AAFA Welcomes Expansion Of USTR Leadership With Bianchi Confirmation As Deputy USTR

WASHINGTON — September 23, 2021 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association welcomed the Senate’s confirmation of Sarah Bianchi as a Deputy United States Trade Representative today. Bianchi will work closely with the apparel and footwear industry, with portfolios covering Asia, Africa, Investment, Services, Textiles, and Industrial Competitiveness.

“Sarah Bianchi brings a wealth of experience to this role, and we are excited to work with her on the critical industry issues and with trade relationships in Asia and Africa,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Getting the USTR bench up to full strength is important for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, which depends on access to global suppliers and to global customers to support the livelihoods of more than 3 million American workers throughout our supply chains.”

Yesterday, AAFA welcomed the confirmation of Jayme White, also for a Deputy USTR position. AAFA has also been pushing for swift confirmation of other pending appointments, including María L. Pagán for Deputy United States Trade Representative (Geneva Office); Christopher Wilson, Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator; and Elaine Trevino as Chief Agriculture Negotiator.

Posted September 28, 2021

Karl Mayer’s New Biaxtronic® II Opens Up New Market Prospects

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 20, 2021 — Fiber-reinforced composite solutions with non-crimp fabrics as reinforcement layers offer many advantages in lightweight construction and are therefore in demand in a wide range of applications, particularly when the price is right.

KARL MAYER Technische Textilien offers the BIAXTRONIC® to produce biaxial non-crimp fabrics highly efficiently. The high-performance warp knitting machine processes textile glass fibers and makes it possible to incorporate mats made from chopped textile glass fibers or other substrates directly into the reinforcement structure. This results in high-quality composite reinforcements that are firmly established in the transport, marine, construction and renewable energy sectors.

At the end of last year, the proven composite machine underwent a generational change. The new BIAXTRONIC II is characterized by a clear focus on the mid-range market and even more customer benefits.

Flexible, productive and affordable

The new BIAXTRONIC II is based on the technically mature concept developed for its predecessor. Building on this technology, the machine was further tailored to the needs of the commodity market in terms of its price-performance ratio, and changes were made to the weft insertion. Unlike before, the BIAXTRONIC II can work with both course-oriented and non course-oriented weft-insertion. A conversion kit — available as an optional extra — makes a variable change possible, thus increasing flexibility. “In the event of significant market changes, the machine can be converted, thereby offering a real advantage,” said Jochen Schmidt, president of Karl Mayer’s Technical Textiles business unit.

The new weft-insertion system processes textile glass fiber material with a gauge of up to 2,400 tex into reinforcement structures with a maximum weight per unit area of 500 grams per square meter (g/m²). Glass mats weighing up to 600 g/m² can therefore be integrated by means of a chopping unit , while maximum output of 1,100 m²/h can be achieved thanks to intelligent technical solutions and a coherent overall concept. Despite the high working speed, the BIAXTRONIC II handles the fibre material extremely delicately.

Other innovations include a state-of-the-art operator interface for simple, intuitive handling, as well as KAMCOS® and connectivity features from the latest KARL MAYER machine generation.

Successful market launch

With its extended performance potential and sharper pricing profile, the BIAXTRONIC II has been well received by the market. The first machine has already been sold in Europe, and in-depth project discussions are currently underway with various Chinese customers.

The BIAXTRONIC® II was most recently presented to selected manufacturers in China as part of a presentation at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in spring 2021. The performance demonstrations in Changzhou attracted significant interest. “We had many excellent conversations. In particular, our guests from the areas such as of shipbuilding, sports and leisure and construction wanted to know more about the technical details and new possibilities. This should result in some promising projects,” says Zhang Bin, Head of the Technical Textiles Machinery department.

Guests attending a BIAXTRONIC® II performance demonstration, held at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in spring 2021

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Karl Mayer

Pact Secures $7.5 Million In Funding From Gerber Finance

NEW YORK CITY — September 21, 2021  — Pact — maker of sustainable, certified organic cotton clothing — today announced it received $7.5 million in funding from Gerber Finance, an eCapital company and the leading finance partner for companies experiencing accelerated growth. Pact is working with Gerber Finance’s Naturally Gerber division, which supports companies within the fast-growing natural products space, from clean label, organic and non-GMO products, to sustainable design and packaging.

Pact makes clothing and linens from certified organic cotton and partners with Fair Trade Certified™ factories to ensure care for both people and planet. Their product line includes clothing for women, men, babies, and kids as well as bath towels and bedding. The $7.5 million in funding from Gerber Finance will aid in supporting Pact’s inventory growth, new marketing initiatives, and investment into new channels of distribution.

“Thanks to the introduction by our private equity sponsor, Sunrise Strategic Partners, we realized very quickly that Gerber Finance was a perfect match in more ways than one,” said Drew Cook, CFO of Pact. “Everyone we’ve met at Gerber Finance believes in our business model, understands ecommerce, and values the aspects of our brand that make us unique. This played out with a flexible, well-structured piece of debt that can grow with us and provides the funding needed for us to continue our profitable growth without diluting existing shareholders.”

“We truly believe in Pact’s mission, values and dedication to sustainability,” said Jennifer Palmer, CEO of Gerber Finance. “Through our Naturally Gerber Finance division we are committed to supporting natural brands that have a positive impact on the health of people and the planet, and we couldn’t be more excited to see Pact grow and expand in a highly competitive industry.”

Gerber launched its Naturally Gerber Finance division in 2020 to serve the needs of its growing base of natural products companies in its portfolio. The team has funded over dozens of natural products companies including Stasher, Coola, and Om Mushroom Superfood.

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Pact

SDL Atlas Introduces Newly Redesigned Spray Rating Tester

ROCK HILL, S.C. — September 27, 2021 — SDL Atlas is introducing the next generation of its Spray Rating Tester, purposely designed to meet AATCC TM 22 and other international water repellency standards.  The Spray Rating Tester tests the surface wetting resistance of fabrics for use in products such as rain jackets, tents and outdoor furniture.

The Spray Rating Tester is fully constructed from high-grade 316 stainless steel. The instrument has a sleek new design and precision spray nozzle to enhance the look of any laboratory.

Additionally, the Spray Rating Tester now has a quick lock sample holder designed to make mounting samples for testing more quickly through use of a press-down latch. This user-friendly sample holder is also made from stainless steel.

Committed to providing customers confidence in standard based testing, SDL Atlas has offices and experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, plus agents serving over 100 countries, SDL Atlas is ready to support its customers with instruments, consumables, and services anywhere in the world.

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: SDL Atlas LLC

Baldwin Realigns Sales Team To Simplify Customers’ Access To Process-Improvement And Consumables Technologies

Craig Black

ST. LOUIS — Sept. 27, 2021 — In a move to optimize interactions and simplify customer access to the printing industry’s largest portfolio of process-improvement and consumables technologies, Baldwin Technology Company Inc. is excited to announce changes across its print and packaging sales teams for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia, as well as the Americas, effective October 1. After this realignment, customers will benefit from having a single point of contact for all of Baldwin’s product lines.

“We have listened to customers’ feedback, and the consistent message we hear is that they crave a single point of contact for our product portfolio and expertise,” said Peter Hultberg, Baldwin’s chief commercial officer. “Our prior structure was built around our product lines, which made sense following the acquisitions we have made in the last five years, whereas our new structure is built for and around our customers, allowing us to get closer to their daily challenges and needs.”

Through its strategic acquisitions, Baldwin offers the broadest range of connected process-improvement technology for the printing and packaging industries, in addition to being the premier global provider of cleaning, drying and spray automation systems. Baldwin Vision Systems’ Web Printing Controls, QuadTech and PC Industries offer 100 percent defect-detection, and register- and color-control solutions; AMS Spectral UV provides LED, UV and IR systems; and Ahlbrandt manufactures corona surface treatment, rotary spray solutions and hot air-drying technology.

“Effective October 1, our sales teams in EMEAR and the Americas will be realigned to cover smaller regional geographies, and our regional teams will have access to the full Baldwin portfolio of equipment, consumables and service products, as well as industry product expertise, powered by our new Industry 4.0 AMP IoT (Internet of Things) data-aggregation and process-monitoring software platform,” Hultberg added. “This means our customers will have a single sales point of contact for all products, while simplifying their access to the technical experts throughout our business.”

“Through these changes, we will be able to spend more time with our customers, better understand their changing needs and share our solutions, as we help provide value across their entire production process,” said Craig Black, who joined Baldwin in February this year, and will help lead the company’s realigned sales teams in his role as the vice president of sales, Americas. “From vision inspection, to LED-UV curing and blanket cleaning systems, Baldwin offers multiple solutions to help drive increased productivity and quality, decreased downtime and waste, and ultimately, help our customers win more business and be more profitable, while reducing their carbon footprint. Now is a great time to connect with us and see how we can collaborate.”

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Baldwin

Industry Implores Administration To Provide Longer-Lasting Tariff Exemptions On Essential PPE

WASHINGTON — September 27, 2021 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association responded to this afternoon’s announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative will adopt an interim extension of exclusions on Section 301 tariffs on U.S. imports of “certain medical-care products.”

Many types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, have been set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021 under the current Section 301 tariffs on U.S. imports from China; however, today USTR announced that these will be extended for 45 days in order to provide time to review the public comments USTR previously requested on the exclusions.

“American hospitals — and indeed businesses in every sector — are hurting in numerous ways as the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to ravage communities throughout the country and the globe. While we are pleased to see the Administration extend these exclusions, they must be extended for much longer. COVID-19 remains a formidable foe. With a substantial portion of our population remaining unvaccinated, we need to make sure we have access to these critical life-saving PPE,” said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar. “We also urge the Biden administration to add reusable woven surgical and isolation gowns to the COVID-19 product exclusions list. These items were mistakenly left off the initial list but are desperately needed by hospitals and healthcare workers.”

AAFA welcomes all tariff relief and has continuously pressed the Biden administration for additional Section 301 tariff exclusions and retroactive renewal of all expired exclusions. Last week, AAFA penned a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on this issue and the simultaneous shipping crisis causing out of control freight rates, historic logjams at U.S. ports, delays and costs that are wreaking havoc on supply chains and America’s economic recovery.

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: AAFA

Teijin Cordley Develops Antibacterial And Antiviral Artificial Leather

TOKYO — September 28, 2021 — Teijin Cordley Ltd., the Teijin Frontier Group’s high-grade artificial leather business, announced today that it has developed a new antibacterial and antiviral* artificial leather incorporating long-lasting antibacterial agent.

Teijin Cordley will commence sales of the new artificial leather in October this year; initial versions will be designed for the manufacture of children’s satchels; subsequent versions will additionally be suitable for sporting goods such as shoes and leather balls. The sales target is 30,000 meters in fiscal 2021 and 580,000 meters in fiscal 2024.

Leveraging Teijin Cordley’s unique surface treatment technology, the new antibacterial and antiviral artificial leather can be treated with the same process as conventional artificial leathers such as natural-like, enamel and nubuck artificial leathers, and can be used in a wide range of applications. In addition, products using the new leather material can be classified as “environmentally friendly”, as it is created using recycled polyester raw materials. The long-lasting antibacterial agent on new artificial leather’s surface has led it acquiring SIAA** antibacterial processing and SIAA antiviral processing certification.

The technology in the long-lasting antibacterial agent was originally developed to control the growth of microorganisms such as mold in the confined spaces of submarines, and is effective against various kinds of bacteria, mold and viruses. In addition, it has the potential to treat a variety of materials such as fibers and hard materials, and has been used in applications including apparel, rush products, and humidifying filters for air purifiers.

The spread of COVID-19 has enhanced general interest in infection control in daily life, and the need for antibacterial and antiviral processing is increasing. There is also increased focus on the need for hygiene measures during sporting events. Antibacterial and antiviral processing technology for general textile products has been developed for practical use; however, it is difficult to maintain the antibacterial and antiviral properties when these are processed into artificial leather.

* antibacterial and antiviral: not effective against all bacteria and viruses.

** SIAA: The SIAA brand mark is borne on products under quality control and information disclosure by the guidelines of the Society of International sustaining growth for Antimicrobial Articles

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Teijin

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Prepares For Challenge Testing Of Disease Resistant Silkworm Lines  

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — September 28, 2021 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, announced today that it is preparing to conduct challenge testing on two lines of immunity enhanced silkworms. These silkworm lines were developed by Kraig Labs to combat two of the biggest challenges facing the global silk production industry.

It has been reported that as much as 50 percent of all losses in silk production result from a single widespread virus. A 2020 paper cited that 75 percent of all interviewer silkworm raisers reported losses due to this disease. With no effective treatment, this virus results in countless millions of dollars of economic annually. Kraig Labs realized that technologies it was developing for other applications could be used to significantly reduce these losses in the broader silk industry. The company has made rapid progress in the development of this new technology.

Specifically designed to target and combat this virus and other pathogens, these new transgenics developed by Kraig Labs, are now preparing to undergo challenge testing. These new disease-resistant lines of silkworms are intended for licensing into the global market for mundane silks to combat pathogenic viruses and fungi. The company expects to make these lines of resilient silkworms available for commercial licensing shortly after the conclusion of successful challenge testing.

“We are very excited to begin challenge testing for these immunity enhanced silkworm lines,” said COO Jon Rice. “Our intention is to license this technology to silk produces all over the world. This program to produce licensable commercial lines of more robust silkworms is the perfect complement to our core focus, the commercialization of Kraig’s eco-friendly recombinant spider silk.”

1 From New Analysis from Global Industry Analysts Reveals Steady Growth for Silk, with the Market to Reach $21 Billion Worldwide by 2026, read more at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-analysis-from-global-industry-analysts-reveals-steady-growth-for-silk-with-the-market-to-reach-21-billion-worldwide-by-2026-301377060.htm

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories

The Freudenberg House of Sustainability: Sustainability Concept With More Than 500 Sustainable Solutions

WEINHEIM, Germany — September 28, 2021 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel is proud to announce its new House of Sustainability. The initiative is designed to assist customers worldwide in enhancing the sustainability of their products, thereby laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future together with Freudenberg. Customers will find more than 500 sustainable and innovative solutions of premium quality for a comprehensive range of applications in the apparel industry. With this initiative, Freudenberg is making its entire portfolio of sustainable solutions visible and transparent. At the same time, the leading global manufacturer of technical textiles is also driving its roadmap of forward-looking innovations.

Sustainability has been an integral part of business activities ever since Freudenberg was established and the first values and principles were drawn up in 1887. Freudenberg aspires to reduce its own footprint and increase the handprint for customers and end users. This means the company strives to minimize the impact of its production processes on the environment (footprint) while helping customers achieve their sustainability goals by offering appropriate products and services (handprint).

“Sustainability is a mission and driving force for us. We initiate sustainable programs at global and regional level and are constantly innovating globally available sustainable solutions,” said John McNabb, chief technology officer, Freudenberg Performance Materials. “Many examples bear witness to our forward-looking efforts. To name just a few highlights, we are, for example, pioneers in recycling PET bottles, and commissioned our first recycling plant back in 1991. We developed the first biodegradable nonwoven interlinings in 1995. And today, we recycle more than 2.5 billion post-consumer PER bottles per year.”

“More and more companies and suppliers in the apparel industry today are actively driving change and transparency in sustainability around the globe. Their shared vision is a sustainable future for the apparel industry,” said Jonathan Oh, senior vice president and general manager, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel. “As a global leader in apparel interlinings, tapes, canvas and preformed materials, linings and comfortemp® thermal insulations, it is important for us to pioneer in sustainability. With our new House of Sustainability, we want to support this shared vision and innovate for a sustainable future.”

The Freudenberg House of Sustainability

The foundation for the Freudenberg House of Sustainability is made up of four elements: Certifications & Regulations, Raw Materials, Technology and Carbon Footprint. This foundation supports seven pillars providing customers with more than 500 sustainable solutions. The House of Sustainability enables customers to choose the right solutions for their sustainable applications and to meet their sustainability goals efficiently. In addition, all Freudenberg services are visible and transparent.

The 4 elements making up the foundation:

Certifications & Regulations – Freudenberg is certified to definitive standards. These include the following: BCI, bluesign®, C2C Gold, ECO-CHECK, Global Recycled Standard, Higg Index, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 9001, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, REACH and Restricted Substances List.

Raw Materials – Freudenberg uses sustainable raw materials to develop solutions. These materials are, for example, free from environmentally harmful substances (Azo & APEO, PFC), recycled, natural-based or biodegradable.

Technology – Freudenberg uses cutting-edge technologies in its manufacturing processes in order to minimize the impact on the environment, such as energy harvesting technologies, zero liquid discharge, and monitoring systems.

Carbon Footprint – Based on its Values & Principles, Freudenberg is committed to reducing its carbon footprint worldwide. The company plans to generate some 25% of its sales in the apparel industry from sustainable products by 2025.

The 7 pillars of the Freudenberg House of Sustainability:

Recycled general interlinings – Interlinings made from recycled polyester. By recycling post-consumer PET bottles, Freudenberg is not only minimizing its carbon footprint, but is also helping its customers to manufacture more sustainable garments by choosing sustainable components.

Recyclable interlinings – Interlinings made from 100% polyamide 6. These interlinings can be recycled indefinitely for a consistent closed-loop economy.

Energy-saving interlinings – Interlinings with an innovative adhesive that reduces the fuse-line temperature. This saves energy during fusing and speeds up the fusing process, thereby increasing output.

Biodegradable interlinings & thermal insulations – Thermal insulations and interlinings that are made of cellulose and cotton and are 100% biodegradable in soil. The energy-efficient production process for these interlinings is free from water-endangering raw materials and toxic substances.

Sustainable cotton interlinings – Interlinings made from certified sustainable cotton. Certifications include Cradle to Cradle, Global Organic Textile Standard, Organic 100 and others.

Nature-based interlinings – Interlinings wholly or partly derived from renewable and sustainable sources such as trees, wool, silk, and animal hair such as horsehair.

Recycled thermal insulations & linings – Thermal insulations and linings made from recycled polyester offering premium softness, warmth retention and extreme wear comfort for sportswear.

Launch of the Freudenberg House of Sustainability

The House of Sustainability will be launched worldwide over a 12-week period. Each week, Freudenberg will post in-depth information about the elements and pillars on several channels. The complete House of Sustainability will be presented at ISPO Munich 2022.

Stay tuned and join us on a visit to the House of Sustainability!

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

 

ASTM International Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With Brazilian National Standards Body

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Sept. 28, 2021 – ASTM International and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas or ABNT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 24.

The MoU will allow direct adoption of ASTM International standards in Brazil to enhance ABNT’s support for public and private sector stakeholders in Brazil and aid in the development of Brazilian national standards.

In addition to the MoU, a commercial agreement was signed between the two organizations on Sept. 24. Ricardo Fragoso, director general, and Nelson Al Assal Filho, director of standardization, signed both agreements on behalf of ABNT. Kathie Morgan, president, ASTM International, and Teresa Cendrowska, vice president, global cooperation, ASTM, signed the MoU; Morgan, and Jim Thomas, vice president, sales and marketing, signed the commercial agreement.

“We at ASTM International recognize the importance of ABNT’s work with the Brazilian and global standards communities,” said Morgan. “We look forward to continuing a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with ABNT as enabled by these agreements.”

“ABNT is very pleased and gratified — and I am personally as well — to enter into this MoU and updated commercial agreement with ASTM International, since both agreements are fully aligned with and will help advance ABNT’s organizational mission, vision and values,” Fragoso said. “Cooperation with ASTM International under the terms of these agreements will support ABNT in responding efficiently to market and societal needs, providing Brazilian society with knowledge that enables competitive and sustainable production, delivery and use of goods in services in the domestic and foreign markets and contributing to scientific and technological development, environmental protection, consumer protection, health, and innovation.”

While ASTM International and ABNT have a long-standing commercial agreement, the new agreement will enhance this collaboration. This new agreement allows ASTM to expand the accessibility of its standards and services to all Brazilian companies, organizations, and universities.

ABNT was founded in 1940 and was officially adopted by the Brazilian government in 1962.

Posted September 28, 2021

Source: ASTM International

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