Rocky Brands Announces Leadership Promotion

NELSONVILLE, Ohio — October 13, 2022 — Rocky Brands Inc. today announced that CFO Tom Robertson has been promoted to the newly-created position of COO. As COO, Robertson will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day business operations of the company.

“Establishing the role of Chief Operating Officer is an important milestone for Rocky Brands as we take the next step forward in driving profitable growth through operational efficiency,” said Jason Brooks, chairman of the board and CEO. “Tom’s contributions since he joined our organization have played a key role in our many successes, and I know he is well-equipped to help us maximize our opportunities in his new role in the years ahead.”

Robertson, a certified public accountant, has served as executive vice president, CFO and treasurer since May 2018 and as vice president, CFO and treasurer from March 2017 to May 2018. He previously served as senior financial analyst since joining the company in October 2016.

“I am honored to have been chosen to take on this new role for the company,” said Robertson. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jason and our talented operations teams as we position Rocky Brands to deliver enhanced profitability through operational improvement.”

A search for a new CFO will begin immediately. Robertson will continue to serve in the role of CFO until the company identifies his replacement. The company also announced today that David Dixon, president, Manufacturing/Sourcing Operations, has stepped down from his role effective immediately.

“We very much appreciate David’s contributions to Rocky Brands,” added Brooks. “We wish David the best in the next phase of his career and are grateful for his partnership over the past 29 years.”

Posted: October 14, 2022

Source: Rocky Brands, Inc.

Shin-Etsu Chemical Has Developed The Industry’s First Silicone Film-Forming Emulsion

TOKYO — October 14, 2022 — Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. has developed a silicone film-forming emulsion for fiber-treatment applications. Such a product has not existed up until now, and it was developed in response to customers’ requests.

The product’s main characteristics are as follows:

  1. This new product is a low volatile organic compound (VOC) emulsion that reduced unwanted low-molecular-weight siloxanes, which was not possible in existing silicone film-forming emulsions.
  2. With the existing anionic silicone film-forming emulsion products, the film-forming function could not be added to its cationic composition. Because it is cationic, this new product can add the film-forming function to the cationic component, since it has the same ionicity. In the fiber-treatment process, often cationic pharmacological agents are used in combination; accordingly, when the new product is used, because it has the same ionic characteristic, its stability becomes excellent in the bath tank treatment process and this leads to an improvement in workability. In addition, compared to the existing products, it exhibits superior adhesion to fibers.
  3. This silicone film-forming emulsion does not require the addition of a metallic curing catalyst such as tin and only by drying it forms a silicone film. By this means, safety for human health and for the environment is being taken into consideration.
  4. In addition to its main applications for fiber treatment, this newly developed silicone film-forming emulsion product will be used as a binder in medical agents such as anti-microbial agents, and top-coat agents for resin-molded products. Shin-Etsu’s new emulsion product is suitable for every application. Accordingly, we will make proposals to our customers for each specific application.

Shin-Etsu Chemical will continue to endeavor to enhance our ability to contribute to the solution of various social and customer issues. We will work toward the achievement of this goal by developing and supplying advanced functional silicone products through making full use of the technological power and knowhow that Shin-Etsu has nurtured up to now, as we strive to further contribute to the realization of the sustainability of society.

Posted: October 14, 2022

Source: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

A ‘HUGE’ Opportunity: Nearshoring To The Northern Triangle

WASHINGTON — October 14, 2022 — American companies ready to invest in the Northern Triangle countries of Central America view fair incentives, security and skilled labor as important considerations when moving their investments from Asia or expanding those already present in the region.

During the Annual Meeting of the HUGE Business and Investment Council in Washington this week, companies such as Houston Airport System, UPS, Hilton, Kroll, expressed their intention to explore opportunities offered by Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to open new businesses. Companies already there, including Fruit of the Loom, SanMar, Elcatex, Parkdale Mills and Crowley, are aiming to expand.  They asked the United States to accelerate the support from DFC and discussed the role of multilateral development banks and private investment funds as an important source of funding.

HUGE reiterated its long-held position that the CAFTA rules of origin be maintained to support the development of a vertically integrated textile industry in the Northern Triangle that is linked to the U.S. market. CAFTA is now driving significant new investment towards this goal, and if the rules of origin change, those investments will not come to the region.

“Having clear and predictable rules of the game is essential to attract investment to the countries of the region. We at the IDB are ready to support it with financing and technical assistance to achieve this,” said the new Interim President of the Inter-American Development Bank, originally from Honduras, Reina Irene Mejía, at the opening of the HUGE Annual Meeting.

“Crowley has served the U.S.-Central America trade for many decades, and we are constantly investing in our people, assets and technology to provide the best end-to-end services to our customers. We work with governments, business partners and communities to advance nearshoring as a supply chain solution for customers that also provides value to those countries and their people,” said Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley. “Fair incentives to encourage expansion of operations, new investments and beneficial trade is an economic multiplier,” Mr. Crowley added.

In addition to the projects HUGE announced last year, three new projects were presented. In Guatemala, Synergy Industrial Park and Numa Industrial Park are two free zone projects with important technical training components. In Honduras, the innovative renewable energy project La Vegona II will generate 1,200 MW through pump-storage technology.

Altogether, HUGE has mobilized more than $3.2 billion in new investments, which will generate more than 200,000 new jobs. “Supporting long-term development in Northern Central America requires more than just U.S. government funding.  As Under Secretary, I have met many HUGE member companies. I have seen your positive impact, both on the U.S. economy and in the region.  We support your goal to mobilize $10 billion in investment to create 2 million new jobs over the next 5 year and applaud your 10 new projects for $3.2 billion that will create over 200,000 jobs”, said U.S. Under Secretary of State Jose Fernández to attendees from all four HUGE countries.

Foreign investments and financing are key, which is why the World Bank, IDB, and CABEI were all present at the HUGE Annual Meeting. Bernardo Yurrita of Banco Industrial de Guatemala and Camilo Atala of Grupo Financiero Ficohsa applauded the role of development banks and investment funds, as financial inclusivity is essential for small, medium, and microenterprises, as well as businesses owned or led by women.

“HUGE Founders are eager to continue to build on the momentum generated thus far. The transformation of our region is possible, and we will achieve it. Now is the moment!” said Dr. Juan José Daboub, president of HUGE.

Posted: October 14, 2022

Source: HUGE Business and Investment Council

ANDRITZ To Install Metris Predictive Maintenance System At Welspun Advanced Material

GRAZ, Austria — October 14, 2022 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Welspun Advanced Materials, India, to supply a Metris predictive maintenance system for its spunlace production line at the Telangana plant. This will be the first Metris solutions system to be installed in a spunlace line in India.

The integrated Metris platform developed by ANDRITZ uses smart sensors as an energy self-sufficient and seamless support solution to monitor machine conditions continuously, even in areas that are difficult to access. As a result, analysis of the data collected allows clients to pinpoint every possible issue upfront and helps to enhance line performance.

The Metris predictive maintenance system will enable Welspun Advanced Materials to increase its operating efficiency by:

  • avoiding unexpected line shutdowns, thus increasing performance;
  • enabling easy operation along the entire line; and
  • optimizing maintenance organization and planning.

This order follows successful start-up of the newly installed, complete high-speed ANDRITZ spunlace line at the Telangana plant. Cherian Thomas, CEO, said: “Implementing such a Metris predictive maintenance system in a spunlace production line is a milestone in India. We are very proud to see our company as a forerunner. The ANDRITZ digitalization experts have fully supported us in the development of our project and offered tailor-made monitoring and analysis of our plant. This is opening up key perspectives for our future operations, even in the short term, by digitalizing our maintenance procedures and checklist routines.”

With the Metris technology brand, ANDRITZ Automation offers a wide range of digitization products. The proprietary Metris platform adds significant value to the planning, operation, asset management, maintenance, and optimization of production plants and the associated supply chains.

Posted: October 14, 2022

Source: ANDRITZ

Three Absorbent Hygiene Products Featuring Advanced Technology Announced As Finalists For Hygienix Innovation Award™

CARY, N.C. — October 12, 2022 — Three new absorbent disposable hygiene products that provide users with greater protection, convenience and discretion are the finalists for the prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™ that will be selected at Hygienix™, the premier event for absorbent hygiene and personal care markets, November 14-17, at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel.

The innovative and technically sophisticated products vying for the top honors are a revolutionary pH monitoring pantyliner (Kimberly-Clark), a unique roll dispensing period product (Egal Pad) and a novel potty training pad (Sposie Kids).

The annual award recognizes and rewards innovation that uses nonwoven material or technology in a way that provides consumer benefit and expands its usage. Kudos Diaper Subscription Box by Kudos was last year’s winner.

Each of the companies will present their products during the event on November 15 and INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs Matt O’Sickey will announce the winner on November 17, at 11:30 a.m. to conclude Hygienix.

The finalists for the 2022 award are:

  • Egal Pads: Pads on a Roll™ — A wrapped super-thin absorbent period pad that dispenses like toilet paper in public bathroom stalls, preventing the personal embarrassment of not having a menstrual product when needed. This product promotes period product accessibility and destigmatizes menstrual health. It is targeted to schools and universities and the away-from-home market.
  • Kimberly-Clark: Kotex® Pantyliner with pH Indicator — The new Kotex Pantyliner with pH indicator, shifts color at the moment it needs to be replaced. This technology works by changing the color from yellow to blue when activated by fluids such as urine, sweat, or others. By indicating the moment to change the product, it helps to maintain the intimate area clean, fresh, and consequently healthy.
  • Sposie Kids: Sposie® Dribbles® Potty Training Pads — An absorbent potty training pad that adheres to boy’s and girl’s underwear to protect against leaks and accidents during the transition from diapers to underwear, while still providing physical cues to the wearer to promote potty training. The pads absorb over half of an average 2-year-old’s bladder capacity and are 100 percent free from any fragrance, latex, and chlorine.

Hygienix™ Conference Highlights

In addition to the award presentation, the Hygienix conference will focus on sustainability with presentations by more than 20 industry experts on sustainable inputs, natural fibers, product transparency, reusable menstrual products, recyclable diapers and the latest market forecasts and insights into consumer buying trends.

Hygienix will also offer two specialized workshops, a myriad of business connection opportunities, a welcome reception, first-time attendee mentorship program, and two evenings of tabletop receptions.

For the full program and to register, visit the Hygienix website: https://www.hygienix.org/index.html

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Sunbrella Introduces Inherently Fire-Retardant Shade Fabric

BURLINGTON, N.C. — October 12, 2022 — As commercial projects increasingly require fire-retardant materials, Sunbrella unveils Sunbrella® Exceed™ FR, an inherently fire-retardant and flame-resistant shade fabric that offers top FR performance while still delivering the same elevated appearance and tactile qualities of woven Sunbrella shade fabrics.

Professionals can feel confident specifying Exceed FR because it has passed and complies with a total of 12 FR tests and certifications, including NFPA 705, California Title 19, NFPA 701 and CPAI-84. Exceed FR is further backed by the industry’s most comprehensive warranty, including labor costs*, and is compatible with the Sunbrella Graphics System, providing customers limitless options for custom logos and other designs across a variety of commercial shade structures.

“We’re excited to expand our offering of fabric solutions for commercial shade projects to include this inherently FR option,” said Kirk Fitzsimmons, director of industrial sales at Sunbrella. “Fabricators, architects and business owners now have an FR offering they can trust with the support, warranty and brand expectations that have defined Sunbrella for decades.”

In addition to best-in-class FR performance, Exceed FR offers superior sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 98-percent of UV rays. The fabric is bleach-cleanable and resistant to mold, mildew, dirt, stains and fading. As with all Sunbrella shade fabrics, Exceed FR is water- and oil-repellant while still being breathable to create a pleasant and comfortable space below.

Exceed FR will be available beginning January 2023 in four versatile colors: Black, Captain Navy, Forest Green and Jockey Red. For professionals interested in specifying the product, more information and local distributors will be available at Commercial.Sunbrella.com.

New Additions to the Sunbrella Shade Collection

Alongside Exceed FR, Sunbrella is introducing its updated Sunbrella Shade Collection, including 17 new additions. The offering is designed to help create calming outdoor oases that emanate visual softness and an air of relaxation by balancing soothing colors with dynamic neutrals.

New standout patterns include:

Paxton – A nuanced take on the traditional bar stripe, this timeless pattern offers both visual and tactile texture and is available in three neutral colorways.

Marco – Available in four colorways, this elevated stripe was inspired by the tweed and heathered materials of men’s suiting and features a softer approach to stripes that evokes movement and complements a wide range of exterior settings.

Hogan – A new textural solid with a faux slub weave that creates peaks and valleys, producing dynamic visual interest. Hogan elevates outdoor spaces with a range of rich hues balanced by versatile neutrals and is available in seven colorways.

To learn more about the new additions to the Sunbrella Shade Collection and find a local fabricator, visit Sunbrella.com.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Sunbrella

Sticker Mule Poised To Takeover Custom T-Shirt Market With Epson Relationship

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — October 12, 2022 — Sticker Mule is quickly growint its custom printed T-shirt business with the installation of several new Epson direct-to-garment printers. The installation of these printers is the largest in Epson history and ensures Sticker Mule customers are getting the best custom T-shirt on the market. The strategic relationship between Sticker Mule and Epson complements Sticker Mule’s approach to online custom print products and positions the company to dominate the global custom T-shirt market for years to come.

The direct-to-garment printers allow Sticker Mule to print brand-quality custom T-shirts and ship them in 3 days or less. Sticker Mule purchased the printers earlier this year in anticipation of growing demand for brand-quality custom printed T-shirts.

“Our goal is to quickly take over the custom t-shirt market with an insanely high-quality product. Epson’s incredible T-shirt printer is a big part of why we already are shipping more than 50,000 custom t-shirts per month,” said Sticker Mule co-founder and CEO Anthony Constantino. “Epson’s commitment to quality and innovation resembles our own and that’s why we bet big, and correctly, on them enabling us to deliver a level of quality that the T-shirt world hasn’t previously seen.”

Leveraging a direct relationship with Epson, Sticker Mule purchased and installed Epson’s industrial SureColor® F3070 direct-to-garment solution to help turn any design into a brand-quality custom t-shirt with unmatched print quality that is crisp and detailed. The SureColor F3070 is Epson’s first direct-to-garment printer to leverage dual printhead technology and a bulk ink pack system, coupled with features such as an automatic garment thickness adjustment and an ultra-durable linear rail system, it was built to produce hundreds of shirts per day, and is an ideal solution to meet the growing demand for custom t-shirts.

“Epson is proud to work with Sticker Mule and install such a record-breaking number of direct-to-garment printers in its Amsterdam production facility, playing a role in the company’s ability to grow. Together with Sticker Mule, our partnership and collaboration help to deliver best-in-class solutions to meet their customers’ needs and deliver the highest quality products. We are pleased that Anthony and his team selected Epson and are excited to continue our partnership with a market leader in the space,” said John Meyer, director, Commercial Sales, Prof. Imaging Sales of Epson America.

The ongoing strategic relationship between Sticker Mule and Epson included mutual visits to company headquarters. Epson’s chairman, CEO and president traveled from Japan to Amsterdam, N.Y. to meet the Sticker Mule team and learn more about the Sticker Mule facility in Amsterdam, N.Y. Likewise, Constantino and senior Sticker Mule leadership have visited Epson in Japan. The purchase and installation of the printers continues the ongoing strategic relationship between the two companies, which is rooted in a shared commitment to providing the highest quality service and products to their customers. In addition to the direct-to-garment printers, Sticker Mule also leverages a large fleet of Epson SurePress® digital label printers and SureColor S-Series solvent printers to produce their flagship custom label, signage, and sticker products.

Sticker Mule’s T-shirts are soft, pre-shrunk 100-percent ring spun cotton. The T-shirts are available up to size 2XL and come in six colors, which can be printed with any full-color design at no additional cost. T-shirts orders can combine sizes, colors, and logo designs without additional pricing.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Sticker Mule

ALLIED Feather + Down Introduces RENU:TRACE, The World’s First Recycled Down Traceable For Animal Welfare

MONTEBELLO, Calif. — October 12, 2022 — ALLIED Feather + Down is poised once again to take a leap forward for animal welfare, sustainability, and circularity with its new RENU:TRACE recycled and traceable down insulation program.

In order to help bring this groundbreaking new product to market, ALLIED is looking for partner brands around the globe who are currently using down sourced through the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) program to participate.

“With demand at an all time high, recycled down is becoming an increasingly important material for many of our outdoor, fashion, and bedding partners,” said Daniel Uretsky, president of ALLIED Feather + Down. “Current recycled down offerings have one major flaw: they don’t necessarily comply with RDS protocol, meaning it’s impossible to know how ethically the birds in the supply chain are treated. RENU:TRACE will fix that.”

The Responsible Down Standard works by auditing every farm in the down supply chain for the ethical treatment of their geese and ducks. From there, a lot number follows each batch of down to the factory, final product, and the customer. Any down jackets currently using RDS down are candidates for the RENU:TRACE program.

Any brand participating in the RENU:TRACE program would benefit from the ability to market their jackets, sleeping bags, and bedding as traceable, recycled, and recyclable, with hangtags and instructions for shipping used product back to ALLIED. Participating brands would also have priority for sourcing RENU:TRACE material for their sustainable product lines.

ALLIED Feather + Down will be exhibiting at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, October 26-27, in booth #333 and again at ISPO in Munich, November 28-30 A3.102. Brands wanting to set up an appointment to learn more should contact Matthew Betcher at ALLIED Feather + Down

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: ALLIED Feather + Down

Bast Fibre Technologies Secures Strategic Investment From Ahlström Capital

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA — October 12, 2022 — Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), the makers of sero™ hemp fiber, announced today that it has closed a major strategic financing with Ahlström Capital of Finland. BFT will immediately begin work to expand fiber manufacturing capacity at its U.S.flagship facility in Lumberton, N.C., and its E.U.-facility near Düsseldorf, Germany.

This financing will enable BFT to produce more than 10,000 metric tons of sero hemp fiber per year by 2023 and up to 50,000 metric tons per year by 2026.

“Nonwoven companies, converters, and leading consumer goods companies are looking for viable natural fibre options to achieve their corporate sustainability initiatives as they move away from synthetics,” said Jim Posa, CEO of BFT. “The market for natural fibers is set for rapid growth, and this highly strategic funding will help BFT to solidify its position and further accelerate its expansion to meet the increasing demand for tree-free, plastic-free fibers.”

“As the nonwoven industry transitions away from plastics, we believe there will be exponential growth in the natural fibers market. As a responsible investor with a strategic, long-term mindset, we seek to invest in companies focused on solutions that help drive sustainable development. With a strong and experienced management team, BFT is well positioned to become a global leader in the production of sustainable bast fibers. We see sustainable value-creating opportunities in the company,” commented Lasse Heinonen, president and CEO of Ahlström Capital.

“Ahlström Capital has an excellent reputation for investing in cleantech companies offering sustainable solutions,” said Noel Hall, BFT’s executive board chair. “It is important for us to work with an investor that shares our values and our vision of moving away from synthetic materials in nonwoven applications. Ahlström Capital has several complementary portfolio holdings in the nonwoven and sustainable fiber industries, making it both a natural fit and value-added investor for BFT. We are pleased to welcome Ahlström Capital’s Investment Director, Andreas Ahlström, to BFT’s board of directors.”

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT)

KARL MAYER Is Looking Forward To Working With Leading Denim Brands

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — October 12, 2022 — KARL MAYER continues to be successful in the denim sector and is an important partner for the influential players in the industry. The company is establishing relationships with leading brands and recently signed an agreement to pursue a joint project with Levi Strauss & Co. for a more sustainable indigo dyeing process.

The innovation in indigo dyeing goes hand in hand with sustainability

KARL MAYER is already with its PRODYE®-S unit a leader in the fashion market, and its PRODYE-R is increasingly establishing in the rope dyeing process. In 2019, KARL MAYER launched at the ITMA Barcelona its GREENDYE technology. The innovation is based on nitrogen dyeing system, and its advantages include highly reduced chemical consumption, best dyeing efficiency, and significant water savings.

The arguments for more sustainability and economic efficiency are convincing. This year, the innovative global player NIEN HSING was the first manufacturer to invest in GREENDYE by KARL MAYER. The premiere machine will be delivered to Taiwan by end of this year.

Denim R&D Center

The KARL MAYER Research & Development Center for Denim offers the opportunity to test the performance of GREENDYE by KARL MAYER on a pilot plant with individual trials. “The customer can come to us with his yarn. We dye and warp it and process it with our Italian partners into fabrics that he can compare with his previous goods,” explains Stefano Agazzi, Chief of Technology and Products at KARL MAYER. The experienced denim specialist is also on hand to answer questions and help with his extensive network.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: KARL MAYER Gruppe

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