NexTex Innovations, Optimer Brands Collaborate On Launch Of New TurboDry® drirelease® Wool Fabric Collection

ATLANTA — January 24, 2022 — With the objective of developing the highest performing moisture management fabrics that relieve the apparel industry’s dependence on chemical wicking finishes, NexTex Innovations and Optimer Brands have partnered to launch their new TurboDry® drirelease® Wool fabric collection.

TurboDry drirelease fabrics incorporate a patented technology at the fiber and fabric level that specifically focuses on the movement of moisture away from the skin to the outside of the surface of the fabric. This promotes optimal comfort, maximizes moisture management performance, and creates a new dimension in drying, naturally.

“This is one of the first times that two branded technologies from different companies have partnered to help accomplish the mission of reducing the dependency of chemical wicking finishes while enhancing comfort performance,” said Chad Lawrence, CEO, NexTex Innovations. “Our combined decades of experience in fiber and fabric development will help accelerate the adoption of more sustainable fabric solutions.”

“As a solutions provider of comfort, Optimer Brands continuously strives to enhance our promise of comfort and deliver innovative solutions to our brand partners,” said Lee Thompson, Business Development manager, Optimer Brands.  “We are very excited for the official launch of TurboDry drirelease Wool at OR Snow Show. The collaboration of TurboDry and drirelease technologies truly is a natural fit.”

The innovation of TurboDry drirelease Wool fabric collection begins at the yarn level by utilizing drirelease’s engineered blend of fibers. This yarn technology uses the natural and permanent properties of its special recipe of fibers to optimize wicking, fast drying and natural aesthetics. TurboDry powers this moisture movement even further through capillary forces engineered into the fabric through a series of processing and construction techniques during the knitting process. Combining the yarn and fabric technologies allow for the production of comfortable, high-performing and sustainable moisture managing fabrics.

From a life cycle assessment evaluation, TurboDry drirelease® fabrics reduce the Higg Index material score through the following:

  • reduction of chemical usage;
  • ability to use sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and nylon, RWS wool, BCO Cotton, organic cotton;
  • permanence of the one-way moisture performance for the life of the product; and
  • leverage of the bluesign® and Okeo-tex® supply chains.

A collection of TurboDry drirelease wool waffle and terry thermal fabrics that will be on display in the TurboDry booth the # 52040-UL and the Optimer Brands booth# 50004-UL at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show this January 26-28. According to NexTex, the one-way moisture transfer in these fabrics leaves wearers drier next to skin and improves upon dry rates compared to fabrics of similar content, weight, and construction.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: NexTex Innovations / Optimer Brands

INX Creates Printing Advice Resource With Printer Space Blog

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — January 24, 2022 — The printing and ink world has evolved over the years, perhaps more dramatically with the rise of digital in the last two decades. Finding accurate and useful information to keep pace with the changes can still be challenging, so INX International Ink Co. has created a helpful solution with the Printer Space blog.

Each month, Printer Space will provide timely advice on a wide assortment of topics. Articles will range from Color Management, Digital Printing, and Innovation, to Productivity, Shelf Appeal, and issues pertaining to Sustainability and Compliance.

“The idea for the Printer Space blog was largely based on the number of questions we receive and address from our customers. We saw it as an opportunity to increase awareness and help the print and packaging communities,” said Renee Schouten, director of marketing for INX.

“With the number of experts we have on staff, our goal is to make Printer Space the place where people go for insightful information. We did receive feedback from some initial postings that will shape our focus in the coming months. And it’s important to continue having an open dialogue because our industry is constantly changing.”

The experts Schouten mentioned have a world of experience and advice to offer, with the majority having 20 or more years invested in the printing industry. Some have devoted their entire careers to ink chemistry while others offer a brand owner, R&D or marketing viewpoint. All told, the different perspectives make for compelling reading.

The most recent posting is co-authored by technical services gurus Todd Hanrahan and Mike Hailfinger. Read all about the “Seven Ways to Increase the ROI on your Ink Spend” here: https://www.inxinternational.com/blog/productivity/seven-ways-increase-roi-your-ink-spend

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: INX International Ink Co.

Herculite Products Promotes Peter B. Mckernan To Director Of Supply Chain Management

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — January 24, 2022 — Herculite Products Inc., a manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that Peter B. McKernan has been promoted to director of Supply Chain Management.

McKernan is being promoted the newly created position of director of Supply Chain Management. In this new role, McKernan will be responsible for the management of all corporate forecasting and planning, as well as planned capacity scheduling.

McKernan earned his bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain and Finance from Duquesne University. He has been with Herculite since 2018, serving in several roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as the manager of Supply Chain Analytics & Forecasting. This promotion recognizes McKernan’s supply chain academic preparedness, hard work and many contributions made to Herculite during his tenure with the organization.

In this new role, McKernan will continue to report to Vice President, Supply Chain Management, J. Alan Collier, and will continue to help Herculite in its mission is to help our customers grow their business by delivering products and services of exceptional value distinguished by their quality and innovation on time, every day.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: Herculite® Inc.

High-Tech Machine Manufacturer Kostwein Is Establishing Operations In Greenville County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 19, 2022 — Kostwein, a high-tech machine manufacturer, today announced plans to establish operations in Greenville County. The $8.5 million investment will create 95 new jobs.

Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Austria, Kostwein produces machines, modules and high-tech components for all sectors of mechanical engineering.

Opening the company’s first U.S. facility at 500 Hartness Drive in Greenville, Kostwein’s new operation will increase the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

The new facility is expected to be completed by March 2022. Individuals interested in learning more about Kostwein should visit the company’s website.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Greenville County was also awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with costs related to this project.

“Kostwein is a family company with a 100-year history acting in the build-to-print business,” said Kostwein Group CEO Hans Kostwein. “We are proud that our customers are world market leaders in the different fields of machine production. Our headquarters is in Austria, and we have production facilities in Croatia and India – totaling 1,200 employees in the group. We are glad to announce that we are growing our global production footprint with the manufacturing facility in Greenville County.”

“We’re excited to welcome Kostwein to South Carolina,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Their decision to build the company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility in Greenville County is a big win for the community and another reason to celebrate in South Carolina.”

“South Carolina’s positive business climate and excellent workforce continue to attract businesses from all around the world,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Congratulations to Kostwein on their new operations, and we welcome them to Greenville County and South Carolina.”

“Greenville County welcomes Kostwein as it establishes its new presence in North America right here in our community,” said Greenville County Council Chairman and Greenville Area Development Corporation Board Member Willis Meadows. “The company is a recognized leader in the complex machinery manufacturing landscape, and a welcome addition to both our community of international companies and our advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

“An international company, bringing high-tech solutions that enhance South Carolina’s existing manufacturing community is the type of economic growth that will sustain our momentum amid the rapid digitization of global business,” added Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus. “Kostwein’s decision to launch its first U.S. facility within our region is an endorsement for the business environment, workforce and success companies find in the Upstate.”

Posted: January 21, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Allegiance Flag Supply Expanding Operations In Charleston County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 20, 2022 — Allegiance Flag Supply, a producer of American flags, today announced plans to expand operations in Charleston County. The company’s $1.2 million investment will create 25 new jobs.

Founded in 2018, Allegiance Flag Supply utilizes American-sourced materials and seamstresses to produce high-quality flags that can withstand outside elements.

Located at 4213 Scott Street in North Charleston, Allegiance Flag Supply’s expansion will consolidate its operations to include a self-sustainable sew shop and distribution center which packages and ships products across the country.

The expansion is underway, and individuals interested in joining the Allegiance Flag Supply team should email info@showallegiance.com.

“Every stitch, every hem and every thread in our American flags are proudly made right here in Charleston, S.C.,” said Allegiance Flag Supply Co-Founder Katie Lyon

“Team South Carolina is proud to see homegrown companies expand,”said Governor Henry McMaster. “Congratulations to Allegiance Flag Supply on this announcement, and we look forward to their success for many years to come.”

“Allegiance Flag Supply’s growth is a testament to our state’s skilled labor force and business-friendly environment,” noted Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We take pride in the fact that these high-quality flags are made right here in S.C.”

“Allegiance Flag Supply’s expansion is to be commended,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Allegiance Flag Supply has confidence in our community to consolidate their operations and create local manufacturing jobs for our citizens. We stand by their efforts and look forward to a continued relationship.”

Posted: January 21, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

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.

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