Haartz Partners With Green Theme Technologies To Accelerate PFAS-Free And Waterless Textile Finishing In The USA

ACTON, Mass. — September 8, 2022 — The Haartz Corp., a global supplier of highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials, and Green Theme Technologies Inc. (GTT), a supplier of waterless and PFAS-free textile finishing, today announced a partnership to revolutionize how textiles are finished in the United States. The first of its kind in the North American market, GTT’s PFAS-free and waterless EMPEL™ textile finishing platform eliminates harmful chemicals from all levels of textile finishing without the use of water, all while providing best-in-class performance.

Developed by GTT, the EMPEL platform can apply a wide variety of finishes, including Durable Water Repellent, Anti-Wicking, Durable Stain Release and more to an almost limitless number of textiles. EMPEL uses sustainable “clean chemistry” to eliminate contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during the textile manufacturing process through a waterless process.

“Haartz is the perfect partner for GTT,” said Martin Flora, vice president of Business Development for GTT. “They are world leaders in scaling finished fabric technologies through world-class manufacturing and testing facilities. With their various product categories, including apparel, furniture and automotive, our partnership brings textile innovation to North America and helps drive a positive and sizable environmental impact.”

Independent tests conducted by Bureau Veritas and Okeotex confirm EMPEL uses a nontoxic and water-free hydrocarbon monomer solution that is polymerized when applied to fabrics, wrapping each individual yarn with a high-performance finish. Testing reveals EMPEL outperforms existing C0 and C6 fluorocarbon water repellent options, producing a protective finish that lasts.

As PFAS bans accelerate across the country and around the world, forward thinking brands like Haartz are taking the lead to adopt high performance and sustainable solutions.

Performance apparel brands such as Black Diamond, TREW Gear, Stoney Creek, and Artilect are currently selling apparel products that use EMPEL. Haartz holds the only US license for the EMPEL process and plans to scale production with several household brands.

“EMPEL presents endless possibilities for the future of textile manufacturing, with applications ranging from clothing to furniture and beyond,” said Matt Williams, vice president, Global Automotive Exteriors & New Markets at Haartz. “We continually push our manufacturing boundaries to bring the cleanest, highest performance products to market. Just as we have done throughout our long history serving automotive markets, we’re approaching this unique problem with a unique sustainable solution and we’re looking forward to bringing this new enhanced technology with a lower carbon footprint to US manufacturing.”

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: The Haartz Corporation/Green Theme Technologies, (GTT)

Coloreel Appoints Elin Wengström As The New Vice President Of Marketing

Elin Wengström

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — September 8, 2022 — Coloreel is known for a technology that modernizes digital embroidery. By digitizing and streamlining an otherwise rather complicated process, Coloreel offers a completely new way of using embroidery for the textile and fashion industry. The technology enables both accurate color reproduction and creative effects, such as gradients and textures not possible to produce before.

Coloreel has now appointed Elin Wengström as its new vice president of marketing. Wengström joins Coloreel with more than 20 years of experience in leading positions within branding, marketing and communications. Her most recent role was as marketing director at Stora Enso Wood Products, and she has previously worked for brands such as Daily Sports, Geberit, Statoil (now Circle K), BMW and Swedbank — both as an employee and as a brand strategy consultant.

Torbjörn Bäck, CEO Coloreel, commented: “I am very happy to welcome Elin Wengström to Coloreel. She will be important in our work to build the Coloreel brand, and she will play a crucial role in our international expansion. With her combined experience and competence, I am convinced that she can lead our marketing successfully.”

Elin Wengström, VP Marketing Coloreel, commented: “I am thrilled to be able to build a brand around a world-unique and patented product, which can truly revolutionize an entire industry in a sustainable way. Building a strong brand is always a team effort, and I look forward to developing Coloreel together with my colleagues. We will focus on increasing awareness of our pioneering technology to create a solid foundation for global growth.”

Elin Wengström joined Coloreel as vice president, marketing in mid-August and will be based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: Coloreel

Schumacher Opens Its First Concept Showroom In Nashville

NEW YORK CITY — September 8, 2022 — Schumacher, the venerable American design house, announces the opening of its first showroom in Nashville, Tenn., on October 17. It will include a traditional to-the-trade showroom experience exclusively for interior designers as well as a separate luxury boutique for designers and design aficionados alike to source smaller items.

Schumacher chose Nashville for its rapidly growing art & design community; becoming the next hub for interior designers and like-minded individuals with an interest in entertaining, living in beautiful spaces, and self-expression. Located at 609 Merritt Ave in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, this freestanding showroom will be the first Schumacher location since it moved from its own standalone building at 201 E 56th St to the Design & Decoration Building in New York City in May of 1998. Schumacher is joining other to-the-trade companies like Holly Hunt, Janus et Cie and Stark who have moved to street-level spaces.

“Nashville is filled with such incredible design talent. We feel it’s our job to bring those talents closer to the growing audience of design lovers and to educate people on just how much interior designers can improve their lives,” said Timur Yumusaklar, CEO of Schumacher’s parent company, F. Schumacher & Co. “At Schumacher, we believe that good design can have an immensely positive impact on our emotional wellbeing and that it can allow us to be better selves — calmer, more centered, happier, more energized.”

“The bright and easy-to-shop showroom will feature Schumacher fabrics, wallpapers and trims. Conceptualized with designers in mind, the light-filled space includes large worktables for scheming projects and meeting with clients,” says Dara Caponigro, Schumacher’s creative director. “We’re creating a serene but stimulating environment where we hope designers will feel energized and inspired. We want designers to be able to use the space as a resource and a meeting place outside their offices whenever they have the need.”

The boutique will sell antiques, unique home accessories, and gifts including pillows, throws, rugs, baskets, coffee table books, photography, art, tabletop items, and handmade ceramics — many of which are made by local Nashville artisans and others that are procured from artists around the world. Monthly educational and inspirational events will be held to bring together Nashville-area design lovers along with fun activities including flower arranging classes, trunk shows, book signings, and workshops for interior designers.

Two of Schumacher’s sister brands will also have a presence: Backdrop, the indie paint and wallpaper brand, will have an independent shop within the store. Customers will also have access to Freddie, the designer network that supports interior designers in growing their business and connects them with potential new clients. Shoppers can browse Freddie’s online platform to see the work of its extensive group of designers while having the opportunity to access these designers and other tastemakers through in-store events.

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: Schumacher

San Francisco 49ers Name Avery Dennison As Team’s Official Cutting-Edge Embellishment Partner

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — September 8, 2022 — The San Francisco 49ers and Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and solutions that connect the physical and digital worlds, today announced an exclusive partnership that will provide the Faithful with new fan engagement avenues via digitally-connected clothing technology. As part of the announcement, Avery Dennison has become the official cutting-edge embellishment partner of the 49ers and will introduce digital connectivity into select 49ers Fanatics merchandise in the form of smart embellishments and digital labels. This deal also marks the first major foray into American Football for Embelex, Avery Dennison’s solution for on-garment branding that provides digitally-connected and sustainable options for personalization.

Highlighting both brands’ and their reputations for innovation, members of the Faithful will soon be able to purchase customizable 49ers merchandise and unlock digital content all at the same time. Avery Dennison’s revolutionary smart embellishments and digital labeling technology can be scanned using a smartphone camera, enriching the fan experience and accessing exclusive content unavailable anywhere else online. This innovative merchandise will be exclusive to the 49ers Team Store presented by Visa at Levi’s® Stadium.

“No matter where you travel, there’s always a good chance you will see someone wearing 49ers merchandise,” said 49ers VP of corporate partnerships Kevin Hilton. “Avery Dennison will strengthen our already powerful retail business by opening a new world of possibility through technology. We look forward to collaborating on ideas that can serve as a blueprint for global sports franchises seeking ways to interact with their fans in this digital age.”

On October 23, 2022, the 49ers will host the Kansas City Chiefs for a Super Bowl LIV rematch at Levi’s Stadium. In celebration on the team’s annual alumni weekend, the 49ers will honor newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer and 49ers legend Bryant Young at halftime. Avery Dennison plans to honor Young by digitally enabling a special edition garment that provides exclusive opportunities to those who purchase.

“It’s fantastic to see the 49ers surprising and inspiring the Faithful with this cutting-edge clothing technology. Digitally-connected teamwear is a fantastic way to engage with fans, giving them dynamic ways to learn, share on social media, and interact with the teams they love. A new era of digital fan engagement is emerging, and sports wear provides the perfect gateway to build ongoing dialogue with fans beyond the stadium,” said Michael Barton, senior vice president and general manager, Apparel Solutions, RBIS, Avery Dennison.

“We’ve been supplying Embelex to some of the biggest names in sports for over 20 years, including the English Premier League and Major League Soccer,” continued Barton. “From national teams, to major tournaments, to fanwear, we are highly tuned to the sports sector, supporting both big franchises and grassroots communities.”

A second line of digitally-connected merchandise will be released later this season. Avery Dennison will also open an Embelex personalization station inside the 49ers Team Store in 2023.

Avery Dennison is the first new 49ers partner whose rights extend to the UK, one of the team’s international home marketing areas (IHMA). Both brands will maintain a constant focus on growing the Faithful abroad through new retail experiences. The 49ers obtained marketing rights in the U.K. and Mexico last December as part of the NFL’s IHMA program.

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: Avery Dennison Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS)

Best Practice Examples On Trend Management And Open Innovation: Kelheim Fibres At The Global Fiber Congress 2022 In Dornbirn

KELHEIM, Germany— September 8, 2022 — Shorter product life cycles and rapid technological progress are changing our product landscape at an ever-faster pace. The ability to anticipate future changes and to proactively shape the change — instead of running to keep up with it – is therefore an increasingly decisive competitive factor for modern companies. Trends are considered to be important indicators of impending change.

Kelheim Fibres, a viscose fiber producer, stands out in the industry not least for its innovative strength, as evidenced by numerous awards such as the Techtextil Innovation Award 2022 in the “New Concept” category. At this year’s Global Fiber Congress Dornbirn, Innovation Manager Ilka Kaczmarek will give an insight into the innovation management of the Bavarian fibre experts in her presentation: “Trend Management meets Open Innovation: Best Practice Examples from Kelheim”. Ilka Kaczmarek will show how successful product solutions were developed in a short time by focusing on customer needs and working closely with partners along the value chain.

Natalie Wunder, project manager at Kelheim Fibres, will explain one of these examples in detail in her presentation “Development of Menstruation Pants using Speciality Viscose Fibres”. Based on the current trend and the desire of end customers for reusable products, Kelheim Fibres was able to develop a washable and thus reusable, yet bio-based solution for feminine hygiene products.

In addition to the presentations, the Kelheim Fibres team is also looking forward to exchange ideas and inspirations at their information stand at the Dornbirn GFC.

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

Mitsui USA, PurThread Partner To Offer Expansion Of PurThread’s Technology In Asia

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — September 8, 2022 — Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. and PurThread Technologies Inc. have announced an expanded partnership to bring PurThread’s patented permanent antimicrobial yarns combined with recycled polymers to production and distribution of textiles and soft goods in Asia.

As the current global pandemic evolves to be more endemic, consumers and businesses alike seek forward-looking solutions to reduce exposure to pathogens that can cause odor and other problems, while simultaneously keeping sustainability at the forefront of their efforts. Developed with manufacturers and product designers in mind, PurThread’s innovative fibers and yarns embed a patented combination of natural silver and copper salts to enhance its partners’ products with unsurpassed antimicrobial capability, durability, and freshness without any special handling requirements. Adding this technology to a recycled polymer stream creates a unique combination that reflects Mitsui USA’s strong commitment to the development and market introduction of state-of-the- art technologies in functional textiles.

“We are thrilled to expand the offering of PurThread’s antimicrobial yarn by now making it in Asia with recycled polymers,” said Lisa T. Grimes, president and CEO of PurThread. “Customers have wanted not only the antimicrobial strength of PurThread but they also want sustainability, so we’re pleased to announce PurThread’s availability in recycled polymers. While PurThread has been, and continues to be, produced in the U.S., we want to meet our partners’ needs with sourcing available in Asia.”

Ikuya Hagiri, General Manager of Mitsui USA’s Fashion & Textile Department added: “We are extremely pleased to be expanding our collaboration of offering PurThread’s advanced antimicrobial technology in a recycled yarn alongside Mitsui’s extensive network in the functional textile industry. We believe that by meeting our customers’ needs for a permanent antimicrobial textile solution, combined with a well- known leader in technical yarn production, we will continue to meet the needs of our global customers.”

Posted: September 8, 2022

Source: PurThread Technologies Inc.

Pantone Color Institute Releases Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Spring/Summer 2023 For New York Fashion Week

CARLSTADT, N.J. — September 7, 2022 — Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today released the Pantone® Fashion Color Trend Report Spring/Summer 2023 edition for New York Fashion Week. Published for the fashion industry by the Pantone Color Institute, the trend forecasting and color consultancy, this season’s report features the top ten standout colors, as well as the five new classics we can expect to see as fashion designers introduce their new spring/summer collections.

According to Pantone Color Institute experts, colors for Spring/Summer 2023 New York reflects how our experience of the past few years has influenced our relationship with color. Embracing a fearless approach that ranges from chaos to quiet, we strive forward with a color palette that celebrates a newfound freedom and the excitement of trying something new. Colors and color combinations that lend themselves to experimentation and quirky contrasts highlight our desire for individualism encouraging us to express ourselves in unexpected ways.

“Colors for Spring/Summer 2023 are recalibrated for the new era we are entering. Blending escapism with reality, wholesomeness, and joy, we embrace the exploration of extreme contrast in mood and color, “said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “There is utility and basic-ness to this season’s color story, while at the same time, there is an uplifting vital sense of play that comes through.”

About the Spring/Summer 2023 NYFW Color Palette:

A range of contrasting colors encouraging experimentation and individualistic expression.

  • PANTONE 18-1664 Fiery Red: a super charged red tone signaling an energetic intensity
  • PANTONE 18-2143 Beetroot Purple: an emboldened fuchsia hue depicting the fruits of nature
  • PANTONE 15-1335 Tangelo: a tangy, tasty vitamin enriched orange
  • PANTONE 15-1530 Peach Pink: a nurturing peach tone invites you in for a warm embrace
  • PANTONE 14-0756 Empire Yellow: a luminescent yellow that radiates joyfulness
  • PANTONE 12-1708 Crystal Rose: a clear pink conveying modern romance
  • PANTONE 16-6340 Classic Green: a nourishing green imbued with health giving qualities
  • PANTONE 13-0443 Love Bird: an exotic green with a lively character
  • PANTONE 16-4036 Blue Perennial: a stand-out blue that spikes the palette
  • PANTONE 14-4316 Summer Song: a clean blue tone that expresses relaxation and tranquility

About the Spring/Summer 2023 New Classics:

Ultra-calm tints and tones suggest a quiet presence

  • PANTONE 12-4604 Skylight: a pure and watery cleansing aqua
  • PANTONE 12-1009 Vanilla Cream: a soft and delicious creamy tone
  • PANTONE 13-3804 Gray Lilac: a dreamy and ethereal lilac infused gray
  • PANTONE 15-0628 Leek Green: a vegetal green with a subtle flavor
  • PANTONE 17-1221 Macchiato: a delectable brown with a light layer of foam

For more information or additional commentary from experts from the Pantone Color Institute visit Pantone at pantone.com.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Source: Pantone, LLC.

Introducing Nike Forward

BEAVERTON, Ore. — September 6, 2022 — Athletes around the world have shared that climate change is a barrier to sport. Nike Forward, the company’s most significant apparel innovation since Dri-Fit, responds to that concern by re-setting the way we think about fleece. Moving away from traditional knit and woven processes, Nike Forward revolutionizes apparel creation by hacking punch-needle machines for the purpose of making premium, sustainability-minded product.

“Nike Forward feels different because it is different. It is not a traditional knit or woven, but a completely new material that drastically reduces its carbon footprint,” says Carmen Zolman, vice president, Innovation Apparel Design, NIKE Inc.

Over five years of research went into the development of Nike Forward. The innovation, shifting from knit or woven, simplifies the process of material fabrication by reducing steps. Rather than follow a multistage (spin yarn, knit, cut, sew and more) creation cycle, Nike Forward turns fiber directly to textile through needle-punch. Fewer steps means less energy consumption, contributing to an average of 75-percent reduction in the carbon footprint for this first generation material compared to traditional knit fleece. Nike Forward material also has a lighter density than traditional knit fleece, which is crucial to reaching 75% carbon reduction, and the finished product is comprised of 70-percent recycled content by weight.

Nike Forward debuts in a beloved silhouette, the grey hoodie. In keeping with its sustainable ethos, the hoodie forgoes embellishments and dyes, favoring raw cut pockets and zero water usage.

“It’s game-changing platforms, like Nike Forward, that accelerate a culture of innovation at Nike to help protect the planet and the future of sport,” says Janett Nichol, vice president, Apparel Innovation, NIKE Inc.

Nike Forward is the latest advancement in more than 30 years of sustainability-minded innovations, joining the ranks of Nike Air, Flyknit, Flyleather, Space Hippie and Next Nature. The platform is purpose-built and created for future circularity — the first iteration of Nike Forward products are made without zippers, aglets or extra trims, making it easier for the garments to be recycled. In total, Nike Forward is an unlock as we work to achieve our impact targets.

“As part of our commitment to serve athletes* by offering more sustainable options and meeting our bold, science-based impact targets, we’re introducing a material innovation that can be adapted to different lifestyle and performance purposes,” says Seana Hannah, vice president Sustainable Innovation, Nike Inc.

Nike Forward can be made with a diverse range of layers, including industrial and post-consumer waste, and can be precisely tuned for athlete* needs. It is a testament to audacious imagination and hands-on experimentation with the most advanced proprietary sport science, digital tools and manufacturing techniques. Not only does it solve problems for athletes*, Nike Forward continues Nike’s legacy of setting new aesthetic and performance standards for sport.

“We believe this platform has the potential to reset the way we think about material and apparel. This is the biggest Nike apparel innovation since Dri-Fit 30 years ago and has huge potential to transform the industry in the way that Air and Flyknit did for Nike footwear,” says Aaron Heiser, vice presidemt Global Apparel Product Merchandising, NIKE Inc.

Nike Forward debuts in Hoodie and Crew styles. Releases globally September 15, 2022.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Source: NIKE Inc.

Seatex Acquires ChemQuest Chemicals Co.

ROSENBERG, Texas — September 6, 2022 — Seatex, LLC, a specialty chemical manufacturer and formulator, is pleased to announce the acquisition of ChemQuest Chemicals LLC, a custom chemical manufacturer headquartered in Pasadena, Texas. For more than 25 years, ChemQuest has provided custom toll manufacturing services to customers globally, with expertise in complex blending and reactionary synthesis. This acquisition provides Seatex with enhanced production capabilities, increased capacity and a complementary customer base, representing a diverse set of end-markets.

The acquisition will take place immediately, with customers enjoying continuity of business operations and the benefit of the broad range of chemical services offered by both companies.

“ChemQuest’s reputation as a leading custom chemical manufacturer, its expansive technical capabilities, along with an accomplished and experienced team, led by President Clay Pace, made it the perfect fit for Seatex,” stated Jonathan O’Dwyer, CEO of Seatex. “We welcome the ChemQuest team to the Seatex family and believe our combined commitments to service, safety and quality, alongside expanded capacity and enhanced capabilities, will greatly benefit our customer base.”

Added Clay Pace, “We are excited to partner with Seatex and for the opportunity to leverage the broader platform as we aggressively pursue commercial expansion.”

With four manufacturing locations in Texas, Seatex’s combined service offering includes liquid reactions and complex blends, solids and dry blending, expansive packaging capabilities and formulation development, as well as R&D and lab support. With the acquisition of ChemQuest, the new company will be one of Texas’s custom toll manufacturers, with the ability to deliver creative and sustainable chemical solutions for all customers.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Source: Seatex LLC

Techmer PM, A Producer Of Advanced Engineered Materials And Masterbatch Products, Announces An Investment From Gryphon Investors To Accelerate Growth

CLINTON, Tenn. — September 7, 2022 — Techmer PM LLC announced today that it has received a majority investment from Gryphon Investors, a middle-market private equity firm. Techmer PM’s founder John Manuck, the company’s management team, and SK Capital, a private investment firm with a focus on the specialty materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals sectors, will remain investors in the company alongside Gryphon. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1981, Techmer PM is known for its development of innovative materials which add functionality to materials, including fast-growing technologies, such as composites and additive manufacturing. The company serves customers across a diverse set of global markets serving many leading consumer products and packaging, healthcare, and building product OEMs. Techmer PM CEO Mike McHenry will continue to lead the company, supported by the existing management team.

“The Techmer team has significantly improved the overall business performance in a very challenging market environment. We are excited by the additional support, expertise, and resources that will come from Gryphon’s investment,” McHenry said. “We have a number of commercial strategies to expand our offering and deliver first-class service to a diverse customer base, and we believe that Gryphon, alongside SK Capital, gives us additional operational and capital resources to help Techmer maximize its potential in enabling brand success for our customers.”

Techmer PM represents Gryphon’s fourth investment in the materials and chemicals sector. The firm’s previous acquisitions include Pacur, a  supplier of specialty plastic packaging materials for the medical device industry; Kano, a branded penetrating oils and lubricants producer; and Vivify Specialty Chemicals, a provider of specialty organic colorants, functional ingredients, and additives.

“With our investment in Techmer PM, we are excited to partner with another leader in the advanced materials space,” said Craig Nikrant, Gryphon operating partner. “Techmer PM is at the forefront of delivering functional performance in some of the most critical and active areas of today’s economy, including weather resistance, light-weighting, and sustainable materials.”

Deal Partner and Head of the Industrial Growth Group at Gryphon Leigh Abramson added: “We see great potential for the company to grow its global reach and continue investing in technologies and capabilities that enable its customers to deliver the most innovative and complex projects. We look forward to partnering with Mike, his management team, and SK Capital as we work together to identify and pursue organic growth opportunities and strategic acquisitions.”

Techmer PM operates six production sites strategically located throughout North America, serving customers globally. It focuses on high-performance applications where quality, technical support, and problem-solving are critical in the design and delivery of engineered materials.

Piper Sandler served as financial advisor to Techmer PM in this transaction. Guggenheim Securities served as financial advisor to Gryphon in this transaction.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Source: Techmer PM/Gryphon Investors

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