DMIx Ecosystem Now Offers The Latest Trend Information For Color And Material Development

COLOGNE, Germany — January 11, 2023 — ColorDigital GmbH, with its interactive collaboration platform DMIx, is excited to announce the introduction of DMIx eXcite, an inspirational multimedia material and color trend-hub within the DMIx platform. DMIx eXcite offers interactive moodboards showcasing early upcoming trends with direct access to various assets which can be used as a reference across the entire DMIx environment and dedicated industry applications.

DMIx eXcite rolls-out with pioneering summer 2024 color trend moodboards, identified in close collaboration with fashion experts of the DMI Fashion Institute’s global network and an international textile industry advisory board.

DMI is one of leading trend agencies in the market. As part of a network of trend agencies from all around the world, DMI’s trend forecasts are based on in-depth expertise and big data analysis, supplying all sectors of the fashion industry with reliable trend information.

“eXcite fuels the creative work with DMIx-exclusive trend information and inspiration,” said Carl Tillesen, COO and Trend Analyst at DMI Fashion Institute. “The content on eXcite is generated by DMI using the DMIx digital MoodBoard module.”

With the first roll out, DMIx eXcite offers an additional source of color trend information for brands, suppliers, designers and colorists — directly usable on the DMIx platform. Any colors that are presented on the eXcite trendboard can be transferred to the DMIx users’ individual MoodBoards and collections plus it is possible to source existing fabrics in that trend color within the DMIx environment. The digital trend colors can be used to creating new digital materials too.

“We are excited to provide a new and vibrant source of information, directly connected to the digital product development workflows of our users. A team of highly skilled international experts will provide inspirational scenarios around color and material development at a very early point ahead of each season. With eXcite, we are following our passion around color, material and trims for virtual and industrial applications” says Gerd Willschütz, CEO and Co-Founder of ColorDigital GmbH.

eXcite will be available free of charge to all existing DMIx users from January 11, 2023.

Posted: January 11, 2023

Source: ColorDigital GmbH

HeiQ And BekaertDeslee Sign An Exclusive Supply Agreement For HeiQ Allergen* Tech

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — January 11, 2023 — HeiQ Allergen* Tech will power a new and improved generation of Purotex, a BekaertDeslee product, through its exclusive application to mattress ticking aiming to provide end-users with a good night’s sleep.

HeiQ Materials AG is pleased to announce that it has signed an Exclusive Supply Agreement with BekaertDeslee — a specialist in the development and manufacturing of mattress textiles, mattress covers, and on-trend sleep solutions — for the supply of HeiQ’s recently launched HeiQ Allergen Tech.

Under this agreement, BekaertDeslee will have exclusive worldwide rights to apply HeiQ Allergen Tech to mattress ticking, which is used to cover mattresses. HeiQ Allergen Tech, which was launched in October 2022, is a 100-percemt biobased, naturally derived technology that reduces exposure to inanimate allergens such as house dust mite matter, and pet allergens with the help of active probiotics.

It has been granted the Allergy UK Seal of Approval by The British Allergy Foundation following a review and assessment of the technology. Additionally, an independent certification has shown that HeiQ Allergen Tech successfully reduces 83.6 percent of cat (hair) allergen, 76.5 percent of dog (hair) allergen, and 96.6 percent of house dust mite matter allergen.

HeiQ Group Co-Founder and CEO Carlo Centonze said: “We are delighted to secure this contract with a world-class partner just weeks after launching HeiQ Allergen Tech, once again demonstrating our ability to develop and rapidly commercialize new technology for which there is strong global demand. Mattresses represent just one of many fields in the multi-billion home textiles market where HeiQ Allergen Tech can be applied, and we are building our pipeline of opportunities in areas such as carpet, furniture, and bed linens. Hygiene remains a core function for HeiQ and this latest product helps to solidify our position as a leading provider of nature-based hygiene solutions. With more than 90 percent of bedrooms in the US having three or more detectable allergens, this partnership with BekaertDeslee enables us to improve the lives of people significantly, which is central to our purpose.”

Frédéric Beucher, CEO of BekaertDeslee, said: “Being the world’s leading specialist in the development and manufacturing of mattress textiles gives BekaertDeslee a special responsibility when it comes to providing the market with innovative solutions that address real-world problems. This new technology will contribute to our efforts in introducing sustainable products that provide better conditions for a good night’s sleep. We will commercialize this exclusive technology under our well-known Purotex brand, by naming the new generation of our products Purotex+ powered by HeiQ Allergen Tech.”

* Inanimate allergens such as house dust mite matter & pet allergens.

Posted: January 11, 2023

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

Suominen Initiates Consultation Procedure Concerning A Plan To Permanently Close Manufacturing At Its Mozzate Plant In Italy

HELSINKI — January 10, 2023 — Suominen will start consultation with local trade unions regarding a plan to permanently close manufacturing at its Mozzate plant. According to the plan, the production would end during the second quarter of 2023. The consultation will be conducted in accordance with the Italian legislation and applicable National Collective Agreement and is aimed to be completed within 90 days. The Mozzate site currently employs 92 people, working both in production and in office roles.

“Since the normalization of the COVID-induced demand surge, the competition in the European wipes nonwovens market has increased significantly driven mainly by imports from Turkey and China. This is the case especially in the traditional blended fiber products. At the same time energy costs in Italy have increased to record high levels. These two factors combined have created huge challenges for the cost competitiveness of our plant in Mozzate,” says Klaus Korhonen, interim President & CEO.

The wipes nonwovens market is rapidly transitioning towards more sustainable alternatives. In line with its strategy, Suominen has set targets to increase the sales of sustainable products and to continuously innovate new environmentally friendly nonwovens.

“The demand for traditional blended fiber products in Europe is declining. Manufacturing sustainable nonwovens competitively requires production assets and processes optimized specifically for these products. Our lines at the Mozzate plant are not best suited for sustainable fibers, and this combined with high operating costs means that the plant is not competitive and its competitiveness is not expected to improve materially going forward. We are constantly evaluating the performance and profitability of our assets, and in the current situation we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that we need to consider closing the production at Mozzate to improve the competitiveness of our European business,” Klaus Korhonen concludes.

The expected financial impacts of the potential closure are approx. EUR 9 million in one-time cash costs in 2023-24 consisting mainly of severance costs, dismantling the production lines and restoration of leased buildings. One-time net non-cash costs are expected to be approx. 3 million euros of which approximately 4.5 million euros will be posted in Q4/2022 and approximately -1.5 million euros in 2023-24 corresponding to releases of certain provisions. If implemented, the plan is expected to yield a positive EBITDA impact of approximately 3 million euros on an annualized basis.

Posted January 10, 2023

Source: Suominen

Sustainable Commitment Of hubergroup Deutschland Awarded With EcoVadis Silver Medal

KIRCHEIM, Germany — January 10, 2023 — The printing ink specialist hubergroup Deutschland is committed to sustainability and has been awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis, the largest independent provider of sustainability ratings. hubergroup is among the top 20 percent of the more than 100,000 companies rated by EcoVadis so far. As part of the assessment, EcoVadis examines the sustainability management of companies in the areas of environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Since 2007, the global organisation EcoVadis has been evaluating the efforts of companies to operate sustainably and to comply with high social standards. hubergroup Deutschland is among the top 20 percent of all companies evaluated in the rating, thus demonstrating its holistic approach to sustainability. For example, hubergroup attaches great importance to conserving resources and producing ecological printing inks. The principle of the circular economy, in which waste is avoided and materials are reused instead to protect the environment, plays a central role. In close cooperation with organisations such as Cradle to Cradle, CEFLEX, INGEDE or EPEA, the printing ink specialist works on optimising the sustainability of its products and processes every day.

As early as the 1990s, hubergroup was the first production site in Germany to introduce the ISO 9001 quality management system. This was followed by the environmental, occupational health and safety, energy, and HACCP management systems. In addition, hubergroup is a member of the Responsible Care initiative and, by signing the Responsible Care Global Charter, has committed itself to voluntarily doing more than is required by laws and regulations.

Taking a holistic view of sustainability

“Our result in the EcoVadis rating shows that we take the issue of sustainability seriously. Our guiding principle is: we take a holistic view of sustainability and continuously drive the circular economy forward. We therefore take many large and small steps to make our actions and our products more ecological,” explains Carsten Zölzer, managing director at hubergroup Deutschland. “We are pleased that we are among the top 25 percent of the participating companies in all areas assessed by EcoVadis. But we also see the result as a guide for further improvement — because we want to continue to drive sustainable business.”

In 2022, for example, hubergroup launched an oxygen barrier coating that enables mono-material packaging for oxygen-sensitive foods. The company offers printing inks with full Cradle to Cradle certification for water- and solvent-based flexo and gravure printing as well as for offset printing. This makes hubergroup one of the manufacturers with the broadest portfolio of sustainable printing inks.

Posted January 10, 2023

Soure: hubergroup

Technical Packaging Textiles With 35-Percent Fewer Carbon Dioxide Emissions

WEINHEIM, Germany — January 10, 2023 — By using a high share of recycled content in its Evolon® materials, Freudenberg Performance Materials offers technical packaging textiles with a carbon footprint decreased by 35 percent. An independent LCA study showed additional benefits such as energy resource savings and lower water use. Furthermore, Evolon fabrics provide sustainability benefits over the packaging entire life cycle thanks to high end performance and durability.

By replacing virgin PET with recycled PET, the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of Evolon packaging textile materials decreased by 35. This is the result of a study by an independent LCA and eco-design consultancy firm, which made a Cradle-to-Gate assessment of several Evolon® products using virgin PET or recycled PET. The study was finalized in 2022 and conducted according to the principles of ISO 14040/ ISO 14044 standards, following the recommendations of the Product Environmental Footprint and the Circular Footprint Formula.

The study highlighted additional significant benefits on other criteria such as lower water use, reduced emissions into water, lower ozone formation, as well as important savings of minerals, metals and energy carrier resources. Last but not least, Freudenberg has identified the highest priority areas of work to decrease the material’s CO2 emissions further on.

Sustainability over the entire packaging life cycle

Evolon microfilament textiles have a small carbon footprint because their manufacturing process uses low CO2 energy sources. The fabrics are lightweight and can be reused throughout entire production programs, e.g. of a car model when it is about the automotive industry. Furthermore, the new Evolon RE fabrics contain up to 85 percent recycled PET which is produced in-house out of post-consumer PET bottles.

Evolon textiles are suitable for reusable technical packaging, which eliminate the use of thousands of disposable packaging materials. Evolon fabrics offer scratch-free, lint-free, high-end surface protection for molded plastic parts, painted parts and other sensitive industrial and automotive parts during transport. This contributes to lower the scrap rate of parts and provide both financial and ecological benefits. By using Evolon reusable packaging to transport highly-sensitive parts, customers can increase their efficiency and save resources.

Posted January 10, 2022

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Oeko-Tex 100 Certification Secured By Technical Absorbents

GRIMSBY, England — January 10, 2022 — Over the past 12-months, the washable superabsorbent fabrics manufactured by Technical Absorbents Ltd. (TAL) have become increasingly popular within the reusable hygiene market. During that time, not only has TAL received a huge amount interest from companies looking to create new, or improve their current range of, period and incontinence products, it has achieved Oeko-Tex certification for its washable fabric technology offering.

TAL has been developing its washable superabsorbent fabric product offering for some time — with further innovative grades in the final stages of validation for launch later this year. The fabrics, a blend of its own Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) and other components — have been engineered for use as the absorbent core in reusable hygiene garments. Once integrated within the final product, they provide elevated levels of absorption and retention so that the wearer can go about their daily life with confidence.

“With the reusable period and incontinence sector experiencing significant growth, next step for our superabsorbent washable fabrics was to strive for Oeko-Tex Certification,” explained TAL Product Development Director John Rose.

“This has now been achieved for the main fabric we currently sell into this sector, and we are delighted to be able to use the Oeko-Tex 100 mark on this grade moving forward. The fabric was tested under Product Class 1 — this class includes products for babies and has the strictest requirements and limit values.

“All of our washable fabrics contain the same individual components and so we can now assure our customers that they shouldn’t encounter any issues should they need to get their final products tested. All individual components were evaluated to the Oeko-Tex 100 certification.”

Later this year, TAL will bring to market its next generation of washable grades. If you would like to be one of the first to receive more details and a free sample, email washable@exploreSAF.com and register your interest.

Posted January 10, 2022

Source: Technical Absorbents Ltd.

Marks & Spencer Pilots Zyler Virtual Try-On Technology

LONDON — January 10, 2023 — Department store Marks & Spencer and technology company Zyler recently partnered to deliver an in-store virtual try-on experience. M&S brought the technology to its Oxford Circus and Harrogate branches, where the feature was trialed with clothing brand Jaeger.

The introduction of this technology provides a personalized shopping journey where customers become the model. Shoppers add a head and shoulders photo and basic measurements to see themselves digitally in the Jaeger collection. Sales assistants guide customers through the process and give style advice.

CEO of Zyler, Alexander Berend, describes the partnership as “a wonderful opportunity to get customers excited about shopping in-store. Shoppers could see themselves in the entire Jaeger range, including items not in stock at that location, to find the best items for them.” He added, “We are delighted to be working with such an iconic brand as Marks & Spencer to improve the shopping experience.”

Posted January 10, 2022

Source: Marks & Spencer

 

Modern Meadow/SINGTEX Co-Development Partnership to Bring Groundbreaking Sustainable Materials Development At Scale To Mainstream Outdoor Apparel Market

NUTLEY, N.J., January 10, 2023 — Modern Meadow, a purpose-driven biotechnology company, today announced a groundbreaking co-development partnership with SINGTEX, a global supplier of eco-friendly, functional textiles to brands. The two companies will develop new and innovative biomaterials across a range of applications starting with a sustainably produced, high-performance, waterproof membrane-based material for outdoor apparel.
Powered with Bio-Alloy™, Modern Meadow’s proprietary protein-based technology, and SINGTEX’s know-how as a prominent global manufacturer of eco-friendly and functional textiles, the partnership will address the unmet needs of the outdoor apparel industry, marrying performance with sustainability through a variety of product innovations, starting with this new material. Free of solvents, like dimethylformamide (DMF), and free of per- or poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), the bio-derived membrane-based material is engineered to bring the outdoor industry a sustainable solution at scale that protects human health and the environment while delivering superior product performance through waterproofing, breathability, abrasion and durability.

“As the consumer demand for products that are environmentally friendly accelerates, this partnership is essential to deliver high-performing sustainable materials at scale to market, creating real-world impact,” said Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, CEO of Modern Meadow. “Modern Meadow and SINGTEX will engineer each aspect of the product to enable outdoor apparel and gear manufacturers to replace the use of harmful chemicals, petrochemical, and animal byproducts with ethical and environmentally friendly inputs, meet more stringent consumer demands and achieve sustainability goals.”

“This is only the start of SINGTEX’s journey of collaborative innovation with Modern Meadow,” said SINGTEX Group Chairman Jason Chen. “It’s a pleasure to start working with Modern Meadow and play to each of our unique strengths to deliver true impact in this space. Together, we are excited to work towards unveiling our new environmentally sustainable biobased product that is ready to ring in the next generation of sustainable, high-performance textiles.”

Modern Meadow’s Bio-Alloy is a proprietary technology application platform that delivers unique performance and sustainability to materials. The Bio-Alloy technology brings a special set of mechanical and thermal properties to materials for a range of applications. Modern Meadow’s technologies drop into existing infrastructures for immediate scalable adoption in textiles, beauty and other industries, a rarity in the sustainable biotechnology space. Modern Meadow, known for its innovative contribution to the BioFabbrica Bio-Tex™ material that has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90 percent compared to traditional leather, will expand their commercial offerings to material families beyond alternative leather for greater impact.

Posted January 10, 2023

Source: Modern Meadow/Singtex

 

Stein Fibers Acquires Fibertex’s North American Fiber Operations

ALBANY, N.Y. — January 3, 2023 — Stein Fibers LLC, a distributor of textile products, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fibertex Corp.’s North American fiber operations. The combination of Fibertex and Stein Fibers will expand the fiber product portfolio in North America and allow each company to better serve its customers.

Ernest Elias, president of Fibertex, stated: “I am excited to partner with Stein Fibers organization which shares the same core values and believe the combination will provide an opportunity to grow our relationships with both customers and suppliers.”

Jaren Edwards, president of Stein Fibers, commented: “It is a privilege to partner with such a well-respected industry expert in Ernest who takes so much pride in customer service and business integrity.”

Robert Taylor, COO of Stein Fibers, added, “We are truly excited to work with Ernest as Fibertex and Stein Fibers have similar histories rooted in a deep family commitment to the textile industry that has stretched generations. We look forward to continuing to be the premier textile partner for our customers and suppliers.”

Posted January 10, 2023

Source: Stein Fibers

Fabric And Textile Company Apex Mills To Acquire Hanesbrands Inc. Facility In Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — January 6, 2023 — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Apex Mills, a specialty supplier and manufacturer of warp knit fabrics geared towards industrial and technical applications, will invest $3.1 million to expand its East Coast presence by acquiring the former HanesBrands facility and its equipment in Patrick County. The company will fulfill contracts for the Hanes basic apparel brand and maximize the full capacity of the facility. Virginia successfully competed with Pennsylvania for the project, which will retain 96 jobs and create 44 new jobs.

“We want made in America to mean made in Virginia and we are proud that this American-made textile company will expand its U.S. footprint by establishing an East Coast facility in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Specialty textile manufacturing has long been a core component of the economy in many regions across the Commonwealth, and we thank Apex Mills for keeping the HanesBrands facility in operation, retaining nearly 100 jobs and creating an additional 44 jobs for hardworking Virginians.”

“We look forward to Apex Mills building on the HanesBrands company legacy, supported by Patrick County’s skilled workforce that has a long and successful history in the textile industry,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “As U.S. manufacturing continues its resurgence, leading companies select Virginia for its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust talent, and we are thrilled to add Apex Mills to our roster.”

“The Apex Mills family of companies has been manufacturing Made in the USA textiles for 80 years, and as part of our dedication to support and grow the domestic textile industry we are continually seeking facilities and communities committed to this same goal,” said Jonathan Kurz, Apex Mills President and Chief Executive Officer. “When we became aware of the imminent closing of the HanesBrands Woolwine operation and learned more about the rich tradition of textile manufacturing in Patrick County we ultimately made the decision that this was where we wanted to locate our next fabric formation facility. The skilled workforce in the Woolwine, Stuart, and surrounding communities, as well as the support we have received from the county and the state, have made this opportunity one which we are proud to be a part of.”

“Patrick County is proud to be the place that Apex Mills has chosen to expand its business operations,” said Sean Adkins, Patrick County Director of Economic Development. “Our community has a long history of being home to many industries, especially textile companies, and the hardworking individuals that live and work for them in our resilient county. This announcement proves that a successful company sees Patrick County as a place it can expand into, while also incorporating revolutionary technologies run by our citizens. We’re grateful for the retained jobs, and also for the creation of 44 new, high-paying ones in the coming years.”

“Southside Virginia has always been recognized as a mecca for new companies to invest and prosper,” said Senator William M. Stanley. “The diverse skillsets and work commitment of our workforce remains key to the success of our existing employers and for new and expanding businesses throughout the region. We welcome Apex Mills to Patrick County and look forward to it becoming an integral part of our communities.”

“I am thrilled that Apex Mills is bringing new manufacturing jobs and millions in new investments to our district,” said Delegate Wren M. Williams. “This is a huge win for Patrick County. I will keep working to re-shore our industries and revitalize our home in Southwest Virginia.”

A U.S.-based company founded in 1943, Apex Mills expedites innovative solutions while responding to customers’ growing and newly arising opportunities. With performance-based solid knit, mesh/netting, and 3D spacer textile solutions, the company is a respected brand trusted by Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, such as NASA, to provide quality products that meet the needs of its customers. The company maintains high standards by delivering American-made, durable products.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Patrick County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Patrick County with the project. Apex Mills is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Posted: January 10, 2023

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Sponsors