Delta Galil Partners With Sonovia To Offer New, Sustainable Fabric-Finishing Technology To Global Activewear And Apparel Brands

TEL AVIV, Israel — June 2, 2021 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children, as well as leisurewear, activewear and denim — today announced a new strategic partnership with Sonovia to promote Sonovia’s sustainable fabric-finishing technology to Delta Galil’s client partners in the activewear and apparel spaces. Under the agreement, Sonovia and its machinery manufacturing partner, Brückner Textile Machinery, will install an ultrasonic fabric-finishing applicator at Delta Galil’s innovation center in Karmiel, Israel, to pilot the application of new, eco-responsible fabric finishes offering antimicrobial protection and other long-lasting benefits to leading global brands that are Delta Galil customers.

“Sonovia’s ultrasonic technology is the future of high-performance and sustainable fabric finishing,” said Gil Shimon, president of Global Upper Markets Division for Delta Galil. “This partnership enables us to take another step toward fully sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing and we’re extremely pleased to be able to offer our activewear and apparel clients this innovative option for imparting beneficial properties into their garments.”

Sonovia’s fabric-finishing technology allows brands to sustainably incorporate long-lasting, built-in properties such as antimicrobial and antiodor protection and water repellency to textiles, while maintaining superior fabric performance. The company’s revolutionary solution embeds particles, compounds, and molecules of desired properties directly into textiles, creating a durable, added-value fabric that retains its properties through multiple washings. The company’s partnership with Delta Galil constitutes a significant landmark in Sonovia’s path to commercialize its technology and strengthens Delta Galil’s position as a global leader in high-performance, sustainable manufacturing innovation.

“This strategic agreement with Delta Galil constitutes a vote of confidence in Sonovia’s eco-friendly, performance fabric-finishing technology from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of activewear and apparel,” said Shuki Herchcovici, chairman and CEO, Sonovia. “I have no doubt that this relationship will yield outstanding results for both companies and I look forward to a long and successful partnership that will support more responsible, sustainable production for many brands.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Delta Galil

Delta Apparel Acquires Innovative Technology Company, Autoscale.ai

GREENVILLE, S.C — June 8, 2021 — Delta Apparel, Inc., a provider of core activewear and lifestyle apparel products, announced today it has acquired Dallas-based technology company, Autoscale.ai, to further leverage its existing proprietary automated product workflow from design to fulfillment.

Delta’s DTG2Go platform is a market leader in the on-demand, direct-to-garment digital print and fulfillment industry, bringing technology and innovation to the supply chain of its customers. Combined with Autoscale, DTG2Go will provide automated solutions for design creation, art & licensing management, and marketing spend, as well as seamless connectivity with various online marketplaces.

“Integrating Autoscale’s innovative technology into our portfolio is a critical part of our strategy to drive enterprise value over the long term by providing an automated, scalable, seamless solution for on-demand, decorated apparel – from design to fulfillment,” said Delta Group President, Deborah H. Merrill. “The acquisition allows us to take full advantage of the Autoscale technology, which should quickly expand beyond its current capabilities, further transforming the on-demand opportunities in today’s e-commerce market.”

Autoscale.ai founder and Chief Executive Officer, TK Stohlman, will continue as President of Autoscale. Syed Aamir Naqib, Autoscale’s Chief Technology Officer, is also joining DTG2Go as Chief Technology Officer, bringing continuity to the leadership, direction and speed of the technological advancements that are anticipated in the near term and beyond.

The transaction was structured with the acquisition purchase price substantially based upon future profits resulting from the Autoscale.ai technology. The Company will fund the initial cash payment of $8.0 million through its existing U.S. credit facility.

Merrill continued, “We expect to quickly launch some new applications utilizing Autoscale technology which should expand the on-demand opportunities for our existing customers and bring new customers to our DTG2Go platform.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Delta Apparel, Inc.

The LYCRA Company Launches New Campaign On Circularity Initiatives

WILMINGTON, Del. — June 8, 2021 — The LYCRA Company, a global supplier of sustainable solutions for stretch and performance technologies in the apparel and personal care industries, announced the launch of a new campaign aimed at advancing discussions around circularity in textiles. The print and online advertising campaign, “Keep in the loop with LYCRA,” is an invitation for customers and industry experts to join The LYCRA Company in using resilient, sustainable materials that ultimately can be recycled at end of life, thus reducing textile waste and “closing the loop” in the value chain.

“Through our ‘Keep in the loop with LYCRA’ campaign, we want to explore a variety of topics related to circularity — from more sustainable raw materials to extending garment wear life to end-of-life solutions,” said Jean Hegedus, director of sustainable business development at The LYCRA Company. “Our recent introduction of COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® EcoMade fibers, created from 100% textile waste, is one step in the right direction but there’s much more to do to address these important issues,” she added.

The creative campaign, developed by Grounded World agency, uses a loop as a design device to show the transformation of textile waste into new fiber/fabric. The campaign tagline of “Keep in the loop with LYCRA” invites the industry to keep abreast of the latest circularity advancements from The LYCRA Company while also looking to drive awareness and collaboration.

“Circularity is a key focus of The LYCRA Company’s Planet Agenda sustainability platform as we look to advance not just our own sustainability goals, but also those of the industry at large,” said Julien Born, ceo of The LYCRA Company. “Central to achieving this will require a collective effort with the help of industry collaborators so that together, we can maximize impact.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: The LYCRA Company

Coalition Launches New Public Education Initiative To Combat Black Market Trade

NEW YORK — June 8, 2021 — Today, a coalition of private and public actors launched a new public education initiative entitled United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) to combat black market trade. The campaign will run through 2021 and provide local officials, law enforcement, and thought leaders with information and training programs to help tackle illegal trade and raise public awareness of the depth of the problem as well as the severe consequences inflicted on states and municipalities by black market profiteers.

USA-IT is a coalition of national and state brand enforcement experts, law enforcement agencies, and leading business organizations, including:

  • American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
  • Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Center at Michigan State University
  • Arizona Trucking Association (ATA)
  • BrandShield
  • Florida Petroleum Marketers Association (FPMA)
  • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)
  • Florida Retail Federation (FRF)
  • GrindStone Strategic Consulting
  • Illinois Fuel & Retail Association (IFRA)
  • Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
  • Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)
  • International Coalition Against Illicit Economies (ICAIE)
  • Investigative Consultants
  • Levi Strauss & Co.
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • Michigan Chamber of Commerce
  • Michigan Retailers Association (MRA)
  • Michigan Trucking Association (MTA)
  • National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
  • National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center)
  • Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
  • Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA)
  • Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA)
  • Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM)
  • Philip Morris International (PMI)
  • Procter & Gamble Company
  • Sanofi
  • SAS
  • Sayari
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • United States Council for International Business (USCIB)

The coalition will operate in eight states facing critical illegal trade issues: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

“Counterfeit and smuggled goods pose serious threats in many states, and the situation has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with criminals seizing on opportunities to traffic in counterfeit personal protective equipment (PPE) and medications—including vaccines. Since January 2020, the sale of online counterfeit goods has jumped nearly 40 percent,” said USA-IT spokesman and former director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Matt Albence.

“In today’s hyper-connected world—with growing worries about global security, the proliferation of criminal organizations, and a surge of new digital tools—concerted efforts and broad public-private cooperation are vital for implementing meaningful, long-term solutions against illegal trade,” added Albence.

The black market is a $509 billion a year business, and it’s growing. Criminals get rich from illegal trade by robbing revenues meant to provide essential services to Americans. Instead of helping taxpayers, that money is used to fund those who illegally traffic in drugs, tobacco, wildlife, and even people. These groups exploit governments and citizens, manipulate financial systems, spur corruption, and cultivate instability and violence that threaten our communities.

No one government or single industry can address this complex problem on its own. Tackling illegal trade requires cooperation and public-private partnerships and fully utilizing existing expertise, information sharing, innovative solutions, and evolving technologies. Public actors, the private sector, and civil society alike all have a role to play.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT)

The Fibre Of Champions: Fibresand, Fibre Reinforced Rootzones Used By Premiership, EFL and SPFL Clubs

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — June 4, 2021 — Mansfield Sand Ltd.’s sports sand and rootzones are reinforced with polypropylene (PP) straight fibers from Beaulieu Fibres International.

The technology is being used by many of the leading clubs from the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Scottish Professional Football Leagues (SPFL) to maintain the performance of natural grass pitches.

Fibresand and Reinforced Rootzones are manufactured in the United Kingdom by Mansfield Sand, a supplier and original inventor of the product. Fibresand and Reinforced Rootzones are a natural sports product reinforced with Beaulieu’s PP Straight Fibre, distributed in the United Kingdom by James Robinson Fibres. Used in the top 100 millimeters within the pitch construction profile, it enhances the natural grass root structure while giving the pitches increased stability and resilience.

“In times where the Premier League continues to attract audience and dominate Europe’s main football competitions Fibre Reinforced Rootzones using our PP straight fibre continue to deliver results. It is a proven technology that improves the quality of natural grass surfaces, allowing the clubs to continue to deliver top performances on a premium quality natural turf pitch game after game,” said Jefrem Jennard, sales director, Industrial Fibres at Beaulieu Fibres International.

“Fibresand products can be an alternative option to the use of synthetic grass, combining the feel and performance of natural grass while answering the increased durability question. Its proven performance means it’s a technology that is here to stay,” Jennard added.

Many Premiership, EFL and Scottish clubs are choosing Fibresand and Fibre Reinforced Rootzones to maintain the high pitch standards demanded and to meet the performance expectations at all levels.

Beyond football, Mansfield Sand Fibresand products are being used in a variety of winter sports pitches, the equine market and are increasingly being specified for urban public green space and landscape projects to reinforce natural grass areas and maintain aesthetics even when suffering from heavy traffic burden.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Beaulieu

Karl Mayer: New WEFT.FASHION TM 3 Patterns Demonstrat The Variety Of Decorative Yarns That Can Be Used

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 6, 2021 — KARL MAYER’s WEFT.FASHION TM 3 benefits from the high productivity of the warp knitting mill to produce curtain articles featuring the most popular weaving-like looks. The design potential offered in this process is manifold. Karl Mayer’s textile developers had already started testing out the possibilities on the prototype. Initial work concentrated on the basic structure, while further trials looked at incorporating simple effect yarns as full inserted wefts. The created samples — wafer-thin, extremely transparent and feather-light qualities with a basic organza structure and decorative thread covering the entire surface — were shown at Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main in 2019 and met with great interest.

In their latest project, Karl Mayer’s textile developers looked further into using effect yarns. They tested the processing of a total of 40 variants of different designs on a series machine that is now available. Among other things, knots, burls, loops, graver hair, fringes, Lurex® spots, mini sequins, twists and pleats made the thread material truly eye-catching in a full inlay. The gauge of the design threads was just as varied as their appearance. Rough representatives had thicknesses of up to dtex 5,500, while the most delicate had a thickness of dtex 500.

Perfect machine running across all effect yarns

As the focus of the processing tests was on effect yarns, a simple pattern was chosen for the base fabric. Ground guide bar GB 1 ensures high longitudinal stability with a pillar stitch. GB 2 implements an inlay under two needles. This resulted in a voile-like, structurally stable textile with a dense surface but sufficient transparency for a conventional curtain article. The discreet view through was achieved by using a machine gauge of E 24 and a high yarn gauge. Polyester dtex 50 f 24 was used in both ground guide bars.

All of the 36 decorative threads used could be easily integrated into this fabric base. Neither the machine speed nor the fabric appearance had to be compromised. “Even with variants where we had reservations, for example because of the yarn thickness or design, we reached our target of 1,500 rpm on the machine,” says Jürgen Wohlrab from Karl Mayer’s Textile Technology Product Development department.

Perfect quality was also achieved by balancing the stitch density, yarn gauge and feed distance. Thin threads must be firmly bound into the ground by a higher number of stitches per cm. Otherwise they can just be pulled out, based on Jürgen Wohlrab’s experience. In contrast, thick, heavy and fluffy effect yarns require a low stitch density to prevent the pattern thread from pinching or even the basic structure from bursting. This correlation between stitch density and yarn gauge becomes less important as the number of weft threads per unit length decreases. During KARL MAYER’s processing tests, a decorative thread was registered approx. every 1.5 cm. In view of the large spacing, the stitch density — adjusted to 18 stitches/cm — could be kept constant.

Further design potential for the fabric ground and effect yarns

Pattern yarns not only render sophisticated design effects possible thanks to their diverse constructions, but also by playing with the yarn tension during integration. For example, base fabrics with taut, fluffy variants can spring into place after being removed from the machine and thus form a striking crepe-like surface. Jürgen Wohlrab wants to test this in further investigations. He also wants to use the patterning possibilities of three-bar tricot machines, which the WEFT.FASHION TM 3 offers in principle, to design new base fabrics. It would be conceivable, for example, to produce textile structures with lengthwise stripes of varying density by using a mesh treading. Used crosswise, it could be used to create striking base curtains.

Through the targeted variation of threading, yarn selection and textile construction, it is also possible to open up applications beyond the curtain sector, e.g. for upholstery and clothing, such as light blouses, dresses or trousers.

 

A specialist in producing warp knitted home textiles

The WEFT.FASHION TM 3 is an efficient tricot machine with course-oriented weft-insertion for producing medium-weight home textiles. The basic equipment includes three ground guide bars and a system for inserting up to 24 weft threads. These are delivered from a creel and laid across the entire working width. The guide bars are controlled by pattern disks.

The machine delivers an exceptional cost-to-benefit ratio, runs extremely reliably, and is easy to operate. It is available in a gauge of E 24 with a working width of 132”. Its product portfolio includes warp knitted curtains with incorporated effect yarns, maximum 3.25 m in length and imitating woven material. Unlike weaving, warp knitting does not require a sizing process, nor the corresponding use of water, chemicals or energy. Productivity is also excellent. On the WEFT.FASHION TM 3, depending on the article being produced, up to 60 m of curtain fabric can be produced per hour.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Karl Mayer

Karl Mayer: On-Trend Fashion Items With Crinkle-Effect Made On HKS 4-M EL Add Wow Factor To Homewear

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 7, 2021 — Tough times call for soft, comfortable outfits, and wide-cut clothing made from soft fabrics, with textures that promise a feeling of cosiness thanks to a voluminous look, are flourishing and inspiring creative minds.

The textile product developers at Karl Mayer were also inspired by the trend towards “stay-at-home” wear that also provides a feel-good guarantee. They have created a collection of lightweight warp knitted textiles that brought chic to home wardrobes with a multiform crinkle-effect look and bright colors, but that will also cause a stir on the streets and at parties in post-coronavirus times. Karl Mayer’s newcomers include dense fabrics with small repeat waffle or wave patterns, seersucker makes or origami-like designs, as well as transparent fabrics on which curved architectural lines stand out like veins.

The play on opacity and transparency brings extravagance and allure to any outfit, as demonstrated by the delicate blouse on this page. Light warp knitted textiles with a plastic wave design and a cut featuring playful trumpet sleeves and sexy slit neckline create an extremely feminine piece suitable for almost any occasion.

The on-trend textile was produced on a HKS 4-M EL in E 28. To implement the 3D effects, the universal high-performance tricot machine has processed a polyamide wrapping yarn with elastane cores. Various lappings make different elastic properties and patterns possible with the same threading. In addition to high flexibility, the HKS 4-M EL offers maximum efficiency. The extraordinary design variety combined with a high working speed makes the HKS 4-M EL the machine of choice when it comes to manufacturing short runs and developing new products.

More information about the fashionable items with a crinkle-effect look made on an HKS 4-M EL will be available on the KARL MAYER Group’s exhibition stand at ITMA ASIA + CITME, 12 to 16 June, A 35/Hall 4 at the NECC Shanghai.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Karl Mayer

Sterling Group Launches U.S. Premium Lifestyle Apparel Brand JP By J. Peterman In Asia

HONG KONG — June 8, 2021 — Sterling Group Holdings Limited (“Sterling Group” or the “Group”, an apparel manufacturer for upmarket international apparel brands, is pleased to announce that it has officially launched the American premium lifestyle apparel brand, JP by J. Peterman, as an extension of the J. Peterman brand it already owns. The new sub-brand, marketed primarily online through internet, website, social media channels or key opinion leaders (KOL), is curated for a younger customer base who wants to escape from fast fashion, and desires more individuality, style and quality in their daily wardrobe.

Sterling Group made a foray into brand ownership by acquiring the J. Peterman brand in 2019. Founded in 1988, J. Peterman is a U.S. brand with more than 30 years of history with a good name recognition especially after the popular American TV show “Seinfeld”, casting John Peterman as the eccentric, fun-loving sophisticated world traveller in the series. The brand covers a wide spectrum of merchandise, including shirts, pants and shorts, suits and blazers, outerwear, sweaters, vests, sleepwear, men’s vintage cologne collection, hats, footwear, luggage and bags…etc. The product offerings are mostly unique heritage classic apparels and accessories in the mid to high price segment of the market.

As the spread of the pandemic is gradually slowing down with the rollout of vaccines throughout the world, consumer sentiment has been on the upswing. In particular, the Chinese economy quickly gathers steam with the pandemic effectively under control. Thus, the Group believes it is the right time to introduce JP by J. Peterman to the Hong Kong and China market. The brand will first be launched and incubated in Hong Kong, from which expansion to mainland China and other Asian markets will follow.

Mr. Dennis Y M Siu, Executive Director of Sterling Group, said, “We are excited about bringing to customers in Asia this premium, uncommon lifestyle merchandise for men and women inspired by the heritage classic ambiance of the original J. Peterman brand. To start with, we will collaborate with some local KOLs to heighten the brand awareness through social media channels or other promotion activities. Having gradually built anticipation for the brand’s products, we will first rollout our collections online in Hong Kong, and promptly enter the huge but also competitive China online market. With this distinctive brand philosophy and carefully thought out development plan, we are confident in capturing the hearts and minds of the customers in Asia, diversifying the revenue stream for Sterling Group and creating long-term value for shareholders.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Sterling Group Holdings Limited

Lenzing Welcomes Clear Positioning Of The EU Commission In The Fight Against Plastic Waste

LENZING, Austria — June 8, 2021 — The Lenzing Group, the globally leading supplier of sustainably produced specialty fibers, welcomes the issuance of the guidelines for the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/9041, which took effect on June 05, 2019. In these guidelines, the EU Commission specifies which products fall within the scope of the directive, thus providing clarity in the joint fight of the EU member states against environmental pollution from plastic waste. Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibers such as those of the VEOCELTM brand comprise a sustainable and innovative solution to this man-made problem.

“Pollution of the environment – especially marine pollution – is one of the biggest problems of our time. For this reason, we welcome the measures taken by the EU to reduce certain single-use plastic products and the transition to closed-loop models”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Managing Board of the Lenzing Group. “Lenzing has been investing in the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the textile and nonwovens industry for many years and will also continue in the future to intensively work on achieving systemic change towards a circular economy”, van de Kerkhof adds.

Lenzing’s ambitious sustainability targets make it a trailblazer in manufacturing industry, especially the fiber segment. Lenzing’s considerable investments in developing sustainable innovations and implementing climate objectives focusing on carbon neutrality not only strengthen the company’s market position and increase shareholder value but also continuously create new jobs.

Uniform labelling rules for some single-use plastic products

The Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2020/2151 applying to the Single-Use Plastics Directive stipulate uniform labelling requirements for some of the single-use plastic products on the packaging or the product itself starting on July 03, 2021. They encompass feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for personal and household care containing plastic.

“The issue of hygiene is becoming increasingly important and is especially the order of the day in the light of the prevailing epidemic conditions”, states Jürgen Eizinger, Vice President Global Nonwovens Business at Lenzing. “The Single-Use Plastics Directive enables consumers to make a more informed purchase decision. That is why we welcome these implementation guidelines which now provide enhanced clarity. Lenzing‘s VEOCELTM fibers already offer a natural solution today for the problem of global plastic waste, and the company is continually expanding its capacities for wood-based specialty fibers as a means of promoting the development of sustainable wipes and hygiene products“, Jürgen Eizinger adds.

Consumers want sustainable hygiene products

Even before the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, Lenzing already gives consumers clear guidance in their purchasing decisions. Products bearing the VEOCELTM brand logo on their packaging are produced in line with stringent certification criteria. As a consequence, consumers can be assured that the products contain biodegradable, cellulosic materials.

A Marketagent survey carried out in German-speaking Europe in October 20192 concluded that nine out of ten consumers would immediately change their purchasing behavior for wipes if they found out that their current product contains plastic. This would seem to imply that new market dynamics will emerge once the labelling rules for single-use plastic products takes effect. According to a Smithers Report3, about 500,000 tons of petroleum- based fibers are used each year for the production of wipes.

#ItsInOurHands – the initiative for enhanced awareness and transparency

On the basis of its environmental initiative #ItsInOurHands, Lenzing has been supporting a movement since the end of 2019 in collaboration with its partners to create enhanced awareness and transparency for materials used in wipes. An online platform as well as a dedicated community strive to increase awareness on the part of producers and consumers and thus push ahead with the development of sustainable alternatives (more information at www.itsinourhands.com).

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

AATCC Call For Presentations

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 7, 2021 — Presentation topics are now being accepted for the December 2021 Digital Textile Printing Conference co-sponsored by AATCC and PRINTING United Alliance. Now in its sixth consecutive year, this conference delivers relevant, cutting edge content. Speakers gain exclusive exposure within the digital textile printing community and increase their recognition as industry experts.

The 2021 conference program will focus on solutions-based topics in the following areas:

  • Global market conditions and economic forecasts for digital textile printing;
  • On-demand printing;
  • Latest developments in design software, design considerations and best practices for digital textile printing;
  • Technology advances in digital textile printers, inks and production/RIP software;
  • Digital textile workflows;
  • Case studies;
  • Textile finishing and cut-and-sew;
  • Automation in digital textile manufacturing;
  • Test methods for digitally printed textiles;
  • Emerging business models in digital textile printing; and
  • Digital transformation and its influence on supply chain relationships.

Presentations should be seminar style, 30 minutes long, and either a single- or multi-presenter lecture or panel discussion. Your proposal must be in English and include:

  • Session title and topic;
  • One-paragraph description of session;
  • Three learning objectives; and
  • Full contact information for presenter(s), including name, company, phone number, email address.

Presenters are not required to be members of AATCC or PRINTING United Alliance and there are no fees attached to submitting a proposal.

Submit proposals to Ray Weiss at rweiss@printing.org by July 30, 2021. The conference development team will review all abstracts and notify submitters of their status. Presenters receive complimentary registration to the conference and we will consider virtual presentations if the presenter is under travel constraints.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: AATCC

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