Chico’s FAS, Inc. Appoints Leana Less As Senior Vice President Of Marketing

FORT MYERS, Fla. — August 30, 2022 — Chico’s FAS Inc. today announced the appointment of former Aveda and Coca-Cola Company executive Leana Less as senior vice president of marketing.

A seasoned global marketing leader with 27 years of progressive marketing experience across several category verticals ranging from beauty and CPG, to tech and personal care, Less is now turning her attention to women’s and intimate wear. Drawing upon her robust experience, Less will lead marketing efforts for all three Chico’s FAS brands and outlets — Chico’s®, White House Black Market® (WHBM) and Soma® — as well as drive customer acquisition, spearhead the Chico’s, WHBM and Soma loyalty programs, and all other end-to-end marketing responsibilities at Chico’s FAS.

Less most recently worked as head of Consumer Marketing at Aveda, a subsidiary business of Estée Lauder, where she helped drive significant e-commerce growth, contributing to the brand’s overall expansion efforts. Prior to that role, she served as  vice president of Global Connections and Media at Coca-Cola Company where she crafted a five-year transformation using digital as an enabler for growth. She also managed global agency relationships across the corporation, including 700 agency partners spanning 200 countries.

Less also held a number of roles in the South African advertising industry, most notably as director and Board member at Mediacom Africa, where she oversaw new business development and was a key account lead for a portfolio of CPG accounts including Coca-Cola Sub-Saharan Africa, Procter & Gamble and Nokia South Africa.

Chico’s FAS CEO and President Molly Langenstein said: “Leana is an exceptional marketing leader whose diverse global experience in consumer engagement, strategic vision and digital expertise will support driving our 3 year growth strategy and our 4 pillars of being customer led, product obsessed, digital-first and operationally excellent.”

Less shared: “I am delighted to be joining this women-led organization. I love what the brands stand for and I am looking forward to working closely with Molly and the dynamic team at Chico’s FAS.”

Posted: August 30, 2022

Source: Chico’s FAS Inc.

Kravet®, CELLIANT® and Crypton® Home Introduce Wellness Textures

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — August 30, 2022 — In a post-pandemic world, the design industry is abuzz about incorporating wellness into interiors. There’s even a new kind of room emerging:  the wellness room. But now, any room can be a wellness room, as Crypton Home Fabric, Celliant and Kravet have announced their exclusive collaboration on a luxury upholstery fabric line that can actually contribute to wellness in the home. Celliant technology works by reflecting a user’s natural body heat back to them as infrared energy, which can improve cellular oxygenation and local circulation. Wellness benefits range from faster recovery times to improved sleep and increased energy. The Wellness Textures collection featuring Crypton Home Celliant technology is only at Kravet. Daniel Kravet, vice president of sales for his family’s firm, explained: “Both interior designers and their clients expect the very best in all aspects of their life, and we know they are interested in creating spaces designed for relaxation, rejuvenation and recharging.”

With this textile innovation, any piece of upholstered furniture can have the potential for providing health benefits. The three powerhouse brands in this collaboration envision a home where movie nights, work-from-home days and even napping can all be opportunities to boost wellness, where simply sitting down or curling up doubles as a means of self-care. “It’s astonishing that something as seemingly innocuous as upholstery fabric can actively, positively impact wellness,” said Crypton CEO Lance Keziah. “We think people who care about health and wellbeing but don’t have a ton of time to spend on self-care will embrace this technology as a way to have it all.”

Three years in the making, this is the first and only woven residential fabric to combine these two complementary technologies. Crypton performance allows fabrics to be spill repellent, stain resistant, odor resistant and the textiles have extremely high endurance. Celliant, ethically sourced minerals embedded into fibers, is clinically tested and proven to increase cellular oxygenation for improved energy, stronger performance, quicker recovery and enhanced wellbeing. By allowing the discreet incorporation of infrared technology into everyday life, and combining it with stain protection and ultimate cleanability, this thoughtful collection of soft, inviting upholstery fabrics hits a sweet spot in the marketplace, expressed in its tagline: Where easy care meets self-care.

The collaboration started with Crypton and Hologenix, the company that developed and patented Celliant. “With the introduction of CELLIANT technology to our fabric offering, we have found a trusted performance partner in sync with our company values and sustainability mission.” Said Keziah. “Kravet and Crypton’s collection of Wellness Textures represents an important first for us — the first woven residential fabric infused with our CELLIANT® infrared technology,” said Seth Casden, co-founder and CEO of Hologenix, the materials science innovator.  “The collection takes wellness to a new level and new standards of beauty and function.”

Once the technologies were successfully married, Crypton turned to long-time brand partner Kravet to create styles, colors and textures that would appeal to the luxury residential design market. “Oftentimes I feel there is a misconception that if a product has additional performance qualities and traits, you have to sacrifice style or beauty,” notes Daniel Kravet. “With this Crypton Celliant collection, it’s just as visually appealing as everything else we offer at Kravet and feels just as good as it looks.”

The Wellness Textures include Serenity Now, a soft, textural chenille; Namaste Bouclé, a bouclé chenille with a delightful teddy-bear hand; Wash Away, a textured weave with a subtle nod to linen and Healing Touch, a chevron tweed look. The color palette comprises warm and cool neutrals along with blues and greens and, of course, white.

“We knew that we could work with Kravet to create styles, textures, and colors that would appeal to the luxury residential market,” Keziah says. “Like us, they like to be first to market with thoughtful products that offer designers and their clients a beautiful aesthetic and real-world performance.”

Both the Celliant and the Crypton technologies are permanently embedded in the fibers of the Wellness Textures line and can never wash or wear away. Wellness Textures are woven in North Carolina at Crypton’s own mill. Like all Crypton Home Fabrics, they are GREENGUARD® Gold certified for sustainability. Learn more about this fabric breakthrough HERE.

The collection is in Kravet Showrooms nationwide and design professionals can also explore all 38 items in the collection on Kravet’s website.

Posted August 30, 2022

Source:

 

Robot Sales Hit Record High In North America For Third-Straight Quarter

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — August 29, 2022 —For the third-straight quarter, robot sales in North America hit a record high, driven by a resurgence in sales to automotive companies and an ongoing need to manage increasing demand to automate logistics for e-commerce. According to the Association for Advancing Automation, of the 12,305 robots sold in Q2 2022, 59 percent of the orders came from the automotive industry with the remaining orders from non-automotive companies largely in the food & consumer goods industry, which saw a 13-percent increase in unit orders over the same period, April through June, in 2021.

“While automotive entities have long been the front-runner in deploying robotics and automation, the last few years have seen food & consumer goods, life sciences and other industries grow at even higher rates,” said A3 President Jeff Burnstein. “While this quarter shows a marked shift back to historic norms with more robots going to automotive than to any other industry, the continued growth of robotics in food & consumer goods companies especially demonstrates the ongoing need to automate warehouse logistics for handling the exploding growth of e-commerce. We’re excited to share the latest on robots in the logistics space at our upcoming Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Week in Boston in October.”

The 12,305 units sold in Q2 2022 is 25 percent more than sold in the same period in 2021 and 6% more than sold in the first quarter of 2022, which saw 11,595 robots sold. The Q2 2022 value of $585 million is the second best quarter ever for revenue, down 9 percent from the previous record quarter — Q1 2022, which saw $646 million in revenue. When combined with 2022’s first quarter results, the previous record, the North American robotics market is off to its best start ever, with 23,903 robots ordered at a value of $1.249 billion. The market grew 26 percent and 29 percent for units ordered and revenue, respectively, over 2021.

A record fourth quarter in 2021 resulted in the strongest year ever for North American robot sales, with 39,708 units sold at a value of $2 billion, and 2022 is on pace for another record year. Alex Shikany, vice president – Membership & Business Intelligence, A3, will discuss the end-of-year numbers in detail at the next A3 Business Forum in January.

“The larger trend towards robots being used to benefit more companies in North America continues,” Burnstein added. “This makes it critical to educate system integrators and users now about how to deploy robots while keeping workers safe. Our International Safety Robotics Conference (ISRC) will specifically address the most up-to-date safety standards, providing the best practices and use cases that will help all companies safely succeed with automation.”

Register for A3’s Educational Conference Now

In addition to ISRC, scheduled for September 27-29 in Columbus, Ohio, A3 will hold the Artificial Intelligence & Smart Automation Conference, a one-day event to help those interested start their journey to unlock the power of AI, with discussions on data strategy, advances in AI robotics and machine vision, and AI-powered optimization and prediction. The conference will take place September 29, also in Columbus.

AMR & Logistics Week, scheduled for October 10-13 in Boston, will be co-located with The Vision Show, designed to provide the right solution providers, the right technology, and the right expertise to implement vision and imaging systems.

A3’s Business Forum, January 16-18, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, an annual networking event for robotics, vision & imaging, motion control & motors, and artificial intelligence industry professionals, will be followed by The Automate Show (May 22-25, 2023, in Detroit), the largest and most inspiring showcase of automation in North America.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

LA Swimwear Announces Production Capability For Plus Size And Bra Size Swimwear

LOS ANGELES— August 29, 2022 — LA Swimwear Production is announcing its plus size and bra sized swimwear production for swimwear brand startups. LA Swimwear Production is able to assist with tech packs, fabric sourcing, sampling and mass production for USA based startup and in market brands and retailers.

LA Swimwear Production can assist from sketch to product and can assist with product costing and bulk productions. Plus size swimwear is a booming market that LA Swimwear Production is able to fit for. With expert pattern makers, graders and and technical designers that can assist from start to finish.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: LA Swimwear Pro

Bank And Vogue’s Steven Bethell Joins Accelerating Circularity’s Board Of Directors

Steven Bethell

CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — August 29, 2022 — Accelerating Circularity is pleased to announce that Steven Bethell of Bank and Vogue has joined the organization’s board of directors. Bethell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table as a 25 year veteran of the sustainable textile industry, and the founder of a group of companies that specialize in secondhand wholesale, vintage retail, and innovations in sustainable fashion: Bank and Vogue, Beyond Retro, and BVH Services.

Bethell’s parent company, Bank and Vogue, is the largest full-service broker of used goods in North America. The group’s retail arm is Beyond Retro, which is a leading vintage fashion powerhouse in Europe. BVH Services is the group’s innovation hub, which works to spearhead and develop groundbreaking innovations across the fashion field, specifically centered around sustainability.

Bethell and his companies are motivated by the belief that used clothing is not waste but a solution towards addressing the “crisis of stuff,” a core value that aligns exactly with Accelerating Circularity’s mission to “Put textiles to good use.”

“Accelerating Circularity is doing just that. Implementing circular systems to eliminate textile waste with an emphasis on collaboration is what it’s all about. I’m incredibly excited to join Accelerating Circularity as a Board Director and look forward to a promising future for our work, industry, and planet,” Bethell shared.

Bethell joins a board of other influential players of the sustainable apparel industry; Board members include Accelerating Circularity’s founder Karla Magruder as president; Director of Global Business Development Denim and Americas at Lenzing Group, Tricia Carey, as secretary; Head of Product Change at Ikano Bank in Sweden, Edward Denes, as treasurer, as well as Director of Product Sustainability at Gap Inc., Alice Hartley; Chief of Staff at NYC Department of Sanitation Bureau of Recycling and Sustainability, Kate Kitchner; and President and CEO of Coyuchi, Eileen Mockus, as directors.

Each member is a seasoned executive in their respective fields and offers a diverse background of expertise to Accelerating Circularity, including brand experience, post consumer and post industrial fiber, municipal waste, and finance. Bethell’s background in second hand retail will continue to expand this group’s diverse background and further broaden the board’s insight into how the industry problems Accelerating Circularity is aiming to solve can be addressed.

Accelerating Circularity is grateful for the addition of Bethell to the team, and excited about the direction his background will bring to the organization.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: Accelerating Circularity

Vienna Textile Lab, Kering Material Innovation Lab And ALBINI_next, Collaborating Towards More Sustainable Practices In The Fashion Industry

VIENNA, Austria — August 29, 2022 — The world of textiles is changing; the demand for more sustainable production methods, with less environmental impact are becoming increasingly important for retailers, brands, and producers. In order to transform and improve the textile industry towards becoming less environmentally harmful, new clean technologies and processes are required.

ALBINI_next, the Albini Group innovation hub, and Vienna Textile Lab are excited to announce their collaboration project in which they explore together the possibility of employing microbial colours for dyeing applications on cotton and other natural fibers. The objective of this joint project is to develop a more sustainable dyeing method to color textile products. This initiative is one of the projects supported by Kering Material Innovation Lab.

“Our innovation hub is the starting point for reaching innovation’s new frontiers, which is possible only collaborating with realities such as Kering and Vienna Textile Lab. Together we can reach incredibly high levels of innovation and sustainability, as we are doing with the transformation of microbial colors into new innovative dyes, a more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic colors. It is a long process: it takes time and effort, but together we will achieve unprecedented results” stated Stefano Albini, Albini president.

Working in this exciting project together with ALBINI_next and Kering Material Innovation Lab opens new opportunities for the innovator Vienna Textile Lab. “The renaissance of biodegradable, nontoxic and natural dyes has come as we see a growing number of sustainable fashion brands and consumer sentiment impacting the sector,” says Karin Fleck, CEO and founder of Vienna Textile Lab. “We see ourselves as an “enabler” for all these different sustainability goals. Working together with strong industry partners like Kering and Albini helps us to understand how our microbial dyes behave on different fabrics. We learn so much through our close cooperation and can therefore bring our manufacturing method better and faster to an industrial level”.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: Vienna Textile Lab

Marimekko Releases Capsule Collection Made With Responsible SPINNOVA® Fiber

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland— August 29, 2022 — Finland-based design house Marimekko and sustainable textile material company Spinnova present their capsule collection, which contains the first ever commercially available printed products made using responsible SPINNOVA® fiber. The capsule collection combines Spinnova’s innovative technology with Marimekko’s art of printmaking. The collection is a step toward Marimekko’s ambition that in the future, timeless and sustainable products will be made in balance with the environment, in line with the principles of the circular economy. The capsule includes a denim-inspired smart utility overshirt, a pair of trousers and a tote bag, all with the iconic Unikko (poppy) print by Maija Isola from 1964.

This capsule represents the first ever printed products made using SPINNOVA fiber blend that are commercially available. The denim-like material blend consists of approximately 20 percent SPINNOVA fiber. The rest of the blend is cotton, of which about 70 percent is organic cotton. Spinnova’s innovative textile fiber is made of certified wood sourced from responsibly managed forests and is fully recyclable. According to a study by Spinnova, the production of SPINNOVA fiber consumes approximately 99.9 percent less water in comparison to conventional cotton. Spinnova uses zero harmful chemicals in the production of the fiber.

“The key to the success of this collaboration has been the truly close working relationship between both brands. Today, we are proud to present results of this work – the capsule collection of Marimekko and Spinnova with the first ever printed commercially available products made using SPINNOVA fiber. What has motivated us both throughout this journey is the shared desire to address the environmental impacts of the fashion and textile industry. The new capsule is one step towards our goals. Marimekko’s design philosophy is based on creating timeless design that brings joy for generations to come. It was a natural choice to partner with Spinnova thanks to its sustainability potential, and partnerships with the likes of Spinnova play a vital role in achieving our ambitious sustainability goals as a company,” said Suvi-Elina Enqvist, head of Innovation Works at Marimekko.

“Marimekko was one of the first fashion brands to partner with Spinnova and we have come a long journey together. The launch of this capsule collection marks a great milestone of the collaboration between the two markable players of the growing and impact-gaining Finnish textile industry. We as the sustainable textile leader are pleased to see the first printed products made with SPINNOVA fiber to be available for consumers – even more exciting is to see the fabric being printed with one of the most iconic prints of the whole design history,” said Kim Poulsen, CEO at Spinnova.

Marimekko and Spinnova have been collaborating on testing, developing, and commercializing new textiles made of SPINNOVA fiber since 2017. In February 2020, the brands presented two prototype outfits along with aspiration to introduce commercially viable product by 2022. The collaboration was recognized as a finalist in the Sustainability category in Fast Company’s 2020 Innovation by Design Awards. The collaboration also received an honorable mention in the Experimental category. Innovation by Design is one of the most sought-after design awards in the industry, and the only award that honors creative work at the intersection of design, business, and innovation. The awards recognize people, teams, and companies solving problems through design.

Marimekko made with SPINNOVA capsule collection is available in selected markets on August 29, 2022.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: SPINNOVA®

FANUC America: Boost Machining And Programming Efficiency With New Digitalization Suite

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — August 25, 2022 — FANUC America, a supplier of CNCs, robotics and ROBOMACHINES, introduces the next step in end-to-end digitalization tools for machine shops with the new NC Reflection Studio. The advanced software allows for complex program creation, troubleshooting and editing while simulating the cutting process.

NC Reflection Studio uses machine models from the machine tool builder or select CAM systems with a virtualized FANUC CNC creating a digital twin to provide powerful G-code and cutting simulation, in addition to backplotting, program editing as well as full-featured job setup. This unique aspect provides the ultimate simulation accuracy by using the real CNC parameters, machine layout and kinematics. Additionally, users can easily upload or download part programs to the CNC over an Ethernet connection for seamless program management.

“This is a tool that helps ensure programs are correct for the exact machine setup, ultimately making parts more efficiently with less risk, which is what all manufacturers want,” says Paul Webster, director of Factory Automation Engineering for FANUC America. “As a global leader in providing CNCs, we are the best source to provide real Industry 4.0 insight into the CNC. With this high-fidelity simulation suite, you’ll be able to spend less time testing posted programs at the machine and more time cutting.”

NC Reflection Studio allows robust part program editing and complete job setup of tooling, fixtures, offset and part blanks. Importing posted programs from CAM and testing using the machine models and CNC setup enables the ability to see how the machine will process the program in the real world. Traditional G-code simulation, while fast, lacks data about the setup of the real machine. Adding online simulation unlocks the ability to test programs utilizing the actual machine parameter settings. With this flexibility of editing programs between the backplot, cutting and online simulation environments, users can quickly test programs while editing as well as verify detailed programs before releasing them to production.

To see a demo of NC Reflection Studio, visit FANUC’s IMTS Booth 338919 in our Digital Twin area, which will provide an exciting way to see part production displaying a virtualized 5-axis machine tool cutting using the machine’s real-world behavior and kinematics.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: FANUC America Corp.

DuPont Mobility And Materials: ‘Transforming Industries, Improving Lives’ At K 2022

GENEVA, Switzerland — August 29, 2022 — At the triennial K Fair taking place October 19-26 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the world’s shared future will undoubtedly be at the forefront of nearly every discussion. It doesn’t matter whether the topic is automotive electrification or e-mobility, climate change or sustainability. Our planet needs solutions now.

To help OEMs and their suppliers rise to the challenge, DuPont’s Mobility and Materials (M&M) group will bring multiple innovative and rigorously tested solutions to K 2022. Within its
300 m2 exhibit stand (Hall 6 / C43), visitors can view not only new and sustainable materials but also related systems and application developments pioneered by the team and its wide-ranging polymer science expertise.

At the K, the M&M team will display new developments in more sustainable solutions, automotive electrification and e-mobility, robotics, consumer electronics, sporting goods, footwear, and more.

Sustainability without compromise

In addition, visitors will be invited to meet the sustainable future of the plastics industry in Future Lab, a section of the stand where designers and engineers can find inspiration and eco-friendly solutions that are either new or have yet to be introduced to the market. These material possibilities include Hytrel® ECO B thermoplastic elastomer, made with biomass; Rynite® PET based on post-consumer recyclate; low-density Zytel® polyamide and foamable grades of Hytrel® for weight reduction; and finally, a look at ongoing developments that will go well beyond these current solutions.

A recent innovation, Hytrel® ECO B, Hytrel®
 A new commercial application will be exhibited at the stand.

In addition, M&M will feature several low GWP materials and solutions, including eCool technology for sustainable EV battery cooling lines and Zytel® RS resins that contain between 20% and 100% renewably sourced material (by weight) derived from castor beans.

Automotive electrification

As a leading partner to OEMs and their suppliers in developing sophisticated EV systems, the company will engage customers with multiple material and service-based answers to current and future challenges. A few examples are:

  • The 3-in-1 Solution for EV batteries: a patent-pending concept to increase energy density that combines three elements into one modular unit to decrease range anxiety, increase passenger room, improve cooling, and integrate components.
  • DuPont™ Chemical Bonding (DuPontTM CB): this patented and novel technology simplifies manufacturing via direct polyamide-aluminum joining, a common challenge for automotive and industrial components, and produces higher bond strength.


E-mobility

Translating their accomplishments and expertise in the transportation industry to e-mobility applications is second nature to the M&M team. At K 2022, they will showcase success in solving customer challenges as well as the breadth of their materials portfolio.

  • E-bikes: DuPont offers a tailwind to this fast-moving and innovative market with a forward-looking, sustainable polymer portfolio coupled with design and processing expertise.
  • Wireless EV charging systems: Visitors will see this system and learn how the tier supplier producing it used multiple Zytel® solutions to meet wide-ranging requirements – from high gloss, NHFR, and low warpage, to the ability to withstand 1000 kg load at up to 100C.

Sporting goods and consumer electronics

From footwear for runners and fins for divers to the components that keep consumer electronic devices running, the M&M booth will feature many successful commercial applications in the consumer space. A few include:

  • Home appliances: Robot vacuum cleaners and espresso machines made possible by Zytel®, Hytrel®, Crastin®, and innovative design
  • Running shoes: From Hytrel® filament uppers to foamable Hytrel® insoles, midsoles, and outsoles, visitors will see multiple commercial examples.
  • Swim fins: One customer recently launched patented, foldable swim fins to consumers, thanks to an upgrade from Hytrel® ECO B.

Industrial & electrical

This sector encompasses innovative and exacting markets that DuPont has served well for decades. On the M&M stand, visitors will be able to view flourishing applications and solutions in:

  • Robotics: From industrial automation and collaborative applications to AMR and AGV technology, a forward-looking polymer portfolio coupled with design and processing expertise supports the limitless innovation in this market segment. A customer application on display will bear this out.
  • Dip solder-resistant thermoset replacement: Perhaps the only thermoplastic solution that can pass requirements for the high-temperature dip soldering process, this Zytel® grade is able to replace phenolic parts and is bio-based, recyclable, and NHFR at V0.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: DuPont Mobility & Materials

D3O Appoints Kevin Franks Senior Vice President, Marketing, North America

Kevin Franks

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — August 24, 2022 — D3O, an impact protection brand, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Franks as senior vice president, marketing, North America.

Franks joins D3O with over two decades of marketing and brand leadership in the cycling and powersport industries including stints at Fox Racing, Specialized and Giro. Most recently Franks spent the past two years at Soldier Unlimited, a brand building agency.

Franks’ remit is to develop and implement the D3O brand and US marketing plan, across all sectors, as the company seeks to build on its position as the fastest growing protection brand in North America.

D3O is recognized as the world’s foremost impact protection brand, partnering with a significant portfolio of global brands across the motorcycle, sports, defense, workwear and consumer electronics industries, with D3O products used by the likes of the US Department of Defence, Fox Racing, ZAGG and Klim. Most recently D3O products have been adopted by brands that include Harley Davidson, Specialized, Giro, Ariat and Wrangler.

Kevin Franks commented: “I’m honored to join D3O in support of our purpose to enable people to push past personal limits and to challenge what’s possible. Joining a world class team and organization to further develop such a dynamic brand and proven product is truly a dream come true for me. I look forward to what’s in store for us and our esteemed brand partners.”

Stuart Sawyer, CEO D3O, commented: “I’m delighted to announce Kevin joining the leadership team here at D3O. Kevin’s appointment reflects the ambition and commitment to building and growing our brand and marketing programs in North America, building on the great work that Simon McNair, our SVP Sales is doing. We are building a great D3O North America team to ensure we maximise the many exciting opportunities we have.”

The appointment of Franks continues D3O growth ambitions in North America. In March this year the company opened its new dedicated Sales and Marketing office on the West Coast in Huntington Beach, Calif., complementing its Delta Three Oscar defence facilities in Virginia.

Posted: August 29, 2022

Source: D3O

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