Kodak Senior Scientist Mridula Nair Recognized In Forbes 50 Over 50: Vision List

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — August 25, 2021 — Kodak Research Fellow and Senior Scientist Dr. Mridula Nair, was named to the first-ever Forbes 50 Over 50: Vision List, which highlights the exceptional women who are shaping the future of science, technology and art. Dr. Nair is a distinguished inventor with 136 U.S. patents, a majority of which were earned after age 50.

“The visionaries on the list are leaving a lasting imprint on society and culture with their unique scientific and artistic visions,” said Maggie McGrath, editor, ForbesWomen. “Through their dynamic ideas, they are proving that there is no deadline for success — or for the most creative and fulfilling years of your life.”

Since starting at Kodak in 1980, Dr. Nair’s work across chemical synthesis, formulation science, dispersion and coating technologies, manufacturing and commercialization have sparked several key business concepts, spanning traditional photographic systems, life sciences, printing and smart materials for textiles.

“It is by being a fearless idealist and creative problem solver that I have been able to innovate across businesses and generate a portfolio of patents for Kodak,” said Dr. Nair. “I could not have accomplished this without bold, innovative thinking and having a high-performing team to propel our ideas forward.”

Recently Dr. Nair’s work has focused on light management, as she has invented a disruptive engineered microparticle technology to create smart opacifying textile coatings including Kodak’s proprietary KODALUX Fabric Coating.

Dr. Nair has previously been honored with Kodak’s Century Inventors Award and was recently featured in the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s “Changemakers” exhibit, which highlighted Rochester women throughout history who changed the world. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras for her work in the field of applied materials.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: Kodak

Premier Men’s Underwear Brand SAXX Receives Strategic Investment From TZP Group

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — August 25, 2021 — SAXX Underwear Co. Ltd., a Canada-based men’s underwear brand, announced that it has received a strategic investment from TZP Group, a multi-strategy private equity firm, through TZP Capital Partners III, L.P. NLS Group Holdings Inc., led by Krystal Growth Partners which invested in SAXX in April 2010, will retain a significant minority interest in SAXX. As part of the transaction, Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm that invested in SAXX in December of 2016, will exit their investment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2006, SAXX has revolutionized men’s premium underwear with its patented BallPark Pouch™ technology — a hammock-shaped pouch built into each pair which their customers refer to as “life changing.” SAXX product designs have since expanded to include comfortable, premium, high-performance men’s apparel tailored to support an active lifestyle. Its products are made from the highest quality functional fabrics and construction methods to address the specific needs of their fanatical customer base, ranging from everyday lifestyle pieces to high performance athletic gear. SAXX’s self-described “obsession with the comfort of your manhood” has attracted a cult-like following that includes prominent celebrities and athletes.

With over 5,800 retailer partner doors across North America, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, and Australia, SAXX is actively extending its brand reach globally. Since its inception, SAXX has experienced rapid sales growth of 26 percent compounded annually over the last five years, with e-commerce sales growing an impressive 60 percent year-over-year in 2020 alone. As part of the investment, TZP will help support the Company’s operations, growth strategy and expansion into new markets while building out its current presence across the United States and Europe. SAXX and TZP will work together to strategically deepen customer relationships and increase brand awareness, while also exploring new product categories and retail distribution opportunities.

“Creating the iconic BallPark Pouch was the beginning of a new era in men’s underwear, and epitomizes our company’s obsession with comfort and innovation. Since then, we have set the standard in this category and become the leading men’s premium underwear brand in Canada,” said Wendy Bennison, CEO of SAXX. “We know that there is a significant opportunity for our business, beyond what we have accomplished to-date and beyond our borders, and we are excited to be partnering with TZP on this next chapter of growth. This transaction supports the significant opportunity we see to strengthen our leadership position as the best in solving male discomfort and to further expand the SAXX brand globally. TZP’s expertise in brand expansion and digital transformation, as well as their track record of driving omnichannel growth for leading consumer brands, make them the ideal partner to bring our coveted, patented technology to the world.”

“Since its founding, SAXX has pioneered technical performance in men’s underwear and disrupted a category through innovative and technical design that didn’t exist previously,” said Dan Galpern, partner at TZP. “Through its patented technology and unique design, SAXX offers a truly differentiated product with substantial growth opportunities into both new categories and markets. We are excited to partner with the exceptional team at SAXX as they continue to build a world-class brand and execute on the opportunities ahead.”

Terry Holland, SAXX board member and managing partner at Krystal Growth Partners, added: “The SAXX journey is one we are excited to continue on under the stewardship of TZP and the SAXX leadership team. We are so confident in the ongoing opportunity, we have chosen to retain a minority interest in the Company. There remains a tremendous opportunity in the next phase of growth bringing innovative performance products to the global market.”

Eric Reiter, partner at Brentwood, commented, “It has been such a pleasure to partner with Wendy and the SAXX management team in support of SAXX’s ambitious growth strategy over the last five years. SAXX has become a leading lifestyle brand in the men’s premium underwear category, built around superior product quality and industry leading innovation. We believe the Company is well-positioned to continue its exciting performance trajectory.”

Financo Raymond James served as SAXX’s exclusive financial advisor in the transaction and DLA Piper served as SAXX’s legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Stikeman Elliott LLP served as legal counsel to TZP Group. Perkins Coie served as legal counsel to Brentwood.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: SAXX Underwear Co. Ltd.

Diggs Inc. Welcomes Melisa Goldie To Board Of Directors

NEW YORK CITY — August 24, 2021 — Diggs Inc., creator of the Revol dog crate, announced today the addition of Melisa Goldie to its board of directors. Goldie boasts over two decades of excellence in the marketing field and served as the chief marketing officer for Calvin Klein and YETI during key hyper growth stages at both companies. She will work alongside current Directors Zel Crampton, Diggs co-founder and CEO; Chris Reynolds, venn growth partners; Issac Langleben, Diggs co-founder; and William Gross, early investor, Diggs. Goldie will leverage her past experience as CMO at YETI to guide Diggs in growing its lifestyle durables brand, providing the team with her valuable insight and input across strategic planning, brand positioning and marketing campaign execution.

The director news comes on the heels of Diggs’ latest funding round announcement (June 2021), which saw a $13 million Series A investment led by venn growth partners and backed by Strand Equity.

“The creative talent Melisa Goldie brings to Diggs perfectly balances our current roster of Directors,” said Zel Crampton, CEO/founder of Diggs. “Melisa is one the most successful product marketers of her time and we are grateful to have her eyes on our topline marketing strategy and supporting initiatives”.

In addition to her position at Diggs, Goldie currently acts as the chief brand officer & founder of Goldie Collective, an innovative brand and marketing company advising brands in the apparel, retail and consumer products industry. Goldie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute.

“I am excited to join Diggs’ Board of Directors and work alongside its remarkable leadership team to introduce a fresh category of premium pet products to the market,” said Goldie. “I see a lot of similarities between Diggs and other brands I have worked with, including YETI. The potential for growth through strategic marketing to achieve category domination is prevalent, and I am proud to support Diggs on its mission”.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: Diggs Inc.

GCS Fibers Announces Launch Of Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — August 25, 2021 — GCS Fibers, an environmentally friendly manufacturer whose patented technology produces high quality non-toxic mineral fiber through repurposing coal ash, is pleased to announce the launch of an Indiegogo fundraising campaign for its growth in the United States and international markets.

“Our mission is to restore and conserve our environment by turning harmful coal ash into useful mineral fiber products while generating meaningful jobs throughout our communities of operations,” stated Ato Andoh, GCS CEO. He added, “GCS is thrilled to share our passion for saving the environment with investors interested in joining us as we create a cleaner tomorrow and as many as 500 good paying jobs at each of our factories.”

GCS is seeking to raise $3.5 million to expand operations and build as many as 100 facilities in the U.S. and across the world. Upon a successful campaign, GCS will be able to resume operations within three months of funding and generate monthly profits of $5 million. The Indiegogo campaign is found here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gcs-fibers-innovation-that-preserves-the-planet#/

Each factory can process as much as one million tons of coal ash each year while employing emissions capture technology to reduce greenhouse gases and ensure the smallest possible adverse impact on the environment. The factories convert coal ash into six base fibers at a nearly 1:1 ratio of coal ash to mineral fiber in terms of weight. This represents a significant breakthrough in the ability of the utilities industry to responsibly manage and dispose of high volumes of coal ash without producing toxic waste discharges. GCS enables utility companies to save money on coal ash management and pass these savings on to consumers. Also, they can reclaim land parcels formerly used for coal ash landfills/ponds.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: GCS Fibers

The Central America–Dominican Republic Apparel And Textile Council (CECATEC-RD) Call To Action

NIVEL, Guatemala — August 24, 2021 — Today, the Central America–Dominican Republic Apparel and Textile Council (CECATEC-RD) launched a call to action in order to increase trade, investment, and employment in the CAFTA-DR Region.

At a meeting today, private sector associations from the textile, apparel and free trade zone sectors from Central America and the Dominican Republic noted that new opportunities to bring jobs and prosperity to the CAFTA-DR Region have emerged due to changes in global supply chains, the effects of the Pandemic in different textile and apparel producers, and the interest of many brands and retailers to source near to the U.S. market.

The recent evolution of consumer behavior and the increased use of e-commerce also bring forth new opportunities for the U.S.–Central America–D.R. supply chain. In order to reap the benefits of these increased opportunities, the Council underscored the importance of increasing capacity by promoting greater foreign direct investment to the region, complementing recent increases in local investment.

The private sector associations called on other actors both from the private sector, public sector and international financial institutions to support this call to action and convene a meeting to implement the necessary actions to increase investment, trade and employment in this region. This economic activity is a key growth and employment driver in most of the CAFTA-DR countries, making it an important part of any solution addressing the root causes of irregular migration from Central America to the United States.

CECATEC-RD also stressed the importance of maintaining the rules of the game under the CAFTA-DR Agreement, including the “yarn forward” rule of origin, which serves as the backbone that holds together the US-CAFTA-DR textile and apparel supply chain. The investment in recent years has been based on that premise — and there is substantial programmed private investment currently in the pipeline geared towards more verticalization of the supply chain and higher value added products. This trend risks being reversed- affecting the creation of badly needed jobs — if there is a change in the rules.

Daniel Facusse, president of CECATEC mentioned that “Our industry is poised to play a key role in achieving investment-led growth and employment generation in our countries. However, any changes to the Agreement could greatly harm it, as well as the prospect for the region ́s post pandemic recovery thus undermining the work we have been doing over the years, which has helped bring social and economic development to our countries”.

The private sector associations expressed that the Agreement has important provisions, such as the short supply mechanism, which give the necessary flexibility for those needing to source materials not available in the region and would be open to review this mechanism to ensure it stays transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of the supply chain.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: The Central America – Dominican Republic Apparel and Textile Council (CECATEC-RD)

Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress: 96 Lectures From Industry, Universities And Research Institutes, 20 Exhibitors And Break Out Sessions – Guided By Top Class Keynotes

VIENNA, Austria — August 25, 2021 — For 60 years, the interest of the fiber industry in international exchange on future oriented innovations and their implementation has still been unbroken.
 Specialists of the fiber- and filament producers, the textile and nonwovens industry, the processing chain and the academic research support Dornbirn GFC with its technical and scientic presentations.

This year the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress celebrates its 60th anniversary on one of the most modern interactive online platforms. Our partner ENRA offers outstanding networking tools and generates a virtual live experience ( www.enra.app).

From September 15-17,  the visitors have the possibility to select from 96 lectures.
 Two virtual lecture halls form the platform for the presentation of the lectures in its usual high quality.
 “See and be seen” is the motto for the visitors in the meeting room “wonder.me.” 
With one click congress participants get into a conversation. As in Dornbirn itself, networking and the exchange of information is the focus of the congress.

The opening day starts with top-class plenary lectures.
 Robert van de Kerkhof, Lenzing AG, is represented as well as Indorama’s Uday Gil. “A wake-up call” to protect our planet will be the lecture by Martin Bethke, WWF. Of course the well known CEO Panel will take place on the opening day.
 After the lectures of Markus Mannström, Stora Enso, Eric le Lay, Huhtamaki and Georg Stausberg, Oerlikon, Tobias Erikson EFESO will moderate the CEO Panel.

The first time in its 60 years of history the Dornbirn GFC takes up a cross-sector innovation under the motto “Packaging Industry meets Fiber Industry.” 
The packaging industry will work together with the fiber industry to meet the challenges of our future sustainable environment.

In many cases both industries share the same/similar feedstock, production technologies, scope of applications and will face the same challenges when it comes to sustainability and circular economy.

“Deep Dive Session” — in cooperation with EDANA/Index and Dornbirn GFC — it will offer four expert lectures in addition to the program on Friday. Results and opportunities for reuse and recycling of fibers from nonwovens will be presented and then discussed at a round table chaired by Pierre Wiertz, EDANA.

The ticket price of 300 euros offers 96 expert lectures on the following topics:

  • Fiber Innovation;
  • Sustainability and Circular Economy;
  • Apparel;
  • Surface Modification;
  • Nonwovens; and
  • Machinery and Equipment.

Also featured are 20 exhibitors in a virtual exhibition hall; the “wonder.me“ meetingpoint to get to know each other and networking; an Innovation Platform where packaging industry meets fiber industry; and Deep Dive Session with Edana/Index & Dornbirn GFC.

For program and ticket registration, please visit www.dornbirn-gfc.com.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: Dornbirn GFC

Archroma Announces CFO Succession

Thomas Bucher

REINACH, Switzerland — August 18, 2021 — Archroma, today announced that it has appointed Thomas Bucher as its new CFO effective October 1, 2021, replacing Roland Waibel who will retire.

Thomas Bucher has a long career in finance, having held CFO roles with leading industrial and services companies as well as senior Finance roles in the chemical sector. He joins Archroma from Alpiq Holding AG, where he has been Group CFO and a Member of the Executive Management Board since 2015. Prior to Alpiq, Thomas Bucher was Group CFO at Gategroup for six years, where he supported the company’s listing and subsequent strategic repositioning, and before that he held a number of senior Finance roles at Ciba Specialty Chemicals over more than 12 years.

CEO Heike van de Kerkhof commented: “We are very happy to have Thomas Bucher join us, and add his financial expertise to support our agenda towards confirming Archroma as an undisputed leader in innovative and sustainable specialty chemicals, supported by solid and profitable growth.

“I want to thank Roland Waibel for his many contributions since the beginning of Archroma in 2013. He has played an important role helping the company deliver on our growth whilst building a strong finance expert team and expertise at Archroma,” she added.

“I am very excited to join Archroma and a team who has shown amazing agility and market relevance in the recent years,” Bucher said, “transforming itself to operate ever more efficiently, profitably and sustainably.”

Posted August 25, 2021

Source: Archroma

Green Theme Technologies Promotes David Andreas To CEO

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — AUGUST 19, 2021 — Green Theme Technologies Inc., an innovator of textile finishing, announced the appointment of David Andreas to CEO from his former role as President and COO, succeeding Dr. Gary Selwyn, effective August 11.

Andreas takes leadership of GTT at an opportune time in the company’s growth trajectory as commercialization of the EMPEL® technology platform brings the company’s products to new licensees.

“It’s an exciting time for GTT,” Andreas said. “This is a fantastic time for our technology which couples superior performance with our PFC free chemistry. We have seen a resurgence of interest in our Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish over the last several months and the market will see GTT signing new licensees as well as new brand customers in apparel and other markets. We have added new talent to the GTT team and we are poised to successfully handle the increased volume of business. ”

“We were thrilled to bring David on board in 2019 as president and COO, and he has proven invaluable in our efforts to identify strategic partners and establish key go-to-market relationships around the globe,” said Zach Jonasson, an early investor in GTT and managing partner at Phoenix Venture Partners. “David’s extensive leadership, deep industry knowledge, and solid track record as a top executive will propel GTT into this next phase of growth.”

GTT launched the EMPEL platform in 2018 and began with the goal of eliminating toxic PFCs. In addition to being highly sustainable, EMPEL treatment ranks among the highest water repellency and longest lasting protection available.

Posted August 25, 2021

Source:

Made With Quality: Thierry Henry Wears A Premium Take On Puma’s Classic Sportswear

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany — August 24, 2021 — MMQ, short for “Macht’s mit Qualität” translates to “Made with Quality.” This theme serves as the inspiration for elevated apparel and sneakers within the line. Ushering in a new era of subtlety and quality, this season of MMQ is inspired by minimal Scandinavian design sensibilities featuring expert craftsmanship and elevated construction. Streetwear classics are reinterpreted and refined for modern day in this classic collection.

The timelessness of the MMQ collection is the perfect fit for the legacy of Thierry Henry. The French football legend has become one of the two first players to be inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame, and to this day, his name is synonymous with a distinctly European charm and elegance. He knows how to make a bold statement without shouting about it through his classic and refined style. The high-quality materials, muted tones, and contemporary fits used in the MMQ collection reflect the on and off pitch qualities of Thierry.

“Who is the judge, quality is what you like, quality is what you live for, quality is what represents you,” said Thierry Henry when asked what quality meant to him.

Product designs feature clean lines, muted colors, and elevated materials for a premium take on classic streetwear. Footwear is infused with a material mix including soft-touch textured suede in a color palette of neutrals with purple and orange accents. Styles are given a whole new look and feel for the MMQ collection, including classics like the Suede VTG, Easy Rider, Ralph Sampson, Slipstream Mid, and Suede Crepe as well as newer styles like the Suede Mayu, Mirage Sport, and Wild Rider.

The apparel is rooted in functionalism and honors the classics of street and sportswear while reinterpreting them for the modern minimalist. Hooded sweatshirts, pocket tees, and sweatpants are built upon not to make them different, but to make them better. Premium materials, minimalistic designs and a muted color palette make the apparel items fit seamlessly into any look.

Campaign images of Thierry Henry were shot by Danny Kasirye, a Ugandan-British photographer and director based between London and New York. He has recently broken out with a series of high-profile shoots, with a unique perspective on fashion photography, animated by his constant search for non-conformity and authenticity. As he does with all his subjects, Danny had Thierry turn the camera on him at the end for a few candid shots.

“It was incredible to work with Thierry, he was such a professional and so good at being in front of the camera,” said Danny. “The same confidence he displayed in front of the goal so many times. Being one of my favorite football players it was such an amazing day for me personally”

Add a refined touch to your look when the MMQ collection releases on August 26 on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and select retailers.

Posted August 24, 2021

Source: PUMA

SK Capital Announces Acquisition Of The Monomers, Polymers And European Businesses Of Deltech Holdings LLC

NEW YORK CITY — August 23, 2021 — Funds advised by SK Capital Partners LP, a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors, today announced the acquisition of the Monomers, Polymers and European businesses of Deltech Holdings LLC.

SK Capital has acquired a majority interest in the Baton Rouge, La.-based business. Bob Elefante, one of Deltech’s original founders and current president and CEO, is retaining a significant ownership stake in the company and will remain actively involved in the business, including serving on the board of directors.

“Deltech is a world leader in the production of high-performance aromatic monomers and specialized crystal polystyrene,” said Mario Toukan, a managing director at SK Capital. “Deltech offers an attractive product portfolio with leading market positions in niche technologies. Their portfolio includes vinyl toluene (VT), divinyl benzene (DVB) and para methyl styrene (PMS), in addition to their specialty crystal polystyrene. Deltech’s products deliver critical attributes to products across a diverse set of end markets, including coatings and adhesives resins, ion exchange resins, insulation and molded composites, to name a few.”

Bob Elefante stated: “SK Capital is the ideal partner given its track record of successfully supporting the growth of entrepreneur-owned businesses in the specialty chemicals industry. We have a shared vision for the future of Deltech, built upon the company’s unique product portfolio and long-term commitment to serving our customers.”

“Deltech’s superior service and delivery, combined with their high-performance products, have made the company a preferred supplier to key global customers,” added Jonathan Borell, a managing director at SK Capital. “Their knowledge of specialty monomers manufacturing and applications is unmatched. We look forward to partnering with Bob and the Deltech management team to expand the commercial applications for their highly specialized monomers and polymers.”

Deltech employs 135 people across its Baton Rouge headquarters and manufacturing facility, its additional manufacturing facilities in Troy, Ohio. and Haverhill, United Kingdom, and its global field operations.

Posted August 24, 2021

Source: SK Capital

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