OCA, GOTS, And IFOAM- Organics International Spark Vital Conversations And Drive Sector Transformation

STUTTGART, Germany — February 23, 2023 — The Organic Cotton & Textiles Conference, taking place in Indore, India over three days, from February 27-March 1 is set to bring together a diverse group of key players from every part of the textile supply chain. Farmers, farm groups, industry representatives, non-profits, academics, suppliers, brands, certifiers, government representatives and policymakers will join nearly 200 guests at the multi-day event. The aim is to foster collaboration, explore innovative ideas, listen to those on the ground and focus discussions to develop a shared vision to boost the organic textile supply chain worldwide.

Co-hosted by  OCA, GOTS, and IFOAM – Organics International, the conference will address a range of subjects including social conditions, transparency through innovation, scaling up organic through investment, as well as sessions tackling certification, decent work and environmental impacts. The event also gives voice to farmers, who join as panellists, in a dedicated Q&A session with seven organic cotton farmers from the region. On the third day, organised by OCA, the organic farmers will welcome attendees to their communities during field trips west to Petlawad to witness organic practices at ground level.

“By addressing these important issues and fostering a dialogue between participants, the conference aims to develop innovative solutions that can drive progress and growth in the sector”, says Bart Vollaard, Executive Director of OCA. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with GOTS and IFOAM to create positive change in the organic textile sector.”

“Together with IFOAM – Organics International and OCA, GOTS wants to increase visibility of organic and at the same time enhance integrity of organic fibres and textiles. This conference shall serve to strengthen the sector by addressing obstacles and work on effective solutions, in consultation with all relevant and committed stakeholders”, notes Claudia Kersten, Managing Director of GOTS.

Sarah Compson of the IFOAM – Organics International World Board adds “Organic agriculture directly addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time. IFOAM – Organics International is delighted to collaborate with OCA and GOTS to bring together people from across the whole textile sector and address the barriers and opportunities for scaling organic cotton production worldwide.”

With a strong line-up of notable speakers and guests in a supportive and engaging atmosphere, and a unique approach that connects participants from every step of the supply chain, the Organic Cotton & Textiles Conference is set to be a valuable and transformative event for key stakeholders involved in the organic textile industry.

Posted: February 23, 2023

Source: GOTS

Carnegie Fabrics Expands Biobased Xorel® With Craft Collection

Forge Couture

NEW YORK CITY — February 23, 2023 — Carnegie Fabrics, a sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions provider for the commercial industry, today announces it has expanded its line of critically-acclaimed plant-based fabrics, Biobased Xorel®, with three new hospitality-inspired patterns designed with equal considerations for beauty, performance, durability, and cleanability. Celebrating the beauty and rigor of technical skills, Craft Collection woven fabrics are embroidered and metallic embossed, giving them an intricate and elegant design to elevate hospitality environments and other markets seeking to emulate hospitality-like comforts, including healthcare, corporate, and multifamily.

With users across every industry demanding greater environmental, social, and governance (ESG) accountability from brands, Biobased Xorel fulfills the market need as the most sustainable commercial-grade textile collection on the market. The Craft Collection is Cradle to Cradle Gold and Living Product Challenge certified, with all fabrics being 100-percent PVC-free and made from 91-percent biobased PE content from sugarcane. Sourced responsibly and produced with a low environmental impact, Biobased Xorel is intrinsically healthy and safe for people and the environment. All patterns in the Craft Collection are stain-resistant, inherently antimicrobial, bleach-cleanable, and incredibly durable, each selection verified between 200,000 to one million double rubs.

“When expanding Biobased Xorel with the Craft Collection, we wanted to create textiles that provide leading sustainable performance while creating soothing, beautiful, and elegant hospitality-inspired environments,” said Heather Bush, Chief Creative Officer at Carnegie. “The design team leaned on current trends while remaining original and timeless. The new patterns successfully deliver on the post-pandemic industry priorities for health, safety, cleanability and sustainability.”

Exploring the dichotomy between slow, meticulous processes such as hand stitching or weaving and large-scale mechanized precision like metalworking, the Craft Collection pays homage to both, searching for meaning through process and transforming resulting designs into beautifully intricate patterns. The Craft Collection captures the essence of intentional labor and translates it into beautiful and elegant high-performance products that invite you to linger.

The new patterns include:

Forge Couture — Metallic precision, Forge Couture is a glamorous take on the clarity of metal working—the transformation of a durable material such as metal into a desirable and alluring artifact. Forge Couture can be specified for upholstered walls and panels, upholstery, wallcoverings, and is available for Xorel Artform configurations.

Maison Embroider — Embroidered wildflowers capturing diverse uniqueness, Maison Embroider evokes the freedom and expression of free stitching through delicate artistry but with the durability and high performance of Xorel. Maison Embroider can be selected for panels, upholstered walls, upholstery, and wallcoverings.

Wicker Matte — Echoing the strength and durability of natural wicker, Wicker Matte celebrates the beauty of variation through natural striations and a highly textural look. Wicker Matte is available for panels, upholstered walls and upholstery.

Each pattern in the Craft Collection comes in several color options. In addition to Cradle to Cradle and Living Product Challenge certifications, the collection has also earned SCS Indoor Advantage Gold status, is verified as a USDA Certified Biobased product, is Level 4 TUV Austria OK biobased certified, and is eligible to contribute to project LEED credentials.

Posted: February 23, 2023

Source: Carnegie Fabrics

Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Issues January Retail Sales Analysis

WASHINGTON — February 23, 2023 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released “Retail Sales off to a Good Start in 2023?,” an economic analysis of January retail sales and the impact on the plastic industry, authored by Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda.

Dr. Pineda writes: “If the economy continues to stay strong, and consumers remain engaged, plastic product shipments could increase as plastics and plastic products are part of household consumption. However, with the U.S. economic outlook continuing to evolve, a single data point does not reflect an underlying growth momentum in the economy. The U.S. economy is adjusting from a robust 5.9% post-COVID-19 growth rate in 2021 to long-run sustainable growth.”

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $468 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the sixth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.

Posted: February 23, 2023

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

New Online Tool Maps PFAS Hotspots In Businesses Ahead Of EU Ban

GOTHENBURG, Sweden — February 23, 2023 — Today — just a couple of weeks after the big PFAS restriction proposal in the EU was published — ChemSec launches the PFAS Guide, which helps companies investigate the use of persistent chemicals within their businesses. The main feature of the PFAS Guide is the searchable database uncovering different PFAS uses and functions, but the online tool also provides guidance on different aspects of the phase-out process from regulation and investigation all the way to testing and supply chain communication.

“We’ve been working to support companies in chemical substitution for a long time, and the last few years we’ve gathered a group of companies working specifically on the PFAS issue. The discussions with them made it clear to us that a main challenge is understanding if and where in your business you may have PFAS”, says Dr. Anna Lennquist, Project Leader for the PFAS Guide.

PFAS are a source of growing concern

It has been estimated that 95 percent of all manufactured goods rely on some form of industrial chemical process. A large share of the chemicals used in these processes have been linked to adverse impacts on human health and the environment. PFAS are a clear example of this problem. PFAS have been manufactured and used in products such as make-up, non-stick pans, water- and greaseproof textiles, food-packaging materials, and firefighting foam since the 1950s and are still used in a wide variety of products around the world today.

But they are also substances of growing concern due to their problematic properties. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of several thousand man-made chemicals that accumulate in the environment and cause health impacts for generations. They are, for example, linked to cancer, lung disease, diabetes, reproductive abnormalities and learning difficulties. Since PFAS do not degrade, these “forever chemicals” are now so widespread that is safe to say that every single human being on the planet have detectable levels of these toxic chemicals in their blood.

A couple of weeks ago, a big proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU was published. The five EU Member States behind the proposal submitted a broad restriction proposal that clearly shows the need for the industry to put all resources into phasing out all PFAS substances.

Many stakeholders are moving away from PFAS

At the same time, determination to get rid of “forever chemicals” is gaining momentum from other stakeholders as well. Over a hundred companies have, for example, come together to support a ban on PFAS.

“At Zound Industries, with our Brands Marshall and Urbanears, we are aware of the widespread use of PFAS in electronics. But we are on a mission to phase out PFAS in the headphones and speakers we design and sell, in order to make them circular. The PFAS Guide from ChemSec will be a valuable resource for any company in the industry”, says Anna Forsgren, Compliance and Sustainability Manager at Zound Industries.

Some of the world’s largest investment firms have also taken a stand. Last year, a group of investors sent out a letter to chemical companies encouraging them to stop the production of persistent chemicals. The success of the letter resulted in a recently launched formal investors initiative to tackle the PFAS crisis. The 50 institutional investors that are members of the initiative have more than US$10 trillion of assets under management or advice.

With upcoming PFAS restrictions in the EU and elsewhere, the new online tool could not have come at a better time. How to phase out PFAS is something all companies — large and small — will need to analyse sooner rather than later.

“The PFAS Guide is a very useful tool. The step-by-step guide makes it easy to identify potential uses of PFAS in products and gives guidance on how to phase it out as well. It’s a great help for companies looking to ensure that their products are PFAS-free”, says Louisa Raith Sørensen, Strategic Project Leader at Coop.

Posted: February 23, 2023

Source: ChemSec – the International Chemical Secretariat

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)

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