Naia™ From Eastman Releases Industry Loungewear Insights

MONTEBELLO, Calif. — March 17, 2022 — The global pandemic has driven consumer preference for comfortable loungewear, and the latest research conducted by Naia™ from Eastman proves it is a trend with staying power.

When surveyed, 78 percent of women in the U.S. and Europe selected comfort as their top priority when selecting loungewear. Other findings show 74 percent of respondents dressed more casually at home and 66 percent are also choosing to dress more casually outside of the home.

Consumers also want more comfortable fabrics and more versatile loungewear and will likely purchase more loungewear items in the future. The survey results showed 61 percent of women investing in more casual clothing, with 44 percent reducing the amount of formal clothing in their wardrobes. They also prefer more sustainable loungewear with new and different fibers and would like brands to offer more of those options.

The study also highlighted a satisfaction gap among consumers who wanted better loungewear comfort, fit, quality, drape and durability. With Naia, Eastman aims to collaborate with brands to fill this gap and help them enhance the consumer shopping journey. Further research insights are available for download at info.eastman.com/loungewear.

“Loungewear has become the must-have item in every woman’s closet,” said Ruth Farrell, marketing director of textiles for Eastman. “Our insights aim to help brands understand how today’s consumers define comfort and sustainability with regards to loungewear. With two-thirds of consumers wanting more sustainable options in their loungewear fibers, Naia is perfectly positioned to help our value-chain partners create comfortable, quality, sustainable loungewear that is accessible to all.”

Available as both a filament yarn and a staple fiber, Naia Renew cellulosic fiber is inherently soft, is quick drying and has reduced pilling properties. It blends well with other eco-friendly materials, such as modal and recycled polyesters, to produce sustainable fabrics for everyday garments — including tops, dresses, jumpsuits, twinsets, t-shirts, comfy pants and sweaters.

Naia Renew is produced from 60 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40 percent hard-to- recycle waste materials*, which would otherwise be destined for landfills or incinerators, with a low carbon footprint in a closed-loop process where solvents are safely recycled back into the system for reuse.

*Naia Renew recycled content is achieved by allocation of recycled waste materials through mass balance accounting.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Eastman

ALLIED Feather + Down Introduces First Down Capsule Collection

MONTEBELLO, Calif. — March 17, 2022 — ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D) is proud to announce the U.S. drop of their first ever down jacket capsule collection.

Originally released exclusively to the Japanese market, this collection of four jackets will be available in the US on ALLIED’s Zero Degrees North website (zeronrth.com), ALLIED’s recently launched product, design, and creative innovation lab. These jackets blur the line between outdoor performance and fashion-forward aesthetics, bringing together ethically-sourced down from ALLIED, industry-leading down garment manufacturing from MN Inter-Fashion, and the finest downproof textiles from Pertex.

“We often thought it would be interesting to see what we could accomplish from a product perspective with our knowledge of materials, incredible partner relationships and intimate awareness of the trends of both the new outdoor and fashion industries,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative and Marketing director for ALLIED. “Coming together with one of the finest Japanese manufacturers of luxury outerwear and some of the best down proof fabrics available, it was, in our eyes, a potential opportunity to produce a small “no holds barred” capsule collection of products unparalleled for performance, fashion and sustainability.”

Japanese culture has long embraced the collision of urban and outdoor style and these four jackets each embrace this sensibility and aesthetic, making Japan the perfect home for the collection. Building a Japanese design within one of the finest Japanese outerwear manufacturers who have worked with some of the most innovative and cutting edge fashion and technical outerwear lends this collection a level of design and innovation that marries nicely with innovative fabrics and the best down insulation in the world. Having been sold through select retailers in Japan this past fall, it is currently available to the North American market via zeronrth.com.

For the first drop, the collection will feature four different jackets:

  • The Flameproof Down Coat is built to withstand the harshest environments, from alpine mountain tops to frigid urban explorations. Featuring a near bomb-proof shell and filled with ALLIED down, this jacket looks good at the end of times. And if it gets a little warm, interior shoulder straps make it both easy and stylish to wear on and off.
  • The UL Bulky Down Jacket blends lightweight pertex textiles with overfilled baffles of ALLIED Down, producing unparalleled warmth while remaining light. The cut of the jacket is both a nod to the down parkas of the past while presented through a fashion-forward lens. This jacket can quite literally go from the streets of Paris to the top of Mont Blanc.
  • The Reversible Down Cardigan features a lightweight Pertex fabric on one side and an innovative down-proof polartec fleece on the other. With a distinct Japanese fit, this piece can be found on the streets of Tokyo and on the backs of streetwear-driven influencers.
  • The Weatherproof Coat consists of a Pertex 3L outer shell and extremely lightweight removable down jacket liner featuring ALLIED down. Able to be worn three different ways, this is the must-have piece for the traveler as it packs minimally and still provides protection and warmth from a wide range of weather conditions.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: ALLIED Feather + Down

Bast Fibre Technologies Announces James Posa As New CEO

James Posa

VICTORIA, British Columbia — March 16, 2022 — Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), a manufacturer of premium natural fibers, announces that James Posa has been named president and CEO. BFT Co-founder and Former CEO Noel Hall, will now transition to executive chair focusing on the long-term strategic priorities for the company.

“Jim has exactly the right kind of experience, passion and skills to lead BFT for the next phase of our growth” Hall said. “This is the right time for Jim to assume the CEO role at BFT. The acquisition of FVT in Germany and most recently Lumberton Cellulose in North Carolina have greatly accelerated our move into large scale commercial production.”

Posa first joined BFT in September 2018 as a business development consultant and in April 2020, he was appointed to the role of president and general manager.  Before joining BFT, Posa held senior executive roles in a variety of nonwoven and textile companies from start-ups to global divisions of fortune 500 global companies. He was the executive vice president/general manager of Fiberweb Group (since acquired by Berry Plastics and Fitesa), vice president and general manager of Amoco Fabrics and Fibers, and CEO of Southern Weaving Company. Posa also sits on the board of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA).

“I am excited to lead BFT into its next phase of growth, building the foremost natural fiber innovator and manufacturer for the global nonwoven and specialty textile markets,” said  Posa. “The world is urgently seeking solutions to plastics pollution and BFT’s tree-free and plastic-free, natural plant fibers will play a key role in the movement away from single use plastics.”

Jim Posa and the BFT Team will be showcasing their hemp and linen fibres at the upcoming nonwovens IDEA show in Miami Beach, Fla., March 28-31. BFT’s sero® hemp fibers have been announced as an IDEA Achievement Award finalist in the Raw Materials category.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT)

Avgol® And YanJan Enter Commercial Partnership For North American Apertured Spunbond Project

BANGKOK — March 17, 2022 — Avgol® America Inc., a North American manufacturer of high-performance nonwoven fabric solutions, and YanJan USA LLC, the professional material supplier for disposable hygiene products, have announced a new partnership to deliver exclusive product offerings to the North American market.

Under the terms of the new partnership, Avgol will be offering apertured spunbond products made exclusively by YanJan USA using its specific know-how and capabilities. YanJan USA will obtain the base spunbond materials exclusively from Avgol, with the partners developing and manufacturing products tailored to each company’s skill set and to meet customer needs.

“This partnership enables both YanJan and Avgol to diversify our overall product ranges and to push effectively into new market opportunities,” said Jian Weng, president and general manager of YanJan USA LLC.

“This is in an exciting partnership for our companies,” said Ronnie Batchler, vice president Americas Region at Avgol. “The spunbond ‘precursor’ material will be specifically designed to meet customer specifications and deliver optimum perfomance. Aperturing of the spunbond will then give the nonwoven material additional unique attributes, such as improved physical performance and aesthetic appeal.

“Avgol will also be able to utilize its North American sales force to promote the new products more actively, as well as making YanJan’s complete product catalog available to the broader industry,” Batchler said.

YanJan said the combination of its expertise and the specialist knowledge of the Avgol team will lead to some innovative products being made available to the American market.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Avgol – an Indorama Ventures Limited company

NCTO And Regional Associations Host Under Secretary Of State Jose Fernandez At Industry Roundtable In Honduras

WASHINGTON — March 17, 2022 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), in conjunction with regional textile industry associations, hosted Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, at an industry roundtable in Tegucigalpa, Honduras today.

The meeting brought together U.S. and Central American textile and apparel executives and investors to discuss trade policy priorities that support economic development in the region and bolster a co-production chain that supports more than 1 million textile and apparel workers.

The Under Secretary’s visit with leading apparel and textile manufacturing companies in the U.S. and across the region comes at a critical time, when the global supply chain has broken down and demand for ethical and sustainable sourcing is growing, presenting new opportunities for significant growth and expansion to the Western Hemisphere and out of Asia.

Textile and apparel executives with a significant stake in this co-production partnership, as a result of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement CAFTA-DR, held a roundtable discussion highlighting the need for policies that continue to support the onshoring and nearshoring of this critical supply chain, which has spurred significant job growth and economic development in the region and the United States.

Hundreds of millions of dollars of investments have been flowing into Central America, predicated on the U.S.-CAFTA-DR agreement and the co-production chain that facilitates $12.5 billion in two-way textile and apparel trade.

U.S. textile companies have made billions of dollars in investments with historic investments being made this year. The most recent comes from Gastonia, N.C.-based Parkdale Mills, the largest U.S producer of cotton spun yarn, which announced a $150 million investment in a new yarn spinning facility in Honduras in December and a substantial investment to support existing operations in Hillsville, Va., which will create and support 500 jobs in the two countries.

ThinkHUGE also publicly announced today $340 million in textile investments in the region, in addition to $680 million of investments in renewable energy production to further sustain this critical supply chain.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas said: “We sincerely appreciate Under Secretary Fernandez’s visit and discussion with textile and apparel companies today in Honduras, which underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to this critical manufacturing sector that has formed the backbone of economic development in Central America. The U.S. textile industry has invested over $20 billion dollars in the U.S. and billions more in the hemisphere over the last decade to grow economic opportunities in the U.S. and in the region.”

Glas continued, “In the midst of an ongoing global health crisis, the U.S. and Central American co-production chain continues to make sustainable investments that strengthen supply chain resilience; creates job opportunities and investment in the U.S. and the region; and mitigates the environmental and labor impact linked to Asian supply chains, as momentum grows for onshoring and nearshoring textile and apparel production.

“This is an exciting time for the U.S. textile industry and that in the region, which is experiencing a strong rebound from COVID-19, as more public investments have been announced and will be announced throughout the year.  We are delighted to host Under Secretary Fernandez and appreciate the administration’s engagement and support for our collective industries.”

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

ITMA 2023 Space Application Response Exceeded Expectations — More Than 93 Percent Of Space Booked

BRUSSELS — March 17, 2022 — ITMA 2023, the 19th showcase of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition is on track to occupy 12 halls of the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition complex.

The exhibition has drawn enthusiastic response from leading textile and garment technology manufacturers, according to CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), the show owner of ITMA.

More than 93 percent of the exhibition space has been sold by the application deadline of March 15, 2022. A total of 1,364 applicants from 42 countries have booked more than 111,000 square meters of net exhibition space.

Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX, said: “The response to ITMA 2023 has exceeded our expectations despite the economic and geopolitical uncertainties confronting the global business community. We appreciate the strong endorsement from the industry. The space booking status shows the industry’s confidence in ITMA as the best global launch pad of the latest technologies and innovations.”

Charles Beauduin, chairman of ITMA Services, the organizer of ITMA 2023, added: “After weathering over two years of the pandemic, the global business community is eager to get down to real business. Businesses are looking at long-term investments in key technologies to remain competitive. As the world’s most established showcase of its kind, ITMA is the quintessential platform for the industry to buy and sell, and to collaborate face-to-face.”

Dinesh Boloor, chief sales officer, Lohia Corp. Ltd., agreed: “We are eagerly looking forward to ITMA 2023 as it is an ideal global platform for us to showcase our complete range of end-to-end solutions for the production of polypropylene multifilament yarns for various technical applications. During the pandemic, it has been difficult for us to leverage any major exhibitions for face-to-face interactions with our existing and potential customers, and ITMA 2023 offers that leverage.”

Many companies have taken advantage of the quiet business environment during the last two years to research and develop more innovative solutions. Hence, they are all set to use ITMA 2023 to unveil their technologies.

Beauduin advised: “We would like to urge those who have not applied for space to do so soonest to get into their preferred sectors as space is filling up rapidly.”

Top countries and sectors

CEMATEX applicants have booked over 65 percent of the space. The three countries with the highest number of applicants are Italy, Germany and Spain. From the rest of the world, the top countries are China, Turkey and India. The top sectors based on applicant numbers are finishing, spinning, weaving, printing, knitting, winding and nonwovens.

With sustainability and circularity high on the agenda for many textile and garment makers, the recycling sector has attracted keen interest. Applying to exhibit at ITMA for the first time is Recover Textile Systems.

Recover’s CEO Alfredo Ferre said: “Our recycled cotton fibers help reduce the environmental impact of cotton garments and is an essential strategy to achieve the climate targets set for 2030. We have participated in several forward-thinking industry initiatives that help attain our vision of ‘circular fashion for all’.

“We are exhibiting at ITMA 2023 for the first time and sees ITMA as an ideal platform for us to showcase our products, and to meet and collaborate with all the stakeholders in the sustainability and circularity space.”

Supporting organizations

Industry collaboration is also pivotal to the success of the global textile and garment industry, and the organizer has reached out to various trade and professional associations. ITMA 2023 has already garnered the support of more than 80 industry organizations.

They include global and regional organizations such as Asia Dyestuff Industry Federation, Better Cotton Initiative, European Apparel and Textile Confederation, European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association, International Apparel Federation, International Textile Manufacturers Federation and Sustainable Apparel Coalition. For the full list of supporting organizations, please visit https://itma.com/about-itma/supporting-organisations.

ITMA 2023 will be held at Fiera Milano Rho, Milan, from June 8-14, 2023. The exhibit profile has been expanded to include a dedicated chapter on textile reinforcement structures for composites.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: CEMATEX and ITMA Services

Trevira CS Brand Will Be Showcased On The German Pavilion At The BIG Show Oman

HATTERSHEIM, Germany — March 1, 2022 — The Trevira CS brand will be showcased on the German Pavilion at the BIG Show Oman, an international exhibition for building materials, construction equipment, and interior design, in Muscat, Oman. This year, BIG Show, which is part of Oman Design & Build Week, will be held from March 14-16.

Trevira CS will showcase its extended brand concept that offers customers even more flexibility and also addresses sustainability. Building on to the high brand quality and performance, the recently introduced brands Trevira CS flexand Trevira CS eco offer properties and functions tailored to specific requirements. Furthermore, the Trevira CS Bioactive brand compliments the range, combining flame retardancy with antimicrobial properties. Fabrics bearing this brand meet the requirements for preventive fire protection and increased cleanliness.

This brand concept is very well received by our customers. Many new flame retardant fabric developments embracing one of the Trevira CS brands will be on display at BIG Show. Trevira CS fabrics from the following Trevira CS Club customers will be presented at BIG Show in March: 4Spaces GmbH, AB Ludvig Svensson, Dina Vanelli Tekstil San. Ve Tic. A.S., DNL spa (De Negri Luxury), Engelbert E. Stieger, G-TEX S.r.l., JAB Josef Anstoetz KG, Mottura S.p.A., Panaz Ltd, Pongs Technical Textiles GmbH, PUGI R.G. S.R.L., Spandauer Velours GmbH & Co. KG, Swisstulle AG, TF Création S.A.S., and Verotex AG.

Trevira CS has been part of BIG Show for years, as it is an important meeting point for the exhibiting companies with interior designers, construction companies, and project managers. Important authorities from the Middle East as well as major hotel brands will also be present again this year. The main focus of the trade show will be on the hotel & catering and hospital & care sectors, for which Trevira CS fabrics are of great interest because they meet the safety requirements that are usually required by law.

In the Middle East, important tenders for major projects are due this year, so meetings with local decision-makers are of great importance.

In addition, the Trevira team is pleased that this trade fair once again enables personal interaction with customers and industry on site. The team is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair in the German Pavilion at stand number 3010.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Trevira GmbH

Teijin To Donate 10 Million Yen In Humanitarian Aid To Ukraine

TOKYO — March 16, 2022 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it will make a donation of 10 million yen ($85,000) through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as humanitarian assistance in support of the many people suffering from the difficult situations in Ukraine.

As the company’s basic stance to respect every human’s dignity and rights, additional support from the consolidated Teijin Group is also under consideration.

The Teijin Group sincerely hopes that the situation in Ukraine is resolved quickly and global peace and stability can be restored as soon as possible.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Teijin Group

Crowley Participates In Loadsure $11 Million Series A Round To Close Cargo Insurance Gap

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — March 10, 2022 — Crowley has joined forces with Insurtech MGA, Loadsure to help accelerate the development of proprietary smart technology serving the global cargo and freight insurance market by investing in the $11 million Series A funding round.

Crowley’s involvement aligns with the company’s strategic growth strategy to innovate the value chain and create visibility and efficiency for partners and customers who are demanding more accessible and agile paths to reduce risk.

“Crowley recognizes the value Loadsure presents to the freight industry and is proud to join in advancing the development of their technology to meet the growing need for cost effective risk management,” said Crowley’s Massimo Messina, vice president of mergers and acquisitions. “We look forward to working together with Loadsure as they leverage their platform to enable operators and customers to safeguard the viability of their business.”

Loadsure, an international Insuretech managing general agent, was the first to digitalize the full cargo insurance life cycle, bring one-click coverage to the U.S. freight sector, and offer an international, per-shipment insurance API, setting the bar for cargo insurance innovation. With this round of funding, the company looks to continue to grow its entrepreneurial organization to help freight industry businesses better understand risk and reduce loss by enabling insurance brokers to better serve their communities.

“We’re delighted to partner with Crowley in driving meaningful change for the freight industry,” said Loadsure CEO Johnny McCord, “especially now as it continues to strategically maneuver through supply chain disruption and pandemic uncertainty for the benefit of customers. With this infusion of capital, we’ll make the strategic hires necessary to evolve our human-centric technology and make end-to-end risk management instantly available to every business.”

Posted March 15, 2022

Source: Crowley

Home Furnishing International Targeting Outdoor Products, Decorative Accessories For Substantial Growth; Adds Amy Bell, Kellie Martin To Team

GAFFNEY, S.C. — March 11, 2022 — Global fabric and home fashions manufacturer Home Furnishing International (HFI) is launching a major expansion of its line of casual and outdoor furniture and accessories, and strengthening its management team with the addition of two well-known sales and merchandising executives in newly-created roles: veteran home fashions executive Amy Bell is rejoining the company as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, and casual market sales executive Kellie Martin is joining the firm as vice president of national accounts.

“We are in serious growth mode,” declared David Li, chairman and CEO of HFI, a privately held firm with annual sales estimated in excess of $200 million. “We just finished a record-breaking first two months; we have purchased a new manufacturing facility to support our explosive growth; and now we are bringing on strong leadership to provide our retail customers with superior service, rapid delivery, enhanced fashion and exceptional performance at competitive prices.

“We see the casual and outdoor furniture market as a huge and growing segment of our business,” Li added. “We are making the investments in personnel and manufacturing that we believe are necessary to support this burgeoning business.”

HFI is taking an aggressive approach to the casual and outdoor furniture market, which is estimated to have reached $4.8 billion in 2021 in the U.S., according to a new market study published by market research firm Global Industry Analysts; the report estimates that the global outdoor furniture market will reach $22 billion by 2026.

The creation of two new executive positions demonstrates the company’s commitment to the category, according to Li. “We have always prided ourselves on our personal relationships with our customers, and both Amy Bell and Kellie Martin are well-known and respected throughout the industry,” he commented. “I am delighted to welcome Amy back to our company, and pleased to have Kellie joining our team. They bring us very valuable insights into the casual and outdoor industry, along with a deep and intimate understanding of the ultimate consumer. We expect that this powerhouse team will be instrumental in creating and marketing products designed to appeal directly to that consumer.

“Both Amy and Kellie have very strong reputations in the casual and outdoor market,” Li continued, noting, “They both have well-established relationships with our existing customers, including Ashley Furniture, At Home, Bed Bath & Beyond, Big Lots, Christmas Tree Shops, Dollar General, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club and many others.”

Bell is taking on the position of executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, overseeing sales, merchandising, marketing and design of the decorative pillow and casual product lines. She was most recently senior executive for sales and design at Jordan Manufacturing Company, a leading supplier of patio cushions, patio umbrellas and outdoor furniture based in Indiana. Bell had been with Home Furnishing International from 2005 to 2017 and has been designing and selling decorative pillows since 1991, holding senior executive positions at Ashford Court, Newport, Fashion Pillows and Portofino.

“I am thrilled to be working with Home Furnishing International again,” Bell stated. “David Li and I have always had a wonderful working relationship and I am extremely enthusiastic about our opportunities to expand the business and grow together. With Home Furnishing International, we have an unprecedented combination of design talent, sales acumen and manufacturing capabilities that will allow us to create products that truly resonate with consumers.”

Kellie Martin is joining HFI as vice president for national accounts, focusing specifically on the casual and outdoor market. She previously held a variety of sales positions at Jordan Manufacturing, where she had been for 17 years.

“I am very excited to join Home Furnishing International and to be part of a vertical organization that is preparing for future growth,” Martin said. “I am looking forward to continuing to build the e-commerce part of the business as well as growing the overall business, in both indoor and outdoor decorative accessories. I have a great love of textiles and product development and am eager to work with the design team. I believe this company has tremendous growth potential, especially given its vertical manufacturing capabilities, which are an important asset in dealing with the challenging circumstances that have been facing the industry these past few years.”

Home Furnishing International entered the casual and outdoor market in 2015, building upon the strength of its decorative pillow business. The newly-expanded line includes decorative pillows; pillows and cushions for casual and outdoor furniture; poufs; outdoor umbrellas; mattresses and bed pillows; and small space solutions.

“We see a huge amount of untapped potential in the casual and outdoor market,” Li points out. “We believe that our vertical manufacturing model, making everything from fabrics to foam to densified fibers to finished products, has proven to be the best model in today’s business and we are one of the few companies investing in new manufacturing here in the U.S.”

HFI has invested close to $50 million in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities over the past three years, including upgrading its existing 625,000-square-foot plant in Gaffney, S.C., and the recent purchase of a 350,000-square-foot plant in Blacksburg, S.C. The new Blacksburg plant is located just down the Interstate 85 highway corridor from the Gaffney plant, which will enable both plants to easily and efficiently collaborate on production runs. Home Furnishing International is allocating 200,000 square feet within the Blacksburg facility to support its new programs for the national casual and outdoor market.

As a vertical global fabric and home furnishings supplier with superior manufacturing capabilities in China, Home Furnishing International currently operates more than 3 million square feet of manufacturing facilities in Rugao, Jinjiang and Hangzhou, China, and its recent investments bring its U.S. facilities to 1 million square feet.

“HFI’s combination of manufacturing capabilities and national distribution are the key to improving speed to market and supporting our retail partners at all levels,” Li commented, adding that the company’s Chinese factories currently produce more than 300 million yards of fabric every year.

“Our vertical operation encompasses weaving, dyeing, a complete printing and finishing operation, and this allows us to shorten and control the supply chain effectively, which in turn allows us to offer better quality, reliability and service to our retail customers,” Li adds. “Having our own vertical manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. allows us to control our costs better, deliver faster, act on market trends and information more quickly and ultimately, provide far better service to our customers.”

Li points out that the company’s manufacturing mix has shifted over the past few years. “We have moved from a China-focused manufacturing strategy to a Sino-U.S., twin-country manufacturing strategy,” he explains. “Previously, we were manufacturing about 80 percent of our products in China, and about 20 percent here in the U.S. Now, with these intensive investments, we have diversified our manufacturing, with about 50 percent of our products made here in the U.S. Having more manufacturing in America has allowed us to avoid many of the supply chain difficulties that have negatively impacted our competitors, making us a more reliable and valuable strategic partner for our retail customers.”

Another advantage of the company’s vertical structure is its technological innovation. Home Furnishing International is known for developing proprietary yarns, fabrics and finishing processes, which it will be using in its casual and outdoor product lines.

Li notes that HFI is making a serious commitment to sustainability, and points to the company’s revolutionary Performatex fabrics as an example.

“Our Performatex  fabrics offer superior performance characteristics as well as being extremely environmentally friendly,” he explained. The fabrics are 100-percent recyclable; and the manufacturing process uses 90-percent fewer chemicals and wastes 80-percent less water than conventional fabric manufacturing; we also use 30- to 40-percent less energy in the manufacturing process, which translates to 30-percent less of a carbon footprint. The fabric also offers significant benefits to manufacturers and consumers: Performatex  fabrics are extremely durable, UV-safe, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, naturally-cooling, water-washable and bleach safe.”

HFI will be showcase its expanded line of decorative pillows and casual and outdoor fashions at the upcoming Home Fashions Market Week in New York, running March 21-24, 2022, in its newly relocated showroom on the fifth floor of the New York Market Center, 230 Fifth Avenue. The collection also will be featured during the High Point Market, running April 2-6, 2022, in the showroom of its American Decorative Fabrics division, located at 312 S. Hamilton St., Second Floor, Suite 201-D, in High Point N.C.

Posted March 15, 2022

Source: Home Furnishings International

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