Sterling Group Launches U.S. Premium Lifestyle Apparel Brand JP By J. Peterman In Asia

HONG KONG — June 8, 2021 — Sterling Group Holdings Limited (“Sterling Group” or the “Group”, an apparel manufacturer for upmarket international apparel brands, is pleased to announce that it has officially launched the American premium lifestyle apparel brand, JP by J. Peterman, as an extension of the J. Peterman brand it already owns. The new sub-brand, marketed primarily online through internet, website, social media channels or key opinion leaders (KOL), is curated for a younger customer base who wants to escape from fast fashion, and desires more individuality, style and quality in their daily wardrobe.

Sterling Group made a foray into brand ownership by acquiring the J. Peterman brand in 2019. Founded in 1988, J. Peterman is a U.S. brand with more than 30 years of history with a good name recognition especially after the popular American TV show “Seinfeld”, casting John Peterman as the eccentric, fun-loving sophisticated world traveller in the series. The brand covers a wide spectrum of merchandise, including shirts, pants and shorts, suits and blazers, outerwear, sweaters, vests, sleepwear, men’s vintage cologne collection, hats, footwear, luggage and bags…etc. The product offerings are mostly unique heritage classic apparels and accessories in the mid to high price segment of the market.

As the spread of the pandemic is gradually slowing down with the rollout of vaccines throughout the world, consumer sentiment has been on the upswing. In particular, the Chinese economy quickly gathers steam with the pandemic effectively under control. Thus, the Group believes it is the right time to introduce JP by J. Peterman to the Hong Kong and China market. The brand will first be launched and incubated in Hong Kong, from which expansion to mainland China and other Asian markets will follow.

Mr. Dennis Y M Siu, Executive Director of Sterling Group, said, “We are excited about bringing to customers in Asia this premium, uncommon lifestyle merchandise for men and women inspired by the heritage classic ambiance of the original J. Peterman brand. To start with, we will collaborate with some local KOLs to heighten the brand awareness through social media channels or other promotion activities. Having gradually built anticipation for the brand’s products, we will first rollout our collections online in Hong Kong, and promptly enter the huge but also competitive China online market. With this distinctive brand philosophy and carefully thought out development plan, we are confident in capturing the hearts and minds of the customers in Asia, diversifying the revenue stream for Sterling Group and creating long-term value for shareholders.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Sterling Group Holdings Limited

Lenzing Welcomes Clear Positioning Of The EU Commission In The Fight Against Plastic Waste

LENZING, Austria — June 8, 2021 — The Lenzing Group, the globally leading supplier of sustainably produced specialty fibers, welcomes the issuance of the guidelines for the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/9041, which took effect on June 05, 2019. In these guidelines, the EU Commission specifies which products fall within the scope of the directive, thus providing clarity in the joint fight of the EU member states against environmental pollution from plastic waste. Lenzing’s wood-based, biodegradable cellulosic fibers such as those of the VEOCELTM brand comprise a sustainable and innovative solution to this man-made problem.

“Pollution of the environment – especially marine pollution – is one of the biggest problems of our time. For this reason, we welcome the measures taken by the EU to reduce certain single-use plastic products and the transition to closed-loop models”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Managing Board of the Lenzing Group. “Lenzing has been investing in the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the textile and nonwovens industry for many years and will also continue in the future to intensively work on achieving systemic change towards a circular economy”, van de Kerkhof adds.

Lenzing’s ambitious sustainability targets make it a trailblazer in manufacturing industry, especially the fiber segment. Lenzing’s considerable investments in developing sustainable innovations and implementing climate objectives focusing on carbon neutrality not only strengthen the company’s market position and increase shareholder value but also continuously create new jobs.

Uniform labelling rules for some single-use plastic products

The Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2020/2151 applying to the Single-Use Plastics Directive stipulate uniform labelling requirements for some of the single-use plastic products on the packaging or the product itself starting on July 03, 2021. They encompass feminine hygiene products and wet wipes for personal and household care containing plastic.

“The issue of hygiene is becoming increasingly important and is especially the order of the day in the light of the prevailing epidemic conditions”, states Jürgen Eizinger, Vice President Global Nonwovens Business at Lenzing. “The Single-Use Plastics Directive enables consumers to make a more informed purchase decision. That is why we welcome these implementation guidelines which now provide enhanced clarity. Lenzing‘s VEOCELTM fibers already offer a natural solution today for the problem of global plastic waste, and the company is continually expanding its capacities for wood-based specialty fibers as a means of promoting the development of sustainable wipes and hygiene products“, Jürgen Eizinger adds.

Consumers want sustainable hygiene products

Even before the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, Lenzing already gives consumers clear guidance in their purchasing decisions. Products bearing the VEOCELTM brand logo on their packaging are produced in line with stringent certification criteria. As a consequence, consumers can be assured that the products contain biodegradable, cellulosic materials.

A Marketagent survey carried out in German-speaking Europe in October 20192 concluded that nine out of ten consumers would immediately change their purchasing behavior for wipes if they found out that their current product contains plastic. This would seem to imply that new market dynamics will emerge once the labelling rules for single-use plastic products takes effect. According to a Smithers Report3, about 500,000 tons of petroleum- based fibers are used each year for the production of wipes.

#ItsInOurHands – the initiative for enhanced awareness and transparency

On the basis of its environmental initiative #ItsInOurHands, Lenzing has been supporting a movement since the end of 2019 in collaboration with its partners to create enhanced awareness and transparency for materials used in wipes. An online platform as well as a dedicated community strive to increase awareness on the part of producers and consumers and thus push ahead with the development of sustainable alternatives (more information at www.itsinourhands.com).

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

AATCC Call For Presentations

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 7, 2021 — Presentation topics are now being accepted for the December 2021 Digital Textile Printing Conference co-sponsored by AATCC and PRINTING United Alliance. Now in its sixth consecutive year, this conference delivers relevant, cutting edge content. Speakers gain exclusive exposure within the digital textile printing community and increase their recognition as industry experts.

The 2021 conference program will focus on solutions-based topics in the following areas:

  • Global market conditions and economic forecasts for digital textile printing;
  • On-demand printing;
  • Latest developments in design software, design considerations and best practices for digital textile printing;
  • Technology advances in digital textile printers, inks and production/RIP software;
  • Digital textile workflows;
  • Case studies;
  • Textile finishing and cut-and-sew;
  • Automation in digital textile manufacturing;
  • Test methods for digitally printed textiles;
  • Emerging business models in digital textile printing; and
  • Digital transformation and its influence on supply chain relationships.

Presentations should be seminar style, 30 minutes long, and either a single- or multi-presenter lecture or panel discussion. Your proposal must be in English and include:

  • Session title and topic;
  • One-paragraph description of session;
  • Three learning objectives; and
  • Full contact information for presenter(s), including name, company, phone number, email address.

Presenters are not required to be members of AATCC or PRINTING United Alliance and there are no fees attached to submitting a proposal.

Submit proposals to Ray Weiss at rweiss@printing.org by July 30, 2021. The conference development team will review all abstracts and notify submitters of their status. Presenters receive complimentary registration to the conference and we will consider virtual presentations if the presenter is under travel constraints.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: AATCC

Stoll: Helping Customers On Their Way With A New, Highly Efficient Shoe Solution

REUTLINGEN, Germany — June 6, 2021 — Just like the fashion sector, the shoe industry is driven by short collection cycles and enormous pressure in terms of time and cost. In order to make processes faster and save on labor, two medium-sized German enterprises — KARL MAYER STOLL Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH and DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH — have joined forces for a joint project. The two partners are confident that combining their specialisms at every stage of the shoe industry’s global value chain is an opportunity that promises plenty of potential for optimization. “This innovative shoe model provides the perfect example of how we can manufacture complex products with a high degree of efficiency and sustainability, by working together and harmonizing our companies’ process sequences,” said Andreas Schellhammer, head of Business Unit STOLL at the Karl Mayer Group.

Diversity, efficiency and sustainability

The two partners have developed an integrated solution that enables innovative shoe models to be manufactured using a highly efficient process. The process starts with the production of seamless, 3D-knitted uppers, which are then hardened in order to activate the functional yarns woven into them, before being attached directly to dual-layer sole constructions.

The advantage of this method is that it minimizes lead times in the development and production process and allows the machine settings to be adjusted for optimum product quality without any additional investment. The machine technologies used for the process — STOLL flat weft knitting and DESMA direct sole attachment technology — are already in widespread use in the shoe industry, for both innovative new products and mass production. Most significantly, the new solution reduces the number of time-consuming production steps required, such as making up the uppers and manually joining together uppers and soles made from different components. It is also a sustainable innovation, as the seamless manufacturing technique means there is no scrap or waste, so no resources go to waste. In addition to this, a seamless, 3D-knitted upper is more comfortable to wear as it is shaped to provide the perfect fit. Last but not least, productivity and pioneering design considerations have also been factored perfectly into the process. Thanks to the flat weft knitting machine and efficient sole attachment process, it is now possible to manufacture high-performance footwear with custom designs using industrial processes.

All-in-one solution for custom uppers

The footwear is manufactured using the ADF 330-32 ki BcW flat weft knitting machine. Like all ADF machines, this model interacts with a number of different knitelligence® components to provide an efficient, automatic and fully digitalised production process. It can also handle a huge variety of different designs. With technology such as inverse plating, STOLL-ikat plating® and STOLL-weave-in® Technology, it can incorporate a wide range of knitwear looks and all the components of the upper directly into the fabric, thus speeding up the making up process. This enormous design potential can be expanded even further by using the multi-gauge E 9.2, in keeping with current trends in the textile shoe upper market. The fabrics created using this process boast designer textures with a level of detail never seen before in flat weft knitted uppers and with on-trend non-porous surfaces. What’s more, the textures of the stitching in the fabric are almost imperceptible. In terms of design potential and the advantages for the making up process, the technologically driven innovations make the ADF 330-32 ki BcW, E 9.2 extremely appealing for any major player in the shoe industry. In addition to this, the ADF machine is also notable for its 36″ working width and optimized dimensions, which represent an added bonus in terms of efficiency. It is also possible to convert any existing ADF flat weft innovation. Besides the production method, its compact format makes this the perfect solution for design and development processes — and thus for tapping into new markets.

More information on the joint venture with DESMA will be available at the Karl Mayer Group’s exhibition booth at ITMA ASIA + CITME, Hall 4/A 35 at the NECC Shanghai between June 12-16, 2021, and on the STOLL website from June 12.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Stoll/Karl Mayer Group

Avgol Names Replacement As CEO Moves To Expanded Role With Parent Company Indorama Ventures

BANGKOK — June 8, 2021 — Avgol, a subsidiary of global petrochemical producer Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), appointed Tommi Bjornman as its new CEO, replacing Shachar Rachim who will focus on his broader role as CEO of IVL’s Hygiene vertical in its Fibers segment.

Bjornman’s new position with Avgol took effect June, 1, 2021. The Hygiene business is one of 16 integrated verticals under Indorama Ventures, and comprises brands including Avgol, Auriga, FiberVisions, ES FiberVisions, Trevira and Wellman. The Hygiene vertical provides fibers and filaments used in hygiene, medical, personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial disposable applications as well as durable textile applications used for automotive interiors, furnishings, wall and window coverings and related goods. Bjornman continues to report to Rachim who retains his role as an Avgol Board member.

Shachar Rachim, CEO – Hygiene Vertical at Indorama Ventures, said: “Avgol has been successfully building a portfolio of sustainable and high-performance products that focus on taking customer applications into the next generation. In my new role, I am thrilled to continue working closely with the leadership team at Agvol on exciting innovations, while taking on broader responsibility for the other fiber companies within the vertical.”

Tommi Bjornman, CEO at Avgol, said: “This is an exciting time for everyone here at Avgol as we continue to develop and launch new nonwoven fabric solutions. While closely supporting our customers through these ongoing challenging times, we are setting ourselves up for the future. I am thrilled that we will continue to build on the foundation Shachar has set. At the same time, we will show the industry Avgol’s resolve on being a viable partner for change.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Indorama Ventures

The World BioEconomy Forum Enhances Awareness Of Bio-Based Products With The Launch Of #Bioproductday

FINLAND — June 8, 2021 – The World BioEconomy Forum is delighted to announce the launching of World Bioproduct Day on July7 this year. World Bioproduct Day is part of the Forum’s campaign to enhance and increase awareness of the importance of bio-based products for the protection of the planet.

Members of the World BioEconomy Forum have been taking time to reflect about the role and importance of bio-based products in superseding non-renewable options. Through the adoption of more bio-based materials we can move towards solutions that are more sustainable and healthier for us and the planet, and step away from non-renewable feedstocks.

Every single one of us has come across a bioproduct. Whether it be reading about one, owning one, or contributing to the formation of one. It may be as simple as a wooden chair or more complex such as a bio-based chemical you have encountered. The possibilities of bioproducts are endless. Bioproducts are now emerging faster than ever, and they are all around us.

Jukka Kantola, founder of the Forum, said, “We are launching a new movement, ‘World Bioproduct Day’ on 7 July in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of bioproducts around us and how they contribute to the larger goal of environmental sustainability and climate action.

“We invite you all to share your experiences and stories of bioproducts you use or own by posting a photo or video of a product made from renewable resources, whether it be at home or the company you work for.  We ask you to share your post via LinkedIn or Twitter with the accompanying hashtag, “#Bioproductday”. We will showcase and share your posts on our social media channels so we hope all of you will participate and join us shining a spotlight on the benefits of bioproducts to the future of the Earth, to the future of our home.”

The next World BioEconomy Forum will be held in partnership with the state of Pará, and major bioeconomy associations in Brazil, ABAG and Ibá. The Forum 2021 will be held in the recently developed and renovated riverside venue Estação das Docas in Belém. The city has been recognized as a Creative City of Gastronomy by Unesco.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: World BioEconomy Forum

Borealis Commits To Major Expansion Of Project STOP In Indonesia To Prevent Plastic Waste From Entering The World’s Oceans

VIENNA, Austria — June 8, 2021 — Borealis is pleased to announce today on World Ocean Day a significant financial commitment to expand Project STOP, an initiative it co-founded with SYSTEMIQ in 2017 to prevent plastic waste from entering the world’s oceans. With this expansion, Project STOP will extend effective circular waste management to two million people in Indonesia, with the goal of properly managing 25,000 tonnes of plastic each year once at full scale by 2025. The ultimate objective is to enhance the circular economy for plastics in the region.

“We at Borealis want to showcase together with our partners how to end the plastic waste issue,” said Borealis CEO Thomas Gangl. “Plastics are key for prosperity and a modern life. We need to implement waste management solutions to avoid any negative impact to the environment from those valuable materials. Turning challenges into opportunities, this approach is in line with Borealis’ commitment to accelerating the circular economy for plastics. As Project STOP continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming new strategic partners, whose skills and resources will be crucial to addressing this significant global challenge together.”

Project STOP works hand-in-hand with city governments to create effective circular waste management systems in high-need areas of Southeast Asia. The initiative supports cities with technical expertise to achieve zero-leakage of waste, increase recycling, build economically sustainable programs, creating new jobs and reducing the harmful impact of mismanaged waste on public health, tourism and fisheries. The first city partnership was established in 2018 in Muncar, located in the Regency of Banyuwangi, East Java. Project STOP also operates two additional city partnerships, in Pasuruan, also in Java, and Jembrana, on the northwest coast of Bali.

By the end of April 2021, Project STOP had reached nearly 200,000 people across its three city partnerships with new waste management services, collected more than 11,000 tonnes of waste, and prevented nearly 10,000 tonnes of waste from leaking into the environment. The initiative has created 210 jobs in the waste management industry in these cities, contributing to both the creation and protection of livelihoods in the communities where it works. As Project STOP’s impact has grown, the number of strategic partners has also grown to include the Norwegian Government, NOVA Chemicals, Nestlé, Borouge, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and Siegwerk. Project STOP’s success is in large part thanks to these collaborations as well as its close partnership with local and national government offices in Indonesia, including the Regency DLH (Environmental agency) and the National Ministry for Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs (CMMAI).

Optimizing the financial sustainability of waste collection and sortation remains a key priority for all partners to ensure future continuity of the system. Project STOP explores sustainable financing models through governmental and private sector systems. Renewed financing will support a coordinated governance model with clear responsibilities and accountabilities, further contributing to the waste system’s effectiveness and efficiency. These efforts in sum aim to contribute to Indonesia’s national commitment to reduce ocean plastic pollution by 70% by 2025.

“The success of these city partnerships has shown that Project STOP’s concept works,” said Joi Danielson, Partner at SYSTEMIQ. “In close collaboration with all levels of government, it has established the necessary infrastructure, secured investment and developed a sustainable financial model that will cover the system’s running costs. The inclusive nature of the approach — drawing on the experience and expertise of stakeholders including national ministries, local authorities, communities and the private sector — is the cornerstone of our approach, and it is the key to future growth. We are excited to see the additional positive impact this renewed commitment will make on the lives and livelihoods on so many people.”

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Borealis

Archroma Launches Its New Color Atlas For Polyester To Turn Inspiration Into A Collection In Just A Few Clicks

REINACH, Switzerland — June 8, 2021 — Archroma today announced the launch of its new Color Atlas by Archroma® Polyester Library, with 1,440 colors for sportswear, athleisure, swimwear, children’s clothing, shoes, fashion and home textiles.

In 2016, Archroma launched the Color Atlas by Archroma, a unique tool dedicated to providing fashion designers and stylists with off-the-shelf color inspiration for cotton that can be implemented in production with just a few clicks.

This original Color Atlas Cotton Library today contains 4,320 colors, almost double compared to similar tools available to textile and fashion specialists, with options for purer ingredients and lighter resource usage for brands exploring more sustainable collections.

“Engineered Color Standards” readily available for every color ensure the entire supply chain is aiming for the same color and are supported via worldwide technical dyeing support. The result is seamless color management from the color selection to its implementation in production.

Introducing The Color Atlas By Archroma® Polyester Library

Building on this success, Archroma is now introducing a Color Atlas library with 1,440 colors carefully selected in collaboration with fashion, sportswear and trend experts.

The new Color Atlas by Archroma Polyester Library brings together colors in line with current trends, from the most neutral tones to the most vivid hues to fluorescent colors.

Intuitive Use

Composed of two volumes, the Color Atlas by Archroma Polyester Library allows professionals to quickly compose the palettes they need:

  • Colorful book covers indicate the shades that lie within each book, making it easy to select palettes;
  • Each volume‘s accordion-fold book design yields quick, intuitive browsing of all colors allowing for fast creation of mood boards and palettes;
  • Also available online, the Color Atlas by Archroma Polyester Library makes it possible to search for the exact color of an object or garment using a photo, thanks to its ‘color on the go’ search tool; and
  • A simple click on each color also lets the user know additional information including eco-labels for the dyes used.

Extremely Resistant And Reproducible Colors

In line with the most demanding performance specifications, the shades of Archroma’s first Color Atlas by Archroma Polyester Library are characterized by their:

  • Excellent resistance to washing, so that they can be easily used for the design and production of sportswear fabrics and articles;
  • Achievability and reproducibility in global production supply chains; and
  • Compliance with the main ecological standards, such as bluesign®, Oekotex® or ZDHC, as well as the specifications of major brands.

Maximizing Benefits With Archroma’s System Approach

Since 2019, Archroma has introduced its system approach, combining innovations and products especially selected to help create value in textile and fashion application processes and end markets. More information is available in the online Archroma System Selector.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Archroma

Techtextil And Texprocess 2022: Registration Now Open — To Take Place Frankfurt Fair And Exhibition Centre From June 21 To 24, 2022

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — June 8, 2021 — The Techtextil and Texprocess trade fairs have a positive view of the future and invite the sector to take part at Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre from 21 to 24 June 2022. Exhibitors who register well in advance benefit from an early-booking discount.

The dates for the next editions of Techtextil and Texprocess have been set and the leading international trade fairs for technical textiles and nonwovens and for the processing of textile and flexible materials are set to attract exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world to Frankfurt am Main from 21 to 24 June 2022. Thus, the fairs are shifting the biennial cycle of events from odd to even years, which fits in perfectly with the sector’s international event calendar.

Companies that book exhibition space at one of the two trade fairs no later than 31 August 2021 benefit from an early-booking discount. “We see the future in a positive light and are confident that we will finally be able to give the sector the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and information in June 2022.

The desire for personal encounters, direct communication and new impressions is growing from day to day”, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies. Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, emphasises that, “Texprocess and Techtextil are the world’s foremost trade fairs for our innovative sector by a large margin. Both events offer customers an unrivalled overview of state-of-the-art innovations and technological developments – and beyond. Particularly when it comes to the latest trends for sustainability and digitalisation, Texprocess and Techtextil in Frankfurt represent the most important, future-oriented market. This makes it all the more important for both the exhibitor and visitor sides of the sector that we have the opportunity to obtain an overview of the latest market developments, to exchange ideas and information and to initiate new business. We are very relieved about this and hope that, next year, we will once again have the chance to generate new momentum for our sector in the international market.”

For the first time, Techtextil and Texprocess will occupy the western sector of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre with a total of four exhibition halls and, with a hybrid format, offer the best of both the physical and immaterial worlds: personal communication, virtual networking opportunities and maximum digital coverage. With a comprehensive hygiene and safety concept, Messe Frankfurt will ensure that all visitors and exhibitors can take part safely and with a good feeling.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Applied DNA Sciences, A&E Introduce Anti-Counterfeiting Technology For Sustainable Sewing Threads

STONY BROOK, N.Y./CHARLOTTE, N.C. – June 8, 2021 – Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and American & Efird, (A&E) today announced A&E’s INTEGRITY™ advanced identification thread technology is available for its ECO100 recycled sewing thread line. Utilizing Applied DNA Sciences’ CertainT® molecular-based technology, A&E’s introduction of INTEGRITY™ ECO100, a sustainable and secure thread, provides an innovative and economical solution for brands to authenticate and validate their products anywhere within the supply chain by way of a common component — sewing thread.

A&E’s INTEGRITY ECO100 identification thread line is produced with 100-percent recycled fiber and combines the technology of Applied DNA Sciences’ proprietary CertainT with Beacon® platform. This innovation can authenticate a brand’s products and components by using the Beacon technology for a quick, in-the-field optical verification and, when needed, by using a portable qPCR test for a forensic analysis of the molecular tag.

Australian celebrity designer, Sara Caverley, will use A&E’s ECO100 thread products, imbued with INTEGRITY and CertainT, in her namesake footwear brand, CAVERLEY, to ensure supply chain security and authenticity.

Caverley noted: “During my time as a designer, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of supply chain security. It is essential that CAVERLEY products are produced with sustainable components that can be traced throughout their supply chain while ensuring we are delivering the very best to our customers. A&E’s ECO100 recycled sewing threads provide tangible proof of the one-of-a-kind leather and luxury trimmings used in our products.”

“Our customers are hyper-aware of the detrimental effects of counterfeit products, from lost sales to the potential loss of brand equity. It’s a real and global threat,” said Chris Alt, executive vice president, A&E. “Our expansion of INTEGRITY secure thread technology developed with Applied DNA Sciences is a natural progression for us to address our customers’ needs and extend our brand protection solutions.”

“INTEGRITY thread protects the brand, as well as supply chains, at a time when security and sustainability are extremely important. We are helping to ensure that customers can meet their supply chain traceability and sustainability goals,” said Wayne Buchen, vice president, Strategic Sales, Applied DNA Sciences.

Posted June 8, 2021

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

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