Columbia Sportswear Company Releases 2021 Environmental, Social, And Governance Report

PORTLAND, Ore. — July 27, 2022 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today released its 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, which includes performance highlights and progress made throughout 2021 in the three pillars of its corporate responsibility strategy — Empowering People, Sustaining Places, and Responsible Practices.

The year 2021 proved to be another challenging year with operations across the globe affected by the pandemic, but ESG remained a priority for Columbia Sportswear.

“Despite facing challenges, the company had its best year in history, and we did so while maintaining our commitment to environmental, social, and governance issues. We proved, once again, that by living our core value of Doing the Right Thing, we can thrive and do well by our people, places and practices,” said Tim Boyle, chairman, president and CEO.

The report highlights work accomplished by its four primary brands — Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna. In 2021, Columbia Sportswear:

  • Finalized one Carbon Leadership Project program and one Clean by Design program with two cohorts of manufacturing partners at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels to help the partners reduce their environmental impact. Reduction in emissions by the Company’s manufacturing partners will help it to meet its previously established manufacturing climate target of a 30-percent reduction in manufacturing emissions by 2030, as compared to a 2019 baseline.
  • Introduced the Coalition of Asian & Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group, bringing the total number of Employee Resource Groups to seven.
  • Built two new water towers in supply chain locations to bring clean water to the children of our manufacturing partners and their employees with the Planet Water Foundation, bringing the total number of water towers built to 24.
  • Coordinated COVID-19 community vaccine clinics in Portland, OR and launched an educational campaign encouraging all employees to get vaccinated.

Posted: July 27, 2022

Source: Columbia Sportswear Co.

Delta Galil Acquires Sustainable Clothing Brand Organic Basics

TEL AVIV, Israel — July 26, 2022 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children, as well as leisurewear, activewear and denim — today announced that it has acquired the Organic Basics brand and certain assets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in Denmark by three young entrepreneurs in 2015, the digitally native brand is known for its sustainably, ethically made women’s and men’s underwear, activewear and base layers. Delta Galil plans to bring this strong brand to consumers worldwide and to extend the Organic Basics product line to include items for babies and kids as well as additional items for women and men. The collection will launch globally in 2023.

“Organic Basics is a digital brand with sustainability and ethical production at its core and these values align perfectly with Delta Galil’s focus on creating a more sustainable fashion industry through innovation,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil Industries. “We see a significant opportunity to grow the Organic Basics brand globally, particularly in the US and Europe, and to expand the product line to include items for the whole family. Our goal is to sell affordable, sustainable, organic products direct to the consumer.”

A certified B Corp, Organic Basics is also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and a member of 1% for the Planet. The brand has built a strong reputation and following for its use of responsibly, ethically sourced and certified materials, including organic cotton and natural dyes, and its commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint and impact on the planet.

More than 75 percent of the materials used to manufacture Organic Basics items are plant-based, while more than 15 percent are recycled. The brand assortment includes ultrasoft, comfortable women’s underwear, bralettes, sports bras, tees and socks and men’s underwear and tees.

In recent years, Delta Galil has focused on strategically building its e-commerce presence, investing in its owned brands’ digital offerings and in strategic M&A transactions.

Posted: July 26, 2022

Source: Delta Galil Industries, Ltd.

Atlas Introduces Sealed Lamp Technology For The Ci4000 And Ci4400 Weather-Ometer® Instruments

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — July 26, 2022 — Atlas has just introduced Sealed Lamps for its Ci4000 and Ci4400 Weather-Ometers®. The unique preassembled design makes the world’s most-advanced weathering instruments even easier to operate and maintain.

The Ci4000 and Ci4400 Weather-Ometers currently use interchangeable glass filters attenuating the xenon light spectrum to closely match light conditions of a product’s end-use environment.

The process of changing filters requires taking apart the lamp assembly, which includes the xenon-arc lamp, inner glass filter, outer glass filter, and associated hardware. It can be quite tedious and offers the potential for human error resulting in lamp or filter breakage or incorrect filter installation.

The new Atlas Sealed Lamp incorporates all assembly elements into a single, factory-sealed unit. The advantages are significant:

  • Simplified installation – just plug and play;
  • No assembly/disassembly errors;
  • Less downtime;
  • Reduced accidental breakage or premature failure due to mishandling;
  • Repeatable test conditions due to minimal handling; and
  • Easy identification of filter combinations and part numbers.

The initial roll-out of the Atlas Sealed Lamp will include the Type S Boro (Inner)/Type S Boro (Outer) and Right Light (Inner)/Quartz (Outer) filter combinations. Each Atlas Sealed Lamp is a direct replacement for its corresponding lamp/filter assembly and includes the same 1,200 light-hour warranty.

Posted: July 26, 2022

Source: Atlas Material Testing Technology

Hyosung Creora® Bio-Based Spandex Receives First Global SGS Certification

SEOUL — July 26, 2022 — Hyosung has received eco-product certification from Standard Global Services (SGS) guaranteeing that creora® biobased spandex is made with plant-based materials and is produced in a harmless and eco-friendly environment. SGS, a leading inspection and verification company, is recognized world-wide for providing an international standard for quality and reliability.

Hyosung’s creora biobased spandex is made by replacing 30 percent of petroleum-based resources with biobased raw materials derived from industrial field corn, which is also called dent corn. According to a recent third-party life cycle assessment (LCA), the manufacture of creora biobased spandex reduces its carbon footprint by 23 percent as compared to the production of regular spandex.

Additionally, the sustainably grown feed-stock used to make the fiber is responsibly grown by farmers who target and measure their efforts to protect the land, air and water.

“Brands are looking to develop deeper connections and trust with consumers concerned with how products they love impact the environment,” said Mike Simko, Hyosung Global Marketing director, Textiles. “As a sustainable textile solution provider, it was very important for us to certify and document creora® bio-based spandex so that our brand partners are able to pass along this verification and sustain consumer loyalty.”

While ideally used with other bioderived natural fibers and bio-derived synthetics, creora bio-based spandex is suitable for all textile applications used for sportswear, ready to wear, and loungewear. It provides the same ultra-stretch quality and recovery as Hyosung’s creora Powerfit spandex.

According to Simko, Hyosung is planning on introducing creora biobased spandex made with 100-percent bio-derived content in the future.

Posted: July 26, 2022

Source: Hyosung

BASF Commits $780 Million To Complete Geismar, Louisiana Chemical Plant Expansion

GEISMAR, La. — July 19, 2022 — BASF announced a final investment decision on a $780 million project to double production capacity at its chemical manufacturing complex in Ascension Parish, marking the beginning of the third and final phase of an expansion plan announced in 2018. Counting all three expansion phases and other site investments, BASF will retain more than 1,000 existing jobs and add 37 new direct jobs with average annual salaries from $86,600 to $105,600 per year, plus benefits. LED estimates that the total project plan will result in 147 new indirect jobs, for a total of 184 new jobs in the Capital Region.

Upon completion, BASF’s Geismar Verbund site – signifying the physical integration of production, market platforms and technologies that tie the business together – will be able to produce 600,000 metric tons per year of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). MDI is an important component for polyurethanes, a versatile, lightweight plastics material used for insulation and a variety of other industrial and consumer products.

“BASF is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, and this substantial reinvestment in its Geismar complex speaks volumes about the strength of Louisiana’s advanced manufacturing sector,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “By increasing production of a material vital to the creation of energy-efficient products, BASF has positioned our state as an important contributor to the global sustainability supply chain. That is a win for workers and their families in the Capital Region, and for the state’s economy as a whole.”

The company said in its announcement that the seven-year expansion project – representing more than $1 billion in combined capital investment – will allow it to meet growing North American demand for its products in construction, appliance, transportation, automotive and other sectors.

“Thanks to our strategic location and infrastructure, access to competitive raw materials, highly-skilled workforce and strong government support, BASF has now invested more than $2 billion in new projects and improvements at the Geismar site since 2009,” said Jerry Lebold, BASF’s Senior Vice President and General Manager at the Geismar site. “This continued investment demonstrates our commitment to our employees, our community and our presence in Louisiana which is more than 60 years strong.”

Construction will begin this year and is expected to be complete by mid-2025. The expanded facility will utilize leading-edge technology that combines the highest safety standards with advanced digitalization in its operations, the company said.

To secure the final phase of the BASF expansion project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes a $1 million Retention and Modernization Tax Credit, to be claimed in equal installments over five years. BASF also is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.

“As both a top employer and taxpayer, BASF is an economic engine for Ascension Parish,” Parish President Clint Cointment said. “Working together to facilitate growth opportunities like this series of MDI investments is key to our continued success in sustainable manufacturing and quality local employment opportunities.”

“BASF continues to demonstrate its commitment to community by operating responsibly, hiring locally and donating time and resources to local programs and organizations,” said Kate MacArthur, president and CEO of the Ascension Economic Development Corp. “The company’s commitment to sustainability and reliability in product line investments mirrors its efforts in community advancement.”

“We are fortunate to have BASF in the Capital Region and it’s very positive to see them continue to invest in Louisiana for production of more sustainable products,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “The company’s expansion capitalizes on the region’s skilled workforce and strong supply chain.”

Posted: July 25, 2022

Source: Louisiana Office of the Governor

 

Anthropologie Announces Collaboration with Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ Program

PHILADELPHIA — July 25, 2022 — Anthropologie is pleased to announce their collaboration with Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program: an initiative at the forefront of denim recycling. Beginning today, Anthropologie customers are invited to bring in their pre-loved denim to any of the brand’s 200+ US retail locations to be recycled into insulation materials used in various applications through Cotton Incorporated’s consumer sustainability program.

Earlier this year, Anthropologie announced its A Greater Good platform, which details their journey to becoming more environmentally sustainable and socially conscious. Through conservation initiatives, partnering with a diverse array of non-profit partners, and working to ensure the products they sell are ethically sourced, the brand hopes to incite meaningful change.

In support of their A Greater Good platform, Anthropologie aims to launch their denim circularity initiative, support their waste-reduction initiatives, and reduce their environmental impact. Aiming to divert denim waste from landfills and turn old denim into something new, the brand will bring together their loyal community and engaged social network to amplify this nationwide sustainability effort.

“At Anthropologie we are committed to creating a more sustainable future and being mindful of our environmental impact on the planet across our business operations,” states Elizabeth Preis, Anthropologie’s Chief Marketing Officer.  “We are continually ideating new and inventive ways to enforce sustainability efforts across all facets of our brand’s ecosystem by repurposing reclaimed objects into imaginative displays in our stores, utilizing upcycled materials in our one-of-a-kind windows, and transforming everyday materials into unique and surprising packaging. We are thrilled to be working with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program to extend the lifecycle of jeans by collecting unwanted denim from our devoted community which will be recycled to create something new.”

“As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are thrilled to have Anthropologie participate in the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program as they introduce denim recycling to their customers,” says Andrea Samber, director of consumer marketing, brand partnerships for Cotton Incorporated.  “While denim, made from cotton, is natural, sustainable, and durable, we know consumers change preference in style, size, or it can just get worn to the point that it’s time to move out of the closet.  By reimagining what their old denim can do, their customers can reduce textile waste and close the loop on cotton sustainability, ensuring Anthropologie’s continued mindfulness about their environmental impact.”

Today through August 7, 2022, customers who recycle their denim at Anthropologie stores across the US will receive $20 off a new, full-price jean purchase of $100 or more. Customers are invited to recycle any type of denim apparel item inclusive of jeans, jackets, shirts, skirts and more, as long as it’s made of 90% cotton or greater. The brand will be accepting denim drop-offs through August 31.

Posted: July 25, 2022

Source: Anthropologie

RUDOLF Turns 100 Years Old And Dresses Up Differently For The Occasion

GERETSRIED, Germany — July 22, 2022 — RUDOLF, the global provider of responsible specialty chemicals, sustainable solutions and services for the global textile industry celebrates the beginning of a whole new chapter with a new corporate brand identity.

Since time immemorial, Bavaria, the German area known for its pristine forests, clean air and wealth of culture, has been the cradle of technical and scientific wit with a dash of creativity. The first Nobel laureate for physics, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen made his home in Munich, Bavaria. Levi Strauss, the German-American businessman who founded Levi Strauss & Co, came from the Bavarian town of Buttenheim. So it would seem almost inevitable that RUDOLF GmbH, a company deeply devoted to chemical research and rooted in the discovery of technologies – mostly for textile – often borrowed from Mother Nature’s work, would find home in Geretsried, a small town in Bavaria.

“Eng. Reinhold Rudolf begins operations of Rudolf & Co. on January 1, 1922” says Wolfgang Schumann, 3rd generation owner who have been Managing Director since the 70’s and who was the main driver of the international expansion of the Group. He continues: “My grandfather, Ernst Schumann, acquires shares in the company in January 1925 and plays a central role in the strategic orientation of the factory. Then, in the turmoil of WWII, contact with the company founder Reinhold Rudolf broke off and his trail is completely lost”.

Since 1922 RUDOLF has been fueling the textile, construction and other industries with very same innovative energy so necessary to ensure continuous progress and to solve some of our civilization’s current and future issues. An agent of positive change for a more sustainable living.

“Turning 100 years old is a very important milestone” says Dr. Wolfgang Anton Schumann, current MD at RUDOLF “However, it isn’t a finish line at all but, rather, the beginning of a whole new chapter. As we change pace, we send out a very important signal and transform what is most precious, intimate and meaningful to us. We change the essence of who we are: our corporate branding”.

RUDOLF’s products have always been rooted in science and experience, whereas RUDOLF’s brand has always been a celebration of trust, reliability and inclusiveness. The new brand identity is directly extracted from the historical and cherished company’s heritage mark and it is a very modern interpretation of the same. A very contemporary brand identity for a very contemporary organization that proudly steps into its second centenary of operations – with a global mindset.

Dr. Wolfgang Anton Schumann continues: “We took inspiration from our heritage mark with the idea of using it as launch pad to the future. Because the future isn’t going to be what it used to be”.

Posted: July 25, 2022

Source: RUDOLF GmbH

Walmart Removes Nearly 37 Million Pounds Of Toxic “Priority Chemicals” From Its Products

SEATTLE, WA — July 22, 2022 — Walmart recently published an update to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) website stating that, between 2017 to 2020, it achieved a 17% reduction in its footprint of “priority chemicals,” which equates to the removal of 36.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals from private-label and brand-name cosmetics, personal care, household cleaners, and formulated baby care products in the U.S. As the first major U.S. retailer to have announced a broad time-bound chemical footprint reduction goal, the 17% reduction in three years exceeds its original goal of 10% in five years.

Walmart’s update on its website states: “Based on supplier reports, our priority chemical footprint for 2020 for in-scope products sold in Walmart U.S. stores and Sam’s Clubs U.S. saw a 17% decrease over 2017, as measured by weight in pounds…We achieved this goal ahead of our target date through a combination of assortment changes, reformulation, and shifts in consumer purchases.”

The company also reported the “priority chemical weight as a percent of total formulated consumables weight” has decreased from 1.9% to 1.36%. This is notable as certain chemicals that are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors can be hazardous at very low levels.

In response, Toxic-Free Future released a blog that further explains Walmart’s progress and provides five key policy recommendations for Walmart to further improve and expand its chemicals policy. Additionally, Toxic-Free Future, Clean Production Action, and Safer States released the following statements:

“This demonstrates the power retailers have to drive toxic chemicals out of their products and throughout global supply chains,” said Mike Schade, director of Toxic-Free Future’s market transformation program, Mind the Store. “As the company prepares to adopt its next set of sustainable chemistry goals, it must set an even more ambitious chemical footprint reduction goal. We urge Walmart to set a goal to reduce its chemical footprint by 50% within the next five years and require suppliers to evaluate the hazards of alternatives to ensure substitutes are truly safer. It should continue to make progress on hazardous chemicals in formulated products and at the same time expand its goals to address other chemically intensive product categories and key classes of chemicals—like PFAS in its textiles and food packaging and toxic flame retardants in electronics. ”

“Walmart’s progress shows that the data and technology exist to calculate retailers’ chemical footprints and are already in use by many competing retailers for compliance purposes,” said Cheri Peele, senior project manager at Toxic-Free Future. “The question now is, will other retailers join Walmart in setting public, quantifiable goals to track and reduce their chemical footprints?”

“Walmart proves that companies, even the largest in the world, can track and reduce their chemical footprints,” said Dr. Mark S. Rossi, executive director of Clean Production Action. “Reducing their chemical footprint by almost 40 million pounds over 3 years is a significant accomplishment for human health and the environment.”

“It’s great to see Walmart responding to state policy leadership and taking concrete steps to reduce worker and community exposures to toxic chemicals,”said Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States. “Walmart should continue to follow the lead of states and restrict entire classes of toxic chemicals like PFAS and organohalogen flame retardants in the packaging and products they sell.”

BACKGROUND ON MIND THE STORE

Mind the Store is Toxic-Free Future’s market transformation program. Mind the Store challenges retailers to eliminate toxic chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives. The program publishes the Retailer Report Card, which benchmarks and scores major retailers on their safer chemicals policies.

Retailers are increasingly adopting safer chemicals policies, according to Toxic-Free Future’s Retailer Report Card. Nearly 70% of companies surveyed in 2021 have better chemical safety programs compared to their first evaluation dating as far back as 2016. With a score of A- in the the most recent Retailer Report Card, Walmart was ranked in the top six retailers with highest grades of A- and above, which also includes Apple, IKEA, Sephora, Target, and Whole Foods. In the same analysis, 12 companies (out of 50) were found to have failing grades, which include 7-Eleven, 99 Cents Only Stores, Ace Hardware, Alimentation Couche-Tarde (Circle K, Couche-Tard), Metro, Nordstrom, Publix, Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes), Sally Beauty, Sobeys, Starbucks, and Subway.

TOXIC-FREE FUTURE

Toxic-Free Future (TFF) is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that advances the use of safer products, chemicals, and practices through research, organizing, advocacy, and consumer engagement to ensure a healthier tomorrow. Safer Chemicals Healthy Families is a Toxic-Free Future program dedicated to achieving strong federal policies that protect the public from toxic chemicals. Mind the Store is a Toxic-Free Future program that challenges retailers to eliminate toxic chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives, and scores major retailers on their safer chemicals policies in an annual Retailer Report Card.

SAFER STATES

Safer States is an alliance of diverse environmental health organizations and coalitions from across the nation committed to building a healthier world. By harnessing place-based power, the alliance works to safeguard people and the planet from toxic chemicals and sparks innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Posted: July 22, 2022

Source: Toxic-Free Future

Jake Ritchie Joins Direct Sales Team At Herculite Products

Jake Ritchie

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — July 20, 2022 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics is pleased to announce that Jake Ritchie has been hired as Midwest Regional manager for the Direct Sales team.

Ritchie joins the Herculite sales team with over four years of B2B sales support. He received a degree in Business Management from Lincoln Land Community College. As a collegiate basketball player and an avid golfer, Ritchie brings a strong history of teamwork and competitive skill to the Herculite Direct sales team.

Herculite is excited to be expanding our sales team to support and continue the strong growth of this market. Ritchie will be managing the Midwest region of our Direct Sales team, which consists of the automotive, custom engineered solution, healthcare, agriculture, and tent and structure customers. Herculite strives be the most responsive, supportive, educated sales force in the industry and Ritchie’s addition to our team will help us to continue to strive to achieve that goal.

Posted: July 22, 2022

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Geno And Aquafil Begin Pre-Commercial Production For Plant-Based Nylon-6

SAN DIEGO & ARCO, Italy  — July 20, 2022 — Sustainability leader Genomatica (Geno) alongside longtime collaborator Aquafil successfully completed the first demonstration scale production runs for plant-based nylon-6. The material is intended to reshape the $22B nylon industry, enabling brands to meet demand from consumers for sustainable everyday materials from apparel to automotive parts to carpets. Geno and Aquafil have produced the first several tons of plant-based nylon-6 building block caprolactam, have converted it to nylon-6 polymer and are now in the process of transforming it for evaluation in nylon applications — such as yarns for textile and carpet and engineering plastics as part of pre-commercial quantities from demonstration production taking place in Europe.

The companies have been collaborating to first produce pilot-scale quantities of plant-based nylon-6 and have now advanced to produce pre-commercial quantities at demonstration scale which will help determine the final design of future commercial plants. The material will go to leading global brands and their value chain partners who are eager to explore and develop renewable products, create showcase goods and test feedback with customers.

“Now, more than ever, global brands are taking action to incorporate sustainable materials into their products,” said Christophe Schilling, Geno CEO. “We’re working to build purposeful, traceable and transparent supply chains, in this case for nylon-6, with the goal to provide more sustainable products that consumers demand and material solutions that can help brands achieve their ESG goals.”

“The world needs every possible approach put into action to make supply chains sustainable, and making bio-based nylon is an essential piece of that,” said Giulio Bonazzi, Aquafil CEO. “Plant-based nylon can perfectly complement our approach to depolymerizing nylon products once they reach the end of their useful life. Together, we share a vision to lead the transition to more sustainable materials which has driven our long-term collaboration.”

Plant-based nylon-6 is Geno’s third major product line on a path to commercialization. The company has executed high impact deals with a range of brands to accelerate the global commercialization of sustainable materials, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tons in upcoming years. Recent milestones advancing the sustainable materials transition include: a collaboration with lululemon to bring plant-based materials into lululemon’s products, a production milestone with partner Covestro for plant-based HMD used in sustainable coatings, a partnership with Asahi Kasei and a newly formed venture with Unilever to commercialize and scale plant-based alternatives to feedstocks like palm oil or fossil fuels to make key ingredients used in everyday cleaning and personal care products.

Posted: July 22, 2022

Source: Genomatica (Geno) / Aquafil

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