VDMA: Webtalk On Recycling Of Man-Made Fibres With More Than 400 Registrations

FRANKFURT, Germany — January 17, 2022 — The next VDMA technology webtalk is scheduled for 19 January (2:00-3:30 pm CET). The event “Recycling of man-made fibres – challenges and solutions towards a textile circular economy” already attracted more than 400 registrations.

The speakers and their topics at a glance:

Amrei Becker, Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University

Current developments of technical solutions for textile recycling

Numerous processes to recycle plastics are described in the literature. However, fibre blends, multilayer constructions and textile-specific impurities make the recycling of synthetic textiles a particular challenge. In this webinar, challenges and solutions for the recycling of synthetic textiles will be presented and discussed.

Markus Reichwein, Oerlikon Textile

Innovative Manmade Fibers Solutions support a sustainable textile value chain

The right technologies for recycling and energy efficiency are key requirement for a sustainable Manmade Fiber Industry. Oerlikon Manmade Fibers is describing a cascaded approach into new technologies as well as different material sources outlining the need for versatile solutions.

Two more technology webtalks are already scheduled for February:

Resource-saving in Textile Processing – Continous Dyeing and Washing Latest news from Monforts, DyStar® and Goller

February 3rd 2022, 01:00 pm CET

Speakers and their topics:

Jonas Beisel, A. Monforts Textilmaschinen: Econtrol®: Continuous dyeing under ecological and economical aspects

Bertram Seuthe, DyStar Colours Distribution: DyStar®’s Sustainable Concepts for Continuous Dyeing

Guido Seiler, FONG’S EUROPE: Continuous washing after dyeing – flexible and efficient with GOLLER SINTENSA and EFFECTA compartments.



Another webtalk under the title Sustainability with minimal application with the companies PLEVA and WEKO is already scheduled for 19.02.22. Information will follow!

After the presentations, the experts will be available to answer the participants’ questions.

More information and registration is possible via this link (no participation fee):

https://en.industryarena.com/vdma-textile-machinery/webinar

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: VDMA Textile Machinery

 

New Zero-Twist Towel From KARL MAYER Pushes The Range For The Premium Segment

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 17, 2022 — In June 2021, KARL MAYER launched its TM 4-TS EL terry knitting machine with the new working width of 210″ and in a gauge of E 28 in China, and shortly afterwards the textile experts at the Chinese subsidiary developed a first new product on the newcomer. The work involved processing Solucell, a twisted cotton yarn with low twist and environmental benefits over conventional counterparts, into a snug zero-twist towel article. The innovative product is softer and more compact than previous terry fabrics, perfectly meeting the current market demand for high-quality offerings.

Quality comes before price

For a long time, quality of life in China was associated with the purchase of high-priced, latest models of cell phones, cameras, computers and the like, but now people are rediscovering their love of details, such as cozy home textiles. Towels in particular are in daily use and closely associated with a pleasant everyday life. On the domestic market, absorbent bathroom products were traded for years as low-price items. In the recent past, however, purchasing behavior changed. Consumers purchase new towels more often and pay more attention to their quality. In addition, the demands placed on the product are increasing. It’s no longer just the basic functions — cleaning and drying — that are in demand, but a soft, full handle, a variety of colors and different styles. The trend shift away from price orientation towards quality and brand competition is being given new impetus by the new development from KARL MAYER.

Soft, voluminous and durable – premium quality terry towels

The new article is based on the proven double face design for terry fabrics. The basic design here consists of a pillar stitch-weft lapping combination implemented by the GB 2 and GB 3 ground guide bars, which provides stability in the longitudinal and transverse directions. GB 1 and GB 4 are responsible for the terry loops on both sides. In combination with the yarn selection, the loops form a uniformly voluminous, soft surface. GB 2 processes polyester. GB 1, GB 3 and GB 4 were threaded with a combination of cotton and Solucell. The cotton content of the finished product is just under 94 percent. The use of Solucell results in terry loops of pure cotton, with low twist and linear density. The yarn material is fluffier than the previously used highly twisted cotton yarns and enables an extremely soft, even surface as a quality predicate.

The machine gauge used has further positive effects on the quality. Due to a configuration in E 28, the TM 4-TS EL produces fabrics with a high loop density, which ensures a full, compact handle. The terry loops are also firmly interlaced into the fabric ground. This allows the towels to be used for a long time without any loss of quality. A sample of the new zero-twist towel can be found in the Pattern section of this issue of “Kettenwirk-Praxis“.

Processing without restrictions

There are many types of home textiles, and depending on the end use of the products, different processes have to be combined in their manufacture. When it comes to the production of terry fabrics, the TM 4-TS EL is an efficient and universal machine. The all-rounder processes spun yarn in gauges ranging from Ne 60 to Ne 12, and is suitable for the production of towels, bathrobes and other bathroom articles. Equipped with four guide bars and electronic guide bar control, the TM 4-TS EL meets the most diverse market requirements. The machine also impresses with its ease of operation, reliability and excellent price/performance ratio. During production of the new zero-twist towel, the intended maximum speed of 800 min-1 was achieved without any problems.

To extend operating time without changing beams, the warp beam support can be modified to accommodate beams with larger flange diameters. For GB 1 to GB 3, 40″ warp beams are possible. GB 4 can be equipped with the yarn material of warp beams with 50″ flange diameter.

Flexible warp preparation

For the production of warp beams, KARL MAYER has the right direct warping machine on offer in the form of the ISO COTTON. The model is available in ISO COTTON 21/40 and ISO COTTON 84/40 versions. The larger machine produces warp beams with dimensions that are also common in weaving.

In addition, warp beams from warp preparation systems for weaving can also be used on the TM 4-TS EL. KARL MAYER offers the appropriate warp beam support and suitable technology for this purpose: a modification kit for existing WARPDIRECT and BENDIRECT models. The modification option should be of particular interest to manufacturers of woven terry fabrics. Unlike weaving, no sizing and desizing is required for warp knitting. This saves chemicals, water and energy. Moreover, warp knitting machines are more productive than their technological counterparts, air-jet looms.

Further work already planned

KARL MAYER’s textile product developers have gained extensive experience in the field of terry knitted fabrics, particularly with regard to the perfect match between the gauge and the yarns used, and in terms of the design of the knitted structure. In their work, they focus on the appearance as well as on the performance and practicability of the towel. In a next step, the textile experts want to process functional antibacterial yarns on the terry knitting machine, thus, promoting the hygiene aspect.

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: KARL MAYER

BASF To Expand European Production For Hexamethylenediamine And Polyamide 6.6

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — January 17, 2022 — BASF has decided to build a new hexamethylene diamine (HMD) plant in Chalampé, France. The new plant is set to increase BASF’s annual HMD production capacity to 260,000 metric tons. Production is expected to start in 2024. Furthermore, BASF will expand its polyamide 6,6 production in Freiburg, Germany, starting 2022.

The planned investments will further expand the polyamide 6.6 business that BASF acquired from Solvay in 2020. “With this new HMD plant in Chalampé and the expansion of the polymerization in Freiburg, BASF ensures that customers can be reliably supplied with HMD and PA6.6, while also addressing increasing demand in the market,” said Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, president of BASF’s Monomers division.

HMD is a precursor used in the production of high-quality polyamide 6.6 plastics and coating raw materials. Among other things, these products are used in the automotive industry as well as in the production of special fibers.

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: BASF SE

Haelixa Marks And Traces Recycled Cotton For Soorty

ZURICH — January 17, 2022 — Haelixa and Soorty are pleased to announce the start of their collaboration with the goal of traceability using DNA markers. Haelixa’s innovative technology helps Soorty to support claims related to the use of recycled cotton in their denim products. This unique collaboration opens the door to significant, new business opportunities for both companies and will enable them to meet customers’ needs on a greater scale.

Both companies share an approach that combines technology and innovation to foster sustainability in the denim industry. Haelixa’s DNA marker allows tracing from fiber — virgin or recycled — to finished garment. The company has developed a unique DNA marker to be able to identify Soorty’s recycled cotton. The marker is solved in liquid and then applied to textile waste before mechanical recycling takes place in the spinning mill in Pakistan. Spot checks are done with the intermediate products as well as tests with the final garment to prove that the product indeed contains the recycled cotton. The test is based on highly scalable PCR technology that is 100 percent reliable and has forensic validity.

Being able to prove its claims is crucial for Soorty as the company has a strong focus on sustainability, and recycling is a major pillar of its sustainability strategy with a current recycling proportion of around 23 percent. The new waste segregation system is expected to further improve the recycling proportion by another 10 percent yearly.

Haelixa will also offer Soorty’s clients the use of its label “Marked & Traced by Haelixa” for garments. So Soorty customers can inform the end consumer about their supply chain transparency efforts using a solid technological traceability solution. The label can be complemented with a QR code linking to a dedicate landing page, where the brands can bring their product story to life and enable customers to access supply chain and product verification data.

Mansoor Bilal, vice president, Marketing Research and Innovation, at Soorty said about the future of the cooperation: “With the emerging concerns for environment, Soorty as a responsible stakeholder of society has pledged to make its manufacturing process more sustainable, transparent and traceable. After taking variables and standards into consideration, we are pleased to announce that we have collaborated with Haelixa, the pioneer of sustainability solution. Haelixa will help us attain the goal of traceability via DNA marker, which is a novel technology to trace the roots of finished goods. Irrefutably, Haelixa and Soorty’s partnership will prove to be successful in the journey of sustainability.”

Michela Puddu, Co-Founder and CEO of Haelixa commented: “With recycling becoming a major trend, there is also an alarming number of unsubstantiated claims related to the use of recycled fiber in garments. To differentiate and re-build consumer trust more and more manufacturers and brands use markers to be able to authenticate recycled fibers in the final garment. ”

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: Haelixa Ltd./Soorty

Gildan Reveals Its Next Generation ESG Strategy And Future Targets

MONTREAL — January 17, 2022 — Gildan Activewear Inc. is pleased to unveil the Company’s Next Generation ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy and future goals. Embedded in the company’s new approach is a commitment to making meaningful advancements by 2030 in the following areas:

  • Climate, energy, and water;
  • Circularity;
  • Human capital management;
  • Long-term value creation; and
  • Transparency and disclosure.

“From our beginning, we have been re-imagining and building the future of responsible apparel manufacturing. This has made Gildan the company it is today; recognized for the apparel we make and how we make it,” said Glenn Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan. “ESG has always been integrated into our business strategy and reflected in our market offering. This next generation strategy will push us to deliver even stronger ESG performance and continue to reinforce Gildan as a leading ethical, sustainable, and efficient apparel company.”

Gildan’s new strategy seeks to tackle global environmental and social priorities aimed at improving the lives of people who make Gildan garments, further protecting the environment, empowering neighboring communities, and increasing the sustainability of products delivered to customers worldwide. “Today, we are incredibly proud to unveil our new strategy and goals that were strategically developed to target key material issues that are currently faced by Gildan and, more broadly, the world,” said Peter Iliopoulos, senior vice-president of Taxation, Sustainability, and Governmental Affairs at Gildan. “As a global, leading vertically integrated apparel manufacturer, Gildan has an opportunity to further its positive contributions in areas in which we can have the most meaningful impact, and from there have developed actionable key targets, some of which are highlighted below:”

Climate, Energy, and Water

Gildan commits to continuing its fight against climate change by paving the way towards a low carbon future, with a goal of reducing its scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2030, aligned with the SBTi and the level of decarbonization required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. To that effect, Gildan is pleased to share that the company has signed the SBTi commitment letter, joining companies worldwide in following a science-based approach in reducing carbon emissions. Gildan also commits to addressing water related risks linked to climate change. As such, Gildan plans to further invest in water efficiency and implement additional water reducing, reusing, and recycling options in its operations with the goal to attain a 20-percent reduction in water withdrawal from nature by 20301.

Circularity

Gildan commits to fostering a circular economy to reduce its environmental impact. In doing so, Gildan intends to source more sustainable and transparent raw materials and enhance sustainable waste management initiatives. This includes sourcing 100-percent sustainable cotton by 2025 and 30-percent recycled polyester or alternative fibers and/or yarns by 2027. The company also plans to achieve zero manufacturing waste by 2027 and to use 75-percent recycled or sustainable packaging and trim materials by 2027.

Human Capital Management

Importantly, Gildan commits to continue ensuring human rights are respected in its supply chain. Further, Gildan will push health and safety performance to new standards by working to improve employee safety and reducing workplace risks across its operations. To achieve this, Gildan plans to attain the ISO 45001 certification at all its company-owned and operated facilities by 2028.

On diversity, equity, and inclusion, the company is setting a first-time goal to improve gender parity. Gildan has already attained gender parity globally in manager level and less senior positions, and by 2027 plans to achieve gender parity for roles at the director level and above.

Long-Term Value Creation

Gildan commits to positively impacting economic development in regions where the Company operates with meaningful community engagement. Gildan intends to incrementally increase allocation of capital towards purposeful and value-driven projects in regions where the Company operates and to gradually reach a contribution of 1 percent of its pre-tax earnings by 2026. In parallel, the Company will also engage one of its most important stakeholders, its people, and continue to facilitate and encourage employee volunteerism at all levels to further deepen local impact.

Transparency and Disclosure

A key part of Gildan’s accountability in reaching these targets will be to transparently share the journey with stakeholders. To that effect, Gildan also commits to further enhancing and strengthening its ESG disclosure across its areas of focus, effectively allowing stakeholders to make more informed ESG-focused decisions and maintaining a high degree of trust and understanding of Gildan.

In 2022, Gildan is planning to further enhance alignment to the TCFD framework through a subsequent disclosure in a stand-alone report, which will detail Gildan’s climate-related governance, strategy, risk management and metrics, and targets.

“We are confident that this new strategy will propel our efforts to greater heights and allow us to become a stronger and more resilient Company,” said Claudia Sandoval, vice-president of Corporate Citizenship at Gildan. “While Gildan embarked on its ESG journey over two decades ago, we know that the path to sustainability is ongoing, which is why we will continue our journey forward to further strengthen our programs. We also know that it is not enough to set targets. Therefore, we are developing clear and credible roadmaps to address the challenges and opportunities we face to continue to make meaningful positive impacts, and we won’t be doing it alone. Our success depends on the collaboration of all key stakeholders, and we are excited to foster and leverage a global, collaborative approach to bring our goals to life.”

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Archroma, Jeanologia Launch Eco-Conscious Denim Cleaning

PRATTELN, Switzerland  — January 17, 2022 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, and Jeanologia, a world supplier of sustainable and efficient technology development, joined forces to launch an eco-advanced alternative to the denim fabric washing process, including in some cases the mercerization, one of the most water-intensive and pollutant processes of denim fabric finishing.

The production of denim requires a succession of several steps aimed at imparting the qualities we love in our favorite pair of jeans.

It all starts with the spinning step where the cotton is turned into yarn. The second step is a pretreatment that will prepare the yarn for the dyeing step. The dyed yarn then goes through the sizing process, which is a treatment preparing it for weaving. At this stage, we have obtained a denim fabric that will go through a few more steps. First, the fabric may undergo a washing treatment or, in some cases, mercerizing treatment which consists of treating it with caustic soda in order to obtain a more lustrous, flat and less reddish blue and black denim.

In both traditional ways to clean the fabric, washing or mercerizing, multiple highly water intensive washings are required in order to restore optimal fabric pH and remove unfixed dyestuff and any undesired deposits or impurities from the fabric. One of such impurities released in the washing process is aniline, a substance that is classified as a category 2 carcinogen and considered toxic to aquatic life.

That is why Archroma and Jeanologia decided to team up and develop an alternative to the traditional fabric cleaning process and its subsequent water-intensive and water-polluting washings.

The breakthrough alternative to the fabric cleaning concept presented by Jeanologia and Archroma combines the use of the aniline-free* PURE INDIGO ICON dyeing system of Archroma, and the water-free** and chemical-free “G2 Dynamic“ finishing technology of Jeanologia.

The Archroma PURE INDIGO ICON is based on an innovation launched by the company in May 2018: its aniline-free* Denisol® Pure Indigo. Aniline is a key ingredient to make the indigo molecule. Unfortunately, during this process some aniline impurities are carried through into the indigo dyestuff. When the indigo is dyed on the fabric, a lot of the aniline impurity is locked into the pigment in the fabric. The remainder of the aniline impurity, approximately 300 metric tons annually, is discharged during dyeing. This can be an issue as aniline is toxic to aquatic life. In addition, exposure levels to factory workers can be high. The new Denisol Pure Indigo 30 liq was therefore developed as an aniline-free(1) indigo solution for designers, manufacturers and brand owners who long for authentic indigo inspiration.

The Jeanologia G2 Dynamic was introduced in 2008. The market-first ozone treatment for continuous fabric dramatically reduces the amount of water and chemicals used, while at the same time saving costs at the mill and eventually at the garment finishing facilities. This technology makes fabric more stable and consistent and prepares the fabric better for the use of other technologies like laser. As presented a few months ago in partnership with Archroma, this machinery can be used along with Pad-Ox technology to help cleaning fabric thus improving fastness results, at room temperature with significant savings in energy and CO2.

The Archroma/Jeanologia solution allows to create aniline-free* denim, and improve the final aspect of the fabric through a fully chemical-free and almost water-free** cleaning alternative treatment.

The Archroma/Jeanologia solution can also be used with additional Archroma coloration systems such as INDIGO REFLECTION or PURE UNDERTONES.

Umberto Devita, Business Development manager at Archroma’s Competence Center for Denim & Casual Wear, who was the project leader for this new development, commented: “At Archroma, we strive to develop solutions in line with our principles of “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”. It was therefore very inspiring to work with a partner who shares the same values of developing efficient new processes to bring all know-how to our customers to maximize value – for denim that looks as good as the good it creates.”

For Jean-Pierre Inchauspe, Business director of G2 Dynamic at Jeanologia: “this association is another step to change traditional, more polluting and water consuming processes in the textile industry for new ones using technology, improving, and boosting subsequent production stages up to the finishing of the garment, making them more efficient and allowing companies to be more competitive, increase productivity and offer a product that is completely sustainable with high quality.”

* Below limits of detection according to industry standard test methods


** Up to 90% water savings

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: Archroma

Cotton Yarn Manufacturer SVP Global Ventures Is Now SVP Global Textiles

MUMBAI — January 17, 2022 — India-based compact cotton yarn manufacturer and a fast-growing multinational textile company, SVP Global Ventures Ltd. will now be known as SVP Global Textiles Ltd. The SVP Global Ventures Ltd. is mainly into manufacturing of cotton yarn and hence a need was felt to include textile in the name. The company plans to be a fully integrated textile company from fiber to fashion with forward integration into fabric and garments. It has already declared its venture into technical textiles with a capex of Rs. 100 crore in setting up green-field facility at Jhalawar, Rajasthan, with capacity of 4,375 metric tons per annum

Established in 1898, by Shri Vallabh Pittie, SVP Group is engaged in manufacturing of polyester, polyester & cotton blend, and 100-percent cotton yarn across three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Jhalawar (Rajasthan), Ramnad (Coimbatore) and Sohar (Oman). Company has a 125 year legacy in textiles and has a vision to become a world-leading, fully integrated textile company in manufacturing yarn, fabric and garments.

Commenting on the development, Chirag Pittie, director of SVP Global, said: “The change of name of the Company will provide it exclusive identity of a leading textile manufacturer as we are also venturing into the complete value chain of textiles. Our recent expansion in Oman and foray into technical textiles will lead to substantial increase in revenue by 25 to 30 percent. Oman Plant is expected to achieve optimum capacity in H2FY22. The foray into technical textiles is expected to complement core business of the group and the plant is expected to start commercial operations in 12 to 15 months”.

Recently, SVP Global subsidiary – SV Pittie Sohar Textiles (FZC) commenced commercial operations at its mega textile plant at Sohar Free Trade Zone in Oman. The group has invested $150 million (around Rs. 1,100 crore) in setting up 1.5 lakh spindles and 3,500 rotor facility. The expansion offers many strategic operational and logistics benefits over a long period of time. Total capacity of the company has increased to 4,00,000 spindles and 5,900 rotors.

Company is further investing around Rs. 100 crore in setting up a 4,375 metric tons per annum green-field facility for technical textiles at Jhalawar, Rajasthan. The company plans to manufacture protective uniforms and functional garments, medical textile, mobiltech, anti-odor and antibacterial knitted fabric for medical and cosmetic uses in apparel and expand gradually in other products. The company plans to commence commercial production in 12 to 15 months and expects around Rs. 175 crore revenue per year from the technical textiles.

Maj Gen O P Gulia, SM, VSM (retd), CEO of the group said, “Company has posted sustainable revenue growth YoY and QoQ with excellent PAT margin which stands at over 10 percent. EBITDA margin too has steadily improved to 23 percent in Q2FY22 from 6.1 percent in FY2017. Our strategic growth initiatives, enhanced capacity and operational efficiencies, product and geographical expansion with focus on high margin products are likely to drive profitability and contribute to the growth of the company. The group is now ready to foray into the complete value chain of textile. The order book of the company currently stands at Rs. 5,000 crore equivalent to next 2-3 years of revenue.”

For Q2FY22 ended September 2021, the company reported a net profit of Rs. 40.85 crore as against a net profit of Rs. 10.75 crore in Q2FY21, growth of 280%. EBITDA for Q2FY22 was reported at Rs.93.06 crore (EBITDA Margin 23.18%) as compared to EBITDA of Rs. 57.63 crore (EBITDA Margin 15.83%) in Q2FY21, a growth of 61%. Income from Operations for the Q2FY22 was reported at Rs. 405.74 crore, growth of 9% over previous fiscal’s same period income from operations of Rs. 372.28 crore.

SVP Global is among top 2 percent of Indian Manufacturers with technology less than 5 years old and output of 153-154 grams per spindle per shift, which is highest in the industry. The company’s manufacturing facilities are equipped with latest technology automated machinery equipped with Artificial Intelligence and IOT capabilities from Blow Room to Winding. SVP Global is accredited as an approved supplier for leading brands including IKEA and Zara. Certifications from OCS, GOTS, BCI, OEK-TEX, STD 100, Fair Trade, SUPIMA Gold and ISO. For FY21, Company reported total income of Rs. 1422 crore, EBITDA at Rs. 234 crore and PAT at Rs. 25 crore.

Posted: January 17, 2022

Source: SVP Global Textiles Ltd.

Vans X Sandy Liang Collection

COSTA MESA, Calif. — January 13, 2022 — This spring, Vans reunites with Lower East Side, NY designer Sandy Liang for a third footwear and apparel collaboration. Inspired by the ‘90s and childhood nostalgia, Sandy Liang has once again placed her signature stamp on some of Vans’ most iconic footwear and apparel pieces. Looking to elevate beloved styles, this head-to-toe collection reflects the designer’s deeply personal connection to New York City.

With passions spanning fashion, film, architecture and concept design, Sandy Liang personifies the creative expression that is synonymous with Vans. Liang uses grandma fashion, sport femme, nostalgia, and humor as her guiding design principles for the footwear and apparel assortment. This season’s footwear lineup features four Classic footwear styles. The Sk8-Hi Platform 2.0 showcases a delicate, all-over rose embroidered canvas upper while the Style 73 DX takes retro inspiration of the Sidestripe and a floral embroidery on one side of the uppers and “Lower East Side Lover” on the other side.

Vans’ original deck shoe, the Authentic 44 DX receives multi-colored gingham fabric makeover and a lace collar and a detachable pouch on the tongue. Sandy Liang helps Vans to debut a brand-new silhouette, the Sk8-Hi Tapered Modular, a hi-top with a deconstructed slim collar that has novelty lace trim and a removable outsole unit so that the style can be transformed to be worn with or without the outsole.

Key looks from the apparel assortment include the Vans x Sandy Liang Chore Coat in cotton canvas with all-over embroidery, patch pockets, and a corduroy collar for a new take on a workwear staple. The Vans x Sandy Liang Hoodie is a heavy weight, French terry with a relaxed fit and custom screen-printed details that pairs perfectly with the Authentic Chino, a twill pant that has been updated to include novelty embroidery at the back pocket, interior waistband and at the bottom of the leg cuff so it can peek out when the pants are rolled up.

Accessories like the Vans x Sandy Liang bucket hat in cotton canvas with daisy embroidery around the brim, the Vans x Sandy Liang crossbody bag uses nylon and is the perfect companion to carry your water bottle while you’re on the go. Sandy Liang brought her quintessential fleece design to the Vans collection with an all-over printed Sherpa mock neck jacket along with a matching Sherpa crossbody that has the multi-color floral and butterfly Sherpa on one side and a quilted nylon back panel on the other.

Sandy opted for intentionally ironic graphics for both footwear and apparel. The Authentic 44 DX is a digitally printed replica of a shoe that Sandy customized herself with scribbles of happy butterflies that carry through to a matching short sleeve tee, pullover and crossbody bag. The beloved Half Cab 33 DX has been transformed with green Sherpa uppers and a custom flower eyelet.

Posted: January 14, 2022

Source: Vans, A VF Company

Ready, Set, Play! Nike Brings Flyease Solutions To Kids Footwear And Apparel

BEAVERTON, Ore. — January 13, 2022 — One of kids’ most magical attributes is spontaneity — when they get the urge to run, jump and dance, it’s gotta happen right now.

Nike’s new Dynamo Go and Play Pack collection is out to help that spontaneous play happen quickly and easily, harnessing the brand’s goal to make play a lifestyle for kids. The shoe and apparel line are made with the same innovative FlyEase technology that was developed using insights from the disability community, and they include kid-inspired features and playful touches that guarantee our youngest athletes can play whenever, however they want.

The Needs

“Make getting shoes on easier and faster” — that’s the No. 1 thing Kevin Dodson, Global Vice President for Kids Footwear Product, hears from the hundreds of Nike kid shoe testers and their parents and caregivers. “Anyone who’s spent time with kids knows that when they can pull on their own shoes quickly and easily, it gives them confidence and a feeling of empowerment, and that gets them moving more,” Dodson said. Kids and parents tell Nike designers that, in addition to autonomy, they want a shoe that’s lightweight, with a great fit and a grippy sole that can handle any kind of movement. “Kids aren’t saying, ‘Okay, it’s time to go switch my shoes now. They’re going from activity to activity to activity, and we know our products need to stand up to that spectrum of use,” Dodson said.

Erasing any struggle to get gear on and off is paramount for kids apparel too, says Jermaine Younger, senior director, Nike Kids Product, and especially for those in the disability community for whom a tricky zipper or series of buttons can create real barriers. Using feedback from Nike’s dedicated Consumer Insights team, which conducts focus groups and panels with kids and caregivers worldwide, Younger says the kids apparel team heard four key asks: Make it fast and simple to get products on; incorporate one-handed functionality; provide secure pocket storage; and make the apparel work for kids with disabilities too.

The Solutions

After listening to kids’ and parents’ shoe and apparel needs, Nike created the new Dynamo Go for little kids and Play Pack collection of tops, jackets, hoodies and pants for big kids.

The Results

“Watching the wear-test videos, you see preschool-aged kids pop on the Dynamo Go, and there’s this moment of pure joy and pride, like, ‘I did it myself this time!’” Dodson said. That’s an emotion he saw firsthand after bringing home a test pair of Gos for his 3-year-old daughter a few months ago. “I told her the shoes were just for her to try, and she stepped into them herself and took off ripping around the house. She told me they were ‘super cool’ and ‘beautiful,’ and when I asked for them back, she gave me a firm ‘no.’ It took two pieces of chocolate, one for each shoe, to wrestle them away.”

“You see preschool-aged kids pop on the Dynamo Go, and there’s this moment of pure joy and pride, like, ‘I did it myself this time!’” Dodson noted.

For the Play Pack line, the positive feedback Younger’s heard from athletes in the disability community and their caregivers proves that design for all benefits all. “These innovations are relevant to any kid who just wants to pull their pants and shirts on themselves and get out the door to play quicker. If we can make that experience easier, everybody wins,” Younger said.

That innovative, accessible design will carry through and expand in future kids shoe and apparel releases for athletes of all abilities, Dodson and Younger say, creating gear that complements Nike’s push to invite the next generation into sport.

“This is just the beginning of the solutions we can create,” Dodson said. “I think in the near future we’ll be known for being true leaders in easy-on, easy-off footwear and apparel.”

Posted: January 14, 2022

Source: NIKE Inc.

Wrangler® And Roark Drop Adventure-Ready ‘Out Of Range’ Collection

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — January 13, 2022 — Adventure-ready brand Roark and global denim icon Wrangler® have partnered to release the Wrangler x Roark ‘Out of Range’ collection, a collaboration that captures the courageous and adventurous spirit of the west. The Wrangler x Roark Out of Range collection offers adventure ready, premium men’s apparel that blends the ruggedness of western wear with the durability and legacy of Wrangler construction.

The limited-edition drop, spans from high quality denim to waxed canvas, organic cotton and wool blended flannels, sustainable components that exemplify the shared passion of the outdoors and the epic adventures that weave both brands together.

“With 75 years as an American cultural icon grounded in the heritage of the West, our products are tough enough for a life well-lived and defined by moments of bravery and adventure,” said Holly Wheeler, vice president of global brand marketing at Wrangler. “A fundamental part of the western lifestyle is time spent outdoors, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with Roark during the holiday season to provide high-quality product for people who enjoy embracing the outdoors.”

The collaboration comes on the heels of Roark’s most recent campaign, The Great Escape, where the brand team spent two weeks exploring The Continental Divide as the first domestic adventure in its portfolio of international exploration. To put the ‘Out of Range’ Collection to the test, Roark brought its multi-faceted crew of surfers, adventurers and ranchers to the dusty backwoods of New Mexico along the historic Continental Divide Trail. Off the grid for over a week, the Roark crew explored the backroads of New Mexico by way of horseback and dirt bikes to connect to the landmark exploration celebrated in Western storytelling.

“Our partnership with Wrangler was born out of a desire to celebrate the American West and deliver a collection that paid homage to classic Wrangler styles with a modern aesthetic twist in line with Roark’s sense of style,” said Ryan Hitzel, Founder & CEO of Roark. “We’re very excited to share an authentic take on elevated western workwear and the amazing journey we had on the Continental Divide via horseback and motorcycle.”

Posted: January 14, 2022

Source: Wrangler®, a Kontoor Brands brand

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