Drone Racing League Partners With BODYARMOR, Champion Athleticwear And RESPAWN As 2020 LIVE Racing Season Begins

NEW YORK CITY — November 20, 2020 — The Drone Racing League (DRL), the global, professional drone racing property, today announced new first-time partnerships with premium sports drink BODYARMOR, innovative apparel brand Champion Athleticwear and gaming furniture brand RESPAWN. The partners will be integrated into the 2020 DRL Allianz World Championship Season, which continues airing live this Sunday, November 22 at 1:30p.m. ET on NBC, Twitter, and Facebook. Throughout the season, DRL Pilots battle it out in the DRL SIM, the immersive drone racing video game available on Steam and XBOX.

“DRL continues to attract incredible partners, including BODYARMOR, Champion, and RESPAWN,” said DRL President Rachel Jacobson. “Our sport delivers the next generation of fans that are difficult to reach through traditional channels. We are scaling professional drone racing together with bold, forward-thinking partners that embrace the new playing field of sports.”

The partnership with BODYARMOR marks another breakthrough for DRL, as it will be the first time the innovative, premium beverage brand will foray into the growing world of esports and gaming. BODYARMOR has incredible momentum and continues to expand its portfolio with key partnerships with MLS, UFC and most recently — the U.S. Open. Entering into the fast-paced world of professional drone racing, BODYARMOR will be showcased by DRL through in-season product placement integrations and unique social content — much like this video of BODYARMOR flying FPV (First Person View) on a drone operated by 2018 DRL Allianz World Champion NURK.

“The Drone Racing League is one of the most exciting sports properties today, and we are thrilled to partner with them as we establish our first-ever esports partnership,” said Michael Fedele, vice president of Marketing at BODYARMOR. “This partnership with DRL creates a tremendous opportunity for BODYARMOR to engage new fans and consumers nationwide and play an important role in the hydration needs of some of the world’s most elite drone pilots and athletes.”

Starting Sunday, November 22, Champion will release a new product line dedicated to drone racing fans expanding on their desire to be at the forefront of new sports and sports-style that appeals to their consumer base. The merchandise collaboration includes an all-new, limited-edition DRL Flight Suit sweatshirt and sweatpants available on Champion.com and DRL.io. DRL’s 2020 Season will feature a national commercial spot promoting Champion’s racing set as part of a digital campaign, #AMillionChampionsFlying, to encourage fans to share photos of them flying on the DRL SIM or in the real world.

“As a brand that embraces innovation, sports and sportstyle Champion is thrilled to team up with The Drone Racing League and offer the ultimate flying uniform for next generation sports fans and pilots to be their own champion — in the DRL SIM game, in the air, and IRL,” said Champion Group President of Global Activewear Jon Ram.

Throughout the 2020 Season, DRL pilots will compete for the Allianz World Champion title from sleek, ergonomic RESPAWN gaming chairs.

These new additions add to an ever-growing list of DRL partnerships.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Drone Racing League

After Nearly A Century Of Marketing And Manufacturing Renowned Sock Brands, Renfro Corp. Announces Its New Image

NEW YORK CITY — November 19, 2020 — Renfro Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of branded socks, announces its rebranded image as Renfro Brands. With nearly 100 years of history and experience, Renfro’s expertise spans the entire legwear industry, from design and manufacturing to merchandising and consumer insights.

The rebrand not only includes a new name but a whole new visual identity including new branding, a redesigned logo and the launch of a Direct-to-Consumer marketplace called Loops & Wales. The new branding embraces the company’s future while paying homage to its past and was developed by Bruce Mau Design to reflect and amplify Renfro’s new business strategy.

It was in the late 1990’s when Renfro Corp. acquired a long-term license for the Fruit of the Loom hosiery business, shifting assets, resources, and focus into the development of a brand portfolio model. This acquisition set the company on a new path to expand the breadth of its offerings. Renfro’s commitment to sock manufacturing has resulted in long, trusted relationships with large retailers such as Macy’s, Walmart and Costco as well as brand licensors such as Carhartt, Dr. Scholl’s and Merrell. Fashion sock labels Hot Sox and K. Bell became part of the Renfro portfolio in 2007 and 2010 respectively, though today, Renfro stewards over 20 globally recognized brands spanning the essentials, fashion, athletics, outdoors, work and wellness categories.

“Our rebrand and launch of Loops & Wales represents the unique combination of strengths we’ve honed over the years. With these changes, we aim to honor our heritage while focusing on what our next 99 years can look like,” says Stan Jewell, CEO of Renfro Brands, “we are brand stewards and laser focused on driving brand equity and brand health across the board.”

Socks are going through a renaissance where they’re no longer an afterthought. Renfro saw an opportunity to turn its decades of industry insight into an inspiring and seamless digital shopping experience through an all new Direct-to-Consumer model and marketplace, Loops & Wales.

“The trends were really moving towards more and more consumers purchasing socks directly online — we were behind and needed to catch up,” says Jewell, “so we looked to our DNA to find what made Renfro unique in the market. We’ve got a sock for any and every occasion, and that’s where we found a space we can own.”

At its core, Loops & Wales is a sock shop by the sock-obsessed. It is a destination for discovering, styling, and buying the right socks for the right occasions, designed for those who would like to engage with a passionate community and participate in a unique shopping experience. Whether it’s for running errands or running marathons, Loops & Wales offers companions to daily life that bring warmth and comfort, empower performance, and enable self-expression. The marketplace will feature a curated selection that represents the many ways socks can enhance a person’s every day. Whether someone is looking for tried-and-tested classics, surprising finds, or new favorites, Loops & Wales has it covered.

“Launching Loops & Wales signifies a big shift for Renfro Brands. COVID has accelerated e-commerce by at least three to five years and so, while we may have been behind the market during the rise of e-commerce, the opportunity is even better today,” continued Jewell, “people will want to go to stores again someday, but the trends for e-commerce in this category will stick with us and we are forging right ahead.”

From a passion for the humble, yet intricate craft of making socks starting in 1921, to the innovations that people around the world enjoy today, to the development of the Loops & Wales marketplace, Renfro has grown to become an industry leader and forecaster.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Renfro Brands

MISSION® Unveils New Line Of Multi-Layered Gaiters

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — November 19, 2020 — Today, on the heels of the new CDC guidance for how to wear a gaiter as a face cover, wear a two-layer gaiter or fold up a gaiter to make two-layers, MISSION unveils its new line of patent-pending, multi-layered gaiters for men, women and children.

In the wake of this update from the CDC, MISSION just unveiled its new All-Season Adjustable Multi-Layered Gaiter and new Multi-Layered Youth Gaiter. The All-Season Adjustable Multi-Layered Gaiters feature VaporActive™ heat-release technology and include breathable, sweat-managing fabric that transfers moisture and excess heat away from your skin keeping you feeling fresh and dry all day long.

The new MISSION All-Season Multi-Layered Gaiters compliment a full portfolio of MISSION Single-Layer Gaiters, which were designed to fold up into two layers when needed as a face cover, and were highlighted as the #1 selling face covers on Amazon this summer.

The new MISSION All-Season Adjustable Multi-Layered Gaiter was recently studied by the University of Georgia to test the performance of gaiters in reducing the disbursement of respiratory droplets during speech. The results were astounding, showing the MISSION All-Season Adjustable Multi-Layered Gaiters can block up to 95-percent of respiratory droplets. The results from the University of Georgia study, which was supported by MISSION, were consistent with the findings of an earlier study by Virginia Tech which studied layered neck gaiters.

“Gaiters were put under scrutiny by a micro proof-of-concept study performed by Duke University that ultimately misinformed millions of Americans on the potential effectiveness of neck gaiters and has now been refuted and debunked by prominent University studies (University of Georgia and Virginia Tech),” said Chris Valletta, cofounder and general manager of MISSION. “Gaiters are the preferred choice over masks for fit and comfort, which means more people will wear them and comply with the need to stay covered. And, they’re perfect for kids because the stay around the neck and don’t get dropped or lost.”

After selling over 40 million units of MISSION Cooling accessories in over 20,000 stores across the US since 2012, MISSION has emerged as a pioneer and leader in temperature technologies for active consumers everywhere. Worn by professional, collegiate and high school teams around the country, MISSION has become one of the most sought-after brands in the last decade. The launch of the MISSION All-Season Adjustable Multi-Layered Gaiter is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to active consumers who deserve better technology, better protection, and better results.

The New MISSION Multi-Layered Gaiters are now available on MISSION.com as well as top retailers nationwide, including The Home Depot, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods and others.

*Nothing contained on this page constitutes an endorsement, promotion or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Depart of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: MISSION

H&M First To Adopt Eastman Naia™ Renew Cellulosic Fiber In Conscious Exclusive Collection

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — November 19, 2020 — Global fashion retailer H&M is first to market with its new Conscious Exclusive Autumn/Winter 2020 collection made with Eastman Naia™ Renew cellulosic fiber. Naia Renew is a cellulosic yarn made from 60-percent certified wood fibers and 40-percent recycled waste plastics such as carpet fibers and plastic packaging.* This is the first time H&M has used Naia Renew in a collection. The Conscious Exclusive A/W20 will be available at hm.com on December 1.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with H&M as we work toward building a circular fashion economy,” said Ruth Farrell, global marketing director of textiles for Eastman. “Together, Naia and H&M are working toward a vision to make sustainable fashion accessible for all, playing active roles in conserving resources, fostering innovation and demonstrating a passion for sustainability that will help transform our industry.”

Naia Renew is fully traceable with certified biodegradability that captures the value of hard-to-recycle materials otherwise destined for landfills. It can be produced at scale to deliver sustainability without compromise to the fashion world. Available as both a filament yarn and a staple fiber, Naia Renew offers clear advantages over other materials — delivering comfort, ease of care, and a luxurious feel.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Eastman

HeiQ Viroblock Wins Prestigious And Coveted Swiss Technology Award 2020

SCHLIEREN, Switzerland— November 20, 2020 — HeiQ Viroblock has bagged the coveted Swiss Technology Award 2020! The leading technology prize in Switzerland, Swiss Technology Award, yesterday announced the 2020 prizes, and among all the notable finalist innovations of the year, HeiQ was bestowed the highest honor as First Prize Winner for its breakthrough antiviral textile technology HeiQ Viroblock. This is the most notable recognition for the young company’s innovative spirit and technologies as well as its contribution to stemming the spread of the global pandemic.

Developed in record time and launched after the Swiss authorities announced the lockdown in March 2020, HeiQ Viroblock has had a major impact on the global textile industry and is being unprecedently adopted by mills around the world. HeiQ Viroblock is one of the world’s most efficient and effective antiviral/antimicrobial technologies and has been applied by more than 150 brands worldwide to over 1 billion products from face masks, apparels to home textiles, mattresses and curtains to date.

The technology that makes HeiQ Viroblock a unique innovation

What exemplifies HeiQ Viroblock is its ability to turn any fabric antiviral. It’s among the first textile technologies in the world to be proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). HeiQ Viroblock consists of a combination of HeiQ’s patent-pending vesicle and silver technologies. The two mechanisms of attack result in a more than 99.9-percent destruction of viruses in 5 minutes that is unrivaled in the industry. HeiQ Viroblock is a unique patent-pending formulation of 72-percent bio-based ingredients, made with 100-percent cosmetic-grade materials from the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients list. HeiQ Viroblock is also a shining example of Swiss cooperation between academics and the industry. The silver technology was developed at ETHZ (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), the vesicle technology at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), and the production was scaled up at FHNW (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz).

HeiQ Viroblock has demonstrated unparalleled speed from laboratory to consumer

With unprecedented speed of a mere two months as compared to average launch time of 12 to 18 months, HeiQ launched the new antiviral textile technology HeiQ Viroblock on March 16, 2020 — two hours after Switzerland declared a state of emergency. This was made possible with the indispensable support of Swiss research Partner FHNW and the EPFL which helped accelerate product validation. The fast scale-up of production was enabled by the FHNW School of Life Sciences with their new Process Technology Center (PTC) by special permit. With its agile operations and global footprint, HeiQ also brought HeiQ Viroblock face masks and other PPE (personal protection equipment) to different corners of the world where are needed. Now, Swiss consumers can also acquire HeiQ Viroblock enhanced face masks online.

Reacting to the news of HeiQ Viroblock winning this year’s Swiss Tech Award, Cofounder and CEO Carlo Centonze, said: “I am both amazed and honored that HeiQ has won this award a second time in just ten years, and from among some incredible tech innovation finalists. It confirms our resolve to push the boundaries and push innovations to help the world with its most pressing and imminent problems. This award is recognition for our company and team that have spared no efforts to develop and launch HeiQ Viroblock at such speed and make a valuable contribution to the global pandemic efforts. We remain true to our mission: enhancing the everyday lives of people with smart and efficient textile effects.”

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

Culp Celebrates National Recycling Day With Unifi During Showtime

HIGH POINT, N.C. — November 20, 2020 — To celebrate National Recycling Day, Culp Inc. and Unifi Inc. got together to educate customers and employees on the process of turning plastic bottles into upholstery fabric.

In 2018, Culp’s Upholstery Fabrics division teamed up with Unifi to develop a line of fabrics made with sustainability in mind.

The fabric, LiveSmart Evolve® is made with at least 30-percent or more of REPREVE® yarn, a high-quality polyester yarn made by Unifi from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. Each linear yard of fabric contains recycled materials equivalent in volume to approximately 9 standard sized, 500 milliliter plastic water bottles. Multiply that by the average number of yards used per chair, sofa, or sectional, and the environmental impact really adds up! Billions of plastic bottles go into landfills every year, and now LiveSmart Evolve Powered by REPREVE fabrics help divert plastics from landfills and create a more sustainable future for everyone.

Another positive impact for the environment, is that, compared to producing standard polyester, producing REPREVE polyester reduces water consumption by nearly 20 percent, reduces energy consumption by 45 percent, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent.

Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp, said: “We are continuing to see interest and demand from consumers for environmentally friendly fabrics in the home. Our LiveSmart Evolve fabric collection combines both sustainability and performance and has been a resounding success. The fabrics are fashionable, comfortable and affordable while also fulfilling the needs of the environmentally conscious consumer. We are proud to work with Unifi on this effort to help conserve our natural resources and be a part of positive change.”

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Culp Inc.

Gerber Technology Redefines The Future Of Advanced Manufacturing And Automation At First-Ever Virtual Ideation

NEW YORK CITY — November 20, 2020 — As COVID-19 continues to shape the way we shop, work and live, Gerber Technology welcomed more than 2,200 professionals from 90 different countries to its first-ever fully virtual and multilingual ideation event. During the three-day event, Gerber held individual tracks for the fashion & apparel, furniture, transportation, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sign & graphics industries to provide each attendee insights into the best practices, knowledge and technology they need to succeed in their specific industry.

“When a crisis comes, a company has two options, become reactive and wait for better times, or proactively support their customers and continue to make investments for long term success. We have continued to be very customer centric and have made strong investments in product and technology development across our platform which is already paying dividends,” said Mohit Uberoi, CEO of Gerber Technology, during the opening session. “We also continue to invest in our team through training and professional development, which will make them even stronger partners for our customers in the future.”

Following in the footsteps of its successful PPE Task Force initiative, Gerber recently announced a Digital Transformation initiative that would help customers identify where they are on their digital transformation journey and allow them to execute a roadmap for successful transformation. During this year’s ideation, Gerber built on this initiative by providing attendees with a complete outlook on each of their industries and offering valuable knowledge and tools that will enable them to accelerate their digital transformation.

The ideation event featured industry experts from around the world to discuss the state of the industry and how technology can help companies become more agile. Industry participants in sessions included Deborah Weinswig of Coresight Research, Sherri Barry of F.A.B.R.I.C, Kirby Best of OnPoint Manufacturing, Miguel Rodrigues of Pedrosa and Rodrigues, Thomas Delise of Bonneterie Chanteclair, Erin Berg of Flex2Communicate, Bob Phillips of Edgecombe Furniture, Bill McLoughlin of Furniture Today, and Roger Leonhardt of Bassett Furniture.

“Gerber’s ideation event today was terrific,” said Steve Lamar of AAFA. “Great presentations, wonderful exchange with the speakers. We are so proud that AAFA could be a part of it.”

ideation 2020 also marked the second annual Executive Forum which brought together more than 100 top executives across all industries. During the full-day event, executives gained valuable insight into the global economy, discussed trends for 2021, and engaged with a Thought Leadership Panel featuring Murray Pitts of Burlington Medical, Matthew Wallace of Project DXM, Whitney Cathcart of 3DLOOK, Stephen Lamar of AAFA, and Kim Glas of NCTO. The panel was moderated by The Interline’s Ben Hanson.

During the conference, Gerber also announced new partnerships with Alvanon and Embodee which will help streamline product development and empower companies to deliver their products to market faster than ever before by integrating eCommerce and final product delivery.

“We are happy to announce that Embodee and Gerber Technology have partnered to provide their customers with an easy way to work on product development online,” announced Ben Sosinski, vice president of Product at Embodee. “Users can now create their products in AccuMark® 3D and extend their use in the Orchids web platform where they can easily create their product variants and assortments as well as prepare for merchandising and e-commerce connections. Create, refine, present, and sell your products faster using the power of AccuMark 3D and Embodee!”

This year’s ideation conference was co-sponsored by Kornit Digital, Coresight Research, 3DLOOK, Colorkarma, Elevate Textiles, WhichPLM, Pointcarre, NCTO, Alvanon, SPESA and AAFA.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Cadillac Products Debuts New Brand, Line Of Medical Gowns As PPE Demand Rises

TROY, Mich. — November 15, 2020 — As the need for high-quality PPE continues for essential frontline heroes and business professionals hailing from a range of industries, Cadillac Products Inc. (CPI) is excited to announce the launch of ProTEC-USA and immediate availability of its medical-grade EZDoff gowns. The gowns are designed to maintain the integrity of comfort, flexibility and safety for all end users’ needs, while also conforming with AAMI PB70 Barrier Level 1, 2 and 3 standards, withstanding water spray and water penetration under constant contact with increasing pressure.

EZDoff gowns are available for order immediately, with quick turnaround times for delivery and without risk of shortages and delays.

“Our team recognized the dire needs for reliable, American-made PPE that brave frontline and essential workers had in the early stages of the pandemic and made it a mission to pull together to voluntarily engineer and distribute gowns to properly protect them,” said Don Lowe, CPI Spokesperson.

The spirit of this effort forged ProTEC-USA, which provides medical professionals and supply chain distribution networks with domestic-based, fully certified EZDoff protective medical gowns, made entirely in the United States. EZDoff is 100-percent USA-made, from the raw materials to final production: Made by Americans to ensure the safety of frontline workers in America.

The manner in which the gowns are donned and doffed in sequence with other PPE is an important consideration when selecting optimal PPE coveralls, as the ease or difficulty with which PPE is put on and removed. EZDoff gowns are engineered to maintain effectiveness and mitigate potential self-contamination during doffing of contaminated PPE. In essence, the wearer doesn’t have to touch the outer surface of the EZDoff gown to remove it, thereby, protecting against consequential contamination by the wearer.

Product benefits and features include:

  • One size fits all
    • Eliminates the needs to manage various size inventory
  • Perforated rear yoke
    • Enables safe, easy doffing of gowns
  • Sleeve with thumb loop
    • Ensures full arm and wrist protection, simultaneous glove donning
  • Apron closure and open-back design
    • Maintains a cool temperature for users during work performance

In addition to being an approved supplier to several United States governmental agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, ProTEC-USA was recently awarded a grant from Oakland County for the “Saving Business, Saving Lives” program, which underscores its steadfast commitment and ability to engineer high-quality PPE products in the fight against COVID-19 and beyond. The company has invested in upgrades and enhancements to production lines and equipment at its Troy, Mich. facility, where production levels allow the company to manufacture and distribute more than 92,000 EZDoff gowns per week with the ability to add capacity as needed to meet market needs.

“The advantage of American manufacturing is the ability to understand the market, pivot to make changes quickly, and continually meet the needs of customers as a reliable, domestic-based resource to onshore their supply chain,” Lowe said.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: Cadillac Products, Inc.

American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) Announces New Slate Of Board Of Directors

DALTON, Ga. — November 19, 2020 — In 1979, when the industry leaders created the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA), as the Carpet Manufacturing Marketing Association (CMMA), our sole purpose was to organize carpet markets and support the carpet industry. AFA held its 41st annual membership meeting at the Dalton Golf and Country Club on the evening of November 17 at the Dalton Golf & Country Club in Dalton, Ga.

Paul Yacobucci, Piedmont Carpets announced he will be stepping down as the AFA president and will serve as vice president. Yacobucci welcomed the incoming president John Karr, ProdTek. Jim Shaheen, Shaheen Carpets, will continue to serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Charlie Armitage, Sellers of US; Mark Krueger, Nichols, Cauley & Associates; and Rex Jones, Essex; will continue to serve on the board. AFA welcomed two new additions to the board in Eric Ruppert, Engineered Floors; and William Thornton, Tarkett Sports.

“with the diversity and expertise brought by the addition of Mr. Ruppert and Mr. Thornton proves advantageous for AFA’s future direction,” Karr said.

Stephanie Manis, AFA executive director states as with many non-profits in 2020, AFA has taken a slight loss on membership, but with the recent membership growth of six new members which included: Barkotex, BO Group, Dalton Chamber of Commerce, DeZign, NA, Tarkett Sports and Valco Melton AFA plans to set record growths in 2021.

The AFA announced that it will be participating in the Southwest Flooring Market, TISE and Domotex Germany. Additionally, AFA will be hosting the FloorTek Expo to be held October 4-5, 2021, at the Dalton Convention Center.

Bruce Hehn of BDH Insurance Solutions who helped coordinate the AFA Membership Health Insurance Plan with National General Insurance Company, and is one of several select agents authorized to sell and service this plan, presented Guest Speakers Chase Bridge and Max Rudisser, from National General at AFA’s Annual Meeting. An overview of the program was presented including value added benefits such as free Teledoc and a Vitality Wellness program. This ACA compliant National Program is designed and is available to AFA members only. It included network options such as Cigna and Aetna. Potential savings were emphasized as well as unique program benefits like carve outs, 1099 coverage and possible returns of claim funds regardless of whether you renew with them or not.

A rendering of the AFA’s future Green Building was on display. John Karr gave an overview of AFA’s future which includes plans to use the addition to current headquarters building as a centerpiece for an AFA Green Program for both hard and soft floor coverings. Updates will be sent out periodically.

The AFA was formed in 1979 to promote the floor covering industry. AFA, a not for profit association, promotes the industry’s products and services to the world and educates the members and others through seminars, press releases and trade shows.

Posted November 20, 2020

Source: American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA)

Genomatica To Scale Bio-Nylon 50-Fold With Aquafil To Meet Surging Brand Demand

SAN DIEGO — November 19, 2020 —Genomatica signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Aquafil to build a demonstration scale facility to produce the largest quantity of 100-percent renewable nylon 6 ever available. Responding to surging consumer interest in sustainable products, the material will go to leading global brands eager to explore and develop renewable products, create showcase goods and test feedback with customers. The deal is a 50-fold expansion over previous production levels and represents significant acceleration toward commercializing renewably-sourced nylon-6 — a material that is poised to reshape a $960 billion textile industry that touches millions of lives every day, from the carpet we walk on to the clothes we wear.

This multi-year agreement provides the foundation for a more sustainable nylon value chain by expanding a longstanding Genomatica partnership with major European nylon producer Aquafil. The two companies teamed up in January 2020 to produce the world’s first ton of bio-nylon-6 precursor at pilot scale. Relying on their expertise in scaling up renewably-sourced chemicals, Genomatica and Aquafil are moving directly to a larger-than-typical demonstration scale to support initial commercial applications by committed brand partners. The first production runs are slated to create 50 tons of bio-nylon for pre-commercial use by Genomatica’s brand partners, with the demonstration plant to continue supporting product needs until commercial scale plants are in operation.

“Bio-nylon is positioned to replace a material that’s used in millions of applications every day,” said Christophe Schilling, Genomatica CEO. “Our research shows that despite health and economic turmoil, 56 percent of Americans still want brands to prioritize sustainability. With this scale, Genomatica is offering our brand partners a key way to meet their sustainability objectives, differentiate themselves, and meet surging consumer demand.”

Genomatica and Aquafil will work together to implement and refine their respective technology contributions through this demonstration program and create large quantities of bio-nylon. Aquafil will build and operate the downstream operations of this large-scale demonstration plant at its facility in Slovenia, where it will convert Genomatica’s bio-based precursor to commercial-quality bio-nylon-6 yarns, films and engineered plastics. The produced material will be used to develop renewably-sourced products, replacing traditional nylon that generates upwards of 60 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Under this agreement, initial volumes of bio-nylon ingredients will be available in the latter half of 2021.

Genomatica has a proven track record of successfully scaling technology from idea to commercialization stage for multiple renewably-made products:

  • Genomatica teamed with Novamont to open the world’s first commercial plant for bio-based BDO, with a capacity of 30,000 tons annually, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to petroleum-based, and is used widely in products ranging from compostable shopping bags to Lavazza coffee capsules.
  • Genomatica also produces large quantities of Brontide™ natural butylene glycol, which has been evaluated by more than 250 formulators, slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent compared to traditional production, and is an active ingredient in dozens of cosmetics and consumer care products on the market today including in brands like Farmacy and Kinfield.
  • Genomatica’s technology to make bio-nylon precursor was recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions for 2019 and the company’s technologies have won the prestigious EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Award three times. For more info, see Genomatica’s “remaking nylon” video.

Posted November 19, 2020

Source: Genomatica

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