Gap Inc. Announces CEO Sonia Syngal To Step Down And The Appointment Of Horacio “Haio” Barbeito As President And CEO Of Old Navy

SAN FRANCISCO — July 11, 2022 — Gap Inc. announced today that President and CEO Sonia Syngal will step down from her position and from the company’s board, departing the company following a brief transition.

“Leading this great company and our 100,000-strong employees since 2020, through unprecedented challenges for our industry, and society, has been an immense honor. Through it all, Gap Inc. and its dedicated teams have seized change as an opportunity, restructured for future growth, crystallized unique brand identities rooted in cultural relevance and fiercely chased transformation,” Syngal said. “With an exceptional and industry-leading CEO for Old Navy now appointed, I am thankful to have the board’s support in stepping down, ushering in a new opportunity for fresh perspective and rejuvenated leadership to carry Gap Inc. forward.

“The company’s co-founders, Doris and Don Fisher, created a lasting and undeniable legacy for Gap Inc. as a company with a heart. It is a home for creatives, innovators, data scientists, operators and customer advocates, to build their careers and break boundaries, just as it enabled me to do the same,” Syngal added.

“My fellow board members and I want to thank Sonia for her steadfast leadership and many contributions to Gap Inc. during her 18 years with us. Most notably, amidst significant global disruption, social unrest and economic instability, Sonia had an immediate impact as Gap Inc. CEO, establishing a clear strategic direction and cultural identity that has united this global enterprise as a force for good with powerful brands poised to stand the test of time,” said Mr. Martin. “While a search is underway, the Board has complete confidence in the formidable leadership team to guide the company through this transition. And I look forward to championing this incredible team as they continue to write Gap Inc.’s next chapter with grit and passion.”

Effective immediately, Bob Martin, the company’s current executive chairman of the board, will serve as Gap Inc. president and CEO on an interim basis. Mayo Shattuck will continue to serve as lead independent director.

Bob Martin is a 40-year industry veteran with extensive retail experience at corporations including Dillard’s Inc. and Walmart where he served as CEO of its International division. He has served on the Gap Inc. Board since 2002, as lead independent director from 2003 to 2015, and as executive chairman since 2020. Mr. Martin brings significant global governance and executive management experience as well.

Horacio Barbeito to Serve as Old Navy President and CEO

The company also announced that Horacio “Haio” Barbeito will join the Gap Inc. Leadership Team as president and chief executive officer of Old Navy, where he will lead the brand in delivering on its unique value proposition, offering style, fit, quality and cultural relevance at jaw-dropping prices. Barbeito will join Old Navy on August 1.

“Haio is a true multi-disciplined retail leader who shares our vision of bringing the democracy of style and service to millions of Old Navy customers, leveraging our greatest assets – our people and our product. We are thrilled for Haio to bring his authentic leadership style to the team, backed by a strong track record of delivering growth through challenging times at complex global organizations,” said Mr. Martin. “Particularly in this environment, Haio’s sincere customer empathy, operational excellence, and passion for product and marketing innovation, will fuel Old Navy’s competitive strengths on its path to $10 billion, rooted in fun, family, fashion and value.”

Barbeito most recently served as president and CEO of Walmart Canada where he led more than 70,000 associates and drove significant growth in the online business. During his 26-year career at Walmart, he served in a variety of leadership roles across merchandising, marketing, supply chain and store operations with global experience in five countries. He has served in CEO roles at Walmart for 10 years, first as President and CEO of Walmart Argentina and Chile before taking the role as CEO of Walmart Canada where he has spearheaded a modernization effort to grow that market’s omnichannel business. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Argentina Empresa.

Update on Second Quarter Fiscal 2022

The company is expecting net sales in the second quarter fiscal 2022 to decline in the approximately high-single digit range, relatively in-line with its prior expectations.

The company continues to navigate margin headwinds and, as previously communicated, still expects to incur an estimated $50 million of transitory incremental air freight expense in the quarter as well as inflationary costs on raw materials and freight. In addition, it has taken a more aggressive approach to assortment balancing resulting in increased promotional activity during the quarter, which it expects will have a negative impact on gross margin in the quarter.

Furthermore, the company now anticipates second quarter fiscal 2022 adjusted operating margin percentage to be zero to slightly negative.

The company has not completed its quarter closing and review process and the final results for the second quarter fiscal 2022 may differ from the statements made in this press release. The company will be providing further details on its second quarter fiscal 2022 financials as well as its outlook when it reports second quarter fiscal 2022 results on Thursday, August 25.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Gap Inc.

Sappi North America Releases 2021 Sustainability Report, Earns Top Rating For Sustainable Practices

BOSTON — July 12, 2022 — Sappi North America Inc. — producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp — today released its 2021 Sustainability Report, which includes the highest possible rating from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.

Sappi Limited, including Sappi North America, has once again earned a Platinum rating in the annual EcoVadis Corporate Social (CSR) ratings. This achievement places Sappi North America individually and Sappi Limited collectively in the top 1 percent of all companies reviewed. EcoVadis evaluated Sappi’s commitment to sustainable practices using 21 criteria, including environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

The 2021 Sustainability Report displays Sappi’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and business growth throughout its communities and staff. The report also highlights how Sappi remained innovative and prosperous amid supply chain disruptions; its steadfast resolve to advancing women in leadership roles, along with strategic partnerships to forge a path for women in STEM; and its commitment to employee safety and third-party collaborations for sustainability initiatives.

To help achieve its ambitions 2025 sustainable developments goals, Sappi continued to integrate the principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a key part of its business and sustainable practices.

“Our business strategy, operational efficiencies and critical improvement plans in 2021 drove our strong market performance, while at the same time meeting or exceeding our targets for environmental stewardship,” said Mike Haws, President and CEO, Sappi North America. “These achievements are an encouraging start on our journey toward aligning our 2025 strategic goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, an important global benchmark for sustainability.”

Sustainability Achievements

Highlights from the report include:

  • Increased women in senior management roles. Sappi set a new goal in 2021 to enhance diversity in its workforce, also aligning with the UN’s SDGs. The company exceeded its goal and appointed 21% of women in senior management positions. Sappi continues to prioritize the promotion of talented individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
  • Reductions in waste and energy emissions. Sappi exceeded its year-end goal to reduce solid waste in landfills, which brings the company closer to their five-year target of a 10% reduction. Further, the company also reduced CO2 emissions with the use of 80.7% renewable and clean energy.
  • Improved safety rate and investments in safety leadership training. In 2021, improvement in safety increased and four out of five Sappi manufacturing sites experienced their best-ever lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) performance. Additionally, the company invested in safety leadership training across mills with the intent of extending the training to other sites in fiscal 2022.
  • Partnerships in STEM and forestry. In an effort to advance STEM careers for women, Sappi partnered with Girl Scouts of Maine and the Women in Industry division of the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). The virtual program teaches girls the science and technology of the pulp and paper industry, including papermaking and recycling. Continuing in 2022, the program is slated to reach even more Girl Scouts across the country. Additionally, Sappi joined forces with Maine Timber Research and Environmental Education Foundation (Maine TREE Foundation) to host a four-day tour to educate Maine teachers about sustainable forestry and the logging industry.
  • Best-in-class environmental practices. As an endorsement of sound environmental practices, the Cloquet Mill achieved an impressive overall score of 84% on the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC’s) Higg Facility Environmental Module verification audit. The mill is the first to undergo and complete an external environmental management verification process.
  • Building confidence in sustainable textiles. Through a collaborative partnership with Sappi Verve Partners and Birla Cellulose, forest-to-garment traceability solutions became available for brand owners. Focused on responsible sourcing, traceability and transparency, the partnership ushered in confidence for consumers and brands to ensure their products originate from renewable sources of wood.

“Let me make this real for a moment: our improvement in energy efficiency from the 2019 baseline is enough to electrify over 80,000 homes for a year,” said Beth Cormier, Vice President of Research, Development and Sustainability, Sappi North America. “Our reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, off this same baseline, is equivalent to annually removing over 24,000 cars from our highways. This does not happen without a strong plan to meet these goals, and more importantly, it can only happen with dedicated employees to execute that plan. We accomplished our goals against the difficulties of the COVID pandemic and continual challenges to employee wellness—a real testament to Sappi’s adaptability and perseverance.”

To read Sappi North America’s full 2021 Sustainability Report and request a copy, please visit: http://www.sappi.com/sustainability-and-impact.

Posted: July 12, 2022

Source: Sappi North America, Inc.

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

1...665666667...2,664Page 666 of 2,664

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.