DFND Introduces Sleepwear Powered By CELLIANT®

LOS ANGELES — April 20, 2022 — DFND — a compression and apparel brand designed for the military, firefighters, first responders and pro athletes now available to athletes everywhere — has partnered with Hologenix®, creators of CELLIANT® to introduce a line of unisex sleepwear: DFND REST.  Designed for the “warrior athlete,” the revolutionary sleepwear is powered by DFND X CELLIANT®, the trailblazer in bio-responsive infrared textiles.

Both DFND and Hologenix are focused on increasing recovery and enhancing performance for the human body, so the partnership couldn’t be more ideal. Celliant’s science-backed infrared (IR) technology is a natural blend of bioceramics that allows textiles to capture and convert body heat into infrared energy. DFND REST powered by Celliant notes that it is “clinically proven to enhance tissue oxygen levels to help your body be at its best.”

DFND REST powered by Celliant includes three unisex designs in two colors each, Tan and Heather Grey: IR Short Sleeve V-Neck Shirt; IR Long Sleeve V-Neck Shirt and IR Sleepwear Long John; and two designs in Black: IR Recover RX Hood; IR Recover RX Jogger.

DFND REST, like all DFND products, is designed, tested and made in the USA. Celliant’s proprietary mineral formula is processed and manufactured in the United States.

DFND REST will be featured at the following upcoming shows: the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Exposition and Industry Day, April 26 to 27 at Fort Eustis; Warrior West, April 27 to 28 at the San Diego Convention Center; Modern Day Marine, May 10 to 12, Washington, D.C.; The Human Performance & Biosystems Summit, June 29 to 30 at National Harbor, Maryland; National Guard Conference & Exhibition, August 26 to 29, Columbus, Ohio; and AUSA, October 10 to 12, Washington, D.C.

“Celliant is specially engineered to enhance sleep, rest and recovery, and the partnership with DFND strongly reinforces our brand values,” said Seth Casden, Hologenix co-founder and CEO. “We are very excited about this product launch.”

“With sleep and rest being so critical to the core components of performance and recovery, DFND is proud to partner with Hologenix on its industry-leading, science-backed Celliant technology to bring this product to the market to make an impact in the lives of soldiers and athletes alike,” concluded DFND President Steve Burnett.  “Improved sleep is needed for both physical and mental health, and we are pleased to present these products at our upcoming shows where rest and recovery are key components of our brand pillars.”

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Aurora Unveils Comprehensive View Of The Company’s Extensive North American Technical Textiles Capabilities And Markets Served

YORKVILLE, Ill. — April 20, 2022 — This week, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group unveiled a new website, located at auroratextile.com, that takes visitors inside its U.S manufacturing operations and offers an expanded view of the company’s textile manufacturing capabilities, products and people.

Customers can learn about Aurora’s capabilities and products easily through the new website. This includes quick access to information about Aurora’s many “Innovative Textile Solutions”

Pressure Sensitive Tape: Aurora provides fabrics for a broad range of tape applications including gaffer’s tape, medical tape, athletic tape, automotive tape and printable tape.

Digitally Printable Textiles: Aurora also produces fabrics engineered for optimal print performance on today’s latest wide format digital printers. Aurora’s printable fabrics portfolio is led by its Expressions Canvas product line.

Technical Textiles: Aurora’s state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies offer a wide range of finishing and coating solutions for textiles used in military textile applications, healthcare and safety, sanding abrasives, industrial belting ,and outdoor protective coverings. Its North American manufacturing operations comply with Berry Amendment requirements.

Aurora Solutions: In addition to fabric finishing and coating, Aurora offers fabric dyeing, fabric preparation, calendering, sanding, converting services, contract manufacturing, toll manufacturing and angle inducing.

R&D: The new website also discusses Aurora’s role as a partner in new product development and how the company can help its customers quickly deliver a vast range of new products to market.

“I am very excited to launch our new website,” said Marcia Ayala, president of Aurora Specialty Textiles.  “It showcases our capabilities and products, as well as captures the essence of Aurora, our culture and our values.  I hope the visitors to our website take the time to explore the pages, learn more about Aurora, and as a result, reach out to us.”

Aurora is well-known for quality and has won multiple awards for outstanding business and manufacturing practices and sustainability. This includes awards for Operational Excellence and Innovation from the Valley Industrial Association (VIA), which represents the manufacturing industry in one of the US Midwest’s largest industrial hubs.

The new website also takes readers inside the efforts Aurora takes daily to incorporate best practices for sustainability into their operations and provides insight into the careers and benefits offered to employees.

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc.

Asahi Kasei Europe Launches Foam Lab In Düsseldorf

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — April 20, 2022 — Asahi Kasei Europe has opened a new Foam Lab at its R&D Center in Düsseldorf, Germany. Localizing the technical support and grade development in Europe is the company’s next step of business expansion of its SunForce™ family of high-performance particle foams.

The new Foam Lab was installed in December 2021 and is scheduled to start operation in spring 2022. Centerpiece of the new Lab is the beads foaming facility which will be used to locally produce test samples of the engineering plastics-based particle beads foam SunForce™ for the European customers. This high-performance foam family is made of modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) and polyamide (PA) and is a key element of Asahi Kasei’s business expansion in Europe. Yoshito Kuroda, general manager, R&D, at Asahi Kasei Europe, noted: “The Foam Lab is the next milestone for us to realize a faster local support and will allow us to more flexibly react to our European customers’ needs.”

Local development of recyclable grades

Both SunForce types are unique, with the mPPE-based SunForce BE being the first material of its kind to receive the UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy. In addition, it offers a high dimensional stability, high processability and superior insulation properties that can for example contribute to safer, more efficient and more sustainable EV battery modules. The PA-based SunForce AS convinces with its heat resistance (190℃/30min), as well as with resistances against oils and chemicals. Common to both particle foam types are the very good adhesion properties in interaction with metals, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics or even fiber materials. Their properties open up new application fields, which were not feasible for conventional foams. Located in the center of Europe, the heart of innovation of more sustainable materials, the Foam Lab will furthermore focus on the development of SunForce grades with an improved recyclability.

“The close proximity to the European market and the strong collaboration with our partners will help to develop new recyclable grades which perfectly fit the increasing demands of our customers in regard to maintaining the material performance while at the same time drastically improving its carbon footprint and recyclability,” concluded Takashi Onoe, manager, R&D, of SunForce at Asahi Kasei Europe. The Foam Lab is located at Asahi Kasei Europe’s R&D Center in Düsseldorf Harbor, Germany. In addition to the new facility for SunForce™, the R&D Center provides grade development and technical customer support in the field of engineering plastics, synthetic rubber, as well as for battery and coating materials.

Asahi Kasei Europe will exhibit SunForce from 3-5 May at the JEC World, the leading international composites show, in Paris: Hall 5, booth number P18.

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

JEC World 2022 Exhibitor Preview: Scott Bader

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, England  — April 20, 2022 — Scott Bader is pleased to be returning to JEC World to exhibit its structural adhesives and advanced composites in Hall 6 on Stand M27.

Products anticipated to be of particular interest include Crestafire®, Scott Bader’s innovative composite FST system for the rail, marine, and building and construction markets. Crestafire products offer high fire, smoke and toxic fume performance and meet the stringent European and Global FST standards.

Scott Bader’s industry renowned adhesive range includes Crestabond® and Crestomer® structural adhesives, along with Crestafix® bonding pastes. The company will launch Crestabond M1-04SL, a new self-leveling primerless MMA structural adhesive. The self-leveling adhesive is used for potting and bonding purposes in EV-batteries and is suitable for applications in all market segments where self-leveling properties are required. It can be used to bond composites, thermoplastics and metals. Crestabond M1- 04SL has high strength and resistance to tough environmental conditions as well as a gap filling capability of up to 5mm.

Scott Bader’s new range of Crestaform 3D printing resins will also be promoted to businesses and individual consumers. 3D printing is a rapidly growing market that Scott Bader identified as an area for new product development using their vast experience and expertise in resin manufacture, dating back more than 70 years. That expertise led to the development of Crestaform high performing 3D printing resins that exhibit superior mechanical performance and excellent reactivity.

Scott Bader’s technical experts will be on hand to answer questions and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Stand M27 at JEC World 2022.

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Scott Bader

Klopman – Strategic Driver Of Europe’s Largest Circular Economy Project In The Textile Sector

FROSINONE, Italy — April 20, 2022 — Klopman, a European company in the production of workwear fabrics with its headquarters in Italy, is promoting an innovative circular economy project that promises to revolutionize textiles at the end of their first lifecycle. The scheme aims to achieve significant energy savings and localize the supply chain in Europe, currently 85-percent dependent on non-European countries.

The innovative project starts with the French company Renaissance Textile, which is promoting a new production model in a short, sustainable, and virtuous circuit throughout Europe. Renaissance Textile, together with its partners, including Klopman and TDV Industries, the French textile counterpart belonging to the same group, aims to conclude an agreement with its clients to receive and recycle their clothes at the end of their first life cycle. This will allow the production of new fabrics, made with an increasing amount of recycled fiber, which can be put back on the market. A key part of the process is the advanced technology of the company’s 12,000-square-meter industrial building in Laval, France, where garments are grouped, sorted, and then transformed into raw material ready to be trimmed and woven.

Several targets have been set for 2024, the most significant of which are an expansion to three fabric fraying lines and a target to recycle 3,000 to 9,000 metric tons of fabric — the equivalent of 10 to 30 million garments — by 2024. All this will translate into an estimated saving of 430,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2026, equivalent to the planting of about 57 million trees (source: Life Cycle Communication Tool: Scuola Sant’Anna di Pisa).

The aim is to produce a regenerated fabric with a premium fiber able to have the same life cycle of a virgin produced fabric. This is a fundamental step forward if we consider that in Europe at present only 1 percent of old clothes are regenerated and put back on the market as new and 85 percent are burned or dumped. Clothes at the end of their first life will be turned into an opportunity for environmental, economic, and social development.

#KlopmanCircular is the concept the company has developed to support the development of this and other projects that aim to protect our planet by recycling resources. Klopman’s main task is to ensure the supply of materials that can be transformed from leftovers into raw materials. In fact, the company is — in this first phase — engaging with its customers across Europe, large industrial laundries and then expanding its base.

“We are proud to be actively working with and supporting such an important project,” said Amaury Sartorius, managing director of Klopman. “This project has the enormous potential to make a real difference in our society by turning a problem into a huge opportunity. In the coming weeks our sales team will be working to reach out to those who have used clothes and textiles, so we can actively contribute to Renaissance Textile’s goals in the whole of Europe.”

Through the construction of this circular economic model, it will be possible to reduce reuse materials and at the same time to save fundamental resources such as water, reduce the weight of transport thanks to a mainly European supply chain and make energy savings in each country.

“To make a difference and make this project work,” continued Amaury, “we need support from the market to identify companies ready to invest with us recycling garments at the end of their first life, in order to allow Renaissance Textile to regenerate them. This is why we are asking all interested parties to join forces and build a synergy with the aim of truly revolutionizing the supply chain and bringing about an epoch-making change in the world.”

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Klopman International S.r.l.

JEC World 2022 Exhibitor Preview: Hypetex®

LONDON — April 20, 2022 — Hypetex will demonstrate both the processing and sustainability benefits of its patented colorization technology when it exhibits for the first time at JEC World 2022.

Exhibiting as part of the Composites UK stand (Booth R52), Hypetex will display its portfolio of uniquely colored carbon fiber materials including 3K woven styles, ultra-lightweight spread tow fabrics, UD and 3D materials. Hypetex will also present details of its latest ecofriendly colored flax materials which combine sustainably grown natural flax with sustainable coloring technologies.

Hypetex patented coloring technology, available in an extensive palette of standard and bespoke colors and shades, can be applied to traditional woven fabric constructions, non-woven UDs, spread tow and bespoke fabric designs. The technology replaces a traditional colored painted finish, providing an exceptional depth of color to any composite part, improving thermal conductivity and reducing heat absorption ,whilst reducing the overall weight and processing time with no compromise to the mechanical performance of the composite structure.

By removing the need for painting, and the associated preparation steps, Hypetex technology provides manufacturers with a repeatable straight out of the mold colored finish, that is not only easy to integrate into all composite processes, but also takes additional materials, consumables, and process time out of the component cost.

As part of its continued commitment to leading the drive for more sustainable composite solutions, and its focus on improvements based on the ESG framework. Hypetex will also display its new range of colored flax fiber textiles. The advanced coloring technology used protects the natural flax fibers throughout the high temperature processes required for composite production, avoiding burning or any discoloration issues common to natural fibers. In addition, Hypetex coloring solution is an ecofriendly sustainable alternative to traditional dyeing processes which are a significant cause of global water pollution.

The Hypetex team will be on hand throughout the show to provide additional details on Hypetex materials and their integration into the manufacturing process. Visitors to the Hypetex stand will be able see Hypetex carbon and flax products in raw fabric, and how its unique colour palette translates into the most distinctive finished molded components.

Hypetex partners SHD Composites, Textreme, Sigmatex and Angeloni will also have materials and components on display at JEC World 2022, including sporting equipment such as racquets, sticks, and skateboards, which highlight the massive range of processing options and potential applications for this novel technology. One such application, the adidas Kromaskin field hockey stick, with a unique Hypetex colored Textreme spread tow carbon finish, will also be part of the JEC Innovation Planets feature.

Posted: April 20, 2022

Source: Hypetex

Demand Strong; Supply-Chain Woes Continue

By Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

As has been the case for most of the last nine months, demand for domestic yarn, ring-spun and open-end, remains strong. However, labor shortages, supply chain issues and increasing costs continue to constrict production and delivery.

“At the height of the pandemic, when so many places were on lockdown, a lot of people became accustomed to the flexibility of working remotely,” said one analyst. “Now that restrictions have been abolished in most environments, there isn’t nearly as much desire to return to the routine of regular shift work. So, a lot of these people are retraining, acquiring skills that will both provide higher wages and the work/life balance they seek.”

“I have a lot of customers who want yarn,” said a yarn broker. “My problem is finding enough supply to provide for their needs.”

Further exacerbating the issue are the continuing global supply chain issues. “We were hoping to see some relief by now,” said a logistics and transportation expert. “But that is not happening.”

She continued: “Even in normal times, the supply chain is fragile. Once disrupted, it takes some time to heal. This is true with even minor kinks in the system. But Covid and soaring energy prices are far from minor disruptions. Then you add the conflict in Ukraine, and you create an entirely new level of disturbance. And when you have bottlenecks in the supply chain and can no longer freely move components and products across the globe, you create a fertile ground for inflation.”

Most experts predict the global supply chain will continue to be dysfunctional for at least the remainder of the year — and perhaps well into the first quarter of 2023. While there are shortages of available product in many areas, among the most critical are semiconductors, which are necessary for everything from cars, to computers, to manufacturing processes. This is an area in which the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had significant impact. While Ukraine is not an exporter of microchips, it is the world’s leading source of neon, a gas needed for the lasers used in the chip-making process.

Consumer Confidence Increases Slightly In March

Consumer confidence was up slightly in March, despite inflation and global supply-chain issues.

The Consumer Confidence Index®, published monthly by The Conference Board, increased slightly in March, after a decrease in February. The Index now stands at 107.2 (1985=100), up from 105.7 in February. The Present Situation Index — based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions — improved to 153.0 from 143.0. However, the Expectations Index — based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions — declined to 76.6 from 80.8.

“Consumer confidence was up slightly in March after declines in February and January,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “The Present Situation Index rose substantially, suggesting economic growth continued into late Q1. Expectations, on the other hand, weakened further with consumers citing rising prices, especially at the gas pump, and the war in Ukraine as factors. Meanwhile, purchasing intentions for big-ticket items like automobiles have softened somewhat over the past few months as expectations for interest rates have risen.”

Franco continued: “Nevertheless, consumer confidence continues to be supported by strong employment growth and thus has been holding up remarkably well despite geopolitical uncertainties and expectations for inflation over the next 12 months reaching 7.9 percent—an all-time high. However, these headwinds are expected to persist in the short term and may potentially dampen confidence as well as cool spending further in the months ahead.”

Year-Over-Year, Cotton Prices Continue To Soar

Despite a slight decrease for the week ending April 7, cotton prices continue to be at the highest levels since the early 2010s. Spot for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, and uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets measured by the USDA averaged 132.72 cents per pound for the week ending April 7. The weekly average was down from 134.86 cents from the previous week, but up from 74.97 cents reported the corresponding period a year ago. The ICE May settlement price ended the week at 133.20 cents, compared to 135.69 cents the previous week.

April 2022

Ecopol Will Invest More Than $38 Million To Establish Manufacturing Plant, North American Headquarters In Spalding County, Ga.

ATLANTA — April 12, 2022 — Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that sustainability-focused Ecopol, a European leader in the production of biodegradable PVA film, will invest more than $38 million and create 130 new jobs at the company’s first North American facility in Spalding County.

“Georgia’s world-class connectivity to markets continues to draw in businesses from around the world,” said Governor Kemp. “I am excited for Ecopol to bring new opportunities to hardworking Georgians in Spalding County. I want to congratulate the teams in Spalding County who made this project possible by planning ahead and investing in future sites, and I look forward to seeing how Ecopol’s new facility will energize the local economy.”

Italy-based Ecopol was established in 2009 with the goal of helping to safeguard the unique landscape of Tuscany by reducing the utilization of plastics and carbon emissions. The company manufactures water-soluble and biodegradable film used to wrap everyday products such as detergents, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.

“Our goal was to identify a suitable property with nearby interstate and international airport access, a favorable utility environment, a talented regional labor force, and an economic development team that would be supportive of this strategic project now and in the future,” said Mauro Carbone, CEO of Ecopol, highlighting what the company was looking for in a new community. “With the assistance of our location consultant, we performed a thorough analysis of numerous properties and communities in the southeastern U.S., and we are confident that we found a great home in The Lakes at Green Valley eco-industrial park in Griffin, Georgia.”

The Lakes at Green Valley eco-industrial park promotes clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing. Construction within The Lakes requires all projects to achieve a certain “eco” rating from the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority, which provides a standard rating system for environmentally sustainable construction. Ecopol will be hiring for positions in production, maintenance, management, and administration prior to the completion of construction. Interested applicants can learn more about the company at www.ecopol.com.

“Environmental sustainability was a key objective in the development of the Lakes at Green Valley,” said Chuck Copeland, Chair, Griffin-Spalding Development Authority. “We are very happy to welcome another international company to our park whose product and processes align with that vision.”

Project Manager Kasey Smith represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“Ecopol is an exciting addition to Georgia’s community of innovative companies dedicated to keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills, waterways, and the ocean using sustainable technology and solutions,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The quality of our teams and their commitment to working with companies has made Georgia an attractive location for exciting and impactful projects like Ecopol, and we look forward to them joining the more than 90 Italian companies already in Georgia.”

Georgia is home to a large and active Italian business community, and Italy has maintained a consular presence in Georgia since 1899. In 2021, exports from Georgia to Italy increased more than 18% over the previous year ($557 million total exports in 2021). Commissioner Wilson led an economic development mission to Italy most recently in September 2020. The State of Georgia has maintained continuous representation in Europe since 1973.

Posted: April 19, 2022

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Kingspan Insulation To Invest $27 Million To Increase Production Capacity In Frederick County, Va.

RICHMOND, Va. — April 13, 2022 — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Kingspan Insulation LLC, a division of the Kingspan Group, the producer of advanced insulation and innovative building solutions, will invest $27 million to expand its operation at 200 Kingspan Way in Frederick County. Kingspan Insulation LLC manufactures energy efficiency and moisture management products for the residential and commercial construction industries. The company will increase production capacity by adding a new manufacturing facility for high-demand, ultra-high energy efficient OPTIM-R® vacuum insulated panels to further expand its footprint on the East Coast. The project will create 37 new jobs.

In keeping with Kingspan’s Planet Passionate initiative, a 10-year global sustainability program that aims to significantly reduce its environmental footprint, the expanded facility will incorporate a number of sustainability aspects, including: replacement of all removed trees; the use of translucent wall panels to incorporate natural lighting and allow for reduced energy usage; the use of PV Roofing for the maximum use of renewable energy toward the goal of net zero carbon emissions for all Winchester product facilities; and the use of recycled rainwater through a robust rainwater harvesting program.

“Kingspan Insulation has been a valued employer in Virginia for more than four decades, and we are proud to see the company reinvest in Frederick County,” said Governor Youngkin. “This great project is a win-win, as Kingspan will increase production capacity to expand its East Coast presence while also creating 37 high-quality jobs, tapping into the region’s workforce.”

“Virginia’s strong foundation for job growth is reinforced by Kingspan Insulation’s long-term success and expansion, demonstrating its confidence in our pro-business climate and talent,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The company’s growth in Frederick County strengthens the local and regional economies and the Commonwealth’s advanced manufacturing sector, which continues to be a pillar in communities across Virginia.”

“Our Winchester plant first opened its doors in 1980 and has grown to become a critical manufacturing facility for Kingspan,” said Doug Crawford, managing director, Kingspan Insulation North America. “The Winchester plant’s consistent track record of strong performance coupled with the support of Frederick County and the Commonwealth of Virginia has given us the confidence to continually invest in this operation. We are eager to start constructing a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant to produce OPTIM-R® vacuum insulated panels; an ultra-high performance insulation solution that is revolutionizing how architects and engineers achieve stringent thermal requirements for the roofs of their construction projects.”

“We are pleased Kingspan Insulation has chosen to make another significant investment in Frederick County as part of its North American growth strategy,” said Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., chair of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. “Advanced manufacturing continues to be the County’s largest employment sector because of the strength and innovation of companies like Kingspan.”

“The news that Kingspan Insulation is expanding in Frederick County is a positive development for Virginia’s economy,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “Kingspan sources raw materials from around the world for its manufacturing operation, and The Port of Virginia is pleased to play an integral role in its logistics supply chain. We look forward to helping Kingspan Insulation leverage the efficiency of this world-class port to help the company grow and prosper for years to come.”

“I am very pleased that Kingspan is continuing to invest in our community,” said Senator Jill Vogel. “Frederick County attracts and maintains high-quality employers and we are grateful for corporate partners, like Kingspan, that bring more jobs to our region.”

“Two years ago, Kingspan contacted me for help because overly-burdensome state regulations being proposed threatened Kingspan’s ability to produce its environmentally-friendly insulation,” said Delegate David A. LaRock. “We addressed that concern, and Kingspan has renewed confidence to invest in Virginia, creating energy-saving products and good-paying jobs. With energy prices rising, it is great to see Kingspan investing in the local community and innovating to manufacture materials for energy-efficient homes and other buildings.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Kingspan Insulation LLC is a manufacturer offering high-performance insulation, building wraps, and pre-insulated HVAC ductwork. Kingspan XPS insulation and housewrap products are standards in the industry, while newer product lines are among the most thermally efficient and technologically advanced insulation materials available. Kingspan Insulation products are suitable for both new build and renovation in a variety of applications within both residential and non-residential buildings.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Frederick County and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. The Governor approved a performance-based grant of $550,000 from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive that encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies.

Posted: April 19, 2022

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Athleta Introduces Limited Edition Simone Biles Athleta Girl Collection

SAN FRANCISCO — April 19, 2022 — In celebration of the first year of partnership, and a shared mission of empowering the next generation of girls, Simone Biles and Athleta are launching Biles’ first signature collection of activewear for Athleta Girl. This limited-edition line is designed to help girls ages 6-12 feel inspired and confident whenever they wear it.

Biles spent the past year partnering with Athleta’s design team to cultivate a collection authentic to who she is as a person and athlete. Each style reflects her voice by incorporating the inspiring affirmations she tells herself every day. With a mix of matte and shine fabrics, chalk patterns inspired by the gym, and powerful optimistic colors, the collection evokes Biles’ grace, resilience, and strength, with iconic details for girls to wear and let their own light shine through.

“My inspiration behind this collection was to create clothing that is both cute and comfy and can be worn from school to practice while uplifting girls and encouraging them to chase their dreams,” Biles said. “It has been a longtime dream of mine to create an athletic line, and the opportunity to design this collection for Athleta Girl is so special to me. I want girls to feel inspired when they wear clothing in this collection, and for them to know that they can do anything they put their minds to.”

Athleta is launching its second major campaign with Biles that champions girls as changemakers, teammates, athletes, and activists. By continuing to reach girls where they are — whether together with friends, getting active outdoors, or in the metaverse — Athleta and Biles continue to show girls that they have the power to break barriers in sports and in life.

Athleta is the one of the only performance lifestyle brands to establish a celebrity partnership specifically in the Girls category, underscoring its commitment to the unique product category and brand differentiation.

Athleta Girl has become a powerful growth driver and key contributor to Athleta’s 2X Plan to reach $2B in net sales by 2023, propelled by Athleta Girl’s clear points of differentiation — multigenerational outfitting for moms and daughters, innovative product collaborations like the “Girl On-The-Go” Period Kit by Lola and the brand’s first-of-its kind partnership with Biles.

Biles’ first co-created product, a limited-edition “In Your Element Hoodie,” debuted last fall as the most-viewed item on Athleta.com within hours of its release.

“Since its launch in 2016, we’ve strategically scaled Athleta Girl into a powerhouse category for our brand and a key contributor to our plan to reach $2B in net sales by 2023,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and chief executive officer of Athleta. “Simone is the perfect partner for us to help empower girls to find their inner strength in school, sports, and play and we’re thrilled to launch this Athleta Girl collection with her.”

Last year, Athleta joined forces with Biles in a groundbreaking partnership between brand and athlete. Athleta featured Biles as the lead in the brand’s summer ad campaign that recognized the importance of her family and community, supported Biles’ journey to and in Tokyo without hesitation, prioritized showing the woman behind the athlete through meaningful content on AthletaWell, the brand’s digital community platform, as well as Biles’ Gold Over America Tour featuring all-female gymnastics as title sponsor. The Athleta-Biles partnership continues to explore meaningful ways to empower and inspire girls, including a $50,000 donation to the Power of She Fund in association with Biles’ attendance at the 2021 Met Gala.

Athleta has rewritten the blueprint for partnerships, prioritizing authenticity and shared values that drive both business and impact, and supporting its partners as whole women, beyond their artistic or athletic achievements. Biles is part of a roster of powerful, like-minded partners including Allyson Felix and Alicia Keys who bring these values to life.

Posted: April 19, 2022

Source: Athleta

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