The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) 2021 FloorTek Innovations Showcase

DALTON, Ga. — July 28, 2021 — The American Floorcovering Alliance will showcase a variety of new, cutting-edge industry products through its 2021 FloorTek Expo Innovations Showcase. Attendees will get up close and personal opportunities to view these new items before they become available.

Products featured in the Innovations Showcase include items from brands like AEI, Eltex, Freeman Schwabe, Taconic, Tuftco, and more. AEI will be presenting its TE-101 tight end/broken detector for carpet yarn warping. Freeman Schwabe is set to feature its new Die Cutting Press for cutting carpet tiles and planks with new integrated features for side die loading and die staging. Other items attendees can see include the Gilbos Dyna Jet High Speed Air Entanglement Winder for superior yarn winding and processing, Modra CreelMT automated yarn creeling system for tufted carpet manufacturing, and much more.

FloorTek Expo is the most exciting industry event of the season. Set to be held September 14-15, 2021, at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga., the Expo will feature networking opportunities for flooring industry professionals, new product launches through the Innovations Showcase, Seminars, and the FloorTek Open golf tournament with proceeds benefiting the inaugural 2021 AFA Floorcovering Industry Scholarship. Tickets for the FloorTek Open are still available through the website at https://floor-tek.com/.

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA)

3DLOOK Recognized In Gartner® Hype Cycle™ For Retail Technologies, 2021

SAN MATEO, Calif. — July 28, 2021 — 3DLOOK, creator of a patented mobile body scanning technology, has been acknowledged as one of the Sample Vendors in the “Mixed Reality” category of latest Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Retail Technologies, 2021, a go-to report covering the most transformative technologies in the retail space.

3DLOOK’s impressive achievements should be considered by CIOs of large multichannel retailers when prioritizing technology investments to support retail digital transformation and innovation. The company’s data-driven size and fit recommendations, along with virtual try-on functionality and advanced body data and shape analytics, are widely adopted by clothing and apparel brands looking to increase business efficiency. Brands that use 3DLOOK’s solutions have reduced return rates by up to 48% while increasing conversion by four times year over year.

“Use of mixed reality applications has accelerated in the last 12 months as consumers have not been able to access physical store locations due to COVID-19[1] ,” says the report. The need for such solutions “… has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as retailers strive to connect with customers to instill convenience and confidence in remote shopping ‘touchless’ environments.[1] ” According to Gartner Hype Cycle, “… Size and ‘best fit’ recommendations using AR can drastically reduce return rates and improve conversion. The ability to ‘visualize,’ manipulate and interact within an environment can increase sales. Access to consumer and application data can be used to make informed business decisions and increase customer loyalty[1] .” We believe 3DLOOK’s technology offers all that and a lot more to modern clothing retailers.

The company’s CEO Vadim Rogovskiy said on occasion, “The entire team at 3DLOOK couldn’t be happier about this recognition. It is only made possible by the relentless work ethic, dedication to customer service and focus on constant innovation that are the foundation of our organization. At 3DLOOK, we’re proud to not only help brands thrive and deliver unique hyper personalized shopping experiences in a rapidly evolving ecommerce-driven environment, but also to play a role in fundamentally reducing retail’s environmental footprint, a key priority for progressive brands, that has brought us this recognition”.

This acknowledgment from Gartner is the latest step in 3DLOOK’s growth trajectory. Over the past year, the business has increased nearly sixfold as leading retailers such as Tailored Brands and Dickies have partnered with 3DLOOK to accelerate their digitization efforts and offer a more personalized shopping experience driven by data intelligence. In July, 3DLOOK rolled out YourFit — a solution for apparel shoppers that offers photorealistic virtual try-on functionality combined with highly accurate, data-driven size recommendations. In March, the company announced Uniform Pro, a digital measuring, fit, and size recommendation system for the uniform industry. Earlier this year, 3DLOOK announced that it had raised $6.5 million in Series A funding, led by Almaz Capital.

[1] Gartner, Hype Cycle for Retail Technologies, 2021, Kelsie Marian, July 14, 2021

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: 3DLOOK

Baldwin To Introduce TexCoat G4 To U.S. Textile Industry At Techtextil North America

ST. LOUIS — July 27, 2021 — Baldwin Technology Company Inc. will be showcasing its TexCoat G4 non-contact precision spray fabric-finishing system at the Techtextil North America trade show, held August 23-25, in Raleigh, N.C. (booth #1117).

With extensive sustainability benefits, unprecedented tracking and process control, and Industry 4.0 integration, the TexCoat G4 provides consistently high-quality fabric finishing, with no chemistry waste, and significantly reduced water and energy consumption.

“We are extremely proud to introduce the TexCoat G4 to the American textile industry,” said Rick Stanford, Business Development leader for the U.S. at Baldwin. “After receiving incredibly positive reviews during the launch at ITMA 2019, the TexCoat G4 has proven its efficiency for textile manufacturers across Europe and in North and Central America. We are confident in meeting American manufacturers’ high demands for profitability and sustainability, with great margins.”

Baldwin’s innovative non-contact spray technology eliminates chemistry dilution in wet-on-wet processes. The TexCoat G4 consistently and uniformly sprays chemistry across the fabric surface and applies it only where needed, on one or both sides. Customers can expect no bath contamination during the finishing process, as well as minimal downtime during changeovers, which are made easy with recipe management that includes automated chemistry and coverage selection.

The TexCoat G4 also enhances sustainability by wasting no chemistry during color, fabric or chemistry changeovers, and because only the required chemistry volume is applied to the fabric, wet pick-up levels can be reduced by up to 50 percent—leading to 50 percent less water and energy consumption. Furthermore, in single-side applications, drying steps can be eliminated for various textiles, including those that are back-coated and laminated, thereby streamlining and simplifying the production process.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: Baldwin Technology Company Inc.

LYCRA® FitSense™ Technology Delivers Breakthrough Benefits In Modesty And Bra Foam Replacement

WILMINGTON, Del. — July 27, 2021 — The LYCRA Co., a developer of innovative solutions for the textile, apparel, and personal care industries, today introduced a breakthrough LYCRA® FitSense™ technology innovation that reduces or eliminates the need for bra foam. This patent-pending bra cup application can be used in intimate apparel such as traditional wired, non-wired or unlined bras (including bralettes and sport bras), plus activewear and swimwear.

LYCRA FitSense technology is a water-based, solvent-free dispersion that is comprised of the same molecule as LYCRA fiber. The dispersion is screen-printed directly onto the bra fabric, increasing the power of the fabric in precise areas. The power increase in the bra cup effectively reduces nipple protrusion while providing symmetrical support, shaping and lift for the bustline—reducing or eliminating the need for sewn-in panels or insertable pads.

Zones of support can be applied to the bottom and sides of the bra cup for shaping, as well as the wing for maximum comfort and smoothing. LYCRA FitSense technology also can be applied between fabric layers in the bra cup to mask nipple protrusion while retaining the original fabric aesthetics.

“With LYCRA FitSense technology, the print does the work of the pad and enables brands to build a better bra for all sizes, styles and silhouettes — a true breakthrough development,” said Melissa Stewart, global technology director-R&D materials innovations. “With this new innovation, women have more choices in bras that provide functionality, style and comfort.”

Bras can be rigid, bulky, and hot, with multiple components and structures creating an uncomfortable, restrictive wearing experience. LYCRA FitSense technology can be used to design functional bras that are lighter, thinner, and more breathable, without sacrificing modesty, all-day comfort, durability, support or shaping. And unlike polyurethane foam — which discolors and can move around or even get lost in the wash — LYCRA FitSense technology is built into the garment and is highly durable to machine washing and regular wear. Further, in swimwear applications, the technology provides chlorine resistance and fast drying benefits versus foams and dual fabric layers.

LYCRA FitSense technology offers intimate apparel makers versatility to create intentional design aesthetics by incorporating delicate patterns and artistic details that align with their brand identities. “Designs and colors can be easily customized to deliver on-trend fashion cues — from feminine, lacelike designs to sporty geometric shapes — that satisfy all tastes,” said Stewart. “With LYCRA FitSense technology, a designer’s imagination is the only creative limitation.”

LYCRA FitSense technology, which achieved the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX sustainability certification, is applied using standard screen-printing processes, eliminating the need for specialty equipment or major supply chain upgrades. The LYCRA Company provides technical guidance to enable brands, retailers, and garment makers to easily access this innovation.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: The LYCRA Co.

Genomatica Closes $118 Million Series C To Amplify The Scale And Impact Of Sustainable Materials 

SAN DIEGO, Cali. — July 27, 2021 — Sustainability leader Genomatica closed $118 million in Series C funding to accelerate the global commercialization and expansion of sustainable materials, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tons per year. Leading life science investor Novo Holdings led the round, with additional participation by existing and new investors including Viking Global Investors, Casdin Capital and others. Genomatica will use the investment to scale production for its portfolio of products and continue investing in new technologies to amplify the impact of sustainable materials across a range of industries.

Genomatica replaces widely-used chemicals and materials, traditionally derived from petroleum fossil fuels, with plant-based alternatives that are cost-competitive, equivalent in performance and can reduce environmental impact by up to 93 percent compared to fossil fuel-based production. These molecularly identical replacements can be used in a wide range of products that touch the lives of billions of consumers, including clothes, cosmetics, packaging and carpet. The financing follows the recent news that Cargill and HELM are building a commercial production plant based on Genomatica’s technology. This plant, the second to rely on Genomatica’s technology (with the first one built by Novamont) will triple global production capacity for just one of the ingredients made with the company’s technologies to 100,000 tons per year — distinctively positioning Genomatica and its larger portfolio to deliver on the market appeal of more sustainable solutions across multiple sectors at these large commercial scales.

“Sustainability is a must-have for consumers and for increasingly ESG-focused investors, making it a business imperative for brands,” said Anders Bendsen Spohr, Senior Partner at Novo Holdings, which has assets of 61 billion euros across a portfolio of 120 life sciences companies. “We see a massive opportunity for biological manufacturing to help industries meet this demand for sustainable products. Genomatica is creating more sustainable value chains with both a breadth of partnerships and products that it is distinctively executing on at commercial scales that can deliver the kinds of impact that today’s climate crisis requires.”

As the climate crisis intensifies, consumer demand for sustainable products has risen quickly. A recent survey from Genomatica found that the majority of U.S. consumers (86 percent) believe sustainability is a good goal, and over half (52 percent) make choices to be more sustainable. Through its sustainable solutions, Genomatica is aiming to transform how materials are sourced and produced, enabling transparent, traceable, and responsible supply chains that drive both positive social and environmental impact.

“Leading a widespread transition to sustainable materials is what drives us at Genomatica,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “We’ve grown intentionally by proving the scalability of our products, fostering strategic partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers, and laying the foundation to remake supply chains. We are increasingly powering the shift to more sustainable products that consumers and investors want — and humanity needs.”

European-based lead investor Novo Holdings has long been a champion of the bioeconomy. Together with other new investors including Irving Investors, Nicholas Investment Partners, Tenere Capital and Tharsis Capital, they are complementing existing backers in an increasingly ESG-focused and geo-diverse investor base for Genomatica.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: Genomatica

Target Announces Fall Collaboration With Author, Illustrator And Animator Christian Robinson

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — July 26, 2021 — Target Corp. today announced its limited-time-only collaboration with author, illustrator and animator Christian Robinson, who is renowned for his captivating and imaginative illustrations and his best-selling children’s books, “You Matter” and “Another.” The Christian Robinson for Target collection includes more than 70 items across home, apparel and books for kids and baby that encourage discovery and play. The collection ranges in price from $6-$70, and will be available beginning Sunday, August 15, on Target.com and in most Target stores.

“We know our guests want their homes to be a reflection of themselves and look to Target for inspiration and new ways to explore their creativity,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “Christian Robinson’s curiosity and creativity are unmatched. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce our guests to such a special partner and deliver an inclusive collection that is as inspiring as it is affordable.”

“As a child, drawing became a way to make space for myself and to create the kind of world I wanted to see,” Robinson said. “Working with Target to bring this collection to life has been a dream come true and I hope it helps all Target guests, big and small, create a space of their own that is timeless, captures their imaginations and sparks their curiosity.”

The Christian Robinson for Target collection offers home items including pillows, bedding, rugs, wall art and more, as well as a range of baby and toddler apparel items. The collection will also include adaptive and sensory-friendly apparel items, including items that are tagless, feature flat seams, have openings for abdominal access and more. With most items under $25, the collection will be available on Target.com and in most Target stores beginning August 15, with new home products arriving in October. In addition, guests can shop the collection via Target’s contactless same-day pickup options, Drive Up and Order Pickup.

This partnership with Christian is also one of the many ways Target continues its commitment to source and design more products from Black creators and designers.

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Target Corporation

Markforged Launches Two Composite Materials Designed For Aerospace And Other Highly-Regulated Industries: Onyx FR-A And Carbon Fiber FR-A

WATERTOWN, Mass. — July 26, 2021 — Markforged, creator of the integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, announced today it is taking a major strategic step to support aerospace, defense and other manufacturers in highly-regulated industries. Beginning today, Markforged is offering Onyx™ FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, aerospace-ready versions of its Onyx FR and Carbon Fiber FR materials. These two new materials are undergoing a qualification program conducted on the X7 industrial 3D printer by the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), part of the National institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Upon completion, Markforged is expected to have the first continuous fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing (AM) process qualified by NCAMP, one of two bodies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to qualify materials for flight.

Since Markforged introduced continuous fiber reinforcement to general manufacturing seven years ago, millions of parts have been printed using The Digital Forge. Markforged is now advancing its support of end-use parts for the aerospace market so manufacturers can benefit from continuous fiber reinforcement technology. This enables manufacturers to take advantage of high strength lightweight composites at lower fixed costs, shorter lead times, and reduced investment in labor compared to traditional processing.

“Markforged believes in a future that is more than metal. We have long supported the aerospace industry and have parts in-flight today,” said Markforged President and CEO Shai Terem. “There is a multi-decade trend underway to transition parts from metals to advanced composites, which are lighter and offer greater efficiencies. Our deliberate move to support innovation in aerospace mitigates risk for these manufacturers and helps get additive parts in the air faster by simplifying the part certification process.”

Markforged has been collaborating with NCAMP since the first quarter of 2020 and has successfully completed the rigorous factory audit phase of the qualification program approved by NIAR and a steering committee consisting of experts spanning commercial and defense industries, academia, and the FAA. The program is currently in the printing and testing phase, which will be followed by an in-depth analysis and reporting cycle. Markforged and NCAMP anticipate full qualification upon completion of these processes in early 2023. Both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently accept composite specification and design values developed using the NCAMP process.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are designed to meet Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) requirements for many parts in aircraft interiors, come with traceability, and adhere to specifications approved by NCAMP. They are specifically developed for end-use applications in demanding industries like aerospace and defense because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional surface finish, and high consistency. With Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials, aerospace manufacturers and others in highly-regulated industries that require higher levels of documentation can more freely explore what’s possible with additive manufacturing and high strength continuous fiber reinforced end-use parts.

Markforged has been working with aerospace customers, such as Cabin Management Solutions (CMS), to bring end-use parts to market through a manual material traceability process. The company, based in Texas, designs and manufactures cabin management and in-flight entertainment systems for business and private aircraft, and has already developed over 100 end-use parts ready to be installed in aircrafts. Newly available material traceability will streamline their processes and, ultimately, help accelerate the path to FAA approval.

“In aerospace, it’s important to have quality parts we can adapt on the fly to make any changes the customer requests,” said Jeff Pike, VP of Engineering at CMS. “Using Markforged printers and materials offers us ways to create low-volume, high-value luxury cabin parts faster and at the point of need. This results in lower costs and accelerated lead times, and with material traceability in place, it will enable us to move even faster in our development process and free up resources to focus elsewhere.”

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, available now, will give manufacturers confidence in the materials while reducing risk and saving time. Once Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A complete the NCAMP qualification process, manufacturers will be able to access Markforged’s material information from the NCAMP database, prove equivalency, and have the ability to gain FAA certification efficiently.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are available on the Markforged X7, and Onyx FR-A is also available on the Markforged X5 and X3. These printers combine precision-built hardware, advanced sensors, and best-in-class software to deliver accurate parts, repeatedly. The company expects to launch additional traceable materials in the future.

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Markforged

X-Rite Names Dustin Bowersox Textile & Apparel Business Development Manager

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— July 26, 2021 — X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC, announced it has appointed Dustin Bowersox as Textile & Apparel Business Development Manager. In this newly-created role, Bowersox will lead X-Rite’s growth strategy in the textile market by promoting combined X-Rite and Pantone color solutions designed to help brands and their global suppliers select, communicate, formulate, and control color on textiles.

Bowersox joins X-Rite with 20 years’ experience in color science and the textile market. He began his career with GE Plastics ColorXpress and Uniform Color Company, after which he transitioned into the textile and apparel market as the Senior Color Manager for Target. He has also served in positions at DataColor and Coloro, where he focused on helping brands navigate color from concept to consumer by utilizing color libraries and trend services.

“The apparel industry is going through a digital transformation and I’m excited to join a company that is leading the way in providing innovative solutions that accelerate the design to manufacturing process,” Bowersox said. “I look forward to working with retailers, brands, and suppliers to build a connected workflow that incorporates color measurement instruments, formulation, and quality control software as well as 3D rendering tools.”

“Dustin’s knowledge of the apparel color workflow along with his experience setting global color strategies makes him a perfect fit to lead our growth strategy in the textile market,” said Mike Soriano, director, Consumer Products & Materials Business, X-Rite. “He understands the color management challenges brands and suppliers face and how color management hardware and software can help companies digitize many aspects of a color program to achieve accurate color and reduce a global footprint.”

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: X-Rite Incorporated & Pantone

Xaar Opens New Corporate Headquarters In Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — July 26, 2021 — Xaar officially opened its new global headquarters in Cambridgeshire with a ceremony presided over by Chairman Andrew Herbert, CEO John Mills, CFO Ian Tichias and General Manager of the printhead business unit Graham Tweedale, alongside members of the team.

The move builds on Xaar’s recent rebrand and launch of its ImagineX platform as it continues to focus on the development of inkjet technology for printing and manufacturing applications worldwide.

Located on the Cambridge Research Park, in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, the new facility houses Xaar’s finance, HR, legal and marketing functions, as well as a new purpose-built R&D laboratory. Specifically configured to enhance the working environment for the team the new offices also embrace Xaar’s commitment to flexible working for employees.

Importantly, the offices also provide a significantly reduced carbon footprint for Xaar as it focuses on its sustainability objectives across the business.

While the Waterbeach headquarters contains most of the corporate functions, the Huntingdon manufacturing facility will remain a key part of Xaar’s commitment to innovation, client collaboration and embracing new market opportunities.

On opening the new headquarters, John Mills, said; “We are proud of our heritage in Cambridgeshire and our new offices will provide the best working environment to help us continue to drive the global development of industrial inkjet technology use worldwide.”

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Xaar

RISE® – Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference – Ready to Present the Latest in Material Science and Sustainability

CARY, N.C. — July 27, 2021 — Industry technical leaders are ready to escalate their businesses with forward-looking insights into material science developments advancing sustainability that will be presented virtually at the 11th edition of RISE®, Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference on September 28-30.

Registration is now open for the event that is once again co-organized by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, The Nonwovens Institute, and North Carolina State University.

Building on last year’s excitement, more than 150 professionals in product development, materials science, and new technologies are expected to attend the event online. The latest speaker lineup is available on the RISE website.

The cutting-edge discussions for RISE attendee participation include Sustainability in Material Inputs and End-of-Life Performance, Government/NGO Challenges to Single-Use Plastics, and Market Intelligence and Economic Insights Post-Pandemic.

The conference will culminate on September 30 with the presentation of the 2021 RISE Innovation Award recognizing problem-solving innovations that advance the nonwovens industry. The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University was last year’s winner for their Spunbond High Efficiency Filter Media.

RISE® Highlights

The program includes expert presentations from industry leaders, round-table discussions and question-and-answer sessions on the key themes of material science developments for sustainable nonwovens, sustainability, increasing circularity in nonwovens, and promising innovations in nonwovens, processes and materials.

  • Promising Materials Development Using PLA 
presented by Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor and Executive Director, North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute
  • Phantom Platform: The Polyolefin-cellulose Coformed Substrates Technology at Its Best, featuring insights from Fabio Zampollo, CEO, Teknoweb Materials S.r.l.
  • Biotransformation Technology in Polyolefin Fibers and Nonwoven Fabrics, Focus on Fugitive Used Articles – with speakers, Dr. DeeAnn Nelson, Development Program Manager, and Nick Carter, vice president of Marketing and Business Intelligence, both from Avgol Nonwovens
  • High-Loft, Ultra-Soft Hygiene Solutions, 
presented by Dr. Paul Rollin, Global Team Lead – Nonwovens, ExxonMobil Chemical Company
  • Innovating a Sustainable Future for Nonwovens; A European Perspective 
given by Dr. Matthew Tipper, Operations director, Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute Ltd., (NIRI), UK
  • Filtration Media Functionalized with Zinc Oxide 
by Dr. Wai-shing Yung, Technical Director, Ascend Performance Materials

For the full RISE program, speaker biographies and other updates, see the RISE website (https://www.riseconf.net/index.html)

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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