IFAI Now Accepting Entries For 2022 International Achievement Awards (IAA) Competition To Be Presented During IFAI Expo 2022

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — March 15, 2022 — Entries are now being accepted for the 2022 International Achievement Awards (IAA) competition. These awards return for the 76th year of recognizing the best projects across the specialty fabrics industry. Entering these awards is an opportunity for you to showcase your technical skill and talent to the entire industry.

Submit your projects by June 15, 2022.

What are the IAA’s?
The International Achievement Awards (IAA) are an annual competition with a goal to recognize and promote awareness of specialty fabrics used in thousands of products and applications across the industry. Awards are given in 7 major categories and 42 subcategories and are judged by industry experts.

Why Enter?

  • All projects entered in the IAA’s are included in the online gallery year round which guarantees exposure for your company;
  • Winners are featured in Specialty Fabrics Review magazine which is read in print and digitally by over 30,000 industry professionals monthly;
  • Receive an award at the annual IAA Awards Breakfast at IFAI Expo 2022 and be recognized by hundreds of industry professionals; and
  • Showcase your talent and boost your credibility

Major Categories

  • Advanced Textiles;
  • Awnings and Canopies;
  • Fabric Environments;
  • Fabric Structures;
  • Geosynthetics;
  • Marine; and
  • Tent

Submit Highest Quality Photos

When submitting your entries, please upload the highest quality photos possible. The photos uploaded when entering will be used to display your projects on IFAI websites, publications and signage.

Posted March 15, 2022

Source: IFAI

Asahi Kasei To Accelerate Trials For Commercialization Of Polyamide 6,6 Made Using Biomass-Derived Intermediate

NEW YORK CITY/TOKYO — March 15, 2022 — Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational company, has formed a strategic partnership with Genomatica Inc., regarding hexamethylenediamine (HMD) based on biomass-derived raw material (bio-HMD).

Asahi Kasei currently uses fossil fuel–derived HMD as an intermediate to manufacture Leona™ polyamide 6,61,2 (also called nylon 6,6), an engineering plastic featuring outstanding heat resistance and rigidity. Polyamide 6,6 is used for plastic parts in automotive and electronics applications, as well as yarn for airbag fabric. Demand for polyamide 6,6 is expected to increase worldwide.

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, attention is increasingly focused on solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from chemical products derived from fossil fuels. The strategic alliance with Genomatica provides Asahi Kasei with preferential rights to access the early volume of bio-HMD to evaluate the possibility as a feedstock of polyamide 6,6, enabling Asahi Kasei to accelerate trials of polyamide 66 made using biomass-derived intermediate. Genomatica has an established track record of commercializing manufacturing technology for various chemical products using biotechnology. By using this bio-HMD with its own polyamide 6,6 polymerization technology, Asahi Kasei aims to support its goal to be first-to-market with more sustainable polyamide 6,6 made using biomass-derived intermediate for the automotive and electronics application of plastics components and industrial fiber.

Asahi Kasei moreover expects that this use of biotechnology will contribute to reaching its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while also alleviating the environmental burden throughout the life cycle of customers’ products.

Asahi Kasei will continue to strive for adoption of biomass-derived intermediates for its engineering plastics in addition to polyamide 66, while proactively utilizing recycled material, aiming to be a global sustainable partner for its customers.

1 The main types of polyamide are polyamide 66 and polyamide 6, which have different chemical structures. With superior heat resistance and strength, polyamide 66 is widely used in industrial applications such as automotive and electronics. Polyamide 6 is widely used as apparel fiber.

2 Various types of Leona™ polyamide: In addition to polyamide 66, polyamide 6I, and polyamide 612 made using HMD, Asahi Kasei manufactures polyamide 610 using intermediate derived from castor oil. Asahi Kasei is the only polyamide 66 manufacturer in Asia with fully integrated production from raw materials to resin compounds, supplying material suited to various needs ranging from plastic moldings for automotive and electronics applications to airbag yarn and fabric, and tire cord.

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Asahi Kasei/Genomatica Inc.

HanesBrands Announces That Jon Ram, President Of Global Activewear, Is Departing For Another Opportunity To Be Closer To His Family

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.  — March 15, 2022 — HanesBrands, a global supplier of iconic apparel brands, today announced that Jon Ram, president of Global Activewear, is departing HBI for a role at another company to be closer to his family, effective March 31.

HanesBrands is conducting an internal and external search for a successor.

“I want to thank Jon for everything he has done to build our global Champion business since joining the company in 2018, and I wish him all the best in his new role,” said Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands. “Jon has helped get us off to a strong start in growing Champion as part of our Full Potential plan. We have an outstanding team in place, and I am confident that we will continue to deliver strong growth in this iconic brand as we execute our plan and reach our Full Potential targets.”

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: HanesBrands

Wrangler® Expands Made In USA Collection With 100-Percent Traceable Cotton Grown By American Farmers

Every Wrangler Rooted Collection® state jean features subtle but classic elements like custom metal shanks, rivets, patches and pocket prints unique to that state. (Photo: Business Wire)

GREENSBORO, N.C. — March 15, 2022 — Wrangler® announced today the expansion of its Rooted Collection™, a line of jeans and shirts grown, cut and sewn in the USA. New for Spring ‘22, the brand has introduced a men’s and women’s jean made completely from U.S.-grown sustainable cotton, along with additional state-specific jeans for Alabama, California, North Carolina and Texas. The purpose of the collection is three-fold: to celebrate local farmers, promote sustainable farming practices and highlight the quality of American craftsmanship.

Contributing to the brand’s goal of 100-percent sustainable cotton usage by 2025 as part of its WeCare Wrangler platform, all cotton in the collection is traceable to individual farms in each jean’s respective state, which were selected for the program due to their commitment to responsible land stewardship practices. Participating farms include Martin Family Farm (Alabama), Tri T Farms (California), Buie Family Farm (North Carolina) and Vanderman Farms (Texas).

Every Wrangler Rooted Collection® state jean features subtle but classic elements like custom metal shanks, rivets, patches and pocket prints unique to that state. A custom stamp on the pocket lining spotlights each farmer’s name and signature, while the other side nods to their tireless work ethic and responsible land stewardship.

Along with the premium denim, the brand is also releasing sustainable t-shirts for thirteen individual states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Wyoming, Texas, as well as additional USA-inspired designs.

New for Spring ‘22, the brand has introduced a men’s and women’s jean made completely from U.S.-grown sustainable cotton, along with additional state-specific jeans for Alabama, California, North Carolina and Texas. (Photo: Business Wire)

“From start to finish, our approach to this collection reflects the attitude of farmers toward the earth: responsible, respectful and rooted in U.S. soil,” said Allen Montgomery, vice president Wrangler NAM western and workwear. “The goal of the Rooted Collection is to honor the American farmer and promote traceability and the sustainable farming practices including soil health, water saving techniques and regenerative agriculture.”

The Wrangler Rooted Collection is available on wrangler.com and in select retailers – shop men’s and women’s.

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Wrangler®, a Kontoor Brands brand

Emily McGarvey Joins Modern Furniture Retailer Room & Board As Director Of Sustainability

MINNEAPOLIS — March 15, 2022 — Room & Board announces Emily McGarvey as its first director of Sustainability. In this new role, McGarvey will be responsible for implementing environmentally-sound strategies that further advance Room & Board’s mission of delivering built-to-last furniture through sustainable practices that prioritize American craftsmanship.

McGarvey brings 20 years of experience spearheading social and environmental strategies with a focus on product, supply chain, operations and branding. As Target’s director of Corporate Social Responsibility, she played an integral role in developing the corporation’s sustainability program, rolling out enterprise-wide initiatives including the company’s chemical management and transparency policy and their incredibly popular Car Seat Trade-In program. In 2018, she founded Star Impact Consulting, where she provided purpose-driven strategy and branding for both for-profit and nonprofit business sectors such as Apparel Impact Institute.

With a product line that is more than 90-percent American made and a long history of sustainable practices, Room & Board looks forward to expanding and amplifying its sustainability commitments under McGarvey’s guidance and expertise.

“My initial framework for furthering Room & Board’s sustainability strategy will elevate our position as a sustainability leader through a focus on how our home furnishings and décor are better for people and the planet, and to standardize the measures we hold ourselves to for our products and operations,” McGarvey said.

Founded in 1980, Room & Board creates timeless designs made from quality materials that have an enduring place in today’s homes. Sustainable practices have long been a pillar for the retailer. Current initiatives include sourcing reclaimed wood and incorporating recycled natural steel, plastic, and fabric into their furniture and decor.

“Hiring Emily and defining this role was the logical next step in our pledge to fight climate change and ensure we’re doing our part to protect the planet for generations to come,” said President and COO Bruce Champeau. “Room & Board has always been dedicated to local industries to craft our furniture. This model has allowed us to mitigate unnecessary waste and reduce the distance materials travel. We’ve proven that American made is not just smart business, it is also smarter environmentally.”

In 2017, Room & Board partnered with the USDA Forest Service to begin an initiative known as the Urban Wood Project. This partnership allows Room & Board to reclaim wood from old buildings destined for demolition and downed urban trees to repurpose them as unique, modern home furnishings. Since its start in Baltimore, the Urban Wood Project has expanded to Minneapolis, Detroit, Anaheim, and Sacramento, reclaiming the equivalent of more than 700 trees in the process.

As sustainability’s role in the retail industry is ever-evolving, McGarvey will navigate complex issues and further solidify Room & Board’s corporate values.

“Sustainability is exciting because it has the power to not only positively affect our communities and planet, but also a company’s bottom line – being sustainable should drive sales, reduce expenses, increase brand reputation, and mitigate brand risk,” McGarvey said.

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Room & Board

Polybion Completes Development Of World’s First Bacterial Cellulose Biomanufacturing Facility

MADRID and IRAPUATO, Mexico/ZURICH — March 15, 2022 — Polybion, the company growing next-generation materials designed with nature and manufactured with biology, today announced its bacterial cellulose facility is scaling up production, and the successful closing of a $4.4 million (4 million euros) Series A financing round led by Blue Horizon.

At maximum capacity, Polybion’s solar-powered, industrial-scale bacterial cellulose manufacturing facility will produce 1.1 million square feet per year of the company’s proprietary biotextile Celium®. Polybion is using the new funds to expand the company’s carbon-neutral bio-manufacturing facility, increase research and development efforts, and deploy Celium into consumer goods.

“Scaling the production of Celium, a sustainable alternative to animal-based textiles and petroleum-derived synthetics, is a huge step on Polybion’s mission to bring performance and possibility to 21st-century designers and materials engineers,” said Axel Gómez-Ortigoza, co-founder and chief executive officer, Polybion. “We are excited to partner with Blue Horizon, as we share a common vision on accelerating sustainability and the circular economy. In addition, having Blue Horizon as a partner allows us to scale new initiatives to build our brand and network.”

Tanmay Annachhatre, Blue Horizon principal, said, “We are happy to partner with Polybion and join Alexis, Axel, and the rest of this great team on their journey to create new and fully sustainable materials. Consumers, brands, and manufacturers are all seeking novel, sustainable materials. Few other companies have moved as quickly as Polybion to scale production of a completely circular material.”

Polybion was founded in 2015 by Mexican brothers Axel and Alexis Gómez-Ortigoza and Bárbara González Rolón. Together, they developed the tools and technology to grow high-performance bio-assembled materials by upcycling agro-industrial food waste and harnessing living organisms such as bacteria. Leveraging waste as raw material and designing, producing, and finishing products under the same roof are the north stars in Polybion’s long-term strategy.

Celium® is the first in a series of new biomaterials Polybion plans to create. Produced from the most abundant and versatile material on Earth – cellulose – Celium is an animal-free leather substitute with unique, high-performance characteristics that will ensure it becomes a new gold standard material for fashion, sportswear, and automotive applications. Polybion expects to reach the maximum production capacity of Celium per year by the third quarter of 2023 to fulfill the current demand from global brand collaborations.

“Polybion’s Celium has resonated with forward-thinking, global consumer brands across multiple sectors,” said Alexis Gómez-Ortigoza, Polybion co-founder and chief financial officer.  “With our expanded manufacturing capabilities, we are enhancing our ability to work with some of the world’s most iconic global consumer brands while reducing carbon emissions and displacing the animal-derived leather value chain. Our goal is to enhance these brands’ ability to accelerate the development of bioassembled products, increase sustainability, and accelerate the path toward the circular economy.”

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Polybion

Expansion Begins At Hexcel Engineered Core Operations Plant In Morocco

STAMFORD, Conn. — March 15, 2022 — Hexcel Corp. hosted customers and public officials today at its manufacturing site in the Midparc Free Trade Zone in Casablanca as the company broke ground on an expansion that will double the size of its existing engineered core manufacturing operation in Morocco to meet increased demand from aerospace customers for lightweight advanced composites.

The expansion, announced in September 2021, is expected to be completed in early 2023. The plant size will double to 24,000 square meters and employment is expected to increase from 120 to 400 people when the expansion is completed.

The Casablanca facility was built as part of Hexcel’s ongoing worldwide investment to create a diversified and robust global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for engineered core. At the plant, Hexcel transforms lightweight honeycomb materials into engineered core parts to reinforce structures in the aerospace industry, particularly for aircraft, engine nacelles, and helicopter blades.

At the event, Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President – Aerospace for Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial, said: “We are pleased to celebrate this milestone with our customers and with the local community. The increased demand for lightweight, aerodynamic, advanced composites is growing, and our customers including Safran, Airbus, Airbus Atlantic, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have shown confidence in our ability to meet that demand. We appreciate the support from them as well as from the Ministry and everyone in the local community who continue providing us with the opportunity to further our investment in Morocco. The very successful establishment of Hexcel, the qualification of the workforce, the support of the state and the proximity of our customers have been real assets to launch this extension of our site in Casablanca.”

Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry & Trade said: “Hexcel’s decision to strengthen its presence at Midparc reflects the resilience, competitiveness and worldwide reputation of the Moroccan aerospace platform. We continue to support this project not only to help meet the growing demand for composite products but also to create more job opportunities for our youth and to further strengthen Morocco’s competitiveness through advanced technology and a decarbonized, circular industrial base. “

Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, President of Midparc, said “The groundbreaking of the extension of the Hexcel plant at Midparc marks the strong recovery of the aerospace sector in Morocco after the downturn caused by COVID-19. In addition, it reflects a renewed confidence by Hexcel, a leader in advanced composite materials, in Morocco and in Midparc.”

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Hexcel Corp.

Milliken & Company Named To 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies For 16th Straight Year

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 15, 2022 — Milliken & Company has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies. The diversified global manufacturer, with more than 60 locations and approximately 8,000 associates worldwide, is one of six companies to receive this prestigious ethics-based honor every year since the award’s inception.

“Ethisphere and its World’s Most Ethical Companies program is a key benchmark for the way we do business,” shares Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken & Company. “Receiving this recognition for 16 straight years underscores the culture and commitment of Milliken team members globally. It’s who we are.”

In 2022, 136 honorees were recognized, spanning 22 countries and 45 industries. Milliken is one of seven industrial manufacturers. Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

Milliken’s run as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies illustrates its commitment to sustainability, recognizing that ethics anchors the company’s long-term success for all stakeholders.

“Congratulations to Milliken for achieving recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time,” said Ethisphere CEO Timothy Erblich. “We commend the entire Milliken team for this truly significant achievement and their commitment to driving positive, lasting change by intentionally creating a culture of ethics and purpose.”

Honorees

The full list of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found here: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Ethisphere® / Milliken & Company

Chilewich, Designer Of Performance Textile Products, Announces Majority Investment By Berkley Capital

NEW YORK CITY — March 15, 2022 — Chilewich today announced that Berkley Capital, the private equity investment vehicle of W. R. Berkley Corp., has acquired a majority interest in the company. Founded in 2000 by designer and veteran entrepreneur Sandy Chilewich, Chilewich has grown from a pioneer of placemats to a global provider of textile products to the home furnishings, contract, hospitality, and transportation markets. Architect Joe Sultan joined the company as CEO in 2001. Partnering with Berkley Capital will help fuel Chilewich’s commitment to launch design-led innovations; inspire consumers and designers to choose beautiful, durable, made-to-last products through best-in-class brand marketing; and expand the company’s national and global reach.

“More than 20 years ago, I saw unlimited opportunities for weaving with extruded yarns. I was certain not only that this humble material could be made beautiful but also that it was able to last a lifetime,” said Sandy Chilewich, founder and creative director of Chilewich. “Today you can find our products in more than one hundred countries, and many of our first customers report that their placemats are still going strong. We’re thrilled to be embarking upon this next chapter with Berkley Capital. Their proven experience will be critical as the business accelerates growth going forward.”

“As we look toward the future, our goal was to find a partner who recognized the true value of our brand and the successful business we’ve built from scratch, and that is Berkley Capital,” said Joe Sultan, Chilewich CEO. “We are very much looking forward to this exciting and expansive new chapter for the company while staying true to our commitment to original design and American craftsmanship.”

“We chose to partner with Chilewich because of its design leadership, unparalleled product performance, and strong brand recognition across markets,” said Berkley Capital President, Frank Medici. “We’re proud to support the continued expansion of this rapidly
growing business, with capital as well as with our experience in supporting growth-oriented companies.”

Adds Berkley Managing Director Thomas Ghegan: “Sandy, Joe, and the rest of the talented leadership have built a company that is synonymous with original design and proven performance. We are excited to work with this innovation-oriented team, which is committed to realizing the tremendous potential for the Chilewich brand and its unrivaled products.”

Berkley Capital has become the majority owner of Chilewich, and Sandy Chilewich and Joe Sultan have retained minority ownership as they continue on with the company in advisory roles across design, research, development, and manufacturing.

John Edelman, former CEO of Design Within Reach, will join the Board of Chilewich, which will include Berkley Capital President, Frank Medici, and Managing Director, Thomas Ghegan, along with Sandy Chilewich and Joe Sultan.

Chilewich will continue to be headquartered in New York City, where it also operates two retail stores, and maintain operations at its 127,500-square-foot manufacturing facility and warehouse in Chatsworth, Georgia.

The Sage Group initiated the transaction and served as exclusive financial advisor to Chilewich. Troutman Pepper was legal advisor to Chilewich. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Posted: March 15, 2022

Source: Chilewich

ICE Europe: Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating Presents New Ultrathin Coating Process For Film/Nonwoven Composites

MUNICH — March 14, 2022 — Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating — specialists for cast film, sheet extrusion and extrusion coating lines — will showcase a completely new production process for cost-effective film/nonwoven composites with an exceptionally low grammage at ICE (International Converting Exhibition) Europe (Hall A5, Booth 1300). The leading international trade show for paper, film, and foil conversion and processing will be held at Messe München (Munich trade fair center) from March 15-17, 2022.

The Covid-19 pandemic and current supply shortages have exposed the dependence of companies on global supply chains. This situation is both a warning signal and an opportunity to boost and reorganize the local production of semi-finished products from the ground up. Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating has now developed a trend-setting production process termed Ultrathin Coating, in particular for the sector of medical protective clothing. The process will permit customers to produce particularly lightweight film/nonwoven composites with greater cost efficiency and, as a result, more competitively. The patent-pending process has several advantages: It cuts film grammage by 66%; material consumption in the overall composite is reduced by 28%; and it slashes costs by up to 34% compared to conventional semi-finished products. Significant cost savings are achieved in various ways, for example, by replacing hotmelt adhesives, which reduces line maintenance to a great extent at the same time.

Mark Borutta, Sales & Marketing specialist at Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating, explains: “We are currently experiencing a sustained increase in demand for medical protective clothing combined with a return strategy for local production capacity. Against this backdrop, producers achieve a fast return on investment and high profitability with Ultrathin Coating – even when production is based in Europe.” What is so special about Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating’s solution is that its sister company, Reifenhäuser Reicofil, an experienced and global leading manufacturer of nonwoven lines, provided their invaluable support to the development.

Even if manufacturers already produce medical protective clothing and prefer to handle the coating process internally in the future instead of importing the necessary composites, it is worthwhile to set up an in-house production facility. In either case, the investment in Ultrathin Coating usually pays for itself in less than 12 months. The lower material input also reduces the consumption of fossil raw materials and this in turn responds to the increased demand for more sustainable products.

Posted: March 14, 2022

Source: Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik

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