COTTON NEWS: Sustainable Shopping Post Pandemic

After COVID-19, brands and retailers seeking the data to prove their sustainability progress

Sponsored Content

Post-pandemic life may find the apparel industry at a crossroads. Sustainability is top-of-mind for consumers and it’s not enough for brands and retailers to simply set stewardship goals. The data has to be there to prove it. That’s where the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, the standard for more sustainable cotton comes in.

According to a recent U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol survey, 61% of brands and retailers believe that the since pandemic began there has been increased consumer demand for sustainable products. As companies work towards delivering more sustainable options to meet this growing consumer demand, findings also show 65% of respondents agree that data is important to their future sustainability goals.

“Sustainability and transparency are becoming increasingly more important in the fashion industry,” said Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Consumers are calling for reduction in companies’ environmental footprint and the Trust Protocol will provide the data that enables brands and retailers to measure against their sustainability commitments.”

Research also found that 63% of brands and retailers stated that the pandemic has had a positive impact on their proactive investment in sustainability with 42% putting the focus on sourcing sustainably produced raw materials. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol underpins and verifies U.S. cotton’s sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification, enabling brands and retailers around the world to more confidently source U.S. cotton.

Over the past 35 years, U.S. cotton growers have put real work into the sustainability of their operations and the results show. In that time, they have used 79% less water and 54% less energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, all while reducing land use by 42%. Conservation growing practices have further improved soil health, reducing loss and erosion by 37% and increasing soil carbon levels.

Building on decades of progress, roughly 2/3rds of U.S. cotton growers now employ some type of precision technology for in-field measurements and automation to continuously improve their sustainability. That is why the Trust Protocol is committed to six areas of sustainability in line with the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals including water use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, soil carbon and land-use efficiency. By signing up for the Trust Protocol, members will gain access to U.S. cotton with sustainability credentials proven via Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, measured via the Fieldprint Calculator and verified with Control Union Certifications.

With these commitments, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has welcomed over 300 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members including Gap Inc. and its purpose-led lifestyle brands Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta as well as UK retailers Next Plc. and Byford. 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. It is also part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Forum for the Future Cotton 2040, and the CottonUp guide.

As more people get vaccinated across the world, consumers are beginning to think about the ‘new normal’, with 50% of brands and retailers expecting to see an increase in customer spending on sustainable apparel over the next 12 months. In a period of ever greater supply chain scrutiny and growing demand for transparency, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol sets a new standard for more sustainably grown cotton.


Enroll at TrustUSCotton.org. Be sure to follow @TrustUSCotton on Twitter and Instagram, and connect with U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol on LinkedIn for more updates.

This sponsored content has been provided by the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol.


May/June 2021

World of Wipes® International Conference To Deliver Latest Insights On Sustainability, COVID-19 Consumer Wipes Buying Trends And More

CARY, N.C. — June 2, 2021 — INDA is gearing up for its live World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference in Atlanta in July with a dynamic program focused on delivering timely consumer insights and material science developments to help participants grow their wipes businesses post-pandemic.

As travel and in-person events return, the industry association is looking forward to welcoming attendees to WOW 2021 for face-to-face program content, training, meetings, tabletop exhibits and networking. With less than two months to go, anticipation is mounting for the event July 12-15 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and registration is open.

Emerging from COVID-19, the conference will provide wipes product managers, converters, buyers and suppliers with the latest research and insights from experts on how to move ahead and seize future opportunities.

“We are entering a new era in wipes driven by new directions in sustainability, new markets opening up after the pandemic and new legislation,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president. “WOW 2021 will help industry players chart their future course as we move into the ‘next’ normal.”

Sustainability will be a key theme of WOW 2021 with sessions focused on such relevant topics as plastic-free trends, biodegradable wipes, fossil fuel-based fiber reduction, single-use plastics and more. Presentations include Wipes and the Growing Plastics Debate, Sustainable Packaging and Dispensing for Wipes, and Nonwovens Substrates for More Sustainable Wipes.

COVID, Cleaning and Consumers

With cleaning, sanitizing and safety being at the forefront during the pandemic, experts will tackle what the latest trends mean for the wipes market, particularly with the increased importance of disinfecting wipes in providing protection and consumer confidence in shared spaces.

Among the program highlights is an exciting session on COVID-19 Impact on Wipes Consumption and Cleaning Habits featuring the following speakers and topics:

  • Consumer Wipes Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic and What the ‘Next Normal’ May Look Like – Christopher Dresselhuys, business director, North American Retail Wipes, Rockline Industries will present research and survey results on changing consumer wipe buying behaviors.
  • Wipes, Cleaning and COVID: What Have We Learned Through the Pandemic? – Brian Sansoni, senior vice president, Communications, Outreach and Membership, The American Cleaning Institute will discuss ACI’s 2021 National Cleaning Survey and talk about how the pandemic may change consumers’ views and future use of cleaning products.
  • Challenges and Tough Decisions in Pandemic Response – Jason White, associate research fellow, The Clorox Co. will share the company’s response to increased demand for disinfecting products that created supply issues, requiring quick decision making by Clorox to maximize the availability of these products to help consumers protect themselves during the pandemic.

In other relevant WOW 2021 sessions, experts will dive deep into Trends in the Wipes Markets and Among Consumers with these not-to-be-missed presentations:

  • Understanding the State of the Nonwovens Wipes Industry and a Market Gone Mad – Brad Kalil, director of Market Intelligence and Economic Insights, INDA will present a pre-pandemic view of the nonwovens markets, the current state, and a look into the future.
  • I&K Cleaning Wipes: Market Statistics and End User Insights – Laura Mahecha, Industry manager, I&I Cleaning Products, Kline & Company will share insights on the Industrial and Institutional (I&I) cleaning products market.
  • Consumer Wipes: Look at the Post-COVID World – Svetlana Uduslivaia, head of Research, Euromonitor International will reveal an updated forecast for consumer wipes globally, the latest innovation trends across wipes categories and the latest retail channel dynamic.
  • Growth and Demand of Canister Wipes Converting Lines in the U.S. and Around the Globe – Jay Roth, director of Sales, Elsner Engineering Works, Inc. will share insights on how the COVID crisis has impacted the business of converters and co-packers.

WOW 2021 will also feature the WIPES Academy training; three days of cutting-edge conference program content; two days of tabletop displays; presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award® and the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award; plus, a welcome reception and a myriad of other networking and socializing opportunities. For the full program details and speaker line-up, visit the WOW 2021 website.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Durak Tekstil Embroidery Threads Add Value To Every Textile

BURSA, Turkey — June 2, 2021 — Durak Tekstil, a Turkey-based industrial sewing and embroidery thread manufacturer, responds to the increasing demands of the textile industry through its production facilities in Bursa and China. Durak Tekstil has a rich product portfolio for embroidered applications, which has expanded rapidly in recent years, and has become a preferred manufacturer for all industrial applications with its efficient and high-performance yarns resistant to production and usage conditions. Several technical features — such as water-repellence, anti-static, late flammability, anti-bacterial, silicone-free structure, for example — are expanding the usage areas of Durak Tekstil embroidery threads.

With 50-years of experience, Durak Tekstil produces industrial embroidery threads from natural, man-made, and recycled fibers through intensive R&D. Among company’s embroidery threads with high customer satisfaction, Poly-Soft®, Visco®, Duramatt® and Durakril® branded threads stand out. While these yarns increase the performance of the machines with their special lubrication processes, they reach lower breakage rates much better than their competitors. With their technical superiority, rich colour gamut and special structures in different thicknesses, these embroidery threads add value to fabric surfaces and the final textile product. Durak Tekstil offers advantages to textile manufacturers beyond its competitors with its price-performance rates in embroidery threads.

High performance embroidery applications with Durak Poly-Soft® threads

Durak Tekstil’s high performance focused Durak Poly-Soft embroidery threads are produced from 100-percent polyester raw material. Thanks to special finishing and lubrications, these threads guarantee trouble-free operation even on the most advanced high-speed embroidery machines. With their trilobal structure, these threads reflect more light and have a brighter appearance compared to their counterparts. Poly-Soft embroidery threads, offered in five different thicknesses, prevent ruptures with their high strength properties. The product makes designs in vivid and bright colors possible, and offers textile manufacturers 480 color options. Black, white, red, and navy blue stand out among the most preferred colors of the series.

Exhibiting a successful performance even in the thinnest fabrics, Poly-Soft threads create smooth-looking stitches and patterns. Poly-Soft yarns offer textile manufacturers the opportunity for optimum flexibility and high-quality products. Poly-Soft embroidery threads have a high resistance to many chemicals and outdoor weather conditions and are widely used in the textile industry for garments, hats, labels, leather products, shoes, workwear, furniture, home textiles, bags, stone/chemical washed products and used in outdoor items. Poly-Soft also provides manufacturers with a significant cost advantage compared to natural fibers.

In addition, there are five more yarn types with recycled, water-repellent, anti-static, multi-coloured and chemical flame-retardant properties in the Poly-Soft product line.

New maximum limit for softness and comfort with Durak Visco®

High quality flush embroidery thread Durak Visco is preferred for vibrant and bright colored works thanks to its natural structure. With its extra softness, the yarn is an excellent option for applications that touch the human skin and has five different thicknesses. Visco® can create even the finest details in fine thread size 60, and creates voluminous looks with thick threads in numbers 40 and 30. With 480 colour options, this embroidery thread reflects the light perfectly thanks to its natural structure and enables a brighter appearance in patterns. Durak Visco yarns offer a high resistance to washing and perspiration, while reaching low breaking rates thanks to their special finishing processes. This means a great advantage to textile manufacturers in terms of productivity and product quality.

Addressing textile manufacturers looking for an alternative solution to polyester, Durak Visco® yarns can be used in ready-to-wear, home textiles, shirts, hats, leather products and labels as well as underwear. Oeko-Tex Standard-100, Class 1 certified Visco series also includes Durak Visco Multicolor threads developed for high quality colored embroidery applications.

Colourful embroideries that do not fade in the sun with Durak Duramatt®

Made of 100-percent matte polyester, Durak Duramatt embroidery thread is in an unrivaled position with its nearly three times light fastness compared to other polyester embroidery threads. Produced with dyestuffs specially developed for the embroidery industry, the yarn has permanent colors that do not fade easily. Thanks to its longevity in color, Duramatt is an attractive option especially for surface and accessory applications that are exposed to sunlight for longer time. Like other Durak Tekstil embroidery threads, Duramatt has a structure that increases machine and embroidery performance and has a price advantage.

Widely preferred due to its matt appearance, Durak Duramatt embroidery thread has a wide application area; denim clothing, workwear, shirts, leather products, suits, women’s wear, underwear, marine clothing, automotive, furniture, sportswear and outdoor textiles. This embroidery thread, which is suitable for vegan use, gives its users reliability and comfort with its Oeko-Tex certificate.

Embroidery in 100% acrylic strength with DURAK Durakril®

Produced from 100-percent acrylic fiber as an alternative to wool, DURAK Durakril embroidery threads were developed for very special-purpose applications. This embroidery thread has a matte, hairy/wool-like look and full volume structure, also shows high performance in decorative and overlock applications. Having a great cost advantage compared to wool, DURAK Durakril embroidery threads are produced in thickness number 12, which enables it to create chenille embroidery as well as general embroidery applications. DURAK Durakril embroidery threads are available in 105 colors, and are preferred for matt-looking and voluminous applications.

Highly resistant to natural and chemical conditions, DURAK Durakril yarns are not affected by the bleaching process, micro-organisms such as mildew and rot, washing and dry cleaning.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Durak Tekstil

OURA Introduces High-Tech Alta Towel

LOS ANGELES — June 2, 2021 — OURA, known for infusing high-tech solutions into everyday products, announces its latest wellness-promoting antimicrobial lifestyle product, the Alta towel. Engineered with CottonX, a proprietary fiber and textile technology, Alta eliminates bacteria, mold and musty aromas by self-sterilizing and killing bacteria on contact. Purchase of these cutting-edge towels also supports children in need, with a portion of proceeds set aside to grant the wishes of childhood cancer patients.

“Most people are familiar with the smell of an old musty towel, but most are not aware that these odors — no matter how faint — are caused by mold and bacteria that love to grow on moist, damp fibers,” said Keane Veran, co-founder and CEO of OURA. “OURA designed the Alta towel to protect individuals by killing microbes before they get a chance to grow, providing a clean, fresh feeling after every single use. We are proud to provide a better solution for consumers and are passionate about our work as advocates for healthier choices and promoters of overall wellbeing.”

The Alta towel’s CottonX technology is antimicrobial, compliments of copper-infused fibers that self-sterilize and deodorize by breaking down odor-causing molecules and killing 99 percent of bacteria and mold. The technology relies on pure copper oxide permanently embedded into every 100 percent long-staple cotton of these new towels — ensuring they maintain efficacy over the test of time even after more than 100 washes.

Super absorbent densely packed cotton fibers wick away moisture instantly and are ultra-plush with a soft, luxurious feel that is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Plus, they are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and crafted to last. The unique properties of the Alta towel have also been scientifically proven to promote skin health and elasticity.

Available in two colors, Nimbus and Horizon, the Alta towel can be purchased at www.ouragami.org.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: OURA

FLOR Celebrates 10 Years Of Blending Sustainability And Beautiful Design With Aquafil’s ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon

ATLANTA — June 2, 2021 — FLOR® — a high-end area rug brand for homes, offices, and every space in between — today commemorates 10 years of area rugs featuring Aquafil’s ECONYL® regenerated nylon that blend beautiful design, smart functionality, and environmental responsibility into all the spaces people live. The premium design brand began using Econyl nylon in 2011 and was the first flooring company to begin using recycled nylon in its products. Today, Econyl regenerated nylon, a sought-after responsible solution for well-known fashion and interiors brands, is featured in most FLOR area rugs, rather than brand-new nylon that uses new resources.

Econyl is made from 100-percent waste — fishing nets, textile scraps, old carpet, etc. — that would otherwise pollute the Earth. The regenerated nylon performs the same as virgin nylon and can be recycled, recreated, and remolded infinitely. Not only a waste solution, Econyl reduces the global impact of nylon by up to 90 percent compared with the material produced from oil.

“Aquafil and FLOR began working together ten years ago, all thanks to a shared interest in creating responsibly sourced products,” said Giulio Bonazzi, chairman and CEO at Aquafil. “Our efforts to create a circular supply chain led to the development of Econyl in 2011 and, even in those early days, FLOR fully embraced our vision and became one of the first companies to embrace sustainable design before it was commonplace. That same year, they began to convert their existing products to our yarn system, creating beautiful area rugs that integrate environmental responsibility into all the spaces people live. This is aligned with the brand’s efforts to continually reduce the carbon footprint of its products, which we’ve supported over the last decade.”

FLOR’s use of regenerated nylon in its carpet tile is a key part of its efforts to lower the carbon footprint of its products. Recently, the company introduced its new backing, CQuestTMGB, which is made of post-consumer recycled content from carpet tiles, bio-based additives, and pre-consumer recycled materials, which are net carbon negative. With its combined new backing and yarn made from regenerated nylon, FLOR offers area rugs that look beautiful while being good for the planet.

“As a longstanding Aquafil collaborator, we at FLOR are honored to celebrate ten years of including Econyl regenerated nylon in our beautiful, smart, and responsible area rugs,” said James Pope, general manager of FLOR. “Our sustainability journey is woven into who we are — like the yarn in our rugs — and with thoughtfully sourced materials and a commitment to lower our carbon footprint, our products are designed with our customers and the Earth in mind.”

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: FLOR

Nextel 312 Ceramic Fibers And Textiles From 3M No Longer Subject To Export License Requirements

ST. PAUL, Minn. — June 2, 2021 — 3M — a producer of technical high-temperature, continuous aluminum oxide fibers — has announced that 3M Nextel 312 ceramic fibers and textiles have been released from export license requirements under the U.S. Commerce Control List (CCL), export control classification number (ECCN) 1C010.c.

A final rule published March 29, 2021, by the U.S. Department of Commerce removes export license requirements for Nextel 312 products, including Nextel 312 fibers, rovings, yarns, sewing threads, tapes, sleevings and fabrics.

Nextel 312 products can perform at higher operating temperatures compared to other high-temperature textile materials such as aramids, quartz or glass. Tested to withstand continuous use temperatures of up to 2192°F (1200°C), the Nextel 312 products are now available globally, reducing previous barriers that slowed down global customer adoption.

3M has also added capacity for all Nextel fiber grades over the past couple of years to better respond to the needs of existing customers and serve new customers in various industries and applications around the globe.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: 3M

Expanded Product Categories At Techtextil North America

ATLANTA — June 2, 2021 — Techtextil North America returns to Raleigh, N.C., August 23-25, 2021, bringing with it the latest innovations and supply chain solutions for the technical textiles and nonwovens industries. Visitors will have the chance to source manufacturing technology, machinery, and textile products ranging from high-tech fibers, functional apparel fabrics and smart textiles to composites and nonwovens.

In addition, this year’s event will see expanded product categories through the incorporation of two new pavilions.

Textile Care Pavilion

The new Textile Care Pavilion, powered by the Clean Show, will showcase the latest products & technologies for the textile care sector — from treatment to finishing to after-market care. The Textile Care Pavilion will include innovative products and services in the following categories:

  • Washing/drying equipment;
  • Water technology/utilities/energy saving;
  • Green product technology;
  • Agents and systems for the cleaning, finishing and disinfection of textiles; and
  • Logistics and material flow.

Texprocess Americas Pavilion

Supported by SPESA, the Texprocess Americas Pavilion will feature manufacturers and distributors of machinery, equipment, parts, supplies, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, and other products and services used for the development of sewn products. Product categories include, but are not limited to:

  • Stitching, joining and fastening materials and technology;
  • Fabrics/materials;
  • Textile finishing; and
  • Product processing and finishing.

Exhibit space in both pavilions is available, but limited. Interested companies can learn more and apply for a booth via the Techtextil North America website (https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en/exhibitors.html).

Attendee Information

Advanced pricing ends June 18, 2021, and standard pricing will run from June 19 through the last day of the show. Full pricing details can be found on the show’s website. Additional discounts are available for students and military.

Registration can be accessed here.

For more information on the upcoming edition of Techtextil North America, August 23-25, 2021 in Raleigh, please visit: www.techtextilna.com.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

Industry Veteran Sammy Dobbs Joins GlenGuard FR Team

GLEN RAVEN, N.C. — June 2, 2021 — Sammy Dobbs has joined Glen Raven Technical Fabrics (GRTF) as director of New Business Development for the company’s GlenGuard® brand of flame-resistant and arc-resistant fabrics, which are used to make protective apparel.

Dobbs joins GRTF with more than 28 years of sales and marketing experience in the flame-resistant clothing industry, most recently with VF Corp. where he was the business development manager for the company’s Bulwark® brand. Prior to VF, Dobbs worked for Workrite Uniform Co., G&K Services and Aramark Uniform Service.

“Sammy’s unique understanding of the market and his sales and marketing experience will be invaluable as we take the GlenGuard brand to the next level,” said Patti Bates, general manager – Protective.

Dobbs will target key end user accounts for GRTF’s GlenGuard brand, primarily in the Oil & Gas and Utility segments. His responsibilities will include technical training, product education, marketing to end users, as well as cultivating new and existing distribution partnerships.

Dobb’s will be based in Houston, Texas. He joins current GRTF GlenGuard team members, Jeff Michel, vice president, Protective Fabrics; and Rich Lippert, vice president, Technical Sales.

GlenGuard is an inherent, solution-dyed, flame-resistant fabric for workwear and is available in several weights and colors. GlenGuard fabrics are engineered using the highest quality advanced materials, expertly designed for a dynamic modern workforce, and assembled using advanced manufacturing technologies to deliver the world’s most innovative AR/FR fabric.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Glen Raven Technical Fabrics (GRTF)

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 Exhibitor Preview: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

WETZIKON, Switzerland — June 2, 2021 — Loepfe showcases the market-leading YarnMaster® PRISMA along with its well-established counterpart YarnMaster ZENIT+. With this dual offering, Loepfe uniquely leads both on technology and performance as well as on the proven reliability and price dimensions.

YarnMaster PRISMA dazzles with its innovative use of four distinct sensor technologies — a unique blend that for the first time combines infrared optical, RGB optical, capacitive and triboelectric sensors and collaborating in perfect harmony, along with connectivity for the digital age. These elements not only allow the detection of previously invisible yarn faults and irregularities, but also the collection and analysis of data for effective online quality management through Loepfe’s MillMaster® TOP management cockpit.

Loepfe’s Head of Product & Solutions, Guido Wieland commented: “YarnMaster ZENIT+ is highly regarded as our workhorse and has been well-established over the years. And while our competitors are still using sensor technology that has been developed more than a decade ago, with YarnMaster PRISMA we have clearly set the global benchmark for yarn clearing sensor technologies. Drawing on today’s smart technology, we have taken performance in its various applications to a whole new level. The whole team is excited to see the enthusiasm generated by the YarnMaster PRISMA — and our motivation to deliver even more intelligent solutions is at an all-time high. Watch this space!”

Due to the prevailing Covid-19 travel restrictions, Loepfe will be represented at ITMA Asia 2021 by its partners C.N.T. – CIMACO Ltd. and Point Hope (Textile Machinery) Ltd., while Loepfe representatives will be available for ad-hoc conference calls at any time.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Bemis Associates To Offer Industry’s Most Highly Advanced Reflective Solutions, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material

SHIRLEY, Mass. — June 2, 2021 — Bemis Associates — bonding innovation and design partner to the world’s leading technical, performance, luxury, and lifestyle brands — has just announced a partnership with one of the most recognized brands in applied science.

This partnership designates Bemis as an authorized distributor and converter of 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. As a result, customers can continue to work directly with Bemis to incorporate 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material into their finished garments and accessories. This also means customers have the opportunity to feature 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material branding on their products’ final hangtags.

3M is a pioneer in developing the science behind retroreflection and has been advancing the technology in new and groundbreaking ways for more than 80 years. They have held a longstanding and leading role in reflective solutions. Both companies have demonstrated a proven track record in developing reflective materials that offer brightness, durability, and high quality. “This partnership made perfect sense to us,” said Mike Johansen, president, Bemis Associates. “Combining our engineering and design expertise in the adhesive arena with 3M’s worldwide technical, marketing, and lab support in reflective materials allows us to offer customers a solution that is unparalleled,” he said.

Behind the Science

3M’s retroreflectivity helps the eye perceive objects in low-light conditions when illuminated by a light source. In more scientific terms, retroreflection occurs when light rays are returned in the direction from which they came. Retroreflective materials appear brightest to an observer located near the original light source. Since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, retroreflective materials enhance the contrast of the wearer for an observer located near the original light source.

“The collaboration between 3M and Bemis makes the most of the natural synergy between our companies, providing comprehensive solutions to a broader base of activewear customers,” said Malou Marasigan, global business director and APAC Area Leader, Scotchlite Reflective Materials. “3M Scotchlite reflective materials and Bemis’ adhesive portfolio present a differentiated offering, enabling innovation and creativity in designs while helping keep consumers visible under low-light conditions.”

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Bemis Associates  

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