IFF’s Health & Biosciences Division Announces Distribution Partnership With Polyorganic

SÃO PAULO — March 8, 2021 — IFF’s Health & Biosciences division announced the selection of Polyorganic Tecnologia Ltda as the distribution partner for the enzyme portfolio for textile processing in Brazil.

The enzymatic solutions from IFF’s Health & Biosciences division are used in a large variety of textile processes, including desizing, biopolishing, bleaching and finishing of fabrics and garments.

“With the help of Polyorganic, we will be able to provide better service and support to customers in Brazil,” said Elaine Scarelli, regional leader for home & personal care, IFF’s Health & Biosciences division. “We are excited to be able to contribute more to the innovation and sustainable development of the textile industry in Brazil, with enzymatic solutions that provide quality processes, with reduced water and energy costs.”

Being natural biocatalysts, enzymes provide a more sustainable solution to produce textiles, as they replace caustic chemicals used in scouring, reduce pressure in waste water treatment, work at lower temperatures and use lower dosages compared to traditional textile processes and improve production efficiency by reducing the use of water and energy.

IFF’s Health & Biosciences textile processing enzymes’ portfolio include the product and brand names: Optisize®NEXT and PrimaGreen® EcoSize Plus for desizing fabrics and garments, PrimaGreen EcoScour and PrimaGreen EcoWhite 10, for scouring and bleaching at a lower temperature in neutral pH; PrimaGreen Oxy and GC 118®, for effective removal of peroxide and a more consistent dyeing result; Primafast® cellulase products for biopolishing to obtain a softer touch and “clean” fabric surface that lasts longer and IndiAge®cellulase for denim stonewashing.

Posted March 9, 2021

Source: IFF

TRSA Adds Senior Director To Certification Staff

Samlane Ketevong

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 8, 2021 — TRSA recently hired Samlane Ketevong to lead its certification programs. Ketevong joins the association’s staff in the newly created role of senior director of certification and accreditation, leading TRSA’s family of certification programs, including Clean Green, Hygienically Clean and individual certification programs such as the Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM), among others.

In this role, Ketevong will direct and oversee the process for certification and recertification, while also facilitating and implementing strategic goals for each certification program, including annual operational plans and three-to-five-year goals. She will confer with subject-matter experts for regular standards development and revisions, inspection programs, exam development, self-study materials and professional testing. Additionally, Ketevong will ensure that all TRSA certification programs comply with policies and procedures related to accreditation, and lead efforts to achieve status as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards-development organization. Ketevong will report directly to TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci.

“I am excited to join the TRSA team and look forward to enhancing its certification programs and bringing more awareness of the need for cleaner, safer and more environmentally conscious facilities,” Ketevong said. “As we head out of this pandemic, we can change the world and make it safer — one organization at a time.”

Ketevong comes to TRSA with more than 15 years’ experience running credentialing programs, interacting with subject-matter experts and accrediting institutions, as well as managing events. Ketevong previously served as the director of certification services for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). During her tenure at ABC, she rose from a program assistant to manager and ultimately director.

“Samlane brings experience and enthusiasm to this new role,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “She will work closely with Angela Freeman, director of certification, and the various stakeholders to develop strategic and marketing communications plans for each program. Samlane will also help TRSA pursue recognition as a standard development entity and work closely with our European counterparts Standards Working Group.”

Ketevong holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. She also earned a credentialing specialist certificate from The Institute for Credentialing Excellence.

Posted March 8, 2021

Source: TRSA

Lighter Footprint, Brighter Tomorrow: ASICS Upcycles Second-Hand Clothes To Create New Running Shoes

KOBE, Japan — March 5, 2021 — Today, ASICS is giving a boost to runners and the planet with the launch of SUNRISE REBORN™ PACK of new running shoes made from recycled clothing collected in Japan.

To create the shoes, ASICS employed the same advanced technology it used to craft a range of upcycled apparel and footwear created for the Japan team wear for an international sporting event. This innovative technology allows ASICS to recycle, remake and restyle discarded materials into new textile designs, like the SUNRISE REBORN™ running shoes.

In the case of SUNRISE REBORN, ASICS used second-hand clothing collected in Japan to create a new limited-edition line. This new collection is another significant step in ASICS’ ongoing mission to help minimise the environmental footprint of its products all over the world.

Yasuhito Hirota, COO and president of ASICS Corp., 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. Through sustainable products like SUNRISE REBORN PACK, we want to let people all over the world enjoy the mental and physical benefits of sport while preserving the planet for future generations to do the same.”

The SUNRISE REBORN PACK includes two of ASICS pinnacle shoes, the METARIDE™ and GEL-QUANTUM 360™ TYO, both in the striking sunrise red colourway. These new models will be available from March 5.

This limited-edition range is part of ASICS’ Sunrise initiative, encouraging people everywhere to move their body and mind at sunrise, this time with a lighter footprint for a brighter tomorrow.

Posted March 8, 2021

Source: ASICS

Loepfe Brothers, Loptex Partnership Extends Vision For Yarn Contamination Detection

ZURICH, Switzerland/MONTANO LUCINO, Italy — March 9, 2021 — Loepfe Brothers Ltd. and Loptex S.r.l. have today announced a distinguished strategic collaboration targeted at further improving yarn quality and productivity for spinning mills.

Both companies have a long track record of supporting spinning industry customers with latest technology to improve their performance and profitability. Today, this new collaboration brings Loepfe’s YarnMaster Prisma and YarnMaster Zenit+ yarn clearers together with Loptex Exa and Centra sorters for a complete solution supplied by Loepfe.

This integrated offering combines the advantages of eliminating contamination at the opening stages of production with additional refinement of the yarn further down the line at the winding stage. The net result for spinning mills is production of the highest quality yarns while generating less waste, greater machine efficiency and less energy consumption.

Loptex CEO Renato Gerletti commented: “We welcome this collaboration which harnesses the strengths of both the Loptex and Loepfe products for our customers. There are many synergies between the approaches of our two companies, not least of these being our dedication to using leading edge technology to deliver great results for spinning mills everywhere.”

Loepfe CEO Dr. Ralph Mennicke added: “We are looking forward to working with the Loptex team. Next to our in-house R&D commitments, this is a complementary partnership that puts customer needs first and will deliver a vital combination of top quality and greater productivity to textile mills. As the industry emerges from one of the most difficult trading periods in living memory, we continue to be committed to rolling out new and innovative solutions over the months and years to come.”

Posted March 9, 2021

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

The National Retail Federation: Retail Imports Expected To Grow Dramatically During First Half Of 2021

WASHINGTON — March 6, 2021 — Imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports are expected to grow dramatically during the first half of 2021 as increased vaccination and continued in-store safety measures enable additional shopping options, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“NRF is forecasting what could turn out to be record retail sales growth in 2021, and retailers are importing huge amounts of merchandise to meet the demand,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “The supply chain slowdown we usually see after the holiday season never really happened this winter, and imports are already starting to grow again. Consumers haven’t let the pandemic stop them from shopping, and retailers are making sure their customers can find what they want and find it safely.”

“As COVID-19 ravaged the economy in 2020, it seemed as if any hope of recovery was distant,” said Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett. “Then came the rollout of vaccines that appear to be highly effective and are bringing strong signs of a quick recovery. The successful distribution of vaccines will help ensure that the economic recovery will likely be strong and sustainable.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.06 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in January, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 2.3 percent from December as the busy holiday season came to an end. But with a 13 percent year-over-year increase, it was the busiest January since NRF began tracking imports in 2002 and the first time the month has ever topped the 2 million TEU mark. A TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.

While import numbers for both February and March are forecast to be significantly higher than normal, year-over-year comparisons are difficult because of the pandemic. February is traditionally the slowest month of the year as Asian factories close for Chinese New Year, but last year most remained closed into March because of the coronavirus, reducing numbers even further. This year, however, some remained open during the holiday in order to fill a surge in orders, and ships arriving at U.S. ports faced a backlog to unload. February results aren’t available yet, but the month was projected at 1.88 million TEU, up 24.4 percent over last year, while March is forecast at 1.98 million TEU, up 44.1 percent.

April is forecast at 1.9 million TEU, up 18.2 percent year-over-year; May at 1.92 million TEU, up 25.2 percent; June also at 1.92 million TEU, up 19.6 percent, and July at 2.02 million TEU, up 5.3 percent.

The first half of 2021 is forecast at 11.7 million TEU, up 23.3 percent from the same period in 2020, which experienced a major decline in imports due to COVID-19. Imports saw a total of 22 million TEU in 2020, up 1.9 percent from 2019’s 21.6 million TEU and beating the previous record of 21.8 million TEU recorded in 2018.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted March 8, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Tempur Sealy International To Expand Manufacturing Operation In Scott County, Va. – Will Invest $16.7 Million

RICHMOND — March 4, 2021 — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Tempur Sealy International Inc. will invest $16.7 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Scott County. The company will increase production to meet growing demand for its proprietary foam mattress and pillow products. Virginia successfully competed with New Mexico for the project, which will create 25 new jobs.

“Southwest Virginia has been an ideal base of operations for Tempur Sealy for nearly 20 years because of the region’s proximity to major interstates and access to the company’s customer base,” Governor Northam said. “As one of the largest employers in the area, this expansion will allow the company to increase production capacity to ensure the future viability of its Scott County plant. Creating quality jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector is more important than ever as we work to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic, and we thank Tempur Sealy for their continued partnership.”

Tempur Sealy designs, manufactures and distributes bedding products. The company’s highly recognized brand portfolio includes Tempur-Pedic, Sealy® featuring Posturepedic® Technology, and Stearns & Foster®. Headquartered in Lexington, Ky., Tempur Sealy operates two manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Duffield, Va. Tempur Sealy employs more than 5,000 throughout the United States, with 300 employees at its Duffield facility.

“We are proud that Tempur Sealy has again chosen to reinvest in our Commonwealth and expand its presence in Scott County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “As our manufacturing sector continues to thrive, Virginia’s commitment to job training and providing a skilled workforce pipeline ensures our valued businesses have the talent they need to grow. We appreciate Tempur Sealy’s commitment to Southwest Virginia, and congratulate the company on its continued success.”

“Tempur Sealy has expanded a number of times since opening in Scott County in 2001, and this expansion will enable the Duffield plant to increase its production and support the growth of Tempur Sealy’s award-winning products,” said Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy chairman and CEO. “We have developed a strong relationship with the community, and we are fortunate to have a well-educated workforce committed to excellence in quality, safety, productivity, and environmental compliance. I want to thank the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Scott County for facilitating this project. The expansion will be essentially complete by the end of the year, and the capacity increase will be realized by 2022.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Scott County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $110,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with the project. Tempur Sealy International is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company is also eligible for workforce development and training funds from VCEDA.

“We appreciate the investment in jobs and equipment that Tempur continues to make in Scott County,” said Danny Mann, chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors.  “Tempur is a strong regional partner and plays a vital role within the LENOWISCO region.”

“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, we would like to congratulate Tempur Sealy on its expansion in Scott County, Virginia,” said Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director of VCEDA. “Since locating in the region two decades ago, this operation has been a tremendous asset for the entire region, providing excellent employment opportunities for the citizens of Scott County and Southwest Virginia.”

“Virginia’s economy benefits when a business like Tempur Sealy decides to expand,” said Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director Stephen A. Edwards. “Our expansion and modernization efforts are resulting in efficiency and delivery of service for the cargo owners using The Port of Virginia. Our goal is to help Tempur Sealy capitalize on our performance and grow its business, and we look forward to serving as its international trade gateway for years to come.”

“This expansion is welcome and exciting news for Scott County and all of Southwest Virginia,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “Tempur Sealy is a great employer and partner in our region, and we are lucky to have them as a corporate citizen. I appreciate the hard work that has gone into securing this investment, which will create jobs and serve as a catalyst for growth in the community.”

“We are pleased with Tempur Sealy’s announcement to expand its manufacturing operation in Duffield,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore. “Tempur Sealy continues to be a great asset to Southwest Virginia, and I am grateful for the company’s decision to make this investment in Scott County.”

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Florida A&M Athletics And NIKE Inc. Team Up For Six-Year Partnership

BEAVERTON, Ore. — March 4, 2021 — Florida A&M University Athletics announces a six-year partnership with NIKE Inc. to make Nike its official athletic footwear, apparel and equipment provider. Beginning July 1, 2021, Nike will supply Florida A&M Athletics with footwear, uniforms and apparel, extending a relationship that began more than 20 years ago.

The FAMU men and women’s basketball teams will be outfitted in LeBron James signature-branded uniforms, apparel and footwear, including colorways designed specifically for the university.

“Nike has long supported Florida A&M Athletics, and I’m committed to lifting up HBCU’s, so I was happy I rocked a pair of the PEs in-game and showcased a piece of what’s to come for the men’s and women’s basketball programs,” said James about the shoes he wore during his March 2 home game.”

The partnership expands Nike’s focus in deepening its relationships with HBCUs, working together with schools who share a long legacy in developing the next generation of global changemakers. NIKE Inc. will also support Florida A&M Athletics’ student-athlete development programs, offer internships and coordinate networking opportunities for Florida A&M students.

“Florida A&M has a rich tradition of excellence on the court and field, which not only includes athletic success, but equally important in academics, preparation for future careers and community engagement,” said Sonja Henning, Nike’s vice president of League Partnerships for North America. “Through our continued relationship with Florida A&M Athletics, we’ll have the opportunity to partner with some of the country’s preeminent student-athletes and the next generation of leaders.”

As part of Nike’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Nike increased its HBCU hires from 8 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2020 through new partnerships with organizations that include the National Black MBA Association and Reaching Out MBA.

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: NIKE Inc.

TRSA Adds Industry Veteran Alan Maness To Staff

Alan Maness

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 5, 2021 — TRSA recently hired former Milliken executive Alan Maness as an industry liaison to serve its membership in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Maness began his role at the association on March 1.

In his new role, Maness will serve as the staff liaison to the Safety Committee and the F&B/Hospitality Committee. He also will review the curriculum and help select faculty for TRSA’s Professional Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI), and work with a task force of subject-matter experts to identify and develop test questions and self-study materials for TRSA’s Maintenance Manager certification program. Maness also will assist in membership development and retention, as well as facilitating relationships with operators, supplier partners, and other associations and organizations to increase engagement and expand membership.

“I’ve known Alan since joining the industry,” said Joseph Ricci, CAE, TRSA president and CEO. “Alan’s experience will offer TRSA additional insight into improving member value, adding subject-matter expertise to his projects including liaising with members, committees and task forces, and other industry-related organizations.”

Maness recently retired after a 44-year career spanning textile manufacturing, human resources, sales and marketing. Before joining the team at TRSA, he served as the global director of sales and marketing at Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, SC, where he led the Milliken Table Linen business for five years as the division’s business manager. During his career at Milliken, he was active in the association, serving as the chair of TRSA’s Marketing Committee.

Maness has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: TRSA

Dow Signs Memorandum Of Understanding To Establish South China Specialties Hub

ZHANJIANG, China — March 4, 2021 — Dow today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Committee (Zhanjiang EDZ) to build the Dow South China Specialties Hub, a multi-year project providing customers local access to Dow’s portfolio of high value products and innovative technologies.

“Asia Pacific is the world’s largest chemicals market. Demands in the region are evolving towards high-value, specialty chemicals that help customers meet rapidly-developing megatrends in mobility, urbanization and sustainability,” said Jon Penrice, Dow Asia Pacific president. “The establishment of the Dow South China Specialties Hub would further position Dow to provide industry-leading materials science solutions to continue to grow with our customers in China and throughout the entire region.”

The new manufacturing hub would extend Dow’s local reach, further enhancing supply reliability, responsiveness to market needs and customized innovation, and better positions customers for success in markets including automotive, pharmaceuticals, cleaning chemicals, apparel, lubricants and adhesives.

Aligned to Dow’s focus on low capital intensive, fast payback and high return growth projects, under the MOU the Company would invest approximately $250 million to construct specialty polyurethanes and alkoxylates facilities, with a total product capacity of approximately 250,000 tons. The site also offers opportunity for future development and expansion at the Specialties Hub.

Henry Ling, vice president of operations, Dow Asia Pacific, said: “The South China Specialties Hub will be built to Dow’s world-class environmental, health and safety standards and aligned to Dow’s recent commitment to become net carbon neutral by 2050. The new hub will adopt and employ advanced digital, intelligence and automation technologies to create a manufacturing space of world-class safety, productivity, reliability and sustainability performance.”

“Dow is a global leader of material science solutions and we are happy to see its planned investment for establishing a specialties manufacturing hub in Zhanjiang,” said Liang Pei, party secretary of the Zhanjiang EDZ. “We are committed to turning our petrochemical park at the Donghai Island into a world-class one, providing a modern infrastructure and necessary supportive policies to Dow and the park’s other companies.”

The Dow South China Specialties Hub will be located at Donghai Island in Zhanjiang, the farthest southern tip of mainland China. Unique advantages include a deep-water port, transportation networks, and a world-class chemical park with advanced infrastructure and services. The strategic location enables Dow to cover demand across Asia Pacific.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: Dow

Legacy Home Brand Fieldcrest® Joins JCPenney Exclusive Brand Portfolio

PLANO, Texas — March 4, 2021 — JCPenney is pleased to announce the addition of the celebrated home brand Fieldcrest® to its exclusive merchandise portfolio, which introduces an expanded high-quality bedding, bath, utility, and window selection. Trusted by consumers for more than 125 years and rooted in the textile mills of North Carolina, Fieldcrest blends luxurious materials, attention to detail, and best-in-class craftsmanship that stand the test of time.

“Welcoming the Fieldcrest brand to JCPenney is a proud moment for us and a key milestone in our journey to re-establish JCPenney as a leading home destination,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchant. “As people spend more time at home and look to refresh their spaces, this collection features elevated yet attainable pieces that make everyday luxury possible.”

Featuring plush fabrics, neutral color palettes, and rich textures, the Fieldcrest assortment helps customers create an artfully crafted home. With thoughtful details like embroidery and piping, clean silhouettes, and sophisticated patterns, these timeless furnishings will bring a sense of calm to any space and ensure that customers’ most-loved items will last year after year.

Building on the momentum following the launch of the home brand Linden Street™ last spring, Fieldcrest is the newest addition to JCPenney’s home merchandise portfolio and the first of several new and refreshed home brands slated for this year. Fieldcrest reflects JCPenney’s commitment to offering fashion, quality, and value in our merchandise and complements the Company’s growing portfolio of national home brands such as Cambridge®, Cuisinart®, Luminarc®, Sonicare®, PowerXL®, Pure Enrichment®, Nordic Ware®, Schott Zwiesel®, SensorPEDIC®, Sharper Image®, Taste of Home™, Wilton®, and Zoku®.

Fieldcrest products are available exclusively at JCPenney in all stores and online at jcp.com starting March 4.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: JCPenney

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