North Carolina Textile Executives Highlight Importance Of Industry & Policies Supporting U.S. Competitiveness At Roundtable With Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC)

WASHINGTON — August 9, 2022 — North Carolina textile executives spanning the fiber, yarn, fabric, and finished product textile industries participated in a roundtable discussion with Rep. Kathy Manning (D-N.C.) today, at which they discussed the innovative achievements and competitiveness of the domestic industry and outlined priority issues in Washington that impact their daily operations.

The roundtable discussion, hosted by Unifi Inc. and sponsored by the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), was held at Unifi’s headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.

North Carolina is the second largest state employer of textile-related jobs, employing more than 30,000 jobs in 2021, according to U.S. government data. The state’s $2.7 billion in textile-related exports leads the nation, according to U.S. government data.

Congresswoman Manning’s visit comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. textile supply chain, which produced $65.2 billion in output in 2021 and employed nearly 535,000 workers. The industry has been at the forefront of domestic manufacturing of over 1 billion personal protective equipment (PPE) items during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the roundtable, North Carolina executives showcased the industry’s important contribution to the state and the U.S. economy as well as its advanced sustainability initiatives, while outlining critical policies, such as the importance of Buy American and Berry Amendment government procurement policies, maintaining strong rules of origins in free trade agreements, supporting a domestic PPE production sector, and the need to address larger systemic trade issues with China.

“Unifi was thrilled to host Representative Manning with other NCTO leaders today at our Greensboro Headquarters. We appreciate the time and consideration she gives to the critical issues in Washington that affect our workers and investment here in North Carolina and the entire region.” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of Unifi.

“In North Carolina, the textile industry is woven into the very fabric of our state and economy, with more than 33,000 workers employed in over 600 textile manufacturing facilities across the state. In Congress, I am committed to supporting our homegrown industry by making PPE in America, protecting the yarn forward rule of origin in our trade agreements, and cracking down on China’s unfair trade practices. I am thrilled to engage with industry leaders in my district, as we discuss ways to grow the U.S. textile industry and the critical role that textile manufacturers play in our local, state, and national economy,” said Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06).

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas said: “We deeply appreciate Congresswoman Manning’s participation in today’s industry roundtable where she engaged in substantive discussions around policies that help bolster U.S. manufacturing, while hearing directly from executives about the challenges confronting our industry. The diverse U.S. textile industry is technically advanced and highly innovative and provides jobs to local communities in North Carolina and across the country. It is imperative that we have sound trade and government procurement policies that help the U.S. industry continue to grow jobs and contribute to the overall U.S. economy. We look forward to continuing to work with the congresswoman on policies that will help drive more onshoring and nearshoring to the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere, support strong government procurement policies centered around American-made products and lead to strong enforcement of illegal trade practices.”

Posted: August 11, 2022

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Digitizing Touch: Haptic Measuring Device From emtec Electronic Replaces Need For Time-Intensive Hand-Panels

LEIPZIG, Germany — August 11, 2022 — Convening again after a two-year coronavirus-induced hiatus, speakers, exhibitors and visitors will gather in the Bavarian city of Hof from September 20-21 to discuss the latest technologies, trends, and developments affecting the nonwovens industry. Rising energy costs, supply chain disruption, and sustainability concerns are some of the central topics to be discussed at the event.

Now more than ever, nonwovens manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, save costs, and still optimize the quality of their product lines. One approach has been to replace lengthy manual quality control processes with automatic digital solutions. The TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer from emtec Electronic presents a unique, portable device that delivers valuable data about the haptic, deformation, and recovery behavior of nonwoven materials quickly and reliably.

The instrument was recently hailed in the trade magazine Textile Insight as “Zoom for your fingers,” in that it takes the physical sense of touch, digitizes it, and essentially integrates it into a virtual setting. This allows manufacturers to consistently reproduce the way a product feels to the touch, even when using locally sourced materials in a new location, for instance. A similar machine, the Tissue Softness Analyzer, has already become an industry standard for measuring tissue.

The Tactile Sensation Analyzer is poised to replace the hand-panel testing, in which a certain number of touch experts compare and rank samples based on overall haptic impression. The organization and implementation of such hand-panel tests are often complex and time-consuming. In addition to the time factor, some of the major disadvantages of the manual hand-panel method include the high variance of individual results. An average value of many samples is usually needed to arrive at a reliable value. The human hand is also incapable of reliably distinguishing between haptic parameters, such as softness or smoothness, and cannot objectively measure how elastic a product feels, for example.

Participants to the Hofer Vliesstofftage are invited to stop by the emtec Electronic exhibit and speak with Area Sales Manager Stefan Rübesam for a more detailed discussion or to see a demonstration of the machine.

Posted: August 11, 2022

Source: emtec Electronic GmbH

Learning Made Even Easier Now: Digitization Of The KARL MAYER Academy

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — August 11, 2022 — With currently three academies in Germany, China and India, the KARL MAYER Group offers training courses for customers in warp knitting worldwide. The qualification of specialists has a long history with this global player. As early as the early sixties, the first textile technicians were taught knitting know-how at the headquarters in Obertshausen, Germany. Today, a wide range of courses is available to customers from all over the world. The traditional location in Hesse is now the first academy to take the next step and offers an online portal for learning.

The so-called Learning Management System (LMS) can be used with immediate effect. After registering, it is possible to book a place here for training in the Academy or a webinar on various topics. There is also another new feature: the first in-house e-learning that can be started directly from the portal. The e-learning entitled “Introduction to Warp Knitting” provides a theoretical introduction to warp knitting. Comprehensive knowledge is imparted on machines, lappings and production calculations.

The use of different media makes the training varied and helps different types of learners to acquire knowledge. “The program was developed by an international team of learning and warp knitting specialists. It gives learners the opportunity to absorb knowledge at their own pace, when and where they want,” explains Sophia Krinner, Product Owner Academy. If desired, a purely practical training course can be booked afterwards to deepen and expand the basic knowledge. Never before has the transfer of knowledge been more efficient for the customer.

“We know that our customers can’t afford to keep their employees out of the company for long periods of time, jeopardizing production processes. Our e-learning means that good skilled workers are less likely to be absent from day-to-day operations. They can also learn the practice in a shorter visit than in our previous course models,” said Sophia Krinner. The new e-learning will initially be available in English. The offering will be expanded to include other languages in the coming months. In addition to digital and analog basic courses, the Academy in Obertshausen also offers advanced courses on various topics. Here, tricot, raschel and double raschel machines as well as textile analysis courses are standard.

Access to the LMS and registration for a course is under academy.karlmayer.com/login possible.

Posted: August 11, 2022

Source: KARL MAYER Gruppe

BB Engineering At The K Show 2022: Plastics Expertise And Innovative PET Recycling For High-Quality Products

REMSCHEID, Germany — August 11, 2022 — As a sub-exhibitor of Oerlikon, BB Engineering will present itself as an expert in extrusion, mixing and filtration as well as an innovator for PET recycling with the VacuFil and VarioFil R+ systems at the K.

Plastics competence – extruders, mixers, filters

BB Engineering is no newcomer to the plastics industry. As a joint venture of Brückner Maschinenbau (leading with film extrusion lines) and Oerlikon Barmag (leading with man-made fiber spinning lines), BB Engineering took over the extruder division of Oerlikon Barmag already in 2002. BB Engineering can thus draw on more than 60 years of experience in extruder construction and is constantly engaged in development work to further optimize its products. To date, approx. 20,000 extruders have been delivered worldwide. The extruders are mainly used in film and synthetic fiber spinning lines for PP, PET, PA and PE. BB Engineering is the exclusive supplier for its parent companies and also sells extrusion and filtration technology to third party customers. The portfolio also includes various continuous and discontinuous polymer filters from small to large (0.1-40m² filter area) as well as various polymer mixers.

The quality of the melt and thus of the end product is BB Engineering’s top priority for all components and equipment. “Our company has always stood for high-quality, durable machines and components that enable our customers to manufacture first-class products. A high-quality melt is crucial for trouble-free production and good, consistent product properties” underlines Dr. Klaus Schäfer, Managing Director.

Recycling technology

BB Engineering has been focusing its development work increasingly on recycling technologies for several years. In addition to extruders, filters and mixers that are suitable for both recycling processes and the processing of recyclate, BB Engineering offers a complete PET recycling plant called VacuFil.

With VacuFil, BB Engineering has developed an innovative and unique PET LSP recycling process. And here, too, the focus is on product quality. The process combines gentle large-scale filtration and targeted IV regulation for consistently outstanding rPET melt quality. Thus, much more than simple “downcycling” is possible with VacuFil. VacuFil processes a wide range of input materials – post-production and post-consumer. The patented key component Visco+ vacuum filter removes volatile impurities quickly and reliably. VacuFil is a modular system that can be designed for different recycling applications. There are no limits to the downstream processes. Simple granulation is possible, but also direct feeding into further processing, e.g. in the synthetic fiber spinning mill. BBE offers VacuFil in combination with its own VarioFil compact spinning plant to produce polyester yarn.

Open House

Exactly this process can be visited during the K show at an open house of BB Engineering and Oerlikon Barmag. Not far from Düsseldorf, at the company’s site in Remscheid, BBE and Oerlikon Barmag will open their doors and give customers and interested parties an insight into the technical center. Here, visitors can experience the VacuFil Visco+ recycling technology in operation with a connected VarioFil spinning plant and see live how high-quality recycling yarn is produced from PET waste.

Posted: August 11, 2022

Source: BB Engineering GmbH

Cone Denim Forms Partnership with U.S. Hemp Innovator BastCore

GREENSBORO, N.C. — August 11, 2022 — Cone Denim®, a global company focused on denim authenticity and sustainable innovation, is excited to expand its partnership with expert hemp processing innovator, BastCore, following Cone’s recently launched U.S. Hemp Collection. This evolving partnership continues to open new opportunities for collaboration between like-minded companies providing increased sustainable denim offerings to customers while increasing Cone’s support of American agriculture.

The innovators at BastCore have created patent-pending technology and a proprietary process that produces clean, mechanically processed, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified and USDA bio-preferred hemp fiber out of its operation in Montgomery, Ala. BastCore was recently selected as a Top 50 Startup Finalist at the WorldFestival 2022 Startup Awards, receiving votes at both the community level and the industry expert committee level. This global virtual conference supports worldwide technology innovation, bringing participants from more than 130 nations to meet the Top 50 Startups of the year and learn from leaders in a variety of industries.

“Cone is extremely proud to work closely with an industry-recognized company like BastCore as we advance our commitment to provide more sustainable, alternative fiber options to our denim community,” said Cone Denim President Steve Maggard. “With a shared goal of pushing new sustainability levels, our partnership with BastCore is creating exciting opportunities that support U.S. agriculture and its use of world-class practices and responsibly sourced products. Cone does not take its leadership in sustainable innovation lightly and is always searching for new ways to collaborate across the industry to drive innovation, increase traceability and lessen environmental impact.”

“When BastCore began working with Cone, it was clear to us that they had the expertise to develop an industry leading hemp denim product,” said BastCore CEO Coleman Beale. “Just as important to us, was Cone’s commitment to sustainability, traceability, and support of local farmers here in the United States.”

Cone recently launched its U.S. Hemp Collection with BastCore at the KingPins Amsterdam Show in April and July. This collection includes a range of fabrics featuring classic 3×1 and comfort stretch to modern workwear constructions. Using BastCore U.S. grown hemp, along with other locally sourced materials including natural indigo and U.S. cotton, Cone maintains close proximity to its manufacturing operations in Mexico and continues to reduce its environmental footprint.

Cone is proud to work with BastCore to incorporate U.S. grown hemp and utilize it for its many advantages such as more than 50 percent water savings compared to cotton, no chemicals, wet processing, pesticides, or herbicides used, and high rates of carbon sequestration which benefits soil health and the environment overall.

Posted August 11, 2022

Source: Cone Denim

 

American Floorcovering Alliance Donates $135,000 To Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC)

ROME, Ga. — August 10, 2022 — The American Floorcovering Alliance Inc. (AFA) has donated $135,000 to Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to support the college’s flooring industry programs.

Due to pandemic-related revenue shortfalls and event cancellations, AFA’s Board of Directors recently voted to dissolve the advocacy organization, said Stephanie Manis, owner of Capital Contract Services and former executive director of AFA.

“AFA’s primary function since 1979 was to market the floorcovering industry and provide services to the industry,” Manis explained. “Upon the dissolution of AFA, we determined that the balance of cash after liquidation would be best used by local colleges to assist in training and recruiting students to help fill the employment gap and provide skilled talent to the industry.”

“I am pleased that GNTC offers many avenues to help enrich the industry, and I feel this contribution will give back to the industry for years to come,” Manis said, adding that AFA’s board voted to donate the balance of cash from all liquidations to further assist the future flooring industry, which was AFA’s primary function.

AFA selected GNTC to receive these funds in recognition of the college’s essential role in workforce development for the floorcovering industry, said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of the GNTC Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift from the American Floorcovering Alliance,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “This donation will support students who are being trained to be the professionals needed by the flooring industry. It’s a win-win for both GNTC and the industry.”

GNTC added a Flooring Production program in 2019. The Flooring Production Operator and Flooring Production Technician certificate programs have been designed in partnership with the industry to provide a foundation of skills to prepare an individual to begin a successful career in the industry.

The Flooring Production Operator technical certificate is available to students who successfully train in the operation of industrial equipment used in flooring manufacturing. This introductory program gives an overview of the flooring industry and prepares students for employment in a variety of positions within the flooring industry.

The Flooring Production Technician technical certificate is available to students who successfully train in the basic maintenance and set-up of industrial production machinery used in flooring manufacturing. Basic skills provide for opportunities to upgrade or for entry-level employment in the industry.

Earlier this year, a pilot program for technical colleges and other post-secondary institutions to heighten awareness of careers in the flooring installation industry and to recruit more installation craftsmen was launched at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. The Flooring Installation Technician Certificate of Credit is a 15-week program that introduces students to the four major types of flooring materials and basic installation skills needed to become a flooring installer or flooring contractor.

For more information about GNTC’s flooring programs, contact us Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., at (866) 983-4682 or visit GNTC’s webpage at www.gntc.edu. To make a donation to GNTC’s Foundation, visit https://www.gntc.edu/community/foundation.

Founded in 1962, GNTC is celebrating 60 years of providing quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 11,134 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,528 students and an additional enrollment of 2,606 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Posted: August 10, 2022

Source: Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC)

Bluesign Defines “Sustainable Attributes” For Approved Chemicals Within Its Bluesign® FINDER

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — August 10, 2022 — By defining “sustainable attributes” for bluesign® APPROVED chemicals registered in the bluesign FINDER, Bluesign is furthering its ability to provide more sustainable solutions by providing specified search functions to help chemical suppliers and the textile industry make better informed decisions.  The bluesign FINDER is a web-based, advanced search engine for manufacturers. It contains a positive list of preferred chemical products. Today more than 20,000 bluesign APPROVED chemical products are registered in the bluesign FINDER.

Bluesign APPROVED chemical products already meet the stringent bluesign CRITERIA for chemical assessment. That means that the approved chemicals are produced following best occupational health and safety (OH&S) practices with less environmental impact and excellent Product Stewardship following the principles of Input Stream Management and sustainable chemistry. Textiles processed with bluesign APPROVED chemicals meet the highest level of consumer safety.

Sustainable chemistry is a holistic concept that strives to remediate or minimize negative impacts and enhance positive impacts on the environment, economy and society (including the protection of human rights), throughout the life-cycle of a chemical product. Sustainable chemicals should be designed for the circular economy, should accelerate the use of sustainable feedstocks, increase resource efficiency in downstream applications and contribute to the longevity of consumer products, while avoiding inherent properties that are harmful to human health and the environment.

Now, in addition to the existing functions within the bluesign FINDER, bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER chemical suppliers can claim selected sustainability attributes for their bluesign APPROVED chemical products that will be displayed within the bluesign FINDER. Sustainability claims will be verified by Bluesign during on-site assessments and through chemical assessments. Requirements and data provisions will be laid out in the criteria: bluesign CRITERIA for chemical assessment ANNEX: Sustainability attributes for bluesign APPROVED chemical products. (see webpage)

The bluesign FINDER will be amended with search functions starting this year with the below first priority attributes:

Renewable feedstock (biomass* or bio-based)

The sustainability attribute “Renewable feedstock (biomass or bio-based)” is intended for use with any chemical product that contains at least 20 percent biomass content by weight in the form of biomass-derived carbon.

Sustainably sourced renewable feedstock (biomass* or bio-based)

The sustainability attribute “sustainably sourced renewable feedstock (biomass or bio-based)” is intended for use with any chemical product that contains at least 20% biomass content by weight in the form of biomass-derived carbon. The biomass content shall originate from land that is certified sustainable.

Recycled content

The sustainability attribute “Recycled content” is intended for use with any chemical product that contains at least 20-percent recycled content by weight. For the calculation of the recycled content only the dry content of the chemical product shall be regarded, excluding water.

This year bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER chemical suppliers can start to register these selected sustainability attributes for their bluesign APPROVED chemical products. The bluesign FINDER will evolve and a comprehensive online search engine for sustainable textile auxiliaries and dyes will be implemented.

In addition to these selected attributes further sustainability attributes are under discussion with the relevant stakeholder groups and subjected to future provisions. These attributes are also one of the puzzle pieces in the Sustainability Index for chemical products developed by SCTI™ in cooperation with Bluesign (for further information see bluesign webpage).

*Biomass and bio-based refers to material(s) of biological origin, excluding material embedded in geological formations or transformed to fossilized material (e.g. fossil fuels), and excluding peat. This includes material (both living and dead) from above and below the ground, e.g. trees, crops, grasses, algae, animals, and waste of a biological origin, e.g. manure.

Posted: August 10, 2022

Source: bluesign technologies ag

Temperature Control – Every Degree Matters: Retech Technology Innovations Underline Its Expertise In Filament Production

MEISTERSCHWANDEN, Switzerland — August 10, 2022 — Perfection in drawing fibers is Retech’s simple goal. But achieving this for its customers demands sophisticated technology in temperature transmitters, monitoring devices and controllers, to allow precise heat management for high-quality products, while protecting machine investments.

Precise temperature measurement and control are basic requirements for the “perfect” fiber — and absolutely crucial for high-performance yarns. Retech has the technology to secure the ideal temperature and control every aspect of it, even for the most demanding applications.

Every Retech development is the result of comprehensive research and practical expertise. Its trio of innovations for godet roll temperature management are typical: they are precise, reliable, easy to handle, and durable, supporting Industry 4.0 and securing the client’s investment. No other godet roll manufacturer can match these sophisticated and smart temperature control solutions.

Technology for ultimate temperature accuracy

Temperature transmitters are mainly applied with multi-zone heated godet rolls. They work by contactless induction data transmission. The temperature modules transmit a rotating temperature signal to a stationary receiver. Retech temperature transmitters are proven to operate in the harshest electromagnetic environment. Pollution, high outside temperatures and aging don’t influence the precision of temperature measurement.

The Retech temperature measurement with godet rolls is based on a co-rotating sensor fork (this means PT100 temperature measuring elements and temperature transmitter rotor). The sensor fork, its electronics and the control unit were recently revolutionized. Latest electronic and new materials compensate for disturbing influences which could tamper with the measuring signal. The changes mean that the measuring signal depends only on the accuracy of the PT100 element in use — and Retech applies PT100 elements of highest standard and DIN norm. During production, every sensor fork is separately calibrated to guarantee maximum precision. Single calibration offers an additional benefit compared to gauging the complete godet roll: in the rare case of a fault the affected sensor fork can be exchanged quickly without requiring a godet calibration.

A second feature ensures unadulterated temperature data. Measured values are transmitted contactlessly to the static part of the godet roll. This prevents contamination or wear and tear from influencing measuring data.

Secure way to Industry 4.0

For perfect data security, Retech offers the UTL monitoring device, which analyses the data and integrates it in the communication protocol. Benefits arise from a comprehensive view of all temperature aspects, visualizing and controlling temperature values at each zone, the bearings and the inductor via the host system. The UTL guides filament yarn producers toward Industry 4.0.

The combination of the temperature transmitter and the UTL monitoring device creates a unique safety system. It controls all relevant temperature aspects, enabling appropriate action in the event of a deviation.

In general, the transmitter measures temperatures in the godet roll at the individual heating zones. Normally, a godet has up to four heating zones. A key part of the safety system is the sensor fork for temperature measurement. Its amended electronics now have six PT100 values. Besides the heating zones, the additional two channels can be used to measure bearing temperatures (front and rear bearings), giving the possibility of more comprehensive control. In addition, the inductor temperature can be measured and monitored. This temperature is integrated into the measuring circuit via UTL. If the inductor temperature rises above a critical level – at an individually defined threshold – the heating process will immediately be interrupted, or inductor cooling activated, to protect the system. Any critical condition can be identified at an early stage and damage prevented. The lifespan of the godet rolls extends significantly.

From control to self-optimization

Self-optimization is the major advantage from combining the system with the UCR-6 temperature control unit. UCR-6 independently monitors and regulates up to six different temperature zones of a godet roll. Featuring a completely new control algorithm, the unit delivers the most efficient energy consumption, as it compensates losses at the heating zones.

UCR-6 continuously collects and analyses data from the mains frequency, so that it can correctly switch solid-state relay for resistive and inductive loads. The control unit can communicate with a PLC via Profibus or RS-485 protocol. Users appreciate the extra visualization of values and settings on the integrated controller display.

Retech’s new generation of UTR temperature transmitter and UCR temperature controller represent the summit of current technological developments. They make a great leap towards self-optimization of the whole godet system, in a way that secures a long service life as well as protecting the equipment. Overall, they optimize production processes and significantly increase yarn quality.

The next stage of evolution in this field will introduce more IoT options — and it’s under development now at Retech, ready for launch at ITMA 2023.

Posted: August 10, 2022

Source: RETECH Aktiengesellschaft

Atlas Weathering Services Group Launches VIEW™ Services

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — August 10, 2022 — Atlas Weathering Services Group (AWSG) — the global leader in testing services for accelerated and natural weathering — has launched an advanced remote evaluation service, called VIEW (Virtual Inspection and Evaluation of Weathering).

Atlas will demonstrate VIEW at the K Show in Düsseldorf, Germany, Oct. 19-26. The K Show is the leading international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industries.

VIEW provides businesses wishing to avoid the challenges and expense of an on-site visit with a highly productive virtual alternative. Now, clients can easily observe the effects of weathering of their specimens in real time from anywhere in the world. In addition, the convenience of VIEW allows for more frequency of assessments.

Using VIEW’s secure video conferencing software, a client interacts with an AWSG technician equipped with specialized, camera-enabled glasses to observe their specimens in situ in high definition. They can then zero-in on specific areas of interest in remarkable detail – with magnification up to 60x using VIEW’s digital microscope. Features of the new service include:

  • Live on-line meetings or recorded video/audio;
  • 1-on-1 meetings or conferencing with multiple locations;
  • Screen capture and “whiteboard” features to note specific areas of interest; and
  • Digital microscope for magnification of any specific surface defect.

VIEW is now available at AWSG outdoor facilities in the United States in Phoenix, Ariz., and Miami, as well as the accelerated weathering laboratory in Mount Prospect, Ill. Expansion to European testing sites is planned for the near future.

Posted: August 10, 2022

Source: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH

Downlite Presents Designing With Down — An Outdoor Retailer Webinar Education Series Sponsored By Downlite

MASON, Ohio — August 10, 2022 — In preparation for the fall markets, Downlite Outdoor, a division of Downlite — a down and feather processor, and a supplier of responsibly sourced performance fills in outdoor, home and hospitality — along with guest speakers from IDFL – Laboratories and Institute, will sponsor an Outdoor Retailer education webinar on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 1:00 pm EST.

Down is a luxurious, natural byproduct that is widely used to provide insulation and comfort in the home, outdoor, and hospitality segments. This natural fiber maintains an optimal temperature to weight ratio and provides flexibility for product designers in terms of aesthetics, warmth, and sustainability. Unlike other fibers, down’s longevity and mono-composition make it the insulation of choice. Understanding what specification to use, when to buy, treatment options, and certifications, can be challenging, especially today.

The webinar is presented by Down industry experts who continue to evolve the industry standards in sourcing, designing, testing, recycling, upcycling, and circularity. Join Downlite Outdoor, with IDFL- Laboratory and Institute, and as they walk you through the benefits and economic gains and inspiration for designing with Down.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to prepare labeling/certifications in advance for global down garment/sleeping bag sales;
  • Quick facts about down;
  • Buying down, working with a supplier and your factory;
  • Can you achieve the same warmth with a lower fill power down?;
  • Can you achieve the same loft with a lower fill power down?;
  • Are there ways to save money on down, when designing a garment?;
  • Down tests: Which is going to be warmer? Why?;
  • Down innovations: New ideas and designs in the marketplace; and
  • Sustainability is … building products that last!

With more than a 100 years of down processing experience, Ohio-based Downlite is a trusted partner to many of the most recognizable apparel and sleeping bag brands in the outdoor industry. Downlite has pioneered breakthrough innovations in performance down technologies and has emerged as a leader in traceability and transparency through its global supply chain.

IDFL – IDFL Laboratory and Institute, is the largest down and feather testing laboratory in the world with over 8,000 clients in 80 countries. IDFL provides testing services for fill textiles like: down and feather material and products, textiles, synthetic fills, and natural fills.

Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T1_wQsCETkCfldO-cE9JDQ

Posted: August 10, 2022

Source: Downlite

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