VEOCEL™ Lays The Foundation For A Sustainable Future In The Nonwovens Industry

LENZING, Austria — December 22, 2020 — The VEOCEL™ brand and its co-branding partners have shown relentless determination in the face of adversity in 2020, to continue innovating and researching sustainable materials that will see the industry emerge stronger post-pandemic. During this challenging year, the VEOCEL brand has achieved numerous key milestones, paving the way for a sustainable future in the nonwovens industry as consumers affirm their desire for sustainable products and more brands utilize eco-conscious materials.

A marquee achievement for the VEOCEL brand in 2020 was the announcement of the industry’s finest

LENZING™ branded lyocell skin fibers for VEOCEL Beauty. The new fibers feature Lenzing’s patented Translucency technology, enhancing product performance whilst remaining environmentally sound, and introduce a leading supply chain transparency platform to ensure consumers can identify VEOCEL branded fibers in final products.

Just one year on from the introduction of VEOCEL’s certification criteria, designed to help consumers better identify personal care and beauty products made from 100-percent cellulosic and biodegradable fibers, more brands, such as DeepFresh, are choosing to feature the VEOCEL brand logo on products, highlighting a positive and growing demand for eco-conscious products.

The nonwovens industry is now awaiting the soon-to-be announced EU Single Use Plastics Regulation, designed to alleviate environmental pollution caused by wet wipes and sanitary towels, among other common single-use plastics items. The VEOCEL brand team has been working closely with partners to ensure the industry is prepared for compliance and is proud to offer 100-percent certified USDA biobased products — a vital step in the journey toward sustainability.

The VEOCEL brand is also honored to be recognized for its work driving a more eco-friendly future with two major awards in 2020. The brand won the “Global Citizen Community Campaign” award at the China Advertising Magazine Awards for increasing eco-awareness among Chinese consumers and the pioneering Lenzing Web Technology won the Austrian “State Prize for Innovation” – the highest recognition for innovative achievements in Austria.

Moving toward 2021, the VEOCEL brand is committed to continue close collaborations with partners to spread awareness around the importance of sustainability around the world.

Posted December 22, 2020

Source: VEOCEL

New COREtec Advanced+ Represents The Next Stage Of Flooring Evolution

DALTON, Ga. — December 21, 2020 — A step ahead with COREtec Advanced+, 2021 will see the launch of the new COREtec Advanced+™ Collection. “Plus” in size and “Plus” in performance, this is the floor that treats you better, no matter how you treat it. Enjoy expanded design possibilities with fewer pattern repeats and a sophisticated color palette. Relax as innovative engineering combined with natural artistry provides next-level protection against pets, kids, high-heels and everyday life, while a beautiful breakthrough in core technology results in a mineral core that results in a 100-percent waterproof, kidproof and petproof floor*. Low luster visuals and enhanced scratch performance make this the highest performing COREtec floor yet offering a 15-year scratch warranty.

Trend setting visuals combined with innovative performance allow for the most advanced scratch resistance in the market, in the largest mineral core product on the market at 9” wide by up to 86” long and featuring mixed lengths for design versatility! Exclusive to COREtec Advanced+ are fewer pattern repeats, making it even easier to create a unique and custom style all your own, and an extremely rigid mineral core built to withstand all of what life will throw at it. We’re also providing all the benefits you’ve come to expect from The Original including:

  • 100% Waterproof, kidproof, petproof*;
  • Ultra-realistic visuals;
  • Easy to install;
  • Easy to maintain;
  • Holds up to real life’s messes and spills;
  • Attached cork underlayment for comfort and sound absorption; and
  • Greenguard Gold Certified for Indoor Air Quality.

Welcome to the next stage in the natural evolution of fine flooring. No water, scratches or dents can upset this original.

Posted December 21, 2020

Source: COREtec

EURATEX: A Complete Recovery Is Still Uncertain, Despite Some Positive Signals — The Latest Economic Data Show

BRUSSELS, Belgium— December 21, 2020 — Data of the third quarter of 2020 show a partial recovery compared to the second quarter. Nevertheless, production is still negative, and signs of a full recovery are yet to be seen. EURATEX is calling the EU for an active engagement in crucial area like circular economy, digitization and level playing field.

After an unprecedented T&C activity plunge in the second quarter of 2020, the third quarter showed clear improvements.

During the third quarter of 2020, the EU turnover partially recovered as compared to the previous quarter, and “retail sales of textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialized stores” increased +62 percent compared to the second quarter. The EU27 production experienced also a rebound compared to the previous quarter with +25 percent in textiles and +33 percent in clothing.

However, the EU output reported a negative quarterly growth as compared with the same period of the previous year. The decline in the clothing industry was -15 percent, while for the textile, it was  -7 percent. Spain and Italy recorded again the worst performances in textiles, with production drops reaching -16.5 percent on average during the third quarter, while Romania and Austria were severely hit in the clothing sector with respectively -25 percent and -31 percent.

Such data tells that the signs of recovery, noticed since May, are now slowing down, due most probably to the reintroduction of stricter measures in European countries. Faced with dramatic forecasts, EURATEX reiterates its calls to the European Union to work on 4 critical areas, which can be found also in the conclusion of the EU Council on 16 November:

  • Turn sustainability and circularity into an opportunity for business.
  • Invest in upskilling the T&C labor market, developing new curricula which meet today’s needs around digital production or technical textiles.
  • Promote access to external markets and ensure level playing field on the EU Internal market.
  • Invest in innovation, to digitalize production chains and techniques and develop new sustainable materials.

“The agreement on the MFF and recovery package on 18 December is an excellent news for everybody, from industry to citizens. Such an achievement can restore confidence in a quick recovery across Europe” said Dirk Vantyghem. “Therefore, we cannot sit on our laurels: we need to grab the moment and develop an ambitious textile strategy for a sustainable and digital industry”.

Posted December 21, 2020

Source: EURATEX

Glen Raven Custom Fabrics Executes Multi-Phase Expansion Plan

BURLINGTON, N.C. — December 21, 2020 — As part of its ongoing commitment to support its customers and brands, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics announces the latest milestones in a multi-phase global expansion plan.

The first phase, initiated at the end of 2019, includes new and upgraded equipment to support the continuing growth of Sunbrella® fabrics and other Glen Raven textile products in the company’s U.S. and Asia facilities. This highly customized equipment has begun to come online and will continue in stages through the first half of 2021. It will not only increase output, but also reduce energy and water usage, laddering back to Glen Raven’s sustainability commitments. The company is also implementing system enhancements that will better address the supply chain challenges created by the pandemic and the spike in demand for Sunbrella fabrics. The improvements will enable Glen Raven to serve and communicate with customers even more efficiently.

This next phase of the expansion plan is marked by the purchase of a new production facility in Valenciennes, France, an industrial hub with ready access to major transportation routes across Europe. Once converted to meet Glen Raven’s requirements, this facility is expected to be operational by the second half of next year. The site also allows for future production and distribution expansion.

Taken together, these actions represent an investment of more than $65 million in expanded production capacity to support its customers and the increased demand for Sunbrella, Dickson® and other Glen Raven fabrics. Future phases of the program include additional production and distribution capacity for the U.S. and Asia markets.

“Glen Raven is a 140-year old company and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our customers and investing in our collective business not just for today, but for the many years ahead,” said Dave Swers, president of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. “While the path forward is not linear, we recognized the need to pull forward some of our expansion plans so that we can provide the level of service our customers deserve and continue to satisfy end users’ desires for Sunbrella fabrics as they create beautiful, usable spaces in and around their homes and for outdoor activities. We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers through creative sourcing, extended run schedules, enhanced systems and capacity expansions.”

Posted December 21, 2020

Source: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, A division of Glen Raven, Inc.

Nonwoven Manufacturer, Fitesa Simpsonville, Inc., Expanding Operations In Greenville County, S.C. — $100 Million Investment Will Create 40 New Jobs Over The Next Five Years

COLUMBIA, S.C. — December 17, 2020 — Fitesa Simpsonville Inc. (Fitesa), an innovator in the design and manufacturing of nonwoven fabric solutions, today announced plans to expand operations in Greenville County. The $100 million investment will create 40 new jobs over the next five years.

Established in 1973, Fitesa develops nonwoven solutions for the hygiene and healthcare industries. The company’s products provide a variety of physical and aesthetic properties, including softness, strength, abrasion resistance and sustainability.

Located at 840 South East Main Street in Simpsonville, Fitesa’s latest investment will include an expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility to increase production capabilities. Additionally, the company will install a new production line that will manufacture 100% meltblown materials for the healthcare market.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Fitesa team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project and awarded Greenville County a $100,000 Set-Aside grant for costs related to this project.

“We are excited to continue our expansion in Simpsonville,” said Fitesa U.S. and Canada Managing Senior Vice President Ricardo Fasolo. “Fitesa’s culture of innovation and continuous improvement has contributed to our success in Simpsonville. We have the healthcare market as part of our strategic focus, and we are positive that these new investments will be able to add even more value to our customers, employees and stakeholders.”

“A longtime partner of the Simpsonville community, Fitesa’s decision to invest $100 million in Greenville County is a real reason to celebrate and a testament to the pro-business environment we have worked so hard to create in all parts of our state,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

“When one of our existing businesses — like Fitesa — expands and invests $100 million within our borders, it sends a message to other companies that South Carolina truly is a place where they can find success,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Greenville County is pleased that Fitesa Simpsonville has brought this major expansion to its fine facility here,” said Greenville County Council Chairman and Greenville Area Development Corporation Board Member H.G. “Butch” Kirven. “For many years, the county and our communities have appreciated the quality jobs and civic contributions made by Fitesa. This expansion will further enhance the culture of innovation and quality products for which Greenville County has become widely known. We thank Fitesa and wish the company and its employees continued success.”

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Aim-X Canada Isolation Gowns And Easy-To-Breathe-Through Masks Pass CSA Protection Guidelines

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — December 17, 2020 — CSA testing has confirmed that Aim-X Canada surgical masks are easy to breathe through and isolation gowns are quality products that Canadians can depend on for COVID-19 protection.

“We’re happy with the results,” said Aim-X Canada Enterprises Ltd. CEO H. Hassan. “Samples of our three-Ply Disposable Tri-fold Level 1 non-medical masks and Level 1 Isolation Gowns have passed industry standard tests for medical PPE.”

This confirms the company can deliver quality products manufactured by Aim-X Global to medical facilities, governments, and the public. CSA Certificates of Attestation are available upon request.

Sample masks sent to CSA were tested against the ASTM F2100 Standard Specification for Performance of Materials Used in Medical Faces Masks. This is the standard in North America for masks in the Medical Industry.

These standards include requirements for bacterial filtration effectiveness for particle filtration efficiency, flammability, and fluid resistance.

CSA confirmed Aim-X Level 1 Masks met the requirements of medical masks with a bacterial and a particular filtration efficiency greater than 95 percent. The masks were also found to be resistant to fluid penetration pressure of approximately 10.66kPa (1.5 psi).

The ASTM F2100 standards also require Level 1 Masks have a differential pressure of less than or equal to 5.0 mm H2O/cm2. The lower the number, the easier it is to breathe though.

“What’s impressive is the results have also confirmed the masks are extremely easy to breathe through. The sample masks tested were only 1.66 mm H2O/cm2,” said Hassan.

The isolation gowns were tested against the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard. This is the standard applied around the world for testing surgical and isolation gowns in the medical industry.

Tests were conducted on the gowns following the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists procedures. It tested the front panel, back, sleeves, and the seams of the gowns for impact penetration and resistance to hydrostatic pressure.

“It found out that our Level 1 gowns reduced liquid penetrating the fabric when subjected to a continuous stream of liquid from a height of 50 cm for 20 seconds,” said Hassan.

Aim-X Canada Enterprises Ltd. will continue to have its products tested at reputable Canadian testing facilities. Selling quality products is a core pillar of Aim-X Canada’s business model. Shortly, it will be testing its Aim-X Type 1R & 2R Masks and Aim-X Body Suits.

All Aim-X Canada products have been licensed through Health Canada and adhere to Health Canada regulations.

Health Canada has provided this information to allow individuals to assess their risk profile for the virus. Individuals may select products like Aim-X Class 1 medical masks that provide a higher level of protection. These products must meet the international standards for Class I medical devices.

“Health Canada does not endorse any standards for face coverings at this time. We are actively monitoring any developments to revise our products when new information becomes available,” said Hassan.

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: Aim-X Canada Enterprises Ltd.

Arris Wins Bosch Venture Arm To Bring Advanced Composites To New Sectors

BERKELEY, Calif. — December 17, 2020 — Arris, a California-based manufacturing tech company enabling the use of high-performance composites in mass-market products, today announced a strategic investment of Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC). The Bosch Group’s venture division RBVC joins New Enterprise Associates, Taiwania Capital, Valo Ventures, and Alumni Venture Group as investors in Arris.

Arris’ flagship technology, Additive Molding™, is a high-speed manufacturing process that allows the world’s top brands to precisely align continuous carbon fibers and embed electronic components and multifunctional materials into a single topologically optimized part or component. The result: a cost-effective method for manufacturing lighter, stronger, faster, and more intelligent products at scale.

RBVC’s strategic investment gives Bosch early access to new product design and manufacturing possibilities for their extensive product portfolio. Arris will also draw on Bosch’s industry-spanning expertise to identify applications where their high-volume, high-performance manufacturing capabilities unlock valuable new commercial advantages.

“Arris is the first company with the capability to mass-produce complex high-performance composites,” said Ingo Ramesohl, managing director of RBVC. “This is an important development for manufacturing. Arris’ scalable manufacturing and high-performance materials enable new design possibilities for future products across industries.”

“We’re excited to add Bosch through its venture arm, RBVC, a world-class manufacturing leader of highly engineered products, as a strategic investor,” says Ethan Escowitz, CEO of Arris. “We recently opened Arris Taiwan to support our consumer electronics growth. Now we’re looking forward to leveraging Bosch’s extensive manufacturing and engineering expertise in automotive, industrial, and consumer goods as we expand in Europe and around the world.”

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: Arris

Kontoor Brands Launches The Wrangler® Brand In China

GREENSBORO, N.C. — December 17, 2020 — Kontoor Brands Inc., a global lifestyle apparel company with a portfolio led by iconic consumer brands Wrangler® and Lee®, today announced that Wrangler has expanded the brand’s international reach to China. Taking a digital-first approach, the initial product offerings are available for consumers through Tmall, a leading online retailer in China.

“One of Kontoor’s core strategic priorities includes expanding to new markets and geographies. Launching our iconic Wrangler brand in China, one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world, is a key step toward that effort,” said Scott Baxter, president and CEO, Kontoor Brands. “As part of Kontoor Brands, the Wrangler brand is leveraging the collective experience that helped establish Lee as one of the leading denim brands in the Chinese market. This announcement marks an exciting milestone in the brand’s 70-plus year history.”

Since becoming an independent, publicly traded company in May 2019, Kontoor has identified China as a key area of focus in the organization’s international expansion strategy. The further globalization of the Wrangler brand illustrates Kontoor’s commitment to accelerating brand growth through new distribution channels and geographies.

Wrangler products are now available on Tmall.com, an online retailer in China. The launch was celebrated with an activation at Innersect, a multi-day consumer event.

“We’ve reimagined the adventurous optimism of Wrangler’s cowboy spirit for the Chinese market, developing a brand platform designed to resonate with China’s youth and young at heart,” said John Gearing, vice president and general manager, Kontoor Asia Pacific. “We are building awareness and demand for the brand through our initial digital product offerings. In the coming months, we will accelerate our focus on creating engaging and innovative experiences designed to introduce Wrangler’s best-in-class apparel products to the Chinese consumer.”

The brand expects to expand its product offerings along with additional marketing activations in spring 2021.

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: Kontoor Brands Inc.

HanesBrands Names Tanya Deans President Of Hanes Australasia

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — December 18, 2020 — HanesBrands, a global marketer of branded everyday basic apparel, today announced that Tanya Deans has been named president of Hanes Australasia (HAA), effective February 8, 2021.

Deans, currently group general manager, Bras N Things, succeeds David Bortolussi, who in August announced his departure for another opportunity. Bortolussi will remain with HAA through January to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am thrilled to name Tanya as the new president of our Australasia business,” said Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands. “She is an outstanding people leader with deep experience building iconic brands. Tanya brings a clear vision for the future, and I look forward to working with her as we apply her experience and learnings to drive growth across our global organization.”

Deans will lead 4,400 associates and some of Australia’s most recognized apparel and lifestyle brands, including Bonds, Champion, Bras N Things and Sheridan. She will also be responsible for a rapidly growing e-commerce business and a network of more than 450 stores.

Deans has more than 25 years of experience with Hanes Australasia in a range of brand and product leadership roles. She has extensive knowledge of brand strategy, category management, product development and multichannel execution capabilities. Prior to her current role, Deans led the Hanes Australasia Apparel Group brand and marketing efforts. She has also held leadership roles with the Bonds and Berlei brands.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Hanes Australasia,” Deans said. “We have an outstanding team, iconic brands and a deep commitment to sustainability. I look forward to working with our team and the HanesBrands global organization as we build a truly consumer-centric company and deliver long-term growth.”

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

TRSA Hosts January 14 Virtual Roundtable Event For Women In The Linen, Uniform And Facility Services Industry

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — December 18, 2020 — TRSA will begin its 2021 professional-development opportunities with a virtual roundtable event designed for women who hold mid-level and higher positions in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Those participating in this free event will seize an opportunity to virtually network and create opportunities for future collaboration. Employees of TRSA operator members and supplier partners are encouraged to participate; there is also an opportunity for nonmembers to participate for just $35.

The live virtual event is set for January 14 from 1-3 p.m. EST and will be headlined by entrepreneur and coach Gina Radke. Radke is owner and CEO of aerospace manufacturing company Galley Support Innovations. A speaker and coach who has mentored entrepreneurs from around the globe, Radke is well known for her involvement in community service and empowering others with economic opportunities.

In addition to Radke’s presentation, small-group discussions will tackle these topics and more:

  • Maximizing your role in the business world while maintaining integrity and balancing a fulfilling personal life.
  • Enhancing your innovative thinking.
  • Discovering ideas and inspiration on how to make positive changes in yourself and help others toward the same goal.
  • Developing your most important assets — yourself and your people — in order to reach the next level of success.

Registration is now open at www.trsa.org/womensrt. A free copy of Radke’s bestselling book, More Than: How to Be Bold and Balanced in Life and Business, will be sent to the first 75 registrants.

Posted December 18, 2020

Source: TRSA

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