TMAS Member imogo Develops New Sustainable Spray Application Technologies

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 16, 2020 — In a roundtable discussion during the recent Innovate Textiles & Apparel (ITA) textile machinery exhibition, imogo Founding Partner Per Stenflo and representatives from a number of like-minded European companies discussed the opportunities for new spray application technologies for the dyeing and finishing sector.

These technologies can achieve tremendous savings for manufacturers compared to traditional water-intensive processes it was explained at the event, held online from October 15-30.

Pioneer

imogo — one of the latest companies to join TMAS, the Swedish Textile Machinery Association — is one of the key pioneers in this area with its Dye-Max system.

Dye-Max spray dyeing technology can slash the use of fresh water, wastewater, energy and chemicals by as much as 90 percent compared to conventional jet dyeing systems. This is due to the extremely low liquor ratio of 0.3-0.8 liters per kilo of fabric and at the same time, considerably fewer auxiliary chemicals are required to start with.

Obstacles

Such technologies, however, face a number of obstacles to adoption and during the ITA discussion it was agreed that 2020 has not provided the ideal climate for adventurous investors.

“The textile industry is quite conservative and is definitely in survival mode at the moment and it is not the time to be a visionary,” said Stenflo. “Day to day business is about staying alive — that’s the reality for many of our customers.”

Nevertheless, all of the panelists agreed that sustainable production will remain top of the agenda for the textile industry in the longer term and spray technologies for dyeing and finishing processes will be a part of it.

“Any investment in something new is a risk of course, and we have to be able to explain and convince manufacturers that there’s a good return on investment, not only in respect of sustainability, but in terms of making good business sense,” Stenflo said. “Here we could use the help of the brands of course, in putting pressure on their suppliers to be more sustainable. Governments also have a role to play, in providing incentives for producers to move in the sustainable direction. Sustainability alone will never cut it, there has to be a business case, or it won’t happen.”

Marketing

The marketing of sustainable new fibers is comparatively easy for the brands compared to explaining the difficult textile processes and the chemistries involved in fabric and garment production, he added.

“These fibers, however, currently go through all the same dirty processes that we need to get away from, so it must happen,” he said. “In developing our technologies, it has been important for us to avoid disrupting existing supply chains, stick with using off-the-shelf chemistries and dyes, and involve the dye manufacturers who are an essential part in how operations are driven today.

“In fact, collaboration across the entire textile supply chain — from the brands right back to the new technology developers — is essential in moving the sustainability agenda forward.

Business models

“We are also looking into new business models in terms of how to reduce or lower the thresholds for investment and minimize the risk for the manufacturers who are looking to be the innovators,” he concluded.

Also taking part in the ITA roundtable discussion were Simon Kew (Alchemie Technology, UK), Christian Schumacher (StepChange Innovations, Germany) Tobias Schurr (Weko, Germany), Rainer Tüxen (RotaSpray, Germany) and Felmke Zijilstra (DyeCoo, Netherlands).

European innovations

“It’s fantastic that all of this innovation is taking place in Europe based on established know-how and forward thinking,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson.

“Spray application technologies are a perfect illustration of how new digital technologies can lead to more sustainable production, in this case by replacing water-intensive processes with the highly precise and controlled application of dyes and chemistries as vapor.

“There was a major project by the Swedish research organization Mistra Future Fashion recently, involving many brand and academic institute partners. The project’s Fiber Bible 1 and 2 reports conclude that it’s very difficult to make assumptions that one fiber is better than another, because it’s so much about how fabrics and garments are being produced from them. The study also found that 55 percent of the chemicals used in a garment comes from the dyeing. This is where a number of TMAS companies can make a difference.

“An organic or recycled cotton t-shirt is not automatically more sustainable than a conventional cotton t-shirt, or even one made from synthetics — the alternative fibers are a good start but you have to consider the entire life cycle of a garment, and that includes the smart technologies in textiles production.

“TMAS members — backed by Swedish brands and advanced research institutes — are playing an active part in pushing forward new concepts that will work, and I have no doubt that digitalization now goes hand in hand with sustainability for the textile industry’s future.”

Posted November 16, 2020

Source: the Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS)

Avery Dennison White Paper Documents That ISO-Certified Diaper Materials Can Help Save The Lives Of Preterm Babies

TURNHOUT, Belgium — November 16, 2020 — In recognition of World Prematurity Day, November 17, Avery Dennison Performance Tapes is making available a free white paper that documents how diapers with ISO-certified materials can help save the lives of premature babies as well as the elderly. The report, titled “The benefits of choosing the right diaper closure system,” can be accessed at personalcare.averydennison.com/white-paper.

The white paper includes insightful statistics concerning the proliferation of prematurely born babies and the world’s expanding elder population. It addresses corresponding needs for diaper materials designed to help prevent injury due to the improper selection and application of diaper materials, tapes and closures.

Some key insights from the white paper:

  • The global diaper market is expected to reach a turnover of 78 billion euros ($92 billion) by 2025. Reasons for this sharp increase include: the rise in the number of premature births and the growing geriatric population, combined with increasing cases of incontinence.
  • Abrasions caused by application and removal of diaper tapes when coming into contact with the skin can quickly lead to more severe conditions and even death. Protecting the skin integrity of both newborns and elderly starts by choosing and using the right diapers and diaper closure systems.

“Abrasion is no small problem,” explained Derek Jones,  Avery Dennison business director, Personal Care, Performance Tapes Europe. “Diapers and diaper components made from inferior materials can cause life-threatening skin conditions. That’s why it’s critical for parents, caregivers and nurses to always choose diapers with ISO-certified materials. They offer the best assurance that the diapers, and tapes and adhesives within them, are absolutely safe for use for newborns and the elderly. By choosing ISO-certified products, you can save lives.”

Diapers with ISO certified materials are tested according to ISO 10993 guidelines. Materials that come into contact with the body must be biocompatible. They must not have toxic or harmful effects on biological systems. Manufacturers can obtain an ISO 10993 certificate after three biocompatibility tests: skin irritation, cytotoxicity (damage or destruction of body cells) and skin sensitization (undesirable reaction caused by contact with chemicals).

According to Nidcap Federation International, “World Prematurity Day (WPD) Celebrated internationally on November 17th, acknowledges the journeys of preterm infants and their families as well as raises awareness of the challenges faced by children born preterm and their families.”

Posted November 16, 2020

Source: Avery Dennison Performance Tapes

Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) Direct Spinning — Process Shortening With Technological Advantages

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany — November 13, 2020 — High yarn quality is becoming less and less dependent on the presence and experience of employees in a spinning mill. Nowadays, it is significantly influenced by futuristic plant solutions and intelligent machine systems. In the world of spinning, options for shortening processes, and thus reducing outlay in production, are becoming more and more relevant. One example is the IDF integrated draw frame from Trützschler which so far is superior to all competitor solutions. It can be used to combine two important aspects which currently heavily occupy the minds of our customers. For one, the shortening of processes means lower staff numbers are possible, whilst the IDF also provides a solution for tackling the increasing demand for spinning high-grade yarns from inferior raw material.

For years, Trützschler has been watching the trend that fiber lengths used in the rotor yarn sector in particular are becoming shorter and shorter. In 2003, the average fiber length for our customers’ rotor yarn installations was 28.5 millimeters (mm), today it is only 26 mm. This is a remarkable decline. The reasons for this can be manifold and may be related to cotton cultivation and harvesting methods. However, a crucial aspect is that the economic pressure on spinning mills and their production costs is increasing, leading to the use of ever shorter fibers.

Development history of the IDF at Trützschler

It takes time for optimized processes to establish themselves on the market. This is because process shortening initially presents a challenge in the spinning mill. It must be ensured that the same yarn quality is achieved in terms of processing parameters such as strength, elasticity or appearance. In the mid-nineties, at the beginning of the IDF development, it was unimaginable that yarn could be produced from 100 percent noils, but today this is certainly the case. This is also a way for large combing mills to include their own waste in the value chain and selling it with added value. Trützschler has significantly advanced this development and implemented the IDF system in 1999, based on Spanish market requirements for the card TC 11. In the following years, it was continuously developed and improved.

In 2013 Trützschler presented a fundamental revision: The Integrated Draw Frame IDF 2. The special feature was the reduction of two drafting zones to one. Thus, the IDF 2 responds to the increasingly urgent demands of our customers for production cost reduction on the one hand and a high quality standard despite poor raw material qualities on the other. This is because only the 1-zone drafting system allows particularly low drafts, which are the decisive guarantee of success for the processing of particularly short fibers.

The main difference between IDF 1 and IDF 2 lies in the drafting system itself. Experience has shown that low total drafts are the key to success — especially with short-staple cotton, which is usually used in rotor spinning. However, dividing this small draft into break draft and main draft results in more disadvantages than advantages. For instance, if the goal is to achieve a 1.3-fold total draft using a break draft of 1.15, then only a draft of 1.13 remains for the main draft (1.15*1.13 = 1.3). This means that the leveling dynamic is limited to 13 percent. This is much too low to respond to short-wave fluctuations. For comparison: With the autoleveler draw frame, the main draft and thus the leveling range often exceeds 400 percent.

By eliminating the break draft in the IDF 2, the entire drafting takes place in one drafting zone. Thus the leveling range is fully utilized. Fluctuations are ideally compensated this way. If two parameters must be optimized simultaneously, it is much more difficult to find the technologically better setting. This is because break draft and main draft must be varied and constantly adapted to material changes. The IDF 2 is thus not only the better technological solution, but also simplifies handling. This is a particular advantage, since nowadays many spinning mills have to deal with the problem of having hardly any qualified personnel available to technologically evaluate settings of this kind.

When using a normal-width drafting system, larger masses are accelerated and decelerated again during leveling, which can lead to increased energy consumption. For this reason the width of the bottom and top rollers of the IDF 2 has been reduced to the width of a sliver. This also allowed the introduction of the clever solution of rotating top rollers, which has led to a doubling of the service life before grinding.

The IDF 2 also introduced the sliver loop storage. This driven deflection roller levels the sliver loop by means of an integrated light barrier, resulting in perfect synchronization between card and IDF. The leveled loop permits high change speeds. This ensures a higher efficiency at the card, especially when using small rotor cans.

The combination of Trützschler cards with IDF 2 gives customers an advantage, because they produce a thin, stable web which is perfectly suited to be drawn directly to the desired sliver count — at highest production rates and lowest drafts. If cards produce a heavier web, the use of low drafts is not possible at all, as, for example, from 12 ktex to 5 ktex a draft of 2.4 is applied.

One versus two drafting zones — technological advantages

In order to show the influence of the distribution of drafts on main draft and break draft as opposed to only one draft zone, a yarn of 100 percent raw cotton (Mato Grosso) with Ne27 was spun in the direct spinning process with a card production of 170kg/h. With IDF 1, break drafts of 1.0, 1.05 and 1.16 with different main drafts were combined. The IDF 2 was run with drafts of 1.2 to 1.95. The tests showed the trend across all parameters that IDF 2 with its 1-zone drafting system has clear advantages over IDF 1.

The first diagram shows the influence on yarn evenness for a total draft of 1.7. There is clear evidence that the break draft in the IDF has a negative influence on yarn parameters. It is noteworthy that for all quality parameters, the presence of the first drafting zone in the IDF 1 alone has a negative effect on the results, without any actual tension being applied. (IDF 1 break draft 1.0).

The second diagram illustrates that IDF 2 and IDF 1 both have the same trend, i.e. that the yarn strength decreases with increasing total draft. Compared to IDF 1, IDF 2 shows overall strength at a higher level. This confirms the statement that the use of only one drafting zone has a positive effect on the yarn properties.

Development of the IDF 2

The IDF 2 has been established on the market for seven years. The advantages of the system are now recognized by the entire professional community, competitors and customers. Initially, the shortened process was only used with 100 percent cotton — preferably from the recycling sector — but today it is no longer limited to this. The system is successfully applied in the processing of 100 percent raw cotton and other materials. It thus offers an answer to the requirements of our customers with regard to increasing and necessary flexibility in the production process.

The handling of the IDF has also been improved. For example, there is now a retention lock that prevents the cover of the IDF from always having to be opened completely during the piecing process. Similarly, the use of maintenance-free deep groove ball bearings entirely eliminates the need for relubrication at the delivery rollers: The number of lubrication points is thus reduced to four. The self-adjusting lap monitoring of the top rollers, already known from the draw frames, has now also found its way to the IDF. There is no need to readjust after grinding intervals and changed settings.

Posted November 13, 2020

Source: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG

Turkey’s Sezginler Tekstil Achieves Zero Chemistry Waste, Quality With Baldwin TexCoat G4 Non-Contact Spray Technology 

Nadir Biler (left), installation technician for Baldwin Technology at Spot Uluslararası Tekstil Sanayi ve Mümessillik A.Ş.; and Ali Küçükerenköy, finishing manager at Sezginler Tekstil team up to ready newly installed Baldwin TexCoat G4 system for operation.

TW Special Report

Turkish knitted fabric printing and dyeing company Sezginler Tekstil recently installed four of Baldwin Technology’s non-contact spray systems to its softening finishing processes and reported that it is reaping the rewards of increased uptime, exceptionally even finishing quality, and considerably reduced chemistry and energy consumption.

Sezginler Tekstil was introduced to the finishing system — TexCoat G4 — by Turkish textile machine vendor Spot Uluslararası Tekstil, a partner of Baldwin Technology. Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Baldwin Technology is manufacturer and supplier of process-automation equipment and related consumables for textiles, printing, packaging and other industrial segments.

At the time, Sezginler Tekstil used the conventional pad/foulard method and experienced quality issues and time-consuming dilution occurrences, especially in the wet-on-wet softener process. By integrating Baldwin Technology’s TexCoat G4 into this production step, Spot Tekstil’s representative explained, finishing could now be accomplished wet-on-wet via pad/foulard followed by the non-contact spray system and eliminate the issues Sezginler Tekstil encountered with its existing system.

Convinced by the many benefits of applying finishing chemistry with non-contact spray technology, Sezginler Tekstil purchased a TexCoat G4 system for the tenter line in its softener finishing process.

The printing and dyeing company said TexCoat G4 delivered immediate results, which led it to invest in three more of the systems. Sezginler Tekstil now uses the four non-contact spray systems in both wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry processes which company officials say deliver high uptime, consistent quality and practically zero chemistry waste.

“By using the TexCoat G4 in the wet-on-wet process with reactive dyed fabric, we get a uniformity of the fabric that we have never experienced before,” said Ali Küçükerenköy, finishing manager at Sezginler Tekstil. “Adding the non-contact spray technology to the pad/foulard, is a decision we will never regret.”

One of the major challenges of using pad/foulard is that the chemical concentration changes continuously during production, requiring adjustment every 1,000 to 1,500 meters (3,000 to 5,000 feet) depending on the type of application. This is not the case with non-contact spray finishing.

“With TexCoat G4, we can totally rely on a continuous and even application from the first meter of the fabric to the last,” explained Küçükerenköy.“The same amount of chemical concentration is applied throughout the production, which was never the case with the old finishing method, where every meter of the fabric could have variations as the pad/foulard also being dirtier each meter.”

Baldwin Techology’s TexCoat G4 spray system

Another downside to the pad/foulard method is that it frequently needs to be drained of as much as 50 liters (30 gallons) of chemistry, depending on the production. This equates to a considerable amount of chemistry and time going to waste at every drain, which is completely eliminated for Sezginler Tekstil with the four TexCoat G4 systems running.

“We don’t need to spend time on pad draining anymore and can anyway rely on a consistently even chemical concentration,” Küçükerenköy concluded. “It is clear that the TexCoat G4 has given us great production advantages in regards of saving considerably amount of time and chemistry.”

Sezginler Tekstil reported that its energy consumption for drying decreased by as much as 50 percent in the wet-on-dry application, thanks to the TexCoat G4. The non-contact spray system allows for a higher concentration of chemistry mix with lower pick-up requirements. And with less wet pick-up, the fabric can pass through the tenter faster and with lower heat, reducing the energy consumption.

Rounding out the many advantages of Baldwin’s TexCoat G4 is the option of applying chemistry to one side of the fabric. This is of high value when running printed fabric — which Sezginler Tekstil regularly does — for avoiding unwanted pigmentation on the prints or when running fabric with one-sided finishing characteristics. Additionally, applying chemistry on just one side is significantly more cost-effective since the chemistry consumption will be 50% less compared to a dual-sided application.

November 2020

Applied Silver, Inc. Appoints Three Highly Successful Hotel And Tourism Leaders To Strategic Advisory Team, Expanding Its Reach Into The Hospitality Industry

HAYWARD, Calif. — November 11, 2020 — Applied Silver Inc., the creator of the germ-killing technology SilvaClean®, has named Frank Belzer, Thomas Klein and Debbie Shepard strategic advisors to help the company expand its reach to the hospitality industry, it announced today.

The trio of highly successful leaders brings more than 65 years of hotel and tourism experience from key hospitality brands and franchises to the company and will utilize their collective networks and expertise to help Applied Silver grow meaningful relationships throughout the hospitality industry. With its revolutionary SilvaClean solution, the only EPA approved technology that makes all laundered material residually antimicrobial post-laundry, Applied Silver is establishing a new standard of cleanliness in healthcare, sports and now hospitality during a time when infection prevention is of paramount importance.

”As people get back to travel for pleasure or work, they will be looking for new technologies and elevated hygiene standards that protect them while visiting hospitality properties,” said Elizabeth Hutt Pollard, executive chair of the board of directors at Applied Silver. “Hospitality properties are looking to protect their team and guests as they provide the best guest experience achievable. We are thrilled to have the caliber of these individuals on our advisory council to convey how Applied Silver and SilvaClean address these concerns and provide hospitality properties the return on investment they need at this critical time and in the future.”

The spread of dangerous viruses like COVID-19 and Norovirus have been especially damaging to the hospitality industry, which Applied Silver is helping to solve. Recent studies by the Infectious Disease Lab at the University of South Alabama and North Carolina State University have shown that SilvaClean’s chemistry continuously kills both SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is COVID-19, and Norovirus at a 99.9 percent rate. In addition, the Wilson School of Textiles at NC State also found that SilvaClean treated textiles outperformed fabrics woven with antimicrobial fibers in their ability to maintain cleanliness levels and textile durability.

SilvaClean seamlessly infuses textiles with silver ions during the final rinse cycle of the wash. Once laundry is treated with the silver ion technology, it becomes active and kills pathogens, mold and mildew that come in contact with the textiles before, during and after use, protecting consumers and facility workers from risk of microbes that cause infections. Hospitals using the technology have seen a drop of infection rates by 43 percent and professional sports teams that have deployed the solution have seen pathogen levels in their locker rooms drop to near zero.

“The travel and hospitality space has been decimated by this current crisis and there is no doubt that a strong recovery will be based on creating the safest environment possible for consumers and their families,” said Belzer, senior vice president of Portfolio Sales at Universal Parks and Resorts. “This intersection of a growing business need and a pressing demand from our consumers means that the solutions offered by Applied Silver are more timely, relevant and important than ever. I am extremely excited to share the potential this solution offers with peers and colleagues because, as I do so, I will also be helping our industry recover from perhaps the toughest year on record.”

Belzer brings an expertise in strategic hospitality sales to Applied Silver. At Universal Parks and Resorts, he oversees all domestic and international sales strategies for all four current (and soon-to-be five) theme park destinations. Belzer sits on the Board of Directors for Visit Florida and he is chair of the marketing council. He is part of the IPW planning committee formed by US Travel and sits on the Advisory Round Tables for Brand USA.

Klein joins Applied Silver with an impressive 35-year career in hospitality, tourism, and wellness-related industries. With a solid history of overseeing multiple unit hotels and resorts and other businesses in both domestic and international markets, he is very much at home providing strategic input and growing innovative and culturally driven companies. Most recently at Canyon Ranch, Klein served as President/COO of this global leader in healthy living and luxury wellness vacation resorts in North America and 22 cruise ships.

“Guests in today’s challenging times are looking for clean, safe and welcoming environments where there are clear measures being undertaken to ensure a safe and clean environment,” said Klein. “The innovators at Applied Silver have introduced a solution to now take these standards to the next level with back of the house germ killing technology. This cost effective, proven and EPA-approved silver ion solution will uplift our industry at a critical time. It is an honor to link arms with a company that is destined to enhance the guest experience while providing a return on investment for hospitality investors with this antimicrobial laundry solution.”

Shepard will assist Applied Silver in building relationships, driving revenue, and creating strategic partnerships. She has spent more than 25 years within multiple sectors in the hospitality and international tourism industries including on-property and above property global sales, revenue management, operations, recruiting, marketing and events representing brands such as Hilton Worldwide, Caesars Entertainment, and Tourism Toronto. Shepard’s background includes multi-property and multi-branded hotels and resorts spanning from ultra-luxury to select service.

“Unfortunately, we’ve learned the hard way over this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic that invisible disease-causing germs can cause the most destruction to both our health and our economy,” said Shepard. “It’s time to think outside the box, like never before, and open our minds to learn what innovative technologies, rooted in science, are out there that can help us both now and moving into the future, so we are better prepared. Applied Silver’s SilvaClean technology provides the hospitality industry a path to get us back to what we love – traveling and exploring and making memories.”

Posted November 13, 2020

Source: Applied Silver Inc.

Brightmark Breaks Ground On Sobek Renewable Natural Gas Project In Florida

SAN FRANCISCO — November 13, 2020 — Brightmark, a global waste solutions provider, today broke ground on The Sobek Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) project, which includes the construction of new anaerobic digesters at two Larson family dairy farms in Okeechobee County, Florida. The farms are owned by Larson Dairy, Inc. and JM Larson, Inc.

Upon completion of the project, the digesters are anticipated to generate about 171,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas each year. The gas will be delivered into the TECO People Gas pipeline system. The project is part of the recently announced joint venture, Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, a Brightmark platform in partnership with Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Brightmark developed the project and now, through the JV with Chevron, will own and operate it once construction is complete in 2021. When fully operational, the benefits of the Sobek RNG project include offsetting 57,400 metric tons of g reenhouse gas emissions each year and generating 469 MMBtu of renewable gas per day.

“We are thrilled to partner with Larson Dairy Farms and JM Larson Farms to build and operate carbon negative RNG projects Florida and deliver environmental and economic benefits to Okeechobee County,” said Bob Powell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brightmark. “These projects advance our mission of reimagining waste into new parts of the country while supporting local communities with innovative solutions that produce clean fuels, reduce GHG emissions and provide new sources of income to farmers.”

“Brightmark has been a good partner in the development of this project. We are glad the technology and economics are coming together to support our environmental and sustainability goals,” said Woody Larson, participating farmer. “Cows are the ultimate recyclers, creating wholesome milk from byproducts of the citrus, ethanol, brewing and textile industries. This technology now also allows us to convert manure to energy and improve the environment.”

Anaerobic digestion systems can prevent significant quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere. Research shows that when all climate benefits are considered together, RNG from dairy manure can reduce greenhouse gas emissions 400 percent when it is used to replace traditional vehicle fuels through this net carbon-negative process. These projects will reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions from the manure processed at this facility at a rate of 55,000 metric tons of CO2e per year, which is equivalent to planting 72,000 acres of forest each year. After the methane is extracted from the processed manure, the remaining soil nutrients will be returned to the farmers for use as fertilizer and water for forage crops for their cows. These partnerships will allow the farms to reduce land application of raw manure and improve odor, water quality and nutrient management practices.

Posted November 13, 2020

Source: Brightmark

SINTX Technologies And Iwatani Group Announce Agreement To Develop Antipathogenic Surfaces To Help Prevent Spread Of The Common Flu, COVID-19, And Other Viral Diseases

SALT LAKE CITY — November 13, 2020 — SINTX Technologies Inc., an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of silicon nitride ceramic for medical and non-medical applications, and Iwatani Corp. of America (ICA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Iwatani Corp., announced today that they have entered into a joint development agreement.

The goal of this agreement is to incorporate SINTX AP2 silicon nitride powder into polymer materials. These materials will become safe and effective surfaces for IT devices such as cases for cell phones and tablets that are touched frequently. SINTX and Iwatani aim to create surfaces that resist bacteria and viruses. The successful development of these products may help prevent and reduce the spread of respiratory diseases like SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and H1N1 by inactivating viruses and bacteria on the polymer surfaces.

“We are pleased to enter this joint development agreement with Iwatani, toward developing new products that leverage the intrinsic antipathogenic properties of silicon nitride,” said Dr. Bal. “The collaboration with Iwatani is intended to directly apply our material science expertise toward new product development and revenues, a very significant and exciting move for SINTX.”

SINTX and Iwatani intend to capitalize on recent and promising data demonstrating the potential of SINTX AP2silicon nitride powder to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic. Studies showing the rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by SINTX’s silicon nitride are the latest in a series of papers showing similar activity of silicon nitride against a variety of bacteria and viral strains. SINTX and Iwatani plan to jointly fund collaborative product development activities in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Japan with the support of external laboratories as well.

SINTX notes it is working diligently to incorporate silicon nitride into several products such as masks and consumer electronic products and other surfaces that will help inactivate respiratory pathogens. The joint development agreement between Iwatani and SINTX will help SINTX advance their materials science, while external partners like Iwatani develop commercial products that can help protect the worldwide community against viral diseases.

Posted November 13, 2020

Source: SINTX Technologies, Inc

Hibbett Sports Announces New Merchandising Leadership Team

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — November 12, 2020 — Hibbett Sports a Birmingham, Ala.-based footwear and athleisure retailer with nearly 1,100 Hibbett Sports and City Gear stores nationwide, today announced a new structural alignment for its Merchandising Leadership Team. The new alignment will allow for stronger focus on consumers by elevating a toe-to-head connectivity strategy across product categories including: Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s. The new Hibbett | City Gear structure will be focused “toe-to-head” and organized by gender.

“Our priority remains delivering the very best products and the most customized ways to shop to our customers,” said Jared Briskin, senior vice president and chief merchant, Hibbett | City Gear. “I could not be more excited about the new structure of my team and how we will ‘wow’ customers with an even more targeted and tailored shopping experience.”

As a part of the new alignment, Hibbett has also announced the hiring of industry veteran, Stephani Smith as vice president/GMM, Hibbett. Smith brings 27 years of industry experience with Nike, spanning across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her experience includes Sales and Merchandising, as well as, general management at both Nike and Converse. In her new role, Stephani will be focused on furthering the development of the holistic women’s business by sharply focusing on the female consumer at Hibbett.

“We could not be more thrilled to have someone with such tremendous experience join our team,” Jared Briskin said. “Stephani’s background and leadership will complement the strength and experience of our current team.”

Merchandising Leadership Team Structure Alignment

  • Jared Briskin, SVP & Chief Merchant, Hibbett | City Gear
  • Alicia Kahn, VP of Planning, Hibbett | City Gear
  • Varetta Banks, VP/GMM Men’s, Hibbett
  • Lauren Portera, VP/GMM Kid’s & Team Sports, Hibbett
  • Stephani Smith, VP/GMM Women’s, Hibbett
  • Brooke Frankel, VP/GMM, City Gear

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.

Evolution St. Louis Co-Founder Speaks At Fashion Product Development, Supply Chain Event

ST.LOUIS, Mo. — November 12, 2020 — Evolution St. Louis co-founder John Elmuccio recently spoke at Product Innovation Apparel NYC (PI Apparel) — an event bringing together industry professionals to discuss the challenges and technologies disrupting the fashion, apparel and footwear industries.

At the November 9 event, Elmuccio presented “Made in USA: Building The Supply Chain of the Future to Meet the Needs of the Changing Fashion Industry” to fashion industry professionals interested in learning more about the changing supply chain, sustainability and innovation, disruptive technology and more.

“Even before COVID-19, many brands and retailers were beginning to reimagine their supply chains to respond to the dynamic shift in consumer buying behavior and the traction of direct-to-consumer models,” Elmuccio said. “The global pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in the global supply chain and accelerated that conversation. By embracing technology in manufacturing, we can build industry sectors that support ‘Made in America’ as a meaningful business.”

Elmuccio recommends shortening the supply chain by locating production in the United States to enable brands and retailers to be more responsive to consumer demand.

“We need to reimagine the supply chain and take advantage of new technologies that create efficiencies, quality and speed at a viable cost,” Elmuccio said. “Domestic production allows for greater control of intellectual property and the ability to better manage inventory while requiring less travel.”

Elmuccio shared how he and his business partner, Jon Lewis, have created an industry sector for advanced knitting and manufacturing with the launch of Evolution St. Louis, their high-tech knitting facility in St. Louis, Missouri.

“To allow American brands and retailers to keep pace with emerging trends, we need to embrace technology,” Elmuccio said. “Traditional cut-and-sew production is costly because it’s one person to each sewing machine. Utilizing flatbed knitting technology, we can have a single technician control 10 machines at Evolution St. Louis.”

Other speakers at PI Apparel included leaders from Carhartt, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, L.L.Bean, London College of Fashion, Stanford University, Target, ThirdLove, Under Armour and Walmart.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Evolution St. Louis

All-New Styleisure™ Brand At JCPenney Promotes Equal Parts Style And Comfort As Company Continues To Innovate Ahead Of The Holiday Season

PLANO, Texas — November 12, 2020 — JCPenney today announced an additional installment of its New and Wow! brands with the introduction of Stylus™ apparel brand. This brand is part of an all-new styleisure™ apparel line which is designed to comfortably elevate your everyday. Only at JCPenney, the Stylus brand is the leader in this new fashion mindset that enables customers to dress effortlessly with both comfort and style. Not to be confused with athleisure, the Stylus brand provides the style and comfort customers are craving in their multifaceted daily lives, creating a solution that reaches beyond the activewear category.

The Stylus brand’s all-day comfort plus style versatility reflects how JCPenney customers live, whether working from home or in the office, shopping, preparing for the holiday season, or virtually getting together with friends and family. The sophisticated combination of fabric and design, made into a variety of pieces — including cardigans, easy pants, jumpsuits and tees — can be mixed and matched to seamlessly transition for whatever the day or night may bring. Importantly, the Stylus brand doesn’t ask shoppers to sacrifice fashion for comfort, or vice versa, as ultra-soft fabrics offer unrestricted movement and a relaxed fit. Modern color palettes are paired together based on thoughtfully designed details — including tapered legs, curved hems, and twist-front tops. The Stylus brand allows customers to be comfortable and look and feel put together to elevate their every day.

“We are excited to launch the Stylus brand right now and in time for the 2020 holiday season for our customers — including our All-In Shopping Enthusiast — who are looking for comfortable yet stylish pieces that fit all aspects of their lives,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. “We began developing the concept of our styleisure line, which is exclusive to JCPenney, nearly a year ago to fill this unmet need as customers dress for their day. The Stylus collection is a curated array of neutrals that make it easy to layer and swap pieces for a virtually endless combination of looks, representing true modern comfort and style.”

“Everything we do is with our customers at the forefront — we want our customers to feel and know they’re represented,” Wlazlo continued. “Our inclusive sizing is a philosophy, not an afterthought. Size should never be a deterrent to style or the ability to feel empowered, confident, and comfortable.”

The Stylus brand size assortment ranges from XS to 3X, with consistent pricing from $26 to $89 across all sizes. The introduction of the Stylus brand follows the repositioning and launch of several exclusive JCPenney brands in 2020, including a.n.a a new approach® and Linden Street™, which are offered alongside a wide array of national brands including Nike®, adidas®, Champion®, Levi’s®, Puma®, Clarks®, Cuisinart®, Sharper Image®, Disney®, Lego®, Mattel® and more.

As JCPenney continues implementing its Plan for Renewal transformation strategy, the Stylus brand is a true testament to the Company’s continuous innovative commitment to offer compelling merchandise for today’s shoppers. The brand is now available in 363 stores nationwide and on the JCPenney app and flagship store, jcp.com, offering inclusive sizing and can’t-miss value.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: J. C. Penney Co. Inc.

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