NCTO Sends Letter To Acting OMB Director, Requesting Agency To Grant Approval For Collection Of China 301 Duties On Section 321 De Minimis Shipments

WASHINGTON — April 14, 2021 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas sent a letter to Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Robert Fairweather today, requesting the agency reconsider and approve a proposal to direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect Section 301 penalty duties on billions of dollars of Chinese goods currently shipped duty free under Section 321 de minimis waivers.

“There has been an exponential growth of shipments to the United States in recent years that qualify for Section 321 duty-free treatment,” Glas said in the letter. “U.S. manufacturers of textiles, apparel and other consumer goods that routinely sell for less than the $800 de minimis threshold increasingly find their markets and workforce threatened by this tariff avoidance scheme.”

The letter details how the current Section 321 provision is now being coupled with e-commerce to provide billions in duty avoidance on these imported products, including:

  • Increased import price pressure on domestic manufacturers of various types of consumer items that routinely sell for less than $800 such as apparel, footwear, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics, flatware, auto parts, etc.
  • An inability to properly identify and block the importation of adulterated products posing a health and safety risk to consumers.
  • An inability to properly identify and block imports of counterfeit products that violate intellectual property laws.
  • Enhanced ability of countries like China to access the U.S. market, despite their failure to provide reciprocal access to their markets and their persistent illegal and unfair trading practices.

“Imported merchandise from China that enters under a Section 321 waiver is exempt from all normal tariffs and any penalty duties assessed under the current 301 case. This unreasonable and unnecessary duty exemption severely undermines the purpose and value of the existing Section 301 determination against China as an effort to address its longstanding predatory trade practices,” Glas stated.

“The Biden administration should undertake an exhaustive review of this problem to develop the policy changes needed to mitigate the damaging impact of Section 321 waivers on U.S. workers and manufacturers,” Glas added. “In the interim, it is critical that the OMB and CBP take reasonable steps, such as denying Section 321 benefits to goods covered under the existing China 301 determination [tariffs]. Doing so would be a valuable first step toward limiting the dangerous and growing exploitation of this tariff waiver mechanism.”

See the full letter here.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

KARL MAYER: Using The K.Management Dashboard, KM.ON Customers Have A Direct Connection To Their Textile Production

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — April 12, 2021 — Using the k.management dashboard, KM.ON customers have a direct connection to their production — no matter when and from where. The smart tool provides a comprehensive overview of what is happening at production level and uses near-time data from machines that have been securely networked to the KM.ON cloud via the industrial computer k.ey for this purpose. This therefore provides an overview of all important machine key figures as a basis for efficient management. Decisions can be made quickly and soundly, and processes can be planned prudently. In the event of malfunctions and bottlenecks, rapid intervention is possible and the customer can save valuable time when completing routine work.

The dashboard — and its many benefits — was launched on the market at ITMA ASIA 2018. It has now received a major upgrade. The new features offer even greater clarity, functionality and ease of use. What’s more, the data quality and data availability have been optimized. Following further development, the tool works reliably worldwide — including in China.

Quick orientation, easy to use

Given the new design, changes to the new dashboard version are immediately apparent. The way information is presented has been fundamentally revised. It offers greater clarity and faster orientation in terms of coloring and structure.

Even the overview page, with its reduced color scheme and functional structure, invites you in and encourages you to explore. Instead of being displayed in a mix as in the previous version, key figures are now visually separated according to their function. “Every value has its framework,” said KM.ON Product Manager Marcel Wenzel. The content is easier to access and is also explained in a way that is easy to understand.

For each key figure displayed, more detailed explanations can be obtained by clicking on the adjacent question mark symbol. By clicking the “Help” question mark symbol, which is superimposed above the entire application in the top right-hand corner, the user can also access the user manual. The reference guide contains background information on the complete application, including publication references.

The users can adjust the language based on their preference under their personal “User settings” by clicking their user avatar. The available languages include German, English, modern Chinese and traditional Chinese.

These extensive changes were driven by discussions with customers. As part of these joint exchanges, the desire for simplicity emerged above all. “Given their profession, our customers are not digital natives. They want simple, intuitive solutions, without usage barriers,” Wenzel said. The software specialist and his team also closely followed user wishes when optimizing the dashboard content.

Appropriate data for making informed decisions

No matter where the machines are located and information is needed, the dashboard provides data in near real time. On the overview page, the machine name and the next upcoming beam change time are displayed for each machine as before. New symbols now provide information about the status of the machine in eye-catching colors. Possible states are Stop, Running and Offline. The symbols illustrate the degree of production utilization, even when briefly checking the homepage. A filter function can also be used to detect machines that are idle and by extension, capacity reserves or technical problems.

Other new display features include the number of stops and the remaining time when processing an item, including the number of items per job.

A sorting function for all networked machines based on specified categories makes it possible to optimize production. By prioritizing according to remaining production time and upcoming beam replacement time, the capacities for item removal and beam replenishment can be planned perfectly. In turn, the number of stops when producing an item allows conclusions to be drawn about the fabric quality produced, for example.

Just like the overview page, the details page for each individual machine has also been decluttered. As part of a structured display, an adjusted offering appears, consisting of information on status, output, current and maximum speed, upcoming beam change times for all warp beams — sorted by urgency — as well as job stage with remaining time per item and for the complete job.

Information on the machine type, serial number and available KAMCOS® version are found at the bottom of the details page.

Further developments pre-programmed

The new k.management dashboard was extensively tested with customers in Germany and the USA in February this year. The roll-out to all KM.ON customers then began the following April. In order to attract other textile companies, the innovative solution will be presented at the KARL MAYER stand at ITMA ASIA, which is being held from June 12-16, 2021. Additional changes are in the pipeline for the year. After a transitional phase, there are plans to switch from the previously free mode to an optional paid-for mode. A fee will then be levied in exchange for extended information and functionalities.

In addition, Wenzel is already working on new ideas. “We are constantly asking ourselves which target groups need which additional information. Step by step, we are developing our dashboard together with our customers,” Wenzel explained. The current version already offers possibilities for suitable further developments. For example, the overview page could help the machine operator to plan their to-do list even better by incorporating additional key figures, or indeed attract new stakeholders such as managers and directors with strategic rather than operational information.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: KARL MAYER Group

Optitex, Alvanon Extend Collaboration To Make 3D Avatar Library Available to Optitex O/Cloud Users

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 25, 2021 — Optitex®, a global provider of integrated end-to-end 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, and Alvanon, a provider of body technologies for the apparel industry, today announced the extension of their long-term collaboration to support Optitex’s enhanced O/Cloud platform, and enable O/Cloud customers to enjoy the benefits of Alvanon’s rich selection of fit standards and 3D avatars.

This enhanced collaboration will allow Optitex customers to facilitate teamwork between brand and vendor designers, patternmakers, and collection product managers dispersed around the globe in different locations and time zones. Further, irrespective of the lockdown requirements still in place, it will enable teams to make both collection and style-level decisions exceedingly faster and easier.

By integrating the Alvanon Body Platform’s (ABP) vast library of over 6,000 3D virtual avatars, each representing a specific brand’s fit standards, into Optitex O/Cloud’s 3D environment, Optitex customers, apparel design and development teams, fashion brands and retailers, can enjoy the benefits of Alvanon’s range of correctly sized and shaped 3D avatars to test patterns in all sizes, and validate fit.

Optitex O/Cloud enables seamless 3D collaboration, from concept to production, all on a single cloud-based platform, where users can manage the end-to-end development process by sharing their digital workplace with the supply chain — teams, vendors and partners, all in a high-quality digital 3D environment.

This collaboration will enable Optitex O/Cloud users to share and review 3D garments simulated on Alvanon virtual bodies over O/Cloud, collaborate with various view options and a variety of tools, including real-time 3D sphere rotation, and commenting. Alvanon’s library offers both standard (ASTM) and brand-specific avatars.

With access to Alvanon’s extensive library of 3D virtual bodies, patternmakers can run online fit sessions via the cloud, and collaborate with all stakeholders — supervisors, designers, and team members, to review how garments look and feel on their Alvanon virtual body, using a variety of Fit tools, such as Tension Map, Mesh View, and Distance Map. Users will also be able to navigate the model, view all of its colorways, and add comments directly on the garment, all of which will help accelerate the design review process. As all garment-related information is easily viewed in 3D, users no longer need to share static images of their garment in different map views.

“At Alvanon, we believe that the 3D journey begins with the 3D avatar. Not just any avatar, but the fit standard that represents the brand’s target customers’ body shapes and sizes,” said Jason Wang, COO of Alvanon. “We are pleased to further our collaboration with Optitex, to enhance their customers’ design capabilities, and the overall user experience. It’s via close collaboration with leading 3D digital software providers such as Optitex that we can deliver our range of virtual avatars, and provide the fit accuracy that brands and retailers demand.”

Amit Ben-Sheffer, vice president, Products at Optitex, commented: “As a market leader, we are committed to helping our customers streamline their operations, and to achieve and maintain their high ranking in the fashion industry. Our continued collaboration with Alvanon is yet another example of how Optitex helps its customers tailor their digital workflow by enabling a collaborative and efficient fit process based on their virtual fit models of choice.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Optitex/Alvanon

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 7, 2021 — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announces membership in the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a global, industry-wide nonprofit of over 250 members working to reduce environmental impact and promote social justice throughout the global value chain. The Trust Protocol joins leading apparel, footwear, and textile brands, retailers, manufacturers, sourcing agents, service providers, trade associations, nonprofits/NGOs, and academic institutions in a shared vision of an industry that gives more than it takes — to the planet and its people.

“During a time of ever-growing supply chain scrutiny, being a member of the SAC is further validation of how the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is working to set a new standard in more sustainable cotton production,” said Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “While our grower members have a long history of sustainable cotton growing practices, they understand the importance of continuous improvement and have committed to meeting bold sustainability targets by 2025.”

As a member of the SAC, the Trust Protocol will provide a unique perspective from the U.S. cotton industry through collective work with other members to measure sustainability progress, collaborate on research, and identify and mitigate industry challenges. As part of its core program, the Trust Protocol is focused on six key sustainability metrics including land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency.

“We welcome the addition of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and look forward to its participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability,” SAC Executive Director Amina Razvi said. “Having the Trust Protocol as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”

The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 300 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members since its launch in 2020. This includes Gap Inc. and its collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta as well as U.K. retailers Byford and Next Plc. Other Trust Protocol member announcements include the first 10 U.S. mills to join and the first members in Latin America.

The Trust Protocol is included on the Textile Exchange’s list of 36 preferred fibers and materials that more than 170 participating brands and retailers can select from as part of Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index program. The Trust Protocol is also working to align with existing standards in the cotton industry and is part of the Forum for the Future Cotton 2040 and the CottonUp guide.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: U.S.Cotton Trust Protocol®

Stitch Fix Announces Founder And CEO Katrina Lake To Become Executive Chairperson; Elizabeth Spaulding To Become CEO Of Stitch Fix August 1, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO — April 13, 2021 — Stitch Fix Inc., an online personal styling service, today announced Founder and CEO Katrina Lake will transition to the role of executive chairperson of the Board, effective August 1, 2021. Stitch Fix’s Board of Directors will be appointing President Elizabeth Spaulding to the role of CEO of Stitch Fix and electing her to the board of directors, effective August 1 2021.

Lake will remain closely connected to the company. In addition to her role as executive chairperson, she will remain an employee with a focus on Stitch Fix’s social impact efforts, in particular the intersection between sustainability and technology in apparel retail. She will also continue her engagement with the brand and merchandising partnerships that fuel our marketing, and retain a close connection with our leadership, to ensure we hire the very best talent for Stitch Fix’s future.

Lake founded Stitch Fix in 2011 when she was a Harvard Business School student. She took the company public in 2017 and in doing so was the youngest woman at the time to ever take a company public. Since then, Lake has grown Stitch Fix into an industry leading business with an annual revenue of $1.7 billion, serving nearly 4 million clients across the United States and United Kingdom, employing 8,000 people and shipping thousands of personalized items of apparel every day.

In an email shared with the company today, Lake said: “In founding Stitch Fix, I was inspired by a very human problem, to help people look and feel their best by finding clothes they love. Ten years into this journey, I’m even more inspired by this simple mission, proud of the way we’ve delivered against it, and incredibly optimistic about our future. The impact Elizabeth has already had, combined with the compelling future vision she’s mapped out and is leading us toward, make this the right time for a leadership transition that will usher in the next generation for Stitch Fix, for our business, our people and our clients.”

In her current role of president, Spaulding is focused on driving the next phase of the company’s growth, including the expansion of the next generation of consumer shopping experiences, inventory management innovations and international expansion efforts.

“I am so grateful to Katrina and the Board for the opportunity to take Stitch Fix on the next phase of its journey,” said Spaulding. “The opportunity that we have ahead of us at Stitch Fix is extraordinary, and grounded in Katrina’s vision and last 10 years of building personalization at scale. We are creating experiences that will change the way people shop for generations to come. Given the seismic shift of apparel moving online, Stitch Fix is incredibly well positioned to become one of the most innovative and most transformative companies in the world. And, we can do it all with a deep commitment to bringing joy, inspiration and convenience to all of our clients around the world.”

Prior to Stitch Fix, Spaulding spent more than 20 years at Bain & Co., where she was a partner, served on the board of directors and was global head and founder of the Digital Practice. During this time, she helped lead digital transformations for market-leading companies across the consumer and technology sectors. She also led the firm’s innovation efforts through partnerships and M&A.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Stitch Fix

Burlington Reaches Production Milestone Of 1 Million Yards For Army Green Service Uniforms

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 8, 2021 —  Burlington Industries LLC, a division of Elevate Textiles, is excited to report the production of more than one million yards of fabric for the new Army Green Service Uniforms. The one million yards of fabric is equivalent to about 200,000 jackets, 115,000 hats and belts, 320,000 pants and 195,000 ties — nearly 575 miles of fabric. If laid end to end, this amount would stretch from Burlington’s divisional headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina to New York City.

Burlington is proud to be an integral part of the United States Military defense supply chain for more than 55 years. The development of the new, worsted wool blended Army Green Service Uniform fabric has been in progress for over two years and includes partnerships with garment producer Fechheimer, the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Philadelphia (DLA), the United States Army and several private industry partners. In line with Burlington tradition, the process remains focused toward serving those in the United States Armed Forces. These new fabrics allow their wearers the confidence to perform at their best while experiencing unmatched comfort and durability. These fabrics are produced at the company’s facilities in Raeford and Cordova, North Carolina out of 100-percent American-made yarns.

“Burlington is thrilled to have reached the milestone of producing over one million yards of the new Army Green fabric, and we continue to be honored to serve the men and women of the U.S. Military with a dedication to quality and innovation. The worsted wool fabrics of our Raeford operation and brand consistently provide soldiers with comfort, durability, wrinkle resistance and color capability unlike any other,” said Joey Underwood, President of Burlington and Safety Components.

Since 1923, Burlington has been a global textile leader with core competencies in worsted wool and performance synthetics, and inherent FR fabrics. Offering a diverse range of vertical manufacturing capabilities and numerous fiber and fabric blends, Burlington® Military is proud to provide quality fabrics for United States Military personnel. Through innovation, Burlington’s in-house Research and Development department, Burlington Labs®, engineers advanced fabrications and technical finishes that are applied to protect and enhance performance while providing troops protection, easy-care and superior comfort in all of their diverse environments. Burlington Military combines the resources from the Burlington and Safety Components business units to create an extensive military products platform of diversified fabrics developed to service the specific needs of the military market.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Burlington

SGS Approved By The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) As Its First Third-Party Laboratory Member

GENEVA — April 9, 2021 — SGS — a global inspection, verification, testing and certification company — has been officially approved as a Third-Party Laboratory Member and will soon be extending its fiber fragmentation testing services beyond consortium member organizations.

The textile industry has become increasingly aware of the issue of fiber fragmentation and its potential as a serious environmental polluter. The goal of TMC, founded in 2018, is to facilitate the development of practical solutions for the industry to minimize fiber fragmentation and its release into the environment from textile manufacturing and product life cycle.

The collaboration with SGS will provide TMC’s brand, retail and supplier members, with bespoke support and standardized testing services. Utilizing its global network of testing laboratories, including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei City, members will gain access to our testing services to help them understand the requirements, whilst demonstrating their environmental responsibility and improving sustainability along the supply chain.

Yvonne Tse, Vice President – Global Softlines, SGS, said: “We are delighted to become TMC’s first approved third party laboratory and welcome the opportunity it brings to work collaboratively with TMC members and the wider textile and apparel industry to support them in taking the practical steps needed to accelerate reductions in fiber fragmentation.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: SGS

igus Supports HydroPRS Pioneer Mura Technology’s Recycling Plant Efforts

COLOGNE, Germany — April 12, 2021 — Plastic waste that would otherwise pollute the environment can now be reused as a valuable raw material through a 25-minute chemical recycling process. igus, the Germany-based motion plastics specialist, is helping to support the initiative by increasing its investment in Mura Technology to approximately 5 million euros.

The investment by igus, which runs its North American operations out of Providence, R.I., amounts to nearly $6 million. Mura Technology is a pioneer in Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution and is constructing its first recycling plant in the United Kingdom. KBR, another major industrial company, partnered with Mura Technology in January.

Recycling plastic is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Eight million tonnes of plastic enters the world’s oceans1 every year. Much of the plastic is incinerated, and only 14 percent is recycled. This results in an economic loss of $80 billion per year.

At the same time, new plastic is continuously being produced from petroleum, which is associated with high CO2 emissions. This use already accounts for 6 percent of global oil production, which is expected to increase to 20 percent by 2050.2 With the Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution (HydroPRS) a groundbreaking new technology is waiting in the wings that will enable an entry into a sustainable circular economy for plastics.

HydroPRS has the potential to recycle all types of plastic and prevent plastic from being burned or landfilled and polluting the environment. It is estimated that each tonne of plastic processed via advanced recycling could save 1.5 tonnes of CO2 compared to incineration.

To convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals and oil, HydroPRS utilizes the Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor technology (Cat-HTR™) developed by Licella Holdings Limited using water, heat and pressure. This method is particularly interesting where mechanical recycling has not been successful so far, for example, with mixed and contaminated plastics.

Valuable resource instead of harmful waste

The potential for recycling plastic has captured the attention of igus, which last year invested in a company that plans to commission the first commercial HydroPRS plant in 2022. Now igus has increased its investment in Mura Technology to a total of 5 million euros.

“We know about the great possibilities that plastic has. Our tribo-polymers are used millions of times in moving applications all over the world, where they reduce weight, maintenance and lubrication,” says Frank Blase, Managing Director of igus. “We’re helping to make plastic a material that does not harm our world but helps through almost 100% recycling.”

Mechanical recycling is an important step in this direction. For example, igus has been regranulating 99 percent of the plastic waste generated in production for over 50 years. At the end of 2019, igus initiated the chainge program in which it takes back energy chains at the end of a machine’s life, irrespective of the manufacturer, pays a voucher, regranulates the plastic and then processes it again. “In the future, chemical recycling will be able to play out its advantages where classic recycling cannot get anywhere. That is why we are supporting Mura in this start-up phase to help this groundbreaking technology achieve a breakthrough worldwide,’’ Blase said.

Global success through investment and cooperation

Mura Technology has succeeded in appointing KBR as an exclusive license partner for further expansion. KBR, with its 28,0000 employees, is active in more than 80 countries as a planner, plant builder and operator of refineries and chemical plants.

“We knew that as a start-up company we had developed a highly innovative and promising technology,” Oliver Borek, managing director Europe at Mura Technology, pointed out. “However, it was also clear to us that we would never be able to roll it out on a large scale under our own steam. Thanks to igus’ investment in this crucial phase, as well as the establishment and expansion of further partnerships, we now have this opportunity.”

Construction of the first HydroPRS plant by Mura at the UK’s Wilton International industrial site has now started and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2022. A total of four Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactors will be built to process over 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. In addition, further plants are planned in Germany, the USA and Asia.

1 Plastic Oceans UK, https://plasticoceans.uk
2 The Ellen McArthur Foundation – the New Plastics Economy: Catalysing Action, 2017

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: igus

For The Second Consecutive Year, Red Carpet Green Dress™ Collaborates With Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Brand On Sustainable Eco-Couture Textiles For The OSCARS®

LENZING, Austria — April 13, 2021 —  Following the success of their 2020 partnership, Red Carpet Green Dress and TENCEL™ brand from sustainability leader Lenzing, are excited to announce the extension of the organisations’ collaboration for a second year running at the 93rd Academy Awards®.

As a part of the collaboration, RCGD x TENCEL™ launched a range of eco-couture materials made from TENCEL branded materials are currently being adapted into bespoke looks for a number of this year’s Oscars® nominees and physical red carpet guests. Paying homage to RCGD’s roots as a design contest, the looks themselves and the talent wearing these designs are to be unveiled the night of the Oscars on Sunday April 25. For the first time in its history, the Oscars is to be hosted across multiple sites in the United States and Europe. In what has been an unusual year for many, Red Carpet Green Dress is working to honour their commitment in creating design solutions that work from moment to movement on the red carpet of the biggest of all global stages.

Last year at the Oscars, RCGD x TENCEL partnered with Louis Vuitton and created sustainable a custom-made gown for James Bond Spectre’s Léa Seydoux to wear in attendance to the 92nd Academy Awards® as an ambassador for RCGD. Meanwhile, filmmaker Elena Andreicheva took home an Oscar wearing a sustainable gown created from RCGD x TENCEL Luxe branded fabrics in partnership with couture designer Laura Basci.
In addition, a stunning design created by leading ethical luxury designer Benedetti Life, that featured an RCGD x TENCEL Luxe eco-couture textile, was revealed at the Red Carpet Green Dress Pre-Oscar Gala last year.

This year’s designs will include TENCEL branded lyocell fibers, modal fibers and filament yarn that are of 100-percent botanic origin. Derived from renewable wood sources, the fibers and filament yarn are produced using eco-responsible production processes. Fabrics made of TENCEL Modal and Lyocell fibers are also gentle on skin with smooth, long-lasting softness, breathability, color vibrancy and color retention features. With silky smoothness, liquid-like drape and color vibrancy, TENCEL Luxe filament yarn gives fabrics an exquisite sensual appeal and is ideal for eco couture and luxury fashion. All TENCEL fibers are certified biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil, fresh water and marine conditions.

Drawing attention to the importance of more sustainable practices in fashion and being part of bringing those solutions to the global market, Red Carpet Green Dress was conceived in response to a lack of ethical choices on the red carpet. Founded by leading environmental advocate, Suzy Amis Cameron, the organization has been committed to creating positive change for over a decade. TENCEL brand share a similar vision and aspire to lead the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions for textiles, garments and fashion as they aim to blend high fashion with sustainability whilst maintaining quality. Coming together and partnering to launch a range of eco-couture textiles felt like a natural next step. With the fashion industry being one of the top polluters across the globe, the RCGD x TENCEL textiles are now contributing towards positive change for a more green future.

“Our partnership with TENCEL is one of the most exciting and rewarding for Red Carpet Green Dress,” said Samata, CEO at Red Carpet Green Dress. “The organization represents some of the key pillars of sustainability, ranging from accessible sustainable design solutions with a focus on circularity and decarbonization, across to its inherent understanding of the need for responsible production and consumption. Our Oscars collaboration is always a highlight, and we are so excited that innovations like this exist for the global design community.’’

“Once again, we are thrilled to partner with Red Carpet Green Dress to bring eco couture to the spotlight,” said Harold Weghorst, global vice president of Marketing & Branding at Lenzing Group. “This year, with the expansion of our collaboration to include TENCEL branded Modal and Lyocell fibers and TENCEL Luxe filament yarn, we are providing designers and brands with a bigger canvas that caters for greater creativity in fabric style, touch and feel. While our fibers and filament yarn are derived from wood harvested from certified and controlled sources and are some of the most sustainable materials used in fashion, we are not stopping there. At TENCEL, we are on a journey to True Carbon Zero, with a vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and contribute to a carbon neutral fashion industry. We hope that our collaboration will encourage more designers and brands to look out for materials that do not only expand the frontiers of aesthetic appeal, but also make a difference to our planet.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Lenzing Group

Teijin To Mass Produce Nanofiber Filament Made From Recycled Polyester

TOKYO — April 12, 2021 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group fibers and products converting company, announced today that it has developed technology to mass produce a new version of its Nanofront® ultra-fine polyester, which the company believes is the world’s first nanofiber to be made from recycled polyester raw materials. Moreover, the new technology will enable Teijin Frontier to produce all of its polyester fiber products with recycled raw materials.

Teijin Frontier expects filament and textiles made with this new version of Nanofront made from recycled polyester materials to replace conventional Nanofront made from petroleum-derived raw materials in a wide range of fields, including sportswear, functional clothing, industrial uniforms and more. The company is forecasting sales of recycled-polyester Nanofront to reach 300 million yen ($2.75 million) in fiscal 2021 and 800 million yen ($7.3 million) in fiscal 2025.

Nanofront made from recycled polyester offers the same functions as conventional Nanofront made from petroleum-derived raw materials:

In recent years, the demand for Nanofront has expanded in a wide range of fields due to growing needs for materials offering high functionality, such as absorbency and grip, and excellent comfort including soft texture and low skin irritation. Meanwhile, the demand for recycling raw materials is rapidly increasing, but it has been difficult to mass produce ultra-fine fibers made from recycled polyester due to needs for high-level polymer control and spinning. Teijin Frontier has now developed new polymer-control and spinning techniques for Nanofront made from recycled polyester materials. The key was the company’s proprietary “sea-island” composite-fiber processing technology, which distributes two types of polymers into the fiber’s “sea” and “island” parts, then dissolves and removes the “sea” part using an alkaline, etc. treatment, and finally extracts only the “island” part as raw yarn.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Teijin

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