ShinWon Corp. Champions Women’s Empowerment In The Workplace With 75 Percent Female Managerial Representation

SEOUL, South Korea — March 7, 2025 — ShinWon Corp., a global apparel manufacturer, in promoting women’s career growth and leadership opportunities, is receiving heightened recognition on this year’s International Women’s Day for its ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive workplace.

With a steadfast belief that “Human resources are a company’s most valuable asset,” ShinWon actively supports workplace improvements and career development for employees. At its headquarters in South Korea, women account for approximately 58 percent of the workforce, with female executives making up 21 percent of leadership positions. Notably, the return-to-work rate after maternity leave stands at around 92 percent, demonstrating ShinWon’s robust support systems that enable women to maintain continuous career growth. The company also operates women’s lounges and nursing rooms, with a second lounge added last year for enhanced convenience. Additionally, ShinWon conducts infant CPR training sessions for working parents and offers daycare subsidies, further reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being.

The company’s dedication to gender inclusion extends across its global operations. Women constitute approximately 81 percent of ShinWon’s overseas workforce, a significantly higher figure compared to global labor force participation rates reported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023. For instance, the female labor force participation rate stands at 47.9 percent in Vietnam, 39.1 percent in Indonesia, and 41.7 percent in Guatemala. ShinWon’s commitment to gender diversity is further reflected in its leadership, with female managers comprising approximately 75 percent of managerial roles across its international subsidiaries.

To support continuous learning and professional development, ShinWon collaborates with RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality) to offer various training programs. Among them, in Guatemala, the company has provided the “Digital Training Program” since November 2024, with 100 employees receiving training each month until March 2025.

ShinWon’s headquarters and global subsidiaries host various events each year to honor their employees for International Women’s Day. This year, the South Korean headquarters is celebrating the occasion by providing employees with bread and beverages, symbolizing the “Bread and Roses”. Employees were treated to bagels from a highly sought-after South Korean bakery brand, making the experience more enjoyable. Additionally, an external expert delivered a special lecture titled “How to work as Top AI Talent,” supporting employees’ professional growth. Overseas subsidiaries are also joining the celebration, with the two factories in Vietnam offering special meals, Indonesia hosting performances and distributing commemorative gifts, and Guatemala and Nicaragua organizing celebratory meals for employees, fostering a sense of recognition and appreciation.

JJ Park, CEO of ShinWon, stated: “Through these initiatives, we aim to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our female employees and remain committed to creating a stable work environment that supports career growth. We will continue to invest in programs that empower our employees to thrive.”

ShinWon Corp.’s export division currently operates 13 subsidiaries across five countries, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United States, with approximately 30,000 employees in its production facilities. As a global apparel manufacturer, ShinWon remains dedicated to enhancing welfare programs and educational opportunities, upholding its corporate social responsibility while fostering gender equity in the workplace.

Posted March 11, 2025

Source: ShinWon Corp.

Vivobarefoot Unveils ‘Unbound’: A Documentary Championing Women’s Footwear Liberation

LONDON — February 7, 2025 — Vivobarefoot, a pioneer in minimalist footwear, proudly announces the release of “Unbound,” a compelling short documentary that challenges conventional beliefs about women’s footwear and its impact on health. This initiative seeks to empower women to reclaim their natural strength and embrace the benefits of barefoot movement.

For centuries, societal norms have perpetuated the idea that “beauty is pain,” leading many women to endure discomfort from narrow, pointy, and heeled shoes. These footwear choices have often been linked to persistent foot problems and broader health issues. “Unbound” delves into this narrative, shedding light on the adverse effects of modern footwear and advocating for a return to natural foot movement.

The documentary is a collaboration with visionary filmmaker Becky Hutner, known for “Fashion Reimagined,” and Oscar-nominated producer Melissa Robledo of “Food, Inc.” It features insights from five women across diverse fields—including medicine, academia, sports, wellness, and indigenous culture—each sharing their holistic health journeys and perspectives on the importance of natural foot health.

“Unbound” is not just a film; it’s a movement encouraging women to question what’s ‘normal’ in footwear, reclaim their natural strength, and discover the joy of barefoot movement. By highlighting personal stories and expert opinions, the documentary aims to inspire a shift towards healthier footwear choices and overall well-being.

Vivobarefoot invites everyone to watch “Unbound” and join the conversation on women’s footwear liberation. The documentary is available for viewing on the Vivobarefoot website.

For more information, please visit Vivobarefoot Women’s Barefoot Liberation;

https://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/womens-barefoot-liberation

Posted: February 18, 2025

Source: Vivobarefoot

Sun Tekstil’s AI Investment To Transform The Fashion Industry

IZMIR, Turkey — February 2, 2025 — Sun Tekstil has entered into a partnership that will make waves in the fashion and textile industry. The company has invested in the U.S.-based software company Refabric (Mintgrams Technologies Inc.) — an AI-powered design platform, aiming to accelerate the digital transformation of the industry through innovative technology integration.

AI to Unify Product Development and Marketing Processes in a Single Ecosystem

Refabric, an AI-powered software company, is set to integrate the long and complex processes of inspiration, research, trend analysis, design, prototyping, product development and marketing into a single platform ecosystem for fashion professionals.

Sun Tekstil, which has been collaborating with U.S.-based Refabric for a long time, has now become a partner by investing in the company. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate product development processes and enhance operational efficiency. With its innovative and pioneering business model, Refabric is making a difference at every stage of the fashion and textile industry. By optimizing design processes, it reduces the need for physical samples and helps eliminate unpopular products beforehand, preventing waste of time and resources. Designed as an AI fashion software, Refabric transforms ideas into designs within minutes and creates collections aligned with trends.

Refabric and Sun Tekstil Partnership Wins ‘Most Effective Corporate & Startup Collaboration’ Award

In 2024, the collaboration between Refabric and Sun Tekstil won the “Most Effective Corporate & Startup Collaboration” award at the “Corporate Entrepreneurship Awards” organized by Fast Company magazine. At the end of the project, where Refabric’s innovative design tools were optimized with feedback from industry experts, Sun Tekstil reported a significant reduction in physical sample production and substantial savings in both time and cost. Following this award, the partnership between the two companies is expected to contribute further to the digital transformation of the textile and fashion industry with innovative approaches.

AI Support for the Textiles Around the World

Sun Tekstil Chairperson of the Board, Elvan Ünlütürk, commented on the investment: “We believe that technology is the future of sustainable design and production. We are keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the fashion world and fully supporting the digital transformation of the fashion and textile industry. By integrating AI into our design and collection processes through Refabric, we are accelerating our design processes, filtering, and refining our collections before they go into production. This ensures a more efficient use of our resources and supports sustainability. This investment is a testament to our commitment to digitalization and sustainability transformation in the industry.”

The Future Where Fashion and Technology Meet

Refabric Co-Founder and CEO, Begüm Doğru Öztekin, emphasized that the partnership with Sun Tekstil strengthens sustainability and digital transformation in the fashion industry, stating: “The projects we have carried out in collaboration with Sun Tekstil showcase the transformative impact of AI in the fashion and textile world.”

Refabric has been selected for LVMH’s La Maison des Startups accelerator program, which includes global fashion powerhouses such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Céline. Through this prestigious program, Refabric has the opportunity to collaborate closely with leading global fashion brands.

Posted: March 7, 2025

Source: Sun Tekstil A.Ş

NCTO Commends President Trump’s Pause On Tariffs For Imported Goods Compliant With Mexico, Canada Trade Deal; Urges Agreement To Exempt These Imports

WASHINGTON — March 7, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued the following statement today from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding President Donald Trump’s one-month suspension of tariffs for qualifying imports under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

“We sincerely thank President Trump for pausing the 25 percent penalty tariffs on qualifying imports from Mexico and Canada under the USMCA trade deal for one month, while all parties continue to negotiate a deal to address his administration’s concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. We urge an expeditious resolution for all the parties to ensure the vitality of the U.S. textile industry.

“Under USMCA, the U.S. textile and apparel industry has formed a vital coproduction chain with Mexico and Canada that supports 1.6 million workers and generates $20 billion in two-way trade. It is by far the largest export region for American textile producers, representing $12.5 billion in combined U.S. exports — 53 percent of our total annual exports. U.S. textile inputs routinely come back as finished products to the United States under the trade agreement.

“As such, imposing tariffs on imported goods that comply with the USMCA would only serve to harm a key U.S. manufacturing sector that contributes significantly to the U.S. economy and workforce. It would also adversely impact two key trading partners and a North American coproduction chain that competes directly with China and Asia. In addition, it would further undermine the U.S. industry’s ability to make critical products for the U.S. military if this critical production chain were harmed.

“We appreciate President Trump’s delay in these tariffs and urge a more measured approach as well as a negotiated solution that at the very least exempts qualifying USMCA goods from penalty tariffs and closes the de minimis loophole once and for all.

“We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration on his trade agenda aimed at bringing jobs back to the U.S. and will continue to provide input on a plan to build a stronger, more vibrant domestic supply chain.”

Posted: March 7, 2025

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

AAFA Announces Board Of Directors Leadership For 2025-2026 Term

WASHINGTON — March 7, 2025 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the renewal of its Board of Directors leadership and the addition of new and re-elected Board members at the 2025 AAFA Executive Summit in Washington this week.

The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2025-2026 term:

  • Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corp. – chair
  • Joe Preston, New Balance Athletics Inc. – vice chair
  • Katherine Gold, GoldBug – treasurer
  • Danilo Amoretty, Carhartt Inc. – secretary
  • Josue Solano, BBC International – past chair

Newly elected:

  • Michael Barton, Avery Dennison RBIS
  • Mark Burstein, Inspectorio
  • Gregg Meyer, Steve Madden Ltd.
  • Avedis Seferian, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)

Re-elected:

  • Shawn Curran, Under Armour Inc.
  • Abbey Doneger, DONEGER | TOBE
  • Allan Ellinger, MMG Advisors
  • Sally Gilligan, Gap Inc.
  • Edward Gribbin, Gribbin Strategic LLC
  • David Katz, Randa Apparel & Accessories
  • Luis Marquina, Intradeco Apparel Inc
  • Sarah McMullin, Target
  • Melissa Nelson, SanMar
  • Joe Preston New Balance Athletics Inc.
  • James Schwartz, MGF Sourcing
  • Todd Soller, Patagonia Inc.
  • Paula Zusi, Advent International Corp.

“AAFA is a tremendous advocate for the industry led by a very resourceful team. It is an honor to take on the role of Chair,” said Halide Alagöz, chief product and merchandising officer, Ralph Lauren.

Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

“Halide has been an invaluable Board member since 2018 and a steady leader in our environmental initiatives and development of core value propositions,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “We are eager to see the path she helps us chart forward as we navigate exciting new challenges on the journey to a more circular and sustainable economy. Thanks to Josue Solano for his mentorship, stewardship, and friendship as he led our organization for the past 12 months. His passion and commitment have been vital to ensuring heightened Board engagement over the past year. Thanks also to all our Board members, both those who are stepping down as well as those newly elected and returning, for their service to the industry and the association.”

AAFA also delivered a surprise Lifetime Achievement Award to Kurt Cavano on March 5. The award acknowledges his outstanding contributions, mentorship, and lasting commitment to the industry.

Posted: March 7, 2025

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Culp Inc. Announces Election Of William L. Tyson To Its Board Of Directors

HIGH POINT, N.C. — March 5, 2025 — Culp Inc., a marketer of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, today announced the election of William L. Tyson to its board of directors.

Tyson brings to the company more than 30 years of experience across the investment banking and capital markets and has served in executive leadership and strategic development roles for some of the largest banks and financial institutions in the country.

William L. Tyson

Tyson most recently served as head of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) within the Investment Banking Group of Fifth Third Capital Markets from 2021 until his retirement in December 2024, where he was responsible for the strategic direction of the M&A and Investment Banking platform within the Capital Markets division and for driving non-organic growth initiatives.

Tyson also held the positions of executive vice president, co-head of Capital Markets and senior vice president, co-head of Capital Markets during his tenure with Fifth Third that began in 2016. Prior to that, he served as senior managing director and co-head of Investment Banking and in various other senior leadership roles during an approximately 18-year tenure with BB&T Capital Markets (and its predecessor, Scott & Stringfellow). He previously headed Wheat First Butcher Singer’s Furnishings, Consumer and Industrial Growth Industry Practices and served as a vice president with Wachovia Corp.

During his career, Tyson advised on more than 300 capital financing transactions across the public and private markets, including numerous transactions in the home furnishings and textile industries and several transactions involving the company. Tyson has also served on numerous professional boards and committees, including past service as president of the Virginia Athletics Foundation Board of Trustees and president of the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board.

Frank Saxon, chairman of the company’s board of directors, commented: “Bill is a seasoned capital markets professional who knows our industry well. We are excited to bring his wealth of expertise and leadership experience to our Board of Directors and believe he will add valuable perspective as we continue to execute on our strategy, drive growth across our businesses, and enhance value for our stakeholders.”

Posted: March 6, 2025

Source: Culp, Inc.

DuPont™ Kevlar® EXO™ Named Edison Award Finalist In The Critical Safety Materials Advancement Category

WILMINGTON, Del. — March 5, 2025 — DuPont is proud to announce that its breakthrough innovation, Kevlar® EXO™, has been honored as a finalist for the Edison Awards™ in the Critical Safety Materials Advancement category.

DuPont Kevlar has long been the advanced material behind high-performing body armor that protects those who serve. Now, with body armor crafted using Kevlar EXO, military and law enforcement officers can experience previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection without compromising on mobility and comfort. With unmatched pliability, Kevlar EXO contours to curves and body lines, providing a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection.

“Kevlar EXO is solving real-world challenges by redefining the standards of protection and performance,” said Nicole Blankenbeckler, Technical director at DuPont. “Protective equipment needs to be not only strong but also comfortable, flexible and lightweight to ensure maximum protection in the demanding environments where it is deployed — whether in law enforcement, military operations, or space exploration. We are incredibly proud and honored to be a finalist in 2025.”

This year’s finalists were selected from thousands of submissions and were rigorously evaluated on concept, value and impact by the Edison Awards Steering Committee, which is made up of an independent panel of senior scientists, engineers, designers and academics. Their expertise ensures that the winners represent the highest standards of ingenuity and influence across industries.

“Edison once said, ‘The value of an idea lies in the using of it,’ and our 2025 finalists embody this sentiment in extraordinary ways,” said Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards. “From healthcare and sustainability, to just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible with AI and robotics, these innovators are tackling the world’s most pressing challenges and creating solutions that inspire progress for future generations.”

The Edison Awards is an annual competition honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation. The gold, silver and bronze winners will be announced at the 2025 Edison Awards Gala in Fort Myers, Florida on April 3.

Posted: March 6, 2025

Source: DuPont Water and Protection

Global Exhibitor Line-Up Confirmed For FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 And Co-Located Events

DORKING, England — March 6, 2025 — FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience — to be held May 6-9, 2025, at the Messe Berlin, Germany — will welcome more than 550 new and returning exhibitors from more than 36 countries, already surpassing exhibitor numbers from last year’s events. At the events, visitors will have the opportunity to see the latest products and innovations from a rich line-up of international players in the specialty print space including the latest trends in sustainability, print on demand and intelligent automation.

Plockmatic group, Morgana Systems, Mikkelsen Innovations and Robotfactory are amongst the 198 first-time and returning exhibitors after an absence from the 2024 events.

Across the three events, visitors will be able to explore hardware solutions for wide format, textile and garment decoration, finishing and more from major exhibitors including AGFA, Brother, Canon, Durst, EFI, Epson, Fujifilm, HP, Kongsberg PCS, Kornit Digital, M&R, Mimaki, Ricoh and Roland.

Caldera, Onyx, PrintFactory and SA International are among the confirmed software suppliers for the event, demonstrating end-to-end workflows, colour management, job onboarding and RIP and CNC solutions.

A host of companies will present the latest consumables such as self-adhesives, aluminium composite materials, paper, inks and flexible PVC media. Exhibiting companies include 3A, 3M, Berger Textiles, Coldenhove, Decal, Endutex, Fedrigoni, Hexis, IGEPA, Pongs, Sun Chemical and UPM.

With over 100 exhibitors confirmed for European Sign Expo 2025 visitors can expect to discover transformative developments shaping the future of the signage and visual communications industries. ABC Display, Adsystem, Cosign, Domino Sign, EFKA, LUCO LED, NSELED, SIGN-Ware and TPS will showcase products for channel lettering, digital and dimensional signage, engraving and etching, illuminated displays, out-of-home media, LED, outdoor systems, laser cutters, routing and sign tools.

Personalisation Experience will highlight the latest software for customization design and production automation, from exhibitors including Antigro, Kit Builder, Konfigear, ip.labs, and XMPie.

Head of FESPA Global Print Expo Michael Ryan commented: “This year’s events are set to be a pivotal platform in 2025 for our global community. We’re delighted to be back in Berlin, a vibrant and creative destination, which, given its history, is ideal for hosting FESPA and it’s co-located events. Eight halls full of inspiration and innovation await professionals from the speciality print market, where they can discover a plethora of on demand technologies for specialist print applications. With over 550 exhibitors, FESPA Global Print Expo and its co-located events will be THE meeting point for Visionaries in 2025.”

For a full list of exhibitors visit: www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/visit/exhibitor-list-2025

Registration for FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience is now live. Entry to all three exhibitions is free for members of a FESPA national Association or FESPA Direct. Non-members who pre-register using code FESM521 before 8 April 2025 can save 30 euros on their exhibition entry.

Posted: March 6, 2025

Source FESPA A Global Federation Of Associations For The Screen Printing

X-Rite Earns Silver Badge From Ecovadis For Sustainability Performance

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March 6, 2025 — X-Rite Inc. announced today that it has achieved a Silver Badge from EcoVadis, a global business sustainability assessment company. Earning a Silver Medal places X-Rite in the top 15 percent of companies globally for sustainability practices.

The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. More than 130,000 companies globally have been rated by EcoVadis.

“We are extremely excited to receive a Silver rating in our first assessment through EcoVadis,” said Jeff McKee, president, X-Rite. “This recognition validates our longstanding commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. As a trusted partner to our customers, we are dedicated to making a positive environmental and social impact through our operations, products, and partnerships.”

X-Rite’s sustainability initiatives are built on three core pillars — Products, Planet, and People — driving the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting responsible business practices.

The X-Rite team works across all functions and geographies to uphold the highest standards of corporate responsibility and continuous improvement. As part of Veralto, X-Rite contributes to a broader mission of Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™ by supporting scientific and technological innovation that help our customers advance sustainability, branding, safety, compliance, and traceability objectives.

EcoVadis’ business sustainability ratings are based on international sustainability standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and the ISO 26000 standard. The ratings provide an evidenced-based analysis on performance and an actionable roadmap for continuous improvement.

Posted: March 6, 2025

Source X-Rite Incorporated

FILTREX™ Innovation Award 2025: Announcing the Nominees

BRUSSELS, Belgium — March 6, 2025 — EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, is pleased to announce the three nominees for the FILTREX™ Innovation Award 2025, recognizing outstanding innovation in the filtration industry.

The FILTREX Innovation Award honors innovation in the filtration sector, recognizing the ongoing commitment to excellence by manufacturers of nonwoven-based filtration products and components. The nominees are:

GESSNER – Lignin-Saturated Cellulose Filter Media

GESSNER’s innovative lignin-saturated cellulose filter media sets a new standard in sustainable filtration. Designed to reduce your product’s carbon footprint, this eco-friendly solution replaces fossil-based resins with renewable lignin, saving up to 100 kilograms of crude oil per ton of material. Perfect for engine air, oil, and fuel filter elements, it combines top-tier filtration performance and durability with lower formaldehyde emissions during curing. Experience sustainability without compromise – achieve high-efficiency filtration, optional flame retardancy, and a tangible step towards a greener future with our lignin filter media.

Hollingsworth & Vose – NanoWave®ESA

Hollingsworth & Vose is a manufacturer of engineered materials. Their innovation NanoWave®ESA is an all-synthetic 3D media designed for high efficiency respiratory protection. Filters can be designed with minimum media processing while extending the filter life. It is free of PFAS, is safe to use, and can meet the demand for smaller and smaller filters without compromising on comfort. NanoWave ESA can be produced with a stretch so that highly efficient, stretchable, breathable and drapable garment can be cut to size.

Johns Manville – Evalith®

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and a leader in the filtration business with manufacturing lines in Europe and the US, has pioneered an innovative recycling process that converts post-industrial HVAC bio-soluble glass microfiber filtration media waste into compounded pellets for injection molding. The resulting pellets, with 30 percent glass fiber, are being used to create durable, second-life products. This eco-friendly solution prevents landfill waste, reduces CO₂ emissions, and supports a circular economy.

Each of the three companies will have a 10-minute slot to present its innovation during the FILTREX 2025 event, held on 25-26 March 2025 in Vienna, Austria. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their votes and select the winner, with the award being presented during a reception at the end of the first day.

Since its launch in 2004, FILTREX has established itself as the leading platform for professionals in the filtration media sector. This two-day conference gathers executives and technical experts from across the industry, including filter media producers, converters, raw material suppliers, testing equipment manufacturers, laboratories, and research institutions. The program offers insights into market trends, cutting-edge filter materials, advancements in media design, air and liquid filtration, automotive applications, and developments in testing and standardization.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend the event — only a few spots remain!

Visit the following website to register:

https://www.edana.org/events/filtrex/filtrex-europe/registration-filtrex-europe?utm_source=press+release&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=filtrex+promotion+2025+innovation+award

Posted: March 6, 2025

Source EDANA

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