Winners Announcement: 2021 AATCC Outstanding College Graduate Award

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — May 26, 2021 — This year’s recipient of the AATCC Outstanding College Graduate of the Year Award is Josephine “Josie” Cranfill from North Carolina State University (NCSU). She was chosen from all the AATCC Student Chapter Award recipients for this award; she received a plaque and a check from AATCC in the amount of $1,000.

Cranfill will graduate with a degree in Polymer & Color Chemistry Science with an Operations Concentration and a Spanish Minor. Her ability to apply her knowledge, specifically in the textile areas, is exceptional. She demonstrates this each day with her work in the NCSU Pilot Lab. Putting her knowledge into practice is where Cranfill’s understanding of textile chemistry principles really shines.

Cranfill has completely dedicated herself to the service of the university and the AATCC Student Chapter. Whether it was her role as her class’s representative, a university student ambassador, the founder of an organization focused on healthcare and sanitary needs for women experiencing homelessness, or as president of the student chapter, she has given so much of her time to serve, help, and mentor others. Her work with the NCSU AATCC Student Chapter helped to significantly increase the active membership outside of the chemistry majors and reach students in the apparel and fashion majors. Through her service, she has had an impact on hundreds of students during her time at the university.

Cranfill said: “Immediately after spring graduation, I plan on completing a second senior research project with NCSU’s Harold Freeman and Gerardo Montero centered on supercritical carbon dioxide dyeing. I’m excited to further my research on non-aqueous dyeing methods with two renowned experts in the field. In July, I will be joining Unifi at their Reidsville, N.C., USA, dyehouse as a management trainee. I’ve been able to speak with Unifi representatives throughout my undergraduate career and am happy to be a part of a company so focused on sustainable innovation. Post-graduation, I’ll be continuing my involvement with AATCC as a newly graduated young professional while keeping up contact with our NC State chapter as an alumna.”

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: AATCC

Alchemie Technology, HeiQ Create Sustainable Textile Finishing Partnership

CAMBRIDGE, England — May 26, 2021 — Alchemie Technology — a developer of digital on-demand, smart dyeing technology — has today announced its partnership with HeiQ as it prepares the production rollout of its NOVARA™ digital multifunction finishing solution to the global textile market in Q3 this year.

The partnership combines the expertise of the two innovators, HeiQ in creating some of the most sustainable, effective, durable, high-performance textile technology in the market today. Whilst Alchemie’s digital textile printing technology is transforming the dyeing and finishing industry by reducing the environmental impact and costs of manufacturing, with its waterless, low energy, low chemistry digital technology.

Uniquely, NOVARA can apply single-sided, or simultaneous two-sided, coating of multiple finishes to specific areas of textile. For example, combining anti-odor and water repellence in one material. By offering the most sustainable and efficient direct to fabric solution available, NOVARA enables high performance added value finishing at significantly lower cost using, on average, 50-percent less chemistry, 50-percent less energy, and providing a production cost saving up to 50 percent per meter.

Dr. Simon Kew, managing director, Alchemie Technology, said: “Extensive testing using HeiQ’s chemistry with our digital finishing technology has achieved exceptional finishing performance with half the chemistry required of traditional finishing methods.

“For example, using NOVARA for single-sided finishing of HeiQ Viroblock required 52-percent less chemistry, 66-percent water reduction and 50-percent less energy, whilst achieving a 99.7-percent reduction in antimicrobial activity after 15 washes at 400°C. With the huge demand for high-performance antibacterial, antiviral finishing for face masks, medical apparel, gym wear, home furnishing, mattresses, and textiles for high-risk, high traffic areas such as train, plane seats, and more, our combined technology is critical for increasing protection and reducing environmental impact of these products.”

NOVARA also enables unique lifestyle product innovations at lower production cost for fashion, sportswear, technical clothing, and upholstery such as combining sustainable odour control, skin care additives, and fragrance finishing, without impacting breathability, hand feel or wicking. It is suitable for finishing all fabric types, from 50 to 1000 gsm, including polyester, cotton, nylon and polycotton.

“We’re delighted to partner with Alchemie Technology and their journey to transform the textile industry with solutions that reduce the environmental impact of dyeing and finishing. With such compelling cost benefits, Alchemie’s technology delivers both for the textile industry, and the environment,” said Carlo Centonze, co-founder & CEO/HeiQ Group

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Alchemie Technology

Textile Exchange Launches 2020 Material Change Insights Report

LUBBOCK, Texas — May 26, 2021 — The Material Change Insights Report provides one of the most data-backed and comprehensive analyses of how the industry is progressing in its shift to preferred materials, as well as alignment with global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition to a circular economy. This year the report launches alongside Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index (MCI) that tracks individual company progress.

To bring the motto of Insights-Action-Impact to life and move from strategy to action, Textile Exchange is launching the Report, Leaderboard, and Dashboard together as a set. This provides a comprehensive, multi-pronged analysis of the state of the industry and allows users to explore and engage with the data in multiple ways.

The 2020 launch includes a new and highly interactive MCI Leaderboard. It shows how companies performed and where they are focusing their efforts. The Dashboard models outcomes and impacts associated with preferred materials sourcing and is a key tool to track industry progress towards Textile Exchange’s climate goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.

Claire Bergkamp, the COO at Textile Exchange said, “The Material Change Index is the largest peer-to-peer comparison initiative in the textile industry. We see the MCI as an essential enabler for furthering industry accountability. Through benchmarking we want to help companies and suppliers focus their efforts and drive towards substantial change. There is no time to waste, we must move now in order to achieve the comprehensive systems change that will be required to keep us within the 1.5 °C pathway.”

Five Index Trends

#1. Participation up 10%

191 participants compared to 173 the previous year, greatest participation growth was within the Apparel/ Footwear sub-sector.

#2. Index average score up 17%

The average MCI score was up 9.8 points this year (increasing by 17% from 63.24 last year to 72.53, while remaining at the Level 3 “Maturing” performance band. Companies in the MCI Level 4 Leading band increased 125% from 16 in 2019 to 36 in 2020.

#3. Circularity drives the increase

The Circularity average score moved the Circularity Index average up from a Level 2 to a Level 3 (up 16.01 points from 34.82 to 50.83). Circularity scores increased on average by 37% with the biggest growth among outdoor/sports brands.  Nine companies achieved the Leading Level 4 ranking in Circularity: C&A, H&M Group, Knickey, MUD Jeans, Nudie Jeans, Outerknown, Patagonia, prAna, and The North Face.

#4. Preferred materials now 44% of Index portfolio

Uptake of preferred materials was up 24%, (from 1.7 million tonnes reported in 2019 to 2 million tonnes reported in 2020) and preferred materials now account for 44% of the Index portfolio (previously, 39%). Preferred renewable cotton and recycled polyester accounted for most of this growth. Preferred cotton increased by 26% (1.3 million to 1.6 million tonnes/63% of cotton uptake) and recycled polyester by 30% (from 0.2 million tonnes/17% of polyester uptake to 0.3 million tonnes/18%).

#5. Greenhouse gas savings show some improvement

The most evidence of greenhouse gas emission reduction is linked to the use of recycled polyester. Savings there were 0.7 million tons CO2eq, a 16% saving over a fully conventional polyester equivalence.

​We are tracking industry progress over the next decade and Textile Exchange applauds all 191 companies represented in the MCI this year, for their commitment, transparency, and progress.​

The Insights Report is available for download now (https://mci.textileexchange.org/insights) along with the interactive Leaderboard (https://mci.textileexchange.org/change-index/) and Impact Dashboard (https://mci.textileexchange.org/dashboard/)

2021 Survey launches in June

The 2021 submission window opens in June to brands, retailers, and now manufacturers and suppliers too.​ To participate, contact CFMB@TextileExchange.org and become a Company Creating Material Change in 2021.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source:

Mannington Commercial Launches The Swell Carpet Collection

CALHOUN, Ga. — May 25, 2021 — Mannington Commercial is introducing the Swell Collection, a modular carpet offering available in a plank format with four coordinating styles. Inspired by nature, along with traditional weaving and knitting techniques, the Swell Collection is purposely designed to bring balance and harmony to the workplace, K-12, and higher education environments.

The collection was born from a member of the Mannington Design Studio during a serene moment along the Maine coastline. Here, nature’s raw beauty, like giant waves crashing against jagged rocks, combine with man-made materials, like a tangle of fishing lines, to create unexpected, yet highly evocative scenes of beauty. Invisible on its own, a gust of wind is given shape when captured in the sails of a boat or rippling across the surface of the sea. The unseen billows become visible, transforming our surroundings into shifting shapes of undulating lines and stippled organic textures, giving way to the foundation for the Swell Collection.

Swell offers four styles of modular planks in complementary neutral tones and bright accents. Each style is available in 18” x 36” size in five colorways and features a 14 oz. weight and Infinity® 2 Modular backing.

  • Castline is a medium-scale pattern inspired by undulating lines created within large billowing sails on the waterways.
  • Colorcast is a medium-scale pattern featuring textual patterning reenergizing the use of color and traditional stripes.
  • Eventide is a small-scale texture pattern inspired by a calm and settled horizon.
  • Hightide is a small-scale pattern showcasing light’s ability to transform a horizon with illuminating hues.

“Swell shows how inspirational moments can be used to create beautiful artwork and then become transformed into a well-crafted product,” said Roby Isaac, Mannington Commercial’s Vice President of Commercial Design. “Our design team captured the essence of something both invisible and powerful and, literally, wove a delicate design concept from it. The result is a collection that adds to our portfolio of purposefully designed products which nicely meets the aesthetic needs for workplace and education environments today.”

The Swell Collection features Antron® Lumena™ type 6,6 nylon providing enhanced cleanability, performance, and appearance retention. High-moisture solutions in backings and adhesives are available for use with this collection offering enhanced performance benefits. The Infinity® 2 Modular backing contains recycled content and is certified NSF/ANSI 140 Gold. Product-specific Type III EPD and published HPD are available. This collection boasts limited lifetime wear and backing warranty, a limited 15-year XGUARD® Stain Resistance warranty, and a limited 15-year ColorSafe® Bleach Resistance warranty.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Mannington

Daniel Rüfenacht Appointed CEO Of Bluesign Technologies, A Member Of The SGS Group

Daniel Rüfenacht

GENEVA — June 1, 2021 — SGS — a global inspection, verification, testing and certification company — has announced the appointment of Daniel Rüfenacht as new CEO of bluesign technologies ag, a member of the SGS Group.

The appointment, which takes effect from June 1, 2021, follows a significant new role for current CEO, Jill Dumain as Global Vice-President for Sustainability Solutions at SGS.

Bluesign Technologies, based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, works with the textile value chain, around the world, to eliminate harmful substances within the manufacturing process. Since it was founded in 2000, Bluesign has become the leading sustainability solutions provider for environmentally friendly, safe and resource-efficient textile production with a global system partner network of chemical suppliers, manufacturers and brands.

With a background in business management and communications, Rüfenacht began his career with the Swiss government, identifying new market opportunities for sustainable trade from developing countries, and overseeing the development of the first sustainable label in Switzerland for the textile industry.

Rüfenacht then spent 10 years as executive director at a well-known textile company, transforming it from a traditional clothing company into a widely recognized, sustainable brand.

Joining SGS in 2008 as vice president Corporate Sustainability, Rüfenacht was promoted to Group Vice President, Corporate Communications and Sustainability in 2017. In this role he had responsibility for sustainability management systems, the global sustainability programs, brand and communications, achieving significant change and improvement in these areas.

Charles Ly Wa Hoi, Executive Vice President Connectivity & Products at SGS, said: “Daniel’s extensive experience in sustainability will undoubtedly drive the company forward and lead the way in ensuring excellence in sustainable textile manufacturing.

“Bluesign is about finding solutions to both today’s and tomorrow’s social and environmental challenges and we are confident that Daniel’s ambition and commitment to sustainability will continue to bring about the changes needed to reduce the environmental impact of textiles.”

Daniel Rüfenacht said: “As someone who has dedicated his career to the pursuit of sustainable practice aiming for zero impact in the industry, I feel very privileged to be embarking on this new role. I look forward with my team to galvanize suppliers, manufacturers and brands to reduce the overall footprint of the textile industry and enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.”

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: SGS

Nonwovenn Invests in Next Stage Of Growth

SOMERSET, England — June 1, 2021 — England-based technical fabric manufacturer Nonwovenn is committed to supporting the company’s future growth strategy, and over the last 12 months has invested £7 million in the Bridgwater production site, where it has operated since 2003.

Despite a disruptive year, Nonwovenn has purchased the freehold of its production site, securing its future presence in Bridgwater and invested in new a manufacturing line with additional state of the art technologies that not only provides a significant increase in capacity but also provides access to new product sectors.

Nonwovenn has also made a significant investment in its people over the last 12 months, in innovation, quality, operations and commercial including the appointment of commercial director, Nigel Hardy, an experienced FMCG sector executive, to lead the business through its next stage of growth.

The business currently employs more than 210 people and has enjoyed 12 years of continued growth in sales.

Hardy said: “Over the last 18 months, Nonwovenn has focussed on building manufacturing and commercial capability to ensure we are well positioned to drive growth as we come out of the pandemic. Despite the challenging year, we have continued to trade well and are particularly proud of the commitment of our team, ensuring our manufacturing output and service to our customers continued without disruption. At Nonwovenn, we believe that investing in people and manufacturing assets is key to our success. Having invested significantly in not only its people, but its premises and new technology, Nonwovenn is primed for growth, and I’m looking forward to supporting the business’s exciting growth strategy.”

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Nonwovenn

Hexion Partners With Rassini For Composite Leaf Spring Application In New Ford F-150 Model

COLUMBUS, Ohio & PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico — June 1, 2021 — An EPIKOTE™ epoxy resin system from Hexion Inc. (“Hexion”) has been specified by Rassini for an innovative rear suspension system found in Ford Motor Company’s new 2021 model of the F-150 pickup truck.

Rassini has developed and manufactures the hybrid rear suspension, which consists of a parabolic main steel leaf supported by a composite helper, at its Piedras Negras (Coahuila Mexico) location. With this hybrid suspension, the same stiffness and durability as a conventional multi-steel leaf spring pack is achieved, while realizing a significant weight reduction of 16 kilograms. In addition to the positive impact this has on the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint and payload increase, the lighter weight component leaves provide a smoother engagement, less friction and noise.

Rassini’s composite helper spring is produced on new high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) production lines installed in Piedras Negras. With this strategic investment in composite manufacturing capabilities, Rassini has confirmed its position as a technological leader.

Rassini selected Hexion’s EPIKOTE™ Resin TRAC 06150 with EPIKURE™ Curing Agent TRAC 06150 Epoxy resin system as it enables the robust mass production of the composite helper spring. The EPIKOTE™ Resin TRAC 06720 binder is essential for fabric stabilization and automated preforming of a large directional stack of fabric plies, and is fully compatible with the fast cure resin system.

In partnership with industry developers, Hexion is constantly adapting its composite resin portfolio to answer manufacturers’ increasing need for strong yet lightweight alternatives to metal, that can be produced at faster speeds. Hexion’s continued advances in resin technology can help manufacturers reduce vehicle weight and at the same time, hasten production of high-performance composite components.

“We are extremely pleased to be a valued partner with Rassini in support of Ford’s iconic F-150 truck,” said Francis Defoor, Hexion’s Automotive segment leader. Our expertise in epoxy chemistry as well as our application and process know-how make us a leading development partner for lightweight composite technology.”

“We are very proud of the fact that, together with our highly technical partners such as Hexion and very demanding customers, we have been able to drive forward with innovative solutions and bringing them into large-scale production,” said Brent Collyer, VP Engineering – Leaf Springs Suspension Group North America.

Hexion’s epoxy matrix’ thermo-latent behavior provides a low mixing viscosity for good fiber wet-out and rapid in-mold cure after impregnation. The overall short cycle time in high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) processing leads to efficient capacity utilization. The epoxy composite helper exhibits a long fatigue life even under exposure to severe application conditions like hot weather, high humidity and contact with automotive fluids.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Hexion Inc. / Rassini

Southern Idaho Economic Development Announces Hemp Building Material Manufacturer To Expand To The Magic Valley

JEROME, Idaho — June 1, 2021 — Hempitecture Inc., a Sun Valley, Idaho-based company that manufactures and distributes sustainable building materials, will be expanding its operations to bring a new, 20,000 square foot facility to Southern Idaho. Hempitecture’s facility in the Magic Valley is expected to be operational by May of 2022, bring high-skilled jobs to the region and future investment to Southern Idaho.

The proposed facility will manufacture HempWool®, a sustainable, high-performing fiber insulation for residential and commercial construction projects. The plant-based insulation product captures CO2, helping build healthier and more sustainable homes. Hempitecture, holding the US patent for HempWool insulation, will be utilizing proprietary textile technology to manufacture HempWool insulation.

Learn from Founder & CEO Matthew Mead about the health and sustainability of this product.

“We’re thrilled to be locating our first manufacturing facility in Southern Idaho, an agriculturally focused region,” said Hempitecture Founder & CEO, Matthew Mead. “The Magic Valley, strategically situated along the I-84 corridor, allows us to easily reach our target markets across the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. We’re thankful for the support of the community in making this project possible and we look forward to being an asset to the region for many years to come.”

As recipients of the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grants, the University of Idaho and Hempitecture partnership was awarded a $206,624 grant to further research hemp building materials. “Hempitecture’s expansion brings high paying jobs, opportunity and innovation to the Magic Valley,” Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey said. “This isn’t just a win for Southern Idaho, but also for the state. This project is a testament to the innovation we strive for in Idaho.”

“We are so excited to welcome Hempitecture to the Magic Valley,” said Southern Idaho Economic Development Executive Director Connie Stopher, CEcD. “The combination of sustainability, agricultural technology and innovation makes this a wonderful addition to Southern Idaho.”

In addition to the announcement of the Magic Valley manufacturing facility, Hempitecture just announced an equity fundraising campaign designed to support the build out of this facility.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Southern Idaho Economic Development

Huntsman Publishes 2020 Sustainability Report

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — June 1, 2021 — Huntsman Corp. has published its 2020 corporate sustainability report titled, “Brightening the Horizon: Innovative Solutions for a Low-Carbon Economy,” on its website at Huntsman.com/sustainability. The report highlights many of the ways Huntsman products enable a low-carbon economy and make a positive contribution to society and the environment.

“The pathway to a cleaner environment and more efficient economy runs through Huntsman,” said Brittany Benko, senior vice president of Environmental, Health, Safety and Manufacturing Excellence and Corporate Sustainability Officer for Huntsman. “In addition to the improvements we are making in our operations to run more efficiently and reduce both energy and water usage, our products are directly tied to shrinking the environmental footprint of our customers. Our innovative and sustainable solutions move the electric vehicle industry forward, enable wind energy, make airplanes and vehicles more fuel efficient, save water and energy in the textile industry and use recycled plastic to make the most effective energy-saving polyurethane insulation in today’s marketplace.”

The GRI- and SASB-compliant sustainability report includes Huntsman’s annual Communication on Progress to the United Nations Global Compact, examples of Huntsman’s sustainability principles in action, as well as robust reporting of the company’s environmental, social and governance performance.

This is Huntsman’s 10th published sustainability report since launching its corporate sustainability initiative in 2010.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Huntsman Corporation

Stephen J. Henderson Joins Cole Haan As Chief Digital Officer

GREENLAND, N.H. — June 1, 2021 — Cole Haan Inc. announced today a significant addition to its leadership team: Stephen J. Henderson joins the company as chief digital officer.

Henderson joins the iconic American lifestyle brand and retailer from Caleres Inc. where he was senior vice president ofmarketing and eCommerce.

“I am thrilled to join the Cole Haan leadership team, with its incredible track record for innovation that matches a deep understanding for how consumers live and pursue their passions,” Henderson said. “Cole Haan is an exceptional brand that I have respected for years. I am looking forward to working with the entire team to help accelerate growth, particularly in digital and direct channels, during this unique time in history.”

Jack Boys, CEO of Cole Haan, added: “We are honored to have an executive of Stephen’s exceptional talent join our leadership team. As we look toward digital commerce expansion globally, Stephen will have a wide mandate to work across the entire Cole Haan enterprise to accelerate our digital growth agenda.”

Henderson begins immediately and will oversee Cole Haan’s global digital footprint. In the last year, Cole Haan has rolled out 26 localized sites across international markets with continued growth slated for the next fiscal year. Henderson will oversee all sites operated by international distributors, as well as Cole Haan USA, Japan and Canada.

“Stephen is one of those rare executives that brings equal parts consumer obsession, technological know-how, and a passion for design and user experience,” said David Maddocks, Brand President of Cole Haan. “This alchemy will further transform our global digital platforms to drive growth over the next several years.”

Henderson held several positions at Caleres Inc. Most recently, Stephehen was responsible for overseeing consumer-direct eCommerce, as well as brand, creative, wholesale and consumer marketing for a large portfolio of footwear brands.

Posted June 1, 2021

Source: Cole Haan

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