California Governor Signs First-In-Nation Ban On PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Textiles

PORTLAND, OR — September 30, 2022 — Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a first in the nation groundbreaking bill (AB 1817) that explicitly bans the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” in many textiles. The policy includes first in the nation bans on PFAS in apparel (both indoor and outdoor), accessories, and handbags starting in 2025. PFAS in outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions will be eliminated as of 2028 and manufacturers will be required to disclose the presence of PFAS in the products as of 2025. The law also directs manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative as they move away from PFAS. In addition, a bill to ban PFAS in apparel is currently awaiting the governor’s signature in New York. And, Washington state is considering similar action on PFAS in apparel via their existing regulatory processes.

Governor Gavin Newsom also signed two other significant bills that help protect people from toxic chemical exposures. These include:

  • AB 2771 restricts PFAS in cosmetic products. California now joins Colorado in becoming the second state to pass a state law that explicitly bans the entire class of PFAS in cosmetics.
  • SB 502 reforms aspects of California’s Safer Consumer Products program. The new policy will make California’s program more efficient by granting data call-in authority to the program, streamlining processes (including giving the program the authority to regulate on the basis of alternatives analyses published by other governments or in the peer reviewed literature), and setting clear timelines and more transparent work plans.

Health and environmental advocacy organizations from California and states across the country applaud this move and anticipate more government policies to follow. Natural Resources Defense Council, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and Safer States released the following statements in response to this news.

“Californians across the spectrum overwhelmingly support getting PFAS out of everyday products like clothes and textiles,” said Avinash Kar, a senior attorney and director of the Health & Food program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “By making AB 1817 California law, the Governor and the legislature are helping to protect the health and environment of Californians and beyond.”

“An estimated 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, yet manufacturers continue to use unnecessary and toxic PFAS chemicals, which are linked to breast and other cancers, in everyday products, including textiles,” said Nancy Buermeyer, director of program & policy for Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “This critical bill will protect Californians, and consumers across the nation, from these dangerous chemicals in the clothes and textiles we wear and use in our homes and businesses.”

“California is once again at the forefront of states taking action to stop the flow of toxic PFAS chemicals,” explained Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States. “With one of the largest economies in the nation, California’s chemical policies will have ripple effects across the marketplace.”

Background On PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Chemical companies sell PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for application to products such as paper and textiles as stain-resistant, water-repellent, and grease-proofing treatments. PFAS has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, immune system suppression, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, and increased risk of thyroid disease. PFAS are known as “forever” chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment.

State governments are taking legislative and regulatory actions to phase out PFAS in products to prevent contamination in favor of safer alternatives. For example, laws in ME and WA have given state agencies authority to ban PFAS in a wide range of products. Maine’s law requires product manufacturers to disclose the presence of PFAS. Eleven states (CA, CO, CT, HI, MD, ME, MN, NY, RI, VT, and WA) have enacted state bans on PFAS in food packaging. CO also adopted restrictions on oil and gas products and personal care products. Eleven states including CA, CO, CT, HI, IL, ME, MD, NH, NY, VT, and WA have put in place bans on the sale of firefighting foam containing PFAS. On textiles specifically, five states including CA, CO, ME, MD, and VT have adopted restrictions on PFAS in carpets, rugs, and aftermarket treatments and regulatory action is pending on these products and other home textiles (e.g. upholstery, bedding) in CA and WA. In addition, CO adopted restrictions on indoor and outdoor furniture.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: Safer States

ASTM International’s Cannabis Committee Approves Four New Standards

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — October 3, 2022 — ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) has approved four new standards that will benefit those working within the cannabis industry, as well as regulators and consumers of cannabis and cannabis-related products.

The first standard (D8375) will provide a method to establish cannabinoid content in cannabis and hemp samples.

ASTM member Garnet McRae notes that laboratories, producers, and researchers will find the standard useful. He adds that regulatory bodies and consumers will also benefit as the standard will help ensure products are labeled properly in jurisdictions where they are legally produced and sold.

The standard may also be used in forensics labs for analysis of illegal samples to confirm cannabinoid content and to support further cannabinoid research.

A second standard (D8399) will aid laboratories in analyzing cannabis and hemp samples to establish pesticide concentration levels – or lack thereof – to ensure products meet regulatory requirements within appropriate jurisdictions.

Regulatory requirements typically include minimum concentration performance limits which pesticide methods must achieve. The standard will help to address health and safety concerns as well as labelling and regulatory requirements for consumable cannabis products.

McRae adds that cannabis testing laboratories, producers, regulatory bodies, and consumers, will all benefit from the new standard.

The third standard (D8442) will provide a method to test for terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis using gas chromatography.

According to ASTM International member Randall Shearer, this standard will assist in quality control for cannabis, allowing cultivators, extractors, producers, and regulatory bodies to ensure safety and consistency of cannabis and hemp products. Shearer notes it will be most useful to manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and labs to address consumer needs.

The final standard (D8469) will aid manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other cannabis industry stakeholders by providing a new test method for metals in cannabis.

The standard provides a method through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) that will be used for detecting dangerous metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in cannabis.

The committee is planning a full inter-laboratory study of the standard later in 2022.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: ASTM International

Baldwin Technology Partners With Fi-Tech To Represent Its Textile And Nonwoven Finishing Technologies In North America

ST. LOUIS — October 3, 2022 — To ensure exceptional service amid growing demand for sustainable solutions, Fi-Tech Inc. will represent Baldwin Technology Co. Inc.’s complete textile and nonwoven product lines as its sales agent in the United States and Canada. The new partnership is effective immediately.

Baldwin’s solutions enable fabric producers to significantly reduce their chemical, water, gas and power consumption while increasing productivity. The contact-free technology makes it possible to eliminate entire steps from the textile manufacturing process, like drying and bath changeovers required when switching between fabric colors to avoid color contamination.

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Richmond, Va., Fi-Tech is well established as a leading agency and distribution firm for textile and nonwoven machinery. Its initial focus was on man-made fibers and nonwovens and it has since expanded its portfolio to represent manufacturers of complete machines or technical components used in the production of nonwovens, man-made fibers, polymer, textiles, converting, perforated products and tobacco processing. Fi-Tech also maintains a spare parts inventory for many of the companies it represents.

“With the increasing demand of Baldwin’s finishing technology, we needed to find the right partner for sales promotion in the U.S. and Canadian markets for knits, wovens and non-wovens,” said Rick Stanford, Baldwin Technology’s vice president, Global Business Development, Textiles. “Fi-Tech of Richmond, Virginia is the perfect partner. They are well established in the textile and non-wovens industry and their portfolio of principals provides excellent synergy with Baldwin’s precision spray and plasma treater systems.”

Ian Mills, market development director at Fi-Tech, said he is convinced that the partnership is an opportunity for both sides. “With our wide-ranging networks we will be able to introduce Baldwin to leaders in sustainable knit, woven and non-woven production,” Mills said. “We are impressed by Baldwin’s long history and leading position in both the technology and the market. Fi-Tech is constantly searching the market for the best suppliers with the best solutions to give our customers the competitive advantages they need to be successful today and into the future.”

Baldwin offers two key precision application solutions for fabric makers: TexCoat G4, which offers single- or dual-sided application of chemistries like fabric softeners, antimicrobial agents, durable water repellents, and others to textiles and TexMoister G2, which offers single- or dual-sided application of water to fabrics. Both systems use non-contact, precision-valve spray technology.

Baldwin precision spray enables either a light topical coating on lightweight fabrics or a deep penetration on heavyweight fabrics in a manner that reduces chemical and/or water consumption by 50 percent or more when compared with traditional padding methods. The non-contact technology eliminates the chemical wastewater associated with pad changes.

Baldwin also provides Rotor Spray technology, which uses rotary discs to achieve an even spray. Rotor Spray meets the demands for very precise low-level application often required in non-woven applications.

Additionally, Baldwin offers the market’s most efficient Corona/Plasma Treatment Systems with high-performance electrodes ensuring effective surface treatment for enhanced dyeing, coating, and adhesion on a variety of textile materials. The slim design enables easy integration and retrofit into existing production lines, and our features allow for fast and easy service.

Baldwin’s solutions are used in a wide variety of fabrics from basic jersey and fleece with softening and anti-microbial finishes to technical fabrics such as outdoor gear, military, upholstery, automotive and industrial fabrics utilizing the latest in technical finishes such as DWR, soil release, flame retardants and insect repellent among others.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: Baldwin Technology Company Inc.

EURATEX Response To The Latest EU Energy Council Decision: More Ambition And Joint European Efforts Are Needed

BRUSSELS — October 4, 2022 — On Friday, September 30, the EU Energy ministers approved a Council Regulation proposal to address high energy prices. The Regulation focusses on the electricity prices and electricity demand reduction, on a solidarity levy from the fossil fuel sector and a retail levy for SMEs. While these initiatives are driven by goodwill, they miss the point of bringing gas prices down — the one measure that would bring the biggest impact on European industry.

EURATEX — as the voice of the European apparel and textiles manufacturers — regrets this lack of ambition: the Regulation does not foresee any meaningful action to directly support the European industry. This can accelerate the de-industrialisation of Europe and loss of industrial capacity to secure the European standard of living and implementing the Green Deal.

“We call on the EU and Member States to pursue our common European interests. The hesitation to adopt a European price cap on natural gas, accompanied by massive national spending programs to subsidise domestic gas consumption, is a dereliction of duty”, said Director General Dirk Vantyghem.

Triggering competition among Member States rather than promoting cooperation in bringing gas prices down for all European companies will also prove ineffective: indeed, the industrial structure in the European Union is fully integrated. Once a segment of the value chain perishes because of the crisis in one country, all companies based in the EU will suffer its negative effect, driving prices up in the supply chain and adding further strain to our operations. The European industry will be saved as a unified industry, or it will not be saved at all. Fragmenting the internal market will not protect any Member State’s domestic manufacturing.

In addition to a EU-wide price cap on gas, EURATEX calls on the European Commission to swiftly amend the Temporary Crisis Framework, making sure the criteria and thresholds applied do not exclude vulnerable companies from possible support (e.g. in textile finishing and services). We also encourage the European Commission to revise the ETS Indirect Carbon Leakage mechanism and include the man-made fibers, nonwovens, spinning and weaving sectors.

It is high time now for the European Union — in particular for Member States and the Commission — to step up their ambition and adopt a European vision: a chaotic and fragmented approach will not mitigate the crisis but accelerate it.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: EURATEX

Nonwoven & Engineered Material Industry Share Advances In Responsible Sourcing, Sustainable Innovation And End-Of-Life Product Solutions

CARY, N.C. — October 4, 2022 — Nonwoven & engineered material companies have come together to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainability.

From recyclable packaging, biodegradable fibers and sustainable materials to innovative technologies, manufacturing methods and scientific advancements, companies in this sector are making an important difference in environmental efficiency.

To highlight these successes, INDA is showcasing these advances and inviting other industry players to contribute their sustainability accomplishments on a new website.

Launched today, the site features examples of exceptional sustainability initiatives by nonwoven & engineered material companies around the world and across the supply chain in the following categories:

Sustainable innovation — making intentional changes to generate long-term social and environmental benefits

Responsible sourcing — using materials that are primarily bio-based or from feedstocks drawing on regenerative, and/or sustainable agriculture principles to advance circularity or returning the product into the supply chain after use

Responsible end-of-life solutions — incorporating materials that are either recyclable or biodegradable

Featured companies include Bast Fibre Tech (BFT), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Dow, Berry Global, PFNonwovens, Reifenhäuser, Rockline, Lenzing, Fibertex, Owens & Minor, Southeast Nonwovens, Spuntech and Natureworks.

Tony Fragnito, INDA president, said the new initiative advances one of INDA’s key strategic pillars to educate consumers, policymakers and other stakeholders about the industry, the benefits of nonwoven & engineered materials and the social consciousness of this industry.

“Nonwoven & engineered material companies are playing pivotal roles in advancing sustainability on all fronts. We are pleased to raise awareness about their progress and create a forum where innovators can share their successes,” he said.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

A Change Is In The Air … What’s In Store For You?

TW Special Report

To find out more come and visit the JK Group/MS Printing Solutions booth at Printed United, October 19-21, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas in North Hall & Central Hall, Booth C 9140.

We will talk about the revolutionary dye-sub ink for outdoor panels; Long-lasting reliability; efficiency with sustainable costs.

  • Digistar Helios is a revolutionary dye-sub ink specifically designed for printing on ChromaLuxe Outdoor Panels , engineered by JK Group R&D in tandem with ChromaLuxe, the leading manufacturer of the world’s finest metal photo panels. Digistar Helios is revolutionary because double the Lifespan of Outdoor Signage! It boasts an impressive 10+ years of durability when infused into ChromaLuxe Outdoor Panels coated with a polymer-based substrate. To lifespan, we add other benefits: striking color, depth of the images, extreme durability, and easy printing cleaning.  If you want to discover more about Digistar Helios printing on ChromaLuxe Outdoor Panels come and join us Thursday, October 20 at 3:00-3:45 p.m. in the PRINTING United Expo Press Conference Room (Room N247*) you will meet JK and ChromaLuxe team who will explain and show you more. (*room number is subject to change)
  • At the booth you will see the JP4 Evo working with Digistar K-ONE. JP4 is a compact scanning machine able to meet today’s efficiency targets thanks to its lifespan, easy installation, and low maintenance. The JP4 EVO is the choice for those searching for reliable solution, low running cost and less capital investment. “The innovation is new products but also being able to respond to the change requirements in real-time. Today, partners profitability is the textile printing industry requirement, and JP4 matches the need,” said Stefano Prando, MS Global sales director.
  • The current mega-trend is pigment inks. The current mega-trend is pigment printing, allowing less water and energy consumption. Pigment Printing is an easy and waterless process, allowing a sustainable production chain and ensuring cost-effective printing outputs. JK Group (through Kiian Digital brand) is in the third generation of pigment ink: DIGISTAR K-ONE 4.0. The time allows JK to reach top performances in reliability and printability, an indispensable condition of the current printing standards. “Today’s urgency is to respond to the supply chain concerns in terms of sustainability but also cope with supply chain disruption and costs. Pigment printing is one of the answers, and dye-sub printing is the other,” explained Claudio Bonfanti, JK Group’s Global commercial director.

This sponsored content was provided by JK Group

October 2022

Printsource At Texworld To Debut At Winter 2023 Edition

NEW YORK CITY — September 30, 2022 — Texworld NYC announces a new partnership with Printsource New York to bring expanded product offerings and resources to buyers this winter. The co-located event will take place January 31-February 2, 2023 at the Javits Center in New York City.

Founded in 1997, Printsource serves as a hub for the world’s top creative talent and showcases hundreds of collections by international surface and textile design studios. The show is a key resource for thousands of apparel, paper goods and home textile manufacturers, retailers and catalogs. Product categories include men’s, children’s and women’s apparel, bed and bath, decorative fabrics, kitchen and tabletop, paper goods and stationery, wall coverings, window fashions as well as other surface and textile design applications.

“Printsource provides the design community with a venue focused exclusively on surface design” said Massimo Iacoboni, CEO and Producer. “The show is a Mecca of creative inspiration, and its aim is to help companies develop directional products by bringing together textile and surface designers from all over the world under one roof” he added.

Printsource is a must-see for fashion and home textile executives, editors, retailers, merchandisers, product developers, designers and creative directors, and other industry professionals making it the perfect complement to Texworld’s expansive sourcing event.

“We are very excited to welcome Printsource to the show floor alongside Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC. This partnership even further grows the product offerings available to attendees. The co-located event is a true one-stop-shop for global textile and apparel sourcing” comments, Jennifer Bacon, vice president, Fashion and Apparel Shows, Messe Frankfurt.

Registration for the event is set to open next week. To subscribe to receive announcements and updates as well as view more detailed information, please visit us online: www.TexworldNewYorkCity.com

Posted: September 30, 2022

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Autumn Editions Of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics And Yarn Expo To Merge With Spring 2023 Fairs

HONG KONG — September 19, 2022 — Originally scheduled to take place in October 2022, the two Autumn fairs will now be merged with next year’s spring editions, to be held March 8-10. The decision is in support of the ongoing pandemic control measures in Shanghai, while the move will also integrate industry resources more efficiently and provide more certainty to exhibitors in their planning.

“We know how important the Autumn sourcing season is for textile buyers and suppliers, but as a responsible trade fair organiser, we hold a commitment both to our participants and the local authorities that extends beyond the fairground,” explained Wilmet Shea, deputy general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “Given the ongoing pandemic control measures in Shanghai, and after consultations with key stakeholders, we have decided that deferring the Autumn fairs to next Spring is the most appropriate arrangement for the textile industry.”

Shea added: “While we have looked to find an appropriate time slot later this year for the Autumn shows to be held, any postponement would congest the trade fair calendar by placing the Autumn fairs too close to the Shenzhen editions of Intertextile Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo this November, as well as the Spring editions in Shanghai next March.”

Between now and next spring, the Shenzhen editions of Intertextile Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo held in autumn offer textile suppliers and buyers the opportunity to expand their business in the Greater Bay Area, a fast growing hub for high-end fashion.

Exhibitors or visitors with any queries about these fairs should email textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com, or visit the fairs’ respective websites:

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics:

https://intertextileapparel.hk.messefrankfurt.com/

Yarn Expo: www.yarnexpochina.com

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. The co-organisers of Yarn Expo are Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT.

Messe Frankfurt’s China textile fairs form a part of the company’s Texpertise Network, which consists of some 50 fairs around the world. More information can be found here: http://www.texpertise-network.com.

Posted: September 30, 2022

Source: The Messe Frankfurt Group

CORDURA® re/cor™ Recycled Nylon 6,6 Accepted Onto Material ConneXion

KENNESAW, Ga. — September 13, 2022 — Marking another milestone in the CORDURA® re/cor™ Recycled Nylon 6,6 (RN66) platform launch, Material ConneXion, a material insights company, has accepted the CORDURA re/cor RN66 collection that features ten new CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabrics onto its platform.  The award-winning fabrics, including new CORDURA re/cor RN66 footwear styles will be showcased through both online and physical Material ConneXion libraries in Bangkok, Daegu, Milan, Skövde, Tokyo and its headquarters in New York City. This nomination underscores the CORDURA brand focus on urging the industry to ‘Expect More, Waste Less’ and spotlights authorized long-standing CORDURA mill partners Dong Jin and Tiong Liong Corp. (TLC).

In addition to recognizing eight innovative CORDURA re/cor RN66 styles targeted at the bag/pack, reinforcements and outerwear market from Dong Jin Corp., the featured collection includes two new styles from Tiong Liong Corp., highlighting the debut of the CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabric collection into the footwear space.

“We are honored that these fabrics have been selected for inclusion in such a leading innovative, sustainable materials driven global platform”, said Cindy McNaull, CORDURA brand business development director. “Between Material ConneXion’s extensive international showrooms and the easy accessibility of its online database, designers will have quick and convenient insight into our latest CORDURA re/cor RN66 innovations. The Material ConneXion online platform, Material Insights, is the perfect complement to our award-winning CORDURA Fabric Finder digital resource.”

The expansion of CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabric adoption into the footwear space marks a strong first phase of INVISTA Performance Materials Recycled Nylon 66 launch. This latest addition to the Material ConneXion library compliments the ISPO Textrends 2022 and Performance Days / Functional Fabric Fair award wins for the new CORDURA re/cor RN66 platform.

Dr. Gayatri Keskar, vice president of Research for Material ConneXion added: “Including CORDURA re/cor RN66 allows us to expand our portfolio and offer a wider variety of sustainable, durable, cross-functional fabrics to our audience. Thanks to CORDURA re/cor RN66, brands no longer need to choose between sustainability and performance, thus enabling easier market adoption. And consumers can keep enjoying the high-quality products they like at a lower environmental footprint.”

Tiong Liong Industrial Co. Ltd. (TLC) has been developing functional and environmentally friendly composite footwear materials for over four decades. Throughout this time, it has been committed to making the brand more innovative and sustainable. This year brings the addition of CORDURA re/cor RN66 into their eco-friendly processing techniques and smart manufacturing, marking the first foray into the Footwear Space for the CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabric portfolio.

Flora Tang, Tiong Liong project manager commented: “We are proud to support the footwear market expansion of CORDURA re/cor RN66. To get started, we developed two versions of CORDURA re/cor RN66 rip-stop wovens: four-way stretch and non-stretch. Fabric styles include CFINT001 100-percent RN66; and CFLNT001 85-percent RN66 + 15-percent Spandex. CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabric technology gives us the ultimate combination of sustainability and strength.”

Currently available in more than 30 unique combinations of weave and on-trend colors, Dong Jin’s CORDURA re/cor RN66 collection is durable, responsible and innovated to last. In terms of quantifiable benefits versus virgin nylon 6,6, the production of CORDURA re/cor RN66 produces 83-percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 82-percent less energy, and uses 57-percent less water. CORDURA re/cor RN66 is made from 100-percent pre-consumer material that is 100-percent GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified. The CORDURA brand ethos can be summed up in the belief that “Sustainability Begins With Products That Last™, and this latest development challenges the throwaway mentality within the footwear industry.

According to Richard Kim, senior sales manager, Dong Jin International: “As a long-standing partner with INVISTA, we were honored to collaborate with them on the development of CORDURA re/cor RN66 fabrics. Together we were able to rapidly accelerate innovation working collaboratively to iterate, develop, and test alongside our valuable brand partners to bring this exciting new durable, responsible recycled nylon 6,6 platform to the market, including early adoptions with Supreme, Black Ember, and Mystery Ranch.”

Posted: September 30, 2022

Source: INVISTA

SPANX Promotes Kim Jones To CEO, Expands Executive Team To Support Rapid Growth

Kim Jones

ATLANTA — September 30, 2022 — SPANX LLC, the mission-driven womenswear brand founded by Sara Blakely, today announced that Kim Jones has been promoted to CEO, effective immediately. A company veteran, Jones most recently served as president and CFO, and in her new role, will oversee the company’s corporate strategy and global operations. With more than two decades of experience providing strategic leadership to high-growth companies, Jones has a 15-year tenure with the brand and was named president in 2018. Prior to SPANX, she was the CEO at Sweetwater Brewing Co. and, earlier in her career, she held finance positions at Ernst & Young, The Coca-Cola Co. and EarthLink.

“I’m thrilled to announce Kim as CEO of SPANX,” said Sara Blakely, founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX. “Kim has worked for SPANX for 15 years and, in addition to serving as CFO and President, she has been instrumental in the company’s growth from startup to the category-defining, digital-first apparel brand it is today. Her love and deep understanding for the brand and the customer make her the perfect fit (no pun-intended) for the job.”

Jones worked alongside Blakely to secure SPANX’s first outside investment in 2021, when it was acquired by funds managed by Blackstone, a leading global investment firm, to accelerate the company’s already rapid digital transformation, expand its global footprint and fuel new product innovation. Additional investors included iconic female entrepreneurs Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Whitney Wolfe Herd, as well as female-founded investment funds G9 Ventures, founded by Amy Griffin, and Able Partners.

“Kim is one of those right brain, left brain leaders. She has a deep understanding of the operating side of the business and financial disciplines and has great instinct for the customer. I’ve learned so much from her over the past 15 years and have loved having her as a thought partner. I’m excited about the growth ahead, and I’m confident she is the right leader to take SPANX to the next level,” Blakely said.

“I am honored that Sara, Blackstone and our Board have placed their trust in me in this incredibly exciting new chapter in the company’s growth journey,” Jones said. “I am so proud to lead this class of executives that is joining our already exceptional team of leaders. Our customers know us for best-in-class products, but what they may not realize is that we have a best-in-class team behind it all. With these appointments, we are doubling down on our commitment to the customer experience, fueling our growth trajectory and ensuring we have top talent to support the company’s long-term vision. I look forward stepping into this new role and am so excited about the opportunity that’s ahead for SPANX.”

Additional Senior Leadership Appointments

Caroline “Cricket” Whitton has been promoted to president and will continue in her role as chief growth officer. Since joining SPANX in 2017, Whitton has led the brand’s digital transformation earning 9X growth during her five-year tenure at the brand. She has 15 years of experience driving digital growth for top retailers including Wayfair and Design Within Reach. In her role as president, she will oversee revenue and growth efforts globally including e-commerce, wholesale, growth marketing, international, digital product innovation and customer experience.

Misha Nonoo has been appointed as chief brand officer. She joins SPANX having served as CEO and creative director for her eponymous women’s ready-to-wear line since its founding in 2011. Her business continues to run under separate management. Given her 15 years of experience working in the fashion sector, Nonoo will be responsible for shaping the creative vision and strategy for the company going forward. She will leverage her fashion expertise and deep industry knowledge to accelerate the growth of the brand globally, bringing a fresh point of view to the legacy of SPANX. Nonoo is known as an innovator in the fashion sustainability space and was a finalist in the 2013 Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund. She has also been named to the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 In Art & Style list and to Crain’s New York Business’ 40 under 40 in 2015.

Martin Elliott has been appointed as CFO, overseeing all financial functions at the company. He joined SPANX from MGA Entertainment, a global manufacturer of toys and entertainment products, where he drove profitable growth and corporate development initiatives, in addition to guiding business strategy, in his role as CFO. Elliott brings more than 25 years of experience in financial planning and analysis, M&A and operational control and reporting, including as a strategic and business planning executive at Mattel Inc. and The Walt Disney Co.

Coco Lu has been appointed as chief people officer overseeing all talent and human resource functions at the company. She began her career at Philips Electronics and Unilever and joins SPANX after a 15-year tenure with The Coca-Cola Co., serving most recently as global human resources director for its Technical, Innovation and Supply Chain function. In her role as chief people officer, Lu will oversee end to end people strategy and solutions to enable the business has right capability, right talent, right culture and right organization to achieve the growth potential of the team and talent.

Nonoo, Elliott and Lu join Chief Information Officer Keith Miller, Chief Creative Officer Lisa Kulson, Chief Merchandising Officer Kiana Miree, and President Cricket Whitton, on the executive team reporting to Jones. The appointments build upon the additions of Miree and Kulson to the senior leadership team within the last year. Miree joined SPANX in 2016 and has led the company’s category expansion into apparel and activewear, leveraging its technology and decades of expertise in comfort and flattering fit to deliver the SPANX magic in new categories, including denim and the best-selling Perfect Collection. Kulson joined the company in 2021 and is transforming what functional fashion means for the consumer. With over two decades of design experience, she brings an elevated, sensible perspective to the brand’s ready-to-wear category. This month, SPANX debuted its first-ever dresses as part of the collection: The Perfect Sheath Dress, The Perfect A-Line 3/4 Sleeve Dress and The Perfect Fit & Flare Dress.

Posted: September 30, 2022

Source: SPANX LLC

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