U.S. Apparel And Footwear Industry Calls On Senate To Pass Shipping Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON — February 4, 2022 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association called on the U.S. Senate to pass the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), either as a standalone measure or as part of ‘must-pass’ legislation, following its introduction last evening by Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Thune (R-SD).

The bill requires the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to establish and enforce rules to respond to breaches of contracts and address excessive and unjust detention and demurrage fees. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved its bi-partisan version of the bill in December 2021.

“The shipping crisis has seen excessive costs passed onto American companies by international carriers looking to take advantage of the situation,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “The Ocean Shipping Reform Act meets a dire need for increased enforcement by the Federal Maritime Commission, and the apparel and footwear industry strongly encourages the Senate to pass this bill quickly so that President Biden can sign it into law and end these predatory practices.

“Inflationary price increases for apparel and footwear are truly unprecedented, after 20-plus years of deflation in the apparel and footwear market. This is a direct result of unnecessary tariffs and the worsening shipping crisis. These price tags reflect a mix of record-setting shipping rates, unprecedented shipping delays, tariffs on imports, and unfair and excessive shipping fees faced by companies who are working to keep Americans affordably dressed.  

“Thank you to Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Thune (R-SD), Baldwin (D-WI), Hoeven (R-ND), Stabenow (D-MI), Marshall (R-KS), Peters (D-MI), Moran (R-KS), Blumenthal (D-CT), Young (R-IN), Kelly (D-AZ), Blackburn (R-TN), Booker (D-NJ), and Ernst (R-IA) for their leadership on this matter.”
 
AAFA has been a regular advocate for increased enforcement by the FMC, particularly regarding unjust detention and demurrage fees. This includes many calls for action in letters to President Biden in response to the current shipping crisis.

On February 3, AAFA sent a letter to House Leaders urging them to vote “YES” on adding the House-passed H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA 21), to the America COMPETES Act. Late on February 3, the House overwhelmingly approved, by a vote of 367-59, adding OSRA 21 to the America COMPETES Act, which the House is expected to pass on February 4.

Posted: February 4, 2022

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Kelheim Fibres On The Podium At The Cellulose Fibre Innovation Of The Year Award

KELHEIM, Germany — February 4, 2022 — For the second time in a row, the specialty viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres was awarded a place on the podium at the Cellulose Fibre of the Year Awards. The concept for sustainable menstrual underwear made from Kelheim’s functionalized specialty fibres achieved third place. Kelheim Fibres thus emerges from the competition as the most innovative fiber manufacturer.

Natalie Wunder presented the promising concept from Kelheim at the International Conference on Cellulose Fibres and is pleased about the great interest and the placing: “We have been able to use our experience as a long-established supplier for the tampon industry to develop further sustainable solutions in the feminine hygiene sector, in this case reusable menstrual underwear. As an innovation pioneer, we are thus helping to break the taboos that surround the topic of menstruation. We offer women the choice between different environmentally friendly products which also offer high levels of performance — depending on what fits their lifestyle.”

For the next step, the commercialisation of the concept, Dr. Marina Crnoja-Cosic, director New Business Development at Kelheim Fibres, puts her trust in the proven open innovation approach: “We want to bring partners from the entire value chain together. By bringing in our joint expertise, we can significantly accelerate the path from idea to finished product in the market. At the same time, through open dialogue, we ensure that the concept works seamlessly from fiber through processing to the final product.

Posted: February 4, 2022

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

NRF Statement On Senate Introduction Of Ocean Shipping Reform Act

WASHINGTON — February 3, 2022 — The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French after the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2021 was introduced in the Senate. The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and would modernize the international maritime transportation system.

“The sustained supply chain challenges, exacerbated by increased consumer demand during the coronavirus pandemic, have continued to impact the daily operations of retailers and the greater business community. For nearly two decades the Shipping Act has remained untouched, complicating supply chain disruption issues and adding to port congestion.

“Now more than ever, it is essential that we prioritize and invest in changes to support a modern-day transportation system. We appreciate the work of Senators Klobuchar and Thune to expedite this critical legislation and look forward to supporting its swift consideration in the Senate and conference with the House.”

The House version of the bill, sponsored by Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-ND), was approved by an overwhelming majority in December. NRF issued a statement applauding the bill’s passage.

Posted: February 4, 2022

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

NCTO Welcomes House Passage Of America COMPETES Act; Helps Close De Minimis Loophole

WASHINGTON — February 4, 2022 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, issued a statement today welcoming House passage of the America COMPETES Act, a legislative package that will help close the de minimis loophole on duty-free imports from China and also renew the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), both important provisions to U.S. textile manufacturers.

“We commend the House for passing this sweeping legislation, which contains several critical trade provisions beneficial to American manufacturers,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “This legislation contains a provision that would effectively prohibit China from exploiting the Section 321 de minimis mechanism in U.S. trade law, a win for U.S. textile producers and workers.

“We sincerely thank Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) for working diligently to include and preserve his Import Security Fairness Act in the underlying U.S. competitiveness bill. This bill would help close the de minimis loophole, which allows imports valued under $800 to come into the United States without paying duties and taxes, bypassing inspections by U.S. Customs and providing a backdoor to Chinese goods produced with forced labor. The loophole has not only fueled the rise of imports from foreign e-commerce companies and mass distributors, but it has also put our domestic manufacturers and workers at a competitive disadvantage.”

Another important provision in the legislation renews the MTB for two years, which would extend limited tariff relief on a range of manufacturing inputs used by U.S. textile producers.

In closing, NCTO’s Glas stated: “NCTO worked closely with our allies in the House on these provisions in the underlying bill and we commend their hard work and support. We will continue to push for these critical provisions that benefit the U.S. textile industry in Senate-House conference negotiations in the coming days.”

Posted: February 4, 2022

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Freudenberg Performance Materials — Three Functions In One Product: New Geogrid Composite Saves Up To 50% of installation time

ARNHEM, the Netherlands — January 25, 2022 — Freudenberg Performance Materials, a global supplier of high-performance geosynthetics for the civil engineering market, presents a new geogrid composite. Aimed at increasing the efficiency of construction projects, the product consists of a reinforcing grid bonded to a separation and filtration nonwoven geotextile. Customers can obtain the new geocomposite EnkaGrid MAX C as of now. It is part of the Enka Solutions range for civil engineering applications.

When weak subgrade soils are present, most infrastructure projects such as the construction of traffic areas require installation of two products: a geogrid to reinforce the granular layers of the subbase and a nonwoven geotextile for filtration and separation. “This means that the same work has to be done twice to purchase two products, get them to the site, manage stock and lay the geogrid and the nonwoven geotextile,” explained Tamás Szatmári, head of Application Management. “By providing the three required functions in one product, EnkaGrid MAX C substantially cuts complexity and costs for every stakeholder involved. Installation, for example, can be completed up to twice as fast.”

EnkaGrid MAX C is made up of a biaxial geogrid bonded at intervals to a needle-punched nonwoven geotextile. The bonding method chosen guarantees optimal interlocking of granular soils with the geogrid.

EnkaGrid MAX C can be ordered in tensile strengths ranging from 20 to 80 kN/m. It is supplied on rolls with a width of 5 meters. “The geogrid composite comes with extensive support offered by our team of experienced Application Managers. They assist engineers and clients from feasibility study to design and execution,” Szatmári concluded.

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Milliken & Company Presents Fourth-Annual Milliken Honors: The Roger Milliken Award Presented to Gary Newman & Jeff Price

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — January 11, 2022 — Now in its fourth year, Milliken & Company announces the 2021 Milliken Honors award recipients highlighting Milliken associates from around the globe who champion its five core company values. The diversified global manufacturer honored more than 100 associates across 21 award categories during its virtual awards celebration this morning.

“It’s been another extraordinary year—another year where our associates met and exceeded the challenges of a changing world,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken & Company. “Milliken Honors is one more way we can say thank you to an incredible group of Milliken associates who confidently lead, selflessly serve and boldly pursue our vision as a company.”

Milliken is pleased to present the 2021 Milliken Honors associate and team winners:

Integrity Awards

The Do The Right Thing Award is presented to the associate or team of associates embodying the value of integrity and making a positive impact on Milliken through their ability to do what is right.

  • Claudia Menzel

The Resiliency Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who overcame a challenge and driven something forward to succeed despite adversity.

  • Pennington Seed Team: Andrew Canada, Steve Huntley, Michelle Mason, Adam Newberry, Dominick Valenti, Adam Wilson

The Values Role Model Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who modeled Milliken’s values: integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability and people.

  • Morgan Wilder

Excellence Awards

The Manufacturing Excellence Award is presented to the team or plant with outstanding operational performance, production ingenuity, quality and process excellence.

  • Chemical: SiVance Plant — Jason Roe
  • Flooring: Beech Hill Plant — Warren Collier, Darren Cunliffe, Steve Ellis, Andy Greenall, Anthony Hargraves, Mike Kerr, Lesley King, Jayne Murray, James O’Brien, Andy Sweetmore, Barry Townsend, Emma Thomas
  • Healthcare: Healthcare Production Leadership — Rosa Barrios, Ivan Collado, Ida Lela, Mayra Lemus, Anayuris Perez
  • Textile: Polartec Tennessee Manufacturing Plant — Audra Atwood, Errol Doyley, Jeff O’Mealy, Matt Smith, Tommy Tilley

The Marketing Excellence Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who has achieved greater financial performance and customer satisfaction through the application of marketing best practices while embodying Milliken values.

  • Textile Marketing Team: Natalie Bieber, Lauren Balmer, Mallory Donn, Michael Eckert, Alexa Hudson, David Karstad and the Polartec Team, Cammie Mackie, Stephen Morrill, Meg Patel, Tamika Prince, Maggi Whiston, Doreen Yin

The MPS Results Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who has worked to go above and beyond to deploy and leverage Milliken Performance System (MPS) principles and methodologies to achieve measurable performance improvements and operational excellence in their organization.

  • Longleaf Plant: Chandler Avery, Allee Colson, Dale Green, Tosha Hobbs, Michael Hollingsworth, Matt Hutcheson, Gary Newman, Jack Pruett, Ronda Pruett, Wally Sasser, Hannah Steed, Correy Walker

The Sales Excellence Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who has achieved greater financial performance through the application of sales best practices while embodying Milliken values.

  • Korea Sales Team: Richard Ko, DH Lee, Stella Moon

The Support Excellence Award is presented to the associate or team of associates in a support function who has demonstrated excellence in operational performance, advancing strategy and business results.

  • Brexit Team: Stephanie Broadbent, Nick Hodgson-Fasolilli, Denise Melling, Bernadette Thompson

The TEAM Excellence Award is presented to a team of manufacturing associates or a Milliken plant that has made outstanding progress to adopt and implement the TEAM organizational health initiative.

  • Cushman Plant: Dustin Coats, Kevin Cox, Ann Garrett

Innovation Awards

The Breakthrough Innovation Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who demonstrated the innovation of a product, service or process that yielded significant business results.

  • Textile Special Research and Development Team: Tim Godfrey, Phil Knutson, Petr Valenta, Eric Wamsley

The Customer Centricity Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who engaged a customer to build insights and identify a new product or service that helped the customer achieve their objectives and yield a business result.

  • Ferrero Rocher Team: Sven De Vis, Veerle De Wolf, Toon Decaluwe, Jonas Messiaen, Ran Packo, Ruben Subira, Els van Isterdael, Yves Vileyn, Seppe Willems, Tamsin Wright

The Growth Catalyst Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who decisively activates and executes growth-oriented strategies more quickly and effectively than competitors.

  • Encapsys Acquisition Team: Mark Allen, Doug Callender, Jonathan Cote, Charles Crowell, Sanjeev Dey, Chandis Digby, Frank Fisher, Chauntel Graves, Robert Guest, Elaine Hare-Sturm, Jessica Hatchell, John Kellam, Robb Lanning, Robb Lovegrove, Gerry Murphy, Paul Pruitt, Randy Richeson, Scott Schwasnick, George Shira, Jim Stavrakas, Dominick Valenti, Nigel West

Sustainability Awards

The People Goals Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who contribute to Milliken’s 2025 People Goals by demonstrating a commitment to care for one another and the surrounding communities.

  • Kevin Henderson

The Planet Goals Award is presented to the associate or team who contributes to Milliken’s 2025 Planet Goals by positively impacting the company’s efforts to reduce its global footprint.

  • Pendleton Engineering Team: Paige Bensen, Kenneth Fincannon, Trey Funderburke

The Product Goals Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who contribute to Milliken’s 2025 Product Goals by positively impacting product sustainability.

  • Robert MacMeccan

The Value Creation Award is presented to the business unit that met financial goals and targets for the year.

  • One-Year: Chemical — Asia
  • One-Year: Chemical — Europe
  • One-Year: Coating Additives
  • One-Year: Commercial Flooring — EMEIA
  • One-Year: Commerical Flooring — Asia
  • One-Year: Engineered Performance Products
  • One-Year: Fine Chemicals
  • One-Year: Protective Fabrics
  • Multi-Year: Chemical — Asia
  • Multi-Year: Chemical — Europe

People Awards

The Leadership Award is presented to the associate or team of associates who consistently demonstrates leadership expectations and is viewed by others as a role model.

  • Jennifer Greene

The Production Hero Award is presented to the production associate who goes above and beyond in their role to support operational performance and models Milliken’s values as a production team member.

  • Chemical: Robert Wilson
  • Flooring: Ryan Carter
  • Healthcare: David Kope
  • Textile: Dewaine Washington

The Safety Champion Award is presented annually to the Milliken site, individual associate or team of associates who best represents the Milliken safety culture through their actions and results.

  • Richard Rodgers

The Roger Milliken Award is presented to the associate who has created lasting, changing and measurable differences within the company and has built a legacy of their own within the organization by creating lasting and measurable differences that have contributed to business success while being a role model of Milliken values as part of their performance.

  • Gary Newman
  • Jeff Price

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

Ruby Ribbon’s C-Suite Executive Team Grows With The Hiring Of Dana Long As Chief Marketing Officer

LOS ANGELES — February 3, 2022 — Ruby Ribbon, the social commerce-driven women’s intimates, shapewear, swimwear and athleisure company, announced today the appointment of Dana Long as their new chief marketing officer.

Throughout her career, Long has established herself as a global brand and digital marketing expert with experience working for a variety of startups and Fortune 500 companies looking to grow their business through omni-channel and online marketing through owned, earned, and paid media strategies.

Prior to joining Ruby Ribbon, Long led the global brand and digital marketing teams for The Walt Disney Company for seven years where she worked on its Global Brand Marketing and Product Development teams for the Interactive Division. She also created the Global Digital Center of Excellence for Mattel inc. where she provided knowledge and expertise in eCommerce performance marketing, digital content creation, social media marketing and created a digital analytics division. Long also spearheaded the West Coast Digital & Influencer Practice for Golin, an Interpublic Group Agency.  As her entry into the Social Selling sphere, Long spent three years at JAFRA Cosmetics International, as their Global head of Digital Marketing, Strategy, and Communications at their headquarters in Westlake Village, Calif.

Long said: “I’m so thrilled to join the talented team at Ruby Ribbon and work alongside like-minded individuals who are striving to provide high quality products empowering entrepreneurial business opportunities for women around the country. I look forward to working with the team and our community of women Stylists to share all that Ruby Ribbon has to offer.”

When she is not developing marketing strategies for Ruby Ribbon, Dana also serves as an advisory board member for Dress for Success, a non-profit dedicated to providing women with professional advice and appropriate attire to help them succeed in the workplace.

“Dana brings a wealth of global brand and digital marketing expertise that is strategic to the company, as we continue to lead in our rapidly evolving channel,” said Ruby Ribbon CEO Clint McKinlay. “Her career-long commitment to creating empowering growth and income opportunities for women serves as an encouraging reminder to our Stylist network that their own success is always achievable.”

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: Ruby Ribbon

Mimaki’s ‘Global Innovation Days’ To Unveil New Printers And Highlight Pioneering Technology Behind Customer Success

AMSTERDAM — February 3, 2022 — Mimaki, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has today announced that it will be hosting its second ‘Global Innovation Days’ virtual event March 2-4, 2022. Bringing customers, partners, and industry peers together for yet another inspiring networking and educational experience, the second installment of Mimaki’s popular event will feature three days of webinars and interactive virtual sessions under the theme “Technology Innovations.”

Setting the tone for this exciting, technology-focused event, Mimaki will open the first day with the launch of brand new Mimaki products for the sign and graphics market. These latest additions to Mimaki’s extensive portfolio have been developed to further enable Mimaki’s diverse and innovative customer base to run highly productive, competitive print businesses.

A series of expert-hosted webinars on the second day will provide fascinating insights into how Mimaki’s technology innovations for the sign and graphics, textile, industrial and 3D sectors are opening doors to new applications, production improvements, and business growth. The sessions include ‘Technology Innovations Supporting Sustainability’, which will cover the latest trends enabling environmentally conscious print service providers (PSPs) to improve the sustainability of their production methods and end products. ‘Technology Innovations Enabling Customisation’ will focus on the Mimaki solutions driving new applications and business opportunities in the industrial sector.

Other sessions will feature engaging guest speakers, including Mimaki customers and industry specialists, as well as interactive Q&As to provide attendees from all market sectors with a valuable and energising experience.

“We’re excited to, once again, host a virtual event that will bring the industry together to talk innovation,” says Danna Drion, General Manager Marketing EMEA, Mimaki. “Across the board, our customers have proved to be some of the most innovative companies, navigating their way through unprecedented challenges over the past couple of years and still maintaining their businesses or, in some cases, growing them. This is our chance to engage with these inspiring companies and share knowledge and insight that could help drive their business even further forward this year and beyond. This event will showcase the technology that has supported our customers’ continued innovation, as well as the new solutions that we are bringing to the market to enable future opportunities for success and growth.”

The third day will be broadcast live from Mimaki’s Experience Centre. Packed with detailed demonstrations of the latest Mimaki technology, this day is dedicated to providing a deep dive into the numerous production benefits and high-quality applications achievable with these solutions.

To register for this exciting event, please visit: https://innovationdays.mimaki.com/

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: Mimaki

Italian Textile Machinery: Orders Grow Again In 2021 Fourth Quarter, Up 43 Percent

MILAN — February 3, 2022 — The index of orders intake for Italian textile machinery for the fourth quarter of 2021, processed by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a 43-percent upturn compared to the same period in 2020. In absolute terms, the index stood at 127.9 points (base 100 in 2015).

This growth was spurred on by both the Italian and foreign markets. More specifically, domestic orders were up 83 percent compared to the period October-December 2020, for an absolute value of 234.6. Orders collected abroad grew by 36 percent, for an absolute index value equal to 116.4.

On an annual basis, the index of orders intake increased by 95 percent, for an absolute value of 128 points. The increase in orders abroad was 79 percent, while orders collected for  domestic market were up 204 percent compared to what was observed in 2020.

Alessandro Zucchi, president of ACIMIT, commented on the results of the survey: “We’re experiencing a recovery in the sector that we didn’t quite expect. Production has returned to pre-Covid levels, while foreign demand has been robust in most markets, and in Italy it has benefited from the Government Transition 4.0 incentives.” However, the many orders to be filled are now a cause for concern, given the scarce availability of components and raw materials due to the interruption of supply chains. Added to this is the sharp rise in the cost of energy.

Thus, 2022 is expected to be a year in which optimism and foreboding still prevail for the Italian textile machinery sector, pending ITMA 2023, the world’s most important textile machinery exhibition, scheduled to be held in Milan in June 2023. “The many registered Italian manufacturers are an important signal,” concludes ACIMIT’s president, adding that, “ITMA Milan will mark a definitive relaunching of the textile machinery sector, and will confirm Italy’s leadership in the field of textile technologies. This will be a must opportunity for all Italian businesses.”

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers

Gartex Texprocess India Set To Mark Its Mumbai Debut In May 2022

NEW DELHI — February 3, 2022 — After a spectacular return in December 2021, the much-awaited Mumbai launch of Gartex Texprocess India and Denim Show will take place May 12-14, 2022, at the Jio World Trade Centre in BKC, Mumbai. Taking center stage this year will be the show’s ‘Fabrics and Trims’ segment along with the co-located Screen Print India exhibition.

Witnessing the tremendous opportunities at the successfully concluded Delhi edition in December 2021, the industry is longing for a continuation of personal business meetings, and strongly hinted at a Mumbai edition in the first half of the year to keep the trade momentum going. With the dates set for its Mumbai chapter, the leading B2B exhibition together with it co-located and focused segments aims to target trade visitors and textile hubs in the western and southern regions for its Mumbai debut.

As one of the most trusted textile and garment machinery exhibitions in the country, Gartex Texprocess India offers the industry a platform to bring forth industry innovations, hold creative and collaborative discussions with potential buyers and leverage the textile industry’s strong professional network. Innovative products and technologies, defining latest trends in the industry, will be showcased to the visitors through focused concurrent platforms such as Denim Show, Fabrics & Trims Show and Screen Print India during the three days.

While the focus segments under Gartex Texprocess India will draw attention to innovations in garmenting and apparel machinery, Screen Print India will track technological advances in digital textile and screen-printing technologies expanding the machinery showcase. Owing to rapid technological changes, leading brands will conduct live demos of their latest technological offerings in screen printing, digital sublimation, heat transfer and textile printing, garment decoration to potential business visitors and traders.

Fabrics are the pivot around which the entire garment manufacturing industry revolves and trims add to the aesthetics meant for functional and commercial requirements. As fashion evolves, the need for variety in every aspect of garmenting increases, and the ‘Fabrics & Trims Show’ is a much-needed platform for bringing different fabrics, trimmings, embellishments and accessories on one plate.

The denim industry in India has evolved significantly with ever changing fashion trends making its way into other utility-driven products. With strong support from the Denim Manufacturers Association, the platform will celebrate the coming together of India’s biggest brands and denim mills. Innovative, fashionable, sustainable will define the Denim Show as the industry will get together to showcase their prowess at the Mumbai launch.

Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Mex Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the platform will also host a series of insightful sessions on the latest developments in textile, garment machinery and screen printing with the objective to encourage investments, new market development and enable India to be a globally competitive textile manufacturing destination.

Posted: February 3, 2022

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd

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