National Hemp Association Presents Climate Action Plan

WASHINGTON — January 22, 2021 — In a demonstration on how Hemp is America’s next natural resource, the National Hemp Association has produced and submitted to the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, an action plan detailing how hemp can be incorporated into the major climate initiatives identified by the Biden Administration.

Hemp became a legal commodity crop through the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 which was contained within the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.  Hemp, which had been absent in the American landscape for more than 85 years, is now seen as one of the most promising sustainable commodity crops; it not only consumes three times more CO2 than any other crop on the planet, it is used in a multitude of products including lightweight auto components, bio-plastics, housing and commercial buildings, fuel cells for electric vehicles, paper, textiles, food, cosmetics and nutraceuticals. As the world turns to using more plant-based products, hemp can save the family farm and mitigate climate change to improve the condition of humankind.

The NHA National Climate Action Plan has identified the following areas within the Biden-Harris Climate Change Policy where hemp can be a major contributor:

  • Infrastructure;
  • Auto industry;
  • Transit;
  • Power sector;
  • Buildings;
  • Housing;
  • Agriculture and conservation; and
  • Environmental justice.

“History confirms that the world looks to America to lead change, be it industrial, cultural or environmental. This is more true today than ever before, as we look to combat the global climate crisis affecting humankind. We know American ingenuity will drive many of these solutions and can do so with plant-based technologies. Hemp, America’s newest commodity crop, will be at the forefront of this regenerative economic and social shift; helping create jobs, clean our soil and air, and introduce sustainable new products once only dreamed about. Hemp is America’s next natural resource.” — Geoff Whaling, Chair, National Hemp Association

NHA looks forward to working with Congress and the Biden Administration to help achieve a sustainable future using hemp.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: National Hemp Association (NHA)

Vizient Invests With PPE Manufacturers To Expand U.S.-Based Manufacturing And Help Stabilize Supply

IRVING, Texas — January 25, 2021 — From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country have been facing extraordinary challenges in accessing adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). To help expand the available supply of many of these items, Vizient Inc. entered into strategic partnership agreements with Encompass, Standard Textile and Prestige Ameritech. Since establishing these agreements, these companies have expanded production capacity and enabled Vizient member hospitals access to some of the most sought-after PPE in health care today.

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Sourcing strategies that work during normal business conditions are not enough to answer the call for hospitals today,” said Bharat Sundaram, president and COO for Vizient. “We have acted on behalf of our member hospitals by investing more than $12 million of our capital to help suppliers bring new, domestic manufacturing capacity online and by leveraging our supplier relationships and sourcing expertise to respond to the ongoing PPE needs of those working on the front lines caring for patients.”

Building on an earlier agreement with Encompass Group LLC for 19 million disposable gowns, in August, Vizient announced a new agreement with the company to provide an additional 65 million AAMI level 3 disposable isolation gowns manufactured annually in North America to its member hospitals. Since then, Vizient has partnered to help Encompass start a new, automated manufacturing line for disposable gowns in the United States, bringing both supply and onshore resiliency for these products. The new manufacturing line is expected to be up and running in the first quarter of 2022.

Vizient has also partnered with Standard Textile to expand its US-based manufacturing operations for Vizient members. In the initial months of the pandemic, the agreement provided 1.4 million reusable fabric cover gowns, approximately 75 uses each; 1 million reusable fabric face masks, approximately 50 uses each; and 500,000 reusable plastic face shields with an unlimited number of uses, for Vizient members.

In August, Standard Textile joined the Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program, which provides Vizient members with supply assurance through globally diversified manufacturing and U.S.-based stockpiles. As a result, an additional 5.2 million reusable gowns, 1.3 million shoe covers, 1.5 million bouffant caps, 1.5 million skull caps and 1.3 million fabric face masks per year will be available for Vizient members who participate in the program. The reusable aspect of the products in this contract is significant and contributes to sizeable financial savings. As an example, 1 million reusable gowns equal approximately 75 million total uses.

Vizient’s commitment to Prestige Ameritech for nine million N95 masks over a 12-month period has also been extremely valuable to member hospitals. This product is all manufactured in the United States. Since the agreement launched in April 2020, approximately 700,000 masks have been delivered monthly to program participants. Working together, Vizient and Prestige Ameritech have been able to protect thousands more health care workers than would have otherwise been possible.

“These capital investments and commitments with PPE manufacturers are an unprecedented step by Vizient to support the wide range of hospitals that we represent, including many that don’t have the financial ability to secure and maintain the inventory necessary to ensure consistent supply for their staff,” Sundaram said. “Additionally, these investments demonstrate our support for onshore manufacturing of PPE, which we believe is critical to overall supply chain resiliency going forward.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Vizient Inc.

USMCA & Canada-U.S. Lawyer Daniel Ujczo Joins Thompson Hine’s International Trade Practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio — January 25, 2021 — Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce that Daniel Ujczo has joined its International Trade and Transportation practices as senior counsel in the Columbus, Ohio, office. He joins from Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he was the Canada-U.S. practice group chair.

“Dan’s unique qualifications and experience enable him to provide our clients with an insider’s perspective from all angles,” said Michael Wible, partner-in-charge of Thompson Hine’s Columbus office. “He is one of a handful of lawyers with both a Canada-focused practice and a U.S.-focused practice, and he has established a dynamic network of contacts through his government, private sector and academic positions. He will be an excellent resource for our clients.”

Ujczo provides comprehensive counsel across clients’ Canada-U.S., North American and global supply chains on matters including customs classification and compliance, utilization of preferential trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), tariff mitigation and exclusions, procurement issues such as Buy America/Buy American, and antidumping/countervailing duties. He also advises on negotiating transportation agreements, managing trusted trader and related security programs, and addressing port-of-entry issues.

His vast experience includes interpreting USMCA rules of origin and developing compliance regimes for companies in the automotive, advanced manufacturing, chemical, textile polymer and technology sectors. Ujczo also has represented a large agri-food association and retailers in trade negotiations, including under the USMCA, and serves as outside general counsel to a Canadian-U.S. real estate private equity fund leading one of the largest privately funded economic development projects in North America. In addition, he has experience designing and negotiating suites of master transportation agreements across all modes for large corporations and conducting training on these topics for their business teams.

Ujczo’s unique Canada-U.S. background encompasses serving in both countries’ governments, private practice and academia. As an officer in Canada’s foreign ministry, he worked toward improving North America’s borders and ports-of-entry and was the Managing Director of the Canada-United States Law Institute, an organization of cross-border corporate executives, in-house counsel, law firms, public policy experts, scholars and the media.

“With its long-standing experience in representing Canadian and U.S. clients across a number of key sectors and practice areas, and having offices throughout my home state of Ohio and in other major markets, Thompson Hine is an ideal platform for my practice,” said Ujczo of his decision to join the firm. “The ability to connect my clients operating on the front lines of global trade here in the heart of the Great Lakes region with the firm’s deep bench and extensive expertise in trade and transportation in Washington, D.C. is a perfect fit. My clients will benefit from having end-to-end solutions for their countless supply chain issues all under one roof.”

Ujczo also assists clients, economic development organizations and governments with cross-border investment and expansion projects, including coordinating legal counsel on matters such as corporate structuring, taxation, immigration, incentives, intellectual property and employment. He serves as outside general counsel to several cross-border companies, has served as a liaison between U.S. and Canadian government officials, and routinely assists companies in dealings with government regulatory agencies.

Active in the professional community, Ujczo is a life member of the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores, which was established by former Ohio Governor James Rhodes to honor 60 Ohio business leaders who accompanied him on Ohio’s first international trade mission and to which more than 600 individuals have since been appointed to recognize their contributions to economic development in their communities and the state. Ujczo is also a national board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, president of the Ohio-Canada Business Association and U.S. vice president for North American Strategy for Competitiveness. While based in Columbus, Ujczo is active throughout Ohio as a vice-president of the Henry T. King Jr. Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group and an advisory committee member for the Ohio-Pennsylvania Stateline Export Initiative.

Ujczo is the fourth senior lawyer to join the Columbus office in the past year. He follows Marc Minor, whose experience includes serving as a securities bureau chief in the New York and New Jersey Attorneys General’s offices, senior counsel at FINRA, and director and enforcement counsel of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange; Eric Miller, former chief legal officer for Nationwide Funds Group, the mutual fund unit of Fortune 100 insurance company Nationwide; and Lindsay Karas Stencel, a leading venture capital lawyer.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Thompson Hine LLP

Honeywell Reaches Agreement To Sell Lifestyle And Performance Footwear Business To Rocky Brands

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — January 25, 2021 — Honeywell today announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its performance and lifestyle footwear business to Rocky Brands, a manufacturer of premium footwear and apparel, for approximately $230 million. The deal is scheduled to close by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

Under the agreement, Honeywell will divest five brands it deems non-core to its business: The Original Muck Boot Company, XTRATUF fishing boots and deck shoes, Ranger, NEOS overshoes and Servus protective rubber boots.

“These are well-respected brands beloved by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts for work and play, and we’re proud of our team that has grown this business in recent years,” said John Waldron, president and CEO, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. “We’re excited for them to join Rocky Brands, who will continue to accelerate growth by leveraging its significant industry knowledge and expertise.”

Rocky Brands Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and apparel marketed under a portfolio of well recognized brand names including Rocky®, Georgia Boot®, Durango®, Lehigh®, and the licensed brand Michelin®.

“With the acquisition of The Original Muck Boot Company along with XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger brands, we will greatly enhance our powerful portfolio of footwear brands and significantly increase our sales and profitability,” said Jason Brooks, president and CEO, Rocky Brands. “We’re acquiring a well-run business with a corporate culture and a customer base similar to ours, which provides meaningful growth opportunities within our existing categories as well as entrée into new market segments. Its innovative and authentic product collections complement our existing offering with minimal overlap, which will allow us to strengthen our wholesale relationships and serve a wider consumer audience. At the same time, we plan to leverage Rocky’s advanced fulfillment capabilities to accelerate these brands’ direct-to-consumer penetration. I am incredibly proud of the success our organization has achieved over the past several years and I am excited to build on our momentum as we begin this exciting new chapter for the company.”

Honeywell will continue to manufacture industrial safety footwear for workers under brands such as Oliver, MTS, Honeywell Bacou and others.

Honeywell is a leading provider of head-to-toe personal protective equipment to help protect workers on the job. The company’s safety offerings include respiratory, hearing, eye and fall protection solutions as well as advanced gas detectors for industrial applications.

There is no impact to Honeywell’s financial guidance as the result of this transaction

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Honeywell

Canon Solutions America Introduces The Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme And T300 Extreme Edge Sewing And Welding Solutions

MELVILLE, N.Y. — January 25, 2021 — Canon Solutions America Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A. Inc., has announced the addition of the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge sewing and welding solutions to its portfolio. The Miller Weldmaster Digitran is built for both print service providers and inplants looking to efficiently and easily sew and finish digitally printed textiles for Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG), flags, and soft signage graphics. These automated sewing and welding solutions can help to eliminate the need for skilled sewing labor, as well as create a variety of hems and webbings.

Additional features offered by the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, designed to accurately place silicone strips along the edge of graphics, include:

  • Transport system synced with sewing machine for accurate and precise flow of material handling and product finishing;
  • Hands free SEG feeding and cutting;
  • Programmable back stitch configuration and stitch cut for easy operational use;
  • Synchronized needle bar and feed for even stitching;
  • Needle cooling for faster sewing;
  • Multiple seam configuration for almost any type of job;
  • Light aluminum frame for easy mobility around your facility;
  • Easy to use touch controls;
  • Driven roller for large graphics; and
  • Robust Durkopp Adler sewing machine for maximum up time.

The Miller Weldmaster Digitran can be combined with the T3 Extreme or T300 Extreme Edge finishing solutions for complete sewing and welding operations. The T3 Extreme hot wedge welding machine can produce seams for banner, sign, and awning making applications. This compact welding solution is designed to handle 25-100 banners per month, equipped to hem all slides in less than two minutes, and can even create rope hems, pole pockets, webbing, and more. Combining versatility with precision adjustments, the T300 Extreme Edge supports large production, and can finish a 4-foot by 6-foot banner in less than one minute.

Additional features offered by the Miller Weldmaster T3 Extreme include:

  • Simple controls for easy operation;
  • Solid steel frame for years of durability;
  • Tabletop compact size for any small business;
  • Simple wedge adjustments for accurate material placement; and
  • Easy guide change for multiple seam configurations.

Additional featured offered by the Miller Weldmaster T300 Extreme Edge include:

  • Quick- setting recall with touch screen and recipe storage of 25 memory settings;
  • Increased product efficiency with dual arms to configure straight seams;
  • Quick, repeatable, precision- head adjustments;
  • Available in hot air, hot wedge or both for product versatility;
  • Multiple seam configurations with quick, easy guide change; and
  • Can be customized to fit your exact specifications.

“At Canon Solutions America, we are committed to delivering complete end-to-end solutions that help maximize productivity, efficiency and quality for our customers, as well as help them to create new opportunities to expand into new markets and offerings,” said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, Inc. “We are excited to offer the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge to round out our lineup of products for roll-to-roll dye sublimation and thermoplastic printing applications.”

To learn more about the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, T3 Extreme and T300 Extreme Edge, please visit csa.canon.com.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Canon Solutions America Inc.

MSA Safety Acquires U.K. Firefighter Turnout Gear Manufacturer Bristol Uniforms

PITTSBURGH — January 25, 2021 — Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated today announced it has acquired England-based Bristol Uniforms in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $60 million. The acquisition strengthens MSA’s position as a global leader in fire service personal protective equipment (PPE) products while providing an avenue to expand its business in the U.K. and key European markets.

Headquartered in Bristol, England, Bristol Uniforms is a leading innovator and provider of protective apparel to the fire and rescue services sector, with annual revenue of approximately $40 million. The company has earned a reputation for providing high quality turnout gear that combines innovative designs with advanced materials. Bristol Uniforms employs nearly 200 people across four U.K-based locations.

“Helping to keep firefighters safe has been a longstanding element of the MSA mission,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA chairman, president and CEO. “The acquisition of Bristol advances that mission as well as our growth strategy to protect firefighters from head to toe with the very best in safety technology,” he said.

Mr. Vartanian said the transaction builds on the success MSA has had in improving the overall performance of its International business segment. “Our entire International team, and particularly our associates in Europe, have done a terrific job over the past three years building a more agile, efficient and growth-focused organization. Today’s acquisition reflects the confidence we have in our team’s ability to quickly integrate Bristol into the MSA portfolio. It also recognizes the progress our team in Europe has made in executing MSA’s overall vision for growth,” he said.

MSA senior vice president and CFO Ken Krause, who leads the company’s corporate development activities, commented that the acquisition comes at an exciting time for MSA and its fire service business. “The fire service is a strategic market for us that has performed well through a broad range of economic cycles, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.  “Bringing Bristol under the MSA umbrella builds on our 2017 acquisition of U.S. turnout gear leader Globe, while adding another defensive element to our portfolio and providing us with an opportunity to expand MSA’s addressable market in the International segment.  With MSA’s global reach and Bristol’s strong brand equity, we’re confident in our ability to reach key geographic markets and make the Bristol brand even more successful.”

Krause added that the acquisition aligns with the company’s disciplined approach for capital deployment. He also noted that Bristol is expected to hurdle MSA’s cost of capital by year three. Excluding acquisition-related amortization, the company is planning for adjusted earnings accretion of $0.03-$0.05 per share in the first twelve months of ownership.

Bristol Uniforms is also a leading manufacturer of flame-retardant, waterproof and other protective workwear for the utility industry. Marketed under the Bell Apparel brand, this line complements MSA’s existing and broad range of offerings for the global utilities market.

Bristol Deputy Chairman Ian Mitchell commented, “We see today’s acquisition as a great fit for both our organizations.  From a product synergy perspective, Bristol Uniforms aligns with MSA’s existing portfolio, enhances our reach into the global turnout gear market, and it gives us new opportunities to serve our customer base with a broader range of head-to-toe firefighter protection.”  Mr. Mitchell added, “Culturally, MSA and Bristol are very well-aligned, and we are excited about today’s news as we see this acquisition as a great match for both Bristol and for MSA.”

The fire service equipment brands of MSA, which include Gallet Firefighter Helmets, the M1 and G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus range, Cairns Helmets, Globe Manufacturing, and now Bristol Uniforms, represent more than 460 combined years of innovation in the fire service industry, with one common mission: protecting the health and safety of firefighters.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: MSA Safety Incorporated

Stockwell Elastomerics Announces Thomas S. Rimel, Jr. Has Joined The Company As President

Thomas S. Rimel Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — January 25, 2021 — Stockwell Elastomerics Inc. announces today that Thomas S. Rimel Jr. has joined the company as its new president. The announcement was made by company Chairman Bill Stockwell. Rimel is the first executive outside of the 4th generation Stockwell family to lead the business since it was founded in 1919.

Stockwell said: “With the addition of Tom Rimel to our leadership team, we move into the next phase of our mission to become America’s leading provider of highly innovative gasketing, cushioning and sealing solutions to protect sensitive technology in extreme environments. Tom brings the expertise and experience that Stockwell Elastomerics needs to grow and succeed. I have every confidence he will lead the company well.”

Rimel was previously the president of Dunmore Corp., a well-established provider of engineered films, foils, fabrics and adhesive products for technical applications. During his 25 year tenure with Dunmore, Rimel played an integral role in the strategy and execution of sales growth in new markets, manufacturing improvements, and strategic acquisitions. He held a number of positions including Chief Operating Officer, Business Development Manager, Plant Manager and Process Engineering Manager.

Rimel holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and later earned an M.B.A. from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa. His career began working in various technical and business positions with companies such as DuPont, International Paper and Adhesives Research Inc.

Over the past four years, Stockwell Elastomerics has become an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) company, built a third building to expand capacity on its northeast Philadelphia campus, and celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Stockwell added: “My goal has been for Stockwell Elastomerics to remain durable and independent, growing its business with strategic customers in our key markets and setting a standard for excellence in our industry. Keeping our business in Philadelphia, while building a high performance culture with our diverse mix of tenured and newer employees, has become a special passion in recent years  of service to our mission. We are fortunate to have Tom join our company and lead us to greater heights of business excellence.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: Stockwell Elastomerics Inc.

NCTO Issues Statement On President Biden’s “Made In America” Executive Order And Launches Video Campaign In Support Of Strengthening American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON — January 25, 2021 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the White House announcement that President Biden will sign an executive order today, “ensuring the future of America is Made in America by all of America’s workers.”  Further, NCTO launched a new industry video campaign today that outlines steps the Biden administration and Congress must take to re-shore the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the entire supply chain for critical products. The video can be found here: http://www.ncto.org/make-american-ppe/

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas said:

“We commend President Biden for taking action in his first days in office to strengthen our domestic supply chain and manufacturing base with a “Made in America” executive order directing the federal government to spend taxpayer dollars on American-made goods produced by American workers using American-made components.

Increasing the domestic procurement threshold and the price preferences for domestic goods under the current Buy American law will bolster domestic production and stimulate more investment in U.S. manufacturing.

We believe it is critical that taxpayer dollars are used to invest in American manufacturing and our workforce.  It is essential that we close loopholes in our Buy America laws, expand application and product coverage of domestic content rules, and close unnecessary contract waivers that undermine American manufacturing and its workforce.

We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress on immediately strengthening our domestic procurement laws.  The COVID-19 crisis was exacerbated when foreign supply chains broke down leaving our frontline workers vulnerable, underscoring the vital need for America to manufacture essential medical products at home.  We look forward to working with the Biden administration on implementing this Executive Order, and with members of Congress to push critical bipartisan legislation to help ensure this onshoring effort is fully realized.

We also sincerely thank Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) for their leadership in sending a recent letter to President Biden, requesting the president prioritize “Made in America” personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases and outlining key steps the administration can take to produce and procure quality American-made PPE for frontline workers.”

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

McDonald’s Restaurants In Brazil Are Serving Up A New Sustainable Food Tray 

SÃO PAULO — January 25, 2021 — Arcos Dorados, the largest independent McDonald’s franchise in the world which operates restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean, advances in its commitment to drive a positive impact on the environment, announcing the substitution of the plastic trays used by clients in its outlets with a more sustainable version.

The measure is part of a plastics reduction program that began in 2018. Since then, over 1,300 tons of single-use plastic have been removed from the restaurants. The plan is to continue on this path, minimizing the use of virgin materials throughout logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing to measurably offset the chain’s carbon footprint.

The new trays represent the first step in the partnership between Arcos Dorados and UBQ Materials, an Israel-based company that has patented a technology which converts household waste into a climate positive, biobased, thermoplastic. Not to be confused with standard recycling that requires highly developed sorting, UBQ’s technology receives landfill-destined waste that includes everything; food leftovers, paper, cardboard, and mixed plastics and can convert it all into a single composite thermoplastic material compatible with industry machinery and manufacturing standards.

In this first phase, 7,200 serving trays made with UBQ™ were introduced in 30 McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Brazilian state capitals, replacing old plastic tray models. The initiative will be gradually extended to all McDonald’s restaurants throughout the country, with 11,000 additional trays already in production. Outside the presence of a UBQ logo, McDonald’s patrons will see and feel no difference in the iconic serving tray as the impact of this collaboration is in the intangible offset of carbon emissions. Using UBQ in the production of the new trays has already diverted over 1,200 kilograms (kg) of waste from being sent to landfills.

By converting waste and giving it new life as a raw material in manufacturing, UBQ prevents the pollution and harmful greenhouse gas emissions related to landfill decomposition. Every ton of UBQ produced prevents nearly 12 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the environment. According to Quantis, global leader of environmental impact assessments, this metric qualifies UBQ™ as the most climate positive thermoplastic on the market. The production of the first 18,000 trays represents an estimated reduction of 3,713 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent.

“We as a company are fully committed to the environment and are doing everything possible to reduce the impact of our operation by means of our Recipe for the Future platform,” states Gabriel Serber, director of Sustainable Development and Social Impact at Arcos Dorados. “The partnership with UBQ is yet another step towards introducing more and more innovative solutions to improve the world around us, and we are proud to take this first step, supporting a technology that will transform the way society recycles its organic waste.”

The new trays are produced by the Brazilian company Semaza, whose plant is in Santana de Parnaíba, in the Greater São Paulo region. The introduction of trays made with UBQ will be gradually extended to the other units in the chain, while old tray models withdrawn from the restaurants will be used in the circular economy projects promoted by Arcos Dorados.

“UBQ has the potential to revolutionize the way we view waste, transforming it from a liability into a valuable resource for manufacturing,” says Albert Douer, Executive Chairman of UBQ Materials. “The market at large is demanding sustainable solutions and the fast-food industry is no exception. UBQ enables manufacturers to create products that positively impact our world, without compromising on profitability – the solution is as simple as implementation.”

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The implementation of the trays produced with the UBQ material complements a series of Arcos Dorados initiatives focused on the reduction and the conscious use of plastic, including the substitution of the packaging of some products and the suspension of the proactive distribution of straws in its restaurants, which has already avoided the consumption of around 200 tons of disposable plastic in one year. To learn about Arcos Dorados’ initiatives and socio-environmental commitments, access the website www.receitadofuturo.com.br.

In addition to its regional actions, the company is committed to achieving McDonald’s global targets of a 36-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from its restaurants and corporate offices and a 31-percent reduction throughout its supply chain in the same period. This means the elimination of a total of 11 million tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to planting 3 billion trees or removing 25 million cars from the streets.

Posted January 25, 2021

Source: UBQ Materials Ltd.

Senator Brown, Representative Manning Call On Biden Administration To Prioritize American Manufacturers, Help Bolster Domestic PPE Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 24, 2021 — Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) wrote to President Biden calling on the Administration to prioritize purchasing fully made in America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The lawmakers outline four steps the Administration can take now to ensure our frontline workers have products needed to effectively carryout their critical responsibilities and to support domestic manufacturers who are ready to scale up production and help keep workers healthy and safe.

“This industry retooled production chains in the spring to respond to the crisis as international supply chains broke down. Domestic production capabilities for essential products like isolation gowns, N95 masks, testing swabs and other critical products have grown exponentially since the beginning of the crisis.  However, regrettably, we have too many manufacturers in our states and across the nation that have capacity but no orders to supply. With so many capable domestic manufacturers making quality product, the U.S. textile and nonwovens industries are eager to work to ensure you are getting the quality product you need when you need it,” the lawmakers wrote.

In their letter, Brown and Manning call on President Biden, through Executive Order and legislative efforts, to:

  1. Prioritize the purchase of fully made in America PPE “Berry compliant” to help continue bolstering the U.S. supply chain regardless of purchasing agency;
  2. Issue long-term contracts directly to domestic manufacturers when possible to help bolster the domestic supply chains;
  3. Adopt a contracting purchase methodology that uses “Best Value” criteria versus “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” criteria; and
  4. Designate a point person in charge of coordinating the government’s efforts to procure PPE and other medical equipment who is responsible for meeting regularly with key domestic manufacturing stakeholders.

Taken together, these measures would help ensure frontline workers have the critical PPE they need while also supporting American manufacturers and their workers. Scaled up production of domestic PPE would help keep American workers safe while also bolstering the economy in states like Ohio and North Carolina with a rich history of manufacturing.

Brown has introduced legislation, the Protecting American Heroes Act, to help increase the U.S. stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) and allow for a quick ramp up of American production of PPE in any future emergency. Brown also wrote to President Trump outlining several steps the Administration should take immediately to address the shortage and ramp up manufacturing of these critical medical supplies.

Manning, the newly elected Representative from North Carolina’s Sixth Congressional District, represents several PPE manufacturers located in central North Carolina. The Sixth District and the state of North Carolina are home to a robust textile industry with deep roots in local economies across the state.

A full copy of Brown and Manning’s letter can be found below:

Dear Mr. President:

As your Administration carries out the Build Back Better Plan and the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness to turn around the nation’s effort to defeat COVID-19, we write regarding federal contracts for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the need for strong domestic supply chains. We urge you to prioritize purchasing fully made in America PPE to ensure our frontline workers have products that meet the strong performance requirements needed to effectively carryout their critical responsibilities.

We have four immediate priority requests for your consideration for both Executive Order implementation and legislative efforts:

  1. prioritize purchase of fully made in America PPE “Berry compliant” to help continue bolstering the U.S. supply chain regardless of purchasing agency;
  2. issue long-term contracts directly to domestic manufacturers when possible to help bolster the domestic supply chains;
  3. adopt a contracting purchase methodology that uses “Best Value” criteria versus “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” criteria; and
  4. designate a point person in charge of coordinating the government’s efforts to procure PPE and other medical equipment who is responsible for meeting regularly with key domestic manufacturing stakeholders.

The U.S. textile industry employs nearly 600,000 workers who form the backbone of our domestic supply chains. North Carolina, with a rich history of textile manufacturing, is home to manufacturers who have long experience in providing medical-grade materials and stand ready to produce and supply high-quality PPE to meet America’s ongoing fight against COVID-19.  Likewise, Ohio manufacturers, supported by the state’s research and medical institutions, have joined together to form the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19 and stepped up to drive innovation to develop advanced PPE solutions for our frontline workers, first responders, and the general public.

This industry retooled production chains in the spring to respond to the crisis as international supply chains broke down. Domestic production capabilities for essential products like isolation gowns, N95 masks, testing swabs and other critical products have grown exponentially since the beginning of the crisis.  However, regrettably, we have too many manufacturers in our states and across the nation that have capacity but no orders to supply. With so many capable domestic manufacturers making quality product, the U.S. textile and nonwovens industries are eager to work to ensure you are getting the quality product you need when you need it.

We strongly support Berry amendment domestic procurement language that prioritizes the use of federal taxpayer dollars for the purchase of domestically made PPE that meets high quality standards from established, proven, and vetted suppliers. We also encourage the government to purchase both reusable and disposable products in order to bolster sustainable supply chains. Without a strong demand signal by the government for domestic manufacturing, we fear these supply chains will continue to be susceptible to offshoring.  Further, we strongly support issuing long-term contracts to manufacturers when possible, grants to further support this essential manufacturing production chain and its workforce, and other incentives to help the purchase of these products in the private marketplace.

To ensure the reliability of supplies, quality and durability of products, and compliance with reasonable domestic procurement requirements, we strongly urge all future federal contracts purchase Berry-compliant, USA-made product and use contracting criteria based on “Best Value” vs “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable”.  “Best Value” contracting criteria must take into account quality and price, past performance and financial capabilities of awardees, and other critical criteria to ensure our health care workers are getting quality PPE that will perform on the job. These combined factors are more important than just price alone. A shift to “Best Value” that has this type of criteria around quality, safety, and durability standards, along with criteria about awardees capabilities and relevant past performance coupled with strong pre-award vetting procedures is necessary to protect essential workers, whereas the “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” standard uses price as the predominant factor in making awards. Regrettably, a key reason this part of the industry was offshored pre-COVID was because price was the predominant factor in purchasing.  We must not compromise the health of our frontline medical workers by making purchases based mainly on lowest cost. Instead, procurement of critical PPE should be based on a variety of criteria to ensure that price and quality and performance are an inherent part of contracting standards.  We also encourage you to make awards directly to quality manufacturers so that there is a seamless communication between the government and those manufacturing these essential products.

Finally, we request the White House designate a point person in charge of coordinating the government’s efforts among all relevant federal agencies to procure PPE and other essential equipment and to secure the necessary domestic supply chains to meet this critical task. Knowledge of current supply chain capabilities, including the specifications of the goods to be procured and existing American producers, is essential. This individual should serve as a liaison to the U.S. textile industry and work closely with manufacturers to ensure the collective industry has proper guidance and cooperation in order to provide the necessary products to help in this COVID-19 effort, and communicate anticipated needs for the Strategic National Stockpile regularly with stakeholders.

Thank you for your commitment to investing in critical domestic supply chains that balance the urgent demands of the pandemic while encouraging a robust domestic PPE industry.  We also congratulate you on your inauguration and thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Posted January 24, 2021

Source: United States Congress: Offices of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC)

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