Loomia Technologies Partners With AFFOA To Develop Heated Handwear

To make heated handwear a reality, Loomia will provide patented e-textile technology, while AFFOA will lead customer discovery, deliver system architecture designs, and produce an interface control unit.

CULVER CITY, Calif. — July 11, 2022 — Loomia Technologies is partnering with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) to develop highly tactile, heated handwear that could be applicable to both commercial/recreational and military customers.

For this collaborative project, Loomia will provide technology to be used in a heated glove insert, while AFFOA will lead customer discovery, deliver system architecture designs, and produce an interface control unit. In addition to the heated glove insert, Loomia will also develop a heated sleeve. Both items will provide thermal comfort to users in harsh climates, or other areas where this protection is deemed necessary.

Loomia’s patented e-textile technology is a soft, flexible circuit technology that can be embedded into a wide variety of fabrics and surfaces. The technology can provide lighting, heating, and sensing functionalities, and boasts customizable components and a lightweight integration. In the past, Loomia has worked with such companies as Hyundai and Analog Devices to create the foundational technology for soft goods products.

“Our soft, flexible circuits can give the users high dexterity while in cold environments,” says Loomia’s Founder Madison Maxey. “Being able to use one’s hands in subzero temperatures can be the difference between life or death, so we’re excited to work with AFFOA on such an important application of electronic textiles.”

AFFOA is a non-profit, public-private partnership with the mission to rekindle the textiles industry and enable revolutionary new system capabilities for commercial and defense applications. To catalyze the development of advanced functional fibers, AFFOA has assembled a Fabric Innovation Network (FIN) with 140+ members including startups, universities, manufacturers, commercial industry and defense partners.

“This project brings together members of AFFOA’s Fabric Innovation Network to develop next generation product prototypes through an integrated systems approach,” Said AFFOA CEO Alexander Stolyarov. “We hope that our collaboration results in a capability that can not only provide comfort to commercial and military users in cold climates but can also represent an opportunity to manufacture advanced textile products here in the US.”

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

SHL Healthcare Sets Up Textile Center Of Excellence

STOCKHOLM — July 12, 2022 — SHL Healthcare AB has recently established a Textile Center of Excellence (TCX) in Borås, the textile capital of Sweden, to extend and streamline support for early project phases in close collaboration with customers.

The state-of-the-art facility is strategically situated inside the heritage Textile Fashion Center and adjacent to a cluster of industry experts such as Science Park Borås, Smart Textile, The Swedish School of Textiles, and University of Borås. This allows SHL Healthcare to easily access technology, engineering and textile materials that can optimize product innovations and sustainability.

To warrant consistent quality throughout, a uniform manufacturing process library has been developed at the TCX so it can be immaculately replicated and implemented at any SHL Healthcare production site. This potentially reduces the early project phases by up to 50% and minimizes time consuming adjustments or change requests at the production sites during later stages — ultimately saving cost.

“We are excited for this new milestone as we continue to expand our capability to enhance the manufacturing process for our MedTech clients. We understand how vital it is to finalize product designs early in order to reduce time and cost at later stages. By establishing the Textile Center of Excellence, our clients can work with all the necessary resources and visualize their design at an early stage and be assured that their final products will encompass similar qualities when scaled up,” shared Patrik Axelsson, head of Technology for Soft Goods R&D at SHL Healthcare AB.

Prospective clients are welcomed to visit the SHL Healthcare Textile Center of Excellence in person, or remotely via HoloLens, to interact with Textile Specialists and Engineers to see the available machines, processes, materials, accessories and samples.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: SHL Healthcare AB

Piana Technology Partners With Covenant House Georgia To Give Georgia Youth A Soft Place To Land

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — July 8, 2022 — Piana Technology, the 439-year-old textile company known for fiber and nonwoven textiles innovation, is donating 117 mattress toppers to Covenant House Georgia, a nonprofit organization providing shelter, food and immediate crisis care to housing youth who are experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking. This charitable contribution comes on the heels of Covenant House’s 50-year anniversary celebration and arrives at the conclusion of Pride Month, amplifying the organization’s much-needed services and long term commitment to our most vulnerable populations. Piana Technology hopes that refreshed mattress toppers — powered by E/SMART™ Fiber technology — will provide an exceptional quality of sleep for youth who have been displaced.

Piana’s E/SMART mattresses are a technological achievement; non-toxic and odor free with reduced weight, superior compressional and thermal resistance, and part of the Piana  E/SMART Ecosystem. At the end of life, these toppers can be 100-percent reclaimed, molded with the latest bedding technology, and reintroduced to a new generation of Covenant House Georgia youth at their most urgent stage of need.

“We are so grateful for this donation to refresh and renew the bedrooms available to youth in need,” said Dr. Alie Redd, executive director of Covenant House Georgia. “Beyond the immediate need, we are excited about the renewable future of these toppers in Piana’s circular model. They will provide a good night’s sleep for decades.”

“Everybody deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep,” said Andrea Piana, CEO of Piana Technology. “Community involvement is a fundamental component of who we are. It is not enough to simply create technological advancements for those who can afford luxury, we must also volunteer resources where we can provide the most impact in our communities.”

Partnership is key to establishing the future Piana Technology is building toward; a vision of People, Planet and Purpose. Piana’s responsibility is the creation of sustainable, empathetically-driven solutions within an ever-improving circular economy. Creating accessible technology moves the needle on important issues, as the world we envision becomes increasingly reachable.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Piana Technology

Filo At Milano Unica With Filoflow

BIELLA, Italy — July 12, 2022 — The 12th, 13th, and 14th of July, Filo will be at Milano Unica (Milan – Rho Fiera) with FiloFlow’s yarns.

The synergy between Filo and Milano Unica, focused on enhancing and strengthening the excellence of Made in Italy textile industry, goes on.

In recent years, the collaboration between Filo and Milano Unica has become stronger through the identification of the themes and the opportunities set by the market to the companies and faced by both textile Exhibitions, which try to address the current situation by sharing solutions with a view to supply chain.

Sustainability is for sure the most evident and immediate theme, considering the importance that it has gained among consumers worldwide. That is why Filo has chosen for some editions to propose at Milano Unica just those yarns produced by the companies participating in FiloFlow sustainability’s project.

However, in this Milano Unica edition there is an additional element that represents a stronger common point: the approach to the so-called trends. On this occasion, Milano Unica has indeed built its Trend Area by starting from the concept of ‘MU Seasonless’, which means going beyond the traditional succession of seasons related to the proposals and the use of fabrics and accessories through a long journey along Italian manufacturing chain, which – just as claimed by Gianni Bologna, responsible for Filo’s creativity and style –has been defined as ‘creative pretexts’. This is the approach that Filo has chosen for some considerable time, focusing on products and processes in its stylistic proposals, in ‘Creative Dialogues’, always shared with companies.

Paolo Monfermoso, responsible for Filo, says: “Filo has been taking part in Milano Unica for many years, achieving great results in terms of positive evaluation by the professionals and visibility of our Exhibition. In this edition, we are particularly proud that our participation is in the context of “MU Seasonless”. Filo has for years gone beyond the concept of seasonality in the stylistic proposals that Gianni Bologna carries out for every edition. That’s why I really appreciate the choice made by Milano Unica, which strengthens an already deep synergy, based on two aspects: sustainability – which Filo expresses through its FiloFlow project – and the increasing use of the yarns produced by Filo’s exhibitors to produce excellence’s items shown at Milano Unica.”.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Filo

MAGIC, PROJECT, And SOURCING At MAGIC Las Vegas Reveal 2022 Agenda; Top Denim Brands Levi’, Joe’s Jeans, And Hudson Return And Katy Perry Confirmed To Keynote

LAS VEGAS — July 12, 2022 — Global fashion industry connector, Informa Markets Fashion, organizer of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas, revealed celebrity-studded and trend-focused agenda for the August 8-10, 2022, edition slated to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Retailers from around the world attend the bi-annual event to discover the hottest new trends, buy product, discover new brands, and learn from fashion moguls and industry experts.

MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas is the must-attend meeting place for the fashion industry, serving as a springboard for designer and retailer business connections, with a world-class lineup of brands, speakers, and partners confirmed to date. Notable fashion celebrity speakers include Katy Perry, Kristin Cavallari, Lala Kent, and Ashley Stock, among others.

The industry’s premier co-located fashion wholesale event is strategically designed to cover all facets of fashion — from the largest selection of men’s and women’s trend-driven and contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories, to sourcing materials and supply chain — attracting thousands of big-box, online, specialty chain, and boutique retailers for three days of discovery, order-writing, networking, inspiration, and education.

The August 2022 Las Vegas edition offers complimentary workshops and panels for all buyers by Industry experts from HighSnobiety, The McCord List, BoutiqueHub, Sourcing Journal, The Interline, Hey Social Good, and many more.

“For decades, MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas has served as the industry’s meeting place for our industry to connect and do business,” said Kelly Helfman, president of Informa Markets Fashion. “It’s crucial to us as the organizers that the event reflects what’s happening in the industry and serves as a springboard for new trends and retailer-to-brand discovery.”

Helfman continued: “It’s not often you have the opportunity to learn from Katy Perry, Kristin Cavallari, and Lala Kent, three remarkable women leading various corners of the fashion industry, combined with a robust lineup of brands and premium denim from Levi’s, Hudson Jeans, and Joe’s Jeans. In addition to highlighting emergent brands, paired with respected and established brands, our upcoming event brings attention to the circular fashion landscape, from seed to shelf and everything in between – a true representation of today’s fashion ecosystem.”

Select sessions confirmed for the August 2022 event include:

August 8 – Lala Kent at 1:00 p.m. in MAGIC, West Hall

Lala Kent is a social media maven, actress, writer, and entrepreneur. Follow along as she discusses social media trends for 2023 and step up your social media game and learn how to scale your business and brand with our panel of fashion and social media experts. Key takeaways include how to engage celebrities to transform your marketing efforts and strategies to think outside of the box with engaging social media campaigns.

August 9 – Katy Perry at 9:00 a.m. on the N:OW Stage in Project, North Hall

PROJECT Las Vegas will feature Katy Perry as the opening keynote speaker in an unforgettable conversation where she will share her perspective on entrepreneurship, her unique sense of design, and her sources of creative inspiration. Afterward, join Katy in the Katy Perry Collections booth at PROJECT to view her new collection. Katy Perry Collections features shoes that turn heads, stop traffic, and start conversations. Designed for women seeking bold, glamorous style at affordable prices, Katy Perry Collections brings the global popstar’s creative visions and stand-out style to life in a line that ranges from casual sandals and colorful sneakers to playful stilettos and sophisticated pumps.

August 9 – Kristin Cavallari at 1:00 p.m. in MAGIC, West Hall

Lifestyle entrepreneur, TV personality, and The New York Times Bestselling author Kristin Cavallari is taking the MAGIC stage with our host and founder of The McCord List, Rachel McCord, to share all about her journey to entrepreneurship, building a successful brand and business, and valuable insight on making it all work. Kristin will also be sharing her journey to building a successful brand and balancing life as a mompreneur in her session titled “Uncommon Advice.”

The Fall event’s educational and experiential agenda is a true reflection of the latest industry happenings and forecasted trends, making it the must-attend event for a sneak peek into next season’s must-have brands and designs, plus to garner insights on how to build a fashion business and navigate current challenges. Select educational sessions include:

  • Vegas 101: How and what to shop at MAGIC Las Vegas with Kelly Helfman, President, Informa Markets Fashion.
  • Trend Alerts: What’s Hot, Happening and On-trend: What the MAGIC customer is wearing and where to find it, hosted by celebrity host, Rachel McCord.
  • Future-Proofing Your Retail Business with Dane Cohen, Business Development Manager, Management One.
  • Social Media Sit down: Preview social media trends for 2023 moderated by Rachel McCord and featuring Lala Kent, Milton Hernandez, Director of Content and Community at Informa Markets Fashion, Brandi Fowler, fashion and lifestyle host, editor, and writer for InStyle and Cosmopolitan.
  • The Circular Fashion Wheel: Designers, brands, and retailers are a part of the new circular movement working with new fibers and fabrics to decrease pollution by upcycling and reusing garments, rethinking packaging, and bringing fashion into a new and exciting decade. Join the discussion with fashion experts Steven Millman, Chief Brand Officer, Bella Dahl, Daren Abney, Senior Business Development Manager, Lenzing Group, and Jessica Schreiber Founder & CEO, FABSCRAP.
  • Trade Policy Issues Affecting Textiles and Apparel Trade: A Conversation with USTR and the Department of Commerce: the US Trade Representative’s Office and the US Dept of Commerce shares an update on current and future trade policy issues affecting our industry.

The expo floor, featuring hundreds of brands across the three co-located events, provides retailers with a cross-category representation of designers in the women’s and men’s markets, plus the manufacturing and sourcing side of the business. Many new and returning brands have already confirmed participation at the 2022 edition of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas, with more signing up daily.

MAGIC Las Vegas

Discover over 700 brands showcasing their upcoming collections in the women’s categories of trend, young contemporary, sportswear, footwear, and accessories at MAGIC Las Vegas, including new and established brands like En Saison, Articles of Society, Lost + Wander, Chinese Laundry, MIA, Gruppo Bravo, Rare London, and DIFF Eyewear. MAGIC Las Vegas also features a strong lineup of home, gift, and beauty from Midnight Paloma, Flicker + Flame Candle Co., and Makeup Eraser. Shop the new trends alongside key retailers expected attendees from Asos, Altar’d State, Buckle, Free People, Zappos, Princess Cruises, Aldo, and Quarate.

PROJECT Las Vegas

Connecting fashion and culture, PROJECT Las Vegas represents what is new, now, and next in men’s and women’s contemporary apparel, footwear and accessories with fashion-forward brands exhibiting from Levi’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Inmigo Clothing, Hudson Jeans, Pas Une Marque, Calvin Klein, Dolce Vita, LOCI, Amuse Society, Johnny Was Bishop + Young, Joe’s Jeans, Sam Edelman, and Frye. Registered domestic and international buyers from Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Complex, 1 Hotels, Macy’s, DTLR, Dillard’s, and Alchemy123 will discover high-end contemporary styles and culturally relevant mid-market labels.

SOURCING at MAGIC

This year SOURCING at MAGIC will be available as a hybrid experience, representing over 20 countries from across the globe. Attendees have the opportunity to preview products online both before and after the live show. SOURCING at MAGIC will continue its path to creating a more earth-conscious fashion landscape by showcasing certified sustainable manufacturers and suppliers verified by Hey Social Good and highlighting brands Made in the USA.

Visit here (https://lasvegasaug.fashionresource.com/newfront/sessions) for a complete list of educational sessions available at the August 2022 edition of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Informa Markets Fashion

RISE® – Research, Innovation & Science For Engineered Fabrics Conference – Returns In-Person To North Carolina State University This Fall

CARY, N.C. — July 12, 2022 — Nonwovens innovators will convene in-person for RISE® — Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference — the industry’s premier conference on nonwovens science and technology, September 27-28 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

The 12th edition of RISE returns live to Talley Student Union after being held virtually over the last two years. The event is co-organized by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University. Registration is now open at https://www.riseconf.net/ the RISE website.

Experts in product development, material science, and new technologies will come together for this insightful two-day conference focused on promising technology developments, future needs and market opportunities. Participants will have opportunities to exchange views on innovative nonwoven technologies and applications, furthering INDA’s strategic initiative to connect and convene the industry.

The 2022 RISE program will focus on breaking developments in responsible sourcing of nonwoven inputs, realistic end-of-life options, and circularity opportunities in the world of nonwovens and engineered materials with thought leaders presenting on these cutting-edge topics.

Innovations that solve problems and advance the nonwovens industry will be recognized with the 2022 RISE Innovation Award. The award will be presented September 28 in the culmination of the event. Companies can self-nominate products online until July 15. Last year’s winner was the Canopy Respirator, an innovative, fully mechanical, non-electrostatic respirator with a filter designed for superior breathability and wearer facial transparency.

RISE participants will have the special opportunity on September 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to tour The Nonwovens Institute’s $50 million-plus, 60,000 square-foot facilities featuring state-of-the-art equipment, pilot lines and analytical facilities, and attend a networking reception at the on-campus Lonnie Pool Golf Course Clubhouse. The tour will be limited to 50 attendees and advance response is required. The reception will be open to all attendees.

The conference will include student poster presentations by North Carolina State University graduate students who will discuss their innovative processes and technical advances in the nonwovens industry. Participants also will have opportunities to network during coffee and session breaks and a buffet lunch.

Speaker Snapshot

A few topics that will be addressed by visionary speakers at RISE® include:

  • North American Economic Outlook — Dr. Robert Fry Jr., principal, Robert Fry Economics LLC
  • Sustainable Fibers — Developments and the Future – Dr. David Grewell, director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
  • Achieving Supply Chain Circularity – Redesigning Plastics to be Recyclable-by-Design — Dr. Kat Knauer, Program manager – V Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • Novel Biobased Resins Outperforming Plastics and Other Biodegradable Biopolymers — Steven Sherman, CEO, BioLogiQ Inc.
  • Stereochemistry Strategies to Toughen Sugar-Based Polymers and Degradable Elastomers -—Dr. Matthew Becker, Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished professor, Duke University
  • Biobased Multicomponent Structures Providing Unique Characteristics and Sustainable Properties to Nonwovens — Kristel Beckers, Senior Application technician, Total Corbion PLA

For the full RISE® program, speaker biographies and other updates, see the RISE® website. (https://www.riseconf.net/)

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

MYSTERY RANCH® Teams With Hyosung On Launch Of New Spring 2023 Sustainable Pack Collection

BOZEMAN, Mont. and SEOUL, South Korea — July 12, 2022 — MYSTERY RANCH, the industry-leading pack company built on a heritage of comfortable load carriage, function, and durability for people who have a mission to accomplish, has teamed with Hyosung, a global fiber manufacturer and value chain solutions provider, in the development of their new sustainable COULEE Series made with Hyosung’s GRS certified, 100-percent recycled Mipan® regen robic high-tenacity nylon.

The expanded COULEE Series features innovative design and sustainable carry solutions for the day hiker and seasoned backpacker alike. The COULEE 20 & 30 packs are designed for light and fast adventures yet are equally adept at blitzing up a peak or exploring a new corner of the backcountry.

For those motivated most by authentic encounters with nature, the COULEE 40 & 50 offer just the right amount of space for bold day hikes and minimalist overnighters.

“MYSTERY RANCH has a global reputation for being one of the most comfortable and durable packs on the market, and we are proud of our long-lasting partnership in the development of its long-lasting packs over the years,” said Mike Simko, Hyosung Global marketing director – Textiles. “We are also grateful that the team has selected our high-performance Mipan regen robic to help them create a sustainable pack series made with 100-percent recycled materials.”

“We’ve partnered with Hyosung over the years in the development of our SCREE and COULEE series made with its Mipan robic high tenacity nylon,” said Alex Kutches, president, MYSTERY RANCH. “We are happy to continue our collaboration with the launch of our updated S ’23 COULEE series now made with Hyosung’s 100-percent recycled materials.”

MYSTERY RANCH’s COULEE packs will be available for consumer purchase worldwide in Spring 2023.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: MYSTERY RANCH / Hyosung

Moonlight Technologies Introduces 100-Percent Plant-Based And Natural Black Dyes

NEW YORK CITY — July 12, 2022 — Today, Moonlight Technologies announced a major breakthrough and the launch of its new 100-percent plant-based and natural black dyes. This breakthrough comes only months after Moonlight Technologies first announced the launch of its five new, sustainable, plant-based technologies, including a range of natural dyes.

Two of the major impediments in adopting natural dyes is the limited color range, specifically the inability to use a natural black dye, and the expensive cost associated with natural dyes.

“This is a major breakthrough for us as well as other businesses and consumers who are passionate about sustainability and interested in adopting natural dyes,” said Allie Sutton, CEO of Moonlight Technologies. “Until now, most natural dyes only offered a limited color range and no black colors so if you wanted black, you needed to resort to unnatural, synthetic dyes, which in many cases are not environmentally friendly.”

Humans are exposed to the synthetic chemicals of unnatural dyes through the air, skin, and water, and even through eating exposed fish and plants. Because most synthetic dyes are not biodegradable, the dying process may discharge many harmful chemicals through the release of polluted water, which can result in the death of aquatic life, the ruining of soils, and the poisoning of drinking water.

While priced competitively to other synthetic powdered dyes, these plant-based and natural black dyes are sustainably derived, non-toxic, biodegradable and can be applied to any fabric type – both synthetic and natural via standard manufacturing processes. Moonlight Technologies’ product lifecycle is better than carbon neutral, it’s carbon negative.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Moonlight Technologies/https://www.moonlighttech.co

Award-Winning Georgia-Based Shoe Company Okabashi Brands Creates More Than 340 Jobs In Gwinnett County, GA Through Major Onshoring

ATLANTA — June 23, 2022 — Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Okabashi Brands Inc., a Georgia-based shoe company, will create approximately 340 new jobs as it reinvests in its existing facility in Gwinnett County.

“Okabashi Brands reflects the true spirit of Georgia business: innovative products, a hardworking and skilled team, and an unwavering sense of community,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Okabashi not only stayed open for business during the pandemic, they continued to grow and donated thousands of shoes to frontline workers. We’re proud Okabashi calls the Peach State home, and we look forward to their continued growth.”

Okabashi Brands is a third-generation family-owned and women-led shoe company based in Buford, Ga. Established in 1984, the Georgia Made certified company has sold more than 35 million pairs of shoes directly to major retailers, via ecommerce, and to major contract manufacturing customers. The company is one of the 1 percent of footwear manufacturers operating in the United States today.

Okabashi is committed to sustainable American manufacturing. Okabashi sandals are 100-percent recyclable and contain on average 25 percent of recycled content. They are recognized by the USDA Biopreferred program and are made of 45 percent soy by weight.

“Okabashi Brand’s commitment to our community and its people is one that dates back to the 1980s when my grandfather chose to bring his footwear manufacturing background to Georgia,” said Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi Brands. “The support from our community has fostered our growth and has allowed us to continue producing quality, American-made footwear. We are thrilled to be contributing to the local economy through this expansion.”

Okabashi Brands is located at 4823 Roy Carlson Boulevard in Buford. The company will invest more than $20 million over the next five years, and the renovations will add new manufacturing lines and increase production by 100 percent. Okabashi is hiring for positions in manufacturing and distribution, and interested individuals can learn more and apply at www.okabashi.com.

“Okabashi Brands epitomizes the Gwinnett Standard, excelling in integrity, service, and stewardship,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “We appreciate their commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and most importantly, supporting our vibrant community.”

As part of their long history of philanthropy, Okabashi Brands has donated over 100,000 pairs of shoes both directly and through a partnership with nonprofit Soles4Souls. Culture is a major focus for the company, which embraces diversity and has a strong track record of creating careers for its team members. Earlier this year, Okabashi received Partnership Gwinnett’s Movers and Makers: Manufacturing and Supply Chain Award for Corporate Citizenship based on their community involvement, educational partnerships, and workforce development.

Senior Project Manager Kristen Miller represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Partnership Gwinnett, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.

“I am excited to see a family-owned, homegrown company continue to create jobs and reinvest in Georgians with an environmentally friendly and community-conscious approach,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Okabashi Brands understands the future of manufacturing lies in investing in sustainable practices, giving back to the community, and elevating a skilled workforce from the ground up. I am grateful to our partners in Gwinnett County and the Quick Start program for providing our Georgia companies with the support they need to succeed.”

Okabashi is part of the state’s Georgia Made program. The program was created in 2019 to celebrate the people and industries that manufacture a wide variety of products across the state. Companies accepted into the cost-free program join a roster of distinguished manufacturers that continue to shape Georgia jobs and the global supply chain. Further, Okabashi Brands received a GLOBE Award from GDEcD’s International Trade team in 2020 for entering new international markets in the previous year.

Posted: July 7, 2022

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Shower Start-Up Nebia Furthers Environmental Commitment – Announces Partnership With 1% For The Planet

SAN FRANCISCO — July 7, 2022 — Nebia, an award-winning shower company and leader of sustainable bathroom products, is proud to announce its partnership with 1 % for the Planet.

Seven years ago, Nebia launched with a mission to revolutionize how people interact with water. Their goal was to create a better shower experience while saving as much water as possible. However, Nebia’s long-term vision has always been to build a business that has a net positive impact on the planet. By joining 1% for the Planet, and committing 1% of their annual sales to support environmental nonprofits, they are one step closer to that reality.

In the words of Nebia co-founder Philip Winter, “Since we started Nebia the environmental crisis has only gotten more dire. In our home state of California severe drought has become commonplace and the long-term prospects are frightening. We need more investment in environmental causes and innovations. That’s why we are taking our commitment one step further by joining 1% for the Planet. ”

Nebia has always looked to Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and 1% for the Planet, as an enormous source of inspiration. Since Nebia’s early days it has been a dream to join Chouinard’s organization and join a network of businesses making a real, tangible impact for a better future. Today, Nebia is thrilled to be realizing that dream by becoming a 1% for the Planet member.

“We’re excited to welcome Nebia to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes.”

To-date, Nebia customers have saved over 450 million gallons of water and Nebia products can be found in over 100,000 homes. As their business grows Nebia pledges to continue to look for ways to further multiply their positive impact on the planet and joining 1% for the Planet is an exciting next step.

Posted: July 7, 2022

Source: Nebia

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