Kontoor Brands, Panda Biotech Team Up To Accelerate The Commercialization Of U.S. Grown And Processed Hemp

GREENSBORO, N.C — April 27, 2021 — Kontoor Brands Inc. — a global lifestyle apparel company, with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Lee® and Wrangler® — today announced an expansion of its collaboration with Dallas-based Panda Biotech LLC. With this collaboration, Kontoor Brands and Panda Biotech are working to bring traceability and scale to the textile-grade cottonized hemp grown and processed in the United States.

“Sustainable hemp creates the perfect complement fiber to cotton. We are excited by the opportunity to advance the denim industry’s use of environmentally friendly hemp to craft high-quality, eco-conscious apparel,” said Dhruv Agarwal, senior director of Global Material Innovation and Product Development, Kontoor Brands. “Our work with Panda Biotech has been focused on making truly sustainable hemp, unlocking an additional commercialized fiber crop for American farmers, and providing consumers with access to more sustainable apparel.”

As Kontoor and Panda Biotech work toward the commercialization of domestically grown and processed hemp, the companies are sharply focused on traceability from farm to product. Industrial hemp is a regenerative crop due to its ability to grow with little water, minimal-to-no pesticides and herbicides, production of a high per acre fiber yield, and absorption of more carbon dioxide per acre than any forest or commercial crop.

“As a leading global denim manufacturer, with vast experience in bringing innovative fibers and processes to market, Kontoor Brands has been an invaluable ally as we build the largest industrial hemp processing facility in the United States for high-quality, textile-grade fiber and hurd for numerous sustainable manufacturing applications,” said Dixie Carter, president of Panda Biotech. “We have been working with Kontoor since our company was founded, and we are aligned in our desire for our domestically grown fiber to be the most traceable hemp in the world and processed using renewable practices. We are excited to be working with Kontoor and its iconic global brands to expand access to domestically grown and processed hemp.”

As a global producer of millions of products each year, Kontoor Brands is committed to using its global scale to advance the denim industry. Earlier this year, Kontoor announced the expansion of its Indigood™ program, an initiative that targets water savings during the fabric construction phase of the apparel supply chain. Debuted in 2019 with the introduction of foam-dyed denim, the Indigood program has expanded to include water savings technology in apparel fabric production that uses at least 90 percent less water than conventional fabric production. Kontoor remains focused on sourcing and producing apparel and accessories in a way that’s good for people and the planet and is committed to bringing consumers the latest in sustainable fashion through the commercialization of cottonized hemp.

Through the Panda Biotech collaboration, which first kicked off in 2019 after the passing of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Kontoor Brands plans to have U.S. grown and processed hemp in market in its denim apparel by 2023.

Learn more about Kontoor’s sustainability practices and responsible sourcing standards at KontoorBrands.com/sustainability.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: Kontoor Brands Inc.

The Lenzing Group Publishes Its Sustainability Report 2020

LENZING, Austria — April 27, 2021 — The Lenzing Group, the leading global supplier of sustainably produced specialty fibers, presented its Sustainability Report 2020 on April 22, 2021, World Earth Day. Featuring the title “Stand up for future generations”, Lenzing once again emphasized its commitment to taking responsibility beyond the products it makes. The non-financial report, prepared in accordance with the reporting standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Austrian Sustainability and Diversity Improvement Act (NaDiVeG) and reviewed by KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- und Steuerberatungsgesellschaft, illustrates how the company is responding to the global challenges of our time.

The 2020 financial year of the Lenzing Group was largely dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lenzing took short-term measures to safeguard its business operations and mitigate the effects of fiber prices and fiber demand which came under increasing pressure. The priority was to protect employees and strengthen long-term partnerships with suppliers and customers. Following the current fight against the coronavirus and its consequences, the company continues to move ahead determinedly to achieve its sustainability targets, also against the backdrop of such a difficult market environment.

“Even in times when fighting the coronavirus pandemic is the top priority, Lenzing focuses on pressing ahead with climate neutrality and sustainability. These will remain the dominant issues for humanity in the long term. At Lenzing, we consider it to be an integral part of our strategic principles and our responsibility to future generations to effectively deal with pressing ecological challenges such as climate protection, resource efficiency and biodiversity”, said Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “Strategically, we remain fully on track and the implementation of our key projects in Brazil and Thailand continues to proceed according to plan. With our corporate priorities, we are consistently pursuing a major goal, namely to make a zero-carbon future come true.”

With the implementation of its science-based targets, the Lenzing Group actively contributes to mastering the problems caused by climate change. In 2019, Lenzing made a strategic commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent per ton of product by 2030. The overriding target is to be climate-neutral by 2050. The implementation of the two key projects in Brazil and Thailand represents an important milestone on this journey. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, the production plant in Thailand conceived as a CO2-neutral site can be supplied with sustainable biogenic energy. The plant in Brazil will feed more than 50 percent of the electricity generated into the public grid as renewable energy and feature a positive net CO2 balance.

The launch of the first carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers certified as CarbonNeutral® products in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global framework for carbon neutrality – represents another important milestone from the reporting year. As of June 2021, Lenzing will also market the first VEOCEL™ branded lyocell fibers as certified CarbonNeutral® products. The establishment of the Renewable Carbon Initiative with the aim of speeding up the transition to renewable carbon serves as a further example of the successful path that Lenzing and its partners are taking towards a zero-carbon future.

Promoting the circular economy

Lenzing also sets standards for the entire fiber, textile and clothing industry with respect to the circular economy which is of such crucial importance in climate and resource protection. In order to enhance resource efficiency and offer a solution for the global problem of textile waste, the company developed the REFIBRA™ recycling technology. Refibra is the only technology in the world enabling the production of new lyocell fibers on a commercial scale from cotton scraps derived from manufacturing cotton clothing as well as from used garments. In this way, an important contribution is made to promoting circularity in the textile industry.

In line with the vision, “We give waste a new life. Every day”, Lenzing strives to make textile waste recycling a commonplace and standard process, just like paper recycling. Lenzing set a new sustainability goal for itself in 2020 and implemented measures to turn this vision into reality. The company aims to manufacture staple fibers on an industrial scale containing up to 50 percent recycled material by the year 2025. “It is our declared goal to give new life to waste generated in all aspects of our core business and to develop recycling solutions as a means of closing production cycles whenever possible in collaboration with potential partners within and outside of the current supply chain,” Doboczky said.

New level of transparency in the textile industry

In addition to environmental protection, the issue of transparency along the supply chain poses a major challenge to the textile industry. Working in cooperation with TextileGenesis™, Lenzing offers an innovative solution to ensure greater transparency on the basis of blockchain technology. Following several successful pilot projects with renowned fashion brands, this digital platform was ultimately launched in 2020 to enable the traceability of textiles, from the fiber to all stages of production and distribution. Thanks to the innovative Fibercoin™ technology of the TextileGenesis platform, Lenzing and its partners are able to issue so-called “blockchain assets” in direct proportion to the physical fiber deliveries of the brands TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO™. These digital assets function like a “fingerprint” and thus prevent adulteration. More than 100 customs and partners along the textile supply chain were able to successfully conclude the onboarding process by the end of the 2020 financial year.

Successes and Awards

During the 2020 financial year, the Lenzing Group received numerous awards for its achievements in the field of sustainability:

  • Lenzing underwent assessment by the non-profit environmental organization CDP for the first time in 2020 and was the first new entrant to secure a double ‘A’ score in the categories Climate and Forest.
  • ISS ESG, one of the most highly recognized rating agencies in the field of sustainability, raised Lenzing’s sustainability rating from “C+” to “B-”, the highest rating in the category “Paper & Forest Products”. As a result, the Lenzing Group is positioned among the top 10 percent of rated companies. The “Prime Status” of the Lenzing Group was also confirmed.
  • Lenzing achieved the highest category for the first time in In Canopy’s Hot Button Ranking. The Canadian environmental organization particularly highlighted our continuous leadership regarding sustainable procurement and efficient use of resources over the past years.
  • In December Lenzing won the prestigious “Building Public Trust Award 2020” for the best climate reporting on the Austrian ATX. The jury emphasized Lenzing’s commitment to a holistic climate-related strategic alignment and clear targets.

In addition, Lenzing won the Austrian State Prize for Innovation. This award recognizes Lenzing’s achievements and its strategy to grow exclusively on the basis of sustainable innovations. Lenzing convinced the jury with its LENZING Web Technology. The novel process combines fiber and nonwovens production in only one step, setting new standards in terms of efficiency, circularity and ecological sustainability. 
Target setting: Lenzing raises the bar even higher 
The Lenzing Group operates in line with three strategic principles within the context of its “Naturally positive” sustainability strategy: partnering for change, advancing circularity and greening the value chain. In this regard, the focus is on those areas in which Lenzing can achieve the most to promote a more sustainable world. On this basis, Lenzing has defined various focus areas in order to demonstrate its commitment to further advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations:

  • Sustainable raw material sourcing;
  • Decarbonization;
  • Responsible use of water;
  • Sustainable innovations;
  • Partnering for systemic change;
  • Encouraging and empowering people; and
  • Enhancing community wellbeing.

The Lenzing Group defined ambitious sustainability targets in each of these strategic core areas. Other objectives were added in the year under review to provide further impetus to Lenzing’s efforts on its path to a sustainable future. More information about the goals and implementation of the “Naturally positive” sustainability strategy as well as measures taken in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is available in the Sustainability Report 2020 of the Lenzing Group at https://www.lenzing.com/investors/publications.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: The Lenzing Group

Arkema To Start Up New Bio-Based Nylon 11 Plant In Singapore In The First Half Of 2022

COLOMBES, France — April 22, 2021 —  Arkema confirms it is on track to begin production of Amino 11 and its flagship Rilsan® polyamide 11 high performance polymer at the new plant on Jurong Island, Singapore in the first half of next year. This plant, for which production will be 100-percent-derived from renewable castor beans, represents a 50-percent increase in Arkema’s global polyamide 11 capacity.

With this ambitious project announced in 2017, Arkema is delivering on its strong commitment to Specialty Materials and the bio-based polyamide 11 chain. When complete, this will represent the biggest integrated bio-factory in the world dedicated to high performance polymers. It represents a 50-percent increase in global polyamide 11 capacity for Arkema. The total investment in the region, which also includes downstream polymer capacities in China, is approximately 450 million euros. To finance this new plant in Singapore, Arkema successfully placed its first ever green bond in October 2020, for a total amount of 300 million euros.

After a first phase of in-depth studies and administrative procedures, our technical teams have started work on the infrastructure and construction of this large-scale industrial complex on the Jurong site (Singapore). After overcoming the difficulties linked to the Covid-19, this project is fully on track and the Group confirms its ambition to start up production in the first half of 2022.

This investment supports strong growth in demand for advanced bio-circular materials. Rilsan polyamide 11 is recognized worldwide for its superior properties and performance in very demanding applications, significantly contributing to the development of sustainable solutions in fast-growing sectors, such as new energy vehicles, 3D printing, as well as consumer goods, electronics, sports and lifestyle markets.

“We are excited to maintain the momentum and speed of construction,” said Erwoan Pezron, senior vice-president, High Performance Polymers. “After facing early challenges due to the global pandemic, we are operating at full strength and are now entering the peak construction phase with an estimated 2,000 workers on site during the summer months. The enthusiasm of our team in Singapore is stronger than ever, supported by the vigorous demand from our customers for sustainable and cutting edge solutions.”

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: Arkema

GIS Launches Next Generation Atlas IQ® Tools For Industrial Digital Printing

CAMBRIDGE, England — April 22, 2021 — Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), the leading strategic partner for OEMs and system builders, announces the launch of its next generation Atlas Image Quality (IQ) toolset, offering print quality enhancement for industrial digital printing.

The Atlas IQ toolset is a range of Image Quality tools – intelligent software to provide a superior level of image management and compensation for inkjet printheads, drawing on GIS’ wealth of expertise in the market. They are available within the GIS Atlas Software suite and can be used for a variety of applications, for inline RIP-on-the-fly and offline RIP-to-file.  They can be accessed as bundled software, standalone or SDKs and are compatible with GIS and third party RIP solutions, user interfaces and datapath drive electronics.

The Atlas IQ toolset offers maximum image quality and performance via:

  • Ultra-Fast Binary & Greyscale Screeners;
  • Nozzle Density & Missing Nozzle Compensation;
  • Color Management, Channel Linearization & Ink Limiting;
  • Dynamic Registration — alignment, rotation & skew; and
  • Print Output Simulation.

“We are now moving into a new era of industrial digital inkjet printing with increased printhead capability and high data rate drive electronics, resulting in faster print speeds and higher resolution. When combined with state-of-the-art software, high image quality and productivity can be achieved, opening new markets and product opportunities.  The application of intelligent software systems such as the latest GIS Atlas IQ toolset is becoming one of the most significant differentiators between average print and superior print performance,” said Simon Edwards, business manager – Software.

This Atlas IQ toolset is now available to GIS customers.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: GIS

yarnbank Spring/Summer 2022 Feature Page Opens

WAKAYAMA, Japan — April 22, 2021 — Flat knitting solutions provider Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd. is pleased to announce the opening of a special page featuring new and recommended products for spring/summer 2022 by yarn manufacturers participating in the digital yarn sourcing web service yarnbank™.

With recent difficulties in holding or participating in physical trade fairs and exhibitions related to yarns and materials, as well as implementation of new work styles such as teleworking and telecommuting, digitalization in all processes from product planning and sourcing to production and retail sales has become an urgent issue, forcing changes in the way information is collected and products are promoted.

The new yarnbank Spring/Summer 2022 Feature Page connects yarn manufacturers with designers, brands and apparel companies online as an alternative to meeting face-to-face and researching and presenting yarns at physical exhibitions. When business conditions improve in the future, yarnbank will continue to present such features to meet the needs of customers looking for new discoveries by complementing existing trade fairs.

What is yarnbank™?

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 have free access to the yarnbank archive of yarn information and digital yarn data. Users can also download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sampling on APEXFiz® and SDS®-onE APEX4, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own. By using yarn that is used in actual production, knit manufacturers and apparel companies can furthermore rest assured that the simulations created using yarnbank are not merely realistic images but accurate representations using yarn that can actually be purchased and used in production.

yarnbank also serves as a new promotional platform for yarn companies with the opportunity to present their yarns directly to their customers. In that respect, yarn companies can reduce their dependence on traditional sample books as a means to promote their products, saving time, cost and material and doing their part for sustainability. yarnbank brings together each player in the supply chain — spinner, knit manufacturer and apparel company — and connects them digitally.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: Shima Seiki

SGS appoints Yvonne Tse As Vice President, Global Softlines At SGS

GENEVA — April 22, 2021 — SGS — an inspection, verification, testing and certification company, has announced the appointment of Yvonne Tse as vice president, Global Softlines division.

Tse joined SGS in 2011 as deputy director of Global Softlines and in 2017 was promoted to International Business Head. Across a career spanning almost 25 years, Tse has established an outstanding reputation in the TIC industry for her expertise on global textile regulations and standards.

After graduating from the Institute of Textile & Clothing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tse gained a MSc in Marketing from University of Stirling, United Kingdom. Her career flourished in Hong Kong where she spent 15 years with a British multinational assurance, inspection, product testing and certification company rising to the position of Assistant General Manager in Consumer Goods.

Charles LY WA HOI, executive vice president, Connectivity & Products said: “We are delighted to appoint Yvonne to the role of Vice President, Global Softlines. Yvonne’s proven expertise across the full range of our testing and inspection solutions will be vital in developing our business and ensuring our partners and clients around the world are supported to navigate the increasingly complex textile and apparel industry.

“With her passion for the environment, Yvonne will no doubt inspire businesses to reach high levels of conformity, creating solutions and services that satisfy consumer needs and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.”

Tse added: “I have worked in the softlines business for more than two decades, helping to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of textile, footwear and related products. I am proud to embark on this new role and look forward to leading such a great global team to expand our services to new locations and markets.”

SGS offers a wide range of services to the softlines and accessories industry, at every stage of the value chain, with services to help them meet the requirements of regulators, distributors, retailers and consumers around the world.  The company helps to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of products, and their mode of distribution, to satisfy regulatory requirements as well as the demands of the market.

Its softlines and accessories solutions cover:

  • Textiles and clothing;
  • Shoes (and other footwear);
  • Bags and accessories;
  • Jewelry; and
  • Linens and towels.

Posted April 25, 2021

Source: SGS

YKK Reorganizes With An Emphasis On Speed, Digitalization, Sustainability, And Diversity

MARIETTA, Ga. —  April 26, 2021— Zipper and fastening products manufacturer YKK has kicked off a new four-year business planning period with a major reorganization aimed at speeding up communication and time to market, with an emphasis on digitalization, sustainability, and diversity.

Under the business policy of “Sustainable Growth under the New Normal,” YKK has created a new, enhanced R&D division called the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) that will focus on developing entirely new technologies, materials, and new business. YKK has also committed to invest 2.5 billion yen in digitalization, focusing on customer-facing initiatives such as the establishment of a Digital Business Planning Department tasked with improving customer connections and business speed using digital technology. The company will also enhance its collaboration with customers through partnerships with digital platforms.

Over the next four years, YKK will also build on the substantial advances it has already made on sustainability, investing an additional 2.5 billion yen in initiatives such as eco-friendly product development, solar power generation, and energy-saving measures.

Additionally, YKK will continue to focus on human rights and diversity, the fifth pillar of its Sustainability Vision 2050. Under the plan, the company has committed to becoming more diverse and inclusive and improving work environments throughout its supply chains, and will continue to implement the YKK Global Criteria of Compliance audit, a comprehensive standard based on the ISO26000 guidelines.

“The theme for YKK’s Sixth Mid-term Management Plan is “better products at a lower cost and greater speed, more sustainably,” said Hiroaki Otani, president, YKK Corp. “YKK aims to be a company that continues to grow sustainably with society. At the core of YKK’s business activities is the ‘Cycle of Goodness,’ the corporate philosophy of Tadao Yoshida, the founder of YKK. This philosophy clearly expresses YKK’s spirit of continuing to prosper together with all stakeholders, and I believe this same concept applies to sustainability. Today, our most precious stakeholder is nature and the environment. We will continue to place sustainability at the center of our business and will continue to be a company for the social good.”

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: YKK

Glen Raven Unveils First Corporate Sustainability Report

BURLINGTON, N.C. — April 26, 2021 — Glen Raven Inc., a provider of innovative textiles and performance solutions, announces the release of its first corporate sustainability report Continuing a Pattern of Good. The global report establishes a baseline of metrics across two foundational pillars — “Supporting Our People and Communities” and “Sustaining Our Planet” — and outlines the company’s goals, which further strengthen Glen Raven’s long-standing history of being a good corporate citizen.

“As the world evolves, we feel it is important to be more transparent about our actions, acknowledge the work we’ve done and continue to challenge ourselves to be an even stronger champion of sustainability,” said Leib Oehmig, CEO, Glen Raven, Inc. “We owe it to future generations to continue to be a business that demonstrates success while contributing to the greater good of our planet.”

Glen Raven’s Corporate Sustainability Commitments

Since its inception, the company has exemplified responsible policies, standards and actions that support its people and communities and minimizes its environmental impact. The new sustainability goals were developed with cross-functional teams and third-party experts. They were created to build upon the work already underway and to ensure the organization continues to have a meaningful impact globally.

Within the two pillars, specific goals are structured around four key areas:

  • Associates: Increase diversity in leadership by 20% and women in supervisory roles by 25% by 2025; and improve safety by targeting zero at-risk behaviors worldwide each year.
  • Communities: Achieve 100% participation of associates globally in volunteer activities, with a focus on early childhood development.
  • Environmental impact: Become 100% powered by certified renewable electricity by 2025 and become carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
  • Circular economy: Increase the use of recycled raw materials by five times by 2025; help customers recycle an additional one million pounds of Glen Raven products by 2025, roughly doubling current amounts; and implement zero-waste-to-landfill practices for all facilities by 2022.

“We hope that these ambitions will serve as rallying points for our associates and partners as we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical and environmental consciousness,” said Oehmig.

For more information about Glen Raven’s commitment to sustainability and to view Continuing a Pattern of Good, please visit GlenRaven.com/sustainability.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: Glen Raven Inc.

AMETEK Surface Vision Strengthens Global 24/7 Emergency Technical Support To Keep Customers Up And Running ​

HAYWARD, Calif. — April 26, 2021 — AMETEK Surface Vision, the leading provider of online surface inspection solutions, has reinforced its telephone support service with digital tools to provide best-in-class 24/7 emergency technical assistance, globally.

Called Global 24/7, this support system utilizes state-of-the-art remote access, virtual collaboration, and telecommunications tools to dynamically resource technical support from a pool of experts located across the globe. This ensures timely and universal support for AMETEK Surface Vision’s global installation base of thousands of systems and customers.

The typical customers of AMETEK Surface Vision are industrial plants that manufacture metals, paper, plastics, and nonwoven materials, running around the clock with a staff operating on a shift system.

They rely on their automated surface inspection systems. If, for some reason, that system does not function correctly, they may have to stop production.

Global 24/7 is designed to address this issue by taking full advantage of the company’s global support network. Bringing in team members from all regions allows the service to be staffed 24/7 by technical experts and offers customers continuous support wherever located in the world.

Yamina Lansari, global manager of Technical Services from AMETEK Surface Vision, said: “The challenge is keeping plants running continuously wherever they are in the world. Time zones and shift patterns can limit the availability of local technical support, should there be a problem requiring immediate attention. However, we know our customers need to be able to access emergency support at any time to avoid expensive downtime. That’s why we’ve further enhanced the support we provide, enabling us to deliver the industry-leading service our customers expect.”

Inspection system customers are offered a choice of purchasing standard business hours support or the Global 24/7 service.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: Ametek

ITMF Postpones Annual Conference Until 2022

ZURICH — April 27, 2021 — Due to the uncertain and unpredictable situation with regard to travel and event restrictions caused by the Corona-pandemic, the board of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) together with the two co-hosts — Swiss Textiles and Swiss Textile Machinery — have decided to postpone the ITMF Annual Conference in Davos, Switzerland, from September 26-28, 2021, to April 10-12, 2022.

Regular updates on the next ITMF Annual Conference can be found at: https://www.itmf.org/conferences/annual-conference-2021

ITMF is an international forum for the world’s textile and related industries founded in 1904. ITMF members are associations and companies covering the entire textile value chain — producers of fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel, and home textiles. The membership is from more than 40 countries representing around 90 percent of global production.

Posted April 27, 2021

Source: ITMF

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