Acquisition Of Texon Expands Coats’ Presence In Athleisure Footwear

UXBRIDGE, United Kingdom — July 6, 2022 — Coats Group plc, an industrial thread manufacturer, has acquired Texon, a producer of premium structural components and materials for the footwear, accessories and apparel industries.

Texon provides high quality structural components to the global footwear market and has a long heritage as a proven supplier to the world’s leading brands. The business is focused on sustainable innovation and supplies high-performance, sustainable, materials, including heel counters, toe puffs and insoles to the highly attractive premium athleisure footwear market.

Texon, which has operations in Asia and Europe, is a complementary addition to Coats’ existing footwear business with attractive commercial opportunities from leveraging Coats’ existing footprint.

Rajiv Sharma, Coats Group Chief Executive, said: “The acquisition of Texon will strengthen our existing presence in the highly attractive athleisure footwear market. The business is complementary to Coats and provides attractive future commercial opportunities as we work together leveraging our combined expertise and knowledge to succeed with our customers. We recognise and share Texon’s focus on sustainability and innovation and believe that this acquisition strengthens our ability to fulfil these shared ambitions.”

Posted: July 6, 2022

Source: Coats Group plc

DOMO Chemicals And Hynamics Commit To Joint Project For The Production Of Polyamides From Low-Carbon Hydrogen

GHENT, Belgium — July 6, 2022 — DOMO Chemicals, a producer of engineered polyamide materials, and Hynamics, a 100 percent subsidiary of EDF Group specializing in the production of low-carbon hydrogen, have entered into a partnership project with the objective of achieving zero-carbon for 100 percent of the hydrogen used at the Belle-Étoile industrial site, in Saint-Fons (south of Lyon, France), in the heart of the French Vallée de la Chimie (Chemistry Valley).

For the first time in France, the “HyDom” project will enable the installation of an 85-megawatt (MW) hydrogen production plant using the water electrolysis process at the Belle-Étoile site, with a production capacity of 11,000 metric tons of low-carbon hydrogen per year. The plant will be powered by the French low-carbon electric power mix. By 2027, it will supply 100 percent of the annual production of hexamethylene diamine, a key component used in the production of plastics.

The project will eventually prevent the emission of 84 kilotons of carbon dioxide each year. Hexamethylene diamine, and ultimately, durable and low-carbon polyamides, will be used in various applications in major industry sectors, such as automotive, electronics, and heating & cooling.

This project is a major step towards the decarbonization of industrial sites that use grey hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels). The location in the Vallée de la Chimie within the vicinity of major transport routes opens up opportunities for the creation of a more complete hydrogen ecosystem.

The first phase of the project will consist of building up and ascertaining technical concepts and integrating the low-carbon hydrogen production plant within the larger production process of hexamethylene diamine.

Considering the high-power scale of the future electrolytic hydrogen production facility, the HyDom project is being developed in close collaboration with RTE (an organization in charge of managing the French power grid), to solve connection issues. As a priority project for the industry’s zero-carbon strategy and for the “France 2030” investment plan, HyDom is supported by the French government and has been presented to the European Commission for public funding.

According to Christelle Rouillé, CEO of Hynamics: “In line with the goals set out in the France 2030 investment plan for a resilient and decarbonized industrial sector, Hynamics is proud to support leading hydrogen-consuming industrialists in their decarbonization efforts. The scope of the project launched in partnership with DOMO Chemicals reflects Hynamics’ expertise in developing industrial electrolytic hydrogen production projects with a strong environmental impact. In replacing the unit that currently produces hydrogen from natural gas, our project represents an important step towards industrial sovereignty and reaching our climate objectives”.

According to Yves Bonte, CEO of DOMO Chemicals: “The reduction of CO2 emissions remains a major challenge for the industry, and DOMO’s low carbon footprint solutions are designed to help customers achieve their own CO2 emission reduction targets. This joint investment in a low-carbon hydrogen unit to replace the existing natural gas-based production unit will provide the first hydrogen infrastructure in the Lyon area. This strategic partnership will help us – and hopefully an entire ecosystem in the Vallée de la Chimie – achieve DOMO’s ambitious goals for 2030, focused on decarbonization, the use of renewable energy and delivering customer solutions.”

Posted: July 6, 2022

Source: DOMO Chemicals

More Than 450 Professionals Convene And Connect At World Of Wipes® International Conference And Advance Vibrant Industry Sector

CARY, N.C.— July 6, 2022 — More than 450 participants from 18 countries made in-person connections and gained innovative insights into the segment’s future at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, reported strong attendance and activity at its 16th WOW conference, June 27-30. Highlights included a powerful conference, award presentations, a separate 1.5-day WIPES Academy training course, and a new mentorship program.

WOW speakers focused on the future of the $17 billion wipes sector amid changing consumer trends, supply chain complexities, sustainable packaging demands, and medical disinfection challenges. Program sessions included Circular and Sustainable Wipes, Supply Chain Challenges, Sustainable Substrates, Disinfection Concerns, Sustainable Packaging Trends, and Flushability Developments.

Tony Fragnito welcomed participants in his new role as INDA president for the first time since succeeding Dave Rousse, now president emeritus and advisor.

“WOW is the nexus for wipes professionals to convene and connect,” said Fragnito. “With powerful content addressing the key issues facing the industry — sustainability, economics, and supply — the conference was highly valued by participants to advance their businesses and the industry.”

The event drew many positive remarks from participants for its business, networking and educational value:

“We’re pleased with the networking, and our exposure to new business at WOW,” said Darrell Dean, Program manager, O’Neal Inc.

“The World of Wipes always offers value for us every year. It’s never redundant. I wouldn’t miss it,” said John Patton, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Althea Laboratories.

“Everyone in the wipes industry is here. It’s easier to do business with people once we’ve met during the conference,” said Olivia Reiber, Product Line manager, Specialties, US&C, Berry Global.

“Everything and everyone here is in and about wipes. I’m glad I’m here,” said Susan Faile, Berkshire Corporation, vice president, Operations/Global R&D.

Event Highlights

Networking events included an industry welcome reception, two evening receptions, daily breakfasts, and social breaks.

Participants connected face-to-face during the Welcome Reception atop the 22nd floor at the Vu Rooftop Bar, with stunning views and refreshments. The WOW event attracted 50 tabletop exhibits to create commerce with meaningful relationships throughout the entire wipes supply chain.

WOW highlights included the announcement of Nice’ N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes from Nice-Pak as the winner of this year’s World of Wipes Innovation Award® for their flushable wipes made of 100 percent cellulose nonwoven. Strong and durable, the product breaks apart five times faster than the leading brand of two-ply toilet paper. A specialty “lock and key” design of plant-based fibers and formula leverages patent-pending technology to ensure responsible care of plumbing and wastewater.

The World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes and rewards innovation within the entire wipes value chain that expands the use of nonwovens through new fabrics or technologies.

Other highlights included the presentation of the 2022 INDA Lifetime Technical Award to Richard Knowlson, principal, RPK Consulting. The award honors an individual with a long-established nonwovens career that advance technology and the commercial success of the North American nonwovens industry.

Knowlson pioneered the use of powder super absorbents in airlaid forming systems creating new period product designs for ultra-thin products. He co-founded Airformed Composites, co-invented the first commercial multi-bonded airlaid products in North America that were used in characters for Sesame Street and served in leadership positions with Rayonier, Ciba/Huntsman and Jacob Holm.

Preceding the conference, Chris Plotz, INDA, director of Education and Technical Affairs, conducted INDA’s WIPES Academy, the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain.

INDA announced that WOW 2023 will be held July 17-20, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta. For information, visit www.worldofwipes.org

Posted: July 6, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Introduces New, Enhanced Line Of Dragon Silk™ Silkworms For Commercial Production

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — July 6, 2022 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, announces that it has produced several new lines of larger hybrid Dragon Silk™ silkworms for its production operations in Vietnam. These new breeds of silkworms were explicitly created for large-scale production.

With a larger cocoon and longer silk filament, these optimized Dragon Silk breeds reduce production costs and increase throughput.

The new breeds were created using a process of hybridization, combining the best properties of Dragon Silk with the best practices in silkworm breeding to improve the size and robustness of the silkworm strain. Commonly used in commercial mundane silk production, the process of creating these production hybrid silkworms delivers between 30 to 100 percent larger silk cocoons than non-hybridized silkworms.

The company first began the development of large cocoon hybrids in 2018. The success of that effort is the foundation of today’s announcement and the rollout of this technology into production. Commercializing this technology required the company to develop multiple strains of Dragon Silk hybrids that, when paired together, deliver a consistent and scalable large cocoon production platform.

“The hybridization program was a key part of the company’s technology roadmap and something our R&D team has been quietly working on behind the scenes,” said company COO Jon Rice. “Today, we announce that this technology is in the factory. This technology will lower our operating costs from rearing all the way through silk reeling and spinning. Over the coming months, our production team will transition egg production to this new, larger Dragon Silk line.”

Accelerating the transition of these new larger breeds of Dragon Silk to production was driven by the Company’s success with 3rd party contract production and our rapidly growing demand for increased quantities of Dragon Silk.

Posted: July 6, 2022

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

Trützschler Group SE Expands Board Of Directors

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany — July 6, 2022 — The Trützschler Group SE has appointed Dr. Ulrich Schwenken and Heinrich Krull to its board of directors with effect from July 1, 2022. Dr. Schwenken will serve as CEO. Heinrich Krull will serve as COO.

Dr. Ulrich Schwenken

Dr. Schwenken will assume responsibility for Development, Digitalization, IT and Corporate Communications. As a doctoral graduate specialized in engineering, he has many years of experience in automotive and mechanical applications. Since 2008, he has held various management positions in the areas of Service, Sales and Development at companies including Porsche AG and Volkswagen AG, where his responsibility covered a range of key topics such as digital transformation. Most recently, Dr. Schwenken served as CSO, CTO and CDO at Leistritz AG, and was responsible for the strategic focus on innovative growth areas.

Heinrich Krull

Krull joined Trützschler Group SE in September 2020. As a graduate engineer for production engineering and management with international experience in mechanical and production site engineering, he has comprehensive expertise related to operations. He also has extensive experience of production technologies, including in-depth knowledge of Lean Management methods and expertise in post-merger integration. As COO, he will be responsible for the areas of Production, Purchasing and Logistics, Quality Assurance as well as Supply Chain.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Schwenken and Mr. Krull to the Board of Directors. Both will bring diverse expertise to strengthen the development of the company for future growth. We wish them great success in their new tasks,” said Dr. Roland Münch, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Trützschler Group SE.

Until his scheduled retirement at the end of 2022, Dr. Dirk Burger will act as Co-CEO to Dr. Schwenken.

The responsibilities of the Board of Directors of Trützschler Group SE as of July 1, 2022 are as follows: Dr. Ulrich Schwenken (CEO) is responsible for Development, Digitalization, IT and Corporate Communications; Dr. Dirk Burger will take over the role of Co-CEO to Dr. Schwenken until the end of 2022; Dr. Ralf Napiwotzki (CFO) is responsible for Finance and Controlling, Human Resources, Legal and Compliance; Alexander Stampfer (CSO) is responsible for Sales, Marketing and Service; Heinrich Krull (COO) is responsible for Production, Purchasing and Logistics, Quality Assurance as well as Supply Chain.

Posted: July 6, 2022

Source: Trützschler Group SE

Brad Burnett Receives David Clark Award From Southern Textile Association

Brad Burnett (left), recipient of the David Clark Award for distinguished leadership and service to the Southern Textile Association (STA), with Ed Cox.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — June 29, 2022 — Brad Burnett, who spent his entire career in the textile industry, was awarded the David Clark Award for distinguished leadership and service to the Southern Textile Association (STA).

The presentation was made June 29 during the STA Business Breakfast Session of the Joint Annual Meeting of the STA and Fiber Buyers Groups at The Sonesta Resort at Shipyard Plantation here. The award was presented by Ed Cox, plant manager at Elevate Textiles.

Recipients of the David Clark Award are selected by the Board of Governors from past presidents of the association who have continued to provide leadership and service to the organization and industry for a minimum of 10 years after their term has ended. Burnett served as president of the Southern Textile Association in 2010-2011 and as chairman 2011-2012. Recipients are selected by vote of the Board of Governors.

Burnett graduated from Boiling Springs High School third in his class and went on to college at Wofford College, where he played football on a combined academic and athletic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude with majors in Economics, Sociology and Psychology. He also earned a master’s degree in Business Law and Management.

Burnett began his textile career with Milliken and Company in early 1979 and served over 10 years at four plant locations in all aspects of manufacturing management. He joined Inman Mills in 1990, beginning with the plant manager of the Mountain Shoals plant and later at all of the Enoree Division operations in South Carolina.

Burnett has served in leadership roles with the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and subsequently the Southern Textile Association (STA). He served two terms as mayor of the city of Woodruff, SC. He still works with the city, even though his terms concluded in 2019. He retired from Inman Mills in 2018.

Burnett and his wife of 44 years, Sharon, have two daughters.

Posted July 5, 2022

Source: Southern Textile Association

Russell Mims Receives Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award From Southern Textile Association

Russell Mims (left), recipient of STA’s Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award, with Ed Cox

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — June 29, 2022 — Russell Mims, who spent his 41-year career in the textile industry, was awarded the highest award conferred by the Southern Textile Association (STA), the Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award.

The Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award honors members who have been a member of association for 20 years or more, are retiring or have retired, served the association in many capacities of leadership and service during their years of membership. Steve Epps served as president of STA in 1985-86 and remained an active member of STA until his death in 2010. Recipients are selected by vote of the Board of Governors.

The presentation was made during the STA Business Breakfast Session of the Joint Annual Meeting of the STA and Fiber Buyers Groups at The Sonesta Resort at Shipyard Plantation. The award was presented by Ed Cox, plant manager at Elevate Textiles.

Mims graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Administration in 1976. He joined Cone Mills as a management trainee in 1977. During his time with Cone he was a supervisor and department manager in carding and spinning at Minneola Plant as well as an assistant plant manager at the Haynes Plant.

In 1989 he left to work for Parkdale Mills in Belmont, N.C., where he was plant manager for two different Parkdale plants. He also worked as plant manager for R.L. Stowe Mills in Belmont. In 2001 he became Vice President of Manufacturing for Buhler Quality Yarns in Jefferson, Ga. He stayed with Buhler for 17 years before retiring in 2018.

During his career, he began his STA journey by attending his first meeting in 1977 while working at Cone Mills. He went on to serve as North Carolina Division vice chairman. After moving to the Piedmont Division, he served as Piedmont Division vice chairman and chairman. He also served on the Board of Governors as first vice president, president (2004-05) and chairman (2005-06).

After retirement, he and his wife Joan moved to Indian Trail, N.C. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Posted July 5, 2022

Source: Southern Textile Association

Evolved By Nature Raises $120M Series C, Led by Teachers’ Venture Growth, to Scale Sustainable Activated Silk™ Technology for Global Impact

BOSTON — June 30, 2022 — Evolved By Nature, a company creating a proprietary library of Activated Silk™ molecules from natural silk protein, announced today it closed $120 million in Series C financing, led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (TVG), part of the C$242 billion Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, and Senator Investment Group, with participation from existing investors including Mousse Partners, Chanel, Jeff Vinik, The Kraft Group, Roy Disney and Emerald Development Managers.

Designed to advance human health, product performance, and the circular economy, Activated Silk molecules serve as renewably-sourced sustainable chemicals, bioactive ingredients and novel therapeutics for use in markets including apparel, personal care and medicine.

This financing accelerates commercialization of the Activated Silk technology platform, which will move global markets away from dependence on synthetics and fossil fuel derivatives and expand the boundaries of regenerative medicine. The round coincides with the launch of Evolved By Nature’s state-of-the-art, full-scale manufacturing facility, which will ramp up production volumes to 900 metric tons of Activated Silk per year.

This financing advances global sales for Evolved By Nature’s sustainable alternatives to the petrochemical coatings used by the leather and textile industries today. In the last year, Evolved by Nature’s biodegradable, high-performance finishes have been adopted by fashion brands including Anya Hindmarch, nylon mills including Alpine Creations and Apex Holdings and leather tanneries including Richard Hoffmans GmbH & Co. KG, Cyclica Srl and Curtidos Bengala.

The funding also progresses the launch of promising, powerful Activated Silk skin barrier enhancing ingredients in both brand-owned and third-party personal care products, which serve as natural replacements to fossil fuel derivatives like petrolatum and harsh, synthetic ingredients like retinoids. In parallel, Evolved by Nature will pursue the discovery of therapeutics that effectively improve the skin and treat often overlooked conditions.

“We’ve crossed a critical planetary boundary. Overuse of fossil fuel-derived petrochemicals has altered the biochemistry of the human body and the planet’s life support systems,” said Dr. Greg Altman, CEO and co-founder of Evolved By Nature. “With TVG’s support, we can now reimagine new therapeutics and global supply chains that foster healthier relationships between industries and ecosystems, focusing first on skin treatments and high-performance coatings for leather and apparel.”

“With this investment, we can now make our library of Activated Silk molecules available to global development partners,” added Dr. Rebecca Lacouture, president, COO and co-founder of Evolved by Nature, “so, together, we can enhance the performance potential of — essentially — any surface.”

Evolved By Nature’s newly-minted, full-scale production facility in Walpole, Mass., opened in May 2022 and currently produces 150 metric tons of Activated Silk per year — a 500-percent increase in capacity from 2021. This financing supports full operation and the capacity to generate 900 metric tons of Activated Silk per year in 2024. Based on Evolved By Nature’s calculations, this would represent 900 million jars of petrochemical free skincare, 150 million square feet of biodegradable, polyurethane-free leather, sustainable finishing chemistry for 195 million pieces of performance apparel, or a replacement for 7,200 metric tons of non-biodegradable petrochemical surfactants regularly washed into waterways via skin cleaning products.

“We believe there is vast unlocked potential in utilizing silk protein to produce innovative and sustainable products of a high quality that will advance the health of people and the planet,” said Olivia Steedman, executive managing director of TVG. “Evolved By Nature has a compelling vision to break through new scientific boundaries to reduce our reliance on problematic chemicals and build better, more sustainable supply chains in the process. We’re delighted to partner with them in executing this vision and growing their operations globally.”

Citigroup acted as the sole placement agent on this transaction. Nixon Peabody represented Evolved By Nature.

Posted July 5, 2022

Source: Evolved by Nature

Meryl Fabrics® Celebrate BusinessGreen Leaders Success

CONGLETON, England — July 5, 2022 — Meryl Fabrics® recently was honored with a Highly Commended award in the Manufacturer of the Year category at the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards.

Directors of the firm, joined more than 400 top green business leaders, sustainability executives, investors, campaigners, and politicians as they gathered at The Brewery in Central London for the 12th annual BusinessGreen Leaders Awards to recognize “the hundreds of fantastic businesses and individuals across the UK who are striving to advance the net zero emissions and build and greener and healthier economy for all.”

Meryl Fabrics also achieved finalist status for the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards Innovation of the Year award.

Kevin Simpson, co-founder at Meryl Fabrics said: “Following hot on the heels of several prestigious award wins over the past few months, the whole team is thrilled to receive further authoritative and much coveted recognition for our mission in mitigating the adverse impact that the textile industry is having on our environment.

“We were very impressed by the passion and commitment of our peers at the ceremony, and are hopeful that together we can make a difference.”

Meryl Fabric’s mission is to lead a radical change in the textile industry through advanced hydrogen technology, creating 100-percent recyclable, high-performance fabrics which do not release microplastics, with no water consumption and no use of chemicals.

All Meryl Fabrics products are treated with a permanent antiviral-effect, antibacterial and anti-fungal technology co-developed alongside virology partner, HeiQ.

Meryl Fabrics is dedicated to reducing the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment, providing large industries with the expertise as we drive forwards into the circular economy and complete sustainability.

Posted July 5, 2022

Source: Meryl

PVH Corp. And HSBC Partner On First Sustainable Supply Chain Finance Program Tied To Environmental And Social Factors

NEW YORK CITY — July 4, 2022 — PVH Corp. and HSBC Bank USA are announcing the first sustainable supply chain finance program that is tied to both environmental and social objectives, and based on suppliers’ sustainability ratings.

The partnership with HSBC, the world’s leading trade bank, provides PVH’s suppliers with access to critical funding based on a set of science-based environmental targets, as well as a series of social elements, including a healthy and safe working environment, compensation and benefits, and employment issues, such as forced labor, child labor, and harassment and abuse. The program demonstrates PVH’s long-standing commitment to driving sustainable business by continuously improving and protecting the environment and human rights across their global supply chain.

According to recent research conducted by HSBC and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), global supply chains need $100 trillion of investment by 2050 if they are to achieve net zero emissions targets — and as much as half of this is required by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sustainable supply chain finance is one way to help leading companies and key sectors like the apparel industry ensure that progress is made to advance their targets and commitments.

“We are proud to leverage our international and sustainability expertise to help one of the world’s largest apparel companies make progress against their ESG goals,” said Marissa Adams, regional head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance for HSBC North America.

“PVH’s commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing human rights in our supply chain is core to our Forward Fashion strategy. The availability of accessible financing is pivotal to ensuring our suppliers are empowered to invest back into their businesses and people, and contribute to our collective goal of creating an innovative and responsible global supply chain,” said Sarah Clarke, PVH’s chief supply chain officer.

Suppliers progress will be measured against PVH’s Human Rights and Environmental Supply Chain standards and performance assessment standards will be measured using industry-aligned tools. These include the Social Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), which measures a facility’s performance against human rights and labor standards, and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Facility Environmental Module, which assesses environmental standards. HSBC will act as a key financing partner in providing capital based on these trusted standards and building on the bank’s established expertise in sustainable supply chain finance programs that drive progress.

“With this announcement, HSBC continues to show their leadership in critically needed sustainable supply chain finance to fund the textile, apparel and footwear industry’s transition to net zero. We estimate the total cost for the decarbonization of this industry to be $1 trillion between now and 2050, the majority of which will go towards capital investment in the supply chain. We applaud HSBC, along with PVH, for forming this strategic partnership to finance clean production at apparel manufacturing facilities,” said Lewis Perkins, President of the Apparel Impact Institute.

Posted: July 5, 2022

Source: PVH Corp.

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