PLASTICS Industry Association CEO: Eager To Work With New Administration, Collaboration And Protection Of American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON — January 20, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released the following statement today in response to the inaugural celebration of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance:

“PLASTICS extends our sincere congratulations to President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “As the eighth-largest U.S. manufacturing sector, the plastics industry looks forward to collaborating with the new administration to promote policies that drive innovation, protect American manufacturing, and ensure sustainable solutions for the future. Our industry is committed to being a partner in advancing economic growth while achieving our shared sustainability goals.”

“We are eager to work with the new administration as well as the 119th Congress on bipartisan solutions that strengthen the plastics and broader manufacturing sectors, secure domestic supply chains, and advance circular economy initiatives,” said PLASTICS Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Rager. “Together, we can achieve meaningful progress for the over one million workers employed by the plastics industry across America.”

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 $519 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 eighth 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, NPE: The Plastics Show.

Posted: January 20, 2025

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

MEL Composites And ARESA Shipyards Push The Limits With Turn-Key Materials And Equipment Package For ARESA Black Falcon V2.0

BARCELONA, Spain — January 20, 2025 — MEL Composites — a Spain-based supplier of materials, engineering and technical support for the marine composites sector — is proud to announce its latest collaboration with ARESA Shipyards. Together, ARESA and MEL will build the new V2.0 version of ARESA’s Black Falcon high speed interceptor craft. The new 15.2m vessel will be powered by 4 x 450HP Yamaha engines and will reach speeds of over 65 knots.

MEL Composites has supplied ARESA with a complete materials package that will include precision kitted Aircell PVC cores, glassfiber quadraxial fabrics, vinylester resins, vacuum consumables and even a new vacuum pump for the infusion process.

MEL will also provide full technical assistance for the dry laminate assembly in the mold, the resin infusion strategy and the on-site support for the one-shot infusion of the new hull with integrated bulkheads and stringers.

Established more than 60 years ago, and based in Arenys de Mar near Barcelona, ARESA Shipyard is a leading global shipbuilder. ARESA has a long history building steel, aluminium, and more recently composite craft up to 60 meters in length. They specialize in military, defense and surveillance boats as well as ferries and other commercial craft.

The V2.0 version of the Black Falcon follows on from 10 V1.0 craft built for the Royal Saudi Naval Force, with the new infused composite vessel provides a higher top speed, more options for defense systems and improved comfort for up to 17 people.

MEL Composites are currently supervising the production of the new hull with the first sea trials for potential military clients planned for the end of January 2025.

“ARESA specialize in performance vessels for extremely demanding clients. For the new Black Falcon, we have tailored the composite materials to deliver exceptional performance and durability,” said Eduardo Galofre, CEO at MEL Composites. “The one-shot infusion of the hull and internal structure creates a lightweight, stiff and robust structure that will allow the new V2.0 Black Falcon to perform thousands of hours of trouble free service in the harshest possible conditions.”

Posted: January 20, 2025

Source: MEL Composites

Textile Transformation: India’s Strategic Weave Into The Future

NEW DELHI, India — January 20, 2025 —The global spotlight is on India’s textile industry, which skillfully weaves centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation. As one of the largest textile producers globally, India is poised to solidify its leadership amidst growing demand for sustainability, high-performance fabrics, and competitive supply chains. With the industry projected to grow to $350 billion by 2030 and expected to add 35 million new jobs, India’s textile sector  is at the forefront of shaping a massive economic and employment expansion.

A Dual Economic And Cultural Pillar

India’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the economy, contributes 2.3 percent to the GDP and employs over 45 million people directly, with an additional 55 million indirectly involved across the value chain.

As the second-largest employment generator after agriculture, it plays a vital role in rural upliftment and women’s empowerment. Enhanced by a robust economic framework, cutting-edge technology, international reach, and strong government support, the sector demonstrates vast potential as a global leader.

The diverse range of products — from heritage handwoven fabrics like khadi and silk to mass-produced garments and technical textiles — have solidified the sector’s global reputation and driven economic growth.

This variety aligns with the 5F vision, covering the entire spectrum from farm to fiber, fabric, fashion, and foreign markets, and fosters a well-developed supply chain that extends from production to retail, all while preserving the cultural legacy embedded in India’s handlooms.

Global Competitiveness: Beyond Cost Leadership

India’s ability to produce various textiles at competitive prices continues to attract global brands and retailers. Yet, as fast fashion and consumer preferences evolve rapidly, staying competitive demands more than just cost efficiency. This is why Indian manufacturers are now enhancing their design capabilities, anticipating global trends, and offering versatile products that meet the needs of discerning consumers.

The move into high-value technical textiles, catering to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and agriculture, signifies a crucial shift from traditional outputs. Moreover, recognizing the need to balance fiber reliance, India is reducing its over-dependence on cotton and scaling up synthetic fiber production — a strategic adjustment that has propelled China to a dominant position in global textile exports. This shift is further supported by the launch of the multi-million-dollar National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), aimed at upscaling India’s global leadership in the technical textile space.

Harnessing Government Support

The government has been instrumental in fostering the textile industry’s growth. Key initiatives include:

  • PM MITRA Textile Parks: To create an integrated ecosystem that scales production units for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encouraging investment in MMF fabrics and apparel, alongside technical textiles, to boost innovation and production capacity
  • National Technical Textiles Mission: Driving R&D to elevate India’s position in global markets​​
  • SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector): Designed to upskill the workforce, enhancing the industry’s overall productivity and quality standards through targeted training programs

Sustainability: A Strategic Imperative

As global demand for sustainable sourcing intensifies, Indian manufacturers are leading the way by implementing renewable energy use, ethical labor standards, and waste reduction.

This shift towards sustainable practices not only meets environmental imperatives but also opens strategic avenues for enhancing India’s global reputation. The adoption of solar energy and water-efficient processes is now increasingly becoming standard practice within the industry. Moreover, a national-level task force comprising of key stakeholders is methodically charting a pathway towards sustainable products, solidifying India’s position as a leader in global sustainability efforts.

Bridging The Skill Gap

The industry’s reliance on a vast workforce represents both a strength and a vital opportunity. Traditional skills such as weaving and dyeing continue to be invaluable, while the adoption of automation, CAD, and advanced manufacturing technologies is driving an increasing demand for technical expertise.

Skill development initiatives, especially in rural areas, are essential to building an inclusive and future-ready workforce. Furthermore, tailored training programs targeting women and underrepresented groups enhance gender diversity and inclusivity, fostering a more equitable industry landscape globally.

Driving Global Textile Innovation: India’s Strategic Advancements In The Textile Sector

India’s textile industry stands at the forefront of global innovation, setting new standards in the textile market through strategic growth and technological advancements. The adoption of man-made fibers (MMF) diversifies India’s raw material base and aligns with crucial global trends, enhancing both stability and adaptability in the market.

Significant technological investments have boosted India’s manufacturing capabilities, establishing it as a formidable competitor against key regional players like Bangladesh and Vietnam. These improvements not only enhance operational efficiencies but also elevate the quality of outputs, reinforcing India’s reputation as a reliable partner in the international textile arena.

A commitment to sustainable practices distinguishes India’s textile industry, appealing to a global network of partners and buyers who prioritize environmental responsibility alongside quality and innovation.

The Road Ahead: Charting the Future of Innovation and Collaboration

India’s textile industry is poised for continued leadership on the global stage, with a focus on:

  • Research and Development (R&D): Innovating sustainable, energy-efficient textiles to set global standards.
  • Technological Modernization: Elevating efficiency and precision through advanced automation and digitalization.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Enhancing innovation and skill development through government, industry, and academia collaborations.
  • Sustainability and Circularity: Enhancing resource efficiency, water use efficiency and energy efficiency through investments, technology and capacity building;  setting up a national level teak force for a clear decarbonisation agenda

These initiatives highlight the industry’s proactive strategy to leverage challenges as opportunities for global market leadership.

Bharat Tex 2025: Harnessing Global Opportunities As A Catalyst For Change

Bharat Tex 2025 showcases India’s extensive capabilities within the textile sector. This event offers key stakeholders the opportunity to engage with and experience the cutting-edge innovations India contributes to the global stage, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global textiles. This catalytic initiative in the transformative journey of India’s textile industry, is poised to thrust the sector into a new era of global prominence and innovation.

Scheduled for February 12-17, 2025, this pivotal event, hosted in New Delhi, is set to amplify India’s textile prowess on a global scale.

A Convergence Of Global Leaders And Innovators

Spanning an expansive 2.2 million square feet of exhibition space, Bharat Tex will host more than 5,000 exhibitors and feature more than 20,000 exhibits, attracting 6,000 international buyers and 12,000 domestic business visitors from 110 countries.

Supported by major global and national brands such as Aditya Birla, Reliance Industries, Trident Group, and Welspun, the event underscores the substantial industry support and collaboration. Additional key participants include Mafatlal Industries Ltd., EM Crafts, and Supreme Nonwoven Industries Pvt. Ltd., highlighting the diverse industry involvement.

Dynamic Platforms For Innovation And Dialogue

Bharat Tex 2025 will showcase various specialized pavilions, including:

  • Sustainability Pavilion: Highlighting the industry’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.
  • Start-Up Innovation Pavilion: Showcasing cutting-edge solutions from emerging businesses.
  • Craft Museum – Indi bhaat: A B2C platform that celebrates the intricate tapestry of traditional arts and weaves.

These pavilions are complemented by significant events such as the International Silk Conference, Better Cotton Annual Meet, and the Innovation Hackathon, promoting an environment ripe for networking, collaboration, and growth.

Driving Sustainability: Innovation Meets Responsibility

As the textile industry embraces a pivotal shift towards eco-conscious practices, Bharat Tex 2025 becomes a vital platform for advancing sustainability. Supported by the Ministry of Textiles and organized by 11 Export Promotion Councils, the event showcases collaborative efforts to reduce environmental impact and foster ethical standards.

Key themes include:

  • Eco-Friendly Innovations: From water-efficient dyeing techniques to organic cotton farming, the event emphasizes practices that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and resource consumption.
  • Circular Economy: Discussions and initiatives focus on recycling, upcycling, and closed-loop manufacturing, underscoring a commitment to minimizing textile waste.
  • Ethical Sourcing: Promoting fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains, the event drives awareness around responsible sourcing and consumption.

Major sessions such as Future of Textiles: ESG & Sustainability and Accelerating Circularity in Indian Textiles delve into strategies for sustainable growth, while hands-on masterclasses tackle challenges like waste management and waterless dyeing.

Global leaders including the Better Cotton Initiative, UNEP, Laudes Foundation, and corporates like Aditya Birla Group and Arvind align their expertise to highlight scalable solutions, making sustainability not just a vision but a tangible reality for the textile industry.

Knowledge Sharing And Industry Insights

The event will also host 70 knowledge sessions facilitated by esteemed partners like KPMG, Gherzi, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), offering insights into sustainability, trade, investment, and technological advancements. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with the knowledge to navigate and succeed in the evolving global market landscape.

Engagement With Global And Government Entities

Bharat Tex is also supported by an impressive roster of associate partners, including UN agencies such as UNEP, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNIDO, alongside government entities like the national think tank Niti Aayog and other departments such as industries and commerce. These partnerships enhance the event’s capacity for global dialogue and policy alignment within the textile sector.

Through its comprehensive agenda, Bharat Tex 2025 promises not only to showcase India’s vast capabilities across the textile industry but also to set new benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and global trade relationships. This monumental event is a clarion call to all stakeholders in the textile ecosystem to engage, innovate, and contribute to a future that is both sustainable and prosperous.

Lead the Change in the World of Textile at Bharat Tex 2025 — Register Now at www.bharat-tex.com

Posted: January 20, 2025

Source: Bharat Tex 2025

Leigh Fibers Restructures To Further Integrate ReVive Fiber (Formerly Martex Fiber) And Leigh Fibers

WELLFORD, S.C. — January 16, 2025 — Leigh Fibers announced today the completion of a restructuring plan aimed at further integrating the businesses of ReVive Fiber — formerly Martex Fiber —and Leigh Fibers. The plan includes the consolidation of its operational footprint, a renewed focus on its core competencies, and the streamlining of its internal structure to position the company for profitable, long-term growth.

Key Highlights of the Restructuring

Consolidation of Operational Footprint: Leigh Fibers facility in Wellford, S.C., will be consolidated into ReVive Fiber’s facility, in Spartanburg, S.C.. Leigh will maintain a small presence in Wellford into 2026. All office staff will be relocated to ReVive’s offices in Spartanburg. The Brownsville, Texas, facility will continue to operate as is. No production capabilities will be lost, and customers will continue to be serviced as they are today.

Renewed Focus on Core Competencies: As part of this restructuring, Leigh Fiber’s nonwovens line has been idled and moving forward the company’s focus will be on its engineered fiber business, it’s global trading business, and its continued leadership in the second life and sustainability efforts being put in to diverting post-consumer textile waste from landfill. In addition, the company plans to return to its roots of being present in the market and providing solutions and support to its customers and industry associations.

Streamlining of Internal Structure: The two companies have successfully assimilated their teams and expertise, eliminating inefficiencies and creating a nimble structure that is capable of quickly responding to market needs.

John Peoples, president of both Leigh Fibers and ReVive Fibers, stated: “Since buying ReVive Fiber 11 months ago, the leadership team has been deliberate about taking the time to understand what the next chapter needed to look like for both of these companies. Between Leigh’s 100 years in business and ReVive’s 50, we wanted to make sure we maintained the best of both and rekindled the spirit and culture that made these companies great. By making these moves, we’ve put ourselves in a position to quickly restore profitability to the business and be able to make the investments necessary to support the needs of the market. Our experience, expertise, and capabilities are unmatched by anyone in the industry and with the appropriate focus, I have no doubt we will be successful for years to come.”

Leigh Fibers Snapshot

Established in 1922, Leigh Fibers is the largest textile recycler in North America and has been innovating in the field of textile recycling for over a century. From complex waste management services to engineered fiber solutions, we service customers all over the world and have diverted billions of pounds of textile waste from landfill.

Posted: January 17, 2025

Source: Leigh Fibers, LLC

Suedwolle Group Launches Innovation Hub Story In Cooperation With Lenzing And Culp

NUREMBERG, Germany — January 17, 2025 — Suedwolle Group recently collaborated  with LENZING AG and Culp Home Fashions to develop a new range of home textile fabrics combining wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers designed to improve sleep comfort and offer a fresh perspective on textile design.

The collaboration’s design approach integrates modern minimalism with vintage-inspired patchwork. The pattern features angular shapes and a neutral color palette that balances warm and cool tones, complementing the softness of TENCEL™ Lyocell and moving beyond the standard greys and blues commonly seen in the mattress market.

The blend of wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell offers practical benefits for home textiles. Wool’s temperature-regulating properties help maintain a comfortable sleeping environment by preventing overheating, while its moisture-wicking and breathable qualities contribute to a dry and comfortable sleep experience. TENCEL Lyocell enhances the fabric by adding softness and effective moisture control, which supports a balanced microclimate. Its properties also reduce the conditions that encourage odor-causing bacteria, creating a more hygienic sleep environment.

This collaboration also explored new ways to merge functionality and visual appeal. The result is a design that connects elements of modern and vintage styles, creating a fabric that is both practical and adaptable. The yarns used in the new fabrics were carefully selected to maximize performance and comfort. Suedwolle Group’s Oakport Nm 36/1 yarn which consists of 50 percent Merino wool 19.3µ TEC and 50 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell 3.3 dtex fibers brings its own strengths to the textile, enhancing softness, durability, and usability in home textile applications.

The cooperative effort also identified opportunities for further innovation, such as introducing a core color palette and premium options for broader design applications. Tommy Bruno, president of Culp Home Fashions, commented, “Collaborating with industry-leading fiber and yarn suppliers on this project has helped create an innovative and foundational fabric that will contribute to future product development.”

Suedwolle Group is committed to exploring new possibilities in textile design and fiber technology to meet customer needs.

Posted: January 17, 2025

Source: Suedwolle Group

NCTO Calls Customs’ Proposed Rule Limiting De Minimis Shipments A Step Forward; Urges Incoming Trump Administration To Take Comprehensive Action To End Abuse Of The Loophole

WASHINGTON — January 17, 2025 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement commending U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at curtailing de minimis shipments that are harming the U.S. manufacturing base and U.S. consumers.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We welcome CBP’s announced notice of proposed rulemaking exempting de minimis tariff-free benefits on imports ‘specified as trade and national security actions.’ This rulemaking represents a step forward in minimizing the impact of this disastrous loophole in U.S. trade law that has facilitated a surge of duty-free imports that are normally subject to penalty tariffs under various U.S. trade remedy statutes. Failure to collect these duties has exacerbated the flow of goods found to be in violation of U.S. trade laws that are costing American jobs and damaging our manufacturing sector.

“With this rulemaking, CBP and the administration seek to eliminate de minimis treatment for all imported products subject to U.S. trade remedies and penalties, including the current Section 301 tariffs on China. This is an important and much overdue reform.”

CBP states that the number of shipments over the past 10 years entering the United States claiming the de minimis administrative exemption has increased by more than 600%–from approximately 139 million a year in Fiscal Year 2015, to over one billion a year in FY 2023. During FY 2024, de minimis shipments rose once again to over 1.36 billion, according to CBP. The agency notes that the exponential increase ‘has created challenges for CBP’s effective enforcement of U.S. trade laws, health and safety requirements, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection rules.’

“We have long called on the administration to use its existing authorities to mitigate the damage to our industry created by de minimis, which has functioned as a massive tariff loophole for low-cost, subsidized, and unethical Chinese imports and undermined the competitiveness of the U.S. textile industry—a key contributor to the workforce and the U.S. economy.

“The U.S. textile industry, a strategic supplier of goods to the U.S. military and PPE, is experiencing severe demand destruction fueled by 4 million de minimis shipments a day flooding our market with cheap, often illegal imports because of this outdated trade provision that rewards Chinese e-commerce platforms, importers and tariff cheaters with an open door to the U.S. market.

“The administration’s decision to initiate the rulemaking process in its final days is a significant and meaningful action for our domestic industry and that of other manufacturing sectors. We urge CBP to expedite the rulemaking process to the fullest extent possible and appreciate the agency’s strong engagement with our industry.

“Further, we strongly urge the incoming Trump administration to not only endorse this proposed rulemaking but to expeditiously implement a comprehensive solution to the growing de minimis problem beyond the action announced today. Noting the magnitude of the problem, and the inability of CBP to effectively enforce our trade laws with the flood of de minimis packages coming in daily, we are calling on  President-elect Donald Trump to take immediate steps to end de minimis by executive order. We are also pressing Congress to work together with the new administration on a permanent and comprehensive solution to immediately close this disastrous loophole once and for all.

“We are strongly committed to working with CBP on the rulemaking process as well as the Trump administration and both sides of the aisle in Congress to get this done immediately to help provide relief to this most impacted industry and others. “

Posted: January 17, 2025

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Marquee Brands Announces Partnership With Revman On Martha Stewart Bedding And Bath Collections

NEW YORK CITY — January 16, 2025 — Marquee Brands, the global brand accelerator and owner of the Martha Stewart brand, today announced a partnership with Revman on the Martha Stewart family of bedding and bath essentials brands, inspired by Martha Stewart’s signature style and elevated design. Set to debut in Fall 2025, the lines reflect Martha’s exquisite taste incorporating a curated solid color palette, complementary textile prints, rich textures and detailed craftsmanship. Designed with an emphasis on quality, functionality and timeless beauty, the assortment blends elegance with approachable style.

“I am delighted to partner with Revman on these attractive new bedding and bath collections,” Stewart said. “The designs are reflective of my high standards of quality and function, and they also incorporate new and universal designs.”

The collections consist of a full array of bedding and accessories including sheet sets, comforters, duvets, quilts, blankets, throws, decorative pillows, towels and rugs available across the Martha Stewart, Everyday by Martha Stewart and Martha by Martha Stewart brands. Each piece embodies Stewart’s vision of elevated design.

“As partners in the Martha Stewart brand and its legacy of quality and timeless offerings, we sought to enhance our home essentials through thoughtfully designed bedding and bath collections that reflect Martha’s signature approach to style, functionality and craftsmanship,” said Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands. “We are pleased to partner with Revman, an industry leader with a shared commitment to product excellence, to bring these curated collections to market.”

“Martha Stewart is the ultimate lifestyle influencer and the authority on color and home décor trends that reflect warmth and coziness with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and superb taste. Our team is very excited to be collaborating with Martha and the Marquee Brands team on a comprehensive line of home products that offer form, function and value,” said Rich Roman, President and CEO of Revman. “We could not be more pleased to have the essential Martha Stewart brand as part of Revman’s portfolio and are proud to showcase the collection in our new showroom located in the Empire State Building.”

Posted: January 16, 2025

Source: Marquee Brands

Introducing Lee® X: An Innovative Platform That Redefines Men’s Apparel

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 16, 2025 — Today, Lee, the iconic American brand known for timeless style and innovative fit solutions, launches Lee X, an exciting product platform that incorporates the latest in fabric technology and modern design.

The new Lee X platform incorporates the latest fabric and design innovations into performance-based modern styles. Photo — ©Lee

The Lee X platform expands upon the brand’s best-selling Extreme Motion line, which introduced stretch fabric and flex waistbands to men’s denim nine years ago. Lee X hallmarks those features and incorporates new ones designed for comfort and performance. Key features include an updated gusset for movement, premium fabrics with TruTemp™365® technology and moisture-wicking, and being responsibly crafted with sustainable details like a patch made from recycled apple skins.

“We’ve been working tirelessly developing Lee X to bring game-changing innovation to our consumers, so I’m excited to see these products in market,” said Jimmy Shafer, global vice president for Lee. “The jeans are built on a foundation of performance fabrics, but engineered to retain that true denim feel. And the casual pants are incredibly versatile; you’ll want to wear them everywhere. I’m confident that Lee X is creating a new value equation in the market and that these styles will become new favorites of our current loyalists while attracting new consumers to the brand.”

Lee X is available in three different collections and complementing tops:

  • Lee X Move: Designed to Move
    Lee X Move delivers the ultimate fit and feel for all day wear in both denim and non-denim options. Jeans are crafted with premium easy-care fabric that stretches yet retains its shape and the classic denim feel. TruTemp365® technology helps keep you comfortable in denim. Available in relaxed, regular and slim fits and multiple washes. The non-denim pant is crafted from a performance synthetic fabric with moisture wicking that’s ideal for an active lifestyle.
  • Lee X Soft Denim: Designed for Comfort
    Made with a blend of premium cotton, stretch fibers and Tencel™, the Men’s Lee X Soft Jean offers exceptional softness yet remains durable. Available in regular and slim fits, this jean will get softer with every wash yet is built to last.
  • Lee X Lite Non-Denim: Designed to Breathe
    This synthetic pant is designed to keep you cool no matter how your day heats up. Made from lightweight, breathable stretch fabric, Lee X Lite provides maximum comfort. Available in a regular fit with a tapered leg. Available Spring 2025.
  • Lee X Shirts
    These tailored shirts are made to pair with the Lee X bottoms. Each features a cotton blend fabric with water-repellent technology and stretch, perfect for both work and play.

Find Lee X Move and Lee X Soft now on Lee.com

Posted: January 16, 2025

Source: Lee®, a Kontoor Brands

Konica Minolta Introduces The CM-3700A Plus: A New Standard In Color Measurement

NIEUWEGEIN, the Netherlands — January 15, 2025 — Konica Minolta has launched the CM-3700A Plus, its latest flagship spectrophotometer, designed to meet the highest demands for precision and reliability in color measurement. This advanced model builds on the success of the globally recognized CM-3700A and is tailored for industries requiring rigorous color management, including automotive, electronics, cosmetics, paints, plastics, and textiles.

The CM-3700A Plus introduces significant innovations to ensure world-class performance:

CM-3700A Plus Benchtop Spectrophotometer
  1. Unmatched Accuracy: The device delivers exceptional measurement precision, particularly for challenging applications such as black color measurement. It achieves an inter-instrument agreement of ΔE*ab 0.08 or less, making it ideal for use across multiple instruments or locations in supply chains. This ensures consistent and reliable color data, even in complex workflows.
  2. Advanced Functionality: The new built-in camera viewfinder simplifies sample positioning, allowing users to save images alongside measurement data for improved traceability. The addition of a sample thermometer enables simultaneous color and temperature measurement, enhancing the accuracy of quality control processes.
  3. Improved Efficiency: The CM-3700A Plus supports simultaneous SCI (Specular Component Included) and SCE (Specular Component Excluded) measurements, halving the measurement time compared to its predecessor. Equipped with environmental sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, the device ensures highly consistent and dependable results.
  4. User-Friendly Design: With a spacious transmittance chamber for easier sample handling, accessory storage, and robust stainless steel construction, the CM-3700A Plus is both practical and durable. It is designed to maintain accuracy and reliability over long-term use, even under fluctuating environmental conditions.

Manufactured in Japan under rigorous quality standards, the CM-3700A Plus features Wavelength Analysis & Adjustment (WAA) technology, which compensates for external factors like ambient temperature changes. This innovation ensures stable, long-term performance, between yearly service.

For enhanced data management, the CM-3700A Plus is fully compatible with Konica Minolta’s SpectraMagic™ NX2 software. This tool offers extensive capabilities for color data classification, communication within supply chains, and advanced reporting. A premium license includes features like daily instrument monitoring to ensure peak operational performance.

By combining innovation with a commitment to customer value, Konica Minolta continues to lead the global color measurement market. The CM-3700A Plus reaffirms the company’s dedication to supporting industries where color precision is essential for quality and productivity.

Posted: January 16, 2025

Source: Konica Minolta Sensing Europe B.V.

Myant Accelerates Precision Healthcare With Acquisition Of Bitnobi Inc.

TORONTO — January 16, 2025 — Myant, a global supplier of advanced materials and connected health solutions, proudly announces the acquisition of Toronto-based technology innovator, Bitnobi Inc. Spun out of York University with the support of Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP), Bitnobi specializes in privacy-protected data-sharing software. Their groundbreaking platform facilitates secure collaboration between data owners and consumers without compromising raw data — a critical capability in today’s healthcare landscape.

This marks Myant’s fourth strategic acquisition in just six months, each one bolstering its platform with new technologies, capabilities, and markets. Together, these moves are driving Myant closer to its bold mission: empowering people to live younger for longer through proactive, personalized, and precision healthcare solutions.

The acquisition of Bitnobi fills a critical gap in the third pillar of Myant’s strategy: safe and secure data sharing. By integrating Bitnobi’s patented platform, Myant advances its ability to create a “digital human replica,” an innovative approach to personalizing healthcare through insights generated from its smart material solution

“Myant is building the equivalent of a fiber-optic connection to the human body which enables a true digital replica,” said Tony Chahine, Myant’s founder and CEO. “We aim to connect the human operating system — its rhythms, signals, and unique needs — use advanced materials, AI, and sensing to deliver proactive and preventative care. This acquisition strengthens our ability to provide precise and personalized support that goes beyond reactive healthcare.”

Expanding the Boundaries of Data Sharing and Collaboration

Through this acquisition, Myant enhances its capacity to share and utilize healthcare data responsibly and effectively. The company will not only be able to share its proprietary data with researchers and clinicians but also securely access third-party data while respecting governance protocols.

The partnership will also drive new data-sharing collaborations across Canada and internationally, unlocking valuable health insights and fostering innovation. “Bitnobi enables us to create seamless, secure pathways for data sharing that respect privacy while opening new doors for healthcare innovation,” Chahine added.

A Proven Platform for the Future of Precision Healthcare

Since its founding in 2016, Bitnobi has supported significant initiatives, including Canada’s Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP). By enabling secure management of digital health data, Bitnobi is accelerating precision medicine for cancer and other diseases. Now, as part of Myant, Bitnobi’s expertise in big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity will amplify innovation across Myant’s textile computing, smart materials, and data integration efforts.

Hassan Jaferi, CEO of Bitnobi, emphasized the alignment of the two companies’ missions: “Myant has created a global innovation hub in Toronto, where over 200 scientists, engineers, and researchers are driving breakthroughs in connected health. Joining forces will amplify our collective impact, ensuring that innovation in Canada’s technology and healthcare sectors continues to thrive.”

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

This acquisition underscores Myant’s commitment to proactive, precision healthcare. By integrating advanced materials, intelligent interfaces, and secure data sharing, Myant is not only redefining health and aging but also positioning itself as a global leader in innovation.

Together, Myant and Bitnobi are shaping a future where healthcare is proactive, personalized, precise and preventative—empowering individuals to live healthier, longer, and more independent lives.

Posted: January 16, 2025

Source: Myant Corp.

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