Milliken & Company Commits To Net-Zero Future

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 19, 2022 — Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company announces its science-based net-zero targets have been approved by the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a collective of international organizations dedicated to helping companies set emission reduction targets consistent with climate science and the Paris Agreement.

“At Milliken, sustainability is a core value,” shares Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “Climate change is placing pressure on communities, on companies and on our planet. The time to take meaningful action is now.”

SBTi calculates that companies committed to cutting emissions in line with climate science now represent $38 trillion — one-third — of the global economy. Milliken is one of the first 50 companies globally to achieve approved science-based net-zero targets and joins a group of more than 1,300 companies who have made net-zero commitments using the 2021 SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard. Milliken is the first company to be approved in South Carolina, where Milliken’s global headquarters is located.

“Not all net-zero is the same, which is why Milliken commits to reaching real net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050 from a 2018 base year,” says Kasel Knight, general counsel and head of sustainability at Milliken. “By working with SBTi, our net-zero commitment, along with our approved near-term and long-term targets, has been fully vetted by the best available science on a global scale.”

“We’re proud Milliken is leading this work,” concludes Cook. “Our targets empower our team of more than 8,000 to reduce risk, minimize impacts, work efficiently, control costs and identify new ways to deliver products.”

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

Tencate Protective Fabrics And Saxion University Of Applied Sciences Sign Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU)

NIJVERDAL, The Netherlands — October 20, 2022 — On September 15, a large delegation from TenCate Protective Fabrics paid a visit to Saxion University’s Sustainable & Functional Textiles research group (Enschede, NL), led by Jan Mahy.

The TenCate Protective Fabrics group, led by Michael Laton, vice president, Global Strategy & Innovation, traveled to Saxion from the textile manufacturer’s North American headquarters in Union City, Ga., as well as the company’s Dutch-based operation in Nijverdal, the Netherlands. The group enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the Saxion lab facilities, including both the Circular Textile Lab and the Thermoplastic Composites lab of the Lightweight Structures Research Group, led by Ferrie van Hattum.

As a culmination of the visit, the two parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — a representation of their shared collaboration commitment going forward.

Both organizations serve as hubs of new textile technologies — committed to seeking out new advancements around fabric sustainability, comfort, and performance. Recognizing the advantages of leveraging their combined resources and industry experience, the TenCate Protective Fabrics–Saxion leadership teams see this partnership as essential in unlocking new protective fabric breakthroughs.

“As two organizations devoted to textile innovation, we’re excited at the chance to unlock this new, scientific partnership,” Laton said. “Capitalizing on our collective strengths and capabilities will only aid in the shared goal of bringing fresh perspectives and new solutions to the protective textiles market. This is just the beginning of a long, productive collaboration between TenCate Protective Fabrics and Saxion.”

“Saxion’s applied research projects have generated growing interest from companies throughout the whole textile chain who wish to enter a sustainable, multi-annual collaboration with Saxion,” said Raimond Bartelink, head of School of Creative Technology, Saxion. “At Saxion, we look carefully at the company’s ambitions in the area of sustainability. The high-quality textiles produced by TenCate Protective Fabrics are a good match for the work of the Sustainable & Functional Textiles research group. This enables us to link creative technology and innovation with education and so make an impact in the world around us.”

Now formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this new agreement serves as the foundation of both parties’ commitment to maintaining a structural and strategic collaboration for years to come.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Tencate Protective Fabrics

Sustainable Composites Appoints Donald G. Morrison As New CEO

LANCASTER, Pa. — October 20, 2022 — Sustainable Composites, a company that upcycles leather scrap into a material called Enspire Leather that can be utilized as new leather, today announced the appointment of Donald G. Morrison to serve as CEO. Morrison has extensive business development experience including serving as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, which grew from a single store to 165 locations under his leadership.

Morrison also has been instrumental in the growth of several other startups and has led multiple turnaround situations. As a senior executive at Woolrich, a Pennsylvania-based sportswear manufacturing company, he was responsible for repositioning the company from the low-margin sporting goods market to the higher-margin specialty retail market. He currently serves on the board of directors of Pittsburgh’s Green Building Alliance, advancing a strong interest in sustainability inspired in part by his years in the outdoor industry.

Sustainable Composites cofounders Frank Fox and Tom Tymon will remain with the company. Fox will serve as chairman. Tymon will remain in his role as chief technology officer, continuing to develop state-of-the-art technology to process leather waste scrap including cutting room scraps from a variety of industries and post-consumer leather products.

“Don’s skill sets, industry connections and commitment to sustainability will be invaluable assets to the company as we continue to grow the business,” Fox said. “He is as committed as we are to making Enspire Leather the preeminent brand in the recycled/upcycled leather industry.”

“Sustainable Composites’ technology can not only help customers in multiple industries achieve their sustainability goals but also play a role in alleviating the environmental crisis caused by the 3.5 billion pounds of leather waste scrap generated each year,” Morrison said. “We’re here to solve this problem and provide companies with the circularity they are seeking in their supply chains.”

Morrison was a pre-law-history major and received a BA from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Since 2013, he has been Chairman of Deal Flow for BlueTree Allied Angels and served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center. He also volunteers as a mentor for early-stage companies at several regional incubators. His appointment is effective immediately.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Sustainable Composites

Red Wing Shoe Co. Names Allison Gettings CEO

RED WING, Minn. — October 20, 2022 — Red Wing Shoe Co. today announced that its board of directors has named Allison Gettings president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2023. Gettings, who is currently president, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl who has served as the company’s CEO since 2016.

Gettings will become the 10th CEO and first woman to lead Red Wing Shoe since it was founded in 1905. She has worked at the company for 14 years in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities. During this time, Gettings spearheaded the launch of Red Wing’s Women’s Heritage product line, reimagined the company’s Outdoor business as president of its Vasque brand and helped set the stage for delivering a seamless omnichannel customer experience. In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company’s first dedicated corporate social responsibility department, which is focused on further advancing Red Wing Shoe’s commitments to the environment and the community. Gettings is the great granddaughter of J.R. Sweasy, who served as president and CEO from 1921-1949 and the first fourth-generation family member to run the company.

“Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future,” said Chairman of the Board Bill Sweasy. “She brings a deep understanding of the company’s business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company. She’s widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she’s prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/President during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Red Wing Shoe Company and excited about what the future holds,” Gettings said. “Over the past 117 years, we have garnered incredible customer ‘brand love’ across our portfolio of purpose-driven brands, and we have an awesome opportunity to build on that foundation. I am so grateful for the support and guidance Mark has provided me, and I look forward to working with the high-performing teams he has built as we accelerate our growth.”

“It has been an honor to serve as president and chief executive officer of this great company as we have evolved our business to meet the demands of the market,” commented Urdahl. “The last several years have been difficult for all companies and yet we have flourished at Red Wing due in large part to our culture and people. We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and I know that there are great things to come as we transition leadership to Allison.”

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Red Wing Shoe Company Inc.

Hypernatural® Launches Eco-Luxury Apparel Backed By Proprietary Materials

ELM GROVE, Wis. — October 19, 2022 — Hypernatural®, the eco-luxury menswear brand Made Better by Nature®, announced today the launch of its one-of-kind apparel made from naturally performing material with no virgin polyester, plastics, chemical dyes, or harmful petrol chemicals. Hypernatural relies on sustainable materials such as Jade stone and crab shells, blended with the world’s best cotton, Supima®, to deliver apparel that is super soft, uniquely cool-to-the-touch and odor free. Additionally, Hypernatural relies on the world’s only 100% recycled spandex, Creora® Regen, for comfort and movement.

Hypernatural naturally comfortable apparel will arrive in the U.S. market in Spring of 2023.

“It took two years of development at a raw fiber level for Hypernatural to create a better alternative to both polyester and commodity cotton, which are commonly blended in knitted apparel,” said Chris Kolbe, co-founder of Hypernatural. “You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to figure out what you’re wearing. Refineries have no place in the apparel industry; polyester is not the future of fashion, it’s nature.”

Hypernatural’s goal is to use only naturally regenerative materials and dyes. Today we are reducing our ecological impact with what is available, while recognizing the company must do more over the next two to three years to help reduce carbon.

“Sustainability begins at the source, which means wherever possible using only natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibers,” said Christian Arkins, co-founder of Hypernatural. “At present, at least 45% of Hypernatural’s materials come from recycled or regenerated sources such as jade stone and seafood waste. We use cotton yarn scraps that are left over from yarn spinning mills to make our own Hyper-yarns, versus using wood pulp from trees that can promote deforestation.”

Hyper – Material Facts

  • 0% Virgin polyester;
  • 0% Harmful chemical dyes;
  • 95% biodegradable;
  • 100% recycled Spandex;
  • OEKO-TEXT 100 certified; an.d
  • bluesign® approved dyes

“Some retailers we work with call Hypernatural the ‘Tesla of polo shirts.’ We aim to deliver modern comfort, traditional quality with a natural performance. We see nature as the new ultimate luxury,” Kolbe said.

Hypernatural shirts feature a magpie logo as its totem, signaling a new generation of luxury is here. Hypernatural polos have been tested and shown to work well throughout several days of use, as they are odor resistant and require less laundering, which adds to a longer lifespan.

“Cheap and dirty, disposable plastic/polyester clothing needs to be made extinct. It is the antithesis of luxury,” said Arkins.

“Hypernatural’s sustainability and quality standards are higher than most. Designs are made to be simple, versatile and the most comfortable pieces in any man’s wardrobe. Whether work meets golf, boat-to-dinner, or a 48-hour getaway, it just makes sense that people will want to look smart and feel comfortable anywhere life takes them,” said Kolbe.

Hyper – Material Ingredients

  • Supima cotton — Softest and strongest cotton in the world. Inherently softer and more luxurious due to its extra-long staple fiber. The length of the fiber produces smoother, cleaner yarns that result in a softer, more breathable fabric that resists pilling.
  • Hyper-Cool Jade® — Jade Stone’s natural cooling helps lower skin temperature up to 5 degrees by absorbing heat and dynamically evaporating moisture, all while enhancing your skin’s natural ability for continuous cooling. Jade provides wellness benefits, like increased blood circulation and reduces swelling.
  • Hyper-Chitin® — Chitin is a biopolymer mainly extracted from crab and prawn shell food waste. Antibacterial / Odor resistant, moisturizes skin, reduces inflammation, supports skin regeneration and healing.
  • Creora Regen Spandex — World’s only 100-percemt recycled spandex. Requires ⅔ less energy to produce vs. virgin spandex.
  • Mother of Peal Buttons — 100% Natural (no plastic) Cool to the touch, beautiful natural color and imperfections. Stronger, more durable – last longer than plastic buttons.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Hypernatural®

Piana Technology Upgrades Facility For Greater Company Sustainability And Local Energy Production

CARTERSVILLE, Ga.  — October 19, 2022 — Piana Technology, the 439-year-old Italian-made textile company known for innovations within the fiber and nonwovens textiles markets, has gone live with a solar panel system at its Nonwovens facility in Cartersville, Ga. The facility upgrade comes during a landmark year for the company, whose E/SMART™ high-performance nonwoven fiber technology was named as a CES® 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree, and an honorable mention as one of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas.

The Georgia-based facility is a powerhouse for textile production, specializing in vertically- and cross-lapped nonwovens. Since 2016, the facility has manufactured a variety of intermediate products that are behind many of the common household products used today.

As part of their sustainability journey, Piana Technology has committed to shrink its climate impact with clean energy as part of the solution. The system went live on August 5 and is a positive step both for the company and the local community.

They have partnered with Southern View Energy, a local solar electrical design and solar installation company, to carefully review the facility’s energy profile and pilot an installment project. The new 471 kW system is poised to supply more than 622,000 kWh each year and avoid an estimated 460 tons of CO2 a year, equivalent to 125 acres of trees. Although most of this energy will go towards the facility, on days where there is overproduction, energy will go back to the city of Cartersville for redistribution.

“This is our first PV system, so this is a huge step for us,” said Daniela Leal, Piana’s sustainability manager. “Our goal at Piana Technology is to cut our emissions in half in the next 2-3 years, so of course we want to exploit every meaningful opportunity to meet that goal. This new accomplishment is helping us do exactly that, and even as we’re celebrating, we’re looking ahead to the next project.”

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Piana Technology

Bolt Threads Announces Latest Collaboration With Ginkgo Bioworks To Optimize Its Mylo™ Material

BOSTON — October 20, 2022 — Bolt Threads, a biotechnology company creating the next generation of advanced materials, and Ginkgo Bioworks, the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, today announced a multi-project collaboration to increase the production efficiency and performance of Bolt’s current portfolio as well as expand it by developing novel proteins for biomaterials. The first program in this collaboration aims to optimize the production efficiency of Bolt’s Mylo™ material, a leather alternative made out of mycelium, the underground root-like system of fungi.

Mylo is an animal-free, sustainable alternative to leather grown from mycelium. Through Bolt Threads’ production process, mycelium grows into a foamy layer that, once harvested, can be dyed and processed into sheets of material that can be customized to desired size, color, shape and thicknesses. Mylo can be used in footwear, handbags, wallets, phone cases, and other products, and is already in use by brands like adidas, Stella McCartney, GANNI and lululemon. Unlike traditional leather made from animal hides, mycelium leather does not rely on raising livestock, and unlike synthetic leather, Mylo isn’t petroleum-derived.

Through this collaboration, Ginkgo aims to increase the growth rate of Bolt’s mycelium, lowering the overall production costs of Mylo. This collaboration also marks an expansion of the companies’ work together, as they are already working to optimize the sustainability, efficiency and cost effectiveness of Bolt Threads’ b-silk™ protein manufacturing process.

“Over the last few years, the largest fashion brands worldwide and the textiles industry have collectively recognized the need to develop more sustainable and low-footprint materials. Bolt Threads is at the forefront of this shift, and Mylo represents this future,” said Jason Kelly, CEO and co-founder, Ginkgo Bioworks. “We are excited to leverage our Foundry and Codebase to help drive down the cost of producing Mylo making the product more accessible to a variety of markets where innovative and exciting alternative materials can be used.”

“Ginkgo’s expertise in engineering biology has enabled us to accelerate our work transforming the clean beauty and personal care industries with b-silk protein,” said David Breslauer, co-founder and chief technology officer at Bolt Threads. “We are thrilled to be partnering with them again to optimize the production of our mycelium technology which will help make Mylo more accessible to consumers and brands alike.”

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Ginkgo Bioworks

ALUULA Composites Dominating Competitive Wind Sports

VICTORIA, British Columbia — October 19, 2022 — ALUULA Composites, a new advanced materials technology firm, is pleased to report that its ultralight and strong composite materials are delivering podium results for its partner brands in professional windsport competition.

Wind sport companies Duotone, RRD, and Ocean Rodeo all have one thing in common: they’re all now using ALUULA composite materials in their latest range of kites and wings, and to increasingly greater effect, with team athletes achieving multiple podium finishes across recent high profile competitive events.

Benefitting from the lighter, stronger and stiffer qualities of the ALUULA Gold™ material over traditional dacrons, the brands’ respective design teams are continuing to infuse ALUULA technology into their latest kite and wing models, and then handing off the finished products to some of the best riders in the world.

Having recently announced the launch of their new “NEO D/LAB” kite featuring an ALUULA air frame, Duotone riders dominated the recent Global Kitesports Association championship tour stop in Dakhla, Morocco, with team riders James Carew, Sebastian Ribeiro and Matchu Lopes taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively, and all using ALUULA powered kites in the contest. The brand has also seen achievements within its wing team too, with multiple podium finishes attained using their UNIT D/LAB wings featuring an ALUULA leading edge and strut.

Italian wind sport brand RRD have also posted multiple podium positions at recent Global Wingsport Association events, with team riders Francesco Capuzzo and Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo using their new ALUULA-powered Gold Wings to maximum effect, with Gollito also recently achieving 1st place the Freestyle Cup in Cavalaire, France, while Francesco and teammate Camille Bouyer are currently ranked within the top 3 riders on the tour.

And Canadian company Ocean Rodeo, early adopters of ALUULA, have been posting top-of-the-podium results too, with wingfoil rider Mathis Ghio recently seen screaming into 1st place in the Surf-Slalom discipline at the Freestyle Cup in Cavalaire, in a video clip that’s been widely shared on social media, while over on their kite side, Big Air star Giel Vlugt continues to achieve multiple podium finishes (as well as world-first maneuvers) on his ALUULA-powered Rise kite, with all eyes on the Dutch rider as he prepares for the major Red Bull ‘King of the Air’ event in Cape Town.

Without denying that these are all talented riders at the top of their game, the consistency of ALUULA powered gear putting riders onto top tier event podiums around the world leaves no doubt as to the material’s effectiveness and consequent appeal to top level wind sport athletes, and is indicative of ALUULA’s growing adoption into the materials toolbox of major wind sport brands.

“The transformational effect our composites have had in the Wind Sport sector are now undeniable, and the recent competitive success of our windsport partners provides a clear roadmap for our non-windsport partners we are currently in co-development with – they see how transformational ALUULA will be to their industry as well. It is an extremely exciting time for our entire team,” said ALUULA COO John Zimmerman.

To learn more or to request material samples, please send your request to info@aluula.com and take the opportunity to consult with some of our experts today to see how we can make our Lighter and Stronger composites work for you.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: ALUULA Composites

3M To Launch New Sustainably Driven Insulation – 3M™ Thinsulate™ Flowable Featherless

ST. PAUL, Minn. — October 20, 2022 — 3M announced it will launch 3M™ Thinsulate™ Flowable Featherless Insulation this month. The latest textile innovation from the Minnesota-based company is a lightweight, high loft insulation made with 80-percent recycled content that’s designed to be flowable for easy processing.

This product is the newest addition to the ever-growing line of 3M Thinsulate Insulation products made with sustainable features. “At 3M, we’re focused on sustainability from the very beginning of the value chain, so our materials and manufacturing practices must be responsible to start,” said Robert Polik, senior application engineer at 3M.

Crafted with a soft hand feel, 3M Thinsulate Flowable Featherless Insulation is a lightweight, high- loft insulation ideal for puffy garments. It also features a high wash durability, meaning it can maintain its thermal performance even after laundering.

“Aside from its sustainability features, 3M Thinsulate Flowable Featherless Insulation is also easy to apply to apparel,” said Polik. “We’re quite proud of its ‘flowability,’ as it can be applied using a variety of filling machines. And since all apparel is designed differently, the insulation can easily be shaped to fill a garment’s unique quilting channels.”

As a recycled content-based product, 3M Thinsulate Flowable Featherless Insulation reflects 3M’s wider sustainability initiatives. The company’s headquarters is already powered by 100-percent renewable electricity, with an aim of achieving 50 percent renewable electricity in all global locations by 2025. Last year, 3M announced it is pledging $1 billion over 20 years to accelerate environmental goals, including achieving carbon neutrality across operations by 2050, with a 50 percent reduction by 2030 (versus a baseline year of 2019); reducing water usage by 25 percent across all facilities by 2030 (versus 2019); and reducing dependence on virgin fossil-based plastics by 125 million pounds by 2025.

This year, 3M can be found at PERFORMANCE DAYS in Munich, Germany from November 3 to 4. Visit 3M at Booth T07, where you can discover more about 3M Thinsulate Flowable Featherless Insulation as well as other upcoming sustainable innovations.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: 3M

Meryl Fabrics® Celebrate Major International Award Success

CONGLETON, England — October 20, 2022 — Meryl Fabrics®, producer of hi-tech sustainable materials, is jubilant after receiving a trio of much coveted industry awards at the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide Awards 2022.

The PCIAW®  presented the highly innovative manufacturer with the final trophy of the evening, the “Industry Award for Sustainability,” as well as Highly Commended awards in two other categories “Best Fabric & Fibre Innovation” and “PPE Innovation in Clothing.”

Peter Broom, co-founder and director of Meryl Fabrics, explained: “We are thrilled to receive this substantial recognition from such an esteemed international organisation.

“Our business is absolutely passionate about revolutionising the textile manufacturing process, eliminating microplastic shedding and reducing the overall environmental impact of professional clothing.

“We are hopeful that being presented with these three international awards will amplify our call, encouraging other organisations to join us in our mission to achieve infinite recyclability.”

Meryl Fabrics was also a headline sponsor of the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide, PCIAW®Summit & Awards 2022, which welcomed U.K. and internationally-based manufacturers, distributors and retailers to the two day event October 18 and 19 in London. At the event the firm also welcomed attendees to the stand so they could benefit from key insights on how they can benefit from Meryl Fabrics technology to achieve sustainable solutions within their organizations.

Driven by problem solving, the award-winning Meryl Fabrics uses Nylstar Hydrogen bonding technology to enhance the molecular structure of fibres; seal-in microplastics within the yarn and improve the durability of garments. Their continual innovation in Meryl® Eco Dye offers a waterless dyeing process, saving thousands of litres of water during manufacture of fabric as they re-engineer the present of apparel. Meryl Fabrics seeks to replace cotton with its exceptionally soft touch fabrics that feature natural stretch and moisture management properties that are designed to be recycled and offer other businesses a fully circular model in one place.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Source: Meryl Fabrics®

1...444445446...2,499Page 445 of 2,499

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.