Sage-ONF Launches Innovative Silicone Synthetic Leather For Future Mobility Interiors

SHANGHAI — July 19, 2022 — Sage-ONF, a synthetic leather supplier boasting 29 years of experience in design, development, manufacturing and sales, launches serial production of Silicone Synthetic leather. The Sage-ONF plant has begun manufacturing the Silicone Synthetic leather in Shanghai, China.

As consumers continue to demand greater sustainability commitments, this new venture extends Sage-ONF’s heritage of sustainability by delivering Silicone Synthetic leather as an innovative petroleum-free, non-carbon-based product solution for today’s mobility interiors. With a steadfast conviction to continuous innovation and earth-friendly business practices, this new material avoids DMF and plasticizer usage.

“Bringing together our core competencies as Sage-ONF, we bridge the gap between consumer expectations and industry capabilities to provide alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and bolster animal welfare around the globe,” said Robbie Lv, General Manager of Sage-ONF.

Sage and ONF bring 74 years in the automotive interiors business and a deep understanding of cultural trends and design preferences to deliver unparalleled luxury and a soft hand feel that consumers demand for interior mobility needs. Beyond the touch, consumers can have confidence in their interior’s longevity and cleanability—simply wipe stains with a damp cloth to remove them.

However, experience proves that interiors must be tough enough to tackle mile after mile with a super resilient resistance to extreme temperatures. Using UV, hydrolysis, cold crack and flame tests, Sage-ONF ensures long-lasting interiors that enhance the consumer mobility experience. While many claim superiorities in luxury or in sustainability, Sage-ONF exceeds expectations in both realms by using non-solvent and plasticizer-free techniques to create an opulent silicone with ultra-low VOCs.

“By keeping our product, process and mission as our guide, we are pleased to create a silicone synthetic leather that meets the demanding needs of the mobility interior without leather’s known fragility, extra weight, environmental impact and short lifespan,” said Mark Brezenski, Vice President – Asia at Sage, an Asahi Kasei company. “Sage-ONF is proud to deliver interior materials and solutions of tomorrow to OEMs and consumers, today.”

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Sage Automotive Interiors

Milliken & Company Certified As A Most Loved Workplace

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — July 20, 2022 — Best Practice Institute (BPI) certified Milliken & Company, a diversified manufacturer with materials science expertise, as a Most Loved Workplace®. Drawing from its established research and analysis, BPI created the Most Loved Workplace validation as the most comprehensive look at workplace sentiment for organizations today.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized as a Most Loved Workplace,” says Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken. “Our people are at the heart of our values. Together, our 8,000 associates rally around a shared purpose to make a lasting positive impact on the world.”

Companies become certified as a Most Loved Workplace based on their Love of Workplace Index scores. The index surveys employees on various satisfaction and sentiment elements, including the level of respect, collaboration, support, and sense of belonging they feel inside the company. Milliken associates worldwide had an opportunity to complete the survey, and BPI then analyzed its results. This is the first year Milliken participated in the index survey.

“We know that the Most Loved Workplaces designation highlights companies where employees are among the most engaged and satisfied at work,” adds Craig Haydamack, chief human resources officer. “This certification reminds us that we can always move the needle for the better when it comes to our associates.”

Milliken strives to foster a culture where associates can bring their authentic selves to work each day. Its current efforts include strengthening diversity, supporting our local communities, enabling development through Milliken University and prioritizing safety on the manufacturing floor by achieving zero lost-time incidents—which are also included in Milliken’s 2025 Sustainability Goals. Across the globe, Milliken works to engage its team to activate its purpose of positively impacting the world for generations to come.

For more information about careers at Milliken, visit careers.milliken.com or attend an in-person job fair hosted at 26 Milliken plants across the Southeast August 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

Eco HealthTech Apparel Brand Swiss Precision Launches

LOS ANGELES — July 20, 2022 — Swiss Precision, an Eco HealthTech apparel brand for the medical scrub, uniform, and accessories markets, officially launched today with its mission of disrupting the medical scrub, uniform & accessories markets with unique copper + natural patented materials that kill or slow the spread of microorganisms.

Their materials blend copper with natural organic fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and linen, all designed with an eye on style, comfort, and fit. Swiss Precision has found its unique niche by creating an innovative product that elevates, refreshes, and disrupts the ages-old medical scrub and uniform industry. Currently, medical apparel and accessories is a $94 billion worldwide market projected to grow to $141 billion by 2028.

“Polyester commercial and consumer textiles are made from harsh chemicals that are toxic to people and the planet,” said Leslie Dotson, Co-founder & CEO. “Worse yet, a growing number of infections are contracted because of toxins in such locations as hospitals, known as health-care-associated infections (HAIs) and hospital-acquired infections (HAI). Health care workers protect us. It’s time to protect them.”

Hospitals are increasingly seeing strains of antibiotic-resistant germs and deadly bacteria and viruses, which traditional medical scrubs can carry. New research has found that copper can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

In extensive testing, a range of copper alloys collectively termed “antimicrobial copper” inactivated coronavirus within a few minutes. Testing from the prestigious SGS labs showed that the copper material is antimicrobial, and using simulated fingertip contamination, exposure to copper destroyed the virus completely and irreversibly. Swiss Precision weaves this same virus-destroying copper into its fabrics, making them antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.

In addition, Swiss Precision has been accepted as a vendor to be sold across 50,000 hospitals in the U.S., and anticipates that a majority of medical facilities will adopt its materials for the future of healthcare. It’s an exciting opportunity to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the planet.

In addition to online support through Amazon sales, Swiss Precision partner distributors include:

Fabrique – Fabrique has over 30 years of experience working with the top OEMs to provide carrying case solutions. They also have more than two decades of experience developing medical device carrying solutions, such as cases used to deploy defibrillators in the field. Our expertise in this space has helped to open the door for other items, such as medical scrubs, gloves, and masks.

AMP Staffing Network – AMP Staffing Network is the leading nursing registry that has staffed hospitals and facilities throughout Southern California for the past 20 years. AMP is also accredited by The Joint Commission and is recognized by the Better Business Bureau. With 348 nurses in the registry AMP always puts safety as a priority and culture as a way to keep their team connected. Therefore, Eco HealthTech Apparel Brand Swiss Precision has partnered up with us to be a distributor of their apparel to our nurses and the community. With the extra protection and style Eco HealthTech apparel has to offer, it is the perfect collaboration for our branding and the vision we have here at AMP Staffing Network. We are also on Facebook and Instagram @ampstaffingnetwork.

88 Transportation – 88 Transportation is committed to being the best logistics service provider in the U.S.A. They dedicate themselves to exceeding our customers’ expectations by continuously improving our services. 88 Transportation offers our customers the best logistics services at the lowest rates. Each of our senior managers have been in the logistics industry for over 20 years.

In addition, there will be a potential opportunity with StartEngine based on due diligence, which will be announced at a later date.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Swiss Precision

HanesBrands Chosen As A Primary Apparel Partner By The University Of Tennessee

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.  — July 21, 2022 — HanesBrands (HBI), the world’s largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel, announced today it has entered a new 10-year partnership with the University of Tennessee as a primary apparel partner. Under the strategic agreement, HanesBrands has exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute high-quality, on-trend fanwear across mass and local channels, broadening the university’s access to retail markets.

UT joins the University of Southern California, University of Texas, The Ohio State University, University of North Carolina, University of Georgia, Villanova, and University of South Carolina, among others, that have primary apparel partnerships with HBI.

With industry-leading in-house design expertise, manufacturing proficiency and a commitment to responsible, transparent manufacturing, HBI will develop an expansive collection of men’s, women’s, unisex, youth, infant and toddler fan apparel. These consumer-driven collections, available now, include the company’s iconic Champion and Hanes brands as well as the eco-forward Alternative Apparel brand.

“We’re excited to partner with Tennessee and give their passionate, loyal fanbase even more to cheer about,” said John Fryer, President of Sports Apparel at HanesBrands. “UT fans repeatedly show how much they support their Vols and Lady Vols across Tennessee Athletics. Our iconic brands resonate with consumers world-wide, and we will help UT enhance fan engagement and expand their retail footprint nationally and in the Knoxville area.”

UT is just one of two schools in NCAA Division I history to own the No. 1 national ranking in football, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, softball and baseball.

As part of the partnership, HBI will create special activations and enhanced retail presentations designed to elevate the UT brand and fan experience. This fall, HBI will be on Rocky Top for a special Champion brand activation in conjunction with the VOL Shop prior to the Vols football game against Florida on September 24. In addition, HBI is partnering with Tennessee on a new, co-branded mobile merchandise kiosk for use at home athletic events.

The new partnership with HanesBrands follows a detailed analysis of the Tennessee trademark licensing program and a competitive proposal process completed in conjunction with the university’s exclusive licensing agent, CLC. In addition to these exclusive programs, Tennessee will continue its partnership with Nike as the provider of performance products and specific fan merchandise. Tennessee will also continue to license other apparel companies in key product categories to meet the diverse needs of Vols fans.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: HanesBrands

Christian Brands Acquires Murphy Robes

PHOENIX — July 21, 2022 — Christian Brands of Phoenix, AZ, has acquired the Murphy Robes Company of Indianapolis, IN.

Murphy Cap & Gown was founded in 1913 and was a family owned and operated company focused on providing exceptional Christian choir gowns, pulpit robes, clergy attire and vestments as well as a full line of clergy shirts. In 2008 Murphy Cap & Gown was acquired by Herff Jones of Indianapolis, Indiana, and the name was changed to Murphy Robes.

For over one hundred and ten years Murphy Robes has solidified its position as the market leader in custom and quick ship choir gown and pulpit robes for Christian churches in North America. The Murphy Robes line of church attire is the most diverse and dynamic product offering in America.

Started as a small sewing operation in the founders’ garage, the company became the largest choir gown manufacturer in the United States with over 200 employees at its height.

The Murphy Robes team has had huge success in leading a brand that embraces contemporary church fashion and state-of-the-art sewing techniques that have been a part of Christian retailing for decades.

“We are very pleased to have a new steward for this wonderful brand who will grow the business dramatically in the future. The Christian Brands team is well versed with the needs of our industry and can help strengthen the Murphy Robes marketing position across all channels of distribution,” said Herff Jones Vice President of Human Resources, Michael Williams. “With their resources, and the help of their field sales force, telemarketing staff and sophisticated web presence, we firmly believe that Murphy Robes will continue to flourish and offer our customers the highest quality products and superior customer service that our industry has come to expect.”

Christian Brands, founded in 1948, is a distribution, importing and manufacturing firm with five distinct catalogs selling to an assortment of retailers across the country.

Recent acquisitions include Gerffert, R.J. Toomey, Creed, Berkander, Jeweled Cross, Robert Smith, Will & Baumer, Alfred Mainzer and Sudbury Brass.

Paul DiGiovanni, President of Christian Brands, said, “We are thrilled to lead the future direction of this wonderful Murphy Robes brand. The Murphy Robes team have combined vision and hard work to build this unique Christian brand and we look forward to offering this exclusive grouping of quality textile products to our new combined customer base.

Christian Brands is a wholly owned subsidiary of CBC Group headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with manufacturing facilities, a call center, and a distribution center in Lewisburg, TN. https://catholic.christianbrands.com

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Christian Brands

Brooklyn Bedding Earns Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification

PHOENIX — July 21, 2022 —  Brooklyn Bedding—manufacturer, retailer, and pioneer of the online mattress—announced today that its brand-new, 648,165-square-foot facility has received Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, recognized as the highest organic textile standard in the world. The third-party certification recognizes the gold standard that Brooklyn Bedding embraces, ensuring that every component of an organic mattress is constructed with GOTS-certified materials, ethical labor practices, and is backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

“We are proud to receive the prestigious GOTS certification and begin our journey of manufacturing organic mattresses in our brand-new, world-class facility,” said John Merwin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Bedding. “Achieving this certification was a goal from the very beginning and we are excited to now offer organic, US-based manufacturing practices and in turn, eco-friendly and sustainable products to our customers.”

To receive GOTS certification, Brooklyn Bedding passed a series of rigorous examinations and inspections, including an assessment of its processing and storage system, an inspection of the chemical inputs, and social criteria checks. The certification also ensures a thorough quality assurance check is performed on all GOTS-certified products before they are packaged and delivered to the customer.

“We’re pleased to recognize Brooklyn Bedding has achieved GOTS certification,” said Lori Wyman, GOTS Representative for North America. “They are now listed in the GOTS Certified suppliers database for organic textiles on our website by typing in ‘Mattress’ or ‘Brooklyn Bedding’ in the free text field and selecting United States.”

GOTS was developed in 2006 as a worldwide standard to ensure the organic status and socially responsible manufacturing of textiles through the entire supply chain including fiber production, processing, and manufacturing. The certification sets the benchmark for a universal understanding of environmentally friendly production systems and social accountability in the organic textile sector.

To learn more about the GOTS certification, visit Brooklyn Bedding in showroom B-1108 at Las Vegas Summer Market from July 24-28, 2022.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Brooklyn Bedding

USFIA Speaks Out In Favor Of Removing 301 Tariffs On Clothing, Home Textiles And Footwear

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 21, 2022 — Today the U.S. Fashion Industry Association joins other retail and fashion industry groups who are speaking out about the pernicious impact of the Section 301 tariffs on both the American fashion industry and American consumers. Our message is clear — Americans, not China, are the losers here. American businesses and consumers have paid more than $145 billion in extra tariffs that have not discouraged the behavior that triggered the original 301 investigation.

Tariffs are a direct, regressive tax on the American consumer—it affects consumers at all income levels, from the single parent struggling to make ends meet as they purchase back-to-school necessities for their kids, to the consumer of high-end fashion manufactured in the United States, and every American family in between. However, the average low-income U.S. household spends a higher portion of its income on apparel and footwear than wealthier Americans, meaning that tariffs on apparel and footwear have hit struggling families more than anyone else. For example, the tariff on a cashmere sweater is 4%, while the tariff on a lower-cost acrylic sweater is 32%.

In USFIA’s statement, we highlight the fact that these tariffs have negatively impacted the American jobs created by American brands and retailers. Trade supports high-quality, high-paying jobs, but these tariffs have discouraged America’s most innovative and iconic brands from hiring due to the increased sourcing and production costs. These tariffs have also not encouraged a large-scale shift out of China as companies diversify their sourcing base. China is the leading textile supplier of fabrics and accessories in the world and there are currently no realistic options for sourcing destinations that can viably replace China entirely.

We also rebut the claims that removing these tariffs will hurt U.S. workers and do nothing to fight inflation. This is the predictable response of protectionists and ignores the reality of the situation. Rather, we agree with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that tariffs increase domestic prices and raise costs to consumers and businesses due to higher cost inputs and that lowering U.S. and Chinese tariffs could help ease inflation. Secretary’s Yellen’s observations are supported by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, which estimated that the tariffs would cost the average American household nearly $1,300 in 2020 alone, and by a recent study from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which found that cutting the Section 301 tariffs would directly correspond to a reduction in the consumer price index.

According to the 2022 USFIA Benchmarking Survey, which was released earlier this week, increasing production or sourcing costs are the #1 business challenge facing the U.S. fashion industry in 2022. Removing these tariffs would help both American consumers and businesses at a time of extreme inflation.

These tariffs have done nothing to solve China’s Intellectual Property (IP) policies and practices. From the experience of USFIA member companies (who source and sell products around the world, including and especially in China) the best way to address these concerns is action at the multilateral level that includes other global trading partners – and USFIA’s member companies are no stranger to IP violations. Let’s find a solution that does not use American companies and American families as the hostages to outmoded protectionist ideas.

Click here to read USFIA President Julia K. Hughes’ full testimony as prepared for the hearing.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

Arkema To Acquire Polimeros Especiales, A Leading Emulsion Resins Producer In Mexico

COLOMBES, France — July 21, 2022 — The planned acquisition of this leading player in solvent-free waterborne acrylic resins will strengthen Arkema’s position in this fast-growing region.

Polimeros Especiales is a well-established privately owned Mexican company producing high performance waterborne resins for a broad range of applications in markets such as architectural and decorative paints, textiles, pressure sensitive adhesives and construction. The company has become a key manufacturer of emulsions in the region, achieving sales of around US$40 million in 2021 and employing 230 people.

This planned acquisition is fully in line with Arkema’s strategy to expand its Coating Solutions segment in growing markets and in low-volatile organic compound solutions. Waterborne is one of Arkema’s key solvent-free technologies, together with powder, ultraviolet/light emitting diode/electron beam and high-solid systems.

According to Manuel Garcia, General Manager of Arkema in Mexico: “Thanks to Polimeros Especiales, Arkema will develop new positions in the Mexican market, which is experiencing robust growth. The acquisition will ensure continuous strong support to our customers and will enable Arkema to broaden its product offering locally”.

“We welcome the addition of Polimeros Especiales and its teams to the Group as this leading company has developed strong customer proximity and technical know-how. Its solid manufacturing assets and logistics platform will strengthen our expertise and quality of service in the region” said Neil Tariq, Global Business Director, Arkema Coating Resins.

The Directors of Polimeros Especiales, added, “We are proud to be joining forces with Arkema and together, we will further develop innovative waterborne solutions for more sustainable resin offerings in the dynamic American market.”

This project, which is subject to approval by antitrust authorities, is expected to be finalized in Q3 2022.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Arkema

KARL MAYER: New Patterning Dimensions With The HKS Digital Generation

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — July 21, 2022 — With the HKS 3-M ON, KARL MAYER has initiated the changeover of high-performance tricot machines to the digital generation. The subsequent patterning trials at the premises of the innovative world market leader confirmed the exceptional performance of the newcomer. The HKS 3-M ON works with lapping data that can be purchased online via KARL MAYER’s WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS, and loaded immediately thanks to the machine’s networking. This means that articles can be changed in a matter of seconds without mechanical intervention. The new HKS does not need any pattern discs, but achieves the high working speeds typical of mechanical guide bar drives. The innovative machine thus contributes to improving production performance.

Article changeover made easy

In the first patterning projects, KARL MAYER’s textile product developers produced conventional basic articles, such as marquisette and flag fabric. They used the standard repeat length of up to 36 stitch courses – an increase of 12 stitch courses compared with the HKS 3-M model with pattern disc drive. All patterns could be produced with maximum efficiency and quality and changed quickly without any technical effort. There was no need for any manual intervention. Simply load the required lappings for an article via SwapKnit 36 or SwapKnit 36 Flat from the KM.ON cloud and production could start, with optimized machine data for maximum operating speeds.

Subsequent trials produced patterns with repeats of more than 36 stitch courses. The web-based software k.innovation CORE from KM.ON was used for this. With regard to the design, KARL MAYER’s textile specialists opted for variants with sophisticated crinkle looks. Articles with the crepe-like surfaces had already been successfully produced on an HKS 4-M EL in E 28. Now an HKS 3-M ON in E 32 was used, with the same material. In GB 1 and GB 2, a wrapping yarn made of polyamide with elastane in the core was processed. When relaxed, the two-component material gives rise to distinct plastic surface structures. GB 3 produced the fabric ground and alternated between polyamide and polyester feed. When polyester was used, targeted cross-dyeing resulted in sophisticated two-tone coloration of the three-dimensional goods. The relief effects are strongly pronounced due to the use of two ground guide bars.

In addition to the look, the performance of the items is right with the concise crinkle design. In clothing, they offer freedom of movement and a good fit due to their high elasticity. The three-dimensional structure also creates distances to the skin, which ensures a high climatic wearing comfort.

To be continued

Encouraged by the results of their processing trials, KARL MAYER’s textile product developers are implementing further pattern ideas. The focus here is on the fabric ground.

“We want to make the ground structure more varied, for example, combining open and dense areas to achieve openwork looks,” says Jürgen Wohlrab, product developer for textile technology at KARL MAYER. “Kettenwirk-Praxis” will continue to report.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: KARL MAYER Gruppe

Trapdoor Creative Integrates With 3D Design Pioneer Browzwear To Make Creating Photorealistic 3D Visualizations From The VStitcher Fashion Design Platform Faster & Easier Than Ever 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT  — July 21, 2022 — Trapdoor Creative, leader in 3D digital experiences, today announced a partnership with Browzwear that will bring Trapdoor’s STAGE technology for 3D visualizations directly from Browzwear’s VStitcher fashion design platform. This integration will enable VStitcher users to create, showcase, review and revise true-to-life 3D visualizations faster and easier than ever.

The integration of the STAGE API from Trapdoor Creative is part of Browzwear’s open platform approach, which facilitates connections between VStitcher and an array of industry-related software solutions. For fashion brands and manufacturers, this enhances the ability to drive efficiencies by seamlessly digitizing their entire workflow.

For VStitcher users, the addition of STAGE interactive 3D technology unlocks the power of Unreal Engine 5 through Trapdoor’s user-friendly and streamlined platform. This will accelerate processes including rendering and animating designs, allowing them to review designs, receive feedback, make changes and provide updated renderings for approval near-instantly. With the ability to perform the complete cycle quickly and with scale, brands and manufacturers can showcase collections digitally while having confidence that manufactured items will appear exactly as their digital twins do, enabling them to reduce material waste while also speeding up time to market.

“We are confident this integration with Browzwear will empower fashion businesses to operate more efficiently throughout the entire process,” said Trapdoor Creative Founder and CEO Barry Zundel. “From fit and design through to visualization and marketing, fashion brands can leverage the most photorealistic visualizations possible to truly envision the end product, which will speed time to market while also enabling them to reduce waste in manufacturing.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Trapdoor Creative to bring VStitcher users an even faster and easier way to bring their designs to life – at least digitally,” said Vice President of Partnerships at Browzwear Sean Lane. “We expect this ability to grow in importance in the very near term, as businesses continue to look for new ways they can be and do better, both economically and ecologically.”

VStitcher users can begin accessing STAGE now, and Trapdoor Creative is offering users an extended STAGE trial period, VStitcher/Lotta Plug-in access, and a 10 percent discount on enterprise licenses for their first year of service. For more information and exclusive browzwear pricing and updates, visit www.trapdoorcreative.com/stage/browzwearsignup.

Posted: July 21, 2022

Source: Trapdoor Creative

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