Chico’s FAS Announces Appointment Of Jay Topper As Chief Digital Officer

FORT MYERS, Fla. — March 22, 2021 — Chico’s FAS Inc. today announced that Jay Topper has been appointed chief digital officer. In this role, Topper will oversee the company’s technology, infrastructure and security, and supply chain and logistics, and he will report directly to Molly Langenstein, president and CEO of Chico’s FAS.

Topper has more than 20 years of digital experience and joins Chico’s FAS from FTD®, where he served as chief digital officer and was instrumental in driving the company’s ecommerce business, products & technology functions, supply chain and ecommerce operations for the past four years.

“Jay is an experienced leader with a proven track record of increasing consumer engagement and revenue. He will be instrumental in creating a seamless end-to-end customer experience and identifying customer friction points and unlocking sales and growth in our Company,” said Molly Langenstein, president and CEO. “As we continue to position ourselves as a digital-first and customer led Company, I am proud to welcome Jay to Chico’s FAS.”

“I am incredibly excited to join Chico’s FAS at this pivotal time for the business,” Topper said. “I look forward to partnering with Molly and the entire team as we continue to strengthen the company and deliver superb experiences for our customers.”

Prior to FTD, Topper was chief technology officer of Vitacost, where he led technology, fulfillment, distribution, social media and customer service. Before joining Vitacost, he served as senior vice president, of Customer Success at Rosetta Stone where he oversaw technology, CRM, learning engagement and customer service.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Chico’s FAS, Inc.

kathy ireland® Worldwide Partners With The Trident Group

NEW YORK CITY — March 22, 2021 — kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) has partnered with Trident Ltd., a global supplier of home textiles based India, and Trident Global Inc. (TGI) its U.S. subsidiary based in New York City. The announcement was made by Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. Operations for TGI. The new strategic relationship encompasses bath towels, kitchen towels and beach towels. The products will be marketed under the kathy ireland® Home brand with kitchen towels also marketed under the Sunday Dinner collection curated by Chef André Carthen for kathy ireland Home. The collection will also be included in Trident’s rapidly expanding e-commerce business, featured on many of the most recognizable platforms in the digital space, as well as at select major brick and mortar retailers. The agreement expands kiWW’s global reach, as the products will be available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Trident’s home country of India.

“As part of our ongoing growth strategy, we began looking for a strong, recognizable brand for the U.S., which would also have application in other countries where we enjoy a strong presence. kathy ireland Worldwide was the perfect opportunity for us, as both our companies’ missions were quite similar. Above and beyond our joint commitment to quality, we share a passion for the ethical treatment of people, the environment, and sustainable manufacturing initiatives,” Kambak said. “I have known Kathy and the team at kiWW for many years, having had the privilege of working with them earlier in my career. I have always found them to be insightful, collaborative, creative, brilliant at marketing, and focused on building sustainable businesses together. Trident is known not only as one of the world’s largest home textiles manufacturers, but also one of the most innovative manufacturers in the arena, and this is going to be a very exciting partnership.”

“We are delighted for this new collaboration with Trident and the opportunity to work with Jeff again,” said Kathy Ireland, chair, CEO and chief designer of kiWW, listed as the 26th most powerful global brand by License Global magazine. “Trident’s mission of bringing high quality products to market, while strictly adhering to its strong commitment of bettering the human condition around the world through ethical and sustainable practices, very much aligns with kiWW’s core values.  We look forward to bringing our customers these lush and beautiful products.”

“We are delighted to Partner with the spectacular team at Trident, as we expand the textiles business unit at kathy ireland Home,” said Jon Carrasco, executive vice president and worldwide creative director, kathy ireland Wordwide and Stephen Roseberry, president and CMO kathy ireland Worldwide, respectively. “Our growth in the residential sector is exciting and Trident will make a powerful difference and give us a very specific worldwide advantage in kathy ireland Home products for all of our retailers and our individual clients, who purchase and make the success of kathy ireland Worldwide possible every day,”

John and Marilyn Moretz of Moretz Marketing in North Carolina; Rocco Ingemi, executive vice president, Fashion and Fine Jewelry, kathy ireland Worldwide; Larry Childers, Team Operations vice president, kathy ireland Worldwide; and Tommy Meharey, kiWW board member and vice president, are actively responsible for and co-managing the partnership.

The new kathy ireland Home collection from Trident will be available for purchase later this year.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Trident Ltd.

Longtime TRSA And Industry Stalwart Bill Mann To Retire

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 22, 2021 — A lot of laundry has passed through the hundreds of plants that have benefited from Bill Mann’s expertise since he entered the industry as a teen-age “bundle boy” in September 1958. Now after a 62-year career in the laundry industry and a key post as director of industry affairs for TRSA, Mann will retire next month after the April 21-22 TRSA HR, Health and Safety Summit.

Noting that he wants to spend more time with family, including his wife Charlene and their children and grandchildren, Mann is stepping away from a part-time role he’s continued as liaison to the TRSA Safety Committee, serving as an inspector for TRSA’s Hygienically Clean certification program and guiding the production of the Laundry Operations and Management manual published in 2017. Mann’s latest move comes eight years after his “official” retirement in 2013, following a nine-year stint as TRSA’s director of industry affairs.

“I’ve always said, ‘If you’re going to do a job for someone, do it right,’” he said. “I feel now is the right time to step back from the industry,”

TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci praised Mann’s many contributions to TRSA and the linen, uniform and facility services industry. “Bill has given so much to the industry and TRSA through our educational programs, Hygienically Clean certification, the Safety Committee, advising individual members and so much more,” Ricci said. “He will leave a huge space to fill. But we understand he’s ready to retire. Soon, Bill will have a chance to reflect on his many accomplishments during an outstanding career.”

Mann cited three key areas that he’s proud to have contributed to, including:

  • Hygienically Clean certification: as director of industry affairs in the early 2000s Mann served on the steering committee that organized an initiative that evolved into the Hygienically Clean certification program. Since 2012, the certification effort has helped elevate standards to protect laundry employees as well as hospital staff and personnel at other organizations served by the roughly 230 plants that are now certified to the Hygienically Clean standard.
  • Textile Laundering Technology: Commonly known by its acronym “TLT,” this 2007 publication offers laundry operators guidance on wash formulas and all facets of chemical use and handling, fibers and fabrics, finishing, energy and troubleshooting throughout the laundry process.
  • Laundry Operations and Management: Published in 2017, this book offers an overview of the laundry industry, from soil sorting to washing, drying and finishing, packout and delivery. An incoming manager who’s new to the industry or an industry veteran can gain insights from the work of dozens of operators and supplier partners who contributed to this publication.

Before joining TRSA, Mann had an outstanding career in the laundry industry, beginning with the laundry and dry-cleaning business of Mary McIntosh Services, York, PA. After starting part-time in the wash aisle while still in high school, Mann learned quickly. Within 12 years he had advanced to general manager for Mary McIntosh. During this period, he also completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration at York College.

Mann later entered the supplier partner ranks, serving as a chemical sales representative for BASF Corp. and later UNX Chemicals Inc. Mann also attained a certificate in accounting to buttress his management skills.

Mann was active in community affairs as well over many years. He served as president of the Spring Creek Lions Club, Macungie, PA; and he played a key role in the founding of a bowling league for developmentally disabled children and adults.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: TRSA

Matik Hires Mauro Consalvi As Sales Director For OLBRICH

Mauro Consalvi

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — March 22, 2021 — Matik Inc. is excited to welcome Mauro Consalvi as the newest addition to its sales management team. Consalvi will be responsible for North American sales of OLBRICH coating/laminating products.

“Mauro brings extensive knowledge of coating and laminating machines,” says Steve Leibin, president at Matik. “His broad experience in managing sales representatives and directing sales activities will help us to continue to meet, and exceed, our customers’ expectations. Mauro will be a strong asset in our organization and a key contributor to our customers’ success.”

Consalvi has more than 30 years of experience in the printing industry, ranging from product development and design to capital equipment sales and sales management. He has represented several industry-leading manufacturers of coating and laminating machines, web viewing and web inspection.

OLBRICH provides custom coating and laminating systems with added-value optional features such as printing, embossing and drying. Individually tailored to specific requirements, OLBRICH solutions are ideal for a range of applications, including transdermal drug delivery, decorative films, technical textiles, wall covering and other applications.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Matik, Inc.

Archroma Celebrates Three Years Of Working With Aniline-Free Indigo Heroes

REINACH, Switzerland — March 22, 2021 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, celebrates nearly three years of successfully converting the denim industry to aniline-free1  pre-reduced liquid indigo.

Archroma launched its aniline-free1 Denisol® Pure Indigo in May 2018.

Archroma has built a very strong reputation as a leader in developing innovations and solutions that help make its industry more sustainable. The company calls its vision and commitment: “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature.”

Aniline is a key ingredient to make the indigo molecule. Unfortunately, during this process some aniline impurities are carried through into the indigo dyestuff. When the indigo is dyed on the fabric, a lot of the aniline impurity is locked into the pigment in the fabric. The remainder of the aniline impurity, approximately 300 metric tons annually, is discharged during dyeing. This can be an issue as aniline is toxic to aquatic life. In addition, exposure levels to factory workers can be high. The new Denisol Pure Indigo 30 liq was therefore developed as an aniline-free indigo solution for designers, manufacturers and brand owners who long for authentic indigo inspiration.

Since the launch of Denisol Pure Indigo, several denim manufacturers, such as Absolute Denim, Advance Denim, Azgard 9, Kilim Group, Nuevo Mundo, Rantex, Shasha Denim and Tuong Long, have taken the matter in their hands and converted their production or dedicated lines to aniline-free denim to brands and retailers.

The innovation is also supported by denim partners such as Be Disobedient and The Denim Window.

Almost three years later, Archroma and its partners can pause and proudly look back to all the aniline they have removed — together — from the market, thus preserving the health of many denim workers and the aquatic life in our rivers.

Archroma evaluates that, based on the total quantity of Denisol Pure Indigo sold until its introduction, its partners helped remove almost 18 metric tons of aniline from the denim supply chain. That represents an equivalent to about 300 million pairs of jeans free of aniline and more than 18’000 garment workers protected from its toxicity.2

“Aniline is a key ingredient of indigo,” said Heike van de Kerkhof, CEO at Archroma. “Because of the toxicity of aniline, we really wanted to do something about it — although we initially faced some resistance as not everyone was ready to shed light on the issue of aniline, especially in the indigo industry. That is why we are so grateful to the many like-minded denim partners who decided to take the hand we were offering with Denisol Pure Indigo.”

1 Below limits of detection according to industry standards (tested & proven).

2 Based on 15 minutes of work to produce one pair of jeans, produced over 8-hour working days and 300 working weeks per year.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Archroma

Ratana’s New Outdoor Label, Terana, Mimics Nature’s Design For Luxury Outdoor Living

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — March 22, 2021 — This spring, Ratana, will launch its first-ever couture label: Terana. For more 40 years, the luxury home outfitters’ commitment to providing the best in outdoor living has been fueled by its love of nature. Terana’s luxury label of modular fittings will only be available to the trade, housed under the family-owned business umbrella company, Ratana, as its luxury label. Terana seeks to elevate the outdoor living experience while remaining unparalleled in quality and durability. Inspired by change — the only constant in nature — comfort lies in change due to its nostalgic abilities to connect past and present.

Embracing the deep pull of nature tugging at its soul, Terana’s launch consists of four different collections: Palo, Lamego, Alassio and Bogota each inspired by the breathtaking elements of nature; water, ice, sand, and stone. Add a breath of life to outdoor living with Terana and experience a personalized dose of nature, the earth’s ultimate soul soother. Terana will be available to trade Spring 2021 via: LOOKBOOK.

Terana’s line of modern forms, exquisite tailoring, and woven techniques mimic the beautiful silhouettes we see in nature. Terana came from the word “terrain”, and thus encompassing how the earth’s elements all play in symbiosis with one another — water eroding against steep cliffs to produce sand & soil — seen imbued through Terana’s modular capabilities as they transform from simple seating to deep comfort. As seen in the designs of Palo, the base fitting can be a simple ottoman, to a one-seater arm-chair to a club chair, simply by adding elements to the design. With more than 100 high-performance outdoor fabrics to select from, bring new life to a modular seating concept allowing for maximum versatility whilst the deep-seating qualities execute maximum comfort. The unmatched quality translates beautifully into the design language rehearsed in high-end resorts, boutique luxury hotels, five-star eateries, and in the homes where luxury lives.

“TERANA fosters Joanna’s vision to encompass the essence of the new label while also remaining true to its roots,” said Enrique Moya-Angeler, creative advisor. “Inspired by the word terrain , the name celebrates outdoor living, and the Return to Nature new label echoes the same consonants R, T, and N that emerge from RATANA.”

With color palettes that align with the most splendid of natural elements, Terana draws you in with her beauty and locks you in with her unique attention to detail. Terana is built upon the inspirations of nature but can also be made custom to fit the functionality and purpose. The pieces in this collection will not only serve to transcend your living space, it’ll connect you with nature. Enjoy your return to it.

“Terana came alive under Ratana ’s 40th anniversary, and encapsulates the lessons learned over all these years,” said Joanna Leung , Ratana’s vice president of Strategy. “We were excited to add Enrique to our team to create this new brand. Terana is a label that brings us back to our roots, literally, as the name was inspired by the French and English word, Terrain. The name reflects on the label’s ability to adapt to any type of terrain, emphasizing its core resilience mission.”

Palo — Sophisticated, sleek, and spacious life of the party. A Tiger powder-coated aluminum frame and modular connectors give the Palo its strength, while over 100+ customizable fabrics make for a decadent spot to sip your cocktail al fresco. Palo offers a wide range of products that add to Palo’s bottom line; this is the collection that beckons you to come take a seat.

Lamego — The classical yet sophisticated Lamego collection was inspired by the cathedral architecture of the Portuguese city of Lamego. Sit and relax on crisscrossed woven cobalt graphite Durastrap, which are stylishly knitted and artistically designed to mimic the church towers in the grand city of Lamego. Lamego offers weather-resistant powder coated aluminum frames composed of durable synthetic EVA rubber that can withstand stress cracks, moisture, and UV elements. Complicated by carefully tapered legs reminiscent of mid-century modern design that is not only aesthetically pleasing to view but comfortable to sit and marvel.

Alassio — Inspired by the relaxed resort lifestyle of the Italian Riviera, the Alassio collection exudes understated elegance. With its modern form and exquisite tailoring, the Alassio collection makes a statement in any outdoor environment. Its modular seating concept allows for maximum versatility and its deep seating concept allows for maximum comfort. Carefully crafted with a powder coated aluminum frame and customizable upholstery seating provides for endless possibilities to fit any lifestyle.

Bogota — The sophisticated Bogota collection was inspired by the cobbled stone streets of the historic city of Bogota. The luxurious thick interwoven Durastrap and tapered legs speak to unparalleled attention to detail in design and construction. The interwoven Durastrap is made of weather resistant polyolefin material wrapped around a foam insert for maximum comfort. The frame is crafted with a durable powder coated aluminum frame.

Incorporating the Earth back to design, Terana seeks to give its customers a personalized dose of nature.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Ratana

Mattress Manufacturers Turn To Precision Textiles Fiber Products As Alternative To Foam

TOTOWA, N.J. — March 22, 2021 — Precision Textiles — a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive and healthcare industries — is experiencing increased demand for its fiber products as mattress manufacturers grapple with industry-wide foam shortages. The fiber products can be used in a mattress’s top comfort layer as well as an alternative to firmer foams that support spring units. Using a combination of both can result in a reduction of foam up to five inches, reducing bedding manufacturers’ reliance on the volatile raw material without sacrificing the feel of the mattress

“Raw material availability, particularly in foam, is perhaps the most serious challenge our industry is facing today,” said Gerry Welkley, national sales manager of Precision Textiles. “As consumer demand for home furnishings and mattresses continues to grow at a rapid pace, we have been fielding calls from our customers looking for fiber products that can be used instead of  traditional foam used in quilted comfort layers as well as alternatives to the firmer-support foams used as support layers deeper inside the mattress build. As these raw material shortages and allocations on foam prevail, retailers and consumers alike are looking for manufacturers that can supply them with products in a timely fashion. Precision Textiles has three solutions in stock and available to help our partners bridge the supply gap without sacrificing the comfort feel of the mattress.”

Engineered to perform as a foam alternative, Precision Textiles’ ECOLOFT, ECOLOFT LUXE and its line of Vertically Lapped Densified Eco-Pads provide the necessary “spring back” and support that foam products offer.

“In addition to being a suitable alternative to bridge the gap, these three products offer increased breathability, providing a cooler night’s sleep, and offer inherent self-extinguishing FR properties,” Welkley added. “Additional benefits include non-allergenic and recyclable attributes.”

Ecoloft is a high-quality quilting fiber made by combining conjugated spiral crimp pillow fill with bicomponent polyester. It reduces the amount of combustible materials in a finished mattress by eliminating the traditional polyurethane foam layer behind the fire-resistant (FR) barrier. The lofty polyester fibers in Ecoloft also create an added dimension of luxury to mattress panels and borders, while serving as an easy-to-quilt product. A top layer of a mattress constructed with Ecoloft can displace one quarter of an inch up to three quarters of an inch of foam.

The fiber in Ecoloft luxe is produced by combining down alternative pillow fill with bicomponent polyester. Like Ecoloft, it reduces the amount of combustible materials in a mattress by doing away with the polyurethane foam layer behind the FR barrier. Ecoloft Luxe is also an easy-to-quilt product that creates an added depth of luxurious silky dimension to a mattress’s panels and borders. A top layer of a mattress constructed with Ecoloft Luxe can displace one quarter of an inch up to three quarters of an inch of foam.

Vertically Lapped Densified Eco-Pads are formulated to maintain indentation load deflection longer than any conventional fiber pad. Their vertical orientation, as opposed to the common horizontal orientation of other fiber pads, gives a mattress more spring-back for greater support and resilience. They also contain a lower level of volatile organic compounds than conventional foam. Using Eco-Pads can reduce the thickness of an inner support layer of foam by one to four or five inches.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Precision Textiles

Wellness Footwear Company FitFlop Appointments Gianni Georgiades CEO

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — March 22, 2021 — FitFlop has announced the appointment of Gianni Georgiades as CEO.

Gianni has an impressive commercial pedigree, having been Omnichannel managing director for EMEA at Deckers (UGG) and vice president for Europe at Coach. In his most recent role as CEO at Lacoste Footwear, the joint venture with Pentland Brands, in addition to driving the expansion of the brands product offer to include the first pro tennis shoe, Gianni drove a focus on product re-engineering, sustainability, and 3D technology.

Gianni said: “FitFlop has a one-of-a-kind opportunity in footwear, with the zeitgeist shifting fast toward wellness, health, alignment and balance. There is magic running through this brand’s DNA and, in a world where wellbeing has come into fast focus, quality of life starting with exceptionally engineered shoes makes a lot of sense. I’m really excited to work with Marcia and the team to grow this business.”

Marcia Kilgore, FitFlop’s founder added, “We can already feel the energy, enthusiasm and expertise that Gianni is bringing to the FitFlop table, and our team is looking forward to working with him, and to building on our strengths to create the world’s biggest – and of course best- wellness footwear brand.”

Gianni will be joining the FitFlop team on 6th April 2021.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: FitFlop

Eastman, GP Cellulose Provide Critical Support For Longleaf Pine Restoration In Florida

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — March 22, 2021 — In celebration of the International Day of Forests on March 21, Eastman, Eastman Foundation and GP Cellulose worked with The Longleaf Alliance (LLA) to provide 60,000 longleaf pine seedlings to Torreya State Park in Northwest Florida. This conservation collaboration is intended to help protect forest ecosystems, support delicate wildlife communities, and help repair the planet for future generations.

The planting is part of a larger effort to restore important longleaf habitats that provide homes to endangered, threatened and at-risk species such as the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake. Restoring longleaf pine forests can also help protect Florida’s water quality.

The Torreya State Park site was selected because of the devastation to the area from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Eastman Foundation and GP funded the conservation project due to their shared commitment to restoring and maintaining these fragile forest ecosystems.

“Eastman recently announced our vision for A Better Circle to address climate change, mainstream circularity and build a more inclusive and equitable world,” said Jon Woods, general manager, textiles for Eastman. “As part of this vision, we also announced our Naia™ sustainability commitments, where our Naia team underlines our full commitment to the protection of forest ecosystems across the globe. We are proud to work with The Longleaf Alliance and Georgia Pacific to restore a threatened ecosystem so that it may thrive once more for future generations. Through the restoration of the longleaf habitat at Torreya State Park, we pledge to educate communities on the importance of responsible forest management, playing our part in building awareness on the vital role of forests.”

According to the Florida Forestry Association, there are 17 million acres of forestland in Florida, covering almost half of the state’s total land area. The forest industry contributes $25 billion to the state’s economy, and ten counties economically depend on the forest industry.

Hurricane Michael’s destructive path inflicted damage to more than 1.4 million acres of forest, including severe damage to about 96 percent of the longleaf pine forests in Liberty County, where the planting took place.

“Our support of reestablishing the longleaf habitat and the diverse ecosystem it enables is one of many ways we demonstrate our commitment to sustainable forestry,” said Munir Abdallah, president of GP Cellulose. “Since 2015, Georgia-Pacific has supported 10 longleaf planting projects that added well over 400,000 seedlings in the Southeast. Doing business in a sustainable way and contributing to a healthy environment is an expectation we have of ourselves and that our customers now have of us.”

“Guiding the restoration, stewardship, and conservation of longleaf pine ecosystems is core to the function of The Longleaf Alliance. We are thrilled to be working with Eastman, GP Cellulose and Florida State Parks to restore longleaf habitat at Torreya State Park. By restoring this area back to longleaf, the park will be building a healthy forest that is not only one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America, but also provides tremendous value through forest products, reduced wildfire risk and protection of source water quality,” says Carol Denhof, president of LLA.

The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. This year’s theme is “Forests and Biodiversity.” The Torreya State Park planting campaign both supports and celebrates this theme.

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Eastman

Teijin Frontier Enhances Global Network With New Firm In India

TOKYO — March 22, 2021 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, announced today that it has established Teijin Frontier India Pvt. Ltd. in Gurugram, India, to conduct sales and trading activities that will further strengthen its global business. Teijin Frontier India will start its operation on April 1.

India has the second largest population in the world and its domestic market is expected to grow steadily. The Teijin Group established its first local subsidiary in 2007 aiming to develop the local market and Teijin Frontier has been conducting market research and sales activities in India since 2010 incorporating diverse sales platforms. The establishment of Teijin Frontier India will strengthen Teijin Frontier Group’s ongoing global business expansion in strategic fields including the environment, mobility and high-performance textiles, three sectors where India is expected to be a key player in terms of both supply and consumption.

Going forward, Teijin Frontier plans to continue strengthening its global value chain for producing yarns, fabrics and finished products

Posted March 22, 2021

Source: Teijin Group

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