SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 4, 2021 — Milliken & Company is pleased to announce Cindy Boiter has been promoted to executive vice president and president of Milliken’s Chemical Division. Effective March 15, she will step into the role currently held by David Moody as he transitions to a role outside of Milliken.
“It is an exciting appointment for our company, as Cindy will become the first-ever woman division president at Milliken,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken. “She is uniquely qualified to lead our chemical division thanks to her extensive experience in the division, the acquisitions she has completed and her embodiment of Milliken’s purpose.”
Boiter joined Milliken’s Chemical Division in 2012 as marketing, strategy and business development director and progressed to become the division’s CFO, where she played an integral role in its rapid growth. In 2018, she transitioned to Milliken’s chief strategy officer, where she led the company’s 2025 strategic planning initiatives and oversaw two significant acquisitions. Boiter is a recipient of the Milliken Honors Award for Diversity and Inclusion and is an active ally for associates worldwide.
“We also want to take a moment to thank David Moody for his 33 years of service at Milliken and wish him well as he moves to the next stage of his career,” Cook concluded.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — March 4, 2021 — Lear Corp., a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, today announced that it has manufactured and distributed more than 4 million face masks from its Pine Grove, Pa., facility since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lear installed mask-making equipment at the facility in 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, with capacity available to make 600,000 units per week. From Pine Grove, Lear has distributed masks to distributors, schools, hospitals, civic departments, non-profits and company employees.
Given the aims of the recent Executive Order on Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain to build long-term capability in the United States to manufacture medical supplies for health care crises, the Pine Grove facility continues to be ready to supply domestic customers with locally made face masks.
“We continue to make available our manufacturing and technology resources to help address this health care crisis,” said Ray Scott, Lear president and CEO. “It’s important that we work together to help protect our communities, families and coworkers, and keep businesses operating.”
Using innovative cloth and fabric solutions from Lear’s Guilford Performance Textiles business, employees at the Pine Grove facility completed training to operate the mask-making machines and practice health protocols from Lear’s Safe Work Playbook to safely operate during the pandemic.
For its efforts, the plant was honored with Lear’s 2020 CEO Special Appreciation Award, the company’s highest award given to the plant or team that went above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to make a difference.
“The quick and safe implementation of face mask production capabilities at Pine Grove was made possible by the global Lear team’s procurement and engineering work and support from our union partners and the local government,” Scott said.
CARTERSVILLE, Ga.— March 4, 2021 — Piana Group — a 439-year-old textile company known for chemical treatment innovations for fiber and nonwoven textiles in automotive, appliance and bedding markets — has turned its resources towards COVID-19 protection.
According to the company, the new Piana Protection™ technology enables any textile or porous surface to be protected with an antiviral and antibacterial treatment with fibers that are treated throughout and highly durable. The Piana Group’s solution relies upon advanced silver chemistry and patented Piana fiber treatment processes that ensure efficacy within minutes of contact. Independent laboratory tests have shown a 99.8-percent reduction in viral activity in the first 30 minutes and 99.995 percent viral reduction after one hour.
Piana Protection fiber technology is currently specified for use in face masks which are pending final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will be available in the market in Spring 2021. This exciting new technology is highly versatile and will soon be integrated into a host of other consumer products including pillows, mattress toppers, filtration and seating applications. The proprietary antiviral and antimicrobial solution is pending approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Cushioning articles treated with Piana Protection will feature patent pending V-Smart™ nonwoven fiber construction. V-Smart materials are lightweight, highly resilient, moldable and have extremely high airflow to help maintain a cool, dry environment, according to the company. The addition of Piana Protection antiviral and antimicrobial treatments will further elevate the numerous distinctive attributes of this adaptable foam replacement material.
Piana Group products are manufactured using patented, ecologically sound manufacturing processes and are 100-percent recyclable, minimizing and reusing waste through our highly transparent, eco-friendly operations in Cartersville, Ga., and San Luis, Ariz.
LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — March 4, 2021 — trinamiX, a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE, now supports the reliable differentiation between nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 with its Mobile Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy Solution. Within seconds, plastic waste from the two nylons can be sorted using a handy measuring device as part of trinamiX’s solution. With this new application, trinamiX is responding to customer wishes and expands its broad offering for plastic sorting.
Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 belong to the most sought-after engineering plastics. Thanks to their robustness, they are suitable for a wide range of applications — from fishing nets to resilient components. Since nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 have similar properties, they are used interchangeably in numerous applications — and it is virtually impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye. At the same time, the separation of nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 has gained traction in recent years in light of growing requirements within the recycling industry. As a result, the production of high-quality single-grade plastic recyclates — including nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 — is becoming increasingly lucrative.
“For many recycling companies, sorting PA6 and PA66 previously involved a cumbersome analysis process – and, therefore, proved often times neither profitable nor feasible,” explained Adrian Vogel, manager, Sales and Business Development Spectroscopy Solutions at trinamiX. “With our new application, recycling companies can quickly determine the polyamide type and process the waste streams accordingly.”
Besides the recycling industry, plastics processing companies who rely on nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 in their products also benefit from trinamiX’s new application. They are now enabled to perform a clean separation of PA6 and PA66 production rejects or waste. In-house recycling processes can thus be geared towards an optimized and more efficient use of valuable resources.
In addition to distinguishing nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution can already identify all common plastics — from classic polyolefins such as PE and PP, to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and engineering plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Recycling companies as well as manufacturers, traders and processors of goods made from recyclate benefit from a flexible and mobile solution that offers user-oriented applications for the sorting of plastic components and packaging materials.
Launched last year, trinamiX’s solution combines robust hardware with intelligent data analysis and a mobile app. NIR spectroscopy is a proven technology that trinamiX has integrated into a portable format for on-site analysis. In doing so, trinamiX relies on cloud-based data processing, which ensures continuous development of the solution — there is no need to replace hardware. This way, trinamiX can continuously develop new applications and react flexibly to new challenges in the field of plastic sorting – while working closely together with customers as in the case of its new nylon 6/nylon 6,6 application.
Sensitive® Fabrics with LYCRA® Sport certification, tapings by Framis Italia
CARONNO PERTUSELLA, Italy — March 4, 2021 — With “Free Up The Vibes”, Sensitive® Fabrics by EUROJERSEY puts the spotlight on the multiple performances of activewear garments that caress the silhouette and facilitate every movement, without forgetting the more glamorous aspects of outfits that are far too cool to be worn only for working out.
Designed to satisfy the highest standards of the sports world, Sensitive Fabrics with Lycra® SPORT technology have proved to be the perfect solution for today’s luxury activewear. Lifestyles have changed and formal dress has given way to clothes that are styled to suit the wearer’s body shape, needs and desires. An emerging trend that is fully reflected in the collections of the most innovative fashion brands, which have identified a perfect partner in the offering of Sensitive Fabrics, certified with cutting edge Lycra Sport technology.
Patented by EUROJERSEY, Sensitive Fabrics is an all-Italian product of excellence, characterized by an exclusive textile construction, a high percentage of Lycra elastic fiber and a unique offering of weight variants, prints and finishing processes. Lycra Sport certification, widely known and appreciated by sportswear brands, applies an exclusive scientific method for rating fabric performance, based on a combination of Comfort, Power and Energy indicators. A valuable technology, also for the most innovative fashion creations.
BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — March 4, 2021 — Textile testing partner Hohenstein will now help 3D designers and fabric suppliers create libraries of accurately digitized materials with a physical swatch book add on. The material parameters, based on Hohenstein’s universal translator approach, include data needed for consistent simulation across digital design platforms. The optional swatch book, which specifies the inputs for specific platforms, allows designers to see and feel the fabric samples they are using.
“Accurate digital material parameters are often neglected but have a huge impact on realistic simulation and fit,” said Simone Morlock, head of Hohenstein’s Digital Fitting Lab. “We also recognize the value in getting your hands on the material. Even if the process is digital, these products are still being designed by — and for — humans.”
The new service addresses the challenges caused by lack of standardization, where each 3D program requires different parameters, uses different names and units and recommends different testing kits. Hohenstein’s universal translator approach was developed during an internal research project to standardize material digitization. It analyzed the different requirements, data formats, units and results of the various 3D apparel design systems. After narrowing the test parameters to five essential textile-physical tests, the laboratory created a conversion that ensures consistent visualization and behavior across the different systems.
Precise digital material parameters are the key to the successful use of 3D technologies for visualization and technical fit prototyping. Designers will access digitized materials that correlate exactly to the fabrics they have chosen. The swatch books can be customized by brands or suppliers to match specific collections. With the increased adoption of digital design, suppliers are under pressure to make their fabrics available in all digital formats. For suppliers wanting to reach these digital designers, ensuring their fabric is represented accurately, no matter what platform the customer is using, will be crucial.
In laboratory procedures specially adapted for 3D simulation, the Hohenstein experts determine the material’s physical characteristics: weight, thickness, bending stiffness, elongation and crease volume and shape. The results are exported into the various file formats of the 3D simulation systems so that the digital material parameters are available in the appropriate file format for each customer. On request, Hohenstein can include texture data and 3D fabric images for visualization of specific drape behavior.
With consistent data, digital prototypes can be created that accelerate design, sourcing and approval processes and require significantly less material when making real samples for production. As an accredited laboratory for the comprehensive testing of textiles, Hohenstein combines many years of expertise in traditional garment fit development with digital technologies. In addition, the Hohenstein Academy offers numerous workshops on pattern development and 3D fitting.
NEW YORK CITY — March 4, 2021 — Today, Gerber Technology announced new releases of its key software solutions, AccuMark® 2D and 3D, AccuPlan™, AccuNest™ and YuniquePLM®. Gerber has worked closely with its customers on each of these new releases to ensure fashion and apparel companies have the support they need to recover from the global pandemic and transform their business to meet the challenges ahead for 2021. According to McKinsey, The State of Fashion 2021 report, the pandemic has increased the demand for digital transformation, which is why Gerber’s latest releases are focused on better integration and more automation from design to production. With the AccuMark Product Family, February 2021 edition and YuniquePLM version 8.11, fashion companies will be able to easily transition to a demand-led model while improving remote collaboration and overall working conditions.
“We are committed to being the partner the industry needs which is why we work closely with our customers on every release,” said Melissa Rogers, senior vice president and general manager for Software at Gerber. “The fashion industry is facing a challenging time as they recover from the pandemic and look to the challenges that are ahead. We really wanted to make sure that they have the solutions and support they need to keep their doors open and build a foundation for a successful future.”
The latest release of the AccuMark family of products is heavily focused on better integration with tools its customers are already using and ease of use. AccuMark February 2021 will include additional partnerships to strengthen the end-to-end process and offer improved online help with more video content that will ensure users are getting the most out of their software. The release will play a key role in helping fashion companies improve material utilization, gain better insight into jobs and increase transparency across the entire workflow.
AccuMark February 2021 will improve both the mass production and on-demand workflows. On the on-demand side, users can expect an improved product development workflow that will include higher quality visuals which will allow more details to be shared with designers.
For mass production, the process from nesting to production planning is now entirely automated allowing for increased time and material savings, reduced errors and more transparency. Users will also have new cut plan strategies that will allow them to increase production.
“AccuMark improves our daily workflow from trying new design options and pattern manipulation to reducing samples and material costs,” said Jeffery Diduch, senior vice president of Design at Hickey Freeman. “The Gerber team has been incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, helping us understand the best way to use AccuMark every day as well as finding ways to improve the tools and features we use to ensure our future success.”
“After working with 3D as much as I have this year, I honestly can’t live without it,” said Lisa Lowell of LNS CAD Services. “I have much more confidence in the patterns that I produce because I have the ability to put them on the Avatar first and see how it’s all going to go together. From a patternmaking standpoint, this is really a powerful tool to make sure it’s going to fit first.”
Gerber has also released a new version of their cloud-based product lifecycle management (PLM) solution, YuniquePLM. The new release will empower remote work and make collaboration easier. The latest release includes several new features that will enhance the Adobe® Illustrator® plugin Image & Style App, improve navigation and make it easy to remain productive no matter where you are in the world. YuniquePLM provides regular, free updates and allows users to get up and running quickly with little to no IT support.
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — March 4, 2021 — Kornit Digital announced Italy-based Creazioni Digitali, a printing service provider to some of the most prominent names in high-end fashion, is installing the Kornit Presto S with Softener Solution for rapid, pigment-based production on demand involving multiple fabric types in any quantity.
In addition to sublimation and acid and reactive dyes, Creazioni Digitali was the first textile provider to bring pigment printing to Italian fashion houses. In addition to providing more eco-friendly production processes, a shift towards pigment-based production is key to their expansion and industrial plans for 2021 to 2025.
Print-on-demand business models and pigment-based production are both effective means of reducing water use, and empowering fashion brands to align with international sustainability imperatives.
“We believe eco-friendly, pigment-based printing offers a wealth of possibilities for high fashion, and selected the Kornit Presto S based on its ability to deliver brilliant, high-quality imagery using the broadest color gamut, without need for pre- and post-treatments,” says Roberto Lucini, Owner and CEO of Creazioni Digitali. “We intend to grow our business as brands see what this technology can do, with the old calculations of quality versus responsible production practices giving way to a new landscape in which you can truly have both. This installation is one of more to come.”
“Creazioni Digitali is a recognized leader and innovator in Como, arguably the epicenter of the modern fashion world,” says Chris Govier, KDEU managing director. “They’ve established that sustainable, durable pigment impressions provide a genuine path forward for that most demanding of retail markets, and Kornit is proud to be their technology provider on the new frontier. Regardless of the fabric involved, the products they’ll be empowered to offer will look outstanding, feel right, and maintain their character, while buyers can rest assured they meet the highest possible standards for safety and sustainability.”
DENVER — March 3, 2021 — Fanatics, supplier of licensed sports merchandise, today announced the appointment of Earvin “Magic” Johnson to its board of directors. One of the most decorated professional basketball players in history, off the court Johnson has built a successful entrepreneurial portfolio in sports, business and technology. Johnson joins Mindy Grossman, CEO of WW International, and Jerry Storch, founder and CEO of Storch Advisors and veteran retail executive, as Fanatics’ independent board members.
Fanatics is changing the way fans purchase their favorite team apparel, jerseys, headwear and hardgoods through an innovative, tech-infused approach to making and selling fan gear in today’s on-demand, mobile-first culture. Combining cutting-edge technology with an agile production and supply chain, Fanatics pioneered a vertical commerce business model that allows the company to better serve its 300-plus partners and the growing real-time expectations of leagues, teams, fans and retailers worldwide to ensure the broadest assortment is available online, in stadiums or on-site at major sporting events.
“It’s an honor to be invited to join the Fanatics Board of Directors. I’ve been impressed with the evolution of the company and its ability to transform the industry over the past several years,” said Johnson. “I am eager to be a part of its future growth and innovation that will continue across multiple sectors.”
Johnson, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, was a three-time NBA MVP and led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships throughout his career. Johnson is the chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate that provides high-quality products and services focusing primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. In 2012, he became co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and holds ownership stakes in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club, and eSports franchise Team Liquid. From 1998 to 2010, Johnson’s company owned more than 100 Starbucks stores as he helped expand the coffee chain throughout urban America.
“Magic’s success in business rivals that of his success on the basketball court, and we are incredibly excited to have him join our team and help propel Fanatics forward,” said Fanatics Executive Chairman Michael Rubin. “He’s an NBA legend and a titan in the business world, but more importantly he recognizes and leverages his platform to advance diversity and inclusion across all business sectors. He will provide invaluable direction as Fanatics continues to play a leadership role in reimagining the entire licensed sports industry.”
The Lansing native is constantly evolving and remaining relevant in a dynamic digital age by broadening his scope into infrastructure and technology. Through a newly formed fund, Johnson is investing millions of dollars on infrastructure improvement in the United States. He is also one of the leading investors in a number of minority-owned technology companies that include Uncharted Power, an award-winning power and data infrastructure technology company; Jopwell, a diversity and hiring recruiting platform; and ShotTracker, a company that makes wearable technology for basketball players that helps track player and ball movement.
DENVER — March 3, 2021 — VF Corp. — a global supplier of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories — today announced the appointment of Susie Mulder as global brand president, Timberland®. She begins in her new role on April 5 and will report to VF’s Chairman, President and CEO Steve Rendle. She will also serve on VF’s Executive Leadership Team.
Mulder will be responsible for driving the Timberland brand’s core strategic priorities related to product diversification across footwear and apparel, and a consumer-led, retail-centric, digital-first approach. She will build on the brand’s new eco-innovation franchises while also ensuring continued success within the Timberland PRO® business.
Mulder joins the Timberland brand from clothing brand NIC+ZOE where she served as CEO since April 2012. During her tenure as CEO, Mulder guided NIC+ZOE’s continued revenue growth through expansion into new points of distribution in the United States and internationally, and launched the brand’s direct-to-consumer efforts via e-commerce and its owned stores.
Before serving as CEO of NIC+ZOE, Mulder was a partner at global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company where she was a leader in the global retail and consumer goods practice for 15 years.
“We conducted a very thoughtful and extensive search to find the ideal person to lead our iconic Timberland brand globally, and we found that person in Susie,” Rendle said. “She brings a broad mix of experience in apparel, retail and consumer strategies, all of which is complemented by her strong leadership skills and passion for people and active lifestyles. We look forward to working with Susie as we build on the Timberland brand’s rich heritage and its recent momentum as it continues to evolve and diversify its go-to-market skills with new and innovative product, consumer-oriented stories and compelling brand experiences.”
Mulder has deep experience in corporate boardrooms. She is currently a board member at the Kraft Heinz Co. where she serves on the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees. She is also a board member of Sally Beauty Holdings where she serves on the executive committee and other committees. In addition, Mulder is a member of the Philanthropic Board of Advisors for the Boston Children’s Hospital.
“I’m thrilled to join VF and have the opportunity to help lead the Timberland brand into the future,” Mulder said. “I’ve been both a fan and a consumer of the brand since moving to New England over 25 years ago. During that time, I’ve come to admire the brand not only for its great products, but also its clear commitment to environmental and social responsibility. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves alongside the global Timberland® community and get to work.”
Originally from Montréal, Canada, Mulder is a graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Management where she was a University Scholar. She also holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.
Mulder will partner closely with Martino Scabbia Guerrini, VF’s president of the EMEA Region, to manage this transition of leadership. Scabbia Guerrini has served as the Timberland brand’s interim brand president for the past 14 months, in addition to his EMEA responsibilities.
