Essity, Maker Of The Tork Brand, Expands Portfolio With Acquisition Of Legacy Converting Inc.

PHILADELPHIA —  February 2, 2022 — Essity, a global hygiene and health company, today announced the acquisition of Legacy Converting Inc., a U.S.-based cleaning and wiping company and manufacturer of the EPA-regulated Everwipe™ brand of disinfecting and wiping products.

Legacy Converting was founded in 2004 and manufactures roll and folded wipes in a variety of formats including pop-up canister, bucket and resealable packs. The company services customers in the Public Interest, Commercial and Healthcare market segments via the Industrial and Office supply sales channels. Legacy Converting is based in New Jersey.

The acquisition will strengthen the Tork product portfolio and will provide significant benefits to Essity’s North American customers. With an expanded professional hygiene offering and a more profound surface cleaning and disinfecting expertise, it will be easier to fulfill customers’ sustainable hygiene needs through one partner — Essity.

“As the maker of the global leading Tork professional hygiene brand, we are committed to offering customers a full suite of innovative sustainable hygiene products and services. The acquisition of Legacy Converting, Inc. strengthens our wiping and cleaning product expertise and offering and is a step in our expansion of this product area,” said Don Lewis, president, Professional Hygiene, Essity.

“Both Essity and Legacy share common values related to sustainability, customer service and innovation, so we are excited to bring Legacy on board as a complement to our Tork brand of professional hygiene products and services,” Lewis added.

“Legacy has worked hard to build a world class manufacturing operation, team and brand from the ground up. Joining forces with Essity allows us to continue to execute on our mission on a global scale. Essity is truly a world class organization; we couldn’t be more excited to be aligning with them to deliver amazing products and customer experiences to our partners,” said Jason Slosberg, M.D., co-founder/vice president, Operations, Legacy Converting.

“We have developed Everwipe into a highly respected brand in North America and we are proud to join with Essity, maker of the global leading Tork brand, to extend our reach and value to customers,” said Darren Slosberg, co-founder/vice president, sales, Legacy Converting.

Essity offers complete hygiene solutions through the Tork brand, including toilet paper, paper hand towels, napkins, hand soap, hand sanitizers, dispensers and wiping and cleaning products. Tork also offers digital solutions, such as Internet of Things sensor technology that enables data-driven cleaning.

Legacy Converting Inc. was advised by Sax Capital Advisors.

Posted February 8, 2022

Source: Essity

Gen 2 Carbon Appoints Tim King Technical Sales Consultant

King

COSELEY, UK — February 8, 2022 — As part of Gen 2 Carbon’s strategic plan to develop markets in both the UK and overseas, the company’s first appointment of 2022 sees Tim King join as Technical Sales consultant. With a broad experience of composites in multiple sectors, King comes to Gen 2 Carbon from MTAG Composites. His previous roles within the composites industry include project engineering, innovation, project development and technical sales.

As an early advocate of recycled nonwoven carbon fiber, TKingim worked on the R&D to vacuum infuse the nonwoven material into a commercially viable product having successfully substituted glass fiber-based infusion products with Gen 2 Carbon’s 100-percent carbon product. King also led the RS Electric Boats’ ‘Pulse 63’ project which now incorporates the same 100-percent carbon fiber material within the zero-emission electric RIB.

Using his manufacturing process, application knowledge and sales acumen, King hopes to develop considerable uptake of the materials manufactured by Gen 2 Carbon into several key sectors in the UK and global composites market. Supporting existing commercial functions, King aims to capitalize on the exceptional developments the business has made since its transition from ELG Carbon Fibre, helping to secure the future of recycled carbon fiber products as a staple material in the world of composites manufacturing and beyond.

Posted February 8, 2022

Source: Gen 2 Carbon

Somnus Mattress International LLC Establishing Operations In Cherokee County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — February 8, 2022 — Somnus Mattress International LLC, a manufacturer of hybrid memory foam mattresses, today announced plans to establish operations in Cherokee County.  The company’s $13 million investment will create 55 new jobs.

Somnus Mattress International LLC produces multi-layer mattresses that combine memory foam with an innerspring system. The mattresses are compressible and roll packable, which leads to more efficient shipping.

Located at 210 Henson Road in Blacksburg, Somnus Mattress International LLC’s Cherokee County operations will manufacture mattresses to serve clients across the United States.

Operations are expected to be online in March 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Somnus Mattress International LLC team should email joe.hassan@westgatehome.com.

“Somnus Mattress International LLC is excited to open its new mattress factory in Blacksburg, South Carolina,” said Somnus Mattress International LLC Managing Partner David Li. “We choose South Carolina for our expansion project because of the business-friendly environment and its skilled workforce. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship and will definitely consider South Carolina for all future projects.”

“South Carolina has proven itself to be an ideal place for businesses to grow, and Somnus Mattress International LLC’s new operations in Cherokee County are further testament to that,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We welcome Somnus Mattress International LLC to South Carolina and look forward to their success as they grow to serve their U.S. customers.”

“Today, we celebrate yet another economic win in South Carolina. Somnus Mattress International LLC’s operations in Cherokee County, along with the $13 million investment and 55 new jobs they are creating, will make a big impact in the local community. Congratulations and welcome to South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

“This is another win for Cherokee County!” said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer. “We are excited that Somnus Mattress International LLC has decided to locate in Blacksburg. We are looking forward to working with the management team to ensure their continued success.”

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

JCPenney Launches The Mutual Weave™ Lifestyle Brand For Men

LEWISVILLE, Texas — February 8, 2022 — Today, JCPenney re-energizes men’s casualwear with Mutual Weave™, a thoughtfully crafted lifestyle brand inspired by one of America’s most loved and versatile staples – jeans.

Men will appreciate the simplicity of achieving laidback everyday looks at a great value. Mutual Weave apparel is defined by:

  • Sturdy construction with denim that feels—but never looks—lived-in;
  • Purposeful yet uncomplicated details that create the perfect finishing touch;
  • Durable, quality materials that give men just the right fit throughout every wear;
  • Vintage-inspired washes that are both trendy and timeless; and
  • Inclusive range of fits and sizes so every guy can build a wardrobe of go-to casualwear.

The Mutual Weave brand was developed by JCPenney designers with a vision to create lifestyle pieces that felt custom but were built for any activity. The resulting lineup bridges contemporary and traditional looks, helps men express their style in an approachable way and displays the extra care put into the brand of casualwear from head to toe.

Look-Good, Feel-Good Brand for Every Man

JCPenney is democratizing denim and casualwear with the Mutual Weave brand. Men of every size, fit and ability can enjoy the brand’s workwear-inspired designs paired with long-lasting essentials. Denim, tees, button-downs, knits, casual jackets and shoes are available in sizes from XS-5XLT, including in adaptive styles.

The Mutual Weave brand adds to JCPenney’s already expansive collection of brands designed with inclusivity in mind. J. Ferrar®, Stafford® and St. John’s Bay® offer adaptive and big & tall options for men, while Stylus® also offers big & tall sizing. Additional adaptive for young men can be found in Arizona Jean Co.®

Fitting Addition to the Men’s Private Brand Portfolio

The JCPenney men’s department is a one-stop destination, featuring both sought-after national names and distinct labels available exclusively at JCPenney. The Mutual Weave brand is part of the growing portfolio of quality private brands and rounds out JCPenney-designed offerings across men’s categories.

“Customers turn to JCPenney and our collection of private brands for great quality and value to meet their varied needs, from business formal suiting to workout clothes,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, JCPenney. “We introduced the Mutual Weave brand to meet men’s expectations for well-made casualwear crafted for every day and any adventure.”

Customers can now shop the Mutual Weave brand exclusively on jcp.com and in 600 JCPenney locations, with expansion to all stores planned this year.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: JCPenney

Trinseo Chemical Recycling Plant On Track

BERWYN, Pa. — February 7, 2022 — Trinseo, a global materials company and manufacturer of plastics and latex binders announced that plans for a world-class chemical recycling plant in Europe are progressing rapidly. In late 2021, Trinseo contracted with global technology provider Synova and global engineering services company Worley, and is currently working on an engineering package and preparing Trinseo’ s Tessenderlo, Belgium site for recycling operations.

Trinseo is targeting to begin construction by the end of 2022. The plant will be dedicated to recycled polystyrene (rPS), meeting increased demand for the material as brand owners seek sustainable options. It will process 15 kilotons of rPS flakes annually that will be converted into high quality recycled styrene to enable further production of polystyrene (PS) and/or a styrene derivative including Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN).

PS is one of the most widely used plastics and can be fully circular. Due to its simple chemistry, it can be converted to its monomer yielding a material with identical properties as its fossil equivalent.

“Trinseo chose Synova and Worley to move forward with because of their leadership in their respective areas, the efficiency and maturity of their technologies and approaches, and high-quality output,” said Francesca Reverberi, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. “Both, also, have a very strong commitment to sustainability and this alignment was critical for us as we continue our journey and goal of delivering sustainable material solutions, while maintaining high quality and performance.”

Synova is a provider of leading technology for the recycling of mixed plastic waste. The technology has been invented by TNO, an independent Dutch research organization, and features a highly efficient process to covert waste into high value products, while improving the carbon dioxide footprint.

Worley delivers project and asset services for the energy, chemicals, and resources sectors around the world. The company provides expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction, as well as consulting services. Every day, its 48,000-strong team helps customers get one step closer to solving our planet’s toughest issues such as climate change, the energy transition, digital transformation, and how we can deliver a more sustainable world.

The construction of the Tessenderlo recycling facility is part of Trinseo’ s commitment to circularity in plastics. As a major producer of PS, the company’s focus on polystyrene’s sustainability has allowed Trinseo to support its customers’ sustainability objectives, develop technologies that can be applied broadly, and impact the future of the plastics industry.

Besides being a founding member of Styrenics Circular Solutions and an active member of over 60 industry and trade associations globally, regionally and locally, Trinseo has been an advocate for mass balance processes, essential to providing sustainable plastics solutions. The company recently announced an offtake agreement for recycled styrene with recycler Indaver, the acquisition of recycler Heathland B.V., and the introduction of bio-attributed PS, ABS and SAN.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: Trinseo

Ashley Goldsmith, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer Of Workday, Elected To Kontoor Brands Board Of Directors

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 7, 2022 — The Board of Directors of Kontoor Brands Inc. — a global lifestyle apparel company with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Wrangler® and Lee® — has named Ashley Goldsmith, executive vice president and chief people officer of Workday Inc., as a director, effective immediately.

“We’re pleased to welcome Ashley to Kontoor’s Board of Directors,” said Scott Baxter, president, CEO & chair of the board, Kontoor Brands. “Ashley is a seasoned HR leader with a passion for developing top talent and cultivating value-led, performance-driven organizations. As Kontoor enters its next phase of growth, her perspectives and experiences with global organizations and deep knowledge of building winning employee value propositions will be excellent assets to Kontoor and our Board.”

Goldsmith will serve on the Talent and Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees of Kontoor’s board of directors.

Goldsmith, 49, has served as executive vice president and chief people officer of Workday Inc., since 2013. Prior to joining Workday, she spent three years with Polycom Inc., serving as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, leading the company through a high growth phase. Previously, she spent three years at Ventana Medical Systems, a division of the Roche Group, as senior vice president, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, Environmental Health & Safety. From 1995 to 2007, she served in a number of leadership positions with increasing responsibility with The Home Depot, most recently serving as vice president, Human Resources, Northern Division. Goldsmith began her career at Great-West Life & Annuity.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in human resources development from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: Kontoor Brands Inc.

Parachute Introduces First Collection Made From Organic Cotton

LOS ANGELES — February 8, 2022 — Parachute, a multi-category lifestyle brand that makes you feel at home, today launched the company’s first Organic Cotton Collection. Almost all of the products in the 22-piece collection are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS®) certified. The collection is a reflection of Parachute’s commitment to a more responsible supply chain, while offering premium quality, natural fiber home essentials.

The Organic Collection will feature sheeting, duvet covers, quilts, throws, bath towels, a robe and loungewear — made by expert craftspeople from around the world using the softest, sustainably grown, organic cotton. Pieces in the collection that are GOTS certified ensure that the entire supply chain, from cotton gin to finished product, meets stringent ecological and social criteria set by the GOTS organization and that harmful chemicals and dyes are not used. GOTS is considered the gold standard for organic cotton certification.

“Sustainability is the key to solving many of the challenges we face today. I launched Parachute eight years ago with Oeko-Tex certified bedding, meaning that it’s undergone careful testing for harmful substances, because I believe in the importance of doing our part to reduce our impact on people and the planet. I’m excited that we are continuing to evolve our sustainability practices with our new Organic Collection. It’s soft, beautiful and made with the utmost care,” said Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute. “We consistently strive to grow and evolve with our community and protect our environment, and we’re ready to take these commitments to the next level.”

The initial assortment will feature seven new color hues, all inspired by nature: reed, willow, bisque, sand, flax, pebble and white. The full collection will be available to shop both online, at parachutehome.com, and in Parachute retail stores across the U.S. starting February 8 and in Canada starting February 15.

The release of this new collection is one of several sustainability commitments that Parachute announced in January, furthering its ongoing efforts to use more responsible, sustainable operations that benefit people and the planet. These commitments include the adoption of additional material certifications, a goal to become Climate Neutral Certified by Earth Day 2022, and the launch of the company’s first-ever circular program, the Recycled Down Pillow.

“Our goal continues to be offering customers best-in-class products that reinforce the integrity of our brand,” said Kaye. “We will continue to expand our use of organic cotton as we deepen our dedication to a more sustainable supply chain. We are committed to taking care of the home, our people and the planet, and we can’t wait to share more.”

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: Parachute

NILIT Accelerates Sustainable Innovation With New Leadership

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel — February 8, 2022 — NILIT, the global supplier of nylon 6,6 for apparel and owner of the SENSIL® sustainable consumer brand, has announced organizational changes that reinforce the company’s commitment to leading the textile and apparel industry to a more sustainable position in the global marketplace. Sagee Aran will lead product development and commercialization initiatives and Michelle Lea has joined the company to direct worldwide marketing programs.

“I am happy to announce these new leadership positions in our organization. They will help us build on the significant progress we have made to establish NILIT as the most advanced provider of sustainable premium nylon products,” said Ilan Melamed, general manager of NILIT. “Sustainability requires creativity and collaboration throughout the value chain from fiber to the consumer. With this new structure, NILIT will more rapidly develop and implement sustainable premium Nylon innovations that appeal to today’s growing segment of conscious apparel consumers.”

NILIT recently launched multiple premium Nylon products in the SENSIL portfolio. SENSIL BioCare is specially engineered to decompose quickly in the anaerobic conditions in water and landfills, positively affecting the persistence of textile waste, especially in oceans. Sensil WaterCare eliminates 100 percent of the water, chemicals, energy, and pollution risk associated with traditional textile dyeing wet processing.

NILIT is preparing to launch additional sustainable SENSIL products in the coming months. The latest NILIT innovation is a ground-breaking premium Nylon that integrates renewable non-fossil biomaterials made from post-consumer waste. This first of its kind Nylon will be the foundation for sustainable apparel that repurposes waste and reduces carbon dioxide generation without sacrificing performance, durability, or aesthetics. NILIT is working with several key brands to introduce this game changing Nylon.

As Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, Aran will continue to expand the SENSIL portfolio with environmentally responsible, value-added performance and fashion products and drive implementation through partnerships with mills, brands, and retailers.

In her new role as Vice President of Global Marketing, Michelle Lea will connect the SENSIL portfolio to conscious consumers through the brands and retailers they support. Lea has brand marketing expertise developed at leading performance fabric and apparel brands at W. L. Gore and Reebok. She will continue the work to market SENSIL premium Nylon products that inspire designers of sustainable fabrics and apparel.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: NILIT

Composites One Names Leon Garoufalis President And CEO

Garoufalis

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — February 7, 2022 — Composites One announced today that it has named Leon Garoufalis president and CEO effective immediately.  Former CEO Steve Dehmlow will continue as chairman of the board.

Garoufalis has served as president and COO since Composites One was formed in 1999. A widely respected composites industry leader, Garoufalis has been with Composites One and GLS Composites Distribution (GLS) since 1988. Over the course of his career at Composites One and GLS he has held several leadership roles in sales, marketing and operations.

While at Composites One, Garoufalis guided the initial, successful merger of three distribution companies and the integration of five subsequent acquisitions of composites materials distributors over an eight-year period. He also led Composites One through its first vertical acquisition last year when the company acquired Aerovac Process Materials.  Additionally, Garoufalis provides industry leadership as a member of the Executive Committee of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Board of Directors. In 2012, he received the ACMA President’s Award for his industry contributions. Garoufalis holds an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago.

“Composites One has seen tremendous growth over the last 23 years. With every challenge, the company has stayed true to its core values of acting with integrity, operating safely, and taking care of our customers and each other,” Garoufalis said.  “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead all our team members at Composites One.”

Along with Garoufalis’ appointment to president and CEO, Al Dobbeck has been named executive vice president and COO. Dobbeck most recently served as CFO and has been with Composites One since 2011. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a master of accountancy degree from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: Composites One

Composites One Names Al Dobbeck Executive Vice President And COO

Dobbeck

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — February 7, 2022 — Composites One announced today that it has named Al Dobbeck executive vice president and COO effective immediately. Dobbeck will be stepping into the executive vice president and COO role after the recent appointment of Leon Garoufalis to president and CEO.

Dobbeck recently served as CFO for Synergy55/Composites One. Prior to his CFO post he joined the company as Controller in 2011. At Composites One, Dobbeck has elevated financial services and operations support and provided a leadership role as the company works through an enterprise resource planning (ERP) transformation. He is well respected by the many team members that contribute to the success of Composites One.

Before joining Composites One, Dobbeck spent six and a half years at Deloitte in his last position as Audit Senior manager. He holds a master of accountancy degree from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support our team members at Composites One in helping our customers grow their businesses,” Dobbeck said.

Dobbeck will work closely with newly appointed President and CEO Leon Garoufalis as he transitions to his new role.

Posted: February 8, 2022

Source: Composites One

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