Archroma To Showcase New DENIM HALO Process For Laser-Friendly Denim With A Reduced Environmental Footprint

PRATTELN, Switzerland — November 28, 2024 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, will showcase innovations for the denim industry at Sustainability Talks in Istanbul, Turkey and Denim Première Vision in Milan, Italy next month.

Specifically, Archroma will highlight its revolutionary DENIM HALO pretreatment and dyeing process for laser-friendly, easily washable denim. It will also join its partners Kipaş Denim and Jeanologia to launch a joint hangtag for the upcoming Kipaş Denim Contra Denim collection, which is based on the DENIM HALO concept.

“Denim continues to be an incredibly exciting market segment, with brands and mills pushing the limits in terms of sustainability and aesthetics to give consumers the iconic look and feel of denim in a more environmentally conscious way,” Umberto De Vita, Archroma’s Market Segment Director – Denim, said. “Guided by our PLANET CONSCIOUS+ approach, we develop solutions that not only help our customers navigate the shift to cleaner chemistries and resource-saving processes, but improve their productivity and competitiveness too.”

Innovative DENIM HALO process

The DENIM HALO process combines Archroma’s new DIRSOL® RD special pretreatment with its unique DENISOL® indigo dyes, including an aniline-free formulation, or DIRESUL® sulfur black, sulfur blue or sulfur colors dyestuffs to achieve a ring-dyeing effect. This superficial dyeing creates laser-friendly denim for popular worn or distressed washdown effects while reducing yarn shrinkage and improving garment tensile strength.

Crucially, the new process also delivers a substantially reduced environmental footprint compared to industry-standard denim finishing. It avoids processes like manual hand scraping or potassium permanganate spraying and helps reduce caustic soda use in sulfur dyeing, which lowers the effluent load and improves weaving efficiency.

Low-impact Contra Denim collection

Archroma will also join Kipaş Denim, a leader in integrated textile production based in Turkey, and Jeanologia, a sustainable textile solutions company, to launch a hangtag program for the upcoming Kipaş Denim Contra Denim collection.

Based on DENIM HALO, the Contra Denim concept is a dyeing and finishing process that enables brands to create stunning and long-lasting distressed looks and design effects, such as intricate patterns, whiskering and fades, through cleaner processes that save water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The hangtag will enable partner brands to communicate these benefits to consumers at the point of sale, nurturing transparency and trust.

Meet the Archroma team at Sustainability Talks 2024

Sustainability Talks is an intensive one-day event that emphasizes networking and collaboration to solve the textile industry’s toughest challenges through sustainable solutions.

Visit Archroma in Turkey at Booth 20 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Conference Center for Sustainability Talks on December 3, 2024.

You are also invited to attend the Sustainability Focused Innovative Technologies Panel at 10:00 am, where Julio Perales will join other denim experts to share insights into innovations and best practices that keep brands ahead of regulatory change.

Meet the Archroma team at Denim Première Vision 2024

Denim Première Vision is bringing the global denim community to Milan, Italy in December to explore denim trends, markets and culture through the lens of eco-responsibility. Meet our experts Umberto De Vita and Julio Perales to learn more about our denim solutions.

Visit Archroma in Milan at Booth C14 at Superstudio Più for Denim Première Vision on December 4-5, 2024.

® Trademarks of Archroma registered in many countries.
© 2024 Archroma

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Archroma

ABS Laundry Business Solutions Announces Leadership Transition: Marien Van Bezooijen Appointed CEO

PALO ALTO, Calif. — December 2, 2024 — ABS Laundry Business Solutions, a part of Vitec Software Group, has announced a change in its leadership. Gerard van de Donk, the current CEO, will step down from his role effective January 1, 2025. Marien van Bezooijen has been appointed as the new CEO.

Marien van Bezooijen

Van de Donk, who became part of ABS in 1991, has played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s growth and accomplishing significant milestones over the years.

“It has been an honor to work with such a dedicated team and to see the company evolve. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” van de Donk said. “This transition is part of a thoughtful and deliberate succession plan. I am confident that Marien van Bezooijen, with his extensive experience and vision, will guide ABS to continued success.”

Van Bezooijen, who serves as the chief commercial officer at ABS, brings a wealth of expertise and a strong background developed through years of dedication within the industry and organization. He has been recognized for his alignment with the company’s values and long-term goals. Van Bezooijen is committed to advancing the work of delivering high standards of service and innovation that ABS is known for.

“We have a talented Management Team and dedicated employees, and I am thrilled to lead ABS as we work closely together to achieve our objectives.” says van Bezooijen. “Together, we will continue to innovate, embrace change to remain competitive and uphold the high level of quality that our customers expect. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Gerard and driving the company towards new heights.”

Van de Donk will remain with the company as a senior advisor to ensure a smooth transition. He expresses his commitment to supporting the company’s mission and future endeavors.

“I look forward to watching ABS grow under Marien’s leadership,” he concludes.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: ABS Laundry Business Solutions

WarmLife® Thermal Control Technology From LifeLabs Named “Best Product” By ISPO For Fall/Winter 2026/2027

PALO ALTO, Calif. — December 2, 2024 — LifeLabs, the material science company founded in a Stanford University laboratory, has been awarded the prestigious Best Product Award in ISPO’s Fall/Winter TEXTRENDS for its new AI-CLO System WarmLife® Merino Wool Insulated Fill. Overall, seven AI-CLO system products from LifeLabs received ISPO awards across three different categories. The ISPO Awards represent the finest in innovation and design within the sports industry and are decided upon by a jury of international and independent experts.

WarmLife®, which was named the Best Product winner in ISPO’s Membranes and Coatings category, is a proprietary technology that is used to create warmer breathable apparel using less material. The crucial ingredient in WarmLife is a nano-metallic coating that reflects radiant body heat directly back into the wearer’s skin to deliver the same warmth as items that use 30% more insulating material.

“We are honored to have our WarmLife technology named Best Product in the Membranes and Coatings category by ISPO and to see so many of our products receive awards from the ISPO jury,” said Sophia Ou, CEO and co-founder of LifeLabs&YiLab. “Through the years, ISPO Awards have been bestowed upon designs that have altered the course of product development in the outdoor industry. With the superior performance, environmental value, and endless innovation of AI-CLO System thermal and cooling fabrics, we are excited to continue our journey toward becoming a leader in eco-friendly performance textiles that help empower global outdoor sports brands.”

The AI-CLO System from LifeLabs is designed to regulate body temperature and reduce energy consumption. It uses two advanced patented technologies, WarmLife and CoolLife, to provide temperature control solutions for functional clothing across environmental conditions ranging from -65°C to +45°C.

An ultra-packable and breathable fabric, WarmLife is created from 97 percent recycled and bio content, and the nano-metallic coating in the material uses less than one paper clip worth of metal. It’s also 30 percent lighter and uses 30 percent less material than comparable items of similar warmth for a better warmth-to-weight ratio. (*) Not only can WarmLife reflect the wearer’s body heat in cold conditions, but it can release excess body heat after activity to help maintain a smart balance of body temperature and deliver optimal comfort. In addition to being used in a non-woven insulation blended with merino wool — as in the case of the fabric that won the ISPO Best Product Award — WarmLife can also be used as a laminated textile.

The Al-CLO temperature control technology system of fibers and textiles from LifeLabs also includes a second patented technology called CoolLife. The world’s first thermally transparent fabric, CoolLife continuously cools the body more than any other material. It is cooler to the touch than organic cotton, and with half the environmental impact. (**) The AI-CLO System CoolLife Full Dull Nylon Polyethylene Single Mesh Interlock Fabric was named one of ISPO’s Top 10 Products in the Base Layer category.

WarmLife® and CoolLife® are powered by Yi Cui’s Lab at Stanford University

Both WarmLife and CoolLife technologies were developed over more than three years of laboratory and field testing by Professor Yi Cui(Director of Stanford’s Sustainability Accelerator). He understood that 14% of global energy consumption comes from heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). He developed the AI-CLO temperature technologies — which feature 14 global patents — to help reduce the heavy burden of HVAC energy on the grid.

“The outdoor sports industry is inherently motivated to help provide solutions to the world’s largest environmental problems,” said Professor Cui. “It is an honor to receive the ISPO award, as it motivates my team to continue their search for solutions that enable people to live a better and more comfortable life, whilst reducing their personal carbon footprint and impact on the world.”

To determine the ISPO award winners for Fall/Winter 2026/27, jurists met in Munich in October 2024 to select the best products from many entries across the world of sports product design. The jury consisted of a variety of representatives from the sportswear industry, including textile designers, trend experts and journalists.

* Measured using the HotPlate ASTM F1868 test, the standard test method for thermal and evaporative resistance of clothing materials

** CoolLife® tests included: Qmax test, Thermal Manikin test and Wicking test

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: LifeLabs

 

BASF In Lemförde Expands Sustainable Product Portfolio

LEMFOERDE, Germany — December 2, 2024 — BASF completes the certification program International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS at its production site in Lemförde, Germany to produce biomass-balanced thermoplastic polyurethanes. Also, the annual recertification according to REDcert2 was successfully completed for numerous thermoplastics and polyurethane systems. This allows BASF to expand its sustainable product portfolio and continue its commitment to supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals.

Supporting customers with certified sustainable solutions

With the mass balance approach, BASF supports its customers in pursuing their sustainability goals. This approach allows for the replacement of fossil resources with renewable and recycled raw materials in the Verbund production setup of BASF and assigns them to the respective product. By replacing fossil raw materials with renewable resources, customers receive a product with a lower CO2 footprint. The formulation and quality of the corresponding end products remain unchanged. For example, Elastollan® 1185 A10 FCI, which is used for films or hoses in sensitive applications (food contact or medical engineering), can be offered as a product variant certified according to ISCC PLUS.

“With this drop-in solution, our customers receive a product with a reduced CO2 footprint compared to conventional materials, without requiring any technical changes on their part. Reducing the need of fossil resources and greenhouse gas emissions are highly relevant for today’s producers and consumers,” says Artur Pfeif, Product Management TPU at BASF Performance Materials Europe.

Global standards for correct biomass allocation

The certification according to ISCC PLUS covers the entire value chain and ensures that the certified share of fossil raw materials is replaced by renewable raw materials. This paves the way for BASF to offer mass balance certificates to its customers for specific products of thermoplastic polyurethanes. It is an internationally recognized certification scheme for mass balance methodology.

Also, the European standard REDcert2 ensures the correct allocation of renewable resources in BASF’s value chain. REDcert2 and ISCC PLUS are sustainability certification schemes for the use of sustainable biomass as raw material in the chemical industry. Both certificates confirm that sustainable biomass has been correctly allocated as a raw material in the chemical production system and are awarded based on on-site audits by independent auditors.

When claiming sustainability of a sales product, traceability of renewable or recycled raw materials must be proven as part of the mass balance certification process. “With this important step, complete transparency regarding high sustainability requirements can be achieved across the entire value chain, also for our customers,” summarizes Eileen Orlich, Sustainability Management at BASF Performance Materials Europe.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: BASF Polyurethanes GmbH

Microban Launches New Nature-Inspired Odor Control Technology

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — December 2, 2024 — Microban International, a global supplier of odor control technology, announces Freshology™, a patent-pending, nature-inspired* solution for combatting odors, at ISPO Munich, December 3–5, booth #508 in hall A3.

The new technology offers advanced performance by neutralizing a wide range of odors, keeping textiles fresher for longer. It meets GB/T 33610 and ISO 17299 testing standards for four of the most common odorants: isovaleric acid (IVA), acetic acid (HOAc), ammonia (NH3) and nonenal, making it a groundbreaking solution for tackling unpleasant smells.

“Freshology was developed by balancing and optimizing performance between different chemical profiles,” said Ryan Scott, senior product development chemist at Microban. “The technology offers key advantages for consumers: it effectively traps a wide range of body odors, unlike products that target only one specific odorant. Additionally, it improves moisture management and enhances the softness and feel of treated fabrics.”

Freshology is integrated into synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex during the finishing process and captures odors until the fabric is washed. During washing, the technology releases the trapped odorants, renewing the product’s effectiveness. It is nonionic, which allows for the incorporation of additional technologies or treatments during manufacturing without compromising the integrity of the product.

The technology is heavy metal-free, making it a more desirable solution than those with metal-based chemistries. It is also mill-friendly, allowing for easy incorporation into existing manufacturing processes.

Visit the Microban booth during ISPO Munich for an overview of Freshology at 10:00 a.m. each day by James Clayton, director of innovations at Microban.

For additional information on Freshology, please visit https://www.microban.com/odor-control/technologies/freshology.

*The Microban technology used in this product contains plant extracts and minerals found in nature and used in multiple consumer product applications.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Microban International, Part of Barr Brands International

Union Partners With Envalior To Deliver Sustainable Snowboard Binding Made Of Durethan® Blue

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — December 2, 2024 — Envalior today announces it has partnered with Union Binding Company, a snowboard binding manufacturer based in Italy, to deliver redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings. The asymmetric binding utilizes Envalior’s Durethan® Blue, a nylon, which enables Union to make its most sustainable snowboard binding to date. The new material is a member of Envalior’s sustainable product family, attributed with 90% of sustainable raw materials, based on a mass balance approach via the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification program that ensures sustainability and traceability throughout the supply chain.

Envalior and Union Binding Company team up to unveil the redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings, featuring eco-conscious Durethan® Blue nylon for the most sustainable snowboard binding yet. Photo – Union Binding Company

What makes the redesigned snowboard bindings unique is the all-new 2 Layer baseplate construction, which allows for two individual layers: the core and the frame. The two layers enable the use of unique engineering materials to achieve the desired ride and feel of the binding. Durethan BLUEBKV315ZH2.0 allows the core of the binding to be stiff and responsive, while the frame is softer and more flexible than traditional snowboard baseplates, allowing for a unique ride feel and increased side to side freestyle flex.

Performance meets sustainability

Union selected Durethan Blue for its redesigned snowboard binding because the material is partially crystalline thermoplastics, offering high mechanical strength and stiffness, good dielectric properties, and good friction and wear properties. It serves as the ideal drop-in replacement for fossil-based products. Durethan is offered as bio-based, mass balanced, and recycled-based and leads to a product carbon footprint reduction of more than 60 percent CO2-eq in comparison to conventional, fossil based material.

Ninety percent of Durethan Blue’s raw materials are sustainable, based on a  mass balance approach, which allows companies to track the flow of sustainable and non-sustainable materials within their supply chains. The ISCC PLUS certifications assure that the amount of bio-based or recycled material corresponds to the amount used in production processes. Manufacturers can gradually transition away from fossil resources to renewable alternatives while maintaining product quality and performance.

Durethan Blue has passed all of Union’s in-house quality control tests for strength, durability in cold temperatures and product lifecycle. Every pair of Union bindings goes through rigorous testing during the R&D and design phase, initial production and the main production cycle.

”At Envalior, we are committed to sustainability, and this innovative solution demonstrates that sustainability and high performance can coexist, thanks to our ISCC-certified material and mass balance concept,” said Günter Margraf, director of Sustainability for Envalior. “Our material meets the demands of winter sports without compromising performance, and we’ve integrated this solution into our existing production processes, making the shift to sustainable options easier. Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s the path forward.”

“Union is committed to increasing the use of more environmentally friendly materials because it’s crucial to show that we can continue to use plastics in our lives—as long as we find sustainable options and use them responsibly. This approach ensures we’re not compromising the future of our planet,” said Pier Patriarca, lead Product Engineer at Union Binding Company.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Envalior

MaterialsZone Launches Fully Integrated, AI-Guided Product Development Feature 

TEL AVIV, Israel, — December 2, 2024 — MaterialsZone, the Lean R&D solution for materials innovation, today announced the launch of its AI-Guided Product Development feature, providing MaterialsZone users with direct access to AI-generated experiment suggestions to streamline development cycles within their existing workflow.

With this feature, MaterialsZone empowers researchers with greater autonomy in their experimentation processes and enhances their ability to align development efforts with R&D timelines — a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced, competitive market.

Building on successful use cases, the feature transforms trial-and-error-based experimentation by providing real-time experiment recommendations to guide researchers through iterative improvements. An advanced AI-driven feedback loop gradually narrows the parameter space, accelerating progress toward achieving product requirements and researcher goals while considering critical material and process constraints, including cost optimization and carbon footprint reduction.

As each suggested experiment is completed and documented within the MaterialsZone platform, the AI model is used to refine recommendations according to the latest data, enhancing precision and efficiency. Available to researchers and technicians, this seamless cycle integrates data enrichment, machine learning, experiment synthesis, and feedback, optimizing development and reducing experimental cycles — all within a no-code framework.

“This feature is a testament to our commitment to empowering R&D teams and delivering an exceptional user experience,” said Ori Yudilevich, CPO of MaterialsZone. “By putting the power directly in the hands of our end-users, we enable them to achieve their goals faster, more effectively, and with greater accuracy.”

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: MaterialsZone

Tonello Unveils THE Laser Manifesto At Denim PV Milan

SARCEDO, Italy — December 2, 2024 — Tonello is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Denim PV show in Milan, December 4-5, where we will debut our latest project: THE Laser Manifesto.

This groundbreaking collection celebrates Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage, reinterpreted for the modern age through the lens of cutting-edge laser technology. From iconic statues and sculptures to breathtaking paintings and frescoes, our designs blur the line between tradition and innovation, proving that creativity knows no bounds.

At the core of this project is THE Laser Lab, our revolutionary system designed for stores and labs. This powerhouse of precision enables the creation of intricate details, high-resolution graphics, and captivating textures, transforming garments into wearable works of art.

And that’s not all — THE Laser Lab will be live at the fair, ready to demonstrate its incredible capabilities. Visitors can experience the magic firsthand with on-the-spot customizations, including bandanas, denim patches, and even your favorite clothing items.

Exclusive presentation: THE Laser Manifesto – From Concept to Catwalk

On December 4 at 12:30 p.m., Marco Visentin, Laser designer and a key member of the Tonello R&D Team, will take the stage at the Pitch Area of Denim PV to present THE Laser Manifesto: From Concept to Catwalk: Laser-Driven Fashion Redefined.

Marco will showcase how laser technology is revolutionizing the world of denim, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in garment finishing.

“Today, laser finishing allows us to transform garments into works of art, blurring the line between imagination and reality. From concept to catwalk, we’re redefining how design ideas take shape — adding unprecedented depth, detail, and dimension through the power of technology.”

Experience the future of design

Join us at booth D5 to witness the unveiling of THE Laser Manifesto and explore a world where art, culture, and technology collide. Don’t miss this opportunity to see innovation in action and discover how Tonello is shaping the future of fashion.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Tonello srl

Cotton Incorporated And Melissa Wood Health Invite You To Slow Down This Holiday Season

NEW YORK — November 27, 2024 — Cotton Incorporated is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, founder of Melissa Wood Health, designed to inspire intentional living and mindfulness this holiday season. Rooted in comfort, sustainability, and self-awareness, this collaboration encourages slowing down and incorporating intentionality into the fabric of everyday life.

Cotton x Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

As the pace of life accelerates, the need to pause and reconnect has never been more essential. Wood-Tepperberg has built her community on the power of mindfulness and simple, intentional choices. Cotton, a timeless symbol of natural comfort and sustainability, amplifies this message by encouraging people to live more thoughtfully and authentically.

“Cotton is more than a fabric — it’s a reflection of intentional living,” said Kim Kitchings, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “This collaboration with Melissa Wood Health highlights how something as simple as choosing natural cotton can bring us closer to a slower, more mindful way of life, while making sustainable choices that feel as good as they are meaningful.”

To celebrate this collaboration, an exclusive, intimate gathering in New York City brought together tastemakers and friends to explore the synergy between mindfulness and comfort. The initiative continued with a live guided meditation session hosted by Melissa on Instagram (@discovercotton) on Monday, November 25. This practice invited participants to step back from the holiday hustle, cultivate presence, and reflect on their intentions for the season.

The campaign further unfolds through inspiring content on social media and Melissa’s podcast, Move With Heart, inviting audiences to explore how cotton plays a vital role in slowing down and reconnecting with themselves and the world around them.

“Living intentionally begins with small, meaningful choices,” Wood-Tepperberg said. “From the energy you create to the fabrics you wear, these decisions shape how you feel and engage with your surroundings. Cotton, as a natural material, represents mindfulness at its core — grounding us in comfort and sustainability while encouraging us to live in alignment with what truly matters.”

By weaving mindfulness into every stitch, Cotton and Melissa Wood Health are inspiring a new way of approaching the holidays — one rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and presence. Together, they invite everyone to rediscover the beauty of slowing down, embracing the comfort of natural fibers, and making choices that connect us to a more intentional way of life.

This holiday season, let cotton remind you to pause, reflect, and savor every moment.

Posted: November 27, 2024

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Wolverine Worldwide’s Work Group Appoints Mike Maloney As Chief Product Officer

ROCKFORD, Mich.  — November 26, 2024 — The Work Group of Wolverine World Wide Inc. has announced the appointment of industry veteran Mike Maloney as its new chief product officer.  Maloney will spearhead product development, merchandise strategy, and market expansion initiatives for all brands within the Work Group, including Wolverine, CAT Footwear, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Merrell Work and Hytest. He will report directly to Tom Kennedy, president of the Work Group.

Wolverine Worldwide’s Work Group Appoints Mike Maloney as Chief Product Officer

Maloney has more than 19 years of footwear industry experience at prominent companies such as Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia Sportswear, and Designer Brands. A seasoned product expert, he possesses a unique blend of merchandising, product development and design, and marketing expertise enabling him to approach product strategy from multiple angles. Due to his leadership in global categories and deep understanding of licensing, Maloney is prepared to navigate the complexities of the footwear market effectively.

“Mike’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our Work Group vision forward, enabling us to maximize our portfolio approach through his expertise across merchandising, product innovation, and strategy,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Additionally, Mike’s consumer-first approach and experience in casual and athletic brands will advance our ability to grow in adjacent categories, most prominently lifestyle.”

“I’m excited to join the team at Wolverine Worldwide during such a pivotal moment for the organization,” said Mr. Maloney. “The direction we are taking in product innovation and brand strategy aligns seamlessly with my vision of creating footwear that truly enhances the lives of our consumers. I look forward to leveraging my extensive experience to elevate our Work Group Brands and develop cutting-edge solutions for the dedicated individuals who depend on our footwear every day as well as create demand-driving products that allow us to reach new consumers.”

Posted: November 26, 2024

Source: Wolverine

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