Accelerating Circularity® Releases Research & Mapping Report


CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — October 6, 2020 — Accelerating Circularity Inc. has released a report with the results of their research on the potential for circular supply chains on the east coast of the United States. The report answers the basic questions of why, what, where, who and how materials can become a part of circular, textile-to-textile recycling systems. It includes information on spent post- industrial and post-consumer materials, stakeholders including collectors, sorters, and preprocessors, and chemical and mechanical recyclers.

The report maps the current state of actors in future circular supply chain networks, which will be the building blocks for circular models that will be critical to the industry’s future.

According to Karla Magruder, president, Accelerating Circularity, “Understanding the materials available, what supply chain steps are in place, and what is missing for textile-to- textiles circular systems will speed up the transition to new systems. This research has deepened our awareness that everything in a circular system must be connected for it to work. For everything to be connected we must all participate; it is something the industry has to do together. Nobody can go it alone.”

A Call to Action asks brands and retailers, industry stakeholders, and recyclers to do their part by contributing, more knowledge through information sharing and feedback. Brands and Retailers are asked to share the fiber contents of their products. Collectors, Sorters, and Preprocessors are asked to provide feedback on sorting specifications. Recyclers are asked to self-assess into process categories.

The full report, interactive data visualizations, and calls to action can be found at www.acceleratingcircularity.org/research.

Accelerating Circularity’s work has been made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation and support from Gap Inc., Nike, Target, and VF Corp.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Accelerating Circularity, Inc.

Executive Panel Highlights TRSA Virtual Healthcare Conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — October 6, 2020 — The December 1-3 TRSA Virtual Healthcare Conference will host an executive panel discussion involving the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the response from the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Moderated by TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci, the panel will address specific industry challenges and opportunities such as new products and services.

The interactive panel will be live allowing for a Q&A session with conference participants, and will help answer the question: Where do we go from here? Panelists represent the largest regional and fastest growing healthcare acute and non-acute linen and garment services companies including:

  • Rich Bott, CEO, Emerald Textiles;
  • Joseph LaPorta, President & CEO, Healthcare Linen Services Group;
  • David Potack, President, Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services; and
  • David Stern, CEO, Novo Health Services.

This panel will be the culmination of the Virtual Healthcare Conference that kicks off with a virtual welcome reception and break-out sessions on Monday, Dec. 1, 7-8 pm EST.

The conference starts on Tuesday, December 2, opening with the keynote presentation from internationally respected health futurist and medical economist Jeffrey C. Bauer, Ph.D., who will discuss The Future of Healthcare – Post COVID – and What You Can Do About It. Bauer is the author of more than 250 publications on healthcare delivery and is a sought-after speaker regarding key trends in medical science, technology, reimbursement, public policy, health reform, strategy and creative problem solving.

Don’t Miss the Virtual Plant Tour

December 3 is the premiere of TRSA’s first-ever Virtual Plant Tour, featuring Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. A 2020 TRSA Best Laundry Plants of the Year award winner (March 2020), this healthcare laundry built in 2017 highlights innovative concepts featured in short segments that will explore the various aspects and technology of this 35,000-square-foot facility.

The virtual plant tour format divides the plant into six separate segments covering the what, why and how for each. A live Q&A will follow each segment. The following team from Ecotex will be on hand to answer all questions and provide additional insight: President Bryan Bartsch; CEO Randy Bartsch; General Manager Rod Reeder; Director of Client Services Jeff Scott; and Corporate Director of Engineering Dan Steele.

Additional general and break-out sessions on Dec. 2-3 (see full agenda and brochure at www.trsa.org/healthcare) will cover these topics:

  • Reusable Healthcare PPE;
  • Healthcare Benchmarking Survey Results;
  • Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion;
  • The Hygienically Clean Certification Process: Lessons Learned;
  • Using UV Lighting for Disinfection;
  • How to Build Personal Clothing Laundering Capabilities/Servicing LTC Facilities; and
  • Plant Disinfection Guidelines for COVID-19 Prevention.

The agenda is fully interactive with breaks that offer opportunities for additional networking. At the close of the day on Dec. 2, stay tuned for magician and mentalist Gary Ferrar, who will provide a virtual performance full of unexpected moments and unique effects. Ferrar has appeared on NBC and USA networks and on the Travel Channel. Ferrar has asked us to pass on these instructions to participants: “Due to the interactive nature of this virtual event, it is recommended that you put on pants and turn on your camera.”

TRSA’s Healthcare Conference is the premier laundry industry event focused on the business, handling and processing of hospital, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities, including compliance and clinical trends. Mark your calendar and gather with operators responsible for processing more than 90% of North America’s healthcare linens and garments.

Register by October 16 to save an additional $100 on virtual registration pricing! Visit www.trsa.org/healthcare for coupon code and details.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: TRSA

NCTO Supports House Resolution Opposing Expansion Of Generalized System Of Preferences Program (GSP) To Include Apparel, Textiles, Footwear

WASHINGTON — October 6, 2020 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles, from fiber to finished sewn products, voiced strong support for a House resolution opposing the inclusion of apparel, textile and footwear products in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.

“I want to thank Congressman Albio Sires (D-N.J.) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Congressman Mario  Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) for introducing this important resolution, which expressly opposes the expansion of GSP to include apparel, textiles and footwear. Such a move would not only jeopardize the U.S. textile industry but also erode the critically negotiated trade preferences between the United States and our trading partners,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“In designing the GSP program 45 years ago, Congress intentionally excluded import-sensitive items to prevent domestic industries from being adversely impacted.

“An expansion of GSP for such imported products would put at risk the entire U.S. apparel and textile industry and its workforce — not to mention its $77 billion in annual output, $30 billion in annual exports and $20 billion in investment over the last decade,” Glas said.

“Further, it would undermine our free trade agreements in the Western Hemisphere, a critical export market for U.S. textiles that supports two million direct jobs. The Western Hemisphere accounts for 70 percent of apparel and textile exports and $35 million in two-way trade. We can’t thank all of the co-sponsors enough for their tremendous leadership on this issue and we support this critical resolution.

The resolution underscores how expanding GSP would impact Western Hemisphere trade and undermine trade preference benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).”

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Bolt Threads Partners With adidas, Kering, lululemon and Stella McCartney to Introduce Mylo™

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — October 2, 2020 — Bolt Threads, a biotechnology company creating the next generation of advanced materials, today announced the creation of an unprecedented consortium with iconic global companies who have secured exclusive access to its innovative material, Mylo™. Made from infinitely renewable mycelium, Mylo looks and feels like leather; brand partners will begin bringing products featuring Mylo to market in 2021. The Mylo consortium marks a major milestone in the industry, as global companies come together to invest in material innovation and creative solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

The consortium is the largest joint development agreement in consumer biomaterials to date, marrying deep science and high design.

“We are thrilled to be working with partners who recognize that we are in a race to develop sustainable solutions to conventional technologies,” said Bolt Threads CEO Dan Widmaier. “They are joining forces, and investing in a solution that can scale: Mylo. The consortium unites four iconic and forward-thinking companies — adidas, Kering, lululemon, and Stella McCartney — who collectively represent hundreds of millions of square feet of potential demand for Mylo. Most importantly, this is an ongoing commitment to develop materials and products for a more sustainable future.”

“I have always been convinced that innovation is key to addressing the sustainability challenge that Luxury is facing. Finding innovative, alternative materials and fabrics can potentially drastically reduce the environmental impact of our industry over the long term. This is why Kering is actively looking for innovations in this field and it’s why we became an early supporter of Bolt Threads. Mylo is one of the very promising solutions that we have identified,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman & CEO, Kering.

“Many people associate leather with luxury but since the beginning I always wanted to approach things in a different way because killing animals for the sake of fashion is quite simply not acceptable. Working so closely with Bolt Threads since 2017 has been a career changing experience and I cannot wait to launch Mylo products to market in 2021,” said Stella McCartney, founder and Creative Director.

Consortium partners were drawn to Mylo because of its remarkable resemblance to soft, supple leather. Mylo can be used like animal or synthetic leather and can take on any color, finish or emboss. The first Mylo products will be available for purchase in stores and online starting in 2021.

“For too long the industry standard has categorized materials as either natural or highly functional – but not both. The way to remedy this is to innovate responsibly with solutions that challenge the status quo, and products that use the best of what nature has spent millions of years perfecting — like Mylo — are critical to that,” said James Carnes, vice president, Global Brand Strategy at adidas. “We hope this inspires others to join forces, as a more sustainable future is something that no brand can create alone.”

“At lululemon, we are committed to making products and operating our business in an innovative, sustainable way for our guests. The Mylo consortium demonstrates how leading global brands can collaborate across industries to be part of a lasting solution to restore a healthy environment. We firmly believe that innovation and sustainability are key to the future of retail,” said Sun Choe, chief product officer, lululemon.

The process of finding the right brand partners was highly selective, based on mission alignment and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability. The four selected companies appreciate that Mylo is developed from the ground up with environmental impact at the forefront. For the Mylo consortium partners, this is more than a marketing story as they are investing in science and research to make sure the material is truly better for the planet.

More on Mylo: High-Tech Science + Low Environmental Impact

Mylo is everything you love about leather without everything you (and the planet) don’t. Made from infinitely renewable mycelium — the branching underground structure of mushrooms — Mylo is created using a highly efficient grow process that is intentionally designed to be low impact — taking less than two weeks to grow, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and using less water and resources than animal leather.

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: BOLT THREADS

Ascend Announces Price Increases For Intermediate Materials

HOUSTON — October 5, 2020 — Ascend Performance Materials announced today a price increase for intermediate materials.

Customers should contact their local sales representative for additional information.

The price increase takes effect immediately and includes the following terms:

 Material  Price Increase   Terms
 Hexamethylene

Diamine (HMD)

  $350/MT As contracts allow

Non-contract business – price determined on an order-by-order basis
 Adiponitrile (ADN)  $350/MT As contracts allow

Non-contract business – price determined on an order-by-order basis
 Acrylonitrile (AN)  $200/MT As contracts allow

Non-contract business – price determined on an order-by-order basis
 Adipic Acid (AA)  $100/MT As contracts allow

Non-contract business – price determined on an order-by-order basis

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Jack Wolfskin Appoints André Grube As CFO

PARK CITY, Utah — October 5, 2020 — Jack Wolfskin, a global producer of outdoor apparel and gear, has appointed André Grube as the company’s new CFO, effective October 1, 2020. In this role, Grube will be responsible for Jack Wolfskin’s finance, tax and legal, HR and office management functions. Grube succeeds Ante Franicevic, who has decided to leave the company on October 15 to pursue new professional opportunities after a short handoff.

“I am delighted that with André Grube, we have been able to recruit an experienced financial expert from the outdoor industry,” said Jack Wolfskin CEO Melody Harris-Jensbach. “His responsibilities in particular include the completion of the full integration of Jack Wolfskin into our parent organization, Callaway Golf. We thank Mr. Franicevic for his achievements at Jack Wolfskin.”

Grube is joining Jack Wolfskin from the Switzerland-based outdoor company Mammut Sports Group. In his role as Group CFO, he was responsible for the Finance Department as well as HR, Inventory Management, Logistics and Strategic Planning since 2018.

During this time, Grube was instrumental in developing important organizational and strategic changes within the Company. He also made a significant contribution to Mammut Sports Group’s increased global success and profitability. Before joining Mammut Sports Group, he held positions in the finance departments of PepsiCo Germany GmbH, Punica Getränke GmbH and Procter & Gamble International.

In January 2019, Jack Wolfskin was acquired by Callaway Golf Co.

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: Callaway Golf

Sonovia Reports Its Masks Actively Eliminate Over 99-Percent of COVID-19

RAMAT GAN, Israel — October 3, 2020 — Sonovia Ltd. shared the encouraging results the company received from internationally accredited laboratory ATCC Testing laboratory. The SonoMask, which is protected by Sonovia’s proprietary formula, displayed a 99.34-percent effectiveness neutralizing the SARS-CoV2 virus within just 30 minutes of exposure in accordance with ISO 18184.

This result comes to light following Sonovia’s most recent trials with international companies from the auto and fashion industry. For instance, Sonovia recently received results from an experiment conducted with the Italian Automotive giant Adler. The experiment managed to prove an effective treatment for carpets and fabric while achieving a 99.999-percent efficiency rate against bacteria.

Earlier this year, the company also participated in an accelerator project of European fashion company A&C and was rewarded with a $250,000 investment from the Play and Plug venture fund. This pilot included cooperation with leading sporting brands such as Adidas, Gucci, and Chanel.

Currently, Sonovia is in the process of integrating its anti-bacterial fabric in the sports clothing line of Israeli clothing manufacturer Delta, and the company’s textiles being considered to produce bedding and uniforms in Israeli hospitals.

The company strives to provide its people with unparalleled protection in the ‘new normal,’ following the pandemic subsides. This will dramatically reduce the risk of contagion following the current crisis and ensure a safer environment in which the Coronavirus is a permanent guest.

Joshua Hershcovici, Sonovia’s CEO, said: “Following this outstanding result, the product of several months of dedicated anti-viral sonochemistry formulation, we can now assure the public that our SonoMask is working continuously, permanently, and rapidly to neutralize the spread of COVID-19. We are proud of our latest accomplishment that will help people feel safe and protect their loved ones, all the whilst remaining the most ecologically sound option upon the PPE market.”

Liat Goldhammer, chief technology officer at Sonovia, said: “We see our breakthrough technology transforming our everyday life, implemented in all textiles surrounding us: from the clothes we wear, to the textiles in our home, the textiles in our public spaces, in public transportation and of course as a protective measure in the workplaces & medical institutes in a manner that ensures safer surroundings during these unusual times.”

The Sonovia mask maintains its protective properties through more than 55 industrial wash cycles, eliminating the need to frequently replace masks or filters and making it a far greener solution than traditional disposable PPE, which due to their innate nature pollute the environment excessively. Sonovia’s patented technology is based on a process called cavitation, which involves using specialized machinery to emit sound waves that infuse proprietary chemical formulations into the woven fibers of textiles.

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: Sonovia ltd.

Monforts At Innovate Textile & Apparel (ITA) 2020

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — October 5, 2020 — During the Innovate Textile & Apparel (ITA) virtual textile machinery show which will run from October 15-30, 2020, Monforts will be emphazising its leadership position in three key fields — advanced coating, denim finishing and fabric sanforizing.

With its multi-head capability, the latest Monforts texCoat coating system provides the flexibility the market is looking for, with an unprecedented range of options and a wide range of modules available.

Refinements

“Since we acquired the coating technology that our systems are based on we have made a lot of refinements and all of them are reflected in higher coating accuracy and the resulting quality of the treated fabrics,” says Monforts Head of Technical Textiles, Jürgen Hanel. “We are the only manufacturer to offer completely integrated coating lines from a single source and the coating machine is tailored to the subsequent Monforts drying technology — with all the benefits resulting from fully integrated plc control.

“Our systems have the shortest fabric path from the coating unit into the stenter and we have all variations of coating application systems too – and all of these options are available in wider widths, with the engineering and manufacturing from a single source here in Europe.”

CYD

Denim finishing is meanwhile a field in which Monforts has an undisputed lead and it has been working closely with its many partners in the key denim manufacturing countries of Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Mexico Pakistan and Turkey to develop advanced solutions.

The latest of these is the CYD yarn dyeing system.

“CYD is based on the proven Econtrol® dyeing system for fabrics*,” explained Monforts Head of Denim Hans Wroblowski. “It integrates new functions and processes into the weaving preparatory processes — spinning, direct beaming, warping and assembly beaming, followed by sizing and dyeing — in order to increase quality, flexibility, economic viability and productivity. The CYD system has been developed in response to a very strong market demand.”

Pre-shrinking

Monforts has also recently delivered a significant number of its latest Monfortex sanforizing lines to customers around the world.

Sanforizing is vital to final fabric quality, pre-shrinking it by compressing prior to washing, to limit any residual or further shrinkage in a made-up finished garment to less than 1%, for perfect comfort and fit over an extended lifetime.

As with industry-leading Montex stenters, Monfortex lines benefit from the latest Qualitex 800 control system which allows all parameters to be easily automated via the 24-inch colour touchscreen, including production speed, control of all fabric feed devices, rotation spray or steaming cylinder options, the width of the stretching field and the rubber belt pressure. Up to 10,000 separate process parameter records can be generated and stored by the data manager.

“We are looking forward to being a part of ITA at a time when international travel to trade shows is being greatly restricted,” says Monforts Textile Technologist Jonas Beisel. “This year has been all about finding new solutions to unprecedented problems and such an innovative showcase is part of that. Hopefully we will be able to resume face-to-face gatherings with all of our customers and colleagues from around the world very shortly.”

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

ADM And Spiber To Partner On Production Of Innovative Biobased Polymers

CHICAGO/TSURUOKA, Japan — October 5, 2020 — ADM and Spiber Inc. (Spiber) today announced an agreement to expand the production of Spiber’s innovative Brewed Protein™ polymers for use in apparel and other consumer products. The collaboration will combine Spiber’s cutting-edge structural protein fermentation technology with ADM’s deep expertise in large-scale fermentation technologies, engineering, operations and extensive agricultural supply chain.

The Brewed Protein polymers will be produced by ADM in the U.S. using plant-based dextrose as a feedstock, and then shipped to Spiber downstream facilities, where they will be processed into an array of materials — primarily fibers — for use in a variety of applications such as apparel, lightweight auto parts, high-performance foams, and more. Brewed Protein polymers will play a critical role in expanding the range of plant-based, sustainable alternative materials.

“Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable innovation in the products they purchase, and we’re excited to partner with Spiber to help bring this leading-edge technology to market,” said Ian Pinner, ADM’s chief strategy and innovation officer and president of the company’s Health & Wellness division.

“From our partnerships with farmers and our efficient origination network, to our ability to provide sustainably sourced feedstocks from nature, to our expertise in fermentation and ability to scale technology to commercial production, our end-to-end capabilities give us a substantial leadership position in this fast-growing market,” Pinner continued. “Across ADM, we are creating value for customers and shareholders alike by finding innovative, exciting ways to use our array of plant-based products. From alternative proteins to substitutes for petroleum-based plastics, we’re excited to lead in the creation of whole new generations of in-demand, sustainable products.”

“After more than a year of working closely with ADM, we are pleased to take our partnership to the next level and expand Spiber’s production to the U.S.,” said Kazuhide Sekiyama, Spiber’s cofounder, director, and representative executive officer. “ADM has an amazing team, providing significant value for our business not only through its fermentation expertise, but also as a provider of quality, corn-based raw materials used in our process.

“This collaboration takes us to a new phase in the commercialization of Spiber’s materials — one in which Brewed Protein will be more widely available and at costs suitable for broader markets,” Sekiyama continued. “Proteins represent the pinnacle material platform evolved and adopted by life on earth to ensure survival. Spiber remains committed to blazing a trail in providing such material alternatives for industry and playing a role in the transition to a more sustainable society. We are excited to be taking the next important steps in that process together with ADM.”

In 2019, the two companies began a long-term collaboration, in which ADM provided technical, engineering and process support, along with access to production resources, to help develop and test Spiber’s process at scale. Following the successful completion of that work, the second phase announced today extends the partnership between the two companies, creating a pathway toward commercial-scale production in the coming years.

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: ADM/Spiber Inc.

NCTO Welcomes Administration’s Section 301 Investigation Into Vietnam’s Currency Practices

WASHINGTON  — October 5, 2020 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles, from fiber through finished sewn products, welcomes the Trump administration’s recent announcement of the launch of a Section 301 investigation into the currency valuation practices of Vietnam.

“NCTO strongly opposes foreign governments undervaluing their currencies, which puts U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage by inflating the cost of U.S. exports and deflating the cost of U.S. imports. This unfair trade practice displaces U.S. production and jobs, as well as those of our Western Hemisphere trade partners utilizing U.S. textile inputs,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“The U.S.-Vietnam trading relationship suffers from many of the same problems that we have experienced with China. There are strong indications of a purposefully undervalued currency that warrants a full investigation. Further, the industries in the two countries are inextricably linked, as Vietnam sources much of its textile inputs from China,” Glas added.

In 2019, the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam stood at $55.8 billion, including a $14.6 billion deficit in textiles and apparel specifically. Vietnam has demonstrated tremendous growth in the U.S. textile and apparel market and is the second largest supplier after China, holding a 15.8% import market share for January-July 2020.

“Scrutinizing unfair practices such as currency undervaluation by Vietnam is one more action the administration can take to eliminate predatory trade practices by countries that continuously undermine domestic production and that of our free trade partners. Strong trade enforcement is key to leveling the playing field.

With so much discussion about onshoring production, including personal protective equipment (PPE), we believe this investigation is necessary, and we look forward to further opportunities to provide input as part of the formal investigation process.”

Posted October 5, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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