Absorbent Hygiene And Personal Care Markets Revved Up For In-Person Return Of Hygienix™

CARY, N.C. — September 21, 2021 — The global absorbent hygiene and personal care markets are enthusiastically anticipating the return of Hygienix™ 2021 as a live, in-person conference November 15-18, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona, focusing on post-pandemic opportunities, sustainability, new technologies and award-winning products.

The event will offer exciting opportunities for Hygienix participants to engage with new and existing customers in a face-to-face setting, and discover the latest innovations over four days at the Westin Kierland Resort. Highlights include two nonwovens workshops, a welcome reception, opportunities for 60 tabletop displays with receptions, eight intriguing panel discussions and presentations for the Hygienix Innovation Award™ and the INDA Lifetime Service Award. Hygienix registration is now open.

As the market emerges from the pandemic, trends in sustainability such as replacing plastic with natural fibers, recycling and composting will present new opportunities that will be addressed by 30 presenters from industry companies. Conference participants also will discover how new technologies such as smart sensors and haptics — the use of technology that stimulates the senses of touch and motion — are helping to change the consumer experience.

Hygienix sessions featuring moderated discussions with industry-leading experts and Q&A opportunities are focused on the following themes:

  • New Options for Responsible End-of-Life
  • Haptics: Four Approaches to Assessing Feel
  • Products and Process Innovations in Global Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPS)
  • Absorbent Hygiene Products Market Stats, Trends and Policy Insights
  • E-Hygiene Advancements
  • Feminine Care: Challenges to the Status Quo (presented in two parts)
  • New Approaches and Unmet Needs in Baby and Incontinence AHPS
  • Hygienix will address the latest research and statistics including:
  • Understanding the State of the Nonwovens Absorbent Hygiene Market, COVID-19 Impact and Baby Boom or Bust
  • Direct-to-Consumer Winners, Losers & Insights
  • Evolution of Sustainable Hygiene: Opportunity, Challenge, and Future Growth
  • Single-Use Plastics Policy Developments in North America
  • Understanding Consumer Needs and Desires When Considering Incontinence Products

The Essential Workshops

Short-course workshops offered on Monday, Nov. 15 as a separate registration are: Absorption Systems for Absorbent Hygiene, conducted by Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights LLC; and Global Trends in Diapers, Baby Pants and Adult Underwear, led by Carlos Richer, CEO/Director, Richer Investment S.A. De C.V.

Hygienix Innovation Award™

The seventh edition of Hygienix will feature three finalists to present their “best of the best” nonwoven technologies for the Hygienix Innovation Award™, recognizing novel nonwoven fabrics or technologies that expand the category, on Tuesday, November 16 and the winner will be announced on November 18.

INDA will follow all COVID-19 protocols, making hand sanitizers, face masks and wipes available for participants. More than 240 professionals from 18 countries throughout the supply chain participated in last year’s virtual Hygienix format to comply with pandemic guidelines.

This year’s relevant program content was developed by representatives from industry-leading companies serving on the Hygienix 2021 Committee co-chaired by Tom Kaiser, Attindas Hygiene Partners and Nick Carter, Avgol Nonwovens, with members from Crown Abbey, LLC; Teknoweb NA LLC; Fulflex, a Garflex Inc. Company; Cable Materials Inc.; Focus Hotmelt Company LTD; Kimberly-Clark; Colquímica Adhesives, Inc.; Metaxi SimBioSys LLC; Smith, Johnson & Associates; SynTouch, Inc.; Henkel Corporation; Birla Cellulose/Multifibres and Yarns (USA) Inc.; Nonwovens Industry; Cotton Incorporated; RKW North America, Inc.; Poccia Consulting, LLC; Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC; Pinnacle Converting Equipment & Services, LLC; Product Investigations, Inc.; Bostik, Inc.; Hermann Ultrasonics, Inc.; and Nonwovens By Design.

For the full program and latest speaker line up, visit the Hygienix website. https://www.hygienix.org/

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

LOVE HERO Uses Creazioni Digitali And Kornit Digital For Versatile, Eco-Minded Fashion Fulfillment On Demand

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — September 17, 2021 — Kornit Digital has announced the London-based LOVE HERO fashion label uses Kornit’s sustainable, digitized, on-demand production capabilities to deliver its complete line of nature-themed apparel.

With a vision of bringing together brilliant imagery inspired by natural elements and landscapes with a fundamental philosophy of introducing biodegradable fabrics, eco-conscious production processes, and waste-free sales modeling to consumers, LOVE HERO turned to Creazioni Digitali and its Kornit Digital on-demand production capabilities to fulfill the brand’s creations. All fabrics are traceable and certified via their blockchain platform, Retraced, to minimize their eco footprint. Cut-and-sew operations take place in Portugal.

The label’s designer and co-founder, Joshua Scacheri, recently highlighted his vision of a more sustainable fashion paradigm as a contestant on Amazon Prime’s Making the Cut reality series. One of his winning designs from the series is now available via Amazon Fashion.

“Producing on demand takes a lot of the risk out of what will or won’t sell,” says Scacheri. “Brands like ours need to create ethical clothing, so consumers become aware that it’s possible, on demand. Selling made-to-order lifestyle apparel is very likely the way of the future. We intend to use Kornit’s technology exclusively.”

“With creations inspired by our environment, and the versatile, environmentally conscious production practices this digital, on-demand capability offers, we’re empowering ordinary people living extraordinary lives,” he adds.

LOVE HERO is currently engaged with Kornit on the mechanics of imprinting silk, biodegradable nylon, and other diverse materials to support Joshua’s brand vision. One such application involves two-sided fabrics — nylon on top, with cotton on the reverse.

“Designers like Joshua stand to educate consumers about responsible production and how it’s now compatible with custom design,” adds Scott Walton, Kornit Digital’s head of Retail Transformation. “They demonstrate the possibilities for luxury, high street fashion on demand, and empowering designers to see their sketches digitized, printed, and shipped from an efficient microfactory production site. We, in turn, educate the designers, and we’re creating a proximity production ecosystem through KornitX so they can find a Kornit-enabled print shop nearby to create samples of their designs, and have their collections fulfilled within two weeks.”

“Kornit is committed to becoming the operating system for sustainable fashion fulfillment, on demand,” says Chris Govier, KDEU managing director. “With visionary creators like Joshua and LOVE HERO ready to test the bounds of our design and color capabilities, and our growing network of digitized producers ready to make those visions tangible with speed, economy, and quality from all corners of the globe, we’re changing the public percetion of what digital can do — meeting the global sustainability imperative, without demanding compromise from any actor in that value chain.”

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Kornit

Asahi Kasei To Reshape Its ROICA™ Premium Stretch Fiber Business Global Production Strategy

TOKYO — September 17, 2021 — Asahi Kasei Corp. markets premium stretch fiber under the brand of ROICA™, with superior performance features enabled by integrated production from raw material to yarn based on its advanced technology.

The specialized global holding operates its global ROICA business having production sites in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, China, and Germany, with strategic sales facilities around the world.

With deep regret, Asahi Kasei has taken the decision to restructure its production strategy in order to face the new, unexpected and critical market situation. As part of this process, the production and sales of ROICA at its German subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Spandex Europe GmbH in Dormagen, will be discontinued by March 31, 2022.

Recognizing the paramount importance of the European market, especially when it comes to smart innovation where ROICA is a leader, and with the goal of continuing the excellent longtime work with valued partners, customers and supply chains, Asahi Kasei will continue to develop sales, technical and marketing services in Europe through Asahi Kasei Europe, the European regional headquarters of the Asahi Kasei Group. It will especially focus on ROICA added value products manufactured at its ROICA production sites in Asia.

Through this process, Asahi Kasei will reshape the efficiency and productivity of its global ROICA operation by keeping a strong focus on responsible innovation and sustainability in close communication, and safeguarding its business partners.

As a manufacturer of superior quality, highly functional and sustainable ROICA products, Asahi Kasei will continue its journey of responsible innovation aiming to provide solutions to the textile industry and to contemporary consumers, by enhancing production capabilities and expertise at the global sites supported by an expert, wise and efficient company.

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Asahi Kasei

Pantone Color Institute Releases Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Spring/Summer 2022 For London Fashion Week

LONDON — September 16, 2021 — Pantone LLC today announced the Pantone® Fashion Colour Trend Report Spring/Summer 2022 edition for London Fashion Week (LFW). Published for the fashion industry by the Pantone Color Institute, the trend forecasting and colour consultancy, this season’s report features the top ten standout colors as well as current takes on five core classics we can expect to see as fashion designers introduce new Spring/Summer collections.

Promoting new sentiments of simplicity and spontaneity, colors for LFW Spring/Summer 2022 fuse our deep connection to nature and need for comfort and familiarity with lighthearted airy pastels and visually arresting brights. Capturing this theme of complement and contrast, these colours inspire playful creativity and unconstrained expression that is full of life.

“Our use of color is connected to the cultural mood. As we explore a new future, we are looking for opportunities to do something completely different,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Colors that celebrate our desire to break the boundaries satisfy our fervent need for the playful creativity and unconstrained visual expression we are seeking as we enter into this time.”

About the Spring/Summer 2022 London Colour Palette:
Blending sentiments of simplicity and spontaneity inspires new forms of personalized expression

  • 14-5713 Cascade: Connected to cleansing waters, dreamy Cascade cools and refreshes
  • 16-1349 Coral Rose: Vivid Coral Rose is a floral tone whose energizing presence brings a sense of excitement
  • 18-4143 Super Sonic: Vibrant Super Sonic is electric in intensity
  • 12-0825 Popcorn: Bright and cheery Popcorn radiates warmth to all who embrace it
  • 13-2004 Potpourri: Potpourri is a lighthearted and carefree fresh pastel pink
  • 17-1928 Bubblegum: Eye-catching Bubblegum sends a message of playfulness and positivity
  • 18-1160 Sudan Brown: Sudan Brown is a naturally rich earth-baked brown tied to the great outdoors
  • 15-0549 Fragile Sprout: Sharp and acidic Fragile Sprout is visually arresting
  • 14-3612 Orchid Bloom: Orchid Bloom is reminiscent of our heightened love for nature’s florals
  • 18-1307 Coffee Quartz: Coffee Quartz, a flavorful brown that touches on both the basic and the glamorous

About the Spring/Summer 2022 Core Classics:
Classic, seasonless hues whose versatility express longevity

  • 11-1001 White Alyssum: Clean and clarifying White Alyssum cuts through the chaos, addressing our desire for easy and effortless simplicity
  • 15-1304 Humus: Tasty Hummus, a pragmatic classic promoting a comforting mood of well-being
  • 15-6316 Fair Green: Fair Green is a calming and restorative restful green
  • 14-4104 Northern Droplet: Northern Droplet is a pale gray that instills feelings of tranquility
  • 18-4004 Poppy Seed: The silent power of deep gray Poppy Seed contains timeless familiarity

To support the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report for Spring/Summer 2022 for London and New York, Pantone has partnered with Adobe Stock to curate a collection of images that reflect the palette of 10 top fashion colors as well as 5 core classics. With millions of visual assets, Adobe Stock is an amazing resource for creatives to seek visual inspiration and creative development.

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Pantone

The 2021 Sewn Products Reshoring Awards Announced

WAKE FOREST, N.C. — SEAMS and the Reshoring Initiative® launched the First Annual Sewn Products National Reshoring Award competition in August 2018. Awards were announced for 2018 and 2019 and then our country was refocused on the Pandemic in 2020.

On September 17, 2021, SEAMS with strategic partner, the Reshoring Initiative, had the honor of announcing the winners for 2021 in the Brands & Vertical Retailers and Cut & Sew Manufacturers categories

The winners represent the progressive companies focused on the Made in America movement supporting our economy and bringing production of goods back to our country.

“SEAMS is thrilled to partner on this award and be able to celebrate our winners at our annual Fall Conference with their peers and colleagues in attendance after a very difficult year in 2020,” stated Will Duncan, executive director, SEAMS. “our membership not only continues to grow but grows stronger. These winners represent all of our members focused on the Made in America Movement with SEAMS.”

Venus Group was presented with the Cut & Sew Manufacturers Award. Venus Group is a manufacturer and supplier of table linens, including napkins and tabletops. Prior to 2015, Venus Group manufactured approximately 864,000 per month in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and today manufactures 1,000,000 per month in Fort Lawn, S.C., replacing all offshore work and creating 42 jobs in the United States.

Soft-Tex International was presented with the esteemed Brand Award for its fiber and hybrid pillows, memory foam pillows, and mattress topper products. Soft-Tex went through a large reshoring initiative in 2020 and 2021 moving from China to the United States. This represented a gross merchandise value of $100 million annually back to the United States, while creating approximately 100 jobs in its U.S.-based facilities with plans to expand to 150 jobs. Soft-Tex doubled capacity in its Waterford, N.Y., facility and plans to double capacity in their Sugar Land, Texas, facility as they complete this strategic initiative.

Each award winner was presented with a certificate and received accolades from SEAMS and the Reshoring Initiative in front of hundreds of SEAMS members in attendance at the fall conference. “I am excited to deliver to these progressive companies the Sewn Products Reshoring Awards at the SEAMS Fall Conference. These companies are setting a great example for our industry on what’s possible to make in America again”, stated Harry Moser, president, the Reshoring Initiative. The dynamic agenda for the conference focused on the Made in America movement, Sustainability & Circularity, Global Sourcing and Reshoring benefits for business in the United States.

Companies in the sewn products industry are encouraged to compete for the 2022 Award.

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: SEAMS

Lenzing Celebrates One Year Launch Of Carbon-Zero TENCEL™ Branded Fibers With Expansion To REFIBRA™ Technology

LENZING, Austria — September 21, 2021 — Celebrating the first anniversary of the launch of carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers, the Lenzing Group today announced the expansion of carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers to REFIBRA™ technology to address the growing industry demand around “circular fashion” and carbon neutrality. The first carbon-zero Tencel branded lyocell and modal fibers, which launched last year, have continued to gain momentum among industry partners including fashion brands and mills. Available in September 2021, the expansion aims to provide more innovative solutions for fashion brands to meet carbon reduction targets and consumers to enjoy sustainable products, reinforcing Lenzing’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

The expansion demonstrates Lenzing’s solid commitment to building a truly sustainable textile industry, not only through the reduction of carbon footprint, but also via increased circularity through the REFIBRA™ technology. This pioneering technology involves upcycling cotton scraps from garment production and transforming them into cotton pulp. The cotton pulp is then added to sustainably sourced wood pulp to produce virgin Tencel Lyocell fibers. This innovation reinforces Lenzing’s ongoing effort to the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative and support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to limit global warming.

“Although more supply chain partners, brands, and retailers are proactively searching for ways to reduce carbon emissions to align with the United Nation’s global climate goals, the textile industry still has a long journey ahead to reach its goal of carbon-zero status. We hope that, by sharing our latest innovations such as the carbon-zero Tencel branded fibers with Refibra technology, we can make carbon-zero initiatives mainstream practices, ultimately achieving a carbon neutral textile industry,” said Florian Heubrandner, vice president, Global Textiles Business at Lenzing AG.

Joining forces with brand and mill partners across the value chain

JACK & JONES, an international leading denim brand and a long-time partner of Lenzing, has been championing sustainability with its low-environmental impact products. This is echoed in the brand’s latest range of jeans that incorporates 38 percent of carbon-zero Tencel Lyocell fibers, offering high environmental value and benefits of long-lasting softness, silky smoothness, enhanced breathability, color retention and being gentle on the skin.

“The JACK & JONES team is delighted to partner with Tencel to bring to life more sustainable products that are also comfortable and of high quality, showcasing our unwavering commitment to enhancing sustainability in the fashion world,” said Mikkel Hochrein Albrektsen, Creative Buying manager of JACK & JONES.

Additionally, Lenzing is expanding collaboration with fashion brands across the globe to integrate carbon-zero Tencel fibers in their latest collections. From leading Chinese lingerie brand, Aimer, Chinese premium home textile brand, Luolai, German fashion label, ARMEDANGELS, Danish clothing label, Selected FEMME, Korean fashion brand Cozynet, Portuguese premium fabric producer and intimate brand, IMPETUS to U.S.-based home furnishings retailer, West Elm, companies across the fashion and home segments are actively reviewing their raw material usage to go carbon-zero. Through a “reduce-engage-offset” approach, Lenzing is also working closely with supply chain partners such as Al Karam, Calik, Samil and WTS to innovate raw material usage and technologies to bring new sustainable fiber types to the textile market.

“As a textile producer, it is our responsibility to enhance sustainability in the textile industry,” said Luis Antonio Aspillaga, CEO of WTS (World Textile Sourcing). “We are proud to collaborate with Lenzing and offer eco- friendly products which uses carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers, thus contributing to the well-being and protection of our planet.”

Building on carbon zero and circularity momentum to achieve net-zero by 2050

By offering carbon-zero Tencel fibers with REFIBRA technology, Lenzing provides the industry more sustainable material options right from the beginning of the product life cycle, bringing Lenzing one step closer to its goal of reaching zero carbon emissions by 2050. Moving forward, Lenzing will continue to work with industry partners to reduce the product’s carbon footprint and offset unavoidable emissions to ultimately drive decarbonization in the textile industry.

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: The Lenzing Group

Evolon® Receives Made In Green by OEKO-TEX® Certification For Sustainable Production And Safe Products

COLMAR, France — September 21, 2021 — Evolon® fabrics are well-known for combining high performance technical properties with numerous ecological benefits in many durable applications. Furthermore, according to the independent OEKO-TEX® institute, Evolon fabrics also meet the most stringent requirements in terms of sustainability and health and safety. Freudenberg in Colmar, France, recently received the STeP by OEKO-TEX® label for Evolon. The fabric was also granted the MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label. This confirms the brand’s commitment to sustainable practices and products.

Certificates awarded by the independent Oeko-Tex institute are highly respected and trusted by the textile industry because they are 100 percent transparent, 100 percent independent, 100 percent textile. For manufacturers, they are confirmation of ecologically and socially responsible production and products — a quality characteristic that plays a growing role in purchasing decisions of companies as well as for end-users.

By awarding the STeP (Sustainable Leather & Textile Production) label, the Oeko-Tex institute recently certified environmentally friendly production processes, a high level of health and safety and socially responsible working conditions at the Freudenberg site in Colmar. The company scored top marks and reached the highest grade of certification, namely Level 3, for “exemplary implementation of best practices”.

“Evolon fabrics have already held the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex label for more than twenty years. This is one of the world’s best-known certificates confirming that textiles have been tested for harmful substances. Here too, Evolon meets the most stringent requirements, and is ranked in product class I, which stands for suitability with baby skin contact,” explained Achraf Khedimi, head of Global Sales Evolon.

As a result of the combination of STeP and Standard 100 certificates, Evolon meets all the requirements for the coveted Made In Green by Oeko-Tex label. This proves that a product has been tested for harmful substances and manufactured using sustainable processes under socially responsible working conditions. The certificate also confirms the complete traceability of all materials and a transparent supply chain, and thus offers consumers the highest level of safety.

Last but not least, compliance with DETOX TO ZERO by OEKO-TEX® criteria is fully achieved as part of the SteP certification. This specifically covers chemicals management and wastewater quality, following an initiative of Greenpeace which aims at eliminating harmful substances in the textile industry.

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

FLYERALARM Sports Uses Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro To Deliver High-Quality, Photorealistic Sportswear On Demand

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — September 21, 2021 — Kornit Digital has announced Germany-based FLYERALARM sports has implemented Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro to expand the design and functionality capabilities for on-demand production of its popular sportswear line.

FLYERALARM is one of the largest e-commerce brands in Germany, and one of the leading online print providers in Europe. Its subsidiary FLYERALARM sports extends the company’s market share in textile printing, using technologies such as Kornit Digital’s sustainable direct-to-garment capabilities to pursue end-to-end digitization for a seamless user experience, agile production to meet new product demands and opportunities, and a waste-free sales model.

In choosing Kornit’s technology for retail-quality production on demand, FLYERALARM sports cited its versatility to deliver photorealistic impressions, and compatibility with the brand’s e-commerce platform. Clubs and individual athletes can upload their images to the brand’s online team sports shop, and receive custom jerseys, shirts, and tracksuits — using white or colored polyester materials — with speed, efficiency, and reliability. Short runs are fulfilled with virtually no setup effort or expense, and every order is profitable because production costs are consistent.

“We were thoroughly impressed with the Kornit Poly Pro, which offers versatility and durability, and the ability to print the photorealistic colors we wanted, without compromise,” said Martin Fiedler, marketing and brand manager at FLYERALARM sports. “Our customers have very personal ideas about how their sportswear should ultimately look, and the Kornit press gives us the opportunity and tools to deliver what they want.”

“Kornit developed the only available single-step production system capable of offering the graphic, versatility, and speed benefits of digital print for the lucrative sportswear and athleisure market,” said Chris Govier, KDEU managing director. “What FLYERALARM sports is doing demonstrates the value of a digitized value chain, with customers bringing their own vision to one website, choosing the apparel that fits their needs, and receiving precisely the gear they want quickly, with very little friction to the process. The business capitalizes on a wide array of orders and specifications, eliminates inventory waste, and builds an on-demand production model that scales.”

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Kornit

Michelman Set To Celebrate 10th Annual Global Day Of Service

CINCINNATI, Ohio — September 21, 2021 — September 24, 2021, marks Michelman’s 10th Anniversary of its annual Commitment to Community Day. Its 400+ global associates look forward to lending their support, strength, and talents volunteering for various service projects with charitable & non-profit organizations throughout the United States, Belgium, India, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore and China. This year’s event marks the second year in a row managing through the COVID pandemic. Michelman’s vaccinated associates will participate in outdoor volunteer activities while wearing masks and gloves and following social distancing guidelines.

The initiative was created by Michelman’s current President & CEO Steve Shifman, and was inspired by the company’s core value of Giving.

Shifman explained his pride in the organization: “I am amazed to see how the scope of these volunteer efforts has grown. This relatively small initiative that began nine years ago has grown into a worldwide endeavor with hundreds of associates planning to volunteer at over 25 organizations. Our associates continue to exemplify the value of Giving even throughout COVID, and this commitment to our annual day of service is truly inspiring.”

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Michelman

Coloreel Introduces 100-Percent Recycled Thread

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — September 21, 2021 — Coloreel is pleased to announce that they have become even more sustainable with the introduction of recycled polyester thread to be used with the groundbreaking technology for embroidery that enables high-quality coloring of textile thread on demand. In collaboration with world leading thread manufacturer Madeira, customers of Coloreel now have the possibility to reduce their impact even further.

In line with Coloreel’s mission to provide more sustainable and creative embroidery methods Coloreel will shift over to offer 100-percent recycled polyester thread to be used with the instant thread coloring technology for embroideries. This will provide customers the ability to create more sustainable embroideries with thousands of colors, CMYK, RGB/HEX and PMS compatible.

The polyester is created from 100-percent recycled post-consumer PET bottles and developed in collaboration with world leading thread manufacturer Madeira. The colored recycled thread has passed through all industry standard quality testing and provides same fastness properties as virgin polyester thread and is certified standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®. The recycled thread will be sold in sets of 6 x 10 kilometer thread reels. With the ambition to further minimize impact, the thread cone is made from recycled plastics and will be packaged and shipped in recycled carton boxes.

“On Coloreel’s mission to increase sustainability is this shift towards using 100-percent recycled polyester thread used in our instant thread coloring technology a great step,” said Torbjörn Bäck, CEO Coloreel Group. “This provides our customers with a more sustainable embroidery alternative and solves the problem with lack of availability of recycled polyester thread in a large variety of colors.”

Posted September 21, 2021

Source: Coloreel

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