Bally Ribbon Mills To Display High Performance 3-D Woven Composites At CAMX 2022

BALLY, Pa. — Ocotber 17, 2o22 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) will showcase its high-quality, high-performance products at CAMX 2022, taking place October 17-20, 2022, in Anaheim, Calif. BRM experts will be on hand in booth V61 to discuss the company’s 3-D woven joints, thermal protection systems (TPS), and other 3-D structures.

BRM uses 3-D continuous weaving to create new joint structures and improve existing joints. Delivering the optimal blend of strength, durability, and structural integrity, BRM’s 3-D woven joints are available in “Pi – π,” double “T,” “H,” and other complex net shapes. 3-D woven joints from BRM lower weight and cost without sacrificing integrity and performance. Because of the nature of the 3-D weave, strength and support is translated in all 3 dimensions, thus enabling the join to reinforce the strength along the load paths of the sub-structures being joined together. These 3-D woven shapes for joining can be tailored to suit the architecture of the structure itself, as well as the sub-components being joined.

3-D woven composites by BRM are particularly successful in aviation heat shield applications such as thermal protection systems. These systems are mission-critical components, particularly in space exploration vehicles, and 3-D woven composites reduce weight and cost while maintaining excellent performance in TPS systems. The ability to vary yarn types, density, thickness, and width, as well as resin type, allows BRM to create fully customizable TPS to fit each specific mission or application’s needs.

Along with TPS systems, 3-D woven components also function well as engine parts in aircraft. Replacing traditional titanium engine components with 3-D woven carbon fiber composites serves to reduce weight and therefore lifetime cost, all while meeting the rigorous demands of manufacturing and use.

For more information, speak with BRM experts in booth V61 at CAMX 2022.

Posted October 18, 2022

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills

ALLIED Feather + Down’s Groundbreaking TrackMyDown Transparency Tool Evolves To Support Strong And Growing Site Engagement

MONTEBELLO, Calif. — October 18, 2022 — Launched in 2015 alongside  the now omni-present Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Allied Feather + Down’s TrackMyDown traceability and education tool is launching into the Fall 22/Winter 23 season with a fully revamped user interface to better serve a strong and growing number of site visitors looking to learn more about the down inside their coats, sleeping bags, and bedding.

Created as a way to bring a more in-depth level of transparency and education to customers who are increasingly interested in the backgrounds, origins, and qualities of products they buy, TrackMyDown exceeded all expectations for user engagement. ALLIED is reinvesting in the platform to provide the most cutting-edge user experience possible, with more updates on the way.

“We knew that RDS certified products would bring a new level of confidence to purchasers of down products concerned with animal welfare, and we understood they would want more information than could be printed on a product hang tag,” said Matthew Betcher, creative director with ALLIED. “We developed TrackMyDown so customers could learn more about all aspects of down, including verified fill power, cleanliness and general care. The reception it’s received is beyond our expectations, and we are excited to continue to innovate on how down information is communicated to consumers..”

Since launching in 2015, over 200 outdoor, fashion and bedding brands as well as retailers have adopted the TrackMyDown program. At the same time, the platform has grown to see significant use from a global customer base, growing from approximately 800 unique lot views per month in 2015 to well over 15,000 per month for Fall 2019 and 2020 products. And even in the middle of the pandemic, the site saw an increase of 60,000+ unique users over those who used the tool for Fall 2019 products.

75% of the platform’s use is at point-of-sale, before a customer even makes a purchasing decision, with an average site visit time of over 1 minute in every season since inception. And during the pandemic when retail was mostly shuttered, TrackMyDown still saw a growth of  new users over previous, non-pandemic seasons.

“The analytics show just how significant information like this is to customers,” continued Betcher. “The 15%+ increase in new users from F19 through F20, confirms that customers now, more than ever, are interested in – and in many cases requiring – this level of transparency and knowledge about every single part of the products they are purchasing.”

Posted October 18, 2022

Source: Allied Feather + Down

MycoWorks Secures Strategic Investment From GM Ventures To Develop Fine Mycelium Materials For Sustainable Automotive Interiors    

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — October 18, 2022 — Biotechnology company MycoWorks announced today its newest investor GM Ventures, the investment arm of General Motors Co., and their long-term agreement to co-develop Fine Mycelium™ materials for potential use in a range of applications within automotive design. MycoWorks’ collaboration with GM marks the exploration of its entry into one of the largest end-use markets for leather and demonstrates the significant opportunity to create more sustainable materials for the automotive space.

MycoWorks’ breakthrough Fine Mycelium technology engineers mycelium, the infinitely renewable root structure of mushrooms, to craft a range of natural, customizable leather alternatives that match the performance of the highest quality animal leather with lower environmental impact. The company’s platform has enabled a new class of premium, non-animal materials which could have the opportunity to support GM’s continued progress toward its vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

Animal-free and chrome-free, Fine Mycelium also has superior strength at low thicknesses, offering a compelling pathway to efficiency and weight reduction in car interiors while still meeting the most stringent performance, aesthetic, and environmental requirements of the automotive space.

“Working with General Motors to introduce Fine Mycelium to the automotive industry is an enormous step forward in the global new materials revolution,” said Matt Scullin, CEO of MycoWorks. “MycoWorks’s collaboration with GM is a first for us outside of the fashion industry, demonstrating the enormous potentialand applications for Fine Mycelium.”
“Our strategic investment in MycoWorks aims to advance the development of sustainable automotive materials,” said Wade Sheffer, managing director of GM Ventures. “This collaboration will help facilitate R&D efforts and build more sustainable alternatives for our designers.”

In August 2022, following an oversubscribed $125M Series C funding round, MycoWorks broke ground on its first full-scale production facility, which will enable initial mass-production volumes of several million square feet of Fine Mycelium materials per year, dramatically increase production and partnership capacity, and service Fine Mycelium to a wider range of industries and companies.

Posted October 18, 2021

Source: MycoWorks

Shaun White Expands Namesake Lifestyle Brand Whitespace With New Apparel And Snowboard Accessories

PARK CITY, Utah — October 17, 2022 — Shaun White, three-time Olympic gold medalist and winner of the most X-Games gold medals in history, builds upon his namesake brand with the addition of premium apparel and gear collections designed for on and off the mountain moments. Developed alongside outdoor retailer Backcountry, Whitespace gear combines White’s 30 years of professional riding experience, his unique style, and Backcountry’s industry-leading expertise.

“For me, Backcountry felt like the obvious first choice for this partnership,” White said. “Besides being a personal fan of Backcountry, they have over 25 years of experience in the outdoor retail business, and it all started with skiing and riding. It’s really important to me that people who use Whitespace products will get the right product personally tailored to their individual needs. Backcountry’s Gearheads are always on call with the knowledge and expertise needed to point you in the right direction. I’m really excited to see what we do together in the next couple years.”

White combines form and function in the brand’s first line of apparel. The concept behind the collection is that everything can be worn on the mountain and in the city. The Whitespace 3L Performance 3 in 1 Sherpa Jacket ($499 USD) can be stripped down to the essential elements, boasting more function out of less gear. The removable high-pile Sherpa fleece jacket provides an additional layer of insulation on the mountain but can be worn as a stylish standalone piece for post-ride drinks. The collection also includes streetwear-style items like the Whitespace SW Signature Puffy Jacket ($299 USD) and the Whitespace Merino Thermal Base Layer Mock Neck($119 USD). Both are built for bitterly cold days of riding or getting around town. Whether dropping into a halfpipe or facing a snowy commute, the urban style jacket’s high-loft baffles filled with synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. Add in a base layer for premium comfort and slip it under a peacoat for a casual dinner look in the evening. Each piece is designed for everyday life, so you’re getting more out of your gear and traveling lighter.

Whitespace has also expanded its line of high-performance hardgoods. Following the success of the inaugural, limited edition snowboard, White has added three new board designs to the collection, including the Freestyle Shaun White Pro ($575 USD), AMF Park Twin ($550 USD), and Powder! ($595 USD). In addition to snowboards, Whitespace introduces its first line of goggles built for advanced eye protection and visibility at every turn. The collection offers three new models with varying features at a price range of $74 – $289 USD.

“Shaun White is a true creative and visionary,” said Melanie Cox, Backcountry CEO. “His passion for snowboarding and streetwear fashion is really brought to life in his new collection. His unique style shines through in each piece, effortlessly blending technical features with contemporary silhouettes. As the exclusive retail partner of Whitespace, Backcountry is proud to partner with Shaun and bring his collection to market.”

As the Whitespace brand evolves, White expects it to transcend snowboarding and expand into other sports, while maintaining its core style and ability to exist on and off the mountain.

The new Whitespace collection is available now at https://www.backcountry.com/whitespace.

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: Backcountry

MSA Safety Names Lee McChesney Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Lee McChesney

PITTSBURGH — October 17, 2022 — MSA Safety, a developer and manufacturer of safety products that help protect people and facility infrastructures, today announced that Lee McChesney has been named senior vice president and CFO. McChesney previously served as vice president, Corporate Finance and CFO for Stanley Black & Decker’s $12.8 billion operating unit, Global Tools and Storage.

“We are delighted to have Lee join our executive leadership team,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety chairman, president and CEO. “Lee is a proven CFO with a track record of delivering exceptional results and creating value,” Vartanian said. “Coming from a Fortune 500 industrial manufacturing company that serves a number of markets common to MSA, I’m confident Lee will help strengthen our organization with his 20-plus years of financial leadership experience in guiding a large, growth-focused enterprise.”

McChesney joined The Stanley Works in 1999. Initially, he served in several finance and business leadership roles including business unit CFO, Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Director and deploying the Stanley Fulfillment System. Over his career, McChesney has helped guide more than 40 acquisitions and integrations.  He also served as the finance integration leader for The Stanley Works and Black & Decker merger in 2010.

Following the merger, McChesney was named CFO for Global Tools & Storage, a business that more than doubled in size through the decade. In 2016, McChesney was named president, Hand Tools, Accessories and Storage, a $4 billion business that included the successful integration of Craftsman and Newell Tools. In 2019, McChesney was appointed CFO for Global Tools and Storage and Corporate FP&A, and in 2021 assumed additional responsibility for Corporate Tax and Treasury.

McChesney also helped launch one of Stanley Black & Decker’s largest innovation showcases for its Craftsman brand following its acquisition. The comprehensive program represented more than $500 million of incremental innovation at improved margin levels. “In addition to his operations and financial background, Lee understands the importance of innovation and how to best leverage it,” Vartanian said. “As we think about innovation at MSA, including our Connected Technology platforms and our recently launched MSA+ subscription service, I know Lee will bring to our team valuable insights on how we can best utilize those assets to drive greater value and market leadership.”

In his role with MSA, McChesney succeeds interim CFO Jonathan Buck, who will resume his responsibilities as chief accounting officer.

McChesney holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. He also earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. In addition to his professional responsibilities, McChesney is actively involved with Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, serving on its board and as a member of its executive committee.  He also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Cabinet for the University of Connecticut School of Business.

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: MSA Safety

Saint-Gobain Films & Fabrics Rebranding As Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions

WORCESTER, Mass. — October 17, 2022 — Saint-Gobain Films & Fabrics is rebranding as Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions to better position the business for changes in the marketplace and to more closely align with its core values. Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions will encompass the company’s familiar, yet refreshed brands SHEERGARD®, SHEERFILL®, ONESUIT® and VERSIV™ — a new brand that represents true versatility of its products and solutions.

“Corporate and product branding is more than just a logo or a tagline. It’s a promise to our customers, and it is ultimately defined by them — in how they perceive our company and our products,” says Dale Thomas, general manager, Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions. “We are excited to announce the change of our business unit and our product brands as we are re-envisioning our brand to better reflect who we are and our unique ability to deliver extraordinary performance across a spectrum of demanding settings.”

The new Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions brand signals the coming together of multiple materials and unified teams in a streamlined approach to solve customers’ challenges. By employing its deep technical expertise, drawing on proven products, and working in tandem with engineers, R&D, procurement, and professionals throughout the supply chain, Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions is committed to innovate and deliver composite materials that protect safety, release easily, insulate with integrity, and control friction.

Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions encompasses three existing brands which have strong global recognition:

  • SHEERGARD, which provides highly customized communication solutions that seamlessly protect the reliability of electromagnetic signals in cutting-edge and mission-critical applications.
  • SHEERFILL, which offers high-performance permanent tensioned membrane products that help architects and designers create structures that are uniquely contemporary, energy-efficient, and immediately iconic.
  • ONESUIT, which provides protective solutions to professionals in a variety of industries where maximum safety in the presence of hazardous chemicals is critical.

The rebrand also establishes a new product brand, VERSIV, which represents the company’s ability to provide versatile, innovative solutions. The new brand combines and replaces the CHEMFAB, CHEMFILM, NORFILM, FLUOROWRAP and CORETECH product brands, and encompasses the broadest range of high-performance material solutions on the market.

Designed and manufactured with the most demanding applications in mind the V represents the company’s ability to provide versatile, innovative solutions. The VERSIV line provides:

  • Protection applications that require the best optical clarity and the longest-term resistance against harsh chemicals.
  • Release applications for the cleanest, most consistent release performance possible.
  • Electrical applications where the best signal integrity under harsh conditions is vital.
  • Friction and wear applications for components that deliver the best energy-efficiency.

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions

Hyosung Introduces New Fall/Winter (FW) 23/24 Textile Trends At ISPO

SEOUL — October 18, 2022 — As a textile solutions provider Hyosung continually seeks to bring innovation across the value chain that exceed expectations. To bring value and creative solutions to its wide network of partners, Hyosung’s  Fashion Design Center (FDC), an interactive fashion studio, spans the U.S., Europe and Asia surveying progressive brands & retailers, and researching consumer insights. Hyosung FDC has released its forecasted Fall/Winter 23/24 Textile Trend report, which provides a vision of what major apparel brands will be incorporating into their collection next year.

FDC’s textile mega-trend for FW 23/24 is called Interconnected Future. This mega-trend is broken into four sub-trends and subsequent themes. Within each theme, the FDC team recommends a number of Hyosung’s multi-functional and sustainable yarns and apparel applications- most notably the company’s new 3rd party certified creora® bio-based spandex made with bio-based materials derived from industrial corn, along with its MIPAN regen ocean recycled nylon made from discarded fishing nets.

Concept garments made with recommended yarns from the FDC FW 23/24 Textile Trends will be featured in the Hyosung stand at ISPO Munich located in Hall A1, booth 312 this November 28-30.

Additionally, more detailed information on FDC’s FW 23/24 Textile Trends will be presented in its weekly Trend Byte series featured on the Hyosung Performance Textiles blog and LinkedIn page.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic has passed, we foresee an enhanced interconnection among social, environmental and economic systems triggering a mindset shift from individualism to interconnectedness is shaping new customer attitudes and behaviors,” said Lewis Hong, Team/General Manager, Hyosung Fashion Design Center. “For FW 23/24,we foresee textile trends focusing on materials that are kind to our environment and provide multi-function and comfort. Practical aesthetics and interesting surface detail are also important now that we are able to personally engage in community once again.”

Following is a preview of Interconnected Future’s four textile sub-trends, called Sport Smart, Exploration of Outdoors, Practical Aesthetics, and Science of Comfort.

The Sport Smart sub-trend touches upon essential base layers, winter performance leisure hybrids, core fabrics using smart technology for in-home and IRL gyms, year-round water sports, and futuristic meta streetwear where physical and digital worlds collide through fantasy-inspired aesthetics.

Exploration of Outdoors sub-trend addresses the ongoing rise in the outdoorsy lifestyle trend. Key themes include textiles incorporating new levels of protection taking extreme weather patterns into consideration, comfy knit mid-layers in functional fabrics, textiles that can transition between winter recreation and all-day wear, and functional outerwear for urban nomads.

As consumers adjust to the new work/life hybrid lifestyle, the Practical Aesthetics sub-trend focuses on textiles suited for comfortable office-ready apparel, loungewear with fashionable detail and textural interest, cozy tactile teddy-looking fleece fabrics for indoor and outdoor wear, and practical performance wear that meets comfort for home activewear.

And finally, the Science of Comfort sub-trend reveals that more diverse, sustainable fibers are leading the trend in new next-to- skin layers, and soft compression with additional technical properties will be key to basic underwear and loungewear for all-day performance comfort. Additionally, playful digital brights push classic lingerie into fashion limelight.

“As a textile solutions provider, we are grateful to work and collaborate with the entire value chain to help our brand partners continually innovate and deliverer products even before their customers know they want them,” said Hong.

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: Hyosung

INDA Announces Date Changes For IDEA® In Miami Beach

CARY, N.C. — October 17, 2022 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces new dates for the 22nd edition of IDEA® – The World’s Preeminent Event for Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics. Originally scheduled to take place April 23-25, 2024, IDEA® now will be held April 29-May 1, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.

In 2022, IDEA® attracted 5,000 participants from across the global supply chain to engage with nonwovens & engineered materials senior-level leaders at the Miami Beach Convention Center. IDEA® 2022 was co-located with the second FiltXPO™, North America’s only exhibition and conference dedicated exclusively to filtration and separation.

“We are moving IDEA away from an already-crowded 2024 event calendar to better serve the industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president. “In 2025, this IDEA schedule, again co-located with FiltXPO, is much more desirable as other industry relevant events adjust schedules post-pandemic. INDA remains committed to a two-year cycle for IDEA, which will take place every other year in the spring.  IDEA 2027 will be held March 29 to April 1.”

“We are excited to return to Miami Beach to build upon our successful 2022 event.  The 2025 program will focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) innovation and practices within our industry,” he said. “We will continue to expand our workforce development programs and highlight award-winning innovation with the coveted IDEA Achievement Awards program.”

Exhibition and registration information including important show news, updates and information is available at www.ideashow.org

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Scott Bader Expands Partnership With HANS CLAUSSEN In Scandinavia

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, England — October 17, 2022 — Scott Bader and HANS CLAUSSEN have recently agreed an expansion of their successful partnership in Scandinavia.

The expansion will see HANS CLAUSSEN distribute third party products, such as ancillaries and reinforcements, through their Swedish operation NB8 SOLUTIONS alongside Scott Bader products in Scandinavia, thus offering Scandinavian customers a ‘one-stop shop’ for their composite and adhesive needs. Scott Bader will also provide HANS CLAUSEEN and NB8 SOLUTIONS with warehousing services from their site in Falkenberg, Sweden.

HANS CLAUSSEN, a family-owned company established in 1889, will continue as Scott Bader’s exclusive distribution partner for their advanced composite and structural adhesive ranges in Norway.

Jonathan Stowell, commercial director for Scott Bader, said: “We have a longstanding strategic partnership with HANS CLAUSSEN. Their fantastic team have helped grow our presence in the Norwegian composite and adhesive markets. We are delighted to expand that partnership to offer our Scandinavian customers a streamlined process for purchasing our materials and the necessary third-party products alongside them.”

Jonas Claussen, owner and CEO of HANS CLAUSSEN said: “We have been working closely with Scott Bader for many years are proud and honoured to work even closer with them now. We will carry out the activity in Sweden from our company NB8 Solutions AB and I am sure that the Scott Bader team in Falkenberg and ourselves will complement each other perfectly. Our partnership increases our salesforce and improves our level of service, and we avoid importing to Norway and reselling back to the EU, giving greater flexibility for our customers.”

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: Scott Bader Co. Ltd.

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition Strengthens Its Leadership Team With New Appointments

SAN FRANCISCO, AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG — October 17, 2022 — The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an independent and impact-creating organization that brings together around half of the apparel industry to enable positive social and environmental impact at scale, has announced today the appointment of Lee Green as senior director, Marketing and Communications; and Nadia York, as chief of staff. These appointments will bolster the leadership team as the organization continues to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability that is based on a joint multi-stakeholder approach for measuring, improving and sharing performance.

Lee will be responsible for overseeing all the communications and marketing activities to ensure SAC’s work is effectively communicated to all stakeholders and the organization continues to affirm its position as a critical partner for transforming the industry to positively impact people and the planet. Nadia will work closely with the leadership team and Board of Directors to provide strategic support and create synergy within the organization to ensure teams are working effectively and efficiently in support of the organizational objectives and priorities.

Amina Razvi, CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “We are excited to welcome Lee and Nadia to the team and believe they are a great addition to the organization. Lee  has experience working with a member-based organization and has a compelling track record of delivering impactful communications strategies and events. Nadia has extensive experience in project management and translating strategic enterprise-wide projects and initiatives into action across departments.

“By combining their distinct backgrounds, expertise and experience, they will  support our team as we grow and help accelerate our collective action efforts to enable positive social and environmental impact at scale.”

Prior to joining the SAC, Lee was the director of communications at The Consumer Goods Forum for 10 years. During his time there, Lee led the re-branding of the organization and oversaw all communications related to the organization’s eight Coalitions of Action and five global events. Before joining the SAC, Nadia worked as the chief of staff for the UK ambassador in Paris, and later moved into the corporate world, joining Credit Lyonnais. She has served as a key delivery and implementation specialist.

“I am honored to be part of the team and thrilled to bring my experience to an organization such as the SAC. I look forward to collaborating with the team and steering the marketing and communications function, as we strive to showcase the industry’s commitment to driving positive and impactful change,” Green said.

“I am privileged to be part of the team and excited to get the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to support the leadership team in its work. I am especially honored to support Amina by creating the necessary synergy within the organization, allowing her to focus her efforts and energy towards the strategic growth of the organization,” York noted.

Lee and Nadia will both be attending the SAC’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place in Singapore on November 1-2, where they will meet and engage with attendees with the aim of establishing and nurturing relationships geared towards moving the industry forward. Under the theme, “Collective Action on Common Ground”, the two-day event aims to establish common ground amongst different perspectives to promote solutions and drive progress on pressing environmental and social issues.

The event will bring together sustainability leaders across the entire value chain, from around the globe to open conversation on solutions and commitment to tangible actions that the industry can take together to improve environmental and social impacts. Topics to be covered include transparency, policy, responsible purchasing practices, the future of the SAC and the Higg Index Tools, and much more. The 2022 SAC Annual Meeting is powered by Global Fashion Agenda, and ticket holders will experience a cocktail reception on November 2, co-hosted by Global Fashion Agenda and Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The Global Fashion Agenda’s own event, the Global Fashion Summit, will follow on November 3.

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC)

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