No Time For Waste: PUMA Pilots Testing For Biodegradable RE:SUEDE Version Of Its Most Iconic Sneaker

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany  — November 4, 2021 — Sports company PUMA has developed an experimental version of its most iconic sneaker, the SUEDE, to test for a product to make it biodegradable. By doing so, PUMA aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable products for a better future. The RE:SUEDE, which uses the latest technology available today, will be made from more sustainable materials such as Zeology tanned suede, biodegradable TPE and hemp fibres.

The RE:SUEDE experiment is a pilot in circularity, and today’s ultimate expression of the next generation SUEDE — with the ambition to set new standards of sustainability for the iconic shoe. Designed to help address the challenge of waste management in the footwear industry, the RE:SUEDE experiment will allow PUMA to take more responsibility when it comes to tackling the ‘after life’ of its products. The pilot will launch in January 2022, offering 500 selected participants in Germany the chance to join PUMA on its experimental journey towards circularity.

In partnership with PUMA, participants will wear their RE:SUEDEs for six months to test out the durability of a product using biodegradable materials in real life, before sending them back to PUMA via a take back infrastructure, designed to move the products to the next step in the experiment. The sneakers will then be subject to an industrial biodegradation process in a controlled environment at Valor Compostering B.V., owned by Ortessa Groep B.V., a family-run business of waste specialists in the Netherlands. The goal of this step is to determine if Grade A compost can be produced for agricultural use. The findings will help PUMA assess the biodegradable process and unpick essential research and development for the future of sustainable shoe consumption.

The RE:SUEDE experiment is the first circular programme to launch under PUMA’s “Circular Lab” — a new innovation hub, which is led by PUMA’s sustainability and design experts who work to develop the future of the company’s circularity programmes.

This pilot is a recharged, refreshed experiment in circularity, following PUMA’s exploration in the space in 2012, which saw the brand’s first attempt to create a biodegradable sneaker as part of its InCycle collection. Yet after four seasons, the sneaker was discontinued due to low demand and the need for further research and development.

Since 2012, PUMA’s innovation department has worked to address the technological limitations of the InCycle collection in order to apply such learnings into the RE:SUEDE experiment. Improvements include the use of new, innovative materials such as Zeology suede, which is made using a more sustainable tanning process and ensures better comfort for the wearer, when compared to other biodegradable materials evaluated at PUMA. The outsole of the RE:SUEDE has also been improved to ensure optimal wear.

“In 2012, our circular ambition was bold but the technology wasn’t quite there. As they say, with every challenge there’s an opportunity – and we’ve continued to push ourselves to do better by applying our strengths as well as acknowledging and improving on our weaknesses,” said Heiko Desens, PUMA’s creative director. “We hope that progress made during the RE:SUEDE experiment: ‘No Time For Waste‘ will help us continue to raise the bar in circularity testing – enabling our consumers to make better fashion choices in the future, so their sneakers can go ‘from Suede to Soil’, without compromising on product style or durability during ownership.”

About the partnership with Ortessa, Desens further commented: “We’re excited to partner with the experts at Ortessa, who share our passion in developing proactive and pragmatic solutions to the industry‘s waste problem. Their expertise is fundamental in helping us learn more about the after life of the RE:SUEDE, so we can continue moving forwards on our exploration of circularity.“

Rob Meulendijks, CEO of Ortessa commented: “As a family owned challenger in the waste industry, we pride ourselves in creating surprising innovations and fresh concepts to tackle real waste issues in a different and open way. There is a lot more we can all be doing to help tackle waste management, but taking on that challenge alone can be a difficult task for any brand. We are delighted to be working in partnership with PUMA on this special project, where we can apply our deep knowledge and insights on waste, use tried and controlled methods, to assess the biodegradability of the future, next-generation Suede.“

PUMA aims to share the results and insights gained from this experiment within the industry to achieve an even bigger impact when it comes to addressing the challenge of waste management in the footwear industry in general. Circularity is one of the pillars of PUMA’s FOREVER BETTER sustainability strategy. By 2025, PUMA aims to reduce waste by increasing the level of recycled polyester in its products to 75 percent, setting up product takeback schemes in its major markets and developing recycled material options for leather, rubber, cotton and polyurethane.

Since its first iteration in 1968, the PUMA SUEDE has been at the forefront of cultural turning points, transcending style and trends. With the RE:SUEDE, PUMA wants to give its consumers a stylish and more sustainable choice, while showcasing the latest technologies.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: PUMA SE

PUZZLE X Frontier Material Innovations: From Human Tissue Printers To Air-Purifying Bikes And Graphene Concrete

BARCELONA, Spain — November 4, 2021 — 3D printed human tissues, air-purifiers that clean the air while riding a bicycle, and fabrics that heat themselves for monitoring health and body parameters. These are some of the cutting-edge innovations that will be showcased and discussed at the first edition of PUZZLE X, the new initiative focused on the use of Materials Deep Tech to build a more sustainable future for humanity. Held in Barcelona from November 16 to 18 and organized by Fira de Barcelona, the Advanced Material Future Preparedness Taskforce (AMPT) and Mobile World Capital Barcelona, the event aims to fast-track Frontier Materials innovation to solve society’s greatest challenges in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Graphene is one of the Frontier Materials featured in several innovations at PUZZLE X. Graphene textiles enables next-generation conductive biosensors capable of monitoring health parameters and regulating temperature. The Swedish company Grafren AB will showcase a pair of heating gloves made from graphene coated fabric.

Construction also benefits from the properties of graphene. Versarien, will discuss the advantages of a graphene-enhanced concrete with improved mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, that also reduced the CO2 emissions during its production.

Arevo, who is reinventing the way composite parts are made for production and scale, develops ultrastrong and ultralight products. Innovations on display include the world’s first continuous carbon fibre, a made-to-order lounge chair that will be on the PUZZLE X stage and a 3D printed bike.

Printing a new world
PUZZLE X will showcase companies combining 3D printing and Deep Tech Materials. Spanish company REGEMAT 3D work on bioprinters that can print customized tissue such as cartilage, skin, bone or muscle, adapted for each patient and medical condition.

The potential of 3D printing also reaches the food industry where Barcelona-based Novameat prints steaks made from pea, seaweed and beetroot juice. This substitute could have a significant impact on the environment because the global impact of livestock farming is substantial and accounts for almost 15% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Air pollution is an environmental challenge being addressed by Planet Airo, the German start-up behind the Airo, an air purifier attachable to a bicycle that filters the air while riding. The Airo uses an innovative carbon mesh to adsorb, trap and disaggregate pollutants transforming bicycles into mobile purifiers.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Fira de Barcelona

Bulwark® Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation: Flame-Resistant Apparel Safer, More Comfortable Than Ever

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — November 4, 2021 — Bulwark, the world’s largest flame-resistant (FR) apparel brand, is celebrating 50 years of innovation this month.

“For 50 years, we have served as the relentless protectors of those who power the world,” says Robert Grimes, vice president and general manager of Bulwark. In that time, we have pioneered every breakthrough in flame resistant apparel, and tirelessly championed the workers of oil, gas, and electric utilities. We don’t just make FR. We are FR.”

Since 1971, Bulwark has consistently brought innovation to the FR category. Highlights include:

  • 1971: FR workwear launched under Red Kap® brand which would later become Bulwark
  • 1987: Introduction of durable cotton garments that are guaranteed FR for the life of the garment.
  • 1992: Addition of Nomex® to FR line that improved appearance and shrinkage control.
  • 1996: Red Kap and Bulwark merge companies and FR technology to create a leadership powerhouse in FR.
  • 2001: Bulwark logo moves from the right cuff to the left sleeve to increase visibility, and easily signal compliance of safety workers driving onto the site for safety managers.
  • 2007: Bulwark introduces the only FR ANSI shirt available to make sure workers where both safe and seen.
  • 2011: Bulwark launches the lightest weight CAT 2/NFPA® 2112 complaint garment on the market which were lighter and more comfortable to wear thus reducing heat stress.
  • 2014: Bulwark launches the iQ® series Collection, bringing performance athletic wear properties to FR and maximizing airflow to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
  • 2018: Bulwark acquires Workrite.
  • 2021: Bulwark becomes independently owned.

“Our commitment to advancing the industry has inspired others to join us in continuous improvement and innovation,” Grimes said. “We have overcome comfort, style and durability barriers with better fabrics, sleeker fits, and smarter functionalities to transform something you have to wear into something you want to wear.”

Bulwark has trained over 50,000 safety professionals on the hazards they face and how the protection they wear can save their lives. Bulwark researchers visit workers in the field to experience their extreme working conditions and gather feedback to continuously improve their workwear.

Bulwark plans to continue leading the industry with innovative new products to serve its customers. The company is planning a variety of events in the coming months to celebrate this milestone and has produced this video highlighting its work.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Bulwark

igus Develops New Energy Chain For Cleanrooms

COLOGNE, Germany — November 4, 2021 — A new particle-free energy chain for cleanrooms has been developed by igus that allows for safe cable guidance in compact installation spaces, providing a cost-effective alternative to ribbon cables.
The e-skin flat energy chain from igus is a modular design and in the Fraunhofer cleanroom test, demonstrated cleanroom performance in accordance with ISO Class 1 as a single-layer and as a three-layered, ready-to-connect e-chain system. igus, which is based in Cologne, Germany, runs its North American operations out of Providence, R.I.

The e-skin flat is designed for cleanrooms, where LEDs, microchips and semiconductors are manufactured in areas characterized by little space and absence of particles. In order to guide cables safely in compact installation spaces, the e-skin flat allows cables and hoses to be quickly installed into flat profiles and replaced during maintenance.

Resistant to wear and abrasion

igus uses a special high-performance plastic that has been regularly tested in the in-house cleanrooms laboratory throughout the entire development process. The e-skin flat is resistant to wear and abrasion, and its single-layer variant has been Cleanroom Class 1 since its introduction in 2019.

The invention also won over the 2021 REINER! Awards judges. “Since the e-skin flat is rarely installed with just one layer, but often with three, we wanted to achieve the highest cleanroom class possible,’’ said Peter Mattonet, cleanroom technology industry manager at igus GmbH.

The Fraunhofer Institute IPA tested an e-skin flat energy supply system with three layers of four chambers each, including support chains, cables and hoses. During operation, the testers checked emissions at three key points. In the test, the chain was the only cleanroom energy chain to receive ISO Class 1 according to ISO 14644-1 with a bend radius of 70 millimeters.

“The e-skin flat stands out as a particle-free, compact energy supply system for the cleanroom, that saves the user space and therefore greatly reduces costs,’’ Mattonet said.

Up to 6 chambers per layer

The e-skin flat energy supply system is configurable depending upon the application. It can consist of up to six chambers per layer. Three-layered structure supports chains in the lowest layer, which ensures chain stability.

igus has also developed the CFCLEAN series specifically for use in the e-skin flat. The cable cores can transmit energy and signals for motor control, bus and ethernet. The user can receive, upon request, a complete cleanroom system that is certified and ready to connect upon arrival.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: igus

The National Retail Federation Launches Ad Campaign Promoting Passage Of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation

WASHINGTON — November 4, 2021 — The National Retail Federation today launched an advertising campaign calling on Congress and the Biden administration to pass essential bipartisan infrastructure legislation now.

“Retailers depend on a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system to move billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise every day,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The ongoing supply chain disruptions that retailers and others are facing highlight the need for investment in a truly 21st century infrastructure system.”

NRF supports the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would provide more than $550 billion over the next five years for reform of core infrastructure including roads, bridges, ports and broadband that are critical to America’s supply chain and global competitiveness.

NRF’s campaign includes a 30-second video called “Fortify” as well as radio and static digital ads. The six-figure ad buy will run across connected television and radio and social media platforms.

“The Senate passed a historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill in August, and as our ad states, ‘It’s time Congress came together to fortify our future … and pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Shay said.

In addition to the ad campaign, NRF recently sent a letter to members of the House in support of the infrastructure bill.

Visit nrf.com/bif for more information.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Indorama Ventures Hygiene Division Announces Price Increases On All Global Fibers

BANGKOK, Thailand — November 4, 2021 — The Hygiene vertical of Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, today announced price increases on all polypropylene, polyester, recycled polyester, polylactic acid (PLA) and bicomponent fibers effective December 1, 2021, or as contracts allow. These fibers are used in a variety of different hygiene and technical applications, worldwide. Prices will increase up to 15 percent, depending upon the specific fiber grade.

Shachar Rachim, CEO of the Hygiene Division stated, “Due to unprecedented increases in energy, wages, domestic and international freight costs, as well as finishes, additives and all packaging materials, we find it necessary to take this pricing action.” Rachim added, “These price increases will take place independent of any resin cost changes.”

“We recognize that these increases are taking place during an unusually high period of commodity resin pricing, yet we must take this action in order to support the staffing of our operations and the continued delivery of our high-quality fibers,” said Tom Zaiser, chief marketing officer. Zaiser also specified, “We will monitor the dynamic, global inflationary issues making these increases necessary on a quarterly basis and adjust as possible should these pressures subside.”

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Koenig & Bauer Durst Line Up Brands For SPC Open House

WÜRZBURG, Germany — November 4, 2021 — Customers have added their voice to the ongoing packaging debate at an ‘inspirational’ second SPC Open House — entitled “New Times, New Challenges and New Opportunities — in Lienz, Austria, organized by Koenig & Bauer Durst.

Jochen Drösel, chief sales officer at Schumacher Group, was a keynote panelist at the event that highlighted future trends, challenges, and opportunities for corrugated board markets, as well as the wider implications for retail and other industries. Breakout sessions at the Durst Innovation Center East also included deep insights into the Delta SPC 130 Automatic single-pass press that uses water-based food-safe inks.

The success of Schumacher Group, an early adopter of Koenig & Bauer’s Delta SPC 130 single pass press for the corrugated packaging market, has led to an investment in a second machine. At the SPC Open House, Drösel shared his perspectives on their relationships with brand owners and digital packaging journey, which Schumacher Group sees as the future for print production in corrugated markets.

Robert Stabler, Managing Director of Koenig & Bauer Durst, said: “This was a truly inspirational event, with real audience interaction and insightful content from leaders in the corrugated industry that generated extremely positive feedback. The perspective brought a new dimension and perspective to the debates we have over the future of packaging.

“Converters need to be ahead of the regulatory change curve and to be ready for the increased focus of brands on sustainability and have the capabilities and competencies to mass customize without any compromise on quality. Brand owners are demanding that new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective. Therefore, in a live setting we were able to look at how single pass digital printing helps converters meet the evolving demands of brand owners in a world of shorter lead times, short run lengths and greater forecast unpredictability.”

Koenig & Bauer Durst will be hosting a third SPC Open House at the Durst East Innovation Center, Lienz, on February 10 2022.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Koenig & Bauer Durst

DiloGroup: Praises Successful INDEX Exhibition

EBERBACH, Germany — November 4, 2021 — DiloGroup would like to thank all customers and interested parties for visiting the Dilo booth in Geneva. Despite the existing worldwide Covid, we were able to welcome a great number of well-known faces as well as meet new contacts, among them the most important nonwovens producers from across the world in all application areas: hygiene and lightweight nonwovens, technical textiles and needled nonwovens including geotextiles, filter media and automotive. The interest in using resource saving plant engineering, energy saving and the processing of natural fibres remains.

Dilo presented its latest developments in industry 4.0. Systematic plant monitoring and analysis of machine data allows simplified operation and more effective production. This smart system was illustrated with the aid of live analysis of the performance, quality and availability parameters of the production lines in our Textile Research Centre. The new production systems Hyperpunch Alpha, HyperTex and 3D-Lofter were explained with the aid of videos which led to a very positive responsive from the many different producers which are interested in running trials at the Dilo Textile Research Centre to further explore these subjects. These highlights and further new developments were the basis for fruitful technical discussions.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Oskar Dilo Maschinenfabrik KG

Thirty-Third Conference For Global Brands, Retailers, & Service Providers To Cover Trade Policy, Transportation Trends, Conscious Fashion, & More

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — November 4, 2021 — The U.S. fashion industry will convene virtually November 9-10, 2021, for the 2021 Virtual Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference. Hosted by the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and American Import Shippers Association (AISA), the event will bring together fashion brands, retailers, importers, and service providers working in compliance, logistics, sourcing, supply chain management, government relations, and corporate social responsibility to discuss the latest updates on trade policy, transportation, and compliance, as well as other hot topics.

Day one will focus on policy updates and will feature speakers from the Biden Administration. Key presentations include:

  • A keynote by the Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie Highsmith from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • A panel with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials discussing How the Ports and the AFT Center Operate and Impact your Customs Experience
  • An update on textile policy from Bill Jackson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles
  • A fireside chat with the Labor Department’s Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, Thea Lee.

Day two will focus on challenges facing the fashion industry, including the supply chain crisis. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Deputy Executive Director and COO for the Port of Long Beach, Sam Ruda, Director of the Port Department for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Robert Krieger, President of Krieger Worldwide. Closing out the Conference will be a keynote panel featuring five PwC speakers addressing supply chain resilience and introducing The New Equation at PwC. The complete agenda is available here.

The event will be hosted through our conference mobile platform. Watch live conference sessions, interact with other conference attendees, and meet with virtual exhibitors. Learn more about the conference and our speaker line-up on our conference website.

If you would like to cover the event please contact sgauzens@usfashionindustry.com by 12:00pm eastern on Monday, November 8 to receive your registration. All press must be registered in advance and will receive a log-in to the conference mobile platform. Note that some speakers are off-the-record although they will be available to respond to media questions after their presentation.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

Keep Up With The Latest In Weathering Science And Technology With The New Atlas® Weathering Blog

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — November 4, 2021 — The pace of technological development can make it very hard to stay up to date. A new blog service from Atlas can help you stay ahead of the curve with timely content covering trends in material testing, technological advancements, and instrumentation testing methods.

“Keeping current is crucial to staying competitive”, said Andreas Riedl, Atlas director of marketing. “That’s why we created the Atlas Weathering Blog. We’re committed to sharing our expertise in the areas of weathering and material durability testing, not just with our customers but with everyone who can benefit.”

Initial blog articles include:

  • Testing the durability of materials exposed to UVC radiation and a free tool for estimating the appropriate test duration.
  • Durability testing issues in the booming wearable electronics industry
  • Measuring sample surface temperatures while on test – a critical issue in photo-degradation and weathering testing.

The Atlas Weathering Blog is the newest addition to the Knowledge Center on the Atlas website, which offers a calendar of free online seminars, recorded educational presentations, webcasts, data, tools, and a brand new library of Technical Guides.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH

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