Cotton Incorporated Announces The Appointment Of William Kimbrell As New President And CEO

William Kimbrell

CARY, N.C. — January 10, 2025 — Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotion company for U.S. cotton growers and importers, is pleased to announce the appointment of William Kimbrell as its new CEO and president. Kimbrell assumed the role effective November 2, 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome William as the new CEO and president of Cotton Incorporated,” said Marvin Beyer, chairman of Cotton Incorporated board of directors. “William’s technical expertise along with his extensive global supply chain marketing background provides a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the cotton industry today. Under his guidance, Cotton Incorporated is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and promoting the many benefits of cotton, making it the fiber of choice in the global textile industry.”

A 22-year veteran of Cotton Incorporated, Kimbrell graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Textile Management and achieved his MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. He applied this background in various positions with Cotton Incorporated including fiber processing research and roles in the Global Supply Chain Marketing division ranging from technology management to marketing initiatives with a recent concentration in Asia.

Immediately prior to his role as president and CEO, Kimbrell held the role of executive vice president and COO. His vast international business experience has provided the opportunity to promote cotton to a wide range of stakeholders from leading mills, manufacturers, brands, and retailers in over 24 countries around the globe.

“I’m honored to lead Cotton Incorporated and help keep cotton competitive and at the forefront of the global textile industry,” Kimbrell noted. “As we confront market challenges, I’m confident that our commitment to sustainability, our innovative research, and our talented team of experts will champion cotton as the fiber of choice for today’s consumers and future generations.”

Kimbrell’s appointment marks a significant step in Cotton Incorporated’s ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. cotton producers, importers, and the entire cotton supply chain.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Registration Opens For FiltXPO™ 2025, April 29-May 1, At The Miami Beach Convention Center

CARY, N.C. — January 14, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that registration is open for FiltXPO™ 2025, the International Filtration Conference and Exhibition, on April 29-May 1, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.

Themed the Future of Filtration: Advancing Technology, Performance, and Sustainability, the exhibition will feature solutions, technologies, and innovations from leading companies across the filtration supply chain. Global attendees will gain critical market insights into industry advancements and connect with key industry players to drive their businesses forward.

The Advances in Filtration two-day technical conference, a collaborative effort between INDA and the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS), will offer a new, engaging format. This format will feature oral presentations, panels, and posters providing a platform for students, subject matter experts, and research institutes to share their latest findings and innovations in filtration.

Key topics that will be covered at the Advances in Filtration conference include:

  • Nonwovens and filtration solutions for healthy buildings, data centers, and e-mobility
  • Sustainability and circularity in filtration
  • Product innovations and evolving filtration standards

FiltXPO 2025 will open with the Filter Media Short Course, a two-day intensive training session on April 28-29, designed to provide a strong technical overview of nonwovens and their applications in both air and liquid filtration, technology options, unmet needs, and trends for future development.

Additionally, registration is now open for INDA’s concurrent Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference at IDEA®25, April 29-May 1, 2025, also at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida. For updates on both events, visit the INDA website – http://www.inda.org

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

 

Spanx Introduces Spanxsmooth™ OnForm, A Buttery Soft, Low Impact Activewear Collection

NEW YORK CITY — January 14, 2025 — Spanx LLC announced today the launch of SPANXsmooth™ OnForm, an elevated, buttery soft activewear collection made for low intensity movement and everyday dressing. Designed with the brand’s lightest level of compression, these styles provide an unparalleled, barely-there feeling, and were intentionally created with comfort, ease, and support in mind. With the launch of SPANXsmooth™ OnForm, Spanx continues to provide women with more options than ever to suit her lifestyle and preferences.  The brand offers different solutions across a range of compression levels and fabrications so women look and feel their best.

SPANXsmooth™ OnForm Zero Impact Bra and Full Length Leggings in Very Black

“Our activewear assortment continues to grow year over year as our customers seek newness within the category to adapt to their ever-changing lifestyles,” said Kiana Miree, chief merchandising officer at Spanx. “With the launch of SPANXsmooth™ OnForm, we’re delighted to offer expanded options to meet her needs and preferences, whether dressing for a workout class, everyday errands, travel, and beyond.”

Collection Overview

SPANXsmooth OnForm is Spanx’s most gentle and versatile activewear collection yet, providing the lightest level of compression and smoothing for low intensity workouts and everyday dressing. Designed from buttery soft fabric that’s breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, the styles in this collection allow her to focus on what’s at hand and her most mindful movement.

SPANXsmooth™ OnForm Contour Jacket in Fennel

The thoughtfully designed collection features a range of key styles and silhouettes: From leggings and pants with flexible front waistbands for mid-tummy smoothing and maximum comfort, to low impact sports bras and tops with removable cups, and jumpsuits and jackets depending on your style. Available in a range of elevated colorways including Very Black, Powder, Petunia, Fennel, Smoke, and Aubergine, these styles can be worn as a head-to-toe set or mixed.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Spanx, LLC

LENZING™ Lyocell Fill Expands Portfolio To Enhance Comfort, Resource Efficiency And Design Versatility In Filling Applications

LENZING, Austria— January 14, 2025 — The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, today announced the expansion of its LENZING Lyocell Fill portfolio within the TENCEL family of fibers. This broader portfolio expansion introduces a finer variant with various cut lengths, tailored for filling applications in home textiles and apparel.

With the planet at heart 2,4, our expanded LENZING Lyocell Fill fibers, both EU Ecolabel-certified5 and ClimatePartner-certified1, are versatile and can offer an almost endless variety of product designs and functions,” said Caroline Ledl, Senior Director of Global Product and Application Management, Commercial Textile, Lenzing AG.

“These fibers provide not only enhanced thermal comfort and moisture control6 but also form-keeping properties7. Leveraging our decades of experience in refining filling materials, we believe our expanded fiber portfolio will inspire like-minded industry partners to create even more innovative designs across various product applications.”

LENZING Lyocell Fill: a touch of enhanced comfort

Sinking into a pillow, snuggling under a cozy comforter, or resting atop a refreshing mattress pad could be an inviting experience with LENZING Lyocell Fill fibers. This expanded portfolio comes with effective moisture control for a natural dry feeling, contributing to thermal comfort essential for promoting better sleep.7,8,9,10

Featuring two distinct linear densities and various cut lengths, the expanded fiber portfolio offers enhanced compatibility to blend seamlessly with other filling fibers like polyester, and filling materials like down. This versatility supports different filling technologies and product constructions, catering to diverse design and application needs and specific consumer preferences in home textiles, apparel and beyond.

The new, finer fibers, suitable for not only carding but blow-fill technology, enhance the sensorial experience in pillows, stuffed toys, and other lightweight applications. Meanwhile, the established, coarser fibers continue to deliver inherent moisture control6 and bulkiness for enhanced sleep comfort in comforters, quilts, and other home textile applications, particularly those using carding technology.

Manufacturers and consumers seeking to lower the consumption of fossil-based materials will benefit from the responsibly sourced3 and resource-efficiently produced2 LENZING Lyocell Fill fibers, which are made from wood, a natural raw material that is both gentle on the skin6 and the environment.

The expanded LENZING Lyocell Fill portfolio will be unveiled at the Lenzing booth (Hall 11, booth #A11) during Heimtextil in Frankfurt, January 14–17, 2025. Visitors can connect with Lenzing experts and discover how these innovative fibers can elevate product offerings.

1 LENZING™ Lyocell fibers are ClimatePartner certified as part of a bespoke climate action plan, which assesses the carbon footprint of our products, sets targets and implements measures to reduce emissions, supports verified climate projects, and fosters transparency along our supply chain. For details of ClimatePartner certification, please refer to Climate-ID pages: TENCEL™ Lyocell.

2 LENZING™ Lyocell fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption, compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.9.

3 Adhering to the company’s commitment to environmental protection and resource preservation, Lenzing procures wood and pulp only from certified or controlled sustainable sources. In its Wood and Pulp Policy, Lenzing is committed to procuring wood and pulp exclusively from non-controversial sources.

4 To foster a sustainable global textile and nonwovens industry, Lenzing follows three strategic principles within the context of its “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy, which focuses on greening the value chain, advancing the circular economy, and collaborating for systemic change with key industry stakeholders, such as Textile Exchange, Cascale, Canopy, Together for Sustainability, Renewable Carbon Initiative, and UN Global Compact.

5 LENZING™ Lyocell fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel (license no. AT/016/001) for environmental excellence.

6 The structure of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers allows the absorption and release of moisture. In the final textile product, these effective moisture controlling properties support a drier microclimate on the skin, increasing the wearer’s thermal comfort.

7 Cafuta et al., Suitability of lyocell fiber for pillow fillings, 2018.

8 Helbig, K. (2006). Comparative research: Microclimate of bedding components. Lanzinger Berichte, 85, 51-53.

9 Abu Rous M. Characterisation of the Wet-state Pore Structure of Lyocell and Other Man-made Cellulosic Fibers by Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy: Doctoral Thesis. Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck, 2009, 185 pages.

10 Moser et al., Influence of textile materials on a restful sleep, 2007.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

Koenig & Bauer Durst Opens VariJET 106 Customer Center

RADEBEUL, Germany — January 14, 2025 — A unique opportunity to see and test digital, offset and post-print production on a single site is now a reality with the opening in Radebeul, Germany, of a dedicated hall for the VariJET 106, the hybrid press for folding cartons jointly developed by Durst and Koenig & Bauer.

Ralf Sammeck, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed, and Daniel Velema, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst in the new dedicated hall in Radebeul

Customers and visitors can now bring their own print files and substrates to see for themselves the flexibility, sustainability and cost-competitive opportunities afforded by Koenig & Bauer Durst’s VariJET 106 modular, single-pass press, which had its public debut at drupa. The 700 square meter hall is part of the global Customer Experience Center at Koenig & Bauer’s Sheetfed division headquarters, near Dresden, which is now part of the Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems (P&P) segment.

The VariJET 106 in the new dedicated hall in Radebeul

“The new dedicated hall for the VariJET 106 digital, hybrid press for folding carton markets represents another important step in our evolution,” said Daniel Velema, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst. “The opening means the Customer Experience Center is the one and only place where you can see and test digital, offset and post-print production at a single site. This is where prospects from all over the world can test the VariJET 106 for themselves using their own files and substrates. This ability to advise across print and finishing technologies is driven by our ambition to first and foremost understand & support your business needs & opportunities, and talk about technology second.

“We showed at drupa what is possible with full digital — digital printing, embellishment and finishing. Now we would like to show guests the next steps in the digital revolution for folding carton markets. Reach out to your local representatives, we would love to welcome you to Radebeul. For those who haven’t been there yet, the Koenig & Bauer Customer Experience Center — for press and machine demonstrations, application testing, the development of new technologies and for training purposes — focuses on specialized areas of packaging like folding carton, commercial and label production.”

Daniel added: “Ever since the VariJET 106 Customer Experience Center opened, Koenig & Bauer Durst has been running back-to-back print tests with customers and brands from all key geographies being represented: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. We are particularly pleased by the interest of Asian customers who don’t shy away from making the trip to Germany!

“Successfully tested applications include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and food. We work closely together and explore hands-on what Koenig & Bauer Durst can improve to better meet market demands.”

The VariJET 106, which runs 5,500 B1 sheets per hour, combines the best of both worlds – digital inkjet and classic offset printing. The VariJET 106 uses water-based inkjet inks (CMYK plus orange, green & violet), primers & coatings to provide the highest print quality at a most competitive cost level, while supporting current and upcoming food safety and sustainability regulation. It leverages on Koenig & Bauer’s standard high performance Rapida 106 platform and Durst printhead electronics, inkjet expertise and Durst workflow and RIP technology. This includes Durst Analytics, Smartshop and Workflow.

Koenig & Bauer and Durst first announced they had joined forces and set up an independent joint venture company in 2019. The VariJET 106 is the first product jointly designed and developed by the two companies. Already in production and part of the Koenig & Bauer Durst portfolio are the Delta SPC 130 Series and the CorruJET 170 Series – aimed at corrugated packaging.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Koenig & Bauer Durst

Heimtextil Grows And Starts With More Than 3,000 Exhibitors And Design Icon Patricia Urquiola

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — January 14, 2025 — Heimtextil kicks off the new trade fair year with over 3,000 exhibitors from 65 countries. With steady growth, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design is strongly positioned. This makes it a reliable platform for international participants. At the opening, architect and designer Patricia Urquiola presented her installation “among-us” at Heimtextil.

With over 3,000 exhibitors from 65 countries, Heimtextil 2025 sets the course for the future of textile interior design. The most important trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design thus presents itself stable with steady growth. This underlines the international industry’s confidence in Heimtextil. As a constant partner, it opens up solutions for sustainable business success for retail, industry and the contract business – particularly relevant regarding the current market situation. Recession, energy prices and regulations present companies with challenges which require innovative and future-orientated approaches.

“The steady growth and the very high level of internationality confirm the strength of Heimtextil. As leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, it is an indispensable partner for the global industry — this is more important today than ever before. Especially in challenging times, Heimtextil offers companies the opportunity to strengthen their market position: through international visibility, the identification and realisation of potential and the development of new global business partners”, says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.

Installation by Patricia Urquiola: design concepts for retail and hospitality

At the Heimtextil opening press conference, star designer and architect Urquiola presented her design installation “among-us” in Hall 12.0. The area contains products made specially for Heimtextil. For example, a hanging carpet created by the traditional dhurrie technique. Patricia Urquiola developed the unique pieces together with partners such as Kettal, Moroso, cc-tapis, Aquafil and Cimento®. Embedded in the installation, they show retail and hospitality the possibilities opened up by the textile design of tomorrow. Patricia Urquiola emphasizes holistically designed rooms and objects, living areas that merge seamlessly as well as materiality and versatility.

“among-us is a convivial and intuitive textile installation that shows the evolving possibilities of textiles, exploring their hybrid potentials across various scales – from product design to one/off pieces. The title, among-us, refers to the concept of being together and reflects the intent of the installation to celebrate hybrid new relations,” Urquiola explained.

In among-us, physical and virtual worlds merge through a grid on the floor inspired by drafting software. At the center are textile elements in abstract and organic forms such as a sofa or an upholstered sculpture. They demonstrate the interplay of materials and technologies. Screens show their virtual counterparts and encourage interaction. At the same time, ‘among-us’ shows how textile innovations influence design processes. Textiles combine functionality, aesthetics and sustainability and create unique possibilities. The installation also shows how traditional craftsmanship can be integrated into the design of spaces and products.

Heimtextil 2025: trends, design inspiration and global market overview

Visitors to the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles find a globally unique range of products on 16 hall levels. This spans from wallpapers, upholstery fabrics, mattresses and sleep systems, toweling products, textile designs, fibers and yarns to carpets. The Carpets & Rugs area counts three times as many exhibitors in 2025 and is growing by several hall levels. Heimtextil is the home of the global carpet industry.

The Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated for the first time by the Milan-based design platform Alcova, offer inspiration and sustainable solutions. In the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0, they are spectacularly staged. They are looking at material qualities, colors and innovative production processes.

The content program covers the most important industry topics. It addresses different visitor groups — from retailers, wholesalers, industry, designers, furniture and bedding shops, interior architects, interior designers, architects, contract furnishers and many other decision-makers. At the Retail Stage in Hall 12.1, topics ranging from sleep and sustainability to AI in retail and optimizing the customer experience are being highlighted. The Texpertise Stage in Hall 4.0 focuses on materials for contract furnishings, trends in hotel design, carpets and the Heimtextil Trends 25/26.

Heimtextil takes place from January14 through 17, 2025.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

SGS Launches Nature Services Under Its New IMPACT NOW For Sustainability Suite

GENEVA — January 14, 2025 — SGS harnesses decades of world-leading testing, inspection and certification (TIC) experience and sustainability leadership to launch Nature services under its new IMPACT NOW for sustainability suite.

Protecting nature has countless benefits, from conserving biodiversity and securing food and water resources to preventing disease and building resilience against climate change.

As a trusted sustainability partner, SGS presents its all-encompassing IMPACT NOW Nature services, designed to support organizations’ preservation efforts, from improving farming and fishing to eliminating waste and transitioning to net zero. The new pillar focuses on managing environmental risk and combating forever chemicals, and includes:

Environmental testing and assessment:

  • Soil, air and water testing
  • Environmental DNA (E-DNA) testing and monitoring
  • Environmental due diligence and impact assessments

Forestry supply chain traceability and assurance:

  • EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance
  • Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification

Combatting forever chemicals:

  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
  • Microplastics monitoring and remediation

Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, expressed her delight with the new Nature pillar: “Utilizing our sustainability and TIC industry leadership position, our experts worldwide are proud to introduce our Nature services within the IMPACT NOW for sustainability portfolio.

“This comprehensive offering unites new services with proven solutions, empowering organizations of all sizes to become nature-positive and safeguard both human and ecosystem health.”

As sustainability evolves rapidly, SGS listens to organizations’ concerns daily. Its experts worldwide, equipped with over 30 years of sustainability leadership, are ready to guide clients from complexity to actionable clarity.

IMPACT NOW is more than just a concept. It’s SGS’s commitment to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. Embedding sustainability into every action and service it provides, SGS aims to contribute positively to society and achieve a net-zero, nature-positive and pollution-free world.

SGS’s IMPACT NOW Nature services are constantly refined to meet new issues.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: SGS

OEKO-TEX® – New Regulations 2025

ZURICH — January 14, 2025 — Fostering trust within the textile and leather industry remains the mission of OEKO-TEX®. Since trust relies on consistently high standards, the OEKO-TEX Association has released the updated testing criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications, based on the latest scientific research and legal developments. Key changes include enhanced organic cotton certification through OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON, with inclusion in OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN, stricter BPA limits under OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and rigorous transparency requirements for leather supply chains under OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD. The expanded OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT will include commodity chemicals and biodegradability verification. The revised standards will take effect April 1, 2025, following the transition period.

STANDARD 100: New organic cotton rule and BPA safety

Clear communication and transparency are of great importance for the OEKO-TEX community. Starting 1st April 2025, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification will not include any claims of “GMO-free” or “organic” cotton in the certificate scopes. Certifying cotton as “organic” is now achievable through OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON. This decision is driven by the dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance and was implemented to enhance oversight of certified organic cotton, an area where fraud is prevalent. OEKO-TEX aims to certify only genuinely trustworthy organic cotton as such. This change specifically pertains to cotton materials. Other organic materials such as hemp, linen or wool remain unaffected.

After consultation with internal and external toxicologists, OEKO-TEX reduced the limit value of Bisphenol A (BPA) from 100 to 10mg/kg. The chemical was often found in tests of textiles that are worn directly on the skin. Endocrinologists and the WHO categorize BPA as an endocrine disruptor, a substance that, if it enters the body even in small amounts, can change the hormonal system.

LEATHER STANDARD: Ahead of Europe’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

As part of the European Green Deal and the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy, the European Commission adopted a new regulation in May 2024. One of the most significant challenges posed by the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is the requirement for leather supply chain transparency. Companies must trace the origins of their leather products to ensure they do not contribute to deforestation. The EUDR was supposed to come into force at the end of 2024 but was postponed by one year in November 2024. However, for hides and leather material from cattle and calves, proof of origin (e.g. delivery notes from the slaughterhouse) is required to earn OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD certification.

MADE IN GREEN: Adding ORGANIC COTTON certification option

The OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label recognizes OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON as product certificate in addition to STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD. This allows companies that have their cotton products certified to combine the strengths of both OEKO-TEX standards: supply chain traceability and verification from farm to product with responsible and safe production.

STeP: Enhanced ZDHC cooperation boosting sustainability in textiles and leather
The collaboration between ZDHC and OEKO-TEX aims is to empower the textile, apparel, footwear and leather industries to improve environmental impact by optimising guidelines and solutions through joint efforts. To strengthen the impact OEKO-TEX STeP certificate holders are now eligible to participate in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Programme. Companies can upload their STeP certificate and report to the ZDHC Supplier Platform for acknowledgement within the Supplier to Zero Programme.

ECO PASSPORT: Expanding scope and highlighting biodegradability

Starting in 2025, OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT will expand its certification scope beyond chemicals specialized for textile and leather applications to include commodity and maintenance chemicals. Commodity chemicals, widely produced and used at the start of supply chains, will enable broader monitoring across the textile and leather sector. This expansion aims to phase out harmful substances earlier, enhance worker safety and prioritise environmental protection. Additionally, second-life commodity chemicals will be subject to more frequent testing to ensure quality.

ECO PASSPORT customers will be able highlight the biodegradability of their chemical products on their certificates. OEKO-TEX considers biodegradability a key factor in sustainable textile and leather production, with greater impact the earlier it is implemented in the supply chain. Certified surfactants, softeners or complexing agents must provide proof of biodegradability, verified either by an OEKO-TEX institute or an approved third party. Existing certified products in these categories have a one-year transition period to comply.

Posted: January 14, 2025

Source: Hohenstein Institute America, Inc.

AATCC Announces 2025-2026 Board of Directors

DURHAM, N.C. — January 13, 2025 — This fall, AATCC individual members elected their 2025-2026 President and Interest Group Board of Directors representatives. Election results were announced at the AATCC Annual Meeting, preceding the Technical Committee on Research (TCR) meeting November 13, 2024. All officers began their term on January 1, 2025.

President

Christina Rapa, W.L. Gore and Associates, will serve two years as president before continuing to immediate past president for two years.

Rapa has been an advocate for AATCC for over 23 years. Starting as a Textile Engineering student at both Jefferson University and NC State and continuing through the formation of the Northwest chapter in Portland/Seattle in the early 2000s, she now serves as the Delaware Valley chapter Chair.

As the Material Interest Group chair for the last 3.5 years, she has invited members via webinar to hear diverse speaker topics such as “Space Textiles”, “Biobased leather”, “Advances in regenerated cellulose” and “Seaweed fiber”. As an engineer in the Fabrics division at W.L. Gore and Associates, she focuses on digital transformation, including 3D material creation and PLM software implementation.

Rapa will be a member of the board for all four years, providing continuity and guidance to the Association. When Rapa became president, John Crocker, SDL Atlas, became immediate past president.

Interest Groups

AATCC members participate in one or more interest groups to network, learn, and share ideas with like-minded colleagues. Each member may select one “voting” interest group from which they elect representatives to the AATCC Board.

The Chemical Applications Interest Group re-elected Sabyasachi Gaan, as chair. Gaan received his Ph.D. in chemistry from UC Davis in 2007. He has been working at Empa in Switzerland since 2007 and is currently head of the Additives and Chemistry group in the Laboratory of Advanced Fibers. His group specializes in the development of functional polymer and metal additives, synthesis and modification of sustainable thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, and recycling of polymers. He has been a member of AATCC since 2016, served on the AATCC Journal of Research Committee, and currently serves as the AATCC Chemical Applications Interest Group Chair.

The Concept 2 Consumer Interest Group elected Chris Hipps as chair. Chris Hipps is the Global director of the Color Management business at Archroma. He has been with Archroma since 2014. Prior to this, from 1998 to 2014, he was with Datacolor, Oxco, and CAE Simuflite in various technical, sales, and marketing positions. Beginning his career as a process engineer and shift dyeing manager at Dixie Yarns’ Caroknit division, he graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Science and then earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Hipps has been a member of AATCC since 1992 and was the interim Chair for the Concept to Consumer Interest Group.

The Materials interest group has elected Apurba Banerjee as Chair and Yongxin Wang as Vice-Chair. Banerjee has served as the At-large Member since 2021.

Apurba Banerjee is a Textile Research scientist at Standard Textile Corp. (STC). As a key member of the Research and Development department, she plays a pivotal role in bringing sustainable, value-added products to life in the realms of Hospitality, Healthcare, and Interiors. Banerjee is a proud alumna of the University of Georgia, where she earned her Ph.D. in Polymer, Fiber, and Textile Science in 2017. Prior to that, she honed her craft at Colorado State University, graduating with a master’s degree in Apparel and Merchandising in 2013. Banerjee has a passion for advancing industry benchmarks through her multiple voluntary leadership roles in organizations like AATCC and ASTM International.

Yongxin Wang is a Materials manager at W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. She has been with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. since 2018. Prior to this, Wang worked at VF Corp. as a Materials Research manager, where she worked as a project lead, and gaining extensive experience on raw materials and their properties, textile manufacturing/processing/structure, and their relationship with apparel performance. Wang received her Master’s in Textile Materials and Product Design from Donghua University, Shanghai China in 2010, and went on to receive her Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science from North Carolina State University in 2013. Her experience in textiles is demonstrated in her numerous publications throughout her career. Wang has been a member of AATCC 2021.

In 2023, AATCC newly established the Rising Professionals Interest Group. The group is focused on supporting individuals as they embark on a career in textiles. Members include recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals transitioning from other industries and those who just want to learn more about navigating opportunities for growth.

The Rising Professionals interest group re-elected Jessica Brooks as Chair and Monét Freeman as Vice-Chair.

Jessica Brooks is the colorist for the Vertical Business Units for W. L. Gore & Associates. She has been with Gore since 2021. In addition, Brooks is an adjunct faculty at Thomas Jefferson University and teaches the Color, Dyeing & Finishing course. Prior to this, she was the Dye Lab & Technical Manager for Darlington Fabrics. Brooks has been a member of AATCC since 2013 and is currently the Vice Chair of the AATCC Delaware Valley Section and the Chair of the RISE Interest Group. She is a member of the RA36 Color Measurement Test Methods committee and on the AATCC Board of Directors. She feels very strongly in helping push future generations into taking active roles within AATCC and promoting a mentorship space within the association.

Monét Freeman serves as a Physical Testing specialist at the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, with six years of professional experience steering all facets of manufacturing, quality and testing, operations management, and coordinating industry training. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Freeman completed her studies in Textile Technology at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles. Freeman is a strong believer that, no matter what, there is always room for improvement and perfecting your craft. Her interest in the Rising Professionals Interest Group stems from her own personal experience of not feeling fully equipped with the tools for career development or networking right out of school.

Opportunities

While AATCC Board elections only occur every two years, there are many ways to get involved. Taking a leadership role on a committee or task group is an excellent way to make connections and gain valuable experience. To learn more about available opportunities, contact Gregg Woodcock, AATCC Executive Director (woodcockg@aatcc.org) or any Board or staff member.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

Premium Scrubwear Brand Jaanuu Brings Modern Uniforms To S&S Activewear

LOS ANGELES & BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — January 13, 2025 — Scrubwear brand Jaanuu continues to broaden its reach, establishing a new partnership with S&S Activewear (S&S), a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in the United States and Canada.

S&S operates eight nationwide distribution centers and has been servicing the decorator and promotional industry for more than 30 years. The company’s extensive market coverage throughout North America has positioned S&S as the distributor of choice for some of the industry’s leading brands.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with S&S to introduce more clients to our premium scrubs,” said Jaanuu CEO Michael Alexander. “With the superior quality of service from S&S by our side, we see this partnership as a pivotal step in Jaanuu’s future within the healthcare-adjacent space. We believe this marks the beginning of a transformation, as Jaanuu evolves into a leader in modern uniforms that redefine both style and functionality.”

Jaanuu will feature an assortment of their core bestsellers through its partnership with S&S. Jaanuu’s product development team has refined a number of designs from the core line to improve the wearer’s performance, boasting premium quality in comfortable fabrics, true-to-size fits, and all-around functionality. The assortment of women’s and men’s apparel features both a durable woven material and a one-of-a-kind knit fabric that remains a standout amongst their loyal customer base.

“When choosing to work with S&S, we knew we wanted a partner who is first-class,” said Ian Scherber, vice president of business development at Jaanuu. “Their customer service is top notch, and they have a thorough understanding of trends and an uncanny relatability within the sales field.”

“We’re excited to welcome Jaanuu into our family of brands,” said Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “By offering top-quality scrubs to our diverse set of customers, we are meeting the practical needs of lifestyle, health and wellness professionals everywhere. S&S is committed to expanding our product offerings to provide new and exciting brands to our customers.”

The new partnership reaffirms Jaanuu’s commitment to the health and wellness community, increasing audience diversity and expanding into new avenues. The core designs will be available through the S&S Activewear platform today.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: S&S Activewear

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