Chemical Insights Research Institute, Emory University’s Rollins School Of Public Health Team To Study The Human Health Impact Of PFAS Chemical Exposure

ATLANTA — February 21, 2023 — Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health have announced upcoming research to study human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that approximately 97 percent of Americans have detectable PFAS levels in their blood. The joint study aims to understand how this exposure occurs and the potential health consequences.

Although humans may be exposed to PFAS by ingesting food or water or breathing air contaminated with these chemicals, limited studies have focused on the use of everyday consumer and occupational products containing these chemicals and whether this presents a human exposure risk. Certain performance textiles, including consumer and occupational wearables, and those used for upholstered furniture and interior furnishings, often have PFAS chemicals added for durability and protection from soil and moisture.

According to Dr. Marilyn Black, vice president and executive director of CIRI: “There are thousands of different PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals with widespread usage and application in our everyday products. The same properties that make PFAS chemicals attractive for consumer and commercial use contribute to their long-term persistence in human bodies.”

Limited studies have shown that fetal development and cognitive and mental capacity of young children may be altered by PFAS chemicals, and some have demonstrated weak links between PFAS exposure and the development of certain cancers. There is also mounting evidence that PFAS may negatively affect male and female reproductive health.

CIRI’s research will focus on the presence of PFAS in textiles including consumer wearables and firefighter gear and how those chemicals present a human health risk. According to Dr. Dana Barr and Dr. Barry Ryan, professors in the Rollins School of Public Health and co-principal investigators, “research emphasis will include identification of specific PFAS chemicals in the materials, their levels, and how they can potentially enter the human body. To our knowledge, this study will be among the very first to focus on exposure to PFAS through contact with textiles. Knowledge of such exposures can lead to a better understanding of the role of such materials in aggregate exposure to these ubiquitous chemical compounds.”

Emory will contribute its expertise in identification and measurement of the PFAS chemicals and CIRI will apply its human exposure chambers and techniques to evaluate inhalation, ingestion, and dermal transfer opportunities from use of the products. Insights gained will assist in understanding potential health impacts and how material design, and use, contribute to human exposure risks. This information may lead to strategic risk reduction measures.

The cutting-edge PFAS research that CIRI and the Rollins School of Public Health is conducting supports UL Research Institutes’ goal to advance safety science for societal well- being.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: Emory University

DITF: Protecting The Climate During Textile Production — Polyester Fibers Bind Carbon Dioxide

DENKENDORF, Germany — February 23, 2023 — Start for an EU-wide collaborative project: Under the leadership of the French company Fairbrics Sas, 17 project partners from seven European countries are coming together. The common goal is to produce end products from polyester in a closed cycle using industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to bring them to market maturity. The DITF produces synthetic fibers from plastics of non-fossil origin.

In order to achieve the European climate targets, the aim is to achieve a long-term and sustainable reduction in greenhouse gases. To achieve this, CO2 emissions must be reduced in the energy sector, in industry, and in households and small consumers. This is the starting point for the EU-wide collaborative project “Threading CO2,” which is funded under the EU’s Horizon funding program. The project will bring products made of environmentally friendly polyester (PET) to market maturity. The technological basis has been developed by Fairbrics SAS from France. It involves the production of monoethylene glycol (MEG), the starting material for the manufacture of polyester, using CO2 extracted from industrial waste gases. This is a completely new approach, because in the classic process fossil raw materials are consumed for the production of polyester. In this way, not only is the release of CO2 into the atmosphere directly prevented. The CO2 also contributes to increased added value by being incorporated into the production of high-quality textile products. The core of the project is the technological upscaling of the new MEG synthesis process in pilot plants, paving the way for industrial production.

In the EU joint project, 17 project partners will contribute their special expertise and further develop the process technologically and make it suitable for industrial use. Within the consortium, DITF Denkendorf will take on the task of accompanying the upscaling and taking the step ‘from molecule to material’: From the sustainably produced monoethylene glycol, polyesters are synthesized in our own laboratories, spun into fibers, textured and further processed. The aim is to test whether the quality of the polyester and its spinnability and processability in the textile value chain are comparable with conventional polyester.

The project partners Faurecia and Les Tissages de Charlieu process the fibers and textiles into car seats and clothing so that the quality can also be assessed in the end product. The subsequent recyclability of the products will also be tested at the DITF. In addition, a security marking is to be developed for this CO2-based polyester to protect it from product piracy.

The scientists at the DITF have many years of experience in polymer production and processing into textiles. This enables them to specifically impart a specific property profile to plastics and the synthetic fibers spun from them. Through their work on the collaborative project, they are helping to produce fiber-based materials from the sustainably and environmentally friendly produced MEG that perfectly meet the requirements of end users.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: DITF

IFDA’s Educational Foundation Announces Design Student Scholarships For 2023

LEWISVILLE, N.C. — Feb. 27, 2023 — Applications will be accepted between March 1 and March 31, 2023, for nine scholarships from the Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association. Since the early years of this 76-year-old global design industry alliance, arguably the most diverse organization of its kind with membership that includes designers, media and marketers, EF has awarded scholarships to high-achieving design students as well as grants to talented professionals, internationally.  This year there are nine scholarships available for a total of $18,000.

“These scholarships represent the future of our industry and confirm our belief in supporting students and enhancing public awareness of design through educational and philanthropic programs,” said Karen Dzendolet, chairman of the board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA.

Applicants must be currently enrolled and scholarships are paid to the school for the 2023 fall semester tuition. Winners will be notified by July 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. The website has detailed information and applications: www.ifdaef.org.

The nine scholarships are as follows:

IFDA Leaders Commemorative Scholarship — $1,500. Open to currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate students; extra credit for volunteer work/leadership.

Part-Time Student Scholarship — $1,500.  Open to undergraduate students.

  • IFDA Student Member Scholarship — $2,000. Open to currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate IFDA student members.
  • Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship — $2,000. Open to currently enrolled, full- or part-time graduate students.
  • Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship — $4,000.  Open to currently enrolled, full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students with a course emphasis on Furniture Design.
  • Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship — $3,000. Scholarship established by the IFDA Northern California Chapter in honor of Barbara Beckmann, a textile designer and longtime California Chapter member and mentor to new members and students.  Open to currently enrolled full- or part-time undergraduates and graduate students with course emphasis on Textile Design.
  • IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship — $2,500. Scholarship established by the IFDA Philadelphia Chapter to reflect the rich history of design in Philadelphia and beyond.  Open to currently enrolled, two-, three- or four-year interior design or related program students.  Focus rotates annually among design in textile, graphic, furniture and interior design. This year’s focus is Interior Design.
  • Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship — $1,500. Open to currently enrolled, full- or part-time undergraduate students.
  • Window Fashion Certified Professionals Fast Track Scholarship One Full Registration — $1,000. Open to currently enrolled, two- or three-interior design or related program undergraduate students

As stated, applications for all 2023 EF scholarships will only be accepted during the month of March, with winners promised notification in July. For details, please consult the Educational Foundation website www.ifdaef.org. Or for answers to specific questions about these or any of EF’s other scholarships and grants, contact Earline Feldman, director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org or 770-378-7221.

IFDA Educational Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, 501©(3) organization. Its nine scholarships support both full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of interior, green/sustainable, product and textile design. In addition, 13 grants support professional development opportunities for IFDA members and other design industry professionals as well as needed resources for design schools.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: IFDA

Colorifix, Central Saint Martins Launch Microbial Printing PhD Project 

LONDON — February 28, 2023 — Colorifix Ltd. and Central Saint Martins are delighted to announce the launch of a collaborative sponsored PhD project led by designer Ruth Lloyd. This doctoral research project aims to develop a new framework to accelerate the transition to microbial color printing in the textile industry.

The textile dyeing industry is one of the largest water consumers in the world — using more than 5 trillion liters per year — and approximately 70 highly toxic chemicals are used in routine dyeing processes.

The Colorifix method replaces petrochemical dyeing with natural and renewable products and processes, such as simple sugars, yeast and plant by-products. This leads to a significant reduction in water consumption, energy and the elimination of toxic chemicals currently used in the industry.

Ruth Lloyd is a textile designer with in-depth knowledge of textile printing and was designer in residence at Colorifix in 2021-2022, making her an ideal doctoral candidate to develop a scalable bio-based coloring framework for the dyeing industry.

The PhD is registered at the Living Systems Lab at Central Saint Martins under the supervision of Professor Carole Collet (Central Saint Martins), Dr Alice Taylor (Central Saint Martins) and Professor Jim Ajioka (Colorifix). The Living Systems Lab explores the inherent properties of biological living systems to develop new knowledge in the field of ecology via creative practices in art, design and architecture.

More than ever, the fashion industry is seeking scalable alternatives to petrochemical textile dyeing. Both the biotechnology and the design sectors are active catalysts for change and this project demonstrates how design-science research can play a vital role in the transition to a cleaner fashion system.

Professor Carole Collet, co-director of the Living Systems Lab at Central Saint Martins, said, “We are delighted to activate our formal collaboration with Colorifix via this pioneering PhD project and are looking forward to work with leaders in bacterial biotechnologies to develop new knowledge for regenerative fashion systems.”

Professor Jim Ajioka, chief science officer at Colorifix, added: “Collaborative PhD projects like ours with Central Saint Martins will become an increasingly important component of research at the intersection of science and design, especially for industrial adoption of bio-based products and processes.”

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: Colorifix/Central Saint Martins

Strataglass LLC Achieves Five Years Free of Lost Time Incidents

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — February 28, 2023 — Herculite Products Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is proud to announce its Strataglass subsidiary in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has achieved a record five years free of lost-time incidents (LTI).

For Herculite and Strataglass, safety is at the core of our ability to achieve their mission every day. This is why Strataglass associates understand the need to work safely every time they come to work and to ensure everyone around them does as well.

When asked what this achievement meant to them, longtime Strataglass associates Demond Denmark and Dennis Williams had this to say: “We know that safety is our number 1 goal. It is our responsibility to hold each other accountable. Accidents are entirely avoidable, and we come to work every day with that goal in mind.”

Vice President of Operations Brian Keeney said: “A culture of safety is a cornerstone of our business and I am proud of every Associate at our Strataglass facility for this amazing achievement. Working safely means that everyone went home the same way they came to work…every day! This enables all of us to live our lives to the fullest and enjoy the fruits of our labors. I extend my congratulations to the whole team at Strataglass.”

Strataglass is a leader in embodying the safety message and culture of Herculite, and this achievement is a direct result of that effort.

Posted February 28, 2023

Under Armour Announces New Methodology to Measure Fiber Shedding

BALTIMORE — February 28, 2023 — Under Armour Inc. today announced it has developed a new testing methodology to help fight fiber shedding at its source and support progress toward the company’s sustainability goal for 75 percent of fabrics in its products to be made of low-shed materials by 2030. Under Armour’s innovative test method offers a simplified process to accurately measure a fabric’s propensity to shed. To support the creation of lower-shed products, the company has begun using the method to test materials and quantify their shed rate early during product development to target high-shed materials for redevelopment or discontinuation before they enter the market. Under Armour is also using the method to filter out new textile candidates with high-shed rates before they enter its product development streams.

As fabric and textiles are produced, worn, and cleaned, they naturally shed fibers. These fiber fragments, also known as microplastics, can enter the air, waterways, and food chains. In high concentrations, they are believed to pollute the environment, disrupt ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans and animals when inhaled through the air or ingested via food and drinking water. According to a study commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the average person ingests as much as five grams of plastic a week — the equivalent weight of a credit card — from fiber shedding that naturally occurs from textiles and other sources of plastic.

Supporting innovations that reduce fiber shedding over time is a priority focus of Under Armour’s sustainability program, through which the company aims to use more sustainable, recyclable materials and more efficient design and production processes in its delivery of high-performing apparel, footwear, and accessories.

“Under Armour is an industry innovator. When we realized the extent of the fiber shed problem during product research, we knew we needed to figure out a way to use our innovation capabilities to do our part to address the issue,” said Jeremy Stangeland, senior manager, Materials Lab for Under Armour. “Our strategy focuses on working to help address the root causes of shedding, starting with the ability to measure it. Through ongoing efforts to redevelop high-shed fabrics to shed less, or avoid them entirely, we are leveraging our skills to positively impact our industry and communities.”

In addition to identifying the shedding property of fabrics, Under Armour is exploring innovative techniques to redevelop high-shed fabrics, such as mechanical finishes and yarn formations that can support reduced shedding. High-shed fabrics, which are often attractive to consumers for their softness, are also traditionally less durable than low-shed fabrics. Given this, the company’s new test method will inform efforts to develop products with an optimal balance of comfort and durability.

“We are committed to holistically addressing sustainability issues such as fiber shedding and have already begun to use our methodology to produce more sustainable products for athletes that feature Under Armour’s signature high-performance attributes,” said Kyle Blakely, senior vice president of Innovation for Under Armour. “We expect to have products that have been improved through this process in market as early as 2024, and we look forward to continuing to inspire athletes with performance-driven innovations that embody our core value to ‘Act Sustainably’ as we track toward our 2030 goal.”

Aliya Rubinstein, project director for the Oceans Program at the Nature Conservancy in California, added: “Synthetic microfiber pollution represents a largely invisible, global conservation threat that is only getting worse. The fashion industry has an opportunity to act now and advance real solutions that measurably address their contribution to the plastics crisis. Under Armour’s investment in efforts to understand and reduce fiber shedding is a critical part of a broader suite of interventions urgently needed for us to collectively move the industry in the right direction.”

Under Armour’s methodology complements existing fiber-shed testing approaches and vacuum filtration technologies, including resources made available by the Microfibre Consortium, a leading textile-industry facilitator of practical solutions to reduce microfiber release, of which Under Armour is a member.

Dr. Kelly Sheridan, research director of The Microfibre Consortium, commented: “The Microfibre Consortium welcomes Under Armour’s commitment to helping address the issue of microfiber shedding. The Microfibre Consortium’s globally aligned test method, released in 2021, is a key pillar of the apparel industry’s response to the problem of fiber shedding, determining the root causes and informing actions that can make a real difference in garment production. As a signatory of The Microfibre 2030 Commitment, Under Armour’s contribution to the wider work is much valued, and it is encouraging that the brand is also exploring complementary ways to assess and address the microfiber problem.”

Under Armour is exploring ways to make its testing methodology available to its industry and expects to explore how the methodology could be utilized by other industries.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: Under Armour

Tory Burch Turns To Modern Meadow Bio-Alloy™ For Ella Bio Tote  

NUTLEY, N.J. — February 28, 2023 — Modern Meadow, a purpose-driven biotechnology company revolutionizing consumer goods, today announced its Bio-Alloy™ proprietary protein-based technology is coming to the Tory Burch runway as the American fashion brand debuts its first-ever plant-based leather alternative tote, the Ella Bio, an evolution of the iconic Ella tote.

The Tory Burch partnership is the latest for Modern Meadow, which is working to scale the availability of plant-based textiles for the fashion industry through partnerships with renowned suppliers and luxury brands.

“Consumer demand for products that are good for the planet is ever accelerating,” said Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, CEO of Modern Meadow. “Since 2008, the Ella tote has been one of Tory Burch’s most iconic, well-loved handbag styles. Modern Meadow is proud to be a part of its next evolution as a high-performing and bio-based tote consumers can feel confident in.”

The Ella Bio features an outer shell crafted in BioFabbrica Bio-Tex™, a USDA-certified bio-based material powered by Modern Meadow’s proprietary Bio Alloy plant protein, derived from non-GMO soy grown in North America and designed for Tory Burch to deliver a material that is lightweight, durable and made from a high proportion of renewable materials.

“The Ella Bio meets our design, quality, and durability expectations and is made with an innovative new material, BioFabbrica Bio-Tex, which feels and looks like leather but is made from 64-percent USDA-certified bio-based content,” said Jennifer Gootman, global head of sustainability & ESG strategy at Tory Burch. “It is a great example of a growing movement towards ‘next-gen’ materials that take inspiration from nature but are engineered to have a lower environmental impact.”

Modern Meadow’s Bio-Alloy is a proprietary technology application platform that 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 biotechnology space.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: Modern Meadow

Emerald Redesigns SURTEX As Premier Standalone Commercial Art And Design Trade Show

NEW YORK CITY — February 23, 2023 — Emerald Holding Inc. today announced the return of SURTEX, a commercial art and surface design business-to-business (B2B) trade show, as a standalone event to take place at a new venue. Previously hosted together with Emerald’s NY NOW, the largest gift and home wholesale trade show, the redesigned SURTEX event will take place May 9-10, 2023, at New York City’s Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood.

As the first post pandemic event, SURTEX has been enhanced with a dedicated focus in response to a high level of pent-up demand among both artists and buyers. The unique nature of the event, where artists are the exhibitors and businesses are the attendees, creates an engaging and collaborative environment for buyers and sellers of the latest commercial art and designs. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors representing the leading commercial artists and designers from around the world.

“During the pause since the last edition of SURTEX, Emerald carried out an industry wide evaluation and assessment on the needs of the commercial art and design marketplace,” said Yma Sherry, vice president, Emerald Xcelerator. “The overwhelming positive response from manufacturers, retailers, artists, agents and designers alike gave us the feedback to not only bring the show back, but to expand it as a standalone event in an inspiring location with more opportunities to connect both during and after the event.”

As a global sourcing destination, SURTEX serves the commercial art and design needs of multiple industries, including home textiles, tabletop and housewares, paper products, bed & bath, lifestyle & decor, apparel, toys, beauty, stationery, weavers and rugs, greeting cards, and more. The show is heralded as the “go-to” event that brings owners and creators of surface designs together with manufacturers, retailers, marketers, brand licensing companies or any businesses that use surface design for product development.

“For more than 35 years, SURTEX has been an internationally recognized brand, and we are excited to uphold its reputation with this return to New York City,” said Liz Hitchcock, SURTEX Brand Leader. “Our team is dedicated to exceeding all expectations as the best and most collaborative source for commercial art and design that is reflective of the world’s most popular trends and best-selling products.”

In addition to talented individual artists, SURTEX exhibitors include many prominent design studios and licensing companies. Firms such as Union Sq. Art Collective Studio, formerly known as Design Works International, Patternfield Software Pty Ltd., Wild Apple Graphics, Tana Bana Design Services, Pink Light Design, Yuno Design Studio and others are committed. Participants from past SURTEX editions are also eager for the show’s return and the benefits that come from gathering in-person once again with fellow creatives and industry professionals.

“Over the years, SURTEX has been a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with manufacturers, licensees, art directors, and artists while promoting the work of our talented artists,” said Stuart Horrex, co-founder of Sydney based ArtSHINE.com, a creative industries launch pad and accelerator working with clients and creatives from around the world. “We’re looking forward to yet another great show.”

SURTEX, along with its partners and exhibitors, also offers business solutions for both buyers and exhibitors that include license services, design technologies, and trend services. A dedicated buyer relations director serves as a show concierge to make it easy for key buyers to attend and meet the artists, agents and studios they are looking for. Art buyers and licensors from manufacturers and retailers such as Procter & Gamble, Bloomingdales, NBC Universal and Spirit Halloween are expected at the show.

Posted February 28, 2023

Source: Surtex/Emerald Holding

HanesBrands Appoints Mark Irvin To Board Of Directors

Mark Irvin

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — February 27, 2023 — HanesBrands Inc., a supplier of iconic apparel brands, today announced that Mark Irvin has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

The company also announced that Bobby J. Griffin, a director since 2006, plans to retire from the board when his current term ends at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.

Irvin’s term runs through the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. He will serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee.

“Mark brings more than 30 years of experience leading global supply chains and complex organizations,” said CEO Steve Bratspies. “His leadership will be particularly valuable as we continue to strengthen our agile and resilient supply chain and build the diverse talent necessary to unlock our Full Potential. I want to thank Bobby for his years of service to HanesBrands and for his counsel and support as we built and launched our Full Potential plan.”

Irvin is the executive vice president and chief supply chain officer for Best Buy Co. where he oversees the strategy and day-to-day operations of the global supply chain supporting about 1,000 stores and the company’s online customers. Prior to this, Irvin served as the company’s chief inclusion, diversity and talent officer, leading the company’s strategy for creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment for its 100,000 employees.

Prior to joining Best Buy in 2013, Irvin held leadership roles at Target, Cummins, Corporate Express Delivery Systems and Baxter Healthcare. Irvin serves on the National Retail Federation Foundation board of directors. He has a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville and an MBA from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. He served as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces for eight years in field medical logistics.

“We’re thrilled to have a leader of Mark’s experience join our board,” said HanesBrands Board Chairman Ronald L. Nelson. “His leadership, knowledge of global supply chains and experience building talent will be particularly valuable as we execute our long-term growth strategy. In addition, I want to thank Bobby for his service to HanesBrands and wish him all the best in the future.”

Posted: February 27, 2023

Source: HanesBrands

KARL MAYER North America Names Mariano Amezcua As New President

Mariano Amezcua (left) with Tony Hooimeijer

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 27, 2023 — Textile machinery manufacturer KARL MAYER North America has named industry veteran Mariano Amezcua president. In this role, he will oversee overall business operations and strategic initiatives for the American subsidiary of the KARL MAYER GROUP.

Amezcua comes to Karl Mayer North America with a solid track record in the textile industry. He is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering sales and professional services for industrial automation and software applications. His primary focus has been the development and implementation of manufacturing strategies for cut & sew operations for automotive, furniture, technical textiles, and fashion sectors. Amezcua previously served as president and CEO for DAP America Inc.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he served in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment as a Platoon Leader during Operation Desert Storm. After his military service, Mariano Amezcua directed sales and service teams for companies such as PTC, Varian, Danaher, and Lectra. He also holds an MBA degree in Management of Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. “The KARL MAYER North America team is deeply talented and motivated to deliver advanced technologies that provide superior performance for our customers,” Amezcua said. “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the company.”

After having led Karl Mayer North America for close to 20 years, Tony Hooimeijer, Mariano’s predecessor, will enter retirement on March 1, 2023.

Posted: February 27, 2023

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

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