Ralph Lauren Debuts “Intelligent Insulation” Technology, A Pioneering Apparel Innovation Developed For Team USA’s Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform

NEW YORK CITY — January 20, 2022 — Ralph Lauren today unveiled a groundbreaking apparel and textile innovation with Intelligent Insulation — a first-to-market, sustainably-minded temperature responsive fabric that adapts to cooler temperatures by expanding and creating a layer of insulation — that will be used to outfit Team USA for the Winter Games Opening Ceremonies.

Designed with a sustainable ethos, Intelligent Insulation expands the lifespan and use of a garment that might otherwise be appropriate for only a short, seasonal time-period. For the first time, a single item of apparel can transition through three-seasons, and from indoor to outdoor environments seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple garments.

“The development and introduction of Intelligent Insulation reimagines what is possible in the apparel landscape. For the first time, you can have a singular item that provides incredible versatility and style, for a variety of temperatures, changing the way we can holistically think about the makeup of a consumer’s closet. As a longtime partner of Team USA, Ralph Lauren is proud to continually provide innovative and purposeful apparel to the world’s best athletes,” David Lauren, chief branding and onnovation officer, Ralph Lauren.

Building on the Company’s ongoing commitment to investing in, developing and progressing revolutionary innovations in apparel, Ralph Lauren partnered with textile innovation company, Skyscrape, to bring the technology to market for Team USA’s Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform.

The Intelligent Insulation technology adapts to changes in air temperature around the wearer without the use of battery-powered or ‘wired’ technology. The fabric itself is comprised of two separate materials that expand or contract at different rates in response to temperature changes. As temperatures drop, the lengths of the two materials change differently causing the textile to constrict and bend — creating channels in the fabric structure to increase the amount of insulation provided by the garment. The state-of-art technology developed by Skyscrape required years of research and development, including the creation of bespoke machines and a proprietary production process that was initially supported by ARPA-E in the United States Department of Energy.

The Team USA Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform look is a modern and fresh take on sportswear and was created with sustainability in mind. The look includes an anorak, featuring Intelligent Insulation technology, a mid-layer jacket, pant, gloves and boot all including recycled polyester fiber made with post-consumer plastic bottles. Each item in the uniform is proudly manufactured in the United States.

“Ralph Lauren has defined American style for over five decades, and we’re thrilled that Team USA will once again wear this cutting-edge, sustainable and iconic apparel at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “America’s elite athletes have worked a lifetime for the opportunity to represent the United States on the world stage. We thank Ralph Lauren for celebrating and supporting them, and for pushing the boundaries when developing apparel that serves a purpose for Team USA.”

Additionally, Ralph Lauren will debut a virtual reality content series that spotlights six Team USA athletes. Customers will be able to explore the technology through a headset or via an immersive in-store installation in select Ralph Lauren retail store locations.

Ralph Lauren is proud to be an Official Outfitter of Team USA since 2008. Unlike most other countries’ Olympic and Paralympic Teams, American athletes are not supported by federal funding. A portion of Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection sales support the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform will be available for purchase online at Ralphlauren.com and in select Ralph Lauren retail stores beginning on January 20th.

Posted: January 21, 2022

Source: Ralph Lauren Corp.

Carbios Accelerates Its Industrial Development

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France— January 19, 2022 — Carbios a pioneer in the development of enzymatic solutions dedicated to the end-of-life of plastic and textile polymers, announced it will accelerate the industrial development of its revolutionary enzymatic recycling process (C-ZYME™) with the construction of its reference unit in Europe.

After studying several potential location proposals, Carbios has shortlisted two of the worlds’ leading PET producers to host this future reference unit. The industrial sites considered are in Europe, including one in France.

“To consolidate our strategy and be ready for 2025, the date by which major industrial players are aiming for 100-percent recyclable and recycled packaging, we are entering the final stage of our industrial development. Discussions with our potential partners and public authorities are in process and we can expect the location of our future first-of-its-kind reference unit to be announced in the coming weeks,” said Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios.

The excellent results obtained from Carbios’ industrial demonstration plant, which began operations last September in France, confirmed the industrial scale-up potential of the Company’s technology. With regard to the core of Carbios’ recycling process, the depolymerization kinetics and yields obtained are identical to those achieved in the Pilot facility. “These promising results allow us to envision a large-scale deployment of Carbios’ enzymatic recycling process,” said Prof. Alain Marty, Carbios’ chief scientific officer.

Carbios’ industrial teams are completing the comparative audits of the potential industrial sites submitted by PET manufacturers. This team has also been strengthened with the recruitment of additional expert talent and is already working on the development plans for the construction of the reference unit. Engineering work has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Additionally, Carbios continues to work with renowned industrial partners such as Technip Energies and Novozymes.

C-ZYME is a response to the rising concern of plastic pollution. This world-first enzymatic technology converts PET — the dominant plastic in bottles, trays and polyester textiles — into its basic components, which can then be used to make 100-percent recycled and 100-percent recyclable PET, without loss of quality. The transition to a circular plastic economy will be accelerated by the industrialization of this disruptive process.

Posted: January 21, 2022

Source: Carbios

NatureWorks To Open New Headquarters And Advanced Biopolymers Research And Development Facility

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — January 20, 2022 — In response to rapid growth in the market for sustainable biomaterials, NatureWorks today announced its intent to open a new headquarters and advanced biopolymer research facility in Plymouth, Minn. Expanded laboratory capabilities will support research into the full circular lifecycle of Ingeo™ biopolymers from next generation fermentation technology to new applications, to increased functionality.

The expanded R&D capabilities will also support the construction and operation of NatureWorks’s new fully integrated Ingeo PLA manufacturing complex located in Thailand. With an expected opening in 2024, the facility will have an annual capacity of 75,000 tons of Ingeo biopolymer and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades.

“In the face of these challenging times, we’ve designed a space that will enable research, invention, and collaboration between us, our partners, and the market, no matter where we are located in the world,” said Rich Altice, president & CEO of NatureWorks. “These new facilities will help accelerate the pace of research and innovation as the urgent need for real, safe solutions that help address climate and environmental challenges from plastics and chemicals continues to grow.”

The new space is designed to embody NatureWorks’s mission to create sustainable, high-performance materials by incorporating low environmental impact materials including lighting, flooring, and art made with Ingeo as well as systems for reducing water and energy usage. A robust organics recycling collection system will divert food waste away from landfills to compost with compostable food serviceware, coffee pods, and tea bags all available to visitors and employees.

Whether participating in trials in our applications lab or meeting with employees, visitors will find a redesigned experience that facilitates collaboration and showcases examples of Ingeo in applications from appliances to 3D printing, to compostable and recyclable paper coatings.

The move to the new headquarters and R&D facility located at 17400 Medina Road, Suite 800, Plymouth, MN, 55447, will begin in February 2022.

Posted: January 21, 2022

Source: NatureWorks

Mount Vernon Mills Acquiring Rockingham, N.C.-based Spinning And Weaving Facility From Wade Manufacturing

MAULDIN, S.C. — January 20, 2022 — Mount Vernon Mills announced that is has agreed to acquire Wade Manufacturing Co.’s yarn spinning and weaving facility located in Rockingham, N.C. With the acquisition, Mount Vernon Mills will be vertically integrated from yarn production to finished fabric in certain products and will be in greater control of the company’s supply chain. No other assets or part of Wade Manufacturing’s business, which is headquartered in Wadesboro, N.C., are in included in the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close in early February. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The Rockingham facility is a modern, cost-efficient operation with an experienced and stable workforce, making it a great fit as we increase the amount of control that we have over our yarn supply, weaving operations and overall costs,” said Bill Duncan, CEO, Mount Vernon Mills. “We are also proud to expand our footprint in the U.S. and build upon our made in America commitment and heritage.”

Mount Vernon Mills plans to hire substantially all the current workforce in the Rockingham facility and may look to add additional positions in the future to bring the plant to full capacity. Initially, the Rockingham facility will produce open-end spun yarn for Mount Vernon Mills and woven greige goods for the company’s flame resistant (FR) products.

“The acquisition not only adds stability to Mount Vernon’s supply chain, but it also adds stability to the workforce located here in the Rockingham community,” said Bernie Hodges, Wade Manufacturing CEO. “We know that our employees will be well taken care of, and that they will continue to carry on the rich traditions of the U.S. textile industry.”

Privately owned, Mount Vernon Mills has recently been investing in its operations post pandemic, including upgrading finishing equipment and initiating a loom replacement program in the company’s Trion, Ga., facility.

Posted: January 20, 2022

Source: Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR

Shawmut Corp. Unveils Small-Sized NIOSH-Approved N95 Respirator

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — January 20, 2022 — Shawmut Corp. today announced it has launched a small-size NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator to help protect people with smaller faces.

Shawmut’s U.S.-made smaller Protex N95 Particulate Respirator Model SR9520S will be sold starting next week alongside its medium/large Model SR9520 on Shawmut’s website and other popular sites for personal protective equipment, including Project N95 and Armbrust American.

“There was a significant size gap in the industry, leaving millions struggling with poor-fitting masks — or completely unprotected,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut Corp. “After spending the last several months working through the research, design, development, testing and regulatory processes we are thrilled to provide this new and essential size.”

The Protex SR9520S N95 respirator is made with the same patent-pending design as its counterpart, but with a smaller form factor to optimize fit on smaller faces. All Shawmut N95 respirators are manufactured in the company’s West Bridgewater, Mass., factory, using U.S.-based raw materials to help avoid shipping delays and reduce the need for foreign materials.

While smaller in form, the SR9520S respirator was designed for adult faces. Families considering an N95 respirator for their children should take the time to make sure the N95 fits properly: sealed around the face, straps are not loose and the wearer is comfortable enough not to remove it. To get the maximum protection from an N95 respirator, there should be no air leakage around the edges of the mask. Before depending on the small N95 for protection, the wearer should test for leaks and gaps all around the edges.

“It’s so important to have a good fit and seal to prevent any leakage around the edges of any mask you are wearing to get the protection it promises, and our experience shows that a high-quality N95 respirator offers the best fit and seal, especially compared to a KN95 mask or surgical face mask,” said Larry Weldon, vice president of Global Quality for Shawmut. “Therefore, we needed to provide a solution that expanded the number of people that an N95 will fit.”

While the recently announced program to distribute 400 million N95 masks does not include any child-sized masks, it is unknown whether the Strategic National Stockpile includes any that are small in size.

The Protex N95 Particulate Respirator Model SR9520S was engineered with fit and comfort in mind for smaller faces. Shawmut innovated its patent-pending Protex All Day Comfort System that combines a uniquely soft but strong inner layer, incredibly lightweight but highly efficient and effective inner filtration layer, and high-sealing viscoelastic nose foam for a secure but comfortable seal. The result is an N95 mask performance with less air resistance, cooler and less stale air inside the mask for easier breathability, less eyeglass fogging, and less pressure on the face for all-day-comfort and wear.

The Protex N95 Particulate Respirator Model SR9520S offers a minimum of 95-percent filtration efficiency, meeting the government standard for N95s. The molded-cup-style respirator — preferred by most users for its performance — is made with Shawmut’s proprietary high-efficiency, bi-layer, meltblown filtration material offering a comfortable fit for extended wear. Due to its lightweight, inner filtration layer, developed using Shawmut’s advanced material expertise, the Protex N95 small respirator is lighter and more breathable than others on the market.

Posted: January 20, 2022

Source: Shawmut Corp.

The LYCRA Company’s Foshan, China Facility Earns High Higg FEM Score

WILMINGTON, Del. — January 19, 2022 — The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative fiber and technology solutions for the textile and apparel industry, announced today that its largest manufacturing site located in Foshan, China has earned a score in the upper quartile for its third-party audited Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM).

Higg FEM is a sustainability assessment tool that The LYCRA Co. is using to determine the Foshan site’s environmental impact, standardize how its environmental performance is measured year over year and identify, prioritize and scale enhancements.

Foshan’s Higg FEM score is based on the percentage of completed and verified self-assessment questions related to its environmental management systems, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, water use, wastewater, air emissions, waste management and chemical management. The Foshan site completed the full module and had their responses confirmed by an independent verifier.

“Foshan is the first of our six global manufacturing sites to undergo Higg FEM verification. We’re thrilled to achieve such a high score in the upper quartile for our first assessment,” said Choon Hueei Beck, Foshan plant manager, The LYCRA Co. “This positive outcome not only demonstrates The LYCRA Company’s commitment to sustainability and transparency, but it will also differentiate our products in a highly competitive marketplace.”

At Foshan, the Higg FEM verification was an intensive three-day process that required months of preparation and documentation according to Beck. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of a cross-functional team in Foshan and other locations, we now have a blueprint to repeat this successful result at other facilities, all of which have completed self-certification,” he said.

Located in Guangdong province, the Foshan plant first opened in 2005. The manufacturing site produces LYCRA® fiber for apparel and LYCRA HyFit® fiber for personal care products and employs about 500 people. A number of LYCRA® fiber products made at Foshan are Gold Level Material Health certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

Posted: January 19, 2022

Source: The LYCRA Company

Coloreel Closes New Deal With ZSK Machines In The United States

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — January 19, 2022 — Coloreel, with its unique technology for digital dyeing of textile thread on-demand for more sustainable and creative embroideries, expand their business with the sale of four units with an additional new U.S. distribution partner ZSK Machines, a division of Notcina Corp.

Sven Öquist, VP Sales at Coloreel Group AB commented: “This is a natural next step in our partnership with ZSK and enable us additional possibility to grow our business in the U.S. ZSK Machines has great reach into the US embroidery market and provides excellent customer solutions and support. I am looking forward to many more units sold through our new distribution partnership.”

Bob Mattina, ZSK Embroidery, commented: “This is an exciting time for the textile market, and we are honored to serve the industry and support such incredible developments. We are looking forward to expanding the world of Coloreel and pushing the limits of embroidery.”

Posted: January 19, 2022

Source: Coloreel

Kemin Industries Names Valter Dompè President Of Garmon Chemicals

Valter Dompè

REPUBLICA DI SAN MARINO — January 19, 2022 — Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, has appointed Valter Dompè president of Kemin Textile Auxiliaries business unit (Garmon Chemicals), effective January 1, 2022.

Dompè is taking over as president of Garmon Chemicals after Kimberly Nelson, who successfully led the company for the last three years, decided to join another business unit of Kemin Industries.

Dompè comes from Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), which he joined in 2015. As commercial director, he created a new structure that led the team to double its sales in two years. After becoming president of the business unit in 2018, he led Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA to double its share in the market by providing solutions that have continuously grown in sales by 20 percent each year.

Before joining Kemin, Dompè worked for l’Oreal, where he started in 1989 as a product manager. In 25 years he managed sales, marketing, operations, personnel and finance for beauty brands in different distribution channels.

“I’m ready and excited for this new challenge in textile auxiliaries, which merges strong technical requirements with a great attention to the fashion and style side,” Dompè said. “Thanks to the experience achieved in both areas during my career, I’m ready to contribute to reaching Kemin Textiles Auxiliaries’ ambitious goals.”

Kimberly Nelson, a third-generation member of the Nelson family, is growing in her career and becoming the general manager of the largest business unit of the company, Kemin Nutrisurance, in North America.

“Since Kemin’s acquisition of Garmon in 2018, we had very challenging but positive years. Despite the pandemic’s impact on the textile market, we reinforced our presence is several key countries; launched revolutionary products such as Smart Foam and Kemzymes for denim; and filled key positions in our team with talented people,” said Nelson. “While I’m sad to leave Kemin Textiles, I’m also very excited to begin this new part of my career. With the appointment of Valter as president, I believe that the future of Garmon Chemicals is in very, very good hands.”

Posted: January 19, 2022

Source: Kemin Industries

Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Expands NONWOVENS Laboratory In U.S. Headquarters  

BARTLETT, Ill. — January 14, 2022 — The Herrmann Ultrasonics NONWOVENS business unit has been a specialist and technology leader in the field of continuous welding of web materials including nonwovens, films, foils, and tissue since 1994.  Over the last year significant investment has been made into expanding the NONWOVENS laboratory and upgrading the most modern and fastest ultrasonic lab calendar, the ULC 600+, located in the Bartlett, Ill., headquarters.

The investment will allow the company to strengthen its global presence and give support to the growing markets and demands of North America with increased application testing, customer support, and HERRMANN ENGINEERING.

The laboratory investment consists of:

  • Ultrasonic bonding processing speed capabilities above 600 m/min (2,000 ft/min).
  • Upgrade to the ULC 600+, Ultrasonic Lab Calendar with state of the art Allen Bradley drives and controls, along with the latest web tensioning system.
  • Added elastic unwind and guiding systems to run Herrmann Ultrasonics patented Elastic Anchoring solution.
  • New windows based HMI MICROGAP G4 ultrasonic bonding solution platform.
  • Increased lab square footage.
  • Quick exchange systems for anvils to run efficiently different patterns for the same application.
  • New test and measurement area.

Ultrasonic welding of web materials is an extremely fast and stable process that is easily repeatable and directly available without the need for pre-heating or consumables such as adhesives. This scalable technology allows for simultaneous embossing, laminating and cutting from narrow pattern widths to applications exceeding 4 m wide.  To insure high product quality, continuous bonding of material requires a precise and repeatable manufacturing process. The upgraded ULC 600+ Ultrasonic Lab Calendar can be used to simulate the production environment and perform feasibility tests for a variety of markets such as consumer, medical, wound care, hygiene, filter, wipes, facemasks and more.

Uwe Peregi, president of Herrmann Ultrasonics explained: “Flexible and very thin materials, like 9 GSM, can be better controlled by means of a new web tensioning and control system.  With our brand new quick exchange system for the ultrasonic stations, we can experiment with different ultrasonic technologies — static or rotating — in one single day.  As a result, our customers will save time and money.”  In addition, new documentation and analysis tools are available, such as the OPCUA interface that can provide all relevant process data specific to the application.

Herrmann Ultrasonics can support the project requirements through consultation and application development in their NONWOVENS laboratory.

Posted January 18, 2022

Source: Herrmann Ultrasonics

SHIMA SEIKI Opens Online Store For APEXFiz™ Subscriptions

WAKAYAMA, Japan — January 17, 2022 — SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. has announced the opening of its new “SHIMA eStore” online shopping site for purchasing subscriptions to its APEXFiz™ design software. Users can access the SHIMA eStore to purchase and download entry-level APEXFiz™ Design Jr. subscription software, or sign up for a free 30-day trial.

SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz™ subscription-based design software has been on sale since March 2021 as the latest addition to its proven SDS®-ONE APEX series design system lineup. Whereas previous APEX-series design systems were offered as an all-in-one proprietary hardware/software package, APEXFiz™ is available as subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers’ individual computers. Maintaining proven functions that have made the APEX series so popular with fashion designers, with APEXFiz™ those strengths are now enhanced with the added versatility to adapt to different work styles and business environments of the “new normal,” including teleworking and telecommuting.

APEXFiz™ offers the latest fashion tech for supporting the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that allows visual confirmation of garment designs without the need for producing physical prototypes, reducing time, cost and material that are otherwise wasted. APEXFiz™ thereby helps to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

APEXFiz™ is available in 5 different software variations from APEXFiz™ Design Jr. to APEXFiz™ Design Pro that can be selected according to each customer’s needs. APEXFiz™ Design Jr., sold at the SHIMA eStore, is entry-level software that specializes in the design and simulation of woven and flat knitted fabrics for supporting virtual sampling.

Fabric simulations are available in different formats to be used together with 3D virtual sampling software besides APEXFiz™, allowing continued use of software already used by customers while enhancing the realism of digital prototypes created on them.

SHIMA eStore details
Store Description: Online e-commerce site for SHIMA SEIKI products
Product for sale: APEXFiz™ Design Jr. subscription-based design software
Trial period: 30 days, free
Open date: December 2021
URL: e-store.shimaseiki.com/
* Online purchase and trial subscription may not be available in certain markets.
Please consult a SHIMA SEIKI representative nearest you.

Posted January 18, 2022

Source: Shima Seiki

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