Lenzing Launches TENCEL™ eShop, The Industry’s First E-Commerce Platform Managed By A Fiber Manufacturer

LENZING, Austria — April 19, 2021 — The Lenzing Group’s flagship textile brand, TENCEL™, unveiled TENCEL™ eShop, the first ever e-commerce channel created by a sustainable fiber producer today. The eShop bridges the divide between manufacturers and the end-consumer by curating a diverse mix of apparel and home goods made of Tencel branded fibers. This debut marks a new milestone in Lenzing’s ongoing digitalization and mission to educate and encourage consumers to make informed purchases. With the eShop, the Tencel brand will provide consumers with a trusted source to make sustainable purchases conveniently.

“The pandemic has been a catalyst that accelerated the industry’s transformation towards digital presence and greater sustainability,” said Harold Weghorst, vice president of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing. “Consumers are electing to buy from the comfort of their homes. Many are also rethinking what they actually need and look for sustainable alternatives where applicable. This is where the new Tencel eShop comes in. It does not only offer consumers a unique opportunity to find sustainable fashion and home textiles from different brands on one single platform, but also enables them to learn about how the raw materials used in their products are being made. We are excited to launch the e-shop with well-known fashion brands, and provide consumers an easy way to source eco- friendly goods.”

Showcasing more than 200 products made of Tencel branded lyocell and modal fibers on eShop, the Tencel brand is leveraging its strong partnership base to expand its textile offerings across multiple segments, from denim to footwear and activewear. The eShop is available on the English language Tencel website and caters to audiences from different parts of the world. Featuring a mixture of international brands, the eShop aims to drive a paradigm shift toward eco-responsible production and eco-conscious consumption of fashion and home textile items. Lenzing will continue to expand its brand partnerships with a goal to triple the product count on the Tencel eShop by the end of 2021.

“We are thrilled to diversify our services and provide brands and retailers a one-stop platform that connects with eco-conscious shoppers directly,” said Florian Heubrandner, vice president, Global Textiles Business at Lenzing AG. “As we continue to develop more sustainable textile solutions, we hope that this new e-commerce channel will evolve into one of our brand partners’ key consumer engagement channels. We also hope that consumers will enjoy a new one-stop platform that is not only convenient to use, but also empowers them to make informed purchases of sustainable clothing and home textile products.”

Adoption of “digital first” strategy to strengthen connection with consumers

Since the introduction of the Tencel brand in 2018, Lenzing has been advocating for the digitalization of the textile industry through a number of initiatives, including the introduction of a one-stop ebranding and licensing system, digitalized retailer education toolkits, blockchain-enabled traceability platform as well as presence on various social media platforms.

As part of the “digital first” strategy of the Tencel brand, Lenzing has several digital initiatives in the pipeline, including the reinvigoration of Tencel’s ‘#MakeItFeelRight” campaign, the launch of the Pinterest page for consumers and LinkedIn Group for retail, mill, and non-governmental organization partners. Each digital program serves to heighten awareness and provide tools to protect the environment, and Lenzing is determined to empower end-consumers and accelerate the transformation to a more sustainable society and economy. Such efforts have pivoted the growth strategy of the Tencel brand to drive a “digital first” approach across the industry supply chain, and among consumers.

“We have been closely monitoring the digitalization of the textile industry since the launch of the Tencel brand. Even before the pandemic, we have witnessed exponential growth of consumer dynamics across digital platforms. Take our Tencel brand website, for example, we have witnessed an increase of nearly 50 percent traffic over the past year. The number of engagements on our social pages also recorded an increase of 870 percent. Consumers are proactively seeking for ways make more informed purchases, and we hope with the launch of the eShop, along with our exciting consumer programs, we can provide a one-stop platform for consumers to embrace sustainability every day,” Weghorst added.

Posted April 19, 2021

Source: Lenzing Group

K-Bro Adds Two More Plants with Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — April 16, 2021 — K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., a healthcare and hospitality linen provider serving Canada since 1954, has recently achieved the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification for its Edmonton, Alberta and Regina, Saskatchewan plants. Other K-Bro plants holding Hygienically Clean certifications include Healthcare at the Burnaby, British Columbia location, and both Healthcare and Hospitality at the Calgary, Alberta location. Hygienically Clean is the quantified, validated standard and measure for hygienically clean textiles in North America since 2011. Achieving this certification reflects a laundry’s commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing based on established hygienically clean healthcare textile methods and standards.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms this organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly RODAC and semi-annual USP 62 testing (RODAC results less than or equal to 20 cfu per square diameter and USP 62 results must show an absence of specified microorganisms) to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced by TRSA in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for Hygienically Clean healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to K-Bro on their most recent certifications,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundries take every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Hygienically Clean reflects the evolution of healthcare laundry certification in light of growing global concerns about infection control, documenting practices that ensure elimination of potentially harmful microbial content while adding quantifiable verification of continuous improvement in overall cleanliness.

Posted April 16, 2021

Source: TRSA

Big Step, Small Footprint: Asics Launces New Earth Day Pack

KOBE, Japan — April 16, 2021 — Sport and exercise fans wanting to keep their activity levels high, but their environmental impact low need look no further than a new collection of environmentally sustainable footwear and apparel launched by ASICS.

The new Earth Day Pack is the ASICS brand’s most planet-friendly cross-category collection to date having been created using a circular manufacturing approach that saw around 5 tons of textile waste, the equivalent of 25,000 T-shirts, recycled into new shoes.

The pack includes many popular products from across ASICS running, court, and Sportstyle ranges, including GEL-NIMBUS™ 23, GLIDERIDE™ 2, GEL-RESOLUTION™ 8 and TARTHER™ BLAST shoes, as well as a wide range of clothing. And all footwear feature a specially created sunflower icon symbolising the brand’s commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.

Yet the Earth Day Pack’s smaller environmental footprint is not just down to the materials it is made from. The socklining of the shoes are developed using a resource-saving technology called solution dyeing that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 45 percent and cuts water use by around 33 percent compared to conventional dyeing processes.

Yasuhito Hirota, president and COO at ASICS, said: “Since our founding in 1949, ASICS’ purpose has been to help people achieve a sound mind in a sound body. But for that, they need a sound earth to exercise on. That’s why we’re committed to playing our part in building a circular economy that helps reduce CO2 emissions and keep global warming at less than 1.5°C. It is said that only 1 percent [1] of the world’s textile waste is upcycled while over 70 percent of apparel ends up in landfill or incinerators. By continuing to innovate the manufacturing process across all our product categories, we can help build a circular economy and mitigate the impact of climate change.”

The environmental sustainability story behind the new Earth Day Pack is further brought to life in its design, with each piece featuring the sunflower logo as well as an intricate seed graphic representing ASICS’ ongoing commitment to planting the seeds of a brighter future. The two arrows in the centre of the emblem denote the brand’s ambition to help build a circular economy.

The Earth Day Pack’s launch follows the release of the Sunrise Reborn Pack earlier this year. Made in part from recycled clothing collected in Japan, it employed the same advanced technology to create a range of upcycled apparel and footwear for the Japan team to wear during an international sporting event.

Note: The percentage of recycled materials used in each of the Earth Day Pack products varies. For running shoes, at least 30% of the shoe’s upper polyester; for sports style, at least 40% of the primary material of the shoe’s upper; and for tennis shoes, at least 40% of the base mesh of shoe’s upper.

[1] Ellen MacArthur Foundation, A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future, 2017 (www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications).

Posted April 16, 2021

Source: ASICS

Per Olofsson Appointed New Managing Director Of SSM

Per Olofsson

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland— April 16, 2021 — SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG (SSM), a subsidiary of the Rieter Group, has appointed Per Olofsson as managing director and member of the SSM Group’s management team effective April 1, 2021. Olofsson is a Swedish citizen and holds a Master of Science Degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, and an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Oloffson joined the Rieter Group in 2013 and is an experienced operations manager with a proven management track record at both local and global level.

SSM welcomes Olofsson and wishes him every success in his new function.

Posted April 16, 2021

Source: Rieter Management AG

Solesis Announces Investment From Altaris Capital Partners

TELFORD, Pa. — April 15, 2021 — Solesis Inc., the healthcare subsidiary of Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA (Michelin), announced today that Altaris Capital Partners LLC, known collectively with its affiliates as Altaris, has entered into an agreement to acquire a 51-percent stake in Solesis from Michelin. Michelin will maintain a 49-percent interest and will formalize a research and development initiative with Solesis to develop advanced polymers for life sciences and medical technology applications.

Solesis is an innovative provider of biomaterials, tools and services for the life science and medical technology industries. Solesis operates through two primary business divisions, Secant Group and Charter Medical. The Secant Group, which includes SanaVita Medical, is a supplier of biomaterials and implantable textile structures that enable repair, recovery and regeneration of human tissue, as well as technical materials for the specialty chemical and aerospace markets. Charter Medical supplies single-use tools for cell culture expansion, cryopreservation and fluid management that are used during the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, including cell and gene therapies.

“Over the years, Solesis has established a successful business built on differentiated technology platforms. We are thrilled to enter the next phase of our journey in partnership with Altaris and Michelin, which will enable us to accelerate our business strategy and growth plans. Through increased investment in R&D and enhanced access to capital, we intend to continue to develop innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers and their rapidly expanding end markets. This is an exciting time for Solesis, our customers and our dedicated team,” said Karen West, CEO of Solesis.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Solesis and Michelin,” said George Aitken-Davies, co-founder and managing director of Altaris. “We believe Solesis is a market-leading provider of biomaterial technologies and will continue to make significant contributions to advancements in the life science and medical technology fields. We look forward to working closely with Michelin and the Solesis team to develop and grow the company in the years to come.”

As part of the transaction, Solesis will formalize a research partnership with the Advanced Research Group of Michelin to develop novel polymer technologies for medical applications, including the company’s [PGS] biopolymer platform, which is currently being commercialized in several therapeutic categories as Regenerez® and Hydralese™.

Posted April 15, 2021

Source: Solesis Inc.

Wrangler® Unveils Global Sustainability Platform: WeCare Wrangler™

As part of WeCare Wrangler, the brand continuously looks for opportunities to work with its partners and suppliers to minimize impact on the planet – such as recently expanding its Indigood program to include additional water saving technologies.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 15, 2021 — Wrangler®, a global icon in jeanswear and casual apparel, today announced the launch of its WeCare Wrangler™ sustainability platform, building off the brand’s long-standing commitment to protecting the planet and the people that call it home. WeCare Wrangler unites the brand’s legacy of sustainability with measurable goals designed to bring consumers the apparel they know and love while reducing the brand’s environmental impacts.

Coinciding with the launch of the WeCare Wrangler platform, the brand has launched the new Retro® Green Jean assortment which improves on favorite Wrangler styles with a variety of natural fibers, recycled hardware and eco-friendly materials from the hem to the waistband and everything in-between.

“It matters to Wrangler what’s in our clothing. Our process for creating apparel that consumers are passionate about starts with respect for both for the planet and the people who call it home,” said Tom Waldron, EVP, global brand president of Wrangler. “The WeCare Wrangler sustainability platform will act as our roadmap as we help lead the industry toward meaningful change that creates more positive environmental and social impacts.”

Sustainable Innovation Guided by Three Areas of Focus:

The WeCare Wrangler platform is guided by three key focus areas:

  1. Planet: The iconic Wrangler denim starts as cotton, and the brand is committed to protecting the land from which it grows. From protecting the soil, to saving water, to reducing waste and energy use, Wrangler is dedicated to challenging itself to leave less of an impact on the planet.
  2. Product: Wrangler understands that the planet’s resources are limited and is constantly re-thinking how its products are made and what they’re made of – finding more ways to use less.
  3. People: Wrangler is committed to doing right by all people with the products it makes. That means treating workers throughout its worldwide supply chain fairly and with respect. It also means upholding the brand’s commitment to find more ways to have less environmental impact on the planet.

Responsibility Driven by Accountability

As part of WeCare Wrangler, Wrangler is building off the steps the brand has already taken toward a more sustainable future and has set ambitious goals as they are important. These include:

  • 100 percent preferred chemistry in throughout its supply chain by 2023;
  • 100 percent renewable energy powering all owned and operated facilities by 2025;
  • 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025; and
  • 50 percent reduction in water usage by 2030.

Driving Sustainable Apparel Through Innovation and Industry Collaboration

Wrangler further drives sustainability in the supply chain with strategic alliances that propel apparel development forward. In addition to signing onto the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign guidelines last year, the brand also joined its Make Fashion Circular initiative, which drives collaboration between apparel industry leaders to ensure clothes are made from safe and renewable materials, new business models increase their use, and old clothes are turned into new.

“We’re continuously looking for opportunities to work with our partners and suppliers to minimize impact on the planet,” said Jeff Frye, vice president of product development and direct procurement at Kontoor Brands. “When we all work together, we can create apparel that not only looks good, but conserves the land it’s created from.”

Posted April 15, 2021

Source: Wrangler®

Barco Uniforms Announces The Appointment Of Ron Wagenseil As Its President And CEO

LOS ANGELES — April 15, 2021 — Barco™ Uniforms today announced the appointment of Ron Wagenseil as its president and CEO.

The change in executive leadership underscores the company’s continued commitment to purposeful innovation, global growth and, most importantly, passion for honoring and serving those who serve others by delivering Barco’s meaningful and globally recognized apparel brands.

Wagenseil joined Barco’s Board of Advisors in 2020 to help the company begin its journey of digital transformation, offering invaluable counsel based on his innovative mindset and leadership experience in consumer products.  His contributions while serving on the board made it clear that he would be instrumental in leading Barco to elevate its mission to innovate with purpose.

Wagenseil has worked with some of most influential and impactful global brands of the last century, including Nike, VF Corp., Disney, Reebok and Delta Apparel. Throughout his career, he has held various executive leadership roles and been influential in the accelerated revenue growth for direct-to-consumer channels in the apparel and consumer goods industries.

“At Barco, purposeful innovation is in our DNA. We honor healthcare professionals and essential workers by creating products that enhance their performance and make a difference in their lives,” Wagenseil stated. “Our passion to serve those who serve others fuels our desire for continual growth and improvement. That will play a significant role in how we position the company for continued market share growth and differentiate Barco from its competitors.”

Founded in 1929 by Morris Barker, Barco’s journey began in 1936, when his stepson, Kenneth Donner, took the reigns as its innovative and passionate leader, developing Barco’s DNA around a culture of caring for over 90 years.

Kenneth wanted to honor and celebrate healthcare workers with better options that fit and functioned exceptionally well. His vision was simply to lift human spirits by redefining the power of professional apparel with style and quality.

Since 2006, Barco has partnered with ABC to curate authentic Grey’s Anatomy™ by Barco Professional Wear. It quickly achieved global success as the scrub brand of choice for millions of healthcare professionals around the world by helping them look, feel and perform better while taking care of patients.  Barco’s purpose is also evident in two of its best-selling sustainable scrub brands, Barco One and Skechers™ by Barco, both made from recycled plastic bottles in an effort to reduce the volume of plastic in the ocean.

Barco continues to see dynamic market share growth and will continue to build on the global popularity and success of its apparel brands while staying true to its purpose of making a difference in the world and in the lives of essential workers.

Posted April 15, 2021

Source: Barco™ Uniforms

U.S. Textiles Continues To Grow

By Jim Borneman, Editor In Chief

Challenging times have a way of adding caution to the mindset of even the most optimistic business people. That being said, the evidence continues to mount that manufacturing — including the textile mill and apparel sectors —
continues to grow in the United States.

The latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® stated: “The manufacturing sector grew in March. The March Manufacturing PMI® registered 64.7 percent, an increase of 3.9 percentage points from the February reading of 60.8 percent. This figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the 10th month in a row after contraction in April.”

Keep in mind that that includes a lot of COVID-intense months and any PMI reading above 50 percent represents economic growth.

The reported also noted: “Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 17 reported growth in March, in the following order: Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Printing & Related Support Activities; and Petroleum & Coal Products. No industries reported contraction in March.”

Yes, that is correct — Textile Mills leads the list of growing manufacturing sectors with Apparel in sixth place out of the 17 growing sectors.

As the editors worked on this issue of Textile World, it became apparent that the industry really has some bright spots. This issue’s investment roundup piece, “U.S. Textile Investment Roundup,” indicates no shortage of interest in buying into the future of the U.S. textile industry. And while interviewing prominent textile executives, highlighting technological developments or discussing new alternative fibers, an air of optimism was apparent.

Hearing from National Spinning’s President and CEO Jim Booterbaugh about its winning strategy of diversification and yarn evolution from predominantly wool and acrylic for apparel, to include a broad mix of fibers for technical applications, illustrates how innovation is at the heart of long-term success. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year! (See “National Spinning: 100-Years-Strong,” TW, this issue).

There is also growing optimism about the economy opening up and normalizing day-to-day business. As vaccinations sweep through the nation, there is a sense of a horizon and there will be a time when the industry can meet, share ideas and celebrate the achievements so many in the industry have accomplished during such difficult times.

Sights are set on Techtextil North America 2021, to be held August 23-25 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C. It seems a distant memory, but the 2019 edition also held in Raleigh, had the show’s highest attendance for an odd-year with 3,185 visitors.

One wonders if that record may be broken once again. How large is the hunger to see colleagues, share developments and renew business relationships? Will the risks be low
enough and will the industry come together once again? Time will tell.

March/April 2021

Parkdale, Ferrara Awarded Mask Contract By Biden Administration

The Biden Administration has awarded contracts to Parkdale Mills and Ferrara Manufacturing Inc. for the production of more than 17 million U.S.-made face masks.

Parkdale, the country’s largest cotton yarn spinner based in Gastonia, N.C., has partnered with New York City-based tailored clothing company Ferrara to make the Berry-compliant reuseable masks that are part of the president’s pledge to procure millions of Made in America masks to be distributed at community health centers, food pantries and soup kitchens.

Parkdale will contribute yarn spun at its North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia mills, while Ferrara will use its cut-and-sew operations to complete the masks. The partners will contract other U.S.-based companies from throughout the manufacturing supply chain to assist in the effort including: Clover Knits, American & Efird, America Knits, Apex Elastic, Texlon Plastics, Cotswold Industries, South Fork Industries, USC Bag, Fitessa, Unionwear, Lynda Studios and Domoi Collection.

“The entire Parkdale team wants to thank President Biden and his administration for this opportunity to make reusable cotton face masks for millions of Americans,” said Davis Warlick, Parkdale Mills. “By procuring 100-percent American-made masks, we are putting thousands of workers across the United States to work to help our most vulnerable communities. We are excited to partner with Ferrara Manufacturing and are proud of our supply chain partners and their hard work to make this product crafted with pride in the United States.”

Kim Glas, president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, said: “We want to sincerely thank President Biden for his leadership and support of American manufacturing workers. We appreciate the administration’s commitment to purchase fully made in America masks and we believe this is a significant opportunity to continue to showcase our incredible domestic textile industry and all of its capabilities. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to onshore these critical supply chains long-term and we look forward to working with the administration and Congress to advance long-term policies to bolster this critical production capacity here in the United States.”

March/April 2021

Stein Fibers Announces Acquisitions

Stein Fibers Ltd., Albany, N.Y., reports it has purchased Charlotte, N.C.-based Consolidated Fibers and J.E. Herndon Co., Kings Mountain, N.C.

Consolidated Fibers specializes in man-made fibers for the nonwovens industry. In addition to polyester and viscose fibers, Stein reports the acquisition adds “a complement of speciality and niche products to its portfolio. Bob Kunik, owner and president of Consolidated Fibers, as well as several other key sales and operational associates will remain with the company.

J.E. Herndon specializes in the purchase and processing of textile mill fibers and by-products. Its finished fiber blends are used globally in diverse applications including industrial yarns and banknote paper. J.E. Herndon President and Owner Patrick Mullen has joined the Stein Fibers sales and marketing team, which is based in Charlotte.

“The diversification and opportunities that J.E. Herndon will bring to our business will complement our core focus, as well as those brought by our recent acquisition of
Consolidated Textiles,” said Chip Stein, owner, Stein Fibers. “We are fortunate to have such well-respected and successful businesses as a part of Stein Fibers.”

March/April 2021

1...907908909...2,671Page 908 of 2,671

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.