HSUS Applauds Congressional Action On Domestic PPE Production

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — March 3, 2021 — Health Supply US (HSUS) applauds the bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives that publicly support policies requiring that the United States purchases personal protective equipment (PPE) from fully domestic sources.

“We thank Reps. Patrick McHenry, Bill Pascrell, and Drew Ferguson for their bipartisan recognition that investing in a domestic medical supply chain is a matter of national security,” said HSUS CEO Christopher Garcia. “These efforts are a crucial next step to ensuring the United States has a dependable supply chain for vital medical supplies. Just as U.S. policy ensures a steady supply of steel and critical minerals, access to vital PPE is a necessity to combat a variety of health and national security emergencies. Our mission from day one has been to help this country achieve self-sufficiency and reduce our dependence on imports for crucial medical supplies.”

Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09) introduced the American PPE Supply Chain Integrity Act which would require the government to purchase PPE such as surgical masks, surgical and isolation gowns, head and foot coverings, and other vital equipment where 100 percent of a product is grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States.

Representative Drew Ferguson (R-GA-3) wrote a letter urging President Joe Biden to require all PPE be made in the United States as part of an effort to avoid ongoing shortages. Ferguson’s letter states that domestic PPE supply and textile manufacturers “have demonstrated the ability to meet the nation’s demand in the most difficult of times,” and the Congressman encouraged the Biden administration to “consider using this untapped domestic potential for a reliable source of supplies moving forward.”

As a domestic PPE manufacturer, HSUS has manufactured more than eight million American-made gowns for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). Produced at nine facilities across the country, the gowns contribute to the current fight against COVID-19 and future national security needs. The supply also serves to reduce the drastic shortages caused by supply chain disruptions for China-made PPE earlier in the pandemic.

“HSUS is ready for more,” Garcia said. “With demonstrated shortages of PPE throughout the country, it is essential that we keep the momentum going to ensure that we as a nation are prepared for both current and future emergencies — while ensuring that these communities maintain good manufacturing jobs.”

HSUS has invested millions of dollars in research and development, equipment, materials, and labor to manufacture these essential medical supplies. More importantly, these investments represent the company’s commitment to establishing a fully domestic supply chain that avoids China and other non-market economies that utilize inhumane labor conditions or pose national security risks.

“American businesses like a fight, and we can compete against anyone,” Garcia added. “However, without proper investments in our domestic manufacturing capabilities, it’s nearly impossible to compete against unfair Chinese business practices.”

Nine facilities across the country were extensively refitted to facilitate the production of isolation gowns that meet the stringent quality and safety standards established by the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and federal government. HSUS is a minority-owned business, and is proud that six of the facility partners include minority or women-owned businesses. HSUS operations directly or indirectly supported more than 5,000 good paying American jobs.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: Health Supply US LLC (HSUS)

HanesBrands Names Jane Newman Chief Design Officer, Global Innerwear

Jane Newman

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — March 3, 2021 — HanesBrands, a global marketer of branded everyday apparel, today announced that Jane Newman has been named chief design officer, global innerwear.

Newman will lead design for the company’s global innerwear organization, which was recently created to leverage design, innovation and consumer insights around the world. She will be responsible for delivering innovative products across HBI’s innerwear brands, including Hanes, Bonds, Maidenform, DIM, Bali, Playtex, Bras N Things and Berlei.

“Transforming the organization to leverage our strengths, ensure focus and build global brands is key to our Full Potential plan,” said Steve Bratspies, HanesBrands CEO. “Jane’s leadership has been instrumental in driving growth in Australasia. Her experience and consumer focus will enable us to unlock the enormous growth opportunities of our U.S. innerwear brands.”

Newman, who will be based in New York City, will report to Joe Cavaliere, group president, global innerwear.

“Jane brings vast knowledge of the global consumer landscape and innerwear category, as well as an outstanding record of product innovation and design that attracts younger consumers,” Cavaliere said. “She has also been extremely successful in embedding sustainability into product design, which is something we are deeply committed to as a company. I’m thrilled to have Jane leading design for our global innerwear team and look forward to working with her as we build our brands.”

Newman brings three decades of experience leading design, product development and innovation to her new role. She joined the company in 2004 as head of design for Bonds. She has since held other positions, including Hanes Australasia’s creative director, a role in which she led the design, product development, research and development and quality assurance teams.

Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in design, fashion and textiles from the University of Technology in Sydney.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: HanesBrands

Walmart Announces $350 Billion Commitment To U.S. Manufacturing, Supporting More Than 750,000 American Jobs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — March 3, 2021 — Today, Walmart is announcing a strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in the future of U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. The retailer estimates that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.1

In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to invest $250 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Walmart is on track to deliver on that commitment — and expand on it with today’s announcement.

“U.S. manufacturing really matters,” said John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S., who made the announcement at Techtronic Industries (TTI) in Anderson, S.C. “It matters to our suppliers, to entrepreneurs and to the environment. It matters to our customers — more than 85 percent of which have said it’s important for us to carry products made or assembled in the U.S. And most of all, because of the jobs it brings, it matters to American communities and the people who live in them.”

Walmart has identified six priority categories on which to focus its investment: textiles; plastics; small electrical appliances; food processing; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR).

The impact of this commitment goes beyond products and jobs. It could result in an estimated reduction of as much as 100 million metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided by sourcing closer to customers,2 as well as an increase in spending with diverse suppliers based in the United States.

In addition, Walmart will launch a new concept called “American Lighthouses,” with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way. The retailer plans to unite key stakeholders in specific regions of the country to identify and overcome barriers to U.S. production. These Lighthouses will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and NGOs, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.

Walmart’s announcement drew bipartisan support from federal officials who represent states that are home to Walmart suppliers.

“It is an honor to have Walmart’s CEO John Furner launch the company’s 10-year investment from TTI’s Anderson, South Carolina, facility,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. “I am passionate about bolstering the American supply chain and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina and for folks all across the country. Congratulations and thank you to Walmart for the great impact you will continue to make on our nation’s economy.”

“I want to congratulate Walmart on increasing its commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, home to Zenith Home Corp./Maytex manufacturing. “Zenith/Maytex manufactures and assembles home fashion products we can see on store shelves in our local Walmart, and the company has been able to strengthen its operations with help from the Delaware Manufacturing Extension partnership. We’re proud that Zenith’s story of investing in the U.S. is one today’s announcement aspires to replicate across the country.”

1 Per Boston Consulting Group using data from the Economic Policy Institute and Bureau of Labor statistics.

2 Calculated based on total spend of $350B from FY21 – FY31. Sources: Environmental Defense Fund, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (NCTAD). Boston Consulting Group analysis.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: Walmart Inc.

Herman Miller Introduces Its “Most Sustainable Textile Collection Yet”

Herman Miller’s Revenio Textile Collection

ZEELAND, Mich. — March 2, 2021 — Today, global design manufacturer Herman Miller Inc. announced the introduction of a new sustainable textile collection including fabric made from all recycled and ocean-bound plastic materials and a 100-percent post-consumer biodegradable polyester*.

The collection, known as Revenio, focuses on using the latest sustainable textile innovations to alleviate global waste, without sacrificing aesthetics, performance, or longevity.

For every yard in the Revenio collection, 7 to 15 bottles of plastic are diverted from the ocean. Annually, the Revenio Collection will divert an estimated equivalent of 4.6 million or approximately 37,000 pounds of discarded plastic bottles — 1.37 million of those bottles will be collected in vulnerable coastline cities, where they will be intercepted before reaching the ocean.

“This is our most sustainable textile collection yet,” said Elaine Gerbers, director of Materials at Herman Miller. “This new collection amplifies our commitment to creating a circular economy through the use of environmentally mindful materials. By utilizing 100-percent recycled content and introducing ocean-bound plastic, we are diverting plastic from the landfill and our waterways and giving them new life in these beautiful new textiles. Additionally, our new biodegradable textile reduces the environmental impact at the end of a product’s life.”

The industry-leading 100-percent post-consumer biodegradable polyester can decompose in landfills and wastewater conditions at a rate similar to that of natural fibers (tested under ASTM D5511). This is achieved through the addition of a biocatalyst in the yarn extrusion process that enables anaerobic digestion in landfill and wastewater treatment conditions. In addition, these polyester fabrics can also be recycled and reused as raw materials for future generations of polyester fabrics.

Herman Miller joined NextWave® Plastics as a founding member in 2018 and has been working to incorporate ocean-bound plastic in its solutions. Convened by Lonely Whale, NextWave is a collaborative and open-source initiative convening leading multinational companies to develop the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains.

“Herman Miller was foundational to the creation of NextWave Plastics and since 2017 has been a driving force in our collective work to turn off the tap on plastic pollution,” said Dune Ives, CEO of Lonely Whale. “This milestone launch is a story about perseverance and an ongoing commitment to open-source collaboration that makes a tangible impact for our ocean. Each year, over 8 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean. If no action is taken, the amount of plastic going into the sea every year could triple in the next 20 years. Herman Miller, and all the NextWave Plastics members, are taking the action needed to keep plastic in the economy and out of the ocean.”

The Revenio Collection is currently made up of four textiles and will be available on Herman Miller seating and workspace solutions such as the Sayl Chair, Eames Molded Plywood Lounge and Dining Chairs, and Canvas Office Landscape. The textiles will also be offered on products from Herman Miller Group brands, Geiger and naughtone.

They will be available to order starting March 1, 2021, in North America. Additional textiles with ocean-bound plastic and details around global distribution will be announced at a later date.

Inside the Revenio Collection

Terra

Terra is a 100-percent post-consumer recycled biodegradable* polyester, and displays a curated neutral palette highlighting linearity and earth tones echoing the material’s sustainable composition.

Scatter

With saturated colors and dark organic flecks, Scatter is a sustainable textile reminiscent of the intricacy and interest of recycled paper. Each yard of Scatter diverts nine plastic bottles from reaching our oceans.

Mellow

A sustainable, comfortable solution with softly tinted, tonal contrast in a cooling palette, is reflective of the material’s eco-friendly origin. Each yard of Mellow diverts seven plastic bottles from reaching our oceans.

Crepe

A timeless favorite, Crepe, is now offered with ocean bound plastic content. The signature organic texture is created from the random nature of the weaving technique. Each yard of fabric diverts 15 plastic bottles from reaching our oceans.

*Rate and extent of biodegradation into elements found in nature is 91 percent after 1,278 days under ASTM D5511 (Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions). Test completed with same component (PET) polyester and biocatalyst additive. No evidence of further degradation.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: Herman Miller, Inc.

Alice Ballenger Joins Textile Division At Milliken & Company As Director Of Strategy

Alice Ballenger

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 3, 2021 — Milliken & Company is pleased to announce that Alice Ballenger has been hired as director of strategy for the Textile Division, effective immediately. In her new role, she is responsible for supporting the Division’s business growth and overall strategy.

“Alice brings a unique perspective to the global marketplace that will be instrumental to Textile Division initiatives. From marketing to manufacturing, her ability to analyze data to uncover strategic insights that translate into action is invaluable,” said Chad McAllister, executive vice president of Milliken & Company and president of the Textile Division.

With industry experience across multiple global markets, working both independently as a business strategist as well as in senior-level roles with Glen Raven, Ballenger brings an abundance of cross-functional experience to her role. She will provide thought leadership and strategic direction to every business across the Textile Division.

Ballenger earned her undergraduate degree from the University of the South and holds both a Master of International Studies from N.C. State and a Master of International Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: Milliken & Company Textile Division

Rudolf Group: BIONIC-FINISH®ECO — Fluorine-Free, Water Repellent Finishes For Ultimate Performance

GERETSRIED, Germany — March 3, 2021 — In recent years, many scientists have shifted from favoring a “primordial soup” in pools of water to hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean as the original source of life on Earth. Regardless what the real beginning really was, water was certainly involved in the process some 3.5 billion years ago. And since then, Mother Nature designed many ways to benefit of water and to be sheltered from it. Many engineering challenges humans face can be solved by turning to those 3.5 billion years of experience and by using natural design as springboard. That’s biologically inspired engineering or, in short, bionics.

BIONIC-FINISH®ECO of Rudolf Group is Mother Nature’s work reproduced on textiles and apparel to protect us from water. To perform.

Back in 2003, Rudolf Group borrowed from Mother Nature the idea of dendrimers — from dendron, Greek word for tree — molecules made of multi-functional branches that interact among themselves, co-crystallize, and self-organize into highly ordered, multi-component systems. These hyper-branched polymers attach to the textile and embed fluorine-free, durable water-repellent performance.

In 2021, Bionic-Finish Eco comes as a reviewed and extended family of unique non- halogenated, APEO-free, fluorine-free formulations suited for different materials and designed for different applications and needs. Still very much based on patented dendrimer technology, the new and strengthened Bionic-Finish Eco’s product portfolio:

  • Provides non-fluorinated and highly durable water repellent textile finishes for high-performance, professional applications (e.g. when brushing resistance is required);
  • Delivers highly efficient and durable performance with low application amounts thus not affecting fabric feel and appearance (e.g. when remarkable softness is important);
  • Fulfills a range of challenging technical requirements (e.g. minimal impact on flame retardant properties of technical fibers);
  • Is suitable for both sportswear and outdoor applications, as well as for casual apparel and fashion clothing;
  • Is bluesign® approved, ZDHC chemical gateway certified and compliant with most RSLs;

Bionic-Finish Eco new portfolio includes universal and versatile solutions targeting the most standard requirements, as well as customized solutions that meet more demanding and specifi c expectations such as improved resistance to dry-cleaning.

“None of us can entirely predict where our voyage will lead” says Dr. Gunther Duschek, Rudolf Group managing director. “However, Bionic-Finish Eco of Rudolf Group will always be the fluorine-free, durable water repellent for ultimate performance. As it is today”.

Posted March 3, 2021

Source: RUDOLF GmbH

Modern Meadow: Pioneer In Biofabrication Designs The ZOA™ Collection

NUTLEY, N.J. — March 2, 2021 — Created for both the eco-minded and design conscious, ZOA™ is a collection of biofabricated materials that give brands an opportunity to reinvent or launch their products with function and sustainability. Designed by Modern Meadow, a pioneer in biofabrication technologies, ZOA is animal-free and made to have a positive impact on climate change.

“Biofabrication has the potential to change the way we produce products in many industries moving forward,” said Modern Meadow Co-founder and CEO Andras Forgacs. “To be able to create animal-free goods with this quality and durability can completely eliminate our needs for animal-derived products”

ZOA integrates a range of unique technologies to deliver enhanced sustainability and material performance. In the creation of ZOA, proteins-nature’s building blocks-are derived from plants and are engineered based on the desired ZOA functionality. Every material in the ZOA family is molecularly tuned for enhanced sustainability and performance. This makes ZOA an ideal alternative for brands looking to move away from animal-based products. and minimize fossil fuel inputs without sacrificing performance.

ZOA is also able to introduce color to materials in a liquid state where dyes chemically bind directly to the proteins. Not only does this allow for deeper colors and superior colorfastness, but ZOA’s unique solution-dyeing process also yields zero residual waste. Proteins are then combined with bio-based polymers to create Bio-Alloys™, ZOA’s new to the world proprietary creation, which maximizes material performance and reduces petrochemical content by more than 50% compared to conventional man-made materials.

ZOA’s first premium material is inspired by leather but leads a new class of biofabricated materials: materials assembled with biological building blocks to yield new structural and functional properties. ZOA has 80-percent lower carbon footprint than leather and 25-percent lower than man-made leathers. ZOA is abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and retains flexibility for optimal performance and vibrant color over time and wear.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Modern Meadow

SDC Survey: 77 Percent Of Textile Coloration Professionals Believe There Is A Widening Skills Gap In The Dyeing Industry

HOLMFIRTH, England — February 24, 2021  — The textile dyeing industry is experiencing a global skills gap, now reaching crisis point, as younger people fail to enter the profession, according to a new survey from the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC).

Lack of knowledge is now harming textile production, and adding to coronavirus woes, agreed a majority of more than 100 respondents from 14 countries.

The SDC, the international dyeing and coloration membership organization and training provider, has highlighted growing concerns — and a need for more, ongoing workplace education to counter these issues, as agreed by an overwhelming 87 percent.

Findings state that a third of global employers involved in dyeing and finishing are unable to recruit the talent that they need, with a further 55 percent of participants claiming that there is a lack of transferable scientific knowledge within the industry.

A total of 77 percent agreed there was a skills crisis and 53 percent believed this was already at crisis point. Reasons for this were cited as young people having negative perceptions of the industry, or wanting to be designers rather than dyers, alongside a lack of knowledge of the chemistry behind the processes, as well as poorly promoted opportunities in dyeing.

Suggestions for deepening the international talent pool included more online learning made available globally, dedicated support from governments, and a bridging of the skills gap by working together to promote apprenticeship roles.

If the gap is not closed, respondents believe that industries will disappear worldwide, quality of finished products will be compromised, and knowledge and expertise will be lost permanently.

Graham Clayton, CEO of the SDC, commented: “We have been hearing anecdotally that there is a serious skills gap in the dyeing and coloration industry, and our new research proves that not only is this true, but that the situation is much worse than originally imagined.

“The results of our survey are worrying, but it is also evident that the industry is willing to collaborate and work proactively to ensure that a deeper crisis is avoided — and this is something that the SDC is certainly committed to supporting.”

Research was carried out in December and involved employers as well as dyeing and coloration employees at all levels.

The full report and research findings can be found in the latest white paper from the Society and Dyers and Colourists by downloading it from: sdc.org.uk/whitepaper

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Society of Dyers and Colourists

Spinnova, Suzano To Open Commercial-Scale Factory In 2022

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — February 25, 2021 — Material innovation company Spinnova and the world’s largest wood pulp producer Suzano will make an estimated 22 million euro ($26.6 million) investment to build the first commercial scale SPINNOVA® production facility in Finland. The total investment, including all needed infrastructure such as real estate, is estimated to be some 50 million euros ($60.4 million). Spinnova’s sustainable fibrer, created out of wood and waste without the use of harmful chemicals, will be available for global textile brands in 2022.

The new, industrial scale production unit will be located in Jyväskylä, Finland, home of Spinnova’s R&D hub and pilot facility. Production will be managed and operated by a new joint venture company owned 50/50 by Spinnova and its partner and investor, Suzano.
The joint venture investment is estimated to be 22 million euros in size. According to Spinnova, the total investment, encompassing all needed infrastructure such as real estate, is some 50 million euros. The real estate will be built and rented for the joint venture by the Jyväskylä real estate development company Jykia.

“Every leading textile brand is looking for ways to minimise their emissions and ecological footprint, and build a circular material foundation for their products,” said Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen. “We feel humble and proud that soon we will be able to provide brands our new, disruptively sustainable fibre and fabrics.”

Suzano is a world leader in the production of eucalyptus pulp and has expanded its operations to create sustainable and innovative solutions derived from trees to the challenges faced by society. In the joint venture, Spinnova will be the exclusive technology provider, while Suzano will ensure the supply of sustainably produced micro-fibrillated cellulose obtained from eucalyptus planted by Suzano in Brazil. The fiber produced will be sold under the SPINNOVA trademark.

“Suzano uses only planted trees in its production processes. This renewable raw material is being combined with Spinnova’s technology for producing fibers that are more sustainable than the options currently available in the textile industry, which is aligned with the demands of contemporary society”, says Fernando Bertolucci, chief technology and innovation officer of Suzano.

With a process that uses no harmful chemicals and 99 percent less water than the cotton value chain, the SPINNOVA fiber can be considered the most sustainable textile fiber there is. Fiber produced this way creates minimal CO2 emissions, is quickly biodegradable and contains no microplastics. The fact that these fibres can be recycled into a new fibre again and again makes the SPINNOVA fiber disruptively circular. The Spinnova technology enables textile fiber production out of wood but also from textile waste or agricultural waste such wheat or barley straw.

Spinnova materials have been developed in collaboration with leading fashion brands such as Danish clothing company Bestseller, Finnish fashion house Marimekko, and Norwegian outdoor brand Bergans. Today, the H&M Group announces it has joined this group of brands in a partnership with Spinnova.

“The H&M Group’s ambition is to become fully circular, and we are continuously testing and actively looking to further integrate the use of sustainable materials through our group’s brands. We see Spinnova as having great potential to address several of the sustainability challenges we face today,” commented Mattias Bodin, H&M Group’s Circular Innovation Lab Lead.

Most leading apparel brands are committed to become climate neutral or even climate positive. Since Spinnova materials’ cradle to gate emissions are considerably less than those of cotton, it’s a radical improvement to existing textile fibers. Spinnova’s fiber already works well in blends with other natural fibers, especially cotton. In big volumes, Spinnova blends alone can have a big positive environmental impact.

Spinnova will be announcing a number of new brand collaborations and products later this year. The company expects to fill the new factory’s production capacity during this year.

“We believe that the SPINNOVA fiber will be the breakthrough that the textile and fashion industry has been waiting for,” Poranen added. “We have all the needed components in place: a good quality product that can replace cotton in end products, proof of concept from our production pilot, scalable technology and ample, sustainable raw material supply.”To speed up the company’s further growth, Spinnova is now actively exploring multiple substantial financing alternatives.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Spinnova

Meteor Adds Support For Epson I3200 PrecisionCore Printheads

CAMBRIDGE, England — February 25, 2021 — Meteor Inkjet Ltd. — a supplier of electronics, software, tools and services for industrial inkjet — further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of a set of products for Epson’s I3200 range of PrecisionCore printheads. These products join Meteor’s previously launched solutions for Epson S3200, S1600 and S800 printheads.

Epson PrecisionCore print heads embody technology that enables outstanding image quality, productivity, durability and print head scalability. With a compact form factor accommodating four separate colors at 600dpi, the I3200 is easy to carriage-mount, making it ideal for low-cost, multi-pass printers such as those used in direct-to-garment textile printing. The head is also attractive in single-pass applications requiring ultra-low cost without sacrificing print resolution, including on-demand, color book printing and direct-to-shape product personalization. Compatible with water-based, UV or eco-solvent inks, the heads can also be used in any number of functional inkjet applications.

Meteor’s new PDS-3EI3200Z Print Driver Stack (PDS) for the I3200 is designed with space and cost efficiency at its heart. Supporting three printheads per PDS, the electronics are easily scalable to systems of any size and, coupled with Meteor’s comprehensive software, OEMs can significantly reduce the effort and risk associated with the design and delivery of superior industrial inkjet printers. Moreover, Meteor’s DropWatching Systems and printhead waveform development services are essential tools to accelerate time to market for new inkjet applications.

Jonathan Wilson, Meteor’s sales director, commented: “Through successful cooperation with Epson, Meteor is proud to present a solution which allows our mutual customers to take advantage of all the I3200 has to offer. Meteor’s electronics and software provide the fastest and easiest way for OEMs to unlock the potential of these printheads.”

Paddy O’Hara, business development manager, Epson Europe adds, “At Epson we work with market leading partners to provide the printhead driver solutions that our OEM customers demand. With the introduction of Meteor’s system for driving the I3200 series of print heads, our customers will have access to extremely versatile hardware and software, allowing them to develop printers for a wide range of applications.”

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Meteor

Sponsors