Freudenberg Launches An Eco-Calculator That Helps Customers Improve Their Environmental Footprint

WEINHEIM, Germany — April 13, 2021 — An innovative Eco-calculator to be launched by Freudenberg Performance Materials will help customers assess and choose Evolon® textile solutions for bedding and bath towels. The tool based on sustainability criteria also provides information on how customers can save energy and water during subsequent care steps for the relevant textile.

The new Eco-calculator from Freudenberg provides an overview of environmental impacts generated by Evolon solutions over their entire life cycle: From raw material extraction through the laundering phases to product end-of-life. Eight environmental criteria, including the carbon footprint, water impact and eco-toxicity, are evaluated.

Independent data and washing tests

The Eco-calculator relies on data provided and validated by independent external experts, who conducted a Life Cycle Assessment focusing on textile applications such as bed linen, bath towels and workwear used in hotels and hospitals. The Eco-calculator also takes account of data from washing tests to evaluate the durability and the consumption levels of water, energy and detergent required by the different fabrics. The testing program simulated industrial wash cycles to assess twelve different textile articles. Each type of product was evaluated in terms of the water, energy and detergent consumption required for its care as well as its appearance and mechanical properties over washings.

Support for customers’ eco-design programs

“Our Evolon experts help our customers determine the scenarios they wish to evaluate, for example by varying the weight of the materials, the types of finish, the number of washing cycles, or the country of use. Based on this data, the Freudenberg experts provide an economic and environmental evaluation using the Eco-calculator,” said Jean-François Kerhault, Business Segment manager Evolon at Freudenberg Performance Materials. “This information can help our customers to evaluate the environmental footprint of their own finished products. They can include the data in their own product eco-design approach, or meet new market requirements about information on the carbon footprint.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Freudenberg Peformance Materials

Lenzing Expands Lenzing E-Branding Service To The VEOCEL™ Brand

LENZING, Austria — April 13, 2021 — Lenzing is launching a nonwoven industry premiere with the introduction of E-branding service for certification and licensing service to the VEOCEL™ brand in an industry first move to elevate supply chain transparency for nonwoven fibers. The Lenzing E-Branding Service provides the VEOCEL brand’s expanding network of partners with a platform designed to increase the value of products by showcasing the use of sustainable, high-quality and ethically sourced materials.

Designed from the ground up to make the VEOCEL certification process simple, the Lenzing E-Branding Service creates peace of mind for all VEOCEL brand partners, allowing producers, retailers and brand owners from hygiene, beauty and home care products, to certify their use of VEOCEL branded fibers and develop co-branding campaigns that improve the value of their products.

Lenzing E-Branding Service elevates VEOCEL™’s industry-leading reputation

First launched in 2018 for the textile industry, the Lenzing E-Branding Service unifies registration, application and approval in a state-of-the-art online system designed to eliminate the use of paper and reduce response times, with the aim to enhance efficiency by digitizing workflow. The system’s early success and positive feedback made the expansion to the VEOCEL brand a natural next step for the industry-leading platform.
As a digital hub for VEOCEL brand partners, the platform includes features to apply for new licenses, monitor application status, and manage existing licenses. Simultaneously, the platform will act as a support portal, showcasing the latest branding guidelines and support for VEOCEL brand certified products.

“We are excited to expand our industry-leading Lenzing E-Branding Service to VEOCEL brand customers and partners. The expansion showcases Lenzing’s unwavering commitment to sustainability for nonwoven applications, accelerates the digitalization of the industry and sets new standards for driving greater transparency,” said Jürgen Eizinger, vice president of Global Nonwovens Business, Lenzing AG.

The VEOCEL™ brand continues to push for greater sustainability boundaries

The expansion of the Lenzing E-Branding Service comes nearly two years after the VEOCEL brand introduced its pioneering certification requirements mandating nonwoven products use 100-percent cellulosic and biodegradable materials before qualifying to feature the VEOCEL brand logo. Alongside the industry-first requirements, the Lenzing E-Branding Service creates an unparalleled guarantee for consumers that products featuring the VEOCEL brand logo are genuinely sourced and produced.

“The VEOCEL brand is rapidly becoming an industry-leading credential for hygiene and personal care brands and end-users who are serious about increasing their environmental responsibility. The new E-branding Service will truly complement our VEOCEL certification criteria to ensure trustworthy supply chain transparency for our partners, customers and end-users,” Eizinger added.

“We have observed an overwhelmingly positive shift in consumer preferences as they seek greater sustainability from the nonwoven brands they trust. During this exciting time of transition toward the greater use of environmentally responsible materials, we are thrilled to provide our brand partners and end-users with the peace of mind that products containing VEOCEL™ branded fibers help to better protect the environment and safeguard the future of our planet,” says Harold Weghorst, vice president of Global Marketing & Branding, Lenzing AG.

Posted April 13, 2021

Soure: Lenzing

Asahi Kasei Europe Uniting Sales, Marketing And R&D Activities At Düsseldorf Harbour

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — April 13, 2021 — Asahi Kasei is starting a new chapter of its business expansion on the European market. On November 16, 2020, Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH and its sister company Asahi Kasei Microdevices Europe GmbH started office operation at the new “C-View Offices” at Düsseldorf Harbour, Germany. After the cornerstone laying on October 7, 2019, the construction work went smoothly and was finished on schedule. The Asahi Kasei Europe R&D Center — originally located at CHEMPARK Dormagen near Düsseldorf — relocated to the new location in March 2021.

Hideki Tsutsumi, managing director at Asahi Kasei Europe, said: “This relocation marks the next important milestone of Asahi Kasei’s expansion on the European market. Europe is at the forefront of an evolution in the automotive industry that is said to happen once in a century. In addition, it is the forerunner in environmental topics. Uniting sales, marketing, R&D and technical service activities at one single location will enable us to quickly address the changing demands by customers and to enhance joint projects with local partners.

The office building has wide open office and meeting spaces with a clear view on the water side and the Düsseldorf skyline. In the brand-new showroom the company displays its materials and solutions for the future automotive, ranging from sustainable microfiber materials for interior seat and headliner coverings to innovative foam products and separators for battery applications. The adjacent hall building is home to the Asahi Kasei Europe R&D Center, with laboratory space for various materials, such as engineering plastics, synthetic rubber, as well as for battery and coating materials.

“The new office spaces will further foster the cross-divisional communication within Asahi Kasei Europe, but also the cross organizational communication with other European Asahi Kasei Group companies. Naturally, this will also be of great benefit to our customers,” Tsutsumi added.

A strong commitment to the home base Düsseldorf

After the establishment of Asahi Kasei Europe and Asahi Kasei Microdevices Europe at “Am Seestern”, Düsseldorf in April 2016, the companies have been accelerating the activities towards the European automotive industry. This has been followed by the opening of the Asahi Kasei Europe R&D Center in CHEMPARK Dormagen in October 2017, providing local technical support and strengthening the cooperation and joint development with European companies and universities.

In the five years since its establishment, Asahi Kasei Europe has built a strong network in Düsseldorf. The annual “Asahi Kasei Europe Business Forum” has become a well-established conference and networking event for customers and partners. Furthermore, Asahi Kasei Europe is a strong supporter of Sports City Düsseldorf and is actively promoting the traditional Japanese Judo sports by conducting annual Judo Workshops with young enthusiastic Judo-ka in Düsseldorf.

Tsutsumi continued: “Düsseldorf is a great hub for business activities in Europe and in close proximity to technical universities. With this relocation we are further committing ourselves to our home base Düsseldorf — a very important sign in times of COVID-19. We are very much looking forward to create this next chapter of Asahi Kasei Europe together with our customers and partners.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Asahi Kasei

Filtration Supplier To Invest $26 Million In Hickory, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — April 12, 2021 — Gusmer Enterprises Inc., a manufacturer of filtration and fermentation products, will create 73 new jobs in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $26.5 million to build a production facility in Hickory, N.C.

“We are excited to welcome Gusmer Enterprises to our state,” said Governor Cooper. “When growing manufacturers choose North Carolina, it highlights the company’s confidence in our state’s workforce and resilient economy.”

Gusmer Enterprises is a leading supplier of fermentation, filtration and processing aids and equipment for the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries worldwide. A family-owned company for almost 100 years, Gusmer’s filtration and fermentations products are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The 135,000-square foot GMP manufacturing facility in Hickory will be Gusmer’s third plant and will support the production of filtering devices for liquids including COVID-19 treatments.

“After a nationwide search to identify the best fit location, the Gusmer family is pleased to partner with the State of North Carolina for our latest GMP manufacturing facility,” said Marla Gusmer Jeffrey, president, Gusmer Enterprises. “Hickory and Catawba County provide access to a skilled workforce, competitive cost structure, and a real estate solution that met our aggressive timeline and workforce needs. As an almost century-old company, the Gusmer family is proud of our long-term collaborative partnerships that we continue to grow and develop with all our employees, customers, and suppliers. We look forward to developing another long-standing relationship with our newest investment in the State of North Carolina.”

“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in Southeast and the sixth largest manufacturing economy in the nation,” said Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “We have the highly-skilled talent, strong supply chain and exceptional quality of life to support Gusmer Enterprises’ next phase of growth.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led a team of partners in supporting Gusmer’s decision to establish a manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The new positions include engineers, mechanics, packagers, production staff, quality control, warehouse supervisors and administrative support. The average annual salary for all new positions is $44,000 creating a potential payroll impact of more than $3.2 million per year. Catawba County’s overall average annual wage is $43,290.

A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Gusmer’s expansion to North Carolina. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina were key partners in the project that included the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba County, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, the City of Hickory, Piedmont Natural Gas and Duke Energy.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

Carter’s Launches First Children’s Clothing Recycling Program With TerraCycle®

ATLANTA — April 13, 2021 — Carter’s Inc., the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, announces the launch of Carter’s recycling program, KIDCYCLE™, a first-of-its kind program to recycle baby and children’s clothing nationwide through international recycling leader TerraCycle®.

Now, as little ones outgrow their clothing and parents update kids’ wardrobes, items that would otherwise be discarded can be mailed to TerraCycle and recycled. Carter’s aims to make recycling well-loved, lived-in clothing for babies and children both simple and rewarding, with the opportunity to receive Rewarding Moments loyalty points from Carter’s.

“At Carter’s, we are committed to doing our part to preserve the environment for today’s generation of children as well as future generations, which is why we are excited to invite parents to join our sustainability journey,” said Antonio Robinson, senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility. “KIDCYCLE is an important step toward circularity, which will help reduce the volume of children’s clothing going to landfills and find additional uses for the recycled materials.”

Recycling children’s clothing is simple:

  • Head to www.TerraCycle.com/carters to sign up for a TerraCycle account.
  • Next, fill a box with the baby and kids clothes you intend to discard.
  • Log into your account, download and print your free shipping label.
  • Seal the box, attach your shipping label and drop it off at a shipping location near you.
  • After packages are received at TerraCycle, Rewarding Moments members can earn points.

“Children’s clothing, especially baby clothes, hold so many memories for parents. It can be difficult to let go of such sentimental items,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder Tom Szaky. “Through their recycling program, Carter’s is providing parents with a sustainable option to part with their children’s clothes that can no longer be passed on or donated.”

All spring long, the program will accept any brand’s baby and children’s clothing excluding shoes and accessories. Once collected, the clothing is separated by fabric type, shredded, and recycled into materials for another use, such as home insulation and stuffing in workout equipment and furniture.

Beginning April 13, head to www.TerraCycle.com/carters for more information and to get started recycling well-loved baby and kids apparel items.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Carter’s, Inc.

HanesBrands Celebrates Earth Day With 12th Consecutive U.S. EPA Energy Star Award For Environmental Stewardship

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — April 13, 2021 — HanesBrands’ commitment to protect the planet we share — despite the global pandemic that impacted 2020 — has earned the company its 12th consecutive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Sustained Excellence/Partner of the Year award for continued progress in environmental sustainability.

Ahead of Earth Day, HanesBrands is being recognized by the EPA for lowering overall energy use, while increasing use of renewable energy and electricity during 2020. The company also launched aggressive 2030 sustainability goals, including reducing energy use by an additional 25 percent, using 100-percent renewable electricity and launching science-based emission reduction targets. Additionally, the company appointed its first chief sustainability officer in 2020.

“We’re incredibly proud to remain the only apparel company to earn sustained excellence honors in the U.S. EPA Energy Star program’s 29-year history,” said Chris Fox, HanesBrands chief sustainability officer. “HanesBrands and its 61,000 worldwide associates are deeply committed to sustainability and operating our company as if every day is Earth Day.

“But there is much more work yet to do,” Fox continued. “We are intensely focused on pursuing ambitious 2030 goals that will improve the lives of people, protect the planet and produce sustainable products.”

The Energy Star award follows the February announcement that HBI was one of two apparel manufacturers named one of Ethisphere’s 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Also in February, the company was named to Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the third consecutive year. HBI was one of four apparel manufacturers to receive “A List” recognition for leadership in corporate sustainability in the CDP 2020 Climate Change Report issued in December 2020.

Energy Star was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased efficiency. The annual Energy Star Partner of the Year award honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protect the environment through best practices and organization-wide energy savings.

“Energy Star award-winning partners are showing the world that delivering real climate solutions makes good business sense and promotes job growth,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Many of them have been doing it for years, inspiring all of us who are committed to tackling the climate crisis and leading the way to a clean energy economy.”

For more information on Hanes’ award-winning sustainability program, visit HBISustains.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: HanesBrands

Tractor Supply Company To Expand Carhartt Footprint In More Than 100 Retail Stores

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — April 13, 2021 — Tractor Supply Co. today announced plans to expand its Carhartt offering in dozens of retail stores. Carhartt, America’s leading workwear manufacturer and a decades-long partner of Tractor Supply, will add several thousand additional square feet of branded, in-store shopping space to provide consumers with a dedicated shopping experience. The new “shop-in-shop” concept, which is currently in 10 stores, will roll out in more than 100 Tractor Supply stores in 2021, with an additional 25 stores added next year.

“Our Tractor Supply stores offer a unique assortment of products that cater to the Out Here lifestyle, and we know our customers depend on Carhartt for comfortable, durable clothes to get the job done,” said Seth Estep, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. “This new store-within-a-store format was created with Tractor Supply’s customers at the center of the shopping experience. By partnering with Carhartt to double our selection, our stores have even more of what makes Tractor Supply a destination for everything — workwear and otherwise — that our customers need to take care of their home, land, pets and animals.”

The expanded merchandise selection available in the in-store shop includes bibs, rainwear, year-round fleece assortments, additional pants and jeans styles and more. Additionally, the product collection will include clothing for women, kids, big and tall and plus sizes, most of which are not currently available in Tractor Supply stores.

Both brands tested this strategy throughout 2018 and 2019 when Carhartt installed three shop-in-shop spaces each year, measuring between 1,200 and 1,400 square feet, at Tractor Supply locations in California, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. These expanded in-store shops feature similar signage, branding and premium fixtures consumers would find at any of Carhartt’s 33 company store locations.

“By expanding our presence at these retail locations, Tractor Supply shoppers will experience the Carhartt brand in a whole new way,” said Tony Ambroza, chief brand officer at Carhartt. “We look forward to growing our longstanding partnership with Tractor Supply as we work to bring our rugged workwear products to the country’s hardest-working people.”

Customers can also shop an expanded online assortment of Carhartt products, including more sizes and colors, at TractorSupply.com.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Tractor Supply Co.

Eurofins Joins The Microfibre Consortium As A Third-Party Laboratory Member

LUXEMBOURG — April 13, 2021 — Eurofins is pleased to announce that it has joined The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) as one of the first third party laboratory members, alongside clothing brands, retailers, textile manufactures and research organizations, to facilitate the development of practical solutions for the textile industry to minimize fiber fragmentation and release to the environment from textile manufacturing and product life cycle.

Fiber fragments, or microfibers, are of particular concern to environmentalists because of their potential for accumulation in and pollution of oceans. They could also be ingested by marine life and enter the human food chain, with implications for health. The textile industry has become increasingly aware of this pressing issue.

The Microfibre Consortium is a membership-based organization that works with the textile industry to minimize fiber fragmentation and release. In partnership with the University of Leeds and the European Outdoor Group (EoG), it has developed a standardized test method that can reliably measure the amount of fiber fragments released from textiles during domestic laundering. This method will provide the basis for determining the scale of microfiber release as well as support in the process of finding solutions to microfiber pollution.

Utilizing its global network of testing laboratories and technical expertise, Eurofins will support the industry by providing TMC standardized test method services. Customers will gain access to testing services to support the understanding of the issue, whilst demonstrating their environmental responsibility and improving sustainability along the supply chain. Roll out of the test method will result in the adoption of standard measurement across the industry. The method is also being considered by European and international standards organizations.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Eurofins

David’s Bridal Appoints Bryan Dow As Vice President Of Global Creative & Brand Marketing

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — April 13, 2021 — David’s Bridal announced today that Bryan Dow has been appointed vice president of Global Creative & Brand Marketing. Dow joined the company on April 5, 2021.

Dow comes to David’s with more than 20 years of strategic creative and brand marketing experience holding multiple leadership roles at national brands including OshKosh B’gosh, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, and Lands’ End. In his new role at David’s Bridal, Bryan will lead the brand and creative teams with a strategic focus on accelerating the company’s brand presence and creative marketing strategies. Bryan will report to Kelly Cook, chief marketing and IT officer of David’s Bridal.

“Bryan is fun and fearless — and will be fantastic leading and reimaging all of our brand strategies. More importantly, he is a #servantsheart leader and truly believes ‘you’re either serving the customer or serving someone who is.’ He is a leader with the rare combination of creative passions, business acumen, digital prowess, and content innovations,” Cook said. “This approach ensures we are always re-thinking how we are delivering magical moments. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on our team.”

“I am honored to join a powerhouse like David’s Bridal during such an exciting time of transformation,” Dow said. “I look forward to working with an incredibly talented team to continue building on the success David’s has established in serving today’s modern bride.

Dow is a proven leader, bringing broad business knowledge and expertise to the David’s team. He has held multiple leadership positions with national retailers throughout his tenured career developing high-performing multichannel brand campaigns. Dow carries a wealth of experience in omni-channel creative growth and strategy. He most recently served as senior creative director for global children’s apparel brand OshKosh B’gosh. In his role, he developed, directed and oversaw the execution of re-igniting the brand’s identity across all communication channels.

He led the global creative brand in their tri-brand expansion: Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh and SkipHop. Prior to OshKosh B’gosh, Dow served as the multichannel creative director for DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, leading the creative in the launch of the “shoe lover” campaign and becoming a member of the Directors’ Guild of America. There he demonstrated his agility and growth mindset playing an integral role in transforming the brand’s creative initiatives and reshaping their omni-channel presence. Prior to DSW, Bryan held creative leadership positions at Lands’ End and Saks Incorporated.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: David’s Bridal, Inc.

Design Trade Service Functions As A Full-Time Assistant To Interior Designers

DUNEDIN, Fla. — April 1, 2021 — Design Trade Service is a fast-growing resource exclusively for interior designers. The company offers interior designers with immediate access to complete catalogs from major furniture manufacturers and the lowest to-the-trade pricing. Additionally, with an ever-growing increase in e-commerce due to COVID-19, Design Trade Service provides a seamless process for interior designers to source from multiple vendors at once.

“Consumers, the designer’s clients, have increasingly turned to e-commerce to shop for and procure furniture so it has become increasingly important for designers to quickly provide competitive prices for their clients,” said Greg Wyers, president of Design Trade Service.

“Designers can combine multiple products from multiple manufacturers on the same order and DTS will provide all order and shipping information per item throughout the fulfillment process,” Wyers said. “DTS will also assist in addressing all shipping and manufacturing issues on behalf of the designer.”

The platform hosts a wide variety of well-known brands including, Loloi, Four Hands, Hooker, and many more.

As interior designer, Shannon Adamson shares, “If you are sourcing the majority of your furniture and product from retail vendors who also sell to your clients, you are missing out on a significant opportunity to offer your clients better prices for higher quality, more unique pieces while making more unique income for your business.”

Ultimately, designers are discovering how much time and money they can save by channeling multiple orders through one low-priced source and having one single point of contact for all follow up.

The platform offers free sign-ups for its DTS Premier Program or the DTS Pro Program at $29/mo or $299/yr. See here for more sign-up information:
https://designtradeservice.com/login.php?action=create_account

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Design Trade Service

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