Michelman Earns 2023 EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating And Ranks In Top 96th Percentile

CINCINNATI —March 28, 2023 — Michelman is proud to announce that it has earned an EcoVadis Gold Rating for sustainability. Michelman ranks in the top 96th percentile of 100,000+ companies that have been evaluated across more than 200 industries and 175 countries.

EcoVadis was founded in 2007 and has, according to its website, grown to become “the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.” The EcoVadis sustainability assessment is an evaluation of how well a company has integrated the principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) across four main themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

“Since our inception in 1949, Michelman innovations have been rooted in the development of water-based solutions and environmentally conscious technologies. Earning the prestigious EvoVadis Gold Rating is a testament to our core values and our associates’ dedication to helping customers achieve their own sustainability initiatives,” said Chuck Hardy, Michelman’s director, Global Sustainability and R&D Systems. “As part of the evaluation process, EcoVadis goes well beyond just environmental responsibility. For example, they grade applicants on EH&S procedures that protect a company’s associates. They also evaluate HR and procurement systems that ensure both the applicant and its partners are paying fair wages. The process is a complete and thorough analysis of social responsibility, and we’re proud to have ranked so highly.”

“This achievement exemplifies our focus on Innovating a Sustainable Future,” added Dr. Rick Michelman, Michelman’s president and CEO. “We are committed to contributing to the sustainability of our planet. Toward that goal, we continually monitor and improve the footprint of our facilities via water, energy, and waste management and by innovating and introducing planet-positive solutions to the marketplace. With our recent hiring of Dr. Portia Yarborough as Chief Science and Sustainability Officer (CSSO), we will strive to achieve new heights along our sustainability journey while working together with our customers and value chain partners.”

Posted March 28, 2023

Source: Michelman

Bally Ribbon Mills Announces 100th Anniversary

BALLY, Pa. — March 28, 2023 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) — a designer, developer and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics — announced its 100th anniversary. Since BRM’s founding in 1923 as a custom textile manufacturer in Bally, Pa., the company has provided products for aerospace, defense, medical, safety, automotive, commercial, and industrial applications used around the world.

A small representation of BRM’s accomplishments over the past century include the production of goods for the war effort in World War II, maintaining a continuous ISO quality program for close to 30 years, and numerous contracts, including with the U.S. Military, Department of Defense and NASA. BRM’s work with NASA includes using composite material in the construction of the heat shield used on NASA’s Orion spacecraft. BRM has been praised by NASA for its ability to answer every specification and challenge.

“As a family business, Bally Ribbon Mills is extremely proud to be a trusted partner by some of the largest, well-known companies and agencies from around the world,” said Mark Harries, vice president, at Bally Ribbon Mills. “Our success has been based on a long-term vision of growth, built around our high-quality engineered fabrics manufactured in America, our skilled employees, and our reputation as a trusted advisor to customers. We will continue to stay at the forefront of technology for all of the industries we serve, just as we have over the past 100 years.”

BRM continues to expand and innovate at its Bally, Pa., facility through the addition of new equipment, departments, and employees.

Posted March 28, 2023

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills

Old Navy Doubles Down On Pockets With Spring Dress Collection

SAN FRANCISCO — March 28, 2023 — Old Navy is giving women what they want – more dresses with pockets! The retailer has doubled the number of dresses with pockets in its new spring collection, answering the rallying cry from women everywhere to provide pocket parity in their clothes.

Old Navy achieved this paramount pocket milestone in just six months since its holiday collection debut, and is committing to grow their dress assortment with perfectly-placed-pockets even more in its summer collection and beyond, making the styles easily shoppable at www.oldnavy.com/pockets.

Popularity of Pockets

It’s no secret that women love dresses with pockets. In fact, women are twice as likely to prefer dresses with pockets than without, and more than half say their favorite go-to dresses in their wardrobes have pockets.

And it’s no surprise why. Women long for the convenience of pockets inherent in menswear with nearly three-quarters of women noting the lack of pocket parity in women’s apparel. Nearly nine-in-ten women (87%) rely on pockets for simple storage, like holding small items or as an alternative to carrying a handbag, while 73% say pockets are an important haven for their hands, whether for warmth or as somewhere to place them in awkward situations.

Function aside, pockets spark joy for most dress-lovers. 71% of women say discovering that a new frock has pockets is an instant mood booster, and nearly nine-in-ten (88%) say they love the surprise of finding something they forgot about in a pocket.

Pockets of Joy Day

To celebrate Old Navy’s pocket announcement, the brand is inviting customers into select stores on Saturday, April 1, for its “Pockets of Joy Day.” Tapping into the universal joy of discovering things in pockets, Old Navy shoppers can find tokens hidden in select pockets of the retailer’s new spring dress merchandise that can be redeemed for a $20 gift card. This is not an April’s Fools joke!

Old Navy is celebrating its first-ever “Pockets of Joy Day” with its dress-loving customers from 12:00pm – 4:00pm local time at five store locations across the country:

  • New York, N.Y. – Herald Square (150 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001)
  • New York, N.Y. – 18th Street (610 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011)
  • Roseville, Calif. – Creekside T/C (1244 Galleria Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678)
  • Jacksonville, Fla. – St. John’s T/C (10261 River Marsh Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246)
  • Dallas, Texas – Park Lane (8170 Park Lane Suite 124, Dallas, TX 75231)

The entire women’s spring dress collection is available now in all U.S. stores, with pocket-clad styles shoppable at www.oldnavy.com/pockets.

Posted: March 28, 2023

Source: Old Navy

Banana Republic Launches New Home Categories

SAN FRANCISCO — March 28, 2023 — Banana Republic, a Gap Inc. brand, continues to establish itself as a premium lifestyle brand with the expanded announcement of BR Home — an extraordinary selection of home categories that are exquisitely crafted by the finest artisans and craftspeople around the globe, exclusively created and curated by Banana Republic.

“Our expanded Home collection is central to our vision to be the premier lifestyle brand that positions BR as an experiential and cultural cornerstone in our customers’ lives,” said Sandra Stangl, President and CEO of Banana Republic. “Banana Republic is a destination for discovery, adventure and imagination.”

Encouraging customers to build a sanctuary of comfort and style, BR Home expands offerings with an exclusive spring collection of premium bedding, rugs, pillows, and decor. The brand remains focused on its dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and utilizing the highest-quality materials and natural fabrics, such as fine European linen, plush cotton cashmere, and organic cotton.

“Discovery and self-expression are an integral part of our customers’ lives at home, work and away,” said Aaron Rose, Head of Commerce & Experience for Banana Republic. “We know our customers care deeply about great style, design, and quality in all aspects of their lives, and we are excited for BR Home to be a central part of their personal lifestyle.”

The expanded collection builds on last fall’s launch of ART, Curated by Banana Republic, a collection of exclusive works from artists and photographers.

The BR Home collection is available online and in select stores in the United States today, with prices ranging from $40 for our washed cotton pillowcase sets to $7,550 for our most luxurious handwoven, oversized rugs made in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Posted: March 28, 2023

Source: Banana Republic

VEOCEL™ Upgrades Lyocell Shortcut Fiber Offering For The Flushable Market

LENZING, Austria — March 28, 2023 — Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has announced the launch of its upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers by VEOCEL™ for the flushable market. The upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers not only have high dispersibility, which make them ideal for use in flushable wipes, they also have an upgraded finish, an added benefit for wipes manufacturers. The upgraded finish enhances efficiency of the wipe production process, improves the processability of fibers and helps to create higher quality products. The fibers are also offered as carbon neutral1, thus contributing to a global push to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Constantly innovating to improve the premium quality of fibers

“We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and improve the performance of our fibers in the flushable market,” said Claudio Zampino, Commercial director, Specialty Applications for Global Nonwovens Business at Lenzing. “It is important to engage in continuous discussions with value chain partners to address their challenges and needs as we drive innovation in the nonwovens sector. With 27 years of experience producing lyocell shortcut fibers, we will continue to keep leveraging our extensive research labs to offer customers the best premium lyocell shortcut fibers possible.”

The new finish of the upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers offers protection against mechanical stress at commonly used water temperatures such as 0°C to 40°C during the wetlaid production process. This helps to avoid the creation of fiber lumps during the opening and dilution of fibers in preparation tanks. The finished product will also have enhanced physical quality and appearance thanks to the upgraded finish which improves web formation during the process.

Albaad, one of the largest wet wipe manufacturers in the world, used the new lyocell shortcut fibers for its Hydrofine® product, the most saleable flushable wetlaid in Europe.

“We are proud to cooperate with the global Lenzing group in developing improvements for lyocell fibers and bringing new innovation that enhances our Hydrofine® product and improves the production process. Our unique Hydrofine product, which is considered a breakthrough in the flushable market, is based on these upgraded fibers that help to increase production efficiency, reduce the level of waste and improve customer satisfaction. Collaborating with Lenzing’s R&D team was a valuable experience that provided both sides with great knowledge. Albaad is committed to innovation, to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, and to ensure ensuring continued improvement of our products’ performance,” said Jacob Heen, CEO of Albaad.

Continued growth of the flushable market

More and more consumers are using flushable wipes for greater convenience and lower impact on the environment. In 2022, the global nonwoven wipes market consumed 1.5 million tons nonwovens, valued at $20.8 billion, and is expected to reach 2.1 million tons, valued at $29.0 billion in 20272. As consumers continue to look for products made of natural materials, it is important to distinguish between flushable wipes made of wood-based fibers and wipes made of fossil-based fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene which take decades to disintegrate and contribute to the global micro plastic problem.

Flushable wipes which are made of lyocell shortcut fibers by VEOCEL with improved finish and are produced with adequate settings of the Roll Good Manufacturer, can disperse and degrade to meet current flushability guidelines as proven by mechanical disintegration and biodisintegration tests done at Lenzing R&D Center and the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) specifications.

The new and improved carbon neutral lyocell shortcut fibers by VEOCEL can be purchased from Lenzing’s production site in Mobile, Ala.

Posted: March 28, 2023

Source: Lenzing Group

Prepreg Technology Specialist Cygnet Texkimp Unveils Novel Multi Roll Stack In Campaign For Higher-Rate Composite Components

NORTHWICH, England — March 28, 2023 — Composites technology company Cygnet Texkimp, Northwich, England, will unveil its vertically stacked towpreg and prepreg manufacturing machine at JEC World in Paris next month. The full-scale Multi Roll Stack will be showcased on Cygnet Texkimp’s stand at Hall 5, Stand M72.

The small-footprint machine was developed by the company’s prepreg technology specialists as a lower-cost solution in terms of capital investment, running costs and energy requirements, when compared to conventional prepreg processing. It was designed to manufacture high performance prepreg and towpreg materials more efficiently and sustainably without compromising accuracy of the product, speed, or consistency, and so offer the potential for cost effective prepregs and towpregs to be used more widely.

The machine was developed as part of a UK collaboration to develop the technical and supply chain capability to achieve high-grade, composites-intensive components at rate for high-volume markets. The ASCEND program is a four-year, £40 million project launched in 2021 and led by Tier-1 aerospace supplier GKN Aerospace with funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Innovate UK. Cygnet Texkimp is a partner in the consortium which is made up of 14 UK organisations including the National Composites Centre.

The Multi Roll Stack is a UD (unidirectional) and fabric prepreg impregnation machine comprising a series of compaction rollers configured vertically. It is a major departure from conventional in-line prepreg machines which incorporate separate compaction stations (compactors) arranged in a horizontal line. In contrast, the Multi Roll Stack features a single compaction module containing multiple impregnation rollers arranged vertically.

“This space-saving machine offers a way to manufacture towpreg and prepreg materials quickly and accurately while delivering considerable cost and energy benefits,” explains Graeme Jones, Wide Web Product Director at Cygnet Texkimp.

“It is a more sustainable and cost-effective way to process prepregs which offers the potential for them to be used more widely in high-volume and mainstream applications.

“Trials of the technology have been extremely positive with high accuracy, low coat weight prepregs of 112 gsm being achieved at speeds of 10metres per minute, with upper limits of performance still to be discovered.”

The material passes repeatedly around the Multi Roll Stack’s heated impregnation rollers, increasing contact with the rollers throughout the process and reducing the energy required to achieve impregnation of the resin within the fibres. One aim of the design was to reduce or remove the heating-cooling cycle, which is typical in conventional in-line prepreg technologies, so that the temperature of the material remains consistent. This is significant because it results in lower energy consumption and reduced material scrappage, while maintaining consistency and accuracy in the finished prepreg and the performance in the resulting component. The production speed and coat weight accuracy achieved by the Multi Roll Stack mean it is capable of manufacturing precision towpregs with the same resin systems commonly used in the aerospace industry.

By configuring the technology in this way, Cygnet Texkimp has shortened the machine’s footprint by more than 50 percent (with greater space savings relative to larger machines) and increased processing speeds. Stacking the rollers within one compaction module removes the need for multiple drive motors and heaters, which in turn also reduces energy consumption and cost by more than half compared to conventional prepreg technologies. The machine’s shortened web path also leads to reduced material wastage and the compact design will reduce CapEx costs.

Following JEC World, the Multi Roll Stack will be available for industry trials at Cygnet Texkimp’s new Innovation Centre, based at its UK headquarters in Cheshire.

In the last decade, Cygnet Texkimp has designed and supplied more than 30 UD and fabric thermoset prepreg lines to the aerospace, automotive and industrial markets, making it one of the largest suppliers of thermoset prepreg technologies in the world. In 2021, the company launched the Direct Melt Impregnation Thermoplastic Composite Line as the world’s first commercially available thermoplastic composite line capable of using standard polymer, from polypropylene to PEEK, to create high-grade thermoplastic composite prepregs on an industrial scale.

Posted: March 28, 2023

Source: Cygnet Texkimp

Hyosung Presents New Sustainable Textile Solutions At Functional Fabric Fair

SEOUL, South Korea  — March 28, 2023 — Committed to investing in continuous innovation, Hyosung will introduce its latest sustainable textile solutions at the Functional Fabric Fair, Portland, Ore., April 4-5, booth 1413A.

Highlighted will be Hyosung’s new USDA and SGS-certified creora® bio-based Black spandex partly made with renewable resources, providing reduced carbon emissions compared to production of conventional spandex. In addition, the company will also launch its 3rd party-certified, 100-percent recycled creora regen Black spandex, delivering water-saving options for a more sustainable production process. Both fibers provide a deeper, darker black color to help eliminate grin-through, together with the same powerful stretch and recovery benefits as its conventional creora Black spandex.

“Several brands approached us to develop a dope-dyed Black spandex with the additional benefits of being partly made from renewable resources or 100-percent recycled”, said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Hyosung Global marketing director – Textiles. “So, it made perfect sense take the technology used to make our successful creora Black spandex and add it to our creora regen and creora bio-based spandex to meet our customers’ diverse needs.”

Also at the show, Hyosung will present fabrics from global mill partners developed with its new regen ocean, a 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.

“Cleaning up our oceans is critically important for the health of our planet”, said Whitmarsh-Knight. “With our ocean-based recycled fiber offering, brands can produce fully traceable eco-friendly products that are in line with their sustainability objectives and convey a compelling message to consumers.”

To better help product developers and designers envision products made with Hyosung’s comprehensive range of performance fibers, Hyosung will have a broad assortment of fabrics and concept garments developed by its Fashion Design Center (FDC) on display. In addition to creora® regen Black spandex, creora® bio-based Black spandex and regen ocean, other featured yarns include:

  • creora regen: 3rd party-certified, 100-percent recycled spandex
  • creora bio-based: spandex made with 30-percent renewable resources
  • creora color+: acid/reactive dyeable spandex
  • regen xanadu: made with a blend of recycled post-consumer PET and corn-based materials
  • creora EasyFlex: soft stretch spandex for exceptional comfort

Posted: March 28, 2023

Source: Hyosung

All Fabrics And Furnishings Of The Largest Fabric Store In The Netherlands In Online Auction At Troostwijk Auctions

AMERSFOORT, The Netherlands — March 27, 2023 — Due to bankruptcy, all branches of Jan Sikkes — the largest fabric and curtain store in the Netherlands — have closed their doors for good. All the furnishings and a total of one million linear meters of fabric will be offered for sale in 11 multiple online auctions on the Troostwijk Auctions platform. The furnishings and stock of the Jan Sikkes branch in Amersfoort are now under the virtual hammer. The auction closes on Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 10:00 am.

The family business Jan Sikkes was founded in Workum in 1934 and grew into one of the largest fabric stores in the Netherlands with three generations of Sikkes. Because the company believes in the power of the physical store (‘You have to feel fabrics if you want to make the best choice’), Jan Sikkes has no less than 10 branches, spread throughout the country. Due to bankruptcy, all branches have been closed since the beginning of this year. For this reason, the furnishings and stocks of the textile company will be auctioned on the online platform of Troostwijk Auctions.

More than one million linear meters of fabric

Curtain fabric, imitation leather, poplin in various designs twill cotton, bridal fabric, stretch fabric, French terry, jersey and many more types of fabric will be auctioned in lots. The stock of each branch and the Jan Sikkes warehouse will be offered for sale in separate auctions in the near future. These auctions are definitely worthwhile for fabric dealers and other interested parties. From 22 March, the stocks and inventory from the warehouse will also be auctioned.

About the auction

The online auction of the furnishings of Jan Sikkes Textielbedrijven BV (Amersfoort branch) closes on Thursday, 30 March, 2023 at 10:00 am. The other remaining branches will also be auctioned via Troostwijk next month.

Would you like to view the lots before placing a bid? You can do so during the viewing day on Monday, 27 March 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Address: Weverssingel 10, 3811 GJ in Amersfoort.

Posted: March 27, 2023

Source: Troostwijk Auctions

Cotton Incorporated Shares The Features Of Cotton In Honor Of National Wear Pajamas To Work Day

CARY, N.C. — March 27, 2023 — This year, Cotton Incorporated celebrates 50 years of the Seal of Cotton, the iconic logo that indicates a product contains cotton. Since 1973, the trademark has come to symbolize the attributes of this natural, sustainable, dependable, hardworking material.

From the home goods we use, like sheets and towels, to the clothes we buy, like jeans, tee shirts and pajamas, we experience the touch, the feel of cotton every day. We rely on it so much so that it’s become The Fabric of Our Lives.

On April 16, Cotton Incorporated encourages you to wear cotton pajamas to work as part of National Wear Pajamas to Work Day. Among the benefits of cotton:

  • Cotton is natural. Cotton is a plant grown from the earth. It starts as a flower and matures into a boll with a fluffy interior, which is spun into the soft fabric we know and love.
  • Cotton breathes. Cotton is soft, absorbent and breathable. Clothing labels containing at least 60% cotton are considered “cotton-rich” and are less likely to be itchy, irritating, stiff or clingy. Cotton breathes better than oil-based synthetic fabrics like polyester, so it keeps you cool and comfortable.[1]
  • Cotton clothes last longer. Cotton keeps its shape. There is such a thing as too much stretch. The more spandex you add to a garment, the higher your chances of sagging, bagging and stretching out. Keep your clothes from getting bent out of shape by looking for less than 5% spandex on the label.
  • Cotton is easy to maintain. Cotton is easier to wash and care for than other fabrics, so let your washing machine do your dirty work and enjoy the money you’ll save on dry cleaning.

To be sure, check for the Seal of Cotton and for cotton content. Apparel should have at least 60% cotton, jeans should have 90% and sheets and towels should be 100% cotton to reap the benefits.

[1] Marjory Joseph. Introductory Textile Science, 5th Edition, 1984, pp. 358-359.   

Posted: March 27, 2023

Source: Cotton Incorporated

3M Will Feature Sustainable Textiles At Functional Fabric Fair Portland—Powered By Performance Days

ST. PAUL, Minn. — March 27, 2023 — 3M will showcase its latest innovations in textiles featuring recycled contents, including 3M™ Thinsulate™ Flowable Featherless Insulation and 3M Thinsulate Xerogel Insulation, at Functional Fabric Fair Portland — powered by Performance Days, which takes place April 4-5 at the Oregon Convention Center. 3M Thinsulate will be present at the event alongside its exhibiting partner, Keystone Creating Ltd., at booth 1502.

“3M Thinsulate brand provides a range of recycled content options that are certified by the Bluesign® System, OEKO-TEX®, and The Global Recycled Standard. We are well-positioned to help outwear brands meet the growing demands of socially conscious consumers who also expect style, quality and performance,” said Melissa Blakely, 3M Thinsulate global portfolio director. “3M continuously innovates Thinsulate products that not only deliver performance in terms of warmth and durability, but also adapt to a variety of outerwear manufacturing applications for design versatility.”

3M featured its 3M Thinsulate 100% Recycled Featherless Insulation at a temporary 3M Climate Innovation Center during Climate Week NYC last fall. The latest variation of this product, 3M Thinsulate Flowable Featherless Insulation, is a lightweight, high-loft synthetic insulation ideal for use in puffy garments as a down alternative. Comprised of at least 80% recycled content, it is specially designed to be flowable for easy application to apparel using a variety of filling machines and easily shaped to fill garments’ unique quilting channels. It also offers a high wash durability, meaning it can maintain its thermal performance even after laundering.

3M Thinsulate Xerogel Insulation fuses 60-percent post-consumer recycled material with xerogel, an ultralight solid that’s notable for its ability to retain warmth even when compressed. Designed primarily for boots and gloves, it is proven to be 20 times more breathable and almost twice as warm as legacy 3M Thinsulate Insulation products designed for footwear. The product also offers ease of application at the mill level due to its low dusting, flexibility, and minimal breakage.

“3Mers around the world are collaborating and applying their extensive knowledge of science coupled with our manufacturing capabilities to produce solutions for the most pressing climate challenges. Science offers hope for a brighter future, and we are making investments to help achieve it,” said 3M Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Environmental Responsibility John Banovetz.

Posted: March 27, 2023

Source: 3M

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