Polartec Announces 2021 Apex Design Award Winners

ANDOVER, Mass. — November 9, 2021 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, announced the winners of its 2021 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec.

This year’s Polartec Apex Awards campaign centers the importance of versatility and functionality for today’s consumer, brought to life by a creative campaign featuring photography of all the winning products under the theme “Mountain to Bar and Back Again.” Recognizing the very best in garment design and fabric innovation, it’s the freedom to play and perform in the same solution that makes many of this year’s winners stand out from the crowd. The models in the campaign have been fashioned as characters representing each winning brand’s product.

The winners are:

66°North – Kría Neoshell® Power Fill Parka – The Kría NeoShell Power Fill Parka uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec® Power Fill™, the first 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec NeoShell, the most breathable waterproof fabric. Polartec Power Fill provides lightweight warmth and compressible insulation made of proprietary hollow fibers bonded together to eliminate cold spots. Polartec NeoShell is not only the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, but it’s also stretchy and lightweight, enabling unprecedented comfort in a waterproof fabric. The resulting design from the harsh, colder weather experts at 66°North in Iceland updates one of their original jacket designs with these technologies, creating a cold-weather parka that performs for everything from extreme weather outdoor pursuits, to everyday life.

ABSNT – theROBE – The ABSNT Robe is designed for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec Power Air. An update to the award-winning fabric technology, this style of Polartec Power Air is 100 percent recyclable and 25 percent lighter than the initial product. Power Air is the first fabric technology engineered to minimize microfiber shedding, with an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, capturing warmth and preventing microfibers from shedding at least five times less than other premium mid-layer fabrics. ABSNT’s unique position of designing premium and mindful product that they feel are ABS(e)NT from the marketplace makes Polartec a perfect fit for their introductory product. The product will release in 2022.

And Wander – alpha AIR T – And Wander continues to showcase the design versatility of Polartec Alpha® with the alpha AIR T. Polartec Alpha active insulation offers a rare combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability. A fabric technology originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha regulates thermal comfort in dynamic conditions due to its exceptional breathability. The Japanese outdoor brand uses a minimalist, fashion-oriented design but draws inspiration from the outdoor technical world with performance fabrics. Polartec Alpha meets the And Wander ethos of making beautiful, lightweight, and functional clothing.

Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series – The Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series draws inspiration from how a climber or skier would layer in accordance with weather conditions to introduce the first non-flame-resistant Polartec workwear collection for the “athletes of work.” The collection employs a set of Polartec fabric technologies to create a unique thermoregulating layering system. For the base layer, Ariat chose Polartec Power Grid™, the original grid fabric engineered to maximize warmth, breathability, wicking action, and compressibility, while minimizing weight and bulk. For the mid-layer, Ariat selected Polartec Power Stretch® technical fleece for durable stretch and recovery, and treated it with Polartec Hardface® for added protection, abrasion resistance and water repellency. For the outermost layer, Ariat used Polartec Power Fill, made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, to insulate in the coldest/harshest conditions. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind advanced clothing system using a breadth of Polartec fabric technologies to maximize thermoregulation and protection for the various conditions that workers face.

Haglöfs – High Loft Wool Jacket – Haglöfs uses the performance of natural fibers to their benefit in the High Loft Wool Jacket. As a long-time Polartec innovation partner, Haglöfs embraced an evolution of Polartec High Loft lightweight insulation made with merino wool for its natural thermoregulation and comfort on the shoulders and torso. And to add further natural performance, the arms and sides are engineered with Polartec Power Wool™ for increased stretch and range of motion, with a brushed grid fleece wool interior and a smooth jersey face synthetic exterior to retain wool’s natural properties, while increasing its performance. The result is a cold-weather layer that uses Polartec’s natural solutions for advanced thermal comfort, enabling Haglöfs to maintain sustainable performance.

Hikerkind – Midlayer_01 – Hikerkind is a women’s outdoor gear and New York City hiking club creating apparel with a new perspective that redefines the hiker archetype. For the brand’s initial product, Hikerkind selected Polartec Power Air, the award-winning future fleece technology specifically designed to reduce microfiber shedding. Featuring an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, Power Air provides advanced thermal efficiency while shedding 80% less microfibers compared to premium fleece. The Midlayer_01 is warm, yet lightweight and breathable, with four-way stretch and a soft hand feel, and looks as natural in an upscale boutique as on the trail. The bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified Polartec fabric is made in the USA and the garment is constructed in NYC, with 100-percent curbside-recyclable packaging. The Midlayer_01 (complete with a matching scrunchie made from upcycled Polartec Power Air) encapsulates Hikerkind’s ethos of conscious creation and reducing overall waste.

Moncler – Grenoble Collection – Softshell Jacket, Softshell Pants – Moncler’s Grenoble Collection combines high-end fashion with performance technologies to create truly luxurious outdoor wear. Polartec NeoShell, the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric, powers this elevated look from top-to-bottom. With an air-permeable membrane, NeoShell is the first fabric to combine the superior breathability, ventilation, and stretch of a softshell with the waterproof performance of a hard shell. Moncler uses NeoShell in a unique tracksuit silhouette for versatile performance and comfort for any activity from mountain to city. The collection will release in January 2022.

Nike ACG – Men’s AOP Wolf Tree Hoodie, Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Half Zip, Men’s and Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Pant – Nike’s outdoor-inspired sub-label, ACG (All Conditions Gear), looks to the creators of technical fleece to deliver a premium apparel collection. Nike ACG uses Polartec® Classic 200 fleece made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester with a unique all-over print to design tops and bottoms for men and women. The resilient construction of Polartec Classic fleece technology creates air pockets for insulation, making it lightweight, warm, and fast-drying, with maximum durability. Nike ACG’s designs with Polartec equip you for streets and trails.

Norrøna falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood – The falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood is Norrøna’s most breathable and quick-drying mid-layer, using a hybrid of Polartec Alpha and Polartec Power Grid fabrics. Polartec Alpha active insulation is perfect for high-intensity outdoor adventures in cold conditions, as the fabric is engineered for advanced breathability and thermoregulation. Polartec Power Grid technical fleece is strategically placed under the arms and down the sides to optimize range of motion, promote moisture-wicking, and decrease overall fabric mass. With this piece, the Scandinavian outdoor brand designed a durable and lightweight mid-layer that performs throughout cold mountain conditions.

Orvis – PRO Sun Hoodie – The PRO Sun Hoodie is the first-ever sun hoodie made from Polartec Power Grid, created for optimal temperature regulation and versatile performance. Polartec Power Grid fabric technologies are defined by their patented bi-component knit grid construction for excellent moisture management and breathability. Orvis chose a thin, non-fleecey version of Power Grid with inherent sun protection (UPF50+), making it a truly smart application of this lightweight grid fabric. Originally designed for fly fishing, the PRO Sun Hoodie makes for an optimal moisture wicking base layer foundation for all activities in all conditions.

P.A.M. Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat – Australian fashion brand, Perks and Mini, designed this truly unique unisex coat with 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec Thermal Pro® shearling Fleece. This particular iteration of Polartec Thermal Pro is a warm yet lightweight performance fleece delivering the comfort and look of wool shearling, with the dramatically improved performance and durability of technical fleece. Known for their interesting prints and patterns, P.A.M. was able to take advantage of Polartec Shearling Fleece’s design versatility by creating a truly fashionable coat with vibrant flowers all over, referencing this premium quality fabric in their own style.

Sportful – Total Comfort Jacket – The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket uses a hybrid of Polartec thermoregulating fabrics, Polartec Alpha Direct and Polartec NeoShell, to set a new standard for winter cycling. In the interior, Polartec Alpha Direct active insulation regulates core body temperatures for advanced breathability, made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. Polartec NeoShell is the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, providing dynamic air exchange, comfortable stretch, and weather protection, allowing Alpha’s breathability to excel for aerobic pursuits. The Total Comfort Jacket combines two of Polartec’s most innovative fabric technologies to enable unprecedented comfort and performance in cold-weather activities.

Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. A “People’s Choice” winner will be named via voting on Polartec social media over the coming weeks.

Posted November 9, 2021

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company Brand

VEOCEL™ Brand Launches Industry’s First Fiber Identification System To Address Growing Demand For Supply Chain Transparency In Beauty Industry

LENZING, Austria — November 9, 2021 — Globally, strong growth is expected in the beauty segment, with the facial sheet mask market forecast to reach $14 billion by 20301. As consumers continue to look out for ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, the need for brands to provide product quality assurance and supply chain transparency is ever growing. To address the increasing need for transparency and traceability in materials used in beauty products, VEOCEL™ Beauty brand has launched the Fiber Identification System for LENZING™ Lyocell Skin, Lenzing Lyocell Fine Skin and Lenzing Lyocell Micro Skin fibers, which presents unparalleled traceability, quality assurance and trustworthy communication that genuine premium Lenzing Lyocell Skin fiber types are used in facial sheet masks.

“In recent years we have been witnessing an evolution within the beauty industry, from merely focusing on the quality of nonwovens fabric, to ensuring authenticity and transparency of fiber materials used in facial sheet masks,” said Jürgen Eizinger, vice president of Global Nonwovens Business, Lenzing AG. “With the introduction of the Single-Use Plastics Directive in the European Union earlier this year, it is indeed a timely launch for our Fiber Identification System for Veocel Lyocell fibers. As brands become more aware of the importance of supply chain transparency and set it as a priority for their business model and reputation, we anticipate that the Fiber Identification System will play a key role for our Veocel Beauty brand in 2022 and beyond.”

Premium fibers with a net-zero footprint

The Fiber Identification System is applicable to the skin fiber types under Veocel Beauty brand, which are ideal for use in facial sheet masks. Made in Austria, the fibers are of botanic origin, biodegradable and compostable. Nonwoven fabrics made of Lenzing Lyocell Skin fiber types also feature Lenzing’s patented Translucency technology which offer naturally smooth and more translucent facial sheet masks. In addition to the exquisite quality, Lenzing Lyocell Skin fibers are also good for the environment as they are certified CarbonNeutral® products with a carbon footprint reduced to net-zero.

Identification of fibers in final products to combat counterfeit materials

The Fiber Identification System can identify fibers in the final products, providing quality control and authenticity assurance for brands against inferior counterfeit products. Products verified by the system also provide consumers with an added level of assurance and peace of mind that materials used in their beauty products are certified clean and made of genuine premium eco-friendly fibers.

“Around the globe, and especially in the Asia Pacific region, we have been hearing a lot about the usage of counterfeit materials in beauty product manufacturing sectors. Brands and consumers are also more cautious about negative health impacts of possible counterfeit materials used in their daily care products. With the launch of the Fiber Identification System, we are able to identify and verify usage of Lenzing Lyocell skin fiber types, thus reinforcing the Veocel Beauty brand as a “label of trust” for the beauty sector. With such confidence on supply chain transparency, brands will be able focus their efforts on other aspects of the business, supporting brand expansions in the long run,” added Steven Tsai, Senior Regional Commercial Director for Nonwovens Asia, Lenzing.

Posted November 9, 2021

Source: Lenzing AG

ANDRITZ To Supply A High-Speed Spunlace Line To Welspun, India

GRAZ, Austria — November 9, 2021 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Welspun Advanced Materials, India, to deliver a complete neXline spunlace line for the production of nonwoven roll goods and wipes for their new plant in Hyderabad, Telangana. The line has a capacity of up to three tons per hour. Start-up of the line is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021.

The ANDRITZ high-capacity spunlace line will process various types of synthetic or natural fibers, such as polyester, viscose and cotton. The final products will have fabric weights ranging from 25 to 120 gsm, thus covering many applications. This neXline spunlace line also offers the option to integrate a third component from a selection of smart layers, enabling Welspun to also manufacture products for the health care and hygiene sectors.

Cherian Thomas, CEO of Welspun Advanced Textiles, said: “We believe that the global demand for disposable products will show solid growth as economies and consumers become more hygiene- and environment-conscious. Our choice of ANDRITZ as our partner matches our shared view, which has a bias towards sustainable technologies. ANDRITZ’s neXline spunlace can provide savings on energy and water with the technology delivered. Welspun focuses on sustainability, and our site itself is being developed in compliance with the “Indian Green Building Certification.”

Welspun is the largest global exporter of home textiles. Innovation and quality lie at the heart of the company’s success, which already has nonwoven production lines in operation, including needlepunch and spunlace equipment. With its new plant in Telangana, Welspun will significantly increase its existing spunlace capacity and also maintain a broad range of applications as the final products are used in hygiene, home care and industrial cleaning. The new, advanced facility is a 100,000-square-meter greenfield development that is part of a larger 1,500,000-square-meter industrial complex also accommodating the Welspun floorings facility.

Posted November 9, 2021

Source: ANDRITZ AG

Ralph Lauren Corp. Applauds Selection Of U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund As An AIM For Climate Innovation Sprint Partner At COP26

NEW YORK CITY — November 8, 2021 — Ralph Lauren Corp. today applauded the selection of the recently launched U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund as an Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Innovation Sprint Partner, a joint initiative created by the United States and the United Arab Emirates to support investments in climate-smart agriculture over the next five years. The selection was announced during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow on November 2, 2021.

“We must come together as a global community to address the challenges of today so that future generations inherit a world filled with natural beauty and inspiration. That’s why we are working toward our Net Zero goal, and it’s why the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, created through partnership between the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation and the Soil Health Institute, complements our goals. We’re honored that this work is recognized as an AIM for Climate Innovation Sprint Partner,” said Patrice Louvet, president and CEO, Ralph Lauren Corporation.

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation committed an inaugural grant to the Soil Health Institute to launch the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative to support long-term, sustainable cotton production in the United States, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere by 2026. The U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund is supported by a $5 million grant from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation.

Recently, the company also joined a series of commitments reflective of the scope and mission of COP26 that underscore ongoing efforts made as part of its Global Citizenship & Sustainability goals. They include:

  • We Mean Business Coalition – G-20 Climate Statement: Aligned with the Company’s recent announcement to achieve net zero global greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and value chain by 2040, the Ralph Lauren Corporation signed a statement in support of urging G-20 nations to strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions by at least halving global emissions by 2030 and committing to achieve net zero emissions by no later than 2050. Additional details can be found here.
  • Clean Energy Demand Initiative: To utilize the Company’s scale to create impact, the Ralph Lauren Corporation is actively advocating for cost-effective and robust clean energy procurement options in several key global markets where the Company operates or sources its products. Additional details can be found here.
  • Textile Exchange – Preferential Tariff Project: As a member of the U.N. Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and the Textile Exchange, the Ralph Lauren Corporation signed a policy statement issued to all COP26 participating nations requesting that policymakers work closely with the apparel, textile and footwear industry to develop thoughtful trade policy mechanisms, specifically those that would drive the adoption of environmentally preferred materials and enable achievement of the Textile Exchange’s industry goal of a 45% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 in the pre-spinning phase of textile fiber and materials production, in line with the Paris Agreement. Additional details can be found here.

Each of these commitments is inspired by Ralph Lauren’s grounding purpose, to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style, which has guided its design vision and how it operates its business for more than 50 years. Additionally, these efforts all build on the company’s work to pioneer, foster and scale sustainable innovation through partnerships and investments, including its work with Natural Fiber Welding Inc. and Color on Demand, and aligns with its commitment to the climate goals identified in the Paris Agreement.

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: Ralph Lauren Corp.

Albany International Publishes Inaugural Sustainability Report

ROCHESTER, N.H. — November 8, 2021 — Albany International Corp. released its inaugural Sustainability report, focused on the company’s management approach and accomplishments in key environmental, social and governance areas.

“At Albany International, we have long demonstrated that by living by our core values of safety, accountability, integrity, respect, passion, and innovation — we can drive our business forward and make an impact that benefits our people, our communities, and the world at large,” said Bill Higgins, president and CEO. “In 2020 we began establishing more formalized and scalable approaches to our sustainability practices, reporting and systems. We undertook these tasks to ensure we prioritize our sustainability efforts to include what is not only most impactful to our business, but also most important to our stakeholders.”

Key Highlights:

  • Established the Albany Sustainability Council with Board oversight and cross functional global representation across the company;
  • Assessed and researched views and preferences of key stakeholder groups, including current and prospective employees, customers, partners, environmental groups and investors;
  • Evaluated reporting frameworks to assess which standards are best aligned with our business and our stakeholder’s interests and prepare to report to those standards.

The report, and associated Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) disclosures, can be accessed on Albany International’s Investor Relations website.

Reporting Standards and Framework

Albany International’s approach to sustainability reporting is intended to evolve and we expect to refine our assessments of the most important sustainability topics from our stakeholders’ perspective, deepen the scope of our reporting on select topics, and broaden the set of topics covered in our reporting.

The company is disclosing information and data on a variety of subjects covered by several reporting standards. The company has adopted the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting standards for the Industrial Machinery & Goods industry under the SASB’s Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and is disclosing information and data to that standard. Given the company’s significant aerospace composites business, the company has elected to supplement its disclosure by reporting certain relevant topics contained in the SASB Aerospace & Defense standard.

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: Albany International Corp.

Mattress Brand Sleemon Forays Into The U.S. Market; Set To Launch Ultrcool™ Mattress Topper

CASTLETON, Vt. — November 8, 2021 — Sleemon, a supplier of mattresses for IKEA and 5-star hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, is making inroads into the U.S. market by launching the Sleemon UltrCool™ Mattress Topper on Amazon on November 8, 2021. This offering features Sleemon’s up-to-date and advanced innovation, UltrCool Technology, a high-performance fabric that dries faster than any other mattress, elevating your sleeping experience to a higher level. With this launch, Sleemon plans to broaden the distribution of its products to new and existing customers in a move that is integral to its future expansion plans.

The Ultimate Sleeping Experience, with UltrCool™ Technology

Every night while you sleep, you create a warm and humid environment due to body heat and sweat. When this moisture is trapped in the mattress, it causes increased body temperature, irregular breathing and discomfort on waking up. To cope with these problems, Sleemon has designed a mattress topper that uses UltrCool Technology, which can quickly absorb and disperse moisture, thus keeping the body cool, and promising a comfortable and restorative sleep.

“We have adopted the most self-advanced technology, UltrCool, in the Sleemon UltrCool Mattress Topper. It disperses trapped heat, regulates body temperature, reduces sweating, and provides relief from body aches and pains, making sure you wake up feeling refreshed and energetic all day,” said Chen Ayu, chairman of Sleemon.

Sleemon’s Most Comfortable Mattress Topper

Extremely cozy and cool on contact, the newly launched Sleemon UltrCool Mattress Topper is the ideal solution for comfortable sleep throughout the night. UltrCool technology helps customers get their most comfortable and coolest sleep yet. It uses high-tech fabric that quickly absorbs and disperses sweat and moisture through its four-tube fibers. It also dries faster than any other mattress with similar benefits, keeping your skin cool and dry all night long.

Available in two thickness options, 2 inches and 3 inches, the Sleemon UltrCool Mattress Topper uses high-density gel-infused memory foam with perforated holes to alleviate pressure points by distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure buildup. Furthermore, it optimally supports the body offering personalized support and relief from pain, especially the lower back and tired joints.

The Sleemon UltrCool Mattress Topper is fitted with thick corner straps firmly securing it in place on the mattress for maximum comfort. The durable foam material also ensures that it will keep its shape for years to come. This topper instantly upgrades the comfort of any mattress giving you the welcome feeling of sinking into a plush and supportive cocoon each night.

The Sleemon UltrCool Mattress Topper is ideal for warm homes and infants, children who get overheated and perspire while sleeping, adults and the elderly with bodyache or painful joints, and in general, people who prefer a cool, dry and airy environment while sleeping.

Further to this launch, Sleemon also plans to expand its product line in the coming months with the introduction of two new offerings, the Sleemon Breathable Memory Foam Mattress Topper and the Sleemon Adjustable  Gel Memory Foam Pillow.

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: Sleemon

NRF: Retail Imports Near Record Pace Despite Port Congestion As Holiday Season Begins

WASHINGTON — November 8, 2021 — Imports at the nation’s congested container ports are expected to remain at near-record levels for the remainder of the year as retailers rush to move merchandise from docks to shelves in time to meet the expectations of holiday shoppers, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Dockworkers are unloading ships as fast as they can, but the challenge is to move the containers out of the ports to make room for the next ship,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “We need better empty return procedures and more chassis, truck drivers, rail capacity and warehouse workers to keep the system moving. Retailers have enough inventory on hand to make sure shoppers won’t go home empty-handed this holiday season. But there are still items sitting on the docks or waiting on ships that need to make it to store shelves and online sellers’ warehouses. Retailers want to make sure customers have product choices.”

More than 70 ships were reported waiting to dock at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach last week, and the wait at Los Angeles has averaged two weeks over the past month. Those delays, in turn, can push back the vessels’ arrival at other ports on their schedules. Some carriers have announced plans to divert to other locations, but congestion is building nationwide.

“The once-vaunted supply chain continues to come under pressure from all sides,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said, citing issues ranging from port congestion in the United States to electrical shortages impacting production in China. “It does not look like the congestion will improve any time soon, with most commentators suggesting problems will continue well into 2022 – and that is assuming COVID-19 does not spike again.”

Congestion and disruptions that began in 2020 have continued through the current “peak season” for shipping when retailers normally stock up for the holidays, but many retailers anticipated the challenge and began bringing in holiday goods months ahead of schedule to be sure sufficient inventory would be available. NRF has forecast that holiday sales will grow between 8.5 percent and 10.5 percent over 2020.

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.14 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in September, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 5.9 percent from August but up 1.4 percent year over year. A TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.

Ports have not reported October numbers yet, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.19 million TEU, down 1.2 percent from October 2020. The year-over-year decline would be the first since July 2020, after which unusually high import volumes began to arrive when stores closed by the pandemic reopened and retailers worked to meet pent-up consumer demand and to stock up for the holidays.

Even with the year-over-year decline, October would be among the five busiest months on record since NRF began tracking imports in 2002. Busy cargo is expected to continue through the end of the year, with November forecast at 2.17 million TEU, up 3.3 percent year-over-year, and December at 2.18 million TEU, up 3.5 percent.

January 2022 is forecast at 2.21 million TEU, up 7.6 percent from January 2021; February at 2 million TEU, up 7 percent year-over-year, and March at 2.17 million, down 4.1 percent year-over-year.

The first half of 2021 totaled 12.8 million TEU, up 35.6 percent from the same period last year. For the full year, 2021 is on track to total 26 million TEU, up 17.9 percent over 2020 and a new annual record topping last year’s 22 million TEU. Cargo imports during 2020 were up 1.9 percent over 2019 despite the pandemic.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Techtextil India Gears Up For Its First-Ever Post-Pandemic Edition Through Its Hybrid Exhibition In November

MUMBAI — November 8, 2021 — Techtextil India is ready to make a comeback through its hybrid edition launch from November 25-27, 2021. With a series of live product demonstrations, insightful knowledge sessions and B2B networking opportunities, the multimodal trade fair will provide a strong avenue for technical textile professionals to reimagine their business potential.

After a successful grand edition in 2019, Techtexil India is all set to return for the very first time since the pandemic. The three-day exhibition will be hosted in a hybrid format from November 25-27, 2021, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon which will unite technical textile players from across its varied application areas. Top technical textile brands including JB Ecotex, PARK Nonwoven, Loyal Textiles Lenzing, Mehala, Meera Industries, amongst many others will showcase their latest products at the hybrid fair. Moreover, leading German brands exhibiting at Techtextil India 2021 will be hosted under the German pavilion.

The conjunction between the physical exhibition and the online business matchmaking platform will make way to a wider range of networking. Local and international visitors who are unable to attend the venue will be able to witness the exhibition virtually through the ‘MFI virtual app’ which will host live knowledge sessions and product demonstrations for visitors. The two-day multimodal trade fair allow the visitors to search for specific products like fibers, yarns, nonwovens, machinery, coated textiles with easy to use filters further to which they can share their query or connect directly with the respective exhibitors.

At the same time, visitors attending the venue will be welcomed under a well-organized physical exhibition following the government-authorized safety protocols of ‘MFI SafeConnect’. These protocols will enable visitors to engage in secure face-to-face interactions with exhibitors and witness the latest technical textile technologies and innovations in-person.

Apart from being an ideal platform to source the latest technical textile products, Techtexil India has always been a crucial meeting place for the industry to interface and build new relationships with professionals from across the value chain. Even amid the disruption created by consecutive lockdowns, Messe Frankfurt India continued to keep the flame of industry burning, to remain connected and well-informed through a series of webinars and Techtexil India Digital Connect sessions.

Returning for the very first time post-pandemic, Techtexil India 2021 will act as a unifier for the technical textiles segment players to come together and discover the way forward for the industry.

Commenting on the aim and focus of the hybrid exhibition, Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd., shared: “After a tough and lengthy period of slowdown, I am sure that the industry is eager to head full steam forward and regain its momentum. There are plenty of lucrative opportunities in technical textiles, owing to the reforms and schemes introduced by the Indian government. Through Techtexil India 2021, we aim to provide a collaborative atmosphere that the industry needs to get back on its feet and look ahead towards the future. Moreover, the return of face-to-face exhibition combined with the virtual model will open doors to excellent sourcing, collaborative and learning opportunities for professionals. I greatly look forward to welcoming the technical textile industry back on the showfloor of Techtexil India.”

Alliance with the Government of Tamil Nadu

In a bid to strengthen indigenous production through the state and attract investors, the nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation for the Government of Tamil Nadu – Guidance has signed up for Techtextil India 2021. Furthermore, technical textile players from Tamil Nadu such as Cyber Textiles India Pvt Ltd., Jayashree Spun Bond, Lenzing AG India, Liester Technologies, Loyal Textile Mills Ltd, Milltex Engineers Pvt Ltd., Superfil Products Pvt Ltd., Uster Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd. have also confirmed their participation for the exhibition.

Announcing a close co-operation with Messe Frankfurt India for the 2021 edition, Pooja Kulkarni, IAS MD & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, stated: “While there are several inherent advantages for the growth of technical textiles in Tamil Nadu specifically, many raw materials used in the production of sanitary products, artificial ligaments, seat belt webbings, airbags are still heavily imported. In this context, the alliance with Techtextil India Forum can help us reduce import dependency and bring investments in R&D, manufacturing, innovation by partnering with global technical textiles companies.”

With 50 percent of India’s textile mills in Tamil Nadu and complementary clusters of knitting, weaving and medical devices manufacturing in Coimbatore, and Tiruppur, the region provides immense opportunities for Meditech investments. Two petrochemical and refinery units — One in Cuddalore and another in Nagapattinam by CPCL is in the process of being established in Tamil Nadu. These units will enable availability of MMF raw material for the textile industry across the state. Hence, manufacturing in Tamil Nadu can be a win-win arrangement for investors as India provides access to the burgeoning market as well.

International expertise with German pavilion

Techtexil India 2021 edition will feature an exclusive German Pavilion showcasing products and technologies from top German manufacturers, including Autefa Solution Germany GmbH, DILO Systems GmbH, Emtec Electronic GmbH, Georg Sahm GmbH & Co., Karl Mayer Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Merz Maschinenfabrik GmbH and Oerlikon Barmag Zweigniederlassung der Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co.

Moreover, the Indian representatives of brands from Austria, China, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK and the USA have also participated at the exhibition.

Product launches and live demos

The showfloors of Techtexil India 2021 will be flurried with product launches and latest technological offerings brands across the different application areas.

The physical exhibition format will showcase a series of key product launches from brands, including Autefa Solutions, DiloGroup, Meera Industries, Sicam, Suntech Geotextile and Weavetech, among others while the virtual exhibition format will feature live product demonstrations exclusive for the visitors tuned in live.

The return of Techtextil India through the new hybrid edition will provide a strong reboot to the industry by facilitating business collaboration, sourcing and learning opportunities in technical textiles.

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd.

Carrington Textiles Wins Award For Supporting The Healthcare Sector During The Pandemic

ADLINGTON, United Kingdom — November 8, 2021 — European workwear fabric manufacturer Carrington Textiles was awarded the ‘Services to the Pandemic’ award for its support to the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom and Europe, after increasing capacity at its main processing facility in the United Kingdom and supplying more than 10 million meters of specialized fabric for medical workwear during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

The company received the accolade at the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Awards and Summit in London, an annual event that celebrates the innovation and achievements of individuals and businesses from the industry. The two-day affair started with an insightful summit gathering companies from around the globe to discuss the challenges and solutions for sustainability in textiles, followed by an elegant black-tie evening ceremony to recognize the efforts of people from around the workwear and uniform sectors who make the difference.

Carrington Textiles received the ‘Services to the Pandemic’ award due to their around-the-clock work with some of the biggest garment providers to the NHS and the healthcare sector in France, Germany, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, managing to supply the equivalent in specialized fabric of over 5 million sets of uniforms, including scrub suits or tunics and trousers.

Additionally, as manufacturers from the fashion industry re-purposed their production for scrub suits, and self-created ‘scrub hubs’ proliferated around the nation, Carrington Textiles supported with much-needed supplies of fabric.

The global textile manufacturer also received the highly commended award under the ‘Best Fabric and Fibre Innovation’ category for the development of their Antiviral Finish for workwear fabrics, a product that the company has been offering long before the start of the global pandemic in 2020, however, as key workers from around the world were demanding extra protection, the company’s objectives were to run tests on the product to make sure this solution was effective. In August 2020 Carrington Textiles was able to go to market with its Antiviral Finished Fabrics for workwear tested under the ISO 18184: 2019 standard.

Carrington Textiles’ Managing Director, Neil Davey, said: “We are delighted to be recognized by the PCIAW for our work during the pandemic, but every supplier up and down the supply chain was just as important as Carrington Textiles in delivering garments to the NHS and wider European healthcare sectors, so this is very much a shared award by the entire workwear sector.”

Posted November 8, 2021

Source: Carrington Textiles

NCTO Commends House Passage Of Infrastructure Package; A Step Forward In Reconstituting A Domestic PPE Supply Chain

WASHINGTON — November 5, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished products, issued a statement today welcoming House passage of a bipartisan infrastructure bill that will provide billions of dollars in new spending to revitalize the nation’s roads, bridges and railways and help reconstitute a domestic supply chain for face masks, isolation gowns and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We commend the House for getting the bipartisan infrastructure bill across the finish line today, and we are pleased the legislation will now go to President Biden for his signature. This is the first step in a long-term strategy that is critically needed to permanently onshore PPE production to ensure our nation is prepared for the next health security crisis,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “This infrastructure package will help incentivize the reshoring of PPE production by guaranteeing long-term federal contracts and expanding Berry Amendment rules to more federal agencies’ purchases of PPE products, important priorities of the U.S. textile industry.”

NCTO worked with congressional allies to include a version of the Make PPE in America Act, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), in the infrastructure legislative package. The bill ensures all PPE purchased by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs are Berry Amendment-compliant (containing 100 percent domestic content); guarantees long-term contracts (a minimum of two years) to U.S. manufacturers; and creates a tiered preference for PPE made in the Western Hemisphere by our free trade partners using U.S. components, after domestic manufacturing capacity has been maximized.

“This bill within the infrastructure package will help onshore critical production of critical medical supplies, ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not go to China and other offshore PPE producers but are instead utilized to bolster the federal purchase of American-made PPE,” Glas said. “In fact, applying these strong procurement rules across our government for purchases of PPE will unequivocally lead to investments in this sector and help onshore this industry longer term.  We can’t thank Senator Portman and Senator Peters enough for their unwavering support.

“The U.S. manufacturing industry has produced over a billion lifesaving PPE and other medical products over the last year, demonstrating that domestic textile manufacturers have the technical capabilities and existing capacity to make the United States fully sufficient in terms of our national PPE needs.

“But this sufficiency will only permanently materialize if several proper government policies are put in place that incentivize the long-term investment to bring PPE production back onshore. This will require several steps, including incentives for the private sector to purchase American-made PPE; best-value contracting principles for federal purchases; and further industrial expansion efforts under the Defense Production Act (DPA) for U.S. textile and apparel production. This Berry amendment and long-term contracts provision is a critical first step and we are thrilled that it was included in the bipartisan infrastructure package that will be signed into law in the coming days.”

Posted November 6, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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