Natural Fibers Developer Selects Virginia For U.S. Headquarters And Production Facility

RICHMOND, Va. — November 3, 2022 — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that FyberX Holdings, a developer of technology to process raw agricultural biomass into refined natural fibers, will invest $17.5 million to establish its U.S. headquarters and production operation in the former Kinderton Distribution Center building in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. The new facility will process hemp and other agricultural products, producing fibers to supply the textile industry, and will create 45 new jobs.

“This industry is an emerging market in the United States, and I welcome the opening of the headquarters of FyberX which will unlock its growth potential in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This industry provides a sustainable alternative for industrial and consumer products that will also bring economic benefits to Virginia communities and farmers, and we look forward to a successful partnership with FyberX.”

“Virginia provides the right combination of competitive assets to attract and foster the growth of forward-thinking companies like FyberX,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “This project is a win-win that will create 45 new jobs and revitalize a formerly vacant facility, boosting the economic vitality of Mecklenburg County and the region. Today is another step forward in our goal to bring opportunity to all corners of the Commonwealth.”

“Industrial hemp fiber has great potential in Virginia, and FyberX can unlock that potential and create a sustainable market for the Commonwealth’s hemp producers, with its investments into the processing infrastructure for this crop,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I commend FyberX for their bold vision and commitment to bringing this needed infrastructure to Southern Virginia.”

“Southern Virginia is strategically positioned to play a vital role in unlocking the economic potential of industrial hemp fiber in a variety of markets including textiles, construction, packaging, automotive, and bioplastics,” said Ben Young, CEO of FyberX. “We are excited to work with the local community to implement socially responsible best practices, including a zero-waste production model that minimizes emissions, a transparent supply chain, fair wages, and safe and state of the art processing facilities, all of which will define a new global standard for natural fiber production facilities. The Mecklenburg County facility and anticipated future facilities across the South East of the United States will expand the availability of domestically grown and processed hemp fiber while simultaneously providing a substantial economic benefit to not only Southern Virginia, but it’s neighboring states.”

“Mecklenburg County is excited to welcome FyberX to the community,” said Glenn Barbour, chairman, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors. “We are pleased to have an agricultural-related announcement in our area that creates jobs and potential for additional crops for our local farmers.”

“I am delighted that FyberX has chosen to expand in Mecklenburg County,” said Senator Frank Ruff. “Every business that comes to our region is a positive. We are delighted that they will employ over 40 direct jobs. As an additional positive, they will also provide a benefit to our farm community, which will now have another crop for their land. The reason I offered the Hemp legislation several years ago was for exactly this type of use.”

“We are proud to welcome FyberX to our community,” said Delegate Tommy Wright. “The addition of 45 new jobs is great news for Mecklenburg County, and we are thankful to Governor Youngkin, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and all the other partners for bringing this project to fruition. The investment by FyberX increases the tax base and expands economic opportunity throughout rural Virginia, and we thank FyberX for its confidence in the Commonwealth.”

FyberX was founded in 2019 to build the foundational infrastructure required to process raw agricultural biomass into refined natural fibers, creating more environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions. The company focuses on industrial hemp sources in the U.S. and will use its patented technology to process hemp for use in sustainable replacements for the textile, packaging, and construction industries. FyberX plans to build a green supply chain by working with industrial hemp and other domestic non-tree sources of fiber and establishing centralized large-scale processing centers throughout the U.S.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Mecklenburg County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Mecklenburg County with the project. FyberX is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. VDACS will assist Virginia hemp producers with accessing this market opportunity and offer resources to develop the physical and regulatory infrastructure this new industry needs to be successful.

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Technical Textile Manufacturer To Establish Facility In Southwest Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — November 3, 2022 — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Ronald Mark Associates Inc. (RMA), a producer of custom resin and vinyl fabric formulations and technical services, will invest $13.5 million to establish a manufacturing operation in Tazewell County, Virginia. The company will occupy the former Komatsu Mining Corp. facility at 1081 Hockman Pike in Bluefield. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and South Carolina for the project, which will create 29 new jobs.

“Ronald Mark Associates’ decision to establish a manufacturing operation in Tazewell County is a great testament to Southwest Virginia’s many advantages, including competitive operating costs and a skilled workforce,” said Governor Youngkin. “We are thrilled that the company will revitalize a vacant facility and create 29 new jobs for the hardworking citizens of this region. It is an honor to add another manufacturer to the Commonwealth’s extensive roster, and we look forward to RMA’s future success.”

“We welcome Ronald Mark Associates to Tazewell County and the Commonwealth, and look forward to building a successful partnership,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Manufacturing is the cornerstone of a healthy economy, and Virginia’s thriving industry base, outstanding logistical advantages, and robust workforce will position RMA for success for years to come.”

“Ronald Mark Associates has selected the State of Virginia to expand their operations in advanced fabric coating. The progressive talent of Tazewell County is a perfect place to start, create, and produce infrastructure fabrics and technical textiles for our Ronald Mark customers,” said RMA President Michael Satz. “I thank the Virginia Economic Development Department along with the Tazewell County representatives that have worked with us on this project. We look forward to a prosperous future in the great State of Virginia.”

“We folks in the Eastern District are pleased to welcome Ronald Mark Associates to the former Komatsu Building in Bluefield, Virginia,” said Charlie Stacy, Tazewell County Board of Supervisors, Eastern District. “Tazewell County’s first meeting with these folks was exciting and we appreciate their consideration of Tazewell County as the location of their most recent business expansion. We are excited to add these job prospects to the list of good-paying jobs available to folks living in the two Bluefields and Tazewell and Mercer Counties. Any time one of our vacant ‘coal-related business’ buildings is repurposed with another industry not directly connected to the coal industry it is a good day for our community. I personally wish to thank the owners, Leslie and Michael Satz, for their willingness to locate here in Tazewell County. I also want to thank Governor Youngkin and all the state agencies involved that assisted the Satzes in making this project possible.”

“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, I would like to congratulate Ronald Mark Associates and Tazewell County on the company’s selection of the building formerly occupied by Komatsu in Bluefield for this project,” said Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director and General Counsel, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority. “This will add to the established base of manufacturers in Tazewell County and the region and provide good jobs for the area’s citizens.”

“Tazewell County, with the partnership of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, continues to attract good-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “This reminds us how important it is to diversify our economy. I have spoken with the management team at Ronald Mark Associates, and I know that they will be a perfect fit for our community. I applaud all of those who were part of this great investment in our region.”

“This is exciting news for Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia. We are grateful that RMA is committed to establishing their operation in the former Kamatsu facility,” said Delegate James W. “Will” Morefield. “Tazewell County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority worked diligently to recruit a new tenant since the Komatsu operation in Bluefield officially closed. Today’s announcement is another example of how local and state officials can work together and ensure that our region has every opportunity to grow and prosper.”

Headquartered in Hillside, N.J., Ronald Mark Associates has been marketing, distributing, and packaging PVC resin since 1971 and manufacturing vinyl films and technical textiles since 1979. RMA has positioned itself as an innovator and streamlined manufacturer in the flat roof membrane market as well as critical proprietary fabrics for infrastructure.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Tazewell County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $116,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Tazewell County with the project. Ronald Mark Associates is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Levi Strauss & Co. Appoints Michelle Gass as President

SAN FRANCISCO — November 8, 2022 — Levi Strauss & Co. today announced leadership changes in its executive team with the appointment of Michelle Gass to the new position of president, LS&Co., reporting to Chip Bergh, president & CEO. Gass will be responsible for leading the Levi’s® brand and the company’s global digital and commercial operations. With this announcement, the board of directors has put in motion a succession plan for Gass to succeed Bergh as CEO within the next 18 months. Gass will begin her role with the company on January 2 and is expected to join the LS&Co. Board of Directors on her start date.

“We are delighted that an executive with Michelle’s background, experience and stature is joining as president to work side-by-side with Chip for a meaningful transition period before becoming CEO,” said Bob Eckert, chairman of the LS&Co. Board of Directors. “Michelle’s deep retail and omni-channel experience combined with her track record of building brands and meaningful innovation is a perfect fit for the skills needed to lead this company for the long term and create significant value for our stakeholders.”

Gass brings exceptional direct-to-consumer experience to LS&Co., having led the transformation strategy at Kohl’s to position the company for long-term profitable growth. She has driven a significant reinvention effort for more than 1,100 Kohl’s stores, while growing the digital business at a double-digit compounded annual growth rate to more than $6 billion. She has also led a number of strategic innovations at Kohl’s, including the introduction of Amazon returns and spearheading the long-term strategic partnership with Sephora, which has expanded to 600 Sephora at Kohl’s shops. While at Starbucks, she held numerous leadership roles over nearly 17 years and was instrumental in leading many successful product innovations, including expanding the Frappuccino® blended beverage brand and launching the Starbucks loyalty program. Her last assignment at Starbucks was as President, Starbucks EMEA, leading their European, Middle East and Africa business.

“One of my biggest legacies at LS&Co. will be my successor, passing the baton to someone who will take the company to the next level. I am thrilled not just about Michelle being my successor, but also about having the chance to work closely together during the transition,” Bergh said. “I have known Michelle for a decade, and she has many of the qualities we value in our leaders: she is humble, approachable, transparent and driven by purpose and values. She has a track record of building brands and talent. Michelle also brings more than 25 years of retail and omni-channel experience, along with a demonstrated track record of innovation, driving transformational ‘big ideas’ not just on products but also business models. With this move, I am even more confident in this company’s future.”

Gass has an MBA from the University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business, and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In addition to serving on the PepsiCo. Board of Directors, she is also on the Board of the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National Retail Federation. She previously served on the Cigna and Ann Inc. Boards of Directors.

“I am thrilled to join Levi Strauss & Co., with its iconic brands, incredible team and unwavering commitment to corporate citizenship,” Gass said. “With the Levi’s® brand stronger than ever, Dockers® reinvigorated and the Beyond Yoga® acquisition expanding the company’s addressable market, I look forward to working alongside Chip and his talented team to realize the incredible potential for the business in the years to come.”

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

Bloomingdale’s Taps Boll & Branch To Introduce New, Sustainable Luxury Bedding Collection

SUMMIT, N.J. — November 8, 2022 — Boll & Branch and Bloomingdale’s have formed a strategic alliance that will bring the bedding loved by millions of Americans and, very famously, by three U.S. Presidents, to shoppers in Bloomingdale’s stores and online at bloomingdales.com. The partnership comes on the heels of Bloomingdale’s ‘b the change’ initiative that coincides with the venerable retailer’s 150th anniversary.

“Since our launch in 2014, Boll & Branch has become both the largest and fastest-growing direct-to-consumer brand of home goods, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand,” says Scott Tannen, CEO & Founder of Boll & Branch. “As the world’s largest consumer of Fair Trade Organic Cotton, we are delighted that our company will play a key role in Bloomingdale’s efforts to make a greater social impact. And, of course, we are excited to introduce our extraordinary bedding to millions of loyal Bloomingdale’s customers. It is a perfect fit.”

The Boll & Branch collection at Bloomingdale’s features sheet sets, duvet sets, bed blankets, quilt sets, alpaca throws, and decorative pillows. Importantly, Bloomingdale’s is the first retail partner to carry the ultra-premium Boll & Branch Reserve Collection — made from the world’s rarest organic cotton.

“I’m excited to welcome Boll and Branch to our assortment. With our continued focus on sustainability, it is great to have bedding that’s 100-percent organic. Not only is the bedding beautiful, the layering pieces are deliciously textured,” says Kelley Carter, Fashion director of Home at Bloomingdale’s.

The first Boll & Branch experience debuted on November 4 at Bloomingdale’s in New York City at the 59th Street Flagship. On November 10, the brand arrives at Palm Beach Gardens at The Gardens Mall, with further expansion planned for early 2023. Boll & Branch also launches at bloomingdales.com this month.

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Boll & Branch

Blumaka Launches Central American Manufacturing & Shoe Assembly Facility

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — November 8, 2022 — Blumaka has signed a five-year lease on a 3,500 square meter manufacturing facility in American Park Free Zone industrial park in Santa Ana, El Salvador, to bring recycled foam manufacturing to the Americas.

Blumaka is dedicated to making clean foam by utilizing recycled waste foam to produce new products in a proprietary manufacturing process. To further decrease the carbon footprint of foam and footwear production, Blumaka has expanded its capabilities and tightened its supply chain with the new facility closer to its key markets. Blumaka will create new products with locally generated recycled, loop, or circular waste material, making circular and loop footwear a reality.

The facility allows Blumaka to expand its product line and bring its expertise in clean foam to new applications and brand partnerships. Production services at the facility will include the ability to assemble footwear; manufacture sandals, flip flops, slippers and slides; and manufacture shoe components including midsoles, insoles and cupsoles. In addition to footwear, finished products including, anti-fatigue mats, stand-up desk mats, yoga blocks, seating cushions, and other foam goods will also be produced.

Blumaka was founded on the principle of cleaning up footwear manufacturing through reclaiming foam waste and using a fraction of the water used in traditional manufacturing. Blumaka’s signature insoles currently use 85-percent recycled foam–a single-use plastic–and its manufacturing process uses 99.9-percent less water. The new Blumaka facility will produce foam products and components containing 70 to 95-percent recycled foam.

“It’s been a longtime goal to bring foam and full footwear assembly closer to home and now we have done it so you no longer have to fly halfway around the world to get Blumaka expertise in developing midsole, outsole, and insole components,” said Stuart Jenkins, CEO and co-founder of Blumaka. “Now the cleanest foam manufacturing in the world is on the same time zone and only four hours by plane from the key markets.”

The location of the new facility will help cut shipping by boat to the West coast of the United States to one week versus 30 to 40 days from Asian facilities. The El Salvador location will also use local sources for recycled foam, and has its own leave no trace policy by recycling its own leftover materials back into new products.

Blumaka has partnered with workspace accessory business FluidStance to develop finished consumer goods at the new facility.

“It is rare to find a manufacturing partner that possesses the ability to innovate, develop, manufacture and be sustainable both in materials and character,” said Joel Heath, founder and CEO of FluidStance. “Blumaka has always had a long lens to how they have worked with us and the planet. It truly is a relationship that I value beyond the transaction.”

The facility is located in the American Park Free Zone, which is 100-percent solar-powered and offers on-site healthcare, financial services, athletic facilities, and 24-hour security coverage, among other amenities, for the abundant local labor force. Products from the facility will be Duty Free to the United States through the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and incur no income or sales taxes due to the Free Zone status.

American sneaker brand Psudo is among the first footwear brands to partner with Blumaka at the new facility with a focus on shoe assembly.

“Psudo and Blumaka are like-minded with our vision for sustainable products,” said Psudo CEO Michael Rich, “We are excited to expand our product capabilities together, starting with the opening of their facility in El Salvador, and looking forward to our long-term future together.”

To date, Blumaka has diverted 40 tons of discarded foam from incinerators and landfills. The company has a goal to convert that waste into 400,000 high performance shoe insoles and other consumer goods by 2023 through both its Asian and South American facilities.

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Blumaka

Printful Adopts Coloreel Technology For Unlimited Color Embroidery Production

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 8, 2022 — Printful is one of the first print-on-demand companies to introduce the new Instant Thread Coloring Unit (ITCU) by Coloreel, a Swedish textile innovation brand. Printful can now give business owners an extra advantage through offering the latest cutting-edge embroidery technology to their customers.

Embroidery has always had a limited color offering because a single machine can only house a small number of threads, and each thread has its fixed color. For example, the red thread is only one kind of red, without brighter or darker color variations. This has made embroidery unfit for most designs that have a wide range of colors and gradients, which limits creativity. But thanks to Coloreel’s new ITCU technology, prior embroidery limitations have been removed.

“Printful’s new unlimited color embroidery technique offers customers new opportunities to experiment and turn their creative ideas into products. At Printful we put a heavy emphasis on innovation as we strive to provide the best solutions and services for our customers. I believe that this new feature will be an industry game changer and will empower store owners to sell intricately embroidered products or logos that perfectly match their branding,” said Elina Kruze, head of New Product Development & Merchandising at Printful.

“Through the new and unique possibilities in design, and our integrated digital solution for efficient on-demand production of embroidery, Coloreel offers Printful customers additional business and value creation opportunities. This makes it possible for retailers to elevate their brands and grow their business like never before,” commented Torbjorn Back, CEO of Coloreel.

At the moment, unlimited color embroidery is still in the beta testing phase at Printful, so it is only available for a small number of Printful customers. However, the company plans to complete testing and gradually implement this technology across its fulfillment centers in the coming months.

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: Coloreel

The National Retail Federation: With Retailers Well Stocked, Imports Are Slowing As Holiday Season Ramps Up

WASHINGTON — November 8, 2022 — Retailers expect a busy holiday season the next two months but imports at the nation’s major container ports should continue to slow from records set earlier in the year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.“Cargo levels that historically peak in the fall peaked in the spring this year as retailers concerned about port congestion, port and rail labor negotiations and other supply chain issues stocked up far in advance of the holidays,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “With a rail strike possible this month, there are still challenges in the supply chain, but the majority of holiday merchandise is already on hand and retailers are well prepared to meet demand.”

While consumers are still buying more, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said demand has fallen from peak consumption during the height of the pandemic.

“We expect the flattening of demand that began around the middle of this year to continue into the first half of 2023,” Hackett said. “This will depress the volume of imports, which has already declined in recent months. Carriers have begun to pull services and are looking at laying up ships.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled a record 2.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in May, but volume has seen a mostly steady decline since then.
Ports processed 2.03 million TEU in September, the latest month for which final numbers are available, down 10.2% from August and down 4.9% from September 2021.

Ports have not yet reported October’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.02 million TEU, down 8.5% year over year. November is forecast at 1.92 million TEU, down 9.2% year over year and the lowest number since 1.87 million TEU in February 2021, the last time the monthly total fell below 2 million TEU. December is expected to drop to 1.9 million TEU, down 9% year over year.

The first half of 2022 totaled 13.5 million TEU, a 5.5% increase year over year. The forecast for the remainder of the year would bring the second half to 12.3 million TEU, down 5.3% year over year. For the full year, 2022 is expected to total 25.86 million TEU, barely changed from last year’s annual record of 25.84 million TEU.

January 2023 is forecast at 1.98 million TEU, down 8.4% from January 2022. February is forecast at 1.71 million TEU, down 19.1% from unusually high numbers last year, when backed-up cargo kept congested U.S. ports busy despite the annual Lunar New Year shutdown of Asian factories. With most congestion issues continuing to ease, the month is expected to be the slowest since 1.61 million TEU in June 2020. March is forecast at 1.99 million TEU, which would be an improvement from February but down 15.2% year-over-year.

The cargo data comes as NRF forecasts that 2022 holiday retail sales will grow between 6% and 8% over 2021 to between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: November 8, 2022

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Namuk Bolsters U.S. Presence With Hire Of Sebastian Reinhard As Chief Marketing Officer

ZURICH — November 7, 2022 — Time for big adventures: namuk, the Switzerland-based premium sustainable outdoor clothing brand for kids is pleased to welcome Sebastian Reinhard to the team as chief marketing officer. In his new role, Reinhard will be an integral part of the management team, setting the strategic guidelines for marketing communications and being responsible for the development and implementation of all namuk’s marketing activities at a national and international level.

namuk has shown rapid development since its founding in 2016, and was able to double the revenue year after year. Parents and children appreciate the high quality, durability, product innovations and uncompromisingly ecological attitude of the brand with the owl. Last year, further important steps were taken with the launch of the Re-Use platform and the expansion of the product range in the bike and hiking segment — together with the global brands Giro and Lowa. Reinhard’s task will now be to transfer this success to the new markets in Germany and the United States.

In the last seven years, as marketing director EMEA of The North Face, the 43-year-old German was previously instrumental in the transformation of the brand and helped to establish it in the top league of premium outdoor brands. His career now includes more than 20 years of experience in marketing and sales, 14 of which were with Nike, where he most recently served as brand director for the Sportswear division.

“Sebastian is an outstanding marketer whose deep understanding of consumer behavior and innovative approach to connecting with consumers will help take namuk to the next level,” commented Franz Bittmann, founder and CEO of namuk, on the new addition to the team. “I am very pleased to welcome him to our team and am confident that he will increase awareness and demand and drive our unique positioning further.”

“I’ve been impressed with the brand for years,” Reinhard said, explaining his connection to his new employer. “I want to provide my two children with carefree, adventure-filled time outdoors — and that’s exactly what namuk’s clothes do. The combination of an uncompromising ecological approach, innovation and an understanding of the young wearers’ needs is unique to me. I am very proud to support Franz and the namuk team to continue this incredible journey.”

Posted November 8, 2022

Ultrafabrics Debuts Biophilic-Inspired Booth At BDNY

TARRYTOWN, N.J. — November 7, 2022 — Ultrafabrics is proud to be exhibiting at Boutique Design New York (BDNY) as the brand continues to lean into innovation in the post-pandemic hospitality design market.

This year’s booth is inspired by the notion of connecting people to nature using biophilic design, a creative approach that incorporates natural elements to provide respite and joy for users in the built environment. The booth concept is inspired by the hexagon shape, which can be found replicated in snowflakes, beehives, coral, crystals, and other structures both biological and non-biological. Nature on the surface appears random and disorganised but in reality, it’s all about geometry and physics.

Ultrafabrics will debut a hospitality-focused color palette of dynamic tones that influence mood, calm nerves and create an overall connection to nature.

Nicole Meier, Director of Branding at Ultrafabrics, said: “Ultrafabrics has been engineering its offering to bring beauty, performance and haptics to the hospitality industry.  We are pleased to be showing  our take on biophilic design to our customers.”

Ultrafabrics will show:

Tottori, Wired, Promessa, Ultraleather, Coast, Reef Pro, Eco Tech, Volar Bio, Ultraleather Pro, Fusion

Uf Select will be featured on a OFS Hex Lounge Seat in the booth

Posted November 8, 2022

Source: Ultrafabrics

Upgraded Lenzing E-Branding Service Offers Even Greater Convenience To Value Chain Users

LENZING, Austria — November 8, 2022 — Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, announced the release of a suite of new features on its Lenzing E-Branding Service platform that is now available across textile brands TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, as well as nonwovens brand VEOCEL™. Users will be able to use the new features — Artwork Approval, Fiber Blending Quick Check Tool, Onboarding Tool, E-Branding Master Class and E-Branding Helpdesk — to enjoy a smoother experience and greater convenience, as well as enhanced transparency across the value chain. The new features also complement existing services, such as fiber certification, application for product licenses, and branding materials.

“Since the introduction of Lenzing E-Branding Service in 2018, we have been on a mission to pioneer the digitalization of value chain management. While we remain committed to providing unprecedented traceability across the industry value chain, ensuring better user experience remains the key foundation of the Lenzing E-Branding Service,” said Harold Weghorst, vice president of Global Marketing and Branding at Lenzing AG. “With our latest upgrade, users can leverage the new Artwork Approval process to access licensed marketing or co-branding materials with a few clicks and learn about our service offerings via a suite of comprehensive resources. While material verification during the production process is important, we will not stop there. We aim to extend such verification services to finished garments, enabling greater traceability along the value chain.”

Artwork Approval process offers greater efficiency for brands and retailers

As more consumers become aware of greenwashing, there is a growing need for brands and retailers to enhance descriptions of the sustainability elements in their products. Since 2017, the number of applications for fabric certifications, product licenses and swing-tickets in the E-Branding Service platform has grown exponentially, by around 1.5 times annually. To address the growing need for co-branded marketing content, the “Artwork Approval” process was launched to ensure fast turnaround for artwork confirmations. With a structured online collection of approved artworks, users can access their artwork collection anytime, anywhere, and apply selected artwork for multiple license applications.

Fiber Blending Quick Check Tool ensures effective labeling

To ensure accurate labeling of product ingredient, fabric manufacturers can leverage the new Fiber Blending Quick Check Tool to easily check whether the planned fiber blend of a specific fabric is in accordance with Lenzing’s Certification Standards. The tool can also verify the correct Lenzing fiber brand for each fiber type, which significantly helps retailers promote the final product among consumers. The Fiber Blending Quick Check Tool can be found on the landing page of the E-Branding Service. It is accessible to all visitors to the platform and does not require one to register.

Onboarding Tool, E-Branding Master Class and Helpdesk double up on knowledge transfer
To support the increasing number of users from different regions, the new E-Branding Service Onboarding Tool features a series of step-by-step guides that advises users on how to use the platform’s features. The recently launched E-Branding Masterclass also enables users to expand their knowledge of the platform through live webinars and recorded self-study learning modules covering certification and licensing of Lenzing’s TENCEL, VEOCEL and LENZING ECOVERO brands. The self-study learning modules are available in English with subtitles in 10 languages. The E-Branding Masterclass is supplemented by the E-Branding Helpdesk service which provides users with live support from a dedicated team of Helpdesk specialists, creating a comprehensive knowledge sharing platform.

Posted Novemer 8, 2022

Source: Lenzing

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