Daniel Rufenacht, Bluesign CEO, Joins The Founders Board At Transformer’s Foundation

ST. GALLEN , Switzerland — February 23, 2023 — Bluesign is pleased to announce that its CEO, Daniel Rufenacht, has joined the Founders Board at the Transformers Foundation, a non-profit organization representing a unified voice for the denim industry accelerating more sustainable practices.

As a global leader in sustainable solutions with a focus on mitigating hazardous chemical use through Input Stream Management across the textile supply chain, Bluesign is committed to promoting environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing practices. Rufenacht’s appointment to the Founders Board is a testament to Bluesign’s long-standing dedication to reducing environmental impacts with a renewed focus on the denim supply chain.

The most significant issues in denim manufacturing occur in the dyeing and laundry processes where the highest amounts of water, energy, and chemicals are used. Together with the Transformers Foundation, Bluesign aims to link chemical suppliers, textile manufacturers, garment makers, and laundries together with the brands to foster a healthy, responsible, and profitable textile industry.

“I am honored to join the Founders Board and work with like-minded individuals and organizations to drive the improvements needed to make systemic change,” said Rufenacht. “Bluesign’s mission is to provide service-based solutions, including impact reduction, that help the industry realize responsible manufacturing with better and more sustainable chemicals. I look forward to contributing to the Transformers Foundation’s efforts and enhancing Bluesign’s focus on our clean denim goal.”

The Transformers Foundation was founded in 2020 to provide a thus-far missing platform to the jeans and denim supply chain, and a central point of contact for consumers, brands, NGOs, and media who want to learn more about ethics and sustainable innovation in the industry.

It brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to foster collaboration and innovation, drive research and development, and promote education and awareness about the issues facing the denim industry.

“We at the Transformers Foundation are pleased to welcome Bluesign on the board of Founders. Their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing aligns with our mission to create positive impact through education and celebration of best practice. With Bluesign’s expertise and passion, we are confident that together, we can make the denim industry a better place for all.” – Andrew Olah, Founder of Transformers Foundation.

Rufenacht’s appointment to the Founders Board at Transformers Foundation further cements Bluesign’s commitment to advancing the implementation of processes, such as Input Stream Management, to reduce the denim supply chain’s impact on people and the environment.

Posted: February 23, 2023

Source: bluesign technologies ag

New Year, New Market – Mimaki Launches First Direct To Film Inkjet Printer

AMSTERDAM — February 22, 2023 — Mimaki, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, announces its first direct to film (DTF) inkjet printer, the TxF150-75, at its Global Innovation Days event. Utilizing a heat-based transfer method, the printer is ideal for creating premium, customized merchandising, sportswear and various other promotional textile applications. This is the latest entry from Mimaki for the decorated apparel segment and will be making its EMEA at-show debut at Printwear & Promotion Live! in the United Kingdom February 26-28, 2023.

DTF printing provides an easy and affordable process for decorating apparel, most commonly T-shirts. The design is initially printed directly onto a special transfer film, which is then sprinkled with hot-melt powder. Once heated and dried, the transfer sheet is ready to be applied to the fabric using a heat press.

Based on Mimaki’s existing 150 Series, one of its best-selling models, the new TxF150-75 responds to the market need for a reliable, stable DTF technology. Built-in ink circulation system and degassed ink pack design prevent common DTF issues, such as poor ink ejection and white ink clogging. These core technologies, which also include the nozzle check unit and nozzle recovery system, all ensure that processes are carried out efficiently with minimal intervention needed.

Mark Sollman, senior product manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe commented: “Apparel decoration is a hugely popular and dynamic sector, one which we are already operating in with our other textile technologies. However, we could see the impact DTF technology has had on the industry in recent years, with its significant advantages over existing technologies. Namely, DTF avoids the time intensive process of plate creation in screen printing and the required weeding in traditional vinyl heat transfer. The technology can also create vibrant designs with its full colour printing capabilities. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it, which excels in usability, reliability and quality.”

As the company’s first entry into a new segment, Mimaki has created its own range of water-based pigment inks (PHT50) especially for this solution. As of March 2023, these inks are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified[1], guaranteeing safety and environmental standards are met in line with Mimaki’s sustainability pledges. Unlike sublimation heat transfer printing, DTF is much more versatile when it comes to materials, able to work with more than just polyester and TC blended (polyester blended) materials, and on light or dark coloured fabrics.

The printer also comes with Mimaki’s RasterLink7 RIP software, allowing users to have full oversight and the ability to streamline the process from the design to the final product. Like with all Mimaki technologies, buyers can expect extensive in-house support from Mimaki throughout the initial set-up and use.

The TxF150-75 will be commercially available in EMEA from April 2023.

[1] Expected to be achieved by end of March 2023

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: Mimaki

REI Announces It Will Ban PFAS In All Textiles

SEATTLE, Wash. — February 22, 2023 — Yesterday, outdoor retailer REI announced it will ban PFAS “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in all textile products and cookware from its suppliers, in a major update to its “Product Impact Standards” for its more than 1,000 brand partners. REI’s restrictions take effect in the fall of 2024 for cookware and textile products including, but not limited to, apparel, accessories, footwear, packs, and bags. REI has granted a longer timeline for professional, expedition-level apparel to fall of 2026.

REI’s new policy commitment comes more than a year after the launch of the nationwide marketplace campaign, REI, time to opt-out of PFAS, led by the Mind the Store program of Toxic-Free Future in partnership with Safer States and other organizations. During the national campaign, thousands of people and organizations urged Seattle-based REI to ban PFAS in products it sells, via letters, petitions, rallies, and social media. Toxic-Free Future published an original study, Toxic Convenience, in January 2022, revealing PFAS in private-label and brand name clothing sold at REI and other retailers. Last fall, REI members and advocates in more than 20 cities rallied and delivered petitions signed by more than 130,000 people to REI stores nationwide, demanding the company ban PFAS in the products it sells. Since then, petition signatures have grown to more than 155,000. Although REI addressed PFAS through a statement released in September, the company did not set a timeline to ban these toxic forever chemicals — until now.

REI’s announcement also comes after numerous states have taken regulatory action on PFAS in apparel and cookware. California, Colorado, Maine, New York, Maine, and Washington have taken steps to regulate PFAS in apparel and cookware through restrictions, labeling, or disclosure. More state action is pending.

REI’s new policy comes at a time when the production and disposal of PFAS have impacted the drinking water of communities across the U.S. and world, such as at Chemours’ plant in Fayetteville, N.C., and Daikin’s PFAS facility in Decatur, Ala. Despite state bans and significant market shifts away from PFAS, Chemours has proposed to expand its PFAS manufacturing in North Carolina. Meanwhile, 3M recently announced a global phase-out of PFAS production.

In response to REI’s announcement, the following statements were made: “We are so pleased that REI has finally listened to its members. No one’s drinking water should be polluted for a raincoat,” said Mike Schade, director of Mind the Store, a program of Toxic-Free Future. “Our national campaign efforts helped make all the difference. REI’s commitment will have nationwide impacts by protecting more people from toxic chemicals and by driving ripple effects in the marketplace. REI must take the next step and work with its brand partners to ensure the substitutes are truly safer for people and the planet. And, other retailers, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, must quickly follow suit.”

“REI’s action sends a clear signal to all apparel companies that PFAS are just too dangerous to be used on our clothing,” said Laurie Valeriano, executive director of Toxic-Free Future. “With this decision, this sustainability-minded company is getting out ahead of regulation. REI should make sure these persistent, toxic chemicals are replaced with safer solutions by requiring full ingredient disclosure and assessment for hazards. We are proud that our hometown co-op is leading the way, and look forward to working with REI to set a new bar for safety.”

“This moment has been years in the making,” said Cindy Luppi, New England Clean Water Action director and Safer States Steering Committee member. “Thousands of grassroots voices and REI members, as well as state legislatures across the country, have called for leadership in replacing PFAS with safer alternatives. We thank REI for showing how feasible this step is and hope it encourages many more to step up and better protect our health from ‘forever chemicals.’”

“Prayers have been answered that the forever chemicals will no longer be used by REI and its suppliers for clothing and other textiles,” said Brenda Hampton, founder of Concerned Citizens of WMEL Water Authority, a grassroots organization working to clean up PFAS drinking water contamination from Daikin and 3M around Decatur, Ala.

“Living well outdoors should never come with a dose of toxic chemicals, or at the expense of someone else, “ said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, a grassroots organization working to restore and protect the air, soil, water, and food supply from PFAS contamination near Chemours in N.C. “Communities like mine deserve protection from continued PFAS exposures. Thank you, REI, for living up to your values, listening to your customers, and demanding a market shift.”

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: Toxic-Free Future

Second Site For Texo Trade Services: 3,000 Square Meters Almost Doubles Warehouse Capacity

MOORDRECHT/WADDINXVEEN, The Netherlands — February 22, 2023 — Texo Trade Services (TTS) has opened a second site. Covering an area of approx. 3,000 square meters this additional warehouse will store 30 to 40 percent of its inventory. That is why TTS has broadened its partnership with Van Noort, the full-service logistics company in Waddinxveen.

New premises outgrown after three years

The second site is in Waddinxveen, five kilometers from the 6,000-square-foot TTS headquarters and warehouse in Moordrecht. TTS will be using the additional warehouse for unloading containers, bulk storage and pallet shipments. This expansion represents an almost doubling of the current warehousing capacity. TTS’s Managing Director, Floris Jan van den Heuvel, saidi: “The key for our customers is that we offer constant quality, availability and fast delivery. Four years ago, to ensure all this and our continued growth, we opened our new, fully energy-neutral headquarters and warehouse here in Moordrecht. However, our rapid growth means yet again that our premises are too small! So, of course, to add another 3,000 square meters to our total capacity, we turned again to our trusted partner, Van Noort.”

No brakes on growth thanks to expansion

TTS and Van Noort have been working together closely in areas of storage, transport and machinery relocations since 2015. Van Noort also took care of TTS’s 2019 move to its new site in Moordrecht. The partnership has now intensified with the addition of an extra storage site. Managing Director, Fred van Noort, noted: “Shortage of storage can hamper the growth of successful companies such as TTS. We are proud to be able to help TTS in setting up this second site. By placing their products with us, not only do they have the required storage capacity but their logistics and facilities are also in good hands. We are there when orders are delivered or picked up and TTS always has its specialist equipment at its disposal when it needs it. We look forward to the successful expansion of our partnership.”

Global customer base

Besides having two Dutch branches in Moordrecht and Waddinxveen, TTS also has branches in Germany, France, England and Italy and agencies worldwide. From these offices, it serves customers in 60 countries.

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: Texo Trade Services (TTS)

UNIFI®, Maker Of REPREVE®, Publishes New Sustainability Report – Company Aims To Transform 50 Billion Plastic Bottles By 2025

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 22, 2023 — Unifi Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, UNIFI), makers of REPREVE and a producer of recycled and man-made yarns, today released its Sustainability Report for fiscal 2022. The report provides expanded insight into UNIFI’s industry leading sustainability strategy and the company’s responsible approach to creating long-term value for its stakeholders. In tandem with the report’s release, UNIFI reiterated its ambitious commitment to divert and transform 50 billion landfill-bound plastic bottles by 2025.

“The publication of our third annual sustainability report is an important milestone for UNIFI’s ESG journey,” said Eddie Ingle, Unifi CEO. “Over the past year, we’ve made strides in our focus on environmental, social, and governance responsibility. At UNIFI, we are working today for the good of tomorrow and our focus will always be forward.”

The report details progress on UNIFI’s corporate and sustainability strategy organized under three pillars: people, planet, and product. Notable highlights include:

  • Reiterated its commitment to divert 50 billion landfill-bound bottles by December of 2025;
  • Surpassed the goal of diverting 30 billion landfill-bound bottles by 5 billion — totaling more than 35 billion bottles successfully diverted to date;
  • Achieved a 19-percent reduction in carbon emissions per revenue dollar*;
  • Achieved a 14-percent reduction in the total pounds of waste produced per revenue dollar*;
  • Committed to new, innovative texturing technology with a benefit of 20-percent energy savings per pound of product produced;
  • Expanded certification abilities to deliver increased transparency and traceability to the product level; and
  • Announced a commitment to expand innovative product offerings and circular processes on a global scale.

UNIFI’s 2022 Sustainability Report builds upon the disclosures shared in fiscal 2021 and reaffirms the company’s commitment to transparency. Except where otherwise noted, the report has been guided by the GRI and SASB frameworks.

More information on UNIFI’s commitment to sustainable business practice and progress can be found in the full Report

*Production volume decreased from FY2021 to FY2022

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: UNIFI Inc.

R-Inove (Brazil) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZURICH, Switzerland — February 22, 2023 — As a start-up, R-Inove had applied for the ITMF Start-up Award 2022 and was selected to present in one of the two “Start-up Sessions” at the ITMA Annual Conference 2022 in Davos, Switzerland. In this context, R-Inove was offered a two-year complimentary Corporate Membership with ITMF.

R-Inove is a Brazilian innovation start-up focused on the textile segment, providing solutions to its customers through coding on textile threads, thus guaranteeing full traceability (from the field to the hanger) and the originality of the product.

Micheline Maia Texeira, co-founder of R-Inove said: “it is important for start-ups to be in touch with industry players from the entire textile value chain. Being part of an international forum like ITMF helps to meet and connect with industry players from around the globe. Furthermore, it is important to fully understand the needs of the textile industry. Equally relevant is the opportunity to use ITMF’s platform to demonstrate the value of new technologies and to be part of the discussions about industry trends and initiatives.”

“It is great to see that the start-up R-Inove from Brazil is joining ITMF as a Corporate Member. As one of the recipients of the ITMF Start-up Awards 2022, R-Inove illustrates the potential of their traceability technology. Providing a platform for the global textile industry where leaders can meet and exchange best practices is crucial in a fast-changing world. As Corporate Members of ITMF, start-ups like R-Inove have the opportunity to promote their innovation and to develop a better understanding of the international markets. At ITMF, we are convinced that R-Inove will benefit from this step,” stated Dr. Christian Schindler, director General of ITMF.

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation  (ITMF)

Textile Business At Milliken & Company Successfully Eliminates PFAS From Portfolio

SPARTANBURG, S.C.  — February 22, 2023 — The Textile Business of global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced it has successfully eliminated all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, from its textile fibers and finishes portfolio, becoming the first U.S.-based multi-market textile manufacturer to remove PFAS.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and tribute to our team who worked around the clock to develop solutions that meet our customers’ performance requirements and reflect our purpose to positively impact the world for future generations,” said David Smith, executive vice president, Milliken & Company, and president, Milliken’s Textile Business.

The manufacturer announced in February 2022 an aggressive plan to eliminate PFAS as an ingredient in its textile portfolio by the end of the year. As of December 31, 2022, the Textile Business at Milliken had removed PFAS-based finishes and fibers, which spans multiple industries including flame-resistant, military, uniform and decor fabrics.

Milliken’s Textile Business began evaluating its portfolio in 2020 and segmented its evaluation efforts between three areas of focus: durable water repellency (DWR), soil release and oil repellency. Alternative DWR solutions were readily available in the market through accredited organizations such as bluesign®. The Milliken research team assessed and implemented appropriate alternatives to maintain the performance and quality standards customers expect for DWR.

Soil repellency proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the Textile Business. Working with Milliken’s internal research team, a new soil release technology was developed and integrated into suitable textile applications without PFAS as an ingredient. The new technology, proprietary to Milliken & Company, has shown equivalent and, in some cases, superior performance to previous PFAS-containing finishes. Currently, the new technology is not an alternative to every soil-repellent finish application. After an extensive search and vetting process for alternative oil repellency, no alternative was found, and the company exited those lines of business as a result.

“Our work was intricate, and our team, including research and development, sourcing, compliance, sales, and many other functions, approached this initiative thoughtfully and with great care for our customers,” added Dr. Jeff Strahan, director of sustainability, compliance and research for the Textile Business. “We’re thrilled to be leading the industry in taking meaningful action that will have an immediate impact.”

Effective January 1, 2023, Milliken no longer treats textiles with PFAS chemistry. This achievement follows Milliken’s recent announcement that its science-based net-zero targets were approved by the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: Milliken & Company

Italian Textile Machinery On Show At INDEX 2023, World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition

MILAN — February 22, 2023 — From April 18-21, 2023, nonwovens exhibition INDEX will take place in Geneva. About 90 Italian exhibitors will be present at this edition, including more than 40 machinery manufacturers. As in past editions, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in cooperation with the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT), has organized an exhibition space reserved for companies manufacturing machinery for the sector. There will be 12 exhibiting companies in the Italian pavilion (Hall nr. 4, booths nr. 4131 & 4137). Of these, the ACIMIT members are: Bematic, Bombi, Bonino, Dell’Orco & Villani, Ferraro, Loptex, Ommi, Rf Systems, Texera, Zappa Macchine. Other ACIMIT member companies will exhibit fair with their own booths

The nonwovens sector has grown significantly in recent years. According to EDANA, the association grouping European companies operating in the sector, after the impressive growth in the previous year, the production volume of nonwovens grew by 2 percent in 2021, exceeding 3 million metric tons.

“The growth in nonwovens production has also driven the demand of machinery for nonwovens,” said Alessandro Zucchi, president of ACIMIT. The Italian technological supply has consequently expanded. At the 2023 INDEX edition, the presence of a significant number of Italian machinery manufacturers testifies their desire to play a leading role also in the production of machinery for nonwovens”.

The trend of Italian exports testifies the strong increase in production of nonwovens machinery. Indeed in 2021 Italian sales abroad reached a value of 102 million euro (+77 percent over the previous year) and in the first nine months of 2022, the value of Italian exports stood at 92 million euro.

Visit the Italian Pavilion @INDEX2023, Hall nr. 4, booths nr. 4131 & 4137

Posted: February 22, 2023

Source: ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers

Dr. Portia Yarborough Joins Michelman as Chief Science & Sustainability Officer

CINCINNATI — February 2,1 2023 — Michelman is very excited to announce that Dr. Portia Yarborough has joined the company as chief science & sustainability officer (CSSO), effective February 6, 2023.

Portia is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience creating value at DuPont. She has expertise in delivering innovative solutions using high-performance engineered materials, elastomers, composites, and sealing technologies. Portia has helped customers excel in a diverse range of markets including aerospace, electronics, and protective apparel. She has a track record of building and delivering innovation pipelines to sustain growth of multimillion-dollar portfolios. Portia is a strategic change champion with a strong focus on differentiated risk management, sustainability, and innovating safer by design.

Rick Michelman, president and CEO at Michelman, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Portia to our team. Her leadership expertise and industry knowledge will help us accelerate our sustainabilityinitiatives throughout Michelman and the industries we serve. Her passion for community and professional involvement – from advocating for trails and scenic byways with Delaware Greenways to sparking curiosity with educational experiences through Hope Academy Fund – aligns perfectly with Michelman’s values of focusing on people and communities. We are very excited to see how Portia will serve as a catalyst for Michelman’s continued growth as a sustainability leader.”

Portia is excited to join the Michelman team and has said: “I am thrilled to join the Executive Leadership team at Michelman and look forward to working with talented team members to create a positive impact on the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply my experience and help advance Michelman’s efforts of Innovating A Sustainable Future.”

Posted February 21, 2023

Source: Michelman

Techtextil North America And Texprocess Americas 2023: All Set To Highlight The Latest Technologies & Advancements 

ATLANTA — February 21, 2023 — Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will once again be reunited for one large, collocated industry event in May 2023. The platform presents an amazing opportunity for visitors to gain essential industry insight, reinforce B2B connections, and become equipped with solutions needed to optimize their production.

“The disruptions caused due to the pandemic have created the need for more flexible sourcing and automated technologies that allow the industry to efficiently scale up production,” says Kristy Meade, Vice President of Technical Shows. “Development in future-oriented fields such as 3D design, blockchain, and advanced processes are providing multi-faceted insights for businesses to upgrade their shop floors, and Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will serve as the ideal industry meeting point to see these advancements in person. At the 2023 edition, visitors can expect to find the most relevant, on-trend innovations and can discover for themselves how new R&D developments and technologies are revolutionizing all kinds of industries from apparel to upholstery to agriculture to construction — opening doors for the industry’s diverse sourcing needs.”

Attendee registration is live. Attendee registration is live. Companies interested in visiting can register at www.techtextilna.link/reg23 to attend Techtextil North America or www.texprocessam.link/reg23 to attend Texprocess Americas, to get access to both shows.  Likewise, companies interested in exhibiting can check out the information and latest floorplans and reserve a booth for Techtextil North America at www.techtextilna.link/exhibit23 and for Texprocess Americas at www.texprocessam.link/exhibit23

“This is a significant year for the sewn product industry to rebuild supply chains and optimize efficiency,” says Michael McDonald, president of SPESA. “The synergy created through these co-located shows will generate a business environment that encourages the exchange of knowledge, resources, and technology that not only benefits the companies that participate in the show but also strengthens our collective industries. We are extremely excited to bring the latest advancements of sewn product industry suppliers to live audiences in 2023 and provide a platform in which they can instantly engage with and respond to the information they are being presented.”

The organizers — Messe Frankfurt Inc. and SPESA — have also confirmed the addition of several new features to the show floor for the 2023 editions of the exhibitions to elevate the exhibitor and attendee business experience. The exclusive Tech Zone is a new area dedicated to recognizing ground-breaking technology that is currently being implemented in the technical textile, nonwoven, and sewn product sectors. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to meet with top innovators who will be showcasing and discussing the ways in which their products are utilizing new technology to revolutionize their respective fields. Additionally, qualifying smaller companies looking to gain exposure will have the opportunity to present their products in front of thousands of attendees at the new Startup Area.

Covering trending topics and the most pressing industry challenges, the Symposium will feature a series of educational sessions about new technologies, through which attendees will also be able to gain in-depth business insights. At these highly acclaimed sessions, industry experts will discuss some of the most pivotal advancements being made in technical textile, nonwoven, and sewn product technology and will highlight ways in which these advancements are changing the industry landscape.

Techtextil North America’s versatile range of displays will target agriculture, construction, furniture, apparel, and more. The technologies on display at Techtextil North America can be applied across diverse industry sectors, making it a must-visit platform for visitors to make sourcing decisions. Similarly, Texprocess Americas is the perfect business platform for all professionals involved in the sewn products industry — including retail, brand, and manufacturing executives — to meet with leading international manufacturers and distributors of machinery, equipment, parts, supplies, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, and other products and services used for the development of sewn products.

Together, the Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas platforms aim to empower attendees to integrate technology and fuel innovation that will drive the textile and sewn product industries forward and will be a pivotal meeting point in 2023!

Posted: February 21, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc

1...516517518...2,624Page 517 of 2,624

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.