Winners Announcement: 2021 “Fashion For All” Student Design Competition

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C./LIVINGSTON, N.J. — June 9, 2021— AATCC and the Runway of Dreams Foundation are delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 AATCC and Runway of Dreams Foundation Fashion for All Student Design Competition!

The 2021 theme challenged students to create or transform an accessory — bags, belts, jewelry, shoes, for example — that reimagines fashion and function for people with disabilities. All accessories MUST be textile based!

First Place

Starry Night Super Socks by Emma Steadman from Duke University. She will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. The prize will be presented at the Runway of Dreams Fashion Revolution Runway Show and Gala during NYFW 2021 with up to $1,000 travel and lodging stipend. Steadman is a mechanical engineering student.

Steadman said: “This competition with a requirement to choose an accessory taught me that even the smallest adaptation can be revolutionary to help people with disabilities feel comfortable and confident. This will be important to remember in my career that the most brilliant ideas aren’t necessarily always the most extravagant, but rather they are the ones that keep the needs of the consumer in focus.”

Honorable Mentions

The entries below have received an Honorable Mention. They will receive recognition in AATCC media and a certificate of accomplishment from the Runway of Dreams Foundation.

The Libby Belt by Emma Ryan from the Kendall College of Art and Design, enrolled in Fashion Studies.

From this competition Ryan says she learned that “Fashion should be available for everyone but unfortunately a lot of people have to sacrifice fashion for function. By communicating with the consumer, garments and accessories can be designed to be both.”

Tastefully Inclusive by Payton Rigler, University of Arkansas, Apparel Merchandising and Product Development.

Rigler says, “This competition was a huge learning experience for me. It was the first time I constructed an accessory, as well as an opportunity to create something not intended for personal use. It was insightful to learn about those living with disabilities and hearing how different their day-to-day life looks like and the challenges they often face. Overall, this competition was extremely beneficial and will most definitely impact my future designs in a way that is less self-driven and more aware of meeting specific needs of others.”

Fashion For All, The Access Pack by Kedena Thompson, North Carolina State University, Textile Technology

Thompson said: “This competition has reinforced my belief that intentional design is imperative and important! As an apparel and accessories industry professional, I know first-hand that brands do not design for people with disabilities. In future positions I plan to ensure inclusivity and attention to detail regarding ableism occurs during the concept/design stage and is part of the final product selections for market.”

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: AATCC and the Runway of Dreams Foundation

Ascend Expands HiDura™ Long-Chain Polyamides (LCPA) Production Capacity

HOUSTON — June 9, 2021— Ascend Performance Materials has expanded production capacity for HiDura long-chain polyamides in its Greenwood, S.C., plant. The multi-million dollar expansion will help the company meet growing demand for its new product line.

Launched in Nov. 2020, Ascend’s HiDura PA610 and 612 products are used in a variety of consumer goods, industrial, renewable energy, automotive and electric vehicle applications.

“Exceptional ductility, UV weatherability and hydrolysis resistance give HiDura resins and engineered plastics reliable, long-term performance in some of the harshest conditions,” said Kaan Gunes, business manager for HiDura at Ascend.

Gunes cited applications in solar photovoltaic supports, battery seals and brush bristles to illustrate the versatility and durability of HiDura. “Each of these parts faces extreme conditions, whether the 25 years a solar PV installation will be exposed to the elements or the constant contact with corrosive chemicals inside a battery cell. The various grades we developed are designed to improve the reliability of our customers’ products.”

Ascend, which is the largest fully integrated producer of nylon 6,6 resin, used its extensive polymerization knowledge to expand capacity at its Greenwood facility.

“We have been polymerizing PA66 in Greenwood for decades,” said Michael Walters, senior site director for Ascend in Greenwood. “Our people understand how to consistently produce high-performance, high-quality materials safely and were excited to see the success of HiDura build off their work.”

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Toray Carbon Magic Ultra-Lightweight Solar Plane: The Winner Of JEC Innovation Award

TOKYO— June 4, 2021— On June 2, Toray Carbon Magic Co. Ltd.’s Solar plane was named the winner of the JEC Connect 2021 Innovation Award in Aerospace Category. Meanwhile, the JEC Group, a global and innovative media event company, is responsible for the selection of the world’s most innovative composite solutions.

This project has been developed in collaboration with Tokai University which has great records of The World Solar Challenge, in cooperation with the Sky Perfect JSAT and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. Thus, this is the result of the industry-academia and government collaboration.

The success of this project was made possible because of its design and its manufacturing of the full-composite aircraft, resulting in an ultra-lightweight, highly stiff structure that includes a16-meter wingspan. In addition, due to the mechanical properties of the advanced composite materials, the solar plane framework is resistant to fatigue and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance at high altitudes for prolonged periods.

The objective of this project, which is still in development, is to provide energy-efficient relay stations for broad and wide telecommunication networks.

On the other hand, we have announced the result of another project which has something to do with the large-scale decorative lighting along with CFRP structures assembled at the Singapore Raffles Hotel. It has also been selected as a finalist in design category in the same event.

Finally, we will continue to work on our creativity and innovation in this technology and contribute to the future society. Likewise, we will seek further possibilities of composite technology.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: Toray Industries Inc.

China International Disposable Paper Expo (CIDPEX) Awards American Hygienics Corporation (AHC) A Top Wipes Manufacturer In China

NANJING, China — May 25, 2021 — The 28th China International Disposable Paper Expo (CIDPEX), one of the largest global disposable hygiene exhibitions, awarded and gave recognition to American Hygienics Corporation (AHC) as one of the largest wet wipes manufacturers in China.

This prestigious recognition comes at a time when the world was facing one of the largest supply chain interruptions in modern-day history.

“All dealings in the supply chain were directly between CEO to CEO; it all came down to relationships and reputation in order to secure spunlace non-wovens” said Nilesh Parmar (CEO and Founder of AHC). “I had to personally meet with each of the CEO’s of our suppliers to ensure that AHC maintained their supply commitments, our suppliers also only prioritize materials to primary long-term A-list partners only.” The Covid-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on the entire supply chain throughout any sector that needed non-wovens. During the thick of this pandemic, AHC was able to secure significant capacities of non-woven enabling them to quickly and promptly cover major supply shortages in the market.

AHC inaugurated its Zhejiang brand new state-of-the-art plant in November of 2019 right when the pandemic started. This posed great opportunities in product needs and immense challenges in the execution of the new manufacturing site. This new facility was instrumental for AHC in fulfilling major shortages in the market.

AHC is one of the largest manufacturers of wet wipes in Asia with two manufacturing facilities and a gross annual output of over a billion wipes a year. Their manufacturing facilities are ISO13485 certified and manufacture regular and OTC drug wipe products as well as carry US EPA site registrations and collaborate with relevant licensees on infection control products. They have a 20-year history and are one of the pillars of the entire industry.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: American Hygienics Corporation (AHC)

NCTO Welcomes Senate Passage Of U.S. Innovation And Competition Act; Key Provision Guarantees Long-Term Contracts For Domestic PPE

WASHINGTON — June 8, 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 Senate passage of the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). As part of the bill’s effort to address overall manufacturing and technology competitiveness issues from the perspective of the U.S.-China relationship, the legislation will help reconstitute a domestic supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We commend the Senate for ushering the bipartisan USICA, designed to make the U.S. more globally competitive against China, across the finish line which includes an important provision to help onshore personal protective equipment (PPE) production,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“We sincerely thank Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) for working to include their Make PPE in America Act in the USICA, a critical priority of the U.S. textile industry,” Glas said. “This language will help onshore critical production of medical personal protective equipment (PPE) by guaranteeing long-term contracts for American-made PPE and establishing a much-need domestic procurement requirement for federal purchases of these essential products. It will ensure that that U.S. taxpayer dollars are utilized to construct and secure a domestic production chain for the manufacture of lifesaving PPE and other essential medical supplies,” Glas said.

NCTO led an industry and labor coalition effort supporting the inclusion of the Make PPE in America Act in the USICA. The USICA contains the key provisions of the Portman-Peters bill that ensures all PPE purchased by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs are Berry Amendment-compliant and guarantees long-term contracts for these critical items to incentivize domestic production.

“While we support the overall USICA package, which includes many items of critical importance to the U.S. textile industry, our industry is extremely concerned about a provision that was added in the eleventh hour that could sidetrack the critical effort to onshore a self-sufficient PPE industry,” Glas added. “This harmful provision would unilaterally suspend normal tariffs and penalties assessed on PPE imports for two years. Doing so would allow China to maintain its stranglehold on the U.S. PPE market, while working at cross-purposes with other provisions of the bill designed to incentivize much needed investment in domestic PPE manufacturing. U.S. manufacturers retooled production and have significant idle capacity. It is critical that the House of Representatives strike this damaging language if this legislative package is considered.

“Congress and the administration need to keep PPE tariffs in place to support U.S. businesses and workers who abide by higher labor, environmental and production standards. The industry reconstituted supply chains to help healthcare frontline workers.  Our industry has significant capacity to help meet U.S. medical needs. This provision is the absolute wrong message to send to American manufacturers and its workforce,” Glas noted.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

ITMF: Worldwide Shipments Of New Textile Machinery Decreased In 2020

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 9, 2021 — In 2020, global shipments of spinning, texturing, weaving, knitting, and finishing machines decreased on average compared to 2019. Deliveries of new short-staple spindles, open-end rotors, and long-staple spindles dropped by -48%, -27%, and -46%, respectively. The number of shipped draw-texturing spindles declined by -30% and deliveries of shuttle-less looms shrunk by -16%. Shipments of flat knitting machines contracted by -53%, while shipped large circular machines marked the exception with a 13% growth. The sum of all deliveries in the finishing segment also dropped by -17% on average.

These are the main results of the 43rd annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics (ITMSS) just released by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). The report covers six segments of textile machinery, namely spinning, draw-texturing, weaving, large circular knitting, flat knitting and finishing. A summary of the findings for each category is presented below. The 2020 survey has been compiled in cooperation with more than 200 textile machinery manufacturers representing a comprehensive measure of world production.

Spinning Machinery

The total number of shipped short-staple spindles decreased by about 3.3 million units in 2020 to a level of 3.63 million. Most of the new short-staple spindles (88%) were shipped to Asia & Oceania, where delivery decreased by -50%. While levels stayed relatively small, Europe saw shipments increasing by +76% (mainly in Turkey). The six largest investors in the short-staple segment were China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan.

422 thousand open-end rotors were shipped worldwide in 2020. This represents 151 thousand units less compared to 2019. 83% of global shipments went to Asia & Oceania where deliveries decreased by -32% to 351 thousand rotors. Turkey, and Pakistan were the world’s 2nd and 3rd largest investors in open-end rotors after China and saw investments surging by +290% and +42%, respectively. China, India, Uzbekistan, and Brazil, the world’s 1st, and 4th to 6th largest investors in 2020 decreased investment by -30% on average.

Global shipments of long-staple (wool) spindles decreased from about 40 thousand in 2019 to nearly 22 thousand in 2020 (-46%). This effect was mainly driven by a fall in deliveries to Asia & Oceania with a decrease in investment of -75%. 80% of total deliveries were shipped to Iran, Turkey, and Italy.

Texturing Machinery

Global shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyamide filaments) decreased by -36% from nearly 26’000 units in 2019 to 16’000 in 2020. With a share of 89%, Asia & Oceania was the strongest destination for single heater draw-texturing spindles. China, Japan, and Chinese Taipei were the main investors in this segment with a share of 63%, 9%, and 8% of global deliveries, respectively.

In the category of double heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyester filaments) global shipments decreased by -30% to a level of 325 thousand spindles. Asia’s share of worldwide shipments remained stable at 90%. Thereby, China remained the largest investor accounting for 78% of global shipments.

Weaving Machinery

In 2020, worldwide shipments of shuttle-less looms decreased by -16% to 112 thousand units. Shipments in the categories “air-jet” and “rapier and projectile” fell by -3% to 29’337 units and -15% to 21’542, respectively. The deliveries of water-jet looms decreased by -21% to 61’483. The main destination for shuttle-less looms in 2020 was Asia & Oceania with 94% of all worldwide deliveries. 98%, 93%, 81% of global water-jet, air-jet, and rapier/projectile looms were shipped to that region. The main investor was China in all three sub-categories. Deliveries of weaving machines to this country cover 74% of total deliveries.

Circular & Flat Knitting Machinery

Global shipments of large circular knitting machines grew by +12% to 30’231 units in 2020. The region Asia & Oceania was the world’s leading investor in this category with 81% of worldwide shipments. With 62% of all deliveries (i.e.15’980 units), China was the favoured destination. India and Turkey ranked second and third with 2’433 and 2’381 units, respectively.

In 2020, the segment of electronic flat knitting machines decreased by -52% to around 66 thousand machines. Asia & Oceania was the main destination for these machines with a share of 77% of world shipments. China remained the world’s largest investor with an 38%-share of total shipments despite a -74%-decrease in investments. Shipments to China dropped from about 69 thousand units in 2019 to 17 thousand units in 2020.

Finishing Machinery

In the “fabrics continuous” segment, shipments of Sanforizers / Compacters grew by +75%. All other subsegment either remained stable or shrunk. Since 2019, ITMF estimates the number of shipped stenters non-reported by the survey participants to inform on the global market size for that category. The market for stenters is expected to have been stable since 2019 and thus deliveries must have reached 1’731 units in 2020.

In the “fabrics discontinuous” segment, the number of jigger dyeing / beam dyeing shipped dropped by +8.5% to 529 units. Deliveries in the categories “Air Jet Dyeing” and “Overflow Dyeing” respectively decreased by -18% and -21% in 2020.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 Exhibitor Preview: Saurer AG

ARBON, Switzerland — April 28, 2021 — Saurer invites customers to learn about its newest automation solutions, both within its machines and extending across entire textile mills. The company is meeting the growing demand for cost-effective automation both in spinning and twisting/cabling mills. The well-known E3 attributes of the Saurer design philosophy – energy, economics and ergonomics – are enhanced with intelligent technologies, which address pressing issues related to labour and ergonomics. Saurer looks forward to welcoming visitors at booth F01 in hall 8.

Highlights in staple fibre processing

The new Autocard was developed to create further value in the fibre preparation chain. The machine’s higher carding area means 18% higher output and even cleaner sliver. It also features LED lights for intelligent operator guidance. Can changes are carried out during full production without slowing down the speed of sliver delivery.

The new generation ring-spinning machine from Zinser Systems, the Z 72XL, is a benchmark for intelligent spinning. It offers low energy consumption, optimal user-friendliness and flexible automation solutions. It now also comes with a new compact device, the new Impact FX pro system, designed especially for the medium and fine yarn-count range for yarns with lower hairiness and greater strength, making it ideal for weaving and knitting applications.

With the Autoconer X6 winder, Saurer is on track towards customised automation in package winding. State-of-the-art RFID technology, sensor-controlled functions and smart control systems make continuous automation progress possible. Introducing the new open prism technology that offers improved splice quality, handling and maintenance.

At Schlafhorst Systems for open-end spinning, clever automation solutions are what unites the Autocoro 10, Autoairo and AutoBD. While Autocoro has seen the sale of 1 million spindles worldwide, Autoairo and AutoBD are being shown in Asia for the first time. The Autoairo air-spinning machine with its unique automation is characterised by high yarn quality and productivity, coupled with low spinning costs. The well-proven innovations SynchroPiecing and Multilot enable seamless lot changes. The AutoBD gives spinning mills the freedom to choose the degree of automation and productivity potential of the rotor-spinning machine. All automation modules can also be easily retrofitted. SynchroPiecing minimises the need for operators and offers high productivity even with challenging raw materials. Customers can also fully automate the removal of packages and the insertion of empty tubes.

Discover machines in the Saurer twisting and cabling portfolio

The latest generation of CompactTwister, the series 8 from Volkmann Systems, once again sets new standards for the quality of twisted yarn, flexibility and energy consumption. Millions of supplied spindles demonstrate its leading position on the market.

The CableCorder CC5 from Allma Systems is the 5th generation of the successful direct cabling machine for tire cord and industrial yarns. Customers benefit from lower energy consumption, a smart spindle concept, modern quality monitoring, improved ergonomics and innovative data management. With up to 200 spindles, the CC5 with the new spindle gauge 400 is a true space saver.

Saurer Automation Solutions introduces the new palletiser
The company provides intelligent and individual automation solutions for twisting and spinning mills that increase the efficiency of machine loading and package transportation, allowing for substantial time and cost savings along the entire textile value chain.

Digital – two new Elements for Senses

The new Shop Floor Senses Element for the mill management system Senses enables customers to optimise processes in their production plants by reducing the walking distances of machine operators. Using the Recipe Senses Element, customers can import all the machines’ production settings into Senses and ensure that they are configured in such a way that results in optimal production and quality. This guarantees fast and reliable lot changes.

Laboratory equipment

The Autolab ET measures yarn hairiness completely automatically by means of a modern, integrated laser sensor. In addition to determining the overall hairiness, the hair length is also classified automatically. All relevant parameters for slivers, rovings and yarns can be determined with a single testing device, thus ensuring optimal running behaviour for the spinning machines.

Components for staple fibre processing

The Accotex product line introduces the new apron for air-spinning. Higher delivery speeds in air-jet spinning have led to higher demands on the elastomer components in the drafting system. Saurer has developed the NO-6270 KN, a new state-of-the-art compound for air-jet spinning.

The new high-performance spindle from the Texparts product line, with a reduced wharve diameter of 17.5 mm, is based on the well-proven CS1 S silent spindle-bearing unit and offers a long service life and operational reliability. Outstanding running properties up to 30 000 rpm and an energy saving are the key performance factors of this new spindle. Combined with zero underwinding system Spinnfinity, they are the perfect match for automated and efficient ring spinning.

Components for filament processing

The powerful motor-driven texturing units FTS525M from the Temco product line are suitable for yarn running up to 1 000 m/min. Despite the wide speed range, the FTS unit impresses with a lower noise level and energy consumption. Thanks to its high flexibility, direction of the yarn twist is easily changed and no adjustment of the cooling plate is required for S/Z production.

CoolFlow Texturing Discs from the Temco product line optimise the air stream and demonstrably improve heat transfer due to the special design of the discs. This  results in less swelling as well as a significant reduction in disc load at process speeds of up to 1 000 m/min, thus extending the service life.

In the Fibrevision product line, Saurer will show an upgrade option for tension monitoring with the market-leading Fraytec FV1 and FV2 systems for broken filament monitoring for technical and industrial yarns. The upgrade is straightforward with available sensor ranges of 0-500g or 0-1 000g depending on the application.

Sun – Service Unlimited offers life cycle partnerships for all Saurer machines

Visit the Sun area at the booth to discover the company’s offers of updates and upgrades, original parts and clever preventive services. The Saurer Academy provides digital training. Visitors to the exhibition can also learn more about the new features on the Secos – Saurer Customer Portal.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: Saurer AG

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 Exhibitor Preview: SHIMA SEIKI

WAKAYAMA, Japan — June 8, 2021 — Flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will participate in the ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 exhibition to be held at the national Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China in June.

Through its exhibit theme—Step Beyond—SHIMA SEIKI will present its vision of the future, while addressing a variety of solutions for the new normal, including proposals in Factory Automation, Digital Transformation (DX), and various online solutions.

Factory automation has become a buzz word in the textile industry, the interest for which has accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At ITMA Asia we will be making proposals for factory automation centered around the special manufacturing capabilities of our WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines. WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear can be knit in one entire piece without the need for linking or sewing, and allows for on-demand knitting. As pioneer of complete garment technology with over 2,700 patents and over 25 years of experience in the field, SHIMA SEIKI will present its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology in the form of two of the latest machines. The flagship MACH2XS is the most advanced flat knitting machine in the world, featuring proprietary four-needle bed and Slideneedle™ technology com- bined with spring-type moveable sinkers and i-DSCS+DTC® Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence and Dynamic Tension Control, and capable of all-needle knitting of WHOLEGARMENT® items. MACH2XS is presented in ultrafine 18L gauge, shown for the first time in China. Also shown for the first time in China, MACH2VS is a flexible V-bed machine capable of knitting WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear using every other needle, or conventional shaped knitting using all needles. It also features spring-type moveable sinkers and i-DSCS+DTC® Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence and Dynamic Tension Control. MACH2VS is presented in ultrafine 18G with auto yarn carriers as a prototype option.

The large number of patents for WHOLEGARMENT® technology is not limited to mechanical hardware, but span the range of software and programming, as well as stitch structures and knitting techniques. A variety of WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear samples featuring these patents are presented at the SHIMA SEIKI booth as well.

ITMA Asia will also be the occasion for a sneak preview of next-Generation 4-bed WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology. Considering the recent increase in interest for WHOLEGARMENT® as a manufacturing method suited to the new normal, competing companies are slowly making their debut in complete garment knitting. This next generation in WHOLEGARMENT® technology ensures that SHIMA SEIKI remains many a Step Beyond the competition in the technology it originally pioneered. next-generation WHOLEGARMENT® technology also prepares SHIMA SEIKI for when the industry eventually takes a Step Beyond conventional knitting to adopt zero-waste sustainable WHOLEGARMENT® knitting as the next standard for knit fashion. The new machine is named SWG-XR, adopting the SWG moniker from the first-generation WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine introduced back in 1995. The “X” represents 4 needle beds arranged in an X- shaped formation as per the original SWG-X machine, while “R” stands for Reborn and Revolution, referring to a renewal of SHIMA SEIKI’s WHOLEGARMENT® knitting that raises the technology to unprecedented levels. By increasing the number of systems from 3 to 4 and featuring auto yarn carriers, SWG-XR allows even higher productivity and vastly improved range of knitting for producing brand new WHOLEGARMENT® items not possible before.

In order to further support efforts in DX in the fashion industry, SHIMA SEIKI has released three new online services over the past year which will also be showcased at ITMA Asia: ‘APEXFiz™’ subscription-based design software; ‘yarn- bank™’ digital yarn sourcing web service; and ‘SHIMAnAVI™’ e-learning service.

APEXFiz™ is the latest addition to SHIMA SEIKI’s proven SDS®-ONE APEX series design system lineup, but with a big departure from the past. Whereas previous APEX-series design systems were offered as an all-in-one hardware/soft- ware package, for the first time in its nearly 40 years of design system development, SHIMA SEIKI has released its new APEXFiz™ as subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers’ individual computers. Maintaining proven functions that have made the APEX series so popular with fashion designers, with APEXFiz™ those strengths are now enhanced with the added versatility to adapt to different work styles and business environments including tele- working and telecommuting. APEXFiz™ software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to col orway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. APEXFiz™ thereby helps to realize sustainability and digi- tally transform the fashion supply chain. APEXFiz™ is furthermore available in 5 different product variations that can be selected according to the customer’s needs, from APEXFiz™ Design Jr. to APEXFiz™ Design Pro.

APEXFiz™ is supported by two other web services to enhance its user experience. Yarnbank™ is the world’s first online web service for searching and viewing the latest yarns, developed in cooperation with yarn companies from around the world. Registered users can download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sampling on APEXFiz™, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own. By using yarn that is used in actual production, designers and apparel companies can rest easy knowing that the simulations created using yarn from yarnbank™ are accurate representa- tions of what will actually be produced. With yarnbank™, the entire supply chain from yarn companies and apparel companies to knit manufacturers can be connected digitally.

Lastly, SHIMANAVI™ e-learning service allows APEXFiz™ users to experience online training when and where it is con- venient, and at their own pace, supporting new work styles. SHIMANAVI™ features several courses available in different languages to suit the needs of individual customers.

SHIMA SEIKI will exhibit in Hall 4, Booth D05. Held in the midst of the CoVID-19 coronavirus worldwide pandemic, ITMA Asia is sure to be scaled down in terms of number of exhibitors, exhibition area as well as number of visitors and the number of countries from which they will be visiting. In fact, due to travel restrictions it is assumed that most interna- tional clientele will be unable to attend the show. Therefore we have prepared an online Booth where visitors can check our exhibits via the Internet, at the following URL: https://www.shimaseiki.com/itmaasia2020/

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.

Culp Introduces ChillSense™ Powered By REPREVE® — Innovative Mattress Fabric Combining Cooling And Sustainability

HIGH POINT, N.C. — June 2, 2021 ─ Culp Inc. — together with its consolidated subsidiaries “CULP” — pairs innovation and dedication to its sustainability efforts with Culp Home Fashions’ new line of mattress fabrics, ChillSense powered by REPREVE®. This innovative fabric is a result of the continued partnership between CULP and Unifi Inc. The new mattress fabric line answers consumer demand for cooling performance while keeping sustainability features top of mind.

According to Unifi, fabrics made with ChillSense fibers transfer heat from the body to the fabric more quickly, creating a cool sensation to the touch. ChillSense powered by Repreve is a unique mattress fabric, currently exclusively available through CULP. The fabric is made with ChillSense and at least 30-percent Repreve, a fiber made from recycled plastic bottles with U TRUST® verification to certify recycled content claims.

“The cooling technology is inherent within the yarn, not requiring the addition of chemicals,” stated Jeff Veach, vice-president of sales and marketing for Culp Home Fashions. “ChillSense powered by Repreve combines performance and sustainability elements in one fabric and represents an affordable offering for our customers and consumers to make a sustainability-based buying decision. Since 2019, Culp has helped divert over 63 million plastic bottles from going into waste streams by incorporating Repreve recycled fiber into its mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics products, including the ChillSense powered by Repreve line. We are excited to offer two great technologies in one.”

Understanding the consumer demand for cooling technology in fabrics, Unifi created the ChillSense fiber, which has an instantaneous sensation of coolness to the touch. Brian Moore, vice-president of global brand sales for Unifi, explained: “Fabrics made with ChillSense fibers have a high thermal effusivity — the rate at which a material can absorb heat. Fabrics with high effusivity represent the ability of a textile to exchange thermal energy with the skin.”

Another unique feature of the partnership between Culp and Unifi is their combined global capacity to navigate the current supply chain issues. Commenting on this, Veach stated, “CULP has the redundancy to produce and scale this new fabric line. The raw material can be made locally in Reidsville and it can also be made overseas, in concert with Culp’s expansive fabric formation capabilities.”

The Unifi Repreve Mobile Tour truck will be stationed at the corner of Main Street and Commerce Street during High Point Furniture Market for anyone interested in learning more about fabrics made with Repreve. Culp and Unifi are hosting a “Sustainable Sip and See” industry happy hour at the Repreve Mobile Tour truck  for Market attendees on Saturday, June 5th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Culp

Michael Ballack Joins Team Skechers

DIETZENBACH, Germany — June 8, 2021 — One of Germany’s top-scoring midfielders of all time will be back on the pitch for Skechers when a campaign starring popular footballer Michael Ballack launches in Germany and throughout Europe this year. The three-time German Footballer of the Year with four national championship wins has joined Team Skechers and will appear in multi-platform marketing initiatives in support of the brand’s performance and lifestyle collections.

“I became familiar with Skechers seeing their ads in stadiums over the years, and I’ve enjoyed wearing their shoes from the first time I tried on a pair,” said Michael Ballack. “It is important to me that my footwear not only looks good, but is also comfortable and can be worn in many different ways. I feel great in Skechers and was overwhelmed by the versatility of the collections. This is a global brand I can wear everyday no matter what my plans are.”

“The energy and enthusiasm for Skechers in Germany these last few years has exceeded anything that I have seen in the more than two decades that we have been here. There is a real buzz for the brand, and Michael Ballack reflects what defines Skechers: style, quality and the cornerstone of comfort,” said Christoph Wilkens, managing director of Skechers Germany. “As a player, he made history in Germany and, with his personable nature and extensive fanbase, is ideal for Skechers. It’s a natural collaboration that we believe will further build awareness of our already popular men’s product offering, and for Skechers Germany, a proud moment to see a local hero in our store windows, as well as campaigns across Europe.”

“Germany is an important market for Skechers, and Europe is one of our strongest performing regions,” said David Weinberg, chief operating officer of Skechers. “Creating a campaign featuring Michael Ballack represents a smart investment in growing our men’s business in this key market, and we expect he will generate excitement and interest in our collections not only in Germany, but across all of Europe as well.”

Considered to be one of the most versatile midfielders of his generation, German footballer Michael Ballack began his career at his local team Chemnitzer FC and made his professional debut in 1995. He played for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen before moving to FC Bayern Munich where he was involved in the German championship title. He then celebrated great success at Chelsea and returned to 1. FC Kaiserslautern before retirement. Throughout his career and always wearing shirt number 13, Ballack won four national championships and made 98 international games over 11 years. As team captain, he took part in two world championships and three European championships from 2004 and is ranked eighth on the German national team all-time goals list with 42. Ballack has received numerous accolades throughout his career including German Footballer of the Year three times (2002, 2003, 2005), and FIFA named him on their 100 Greatest Footballers of the 20th Century list in 2004 and World Cup All-Star Team in 2002 and 2006. He also won the Silver Shoe at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005. In addition to other projects, the former player is still active today as a football expert, including for the European Championship.

Ballack is now part of a team of Skechers athletes and sports icons, which currently includes former English footballer and broadcaster Jamie Redknapp, ace Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, former quarterback and broadcaster Tony Romo, former defensive end and broadcaster Howie Long, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden, boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as golfers Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Colin Montgomerie and Billy Andrade.

Through the years, Skechers has utilized sports icons when advertising its men’s collection with an alumni list featuring names like Joe Montana, Pete Rose, Mariano Rivera, David Ortiz, Ozzie Smith, Joe Namath, Ronnie Lott, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rick Fox, Wayne Gretzky, and the late Tommy Lasorda.

The range of Skechers men’s footwear and apparel collections are available in Skechers retail stores as well as skechers.com, plus department stores and footwear retailers around the globe.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Skechers USA Deutschland GmbH

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