustainability.”

Posted: August 8, 2023

Source: IVL

AATCC Foundation Announces Textile Design, Merchandising, And Technology Scholarship Recipients

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — August 8, 2023 — AATCC may be the Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, but its reach extends far beyond chemistry and color. Members work in all areas of the textile industry and the AATCC Foundation funds students in all areas of study. This year, AATCC even launched a friendly competition to raise funds for the Textile Chemistry and Textile Design Scholarships. So far, the chemistry team is pulling ahead in the fundraising efforts, but there is always strong support for design students.

In addition to direct funding for tuition, all Foundation scholars receive free registration for the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit in September and one year of complimentary AATCC membership to help them connect with industry professionals and launch a career in textiles.

Students, the application for 2024-2025 scholarships opens November 1. The application for research support grants is open now through October 15! Visit www.aatcc.org/foundation/#grants for more information about funding for your undergraduate or graduate research. Also, watch for updates on the 2024 Student Design and Merchandising competitions at www.aatcc.org/students/#competitions.

Varley Family Scholar

This is a $7,500 scholarship for students pursuing a textile-related career at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) or Cornell University.

  • Emily Ydoate, Junior, Textile Development and Marketing, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Martin J. Bide University of Rhode Island Scholar

The Bide scholarship awards $1,500 to a student studying Textile Fashion, Merchandising and Design at the University of Rhode Island.

  • Alyssa Graupe, Senior, Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design, University of Rhode Island

Darsey Family Scholar

This is a $1,500 scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students in a textile- and/or fashion-related program.

  • Elaine Weirich, Junior, Apparel and Textiles, University of Alabama

Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Textile Scholars

Indian students attending a U.S. university are eligible for one of three $1,000 Jasani scholarships. This scholarship is open to graduate as well as undergraduate students.

  • Hetul Patel, Junior, Polymer and Color Chemistry, North Carolina State University
  • Kavyashree Mruthyunjaya Swamy, Graduate, Textile Design, Thomas Jefferson University
  • Akanksha Pragya, Graduate, Fiber and Polymer Science, North Carolina State University

More Scholars

This year, AATCC Foundation is providing scholarships to about 25 students at 8 universities in programs ranging from fashion design to materials engineering. Learn about other 2023-2024 scholarship recipients at www.aatcc.org/foundnews.

Posted: August 8, 2023

Source: AATCC Foundation Inc.

Polyurethane Dispersion Polymer Supplier C. L. Hauthaway & Sons Inc. Opens A Storefront On Knowde

SAN JOSE, Calif. — August 8, 2023 — C. L. Hauthaway & Sons Inc. has launched a storefront for its Hauthane polyurethane dispersion polymers on Knowde, a  digital marketing and sales platform built for the ingredients, polymers, and chemicals industry.

Hauthaway is a supplier of water-based, polyurethane dispersions for compounding coatings for architectural and industrial end-uses, including wood and concrete flooring, aerospace and automotive interior plastics, consumer electronics, film conversion and foil transfer, leather seating and garments, and flame-retardant finishes for textiles.

“We recognize the growing importance of the role that digital technology plays in our industry. Our storefront on Knowde gives us additional tools to support customers with our unique polymer development capabilities and our skilled and experienced applications support team,” said Bill Otterbein, vice president, Marketing and Sales, for C. L. Hauthaway & Sons Inc.

With Knowde, formulators and procurement professionals can search for the company’s Hauthane brand polyurethane dispersions and request documents, order samples, and access experts who can answer technical questions. Sign-up is always free for formulators and procurement professionals at www.knowde.com.

“Knowde offers cutting-edge solutions that power modern online customer experiences, create more effective opportunities for engagement, and unlock growth opportunities for suppliers,” said Dan Haas, chief commercial officer for Knowde.

Knowde makes it easier for suppliers like C. L. Hauthaway & Sons Inc. to reach and engage buyers, nurture leads, and capitalize on new business opportunities, all while lowering their cost of sales. Knowde offers sellers the technology they need to move online quickly to get in front of their target buyers, and advanced analytics to inform data-driven decision making.

Suppliers interested in having a storefront on Knowde can contact Haas at dan@knowde.com.

Posted: August 8, 2023

Source: Knowde

Faribault Mill Joins Forces With WinCraft To Unveil Major League Baseball Wool Throw Blankets

FARIBAULT, Minn.— August 2, 2023 — Faribault Mill — an American heritage brand renowned for its handcrafted wool and cotton throw blankets, bed blankets and accessories — has teamed up with WinCraft, a Winona, Minn.-based leader in licensed sports hardgoods and non-apparel products and part of Fanatics Commerce, to launch an exclusive collection of Major League Baseball wool throw blankets. With official licensing from all 30 MLB teams, these Made in USA wool throws proudly feature each team’s logo intricately woven into the fabric and are now available for purchase at both Fanatics.com and FaribaultMill.com.

“We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with WinCraft and Fanatics, and introduce the MLB throw blanket collection. As an iconic American brand, it only made sense that we design throws for America’s favorite pastime,” said Ross Widmoyer, president and CEO of Faribault Mill.

Each MLB throw blanket is meticulously woven at Faribault Mill in Minnesota using an 85 percent merino wool and 15 percent cotton blend. Wool, nature’s original performance fabric, possesses remarkable qualities such as being temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, and stain and odor resistant.

“These throws strike the perfect balance between incredible softness and durability, making them versatile for use at ball games, on your sofa while watching from home, or even proudly displayed to showcase your team spirit,” Widmoyer added. “Designed to last for generations, they are true heirloom pieces.”

Posted: August 3, 2023

Source: Faribault Mill

Texworld Los Angeles And Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles Celebrate A Resounding Debut At The California Market Center

LOS ANGELES — July 27, 2023 — Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles marked their triumphant debut at the California Market Center (CMC), as the fashion industry witnessed an extraordinary showcase of textiles, fabrics, and sourcing opportunities. The event, held one week after the New York event from July 25-26, left an indelible mark, uniting industry leaders, designers, and buyers under one roof, solidifying Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles as premier sourcing platforms on the West Coast.

The inaugural edition of Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles brought together hundreds of attendees and exhibitors including country pavilions from Korea and China, making it a truly global affair. Showcasing an extensive range of fashion textiles, apparel, accessories, and local sourcing resources, the event provided an unprecedented opportunity for attendees to explore innovative designs, cutting-edge materials, and sustainable practices.

Like its New York predecessor, The Los Angeles event also featured a series of engaging seminars and panel discussions led by top industry experts and an inspiring F/W 24/25 trend display, curated by NYC-based agency, Doneger | TOBE.

“Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles was an incredible experience for us. Being a debut show, our expectations weren’t as high as those for the NYC event, but we were able to make many valuable connections with a multitude of West Coast buyers. Many of the buyers we connected with were looking for small-quantity orders for small-to-medium-size businesses, so it was a perfect fit for us. We definitely want to return for the next edition,” expressed Milagros Flores, Product and Commercial manager for Alianza Color S.A.C. – Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles Exhibitor Representing Peru.

The event’s success was further amplified by the invaluable participation of esteemed show partners: Printsource, Lenzing Fibers, and CCPIT-TEX:

As a leading marketplace for surface and textile design, Printsource curated an exclusive exhibit of vibrant prints and patterns, captivating the attention of designers and industry professionals alike. Their collaboration added an extra layer of artistic flair to the event, inspiring attendees with a plethora of unique design possibilities.

Lenzing, a longtime partner and world-renowned sustainable fiber company, provided invaluable resources through the curated Lenzing Seminar Series and Lenzing networking lounge. Lenzing’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovation was prominently showcased, emphasizing the fashion industry’s collective responsibility towards a greener future.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCPIT-TEX) brought a remarkable international dimension to the event, solidifying the show’s position as a global textile and sourcing platform. CCPIT-TEX’s partnership facilitated cross-border collaboration and highlighted the immense potential for trade and business growth between China and the United States. With their support, Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles opened up new avenues for trade, empowering participants to explore an array of sourcing opportunities and international partnerships.

“Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles were envisioned to elevate the textile and fashion landscape on the West Coast. We are thrilled with the incredible turnout and the positive feedback received from participants. The event’s success underscores the importance of such platforms in fostering innovation, sustainable practices, and transcontinental collaborations”, stated Jennifer Bacon, vice president Fashion + Apparel, Messe Frankfurt Inc.

The event organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to show partners, LA Textiles, and the California Market Center for providing an exceptional venue and to all exhibitors, attendees, speakers, and all additional staff who contributed to the triumphant debut of Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles.

Stay tuned for further information regarding West Coast events.

The Winter 2024 Edition of Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC will take place at the Javits Center on January 22-24.

Posted: August 3, 2023

Source: The Messe Frankfurt Group

AATCC Announces Local Section Scholarship Recipients

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — August 3, 2023 — Local sections are a key component of AATCC’s mission to “connect the global textile community to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” Local sections bring together those interested in textiles and living or working in a particular geographic area. They also offer support to students with an interest in textiles. Some chapters sponsor students to attend local meetings or the annual AATCC Textile Discovery Summit. Other sections award scholarships through AATCC.

In addition to direct funding for tuition, all Foundation scholars receive free registration for the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit in September and one year of complimentary AATCC membership to help them connect with industry professionals and launch a career in textiles. To support future generations of textile scholars and help empower an informed future, donate to the AATCC Foundation at www.aatcc.org/foundation/#donate.

Students, the application for 2024-2025 scholarships opens November 1. The application for research support grants is open now through October 15! Visit www.aatcc.org/foundation/#grants for more information about funding for your undergraduate or graduate research.

Piedmont Scholars

  • Victor Alvarez Valverde, Senior, Polymer and Color Chemistry, North Carolina State University
  • Sharon George, Junior, Fashion and Textiles Management – Brand and Marketing Concentration, North Carolina State University
  • Madeline Hall, Senior, Fashion and Textile Management, North Carolina State University
  • Alex M. Hutchins, Senior, Fashion and Textile Management, North Carolina State University
  • Shayleigh F. Larsen, Junior, Textile Design, North Carolina State University

Delaware Valley Scholar

  • Ashley M. Clark, Senior, Textile Product Science, Thomas Jefferson University

Metro Scholars

  • Samantha Galanti, Senior, Textile Development and Marketing, Fashion Institute of Technology

West Scholar

  • Mya Jacobsen, Senior, Fashion Merchandising, Central Michigan University

More Scholars

This year, AATCC Foundation is providing scholarships to about 25 students at 8 universities in programs ranging from fashion design to materials engineering. Learn about other 2023-2024 scholarship recipients at www.aatcc.org/foundnews.

Posted: August 3, 2023

Source: AATCC Foundation Inc.

INDA Partners With EDANA To Expand The Reach Of The Industry’s First Quality And Audit Program For Hygiene Product Suppliers

CARY, N.C./BRUSSELS, Belgium — August 3, 2023 — INDA and EDANA, the trade associations representing nonwovens and related industries, joined forces to implement and support the industry’s first Quality and Audit Program (QAP) in the United States. This joint effort will increase the reach of, and support for, the program in the North American absorbent hygiene products and wet wipes industries.

Much like the harmonization of test methods years ago, this joint program has the potential to reduce complexity for both suppliers and converters of AHP and wipes. This program grew from the inefficiency of facing multiple audits from converter supplier audit programs, often assessing similar requirements, but according to differing standards.

The program went through a rigorous testing and piloting phase before being rolled out in the summer of 2022. Initially only available in Europe, the program is expanding its reach to cover Asia and the Americas.

“INDA is pleased to partner with EDANA to promote this program for the benefit and efficiency of the industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president. “With this partnership, we believe QAP will become the global quality standard in the hygiene industry, thus ensuring that consumer products across the industry are of the highest quality.”

“Answering the needs of many of our members and based on the first results since its implementation in Europe just over a year ago, we are strongly convinced that QAP is a meaningful step forward for the industry. While it will still require a kind of paradigm shift, we are sure that more and more industry players from across the world will adopt the program,” said Murat Dogru, EDANA’s general manager. “I look forward to partnering with INDA to bring QAP to the North American market.”

More information is available on the EDANA website where converters and suppliers can register to take part. The program is based on a harmonized quality and hygiene standard, which facilitates an objective third-party audit. Organizations can also register to follow a training course to familiarize themselves with the standard.

For further information on the QAP project, please contact either INDA’s Director of Education and Technical Affairs, Matt O’Sickey at mosicky@inda.org, or EDANA’s Director of Scientific and Technical Affairs, Marines Lagemaat at Marines.Lagemaat@edana.org.

Posted: August 3, 2023

Source: INDA / EDANA

bluesign® & VIBRAM — A Pioneering Sustainability Partnership For The Footwear Industry

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland/ALBIZZATE, Italy — August 2, 2023 — VIBRAM, a global producer of high-performance rubber soles. and bluesign®, a Switzerland-based material verification solutions firm, are proud to announce the elevation of Vibram to a bluesign system partner. This marks a significant milestone in the fruitful collaboration between the organizations. The partnership, which began in November 2022, underscores their joint commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the footwear industry.

“The relationship between supply chain partners is often perceived as customer-supplier, involving hidden secrets. However, bluesign, as a neutral party, facilitates easier communication of ingredients and knowledge,” said Igor Brassini, Group Compliance manager of Vibram. “Today, we are proud to announce our official partnership with bluesign as the first shoe sole manufacturer and the first footwear brand to be represented.”

Durability and quality are keystones of sustainability. Vibram, a pioneer in shoe sole production, is committed to the manufacture of long-lasting, high-quality products. By using recycled materials and significantly reducing production waste, Vibram sets an unparalleled standard for responsible, innovative footwear production.

Over the past two years, the two companies have synergized their distinct strengths, resulting in shared know-how, connecting the footwear industry with the rigorous bluesign Chemical Standard.

“By offering expertise in chemical management, our mission is to reduce environmental impact and provide critical knowledge for making essential changes,” said bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht.

The partnership began with a scientific examination of the basic chemical requirements of the industry, which entailed analyzing internal operations, raw materials, and procedural analyses. The team subsequently gathered specific chemical information from raw material suppliers, which led to an investigation of hazardous substances and collaboration with chemical suppliers to explore reduction and replacement strategies.

This continuing process has helped Vibram enhance its internal procedures, understand its chemical components better, and review its Restricted Substances Policy.

“bluesign’s methodology is among the most demanding in sustainability for textiles. Vibram aims to contribute its expertise to create a potential standard method for footwear that adds value to our industry rather than penalizing it,” stated Marco Guazzoni, Global Sustainability director of Vibram.

Looking forward, Vibram and bluesign have set an ambitious goal: to analyze and certify Vibram’s Component Shoe. This shoe, which embodies eco-design principles and sustainable practices, will serve as a testament to the footwear sector’s commitment to sustainability at all levels.

Posted: August 2, 2023

Source: bluesign® / VIBRAM

Gildan’s Science-Based Emissions Targets Validated By Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

MONTREAL — August 2, 2023 — Gildan Activewear Inc. is pleased to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated that the company’s 2030 near term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets are in conformance with the SBTi Criteria and Recommendations (version 4.2), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of the Company’s ESG strategy. The SBTi’s target validation team has classified Gildan’s Scope 1 and 2 target and has determined that it is in line with a well-below 2ºC trajectory.

“The validation of our emissions targets by SBTi further reinforces our commitment and builds on our foundation of strong sustainability practices which include social, environmental, and economic benefits in the communities where we operate. We understand the importance of climate change and, over the last year, we have been implementing our new climate strategy across our organization in order to make meaningful progress to ensure we attain our third generation of GHG emissions reduction targets,” said Peter Iliopoulos, senior vice president, Taxation, Sustainability, and Governmental Affairs. “This is further evidence of our genuine commitment to making purposeful advancements by 2030 in line with our Next Generation ESG strategy.”

In 2022, Gildan unveiled its new Next Generation ESG strategy and targets, which seek to address global environmental and social priorities and increase the sustainability of products delivered to customers worldwide. As part of this strategy, Gildan committed to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 from a 2018 base year3. Gildan also committed to reduce absolute Scope 34 GHG emissions by 13.5 percent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Both targets have now been reviewed and validated by the SBTi.

1 Scope 1 refers to direct emissions resulting from fuels used for stationary and mobile combustion across Gildan-operated facilities.

2 Scope 2 refers to emissions resulting from Gildan’s purchase of electricity.

3 The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

4 Scope 3 relates to emissions generated from its supply chain.

Posted: August 2, 2023

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Auburn Manufacturing Hosts President Joe Biden in Historic Visit to Maine

MECHANIC FALLS, Maine — July 28, 2023 — Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) — a Maine-based manufacturer of advanced textiles for extreme-heat environments — was honored to host President Joe Biden at its facility in Auburn, marking one of the most prestigious visits in Maine’s history. President Biden was the first sitting president to visit Auburn since 1912, touting the state of Maine as a national leader in manufacturing under his leadership and highlighting AMI as a leading innovator and job creator in the local community.

President Biden specifically praised AMI for weathering decades of economic storms. Throughout their visit to Auburn, White House officials praised AMI employees’ work ethic and commitment to their community, recognizing how even a small business in Maine can have an outsized impact on the national and global economic landscape. With his visit, President Biden also pledged further support for domestic manufacturers like AMI as they continue to navigate competitive markets.

For years, AMI has worked with the federal government to take a closer look at Chinese silica fabrics that threaten American manufacturing. Back in 2017, the Maine-based manufacturer won AD and CVD cases against China, with federal regulators placing AD/CVD import duties of between 200 and 300 percent on ASF from Chinese companies. As a longtime proponent of fair, rules-based trade, AMI has remained active since then, working with the Commerce Department and Customs and Border Protection — and now the Biden administration — to shine light on China’s unfair trade practices.

A Maine textile manufacturer with more than four decades of experience, AMI is a leading producer of fire- and heat-resistant materials, manufacturing the most advanced products to meet U.S. safety standards. AMI textiles are used as protection from extreme high heat by the defense industrial base, as well as other critical industries like primary metals, power generation, and aerospace. The company is a proud member of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which represents the entire spectrum of the U.S. textile industry.

“The AMI team is incredibly humbled to have hosted an event of such magnitude, collaborating with the White House on behalf of American manufacturing writ large,” said Kathie Leonard, president and CEO of AMI. “President Biden’s visit to Auburn is truly a historic event, reminding all Americans that Maine is on the manufacturing map and that domestic manufacturers like us will never stop working hard and fighting back against even the fiercest competition. We look forward to even brighter days ahead for manufacturers across America.”

“We are thrilled and sincerely appreciative of President Biden’s visit to this industry” said Kim Glas, president and CEO of NCTO. “President Biden’s economic agenda and focus on domestic manufacturing supply chain resiliency, which he highlighted here today, helps bolster this vibrant U.S. textile industry, which has made major investments in state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, produced $65.8 billion in output in 2022, and employed 538,000 workers. Auburn Manufacturing, a leading producer of fire-and-heat resistant materials, a major supplier to the U.S. military, and a women-owned certified business, exemplifies the U.S. textile industry’s innovative spirit, diversity, and importance to the U.S. economy.

Posted: August 2, 2023

Source: Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI)

Sponsors