With more than two decades of experience in footwear and manufacturing, Santhana most recently worked at Bata as the Global Head of Quality in Singapore. Prior to that, Santhana spent seven years at Adidas where he served in director roles overseeing quality footwear and manufacturing excellence in footwear.

“In addition to his vast expertise in the footwear industry, Raj holds two engineering degrees and he will be critical to driving operational excellence programs for our global team of 3,200 people at OrthoLite’s owned manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite.

Additional personnel moves include the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming, leading OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team. SK’s team is committed to advancing OrthoLite’s market leadership as the first and most trusted name in comfort, performance and less impactful footwear foams. In his new role, SK leads the strategic direction for OrthoLite PU material development with a focus on sustainable innovations in footwear and will continue to report to Bevan, COO at OrthoLite. SK is also based in Singapore and regularly travels to OrthoLite’s manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil

Since 1997, OrthoLite continues to drive innovation and continual improvement to build excellence in foam footwear products and materials consistently, at scale and with on-time delivery to more than 550 footwear brand partners.

OrthoLite has built a rock-solid reputation for innovation, reliability, capacity and is known for its collaborative approach in development with the world’s best footwear brands to create custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. OrthoLite insoles are the key interface between how a shoe is designed to perform and the discerning consumer, and its products can be found in more than 600 million pairs of footwear a year.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: OrthoLite

Researchers from University of Fukui, Japan have optimized a decolorization process, known as supercritical fluid dyeing, in which supercritical carbon dioxide effectively penetrates fabric fibers to remove the dyes. The extracted dyes can be reused, and the fabrics be redyed. The study was led by Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki and Visiting Professor Teruo Hori and achieved successful optimization of the decolorization process, enabling the dye removal from clothes with minimal environmental impact. This study builds on outcomes from the NEDO Feasibility Study Program/Feasibility Study Program on New Technology and was further developed under the JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT).

The researchers first created supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) fluid inside a specialized heated and pressurized vessel and mixed it with a decolorizing agent before adding it to the dyed fabric. The idea was that by adding a decolorizing agent with a solubility parameter between those of the dye and the fabric, efficient decolorization could be achieved. Based on this premise, three decolorization methods can be outlined— to be used depending on the characteristics of the textile, the dyes, and the decolorizing agent.

The first method is called solvent trapping, in which supercritical CO2 dissolves and then traps the dye in a solvent phase at the bottom of the vessel. In contrast, the solid trapping method involves re-treating a processing body with a decolorizing agent or placing an adsorbent in the vessel. The supercritical fluid extracts the dye and then traps it onto the processing body or adsorbent. Finally, in the homogenous method, the decolorizing agent is completely dissolved in the supercritical fluid and the extracted dye also dissolves in the supercritical fluid.

Using these techniques, an astounding decolorization rate of over 90-100% was achieved. Notably, this strategy was found to be effective for polyester fabrics. Moreover, the processing liquids, extracted dyes, and decolorizing agents can also be repurposed and reused effectively.

Owing to its tremendous potential in terms of sustainability, the team of researchers from University of Fukui is actively seeking to commercialize this technology, with hopes of transforming the “make, use, and dispose” model of the textile industry into a truly circular and sustainable “make, use, and reuse” model.

Reference:

Research project name:

NEDO Feasibility Study Program / Feasibility Study Program on New Technology

JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT). 

Researchers name: Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki, Visiting Professor and President of SUSTAINA TECH Co., Ltd. Teruo Hori.          

Affiliation: University of Fukui

Link to research project summary page: https://fukumira.hisac.u-fukui.ac.jp/ 

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: University of Fukui

The decision by the FLA board follows a rigorous, multi-year review of BELLA+CANVAS’ business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers in its global supply chains. BELLA+CANVAS sources from eight self-operated facilities and two contract facilities across three countries.

“From the time they joined FLA, BELLA+CANVAS has been in the vanguard of responsible purchasing practices, with company leadership taking an active role in decisions that have an impact on workers,” said FLA President and CEO Jeff Vockrodt. “We welcome BELLA+CANVAS to the ranks of Fair Labor Accredited members and congratulate them on this significant achievement.”

“In my 25 years in the apparel industry, I have found it widely recognized that FLA is the penultimate North Star regarding fair labor policies, sustainability in manufacturing, and ethical business practices,” said BELLA+CANVAS President Norm Hullinger. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has earned Fair Labor Accreditation and look forward to working closely with the FLA team to create a path of continuous improvement for BELLA+CANVAS.”

Since becoming an FLA member in 2019, BELLA+CANVAS has continuously improved its social compliance program and kept pace with the changes to FLA standards enacted over the intervening years. The accreditation report details FLA’s evaluation of BELLA+CANVAS’ social compliance program through September 2024.

Highlights of BELLA+CANVAS’ Fair Labor Accreditation include:

• Company-wide commitment: BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to ethical and sustainable business extends throughout the company, beginning with the company’s co-founders and owners, who remain involved with the key production decisions that impact workers’ lives. Company leadership is actively involved in upholding workplace standards for factory workers, receiving frequent updates from the compliance team and supporting their efforts. A cross-functional leadership team collaborates to ensure that both contract and owned production remains in line with BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to responsible purchasing.
• Factory monitoring: BELLA+CANVAS has developed an extensive assessor manual and audit tool that are fully aligned with FLA’s expectations for high-quality factory assessments. BELLA+CANVAS works with a qualified audit service provider and has provided extensive training to assessors on gathering and verifying information at the factory level, including using highly effective worker interviews to gain insight into factory conditions. BELLA+CANVAS’ auditing procedures, assessor manual, and audit tool are all aligned to ensure that assessments meet the company’s needs without reducing the quality of the audits or placing undue burden on assessors and factories.
• Supplier relationships: With social compliance staff located close to key production centers in Central America, BELLA+CANVAS provides oversight and support to both contract and owned factories. Compliance staff pay frequent visits to factories to provide training, follow up on the remediation of audit findings, and understand factory management’s perspectives on compliance topics. BELLA+CANVAS’ sourcing and production leaders also emphasize in-person factory visits as a crucial element of the supplier relationship, and the company maintains stable and mutually beneficial brand-factory relationships that advance the principles of responsible sourcing.

Fair Labor Accreditation helps investors and consumers make informed choices by showing that a company is actively fulfilling the highest standards in labor rights.

It is the only comprehensive program of its kind that is based on international standards and frameworks such as the International Labour Organization, UN Guiding Principles, the OECD, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Fair Labor Accredited companies are evaluated on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate continuous improvement in addressing working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. To see a list of Fair Labor Accredited companies and to learn more, please visit www.fairlabor.org.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: The Fair Labor Association (FLA)

Vietnam’s textile and apparel sector comprises approximately 7,000 companies and employs over three million workers, with 80% of production capacity used for export and 20% for domestic consumption. Progress is aided by well-developed logistics networks, skilled labour and a stable political environment. As its textile industry evolves, several key trends are influencing its future direction, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement, and leading to new opportunities for exhibitors and buyers across the value chain at Vietnam’s comprehensive textile showcase.

Major trends shaping Vietnam’s textile market reflected at VIATT

More Vietnamese enterprises are adopting eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel, while numerous global brands manufacture in Vietnam, and have committed to the “Fashion Industry Charter on Climate Action”, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050[3].

To further advance sustainable initiatives in the domestic and international textile industry, VIATT 2025 will introduce Econogy Hub, a dedicated platform for innovative, eco-friendly suppliers and service providers to connect with like-minded visitors. The show’s other new Texpertise Econogy features will include the Econogy Finder, an independent verification tool to help sustainable exhibitors effectively communicate their green credentials, and Econogy Talks, the overarching category for eco-focused seminars, forums, and product presentations.

Apart from sustainability, the Vietnamese textile industry is also embracing advanced technologies in design and manufacturing. The launch of the fair’s Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone will provide a centralised platform for exhibitors to showcase innovations such as 3D printing, AI-driven design, and digital printing, which enable manufacturers to boost efficiency and customise products to meet specific market demands.

As well as the introduction of two new product zones, the India Pavilion, organised by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), will also make its debut at VIATT 2025. Additionally, the Japan and Taiwan Pavilions have confirmed their return, with the Japan Pavilion recognised by VIATT’s visitors as a standout showcase within Southeast Asia’s textile fair landscape. Overall, the fair will feature a diverse range of exhibitors across apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles, with many showcasing innovative and sustainable products. Highlighted exhibitors in each sector include:

Apparel fabrics, yarns & fibres and garments

• Alumo AG (Switzerland): with over a century of expertise, this STeP by OEKO-TEX-certified company creates high-quality cotton shirting fabrics utilised by leading shirt designers. The company is dedicated to maintaining the art of weaving, ensuring that each fabric is finely crafted.
• Wynist Retail Solutions (Taiwan): committed to sustainability, Wynist focuses on recycling and upcycling post-consumer and agricultural waste, transforming raw materials such as coffee grounds and textile waste into products with practical, on-trend industry applications.

Home & contract textiles

• Sigma Vietnam Industrial (Vietnam): specialising in home textiles, the company’s innovative range of products includes bedding, curtains, and upholstery fabrics. It integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern design, ensuring that its offerings meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
• Coolist Life Technology (China): the leading bio-based polyurethanes solutions and applications enterprise announced a new technology in 2024, that utilises captured carbon dioxide combined with bio-based polyol, to create a new generation of bio-based and bio-degradable foam.

Technical textiles, nonwovens, and textile technologies

• Ultra Tech Asia (USA): as a leader in advanced textile solutions, the company offers innovative nonwoven materials for various applications, such as medical, automotive, and personal care, designed to meet the rising demand for high-performance textiles in diverse industries.
• JB ECOTEX Limited (India): one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of high-quality recycled polyester staple fibre (RPSF) and rPET Flakes, the company has transformed millions of used plastic bottles into superior-grade, eco-friendly products. Since its inception, the company has maintained a zero liquid discharge policy, and 50% of its power is generated from renewable resources.

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit [www.viatt.com.vn]www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT will be held from 26 – 28 February 2025.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Despite this challenging market environment, the Rieter Group recorded a gratifying order intake of CHF 629.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 (2023: CHF 452.2 million) in all market regions. In the third quarter of 2024, orders increased by 78% year-on-year to CHF 226.4 million (2023: CHF 127.2 million). This means that the order intake has increased for the third quarter in a row.

Sales

Rieter’s cumulative sales in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to CHF 584.3 million (2023: CHF 1 092.9 million), a decrease of 47% compared to the prior-year period. Sales in the third quarter of 2024 were CHF 163.3 million (Q3 2023: CHF 334.7 million).

The Business Group Machines & Systems generated total sales of CHF 264.1 million in the first nine months of 2024 (-65% compared to the same period of the previous year). The Business Group Components posted sales of CHF 184.5 million, 11% lower than in the corresponding period of the previous year, while the Business Group After Sales recorded a slight decline of -1% to CHF 135.7 million in the first nine months of 2024.

Order backlog

As of September 30, 2024, Rieter has an order backlog of around CHF 690 million (September 30, 2023: CHF 900 million).

“Next Level” performance program

The transfer of resources and responsibilities to India and China to enable the key markets to respond in a more agile way to customer needs and cycles in the machinery business is on track. The planned cost savings were achieved. Rieter continues to consistently implement the action plan to increase profitability.

Outlook for the full year 2024

Due to the overall geopolitical situation and the general deterioration in consumer sentiment, the market recovery is proving to be more restrained than previously forecast. The first signs of a recovery in financial year 2024 have emerged in the key markets of China and India.

For the full year 2024, Rieter now anticipates sales in the range of CHF 900 million and an EBIT margin remaining at 2% to 4%.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Rieter

Immediately following Completion, the total share capital of the JV Company shall be HK$200 million, of which the LN Co, Founder Co, HongShan Venture and HongShan Motivaton shall contribute HK$58,000,000, HK$52,000,000, HK$62,728,000 and HK$27,272,000 in cash respectively, accounting for 29%, 26%, 31.36% and 13.64% of the total share capital of the JV Company respectively.

The Group has been adopting the core strategy of “Single Brand, Multiple Categories, and Diversified Channels” to leverage its competitive advantages in the industry, and has achieved impressive results in the highly competitive Mainland China market. Having said that, the development of overseas markets, especially in the Belt and Road regions, is also part of the Group’s long-term development strategy. At the same time, the Group is aware of the uncertainties in the overseas markets. The business models in the overseas market also differ substantially from the models in the Mainland China market. The Group has considered that expanding into international markets requires collaboration with a partner which possesses extensive multinational resources. This requires the establishment of a new framework with an independent team, rich in overseas resources and experience, to take responsibilities of developing the international business operations with clear business and financial objectives.

HongShan has accumulated extensive investment experience since its establishment in 2005. It has a strong team of professional investors with deep industry insights and cross-border investment networks that may provide resources and services to portfolio companies, deploy key resources to enterprises that engage in transnational businesses during their development stage, and provide them with services such as business empowerment, talent development, digitalisation support and media management.

The formation of the JV Company leverages on the appeal of the Company’s founder, Mr. Li, to provide leadership in the positioning and direction of the Li Ning Brand’s development in the Territory. Moreover, the Company and Mr. Li together will hold 55% of the JV Shares, enabling the Company to effectively safeguard the reputation of the Li Ning Brand and to maintain sufficient influence over the JV Group. On the other hand, by bringing in HongShan, the JV Group may enjoy HongShan’s transnational resources and business experience which are expected to help the JV Group to accelerate its development effectively. In this joint venture, LN Co has the option to acquire all the JV Shares from HongShan Co in the future (subject to compliance with the relevant Listing Rules requirements), so as to realize the Company’s control over the JV Company.

The JV Parties can complement each other’s strengths and leverage on their respective reputations, brands, channels, talents and other resources in this joint venture, in order to empower the JV Group to be competitive and flexible in its business operations, and be more effective in risk management of the markets in the Territory. In the short term, the Company will prioritize its operations in Mainland China market to further increase the market share of its core business and to enhance the competitiveness of its brands in the key business segments.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Source: Li Ning Company Limited

The portal is particularly effective in supporting the induction of new specialists. Whereas in the past, training was provided and documentation handed over during commissioning, today users can learn independently of time and place and refresh their knowledge at any time. The content is definitely also suitable for training technical specialists. This makes the digital approach consistent and efficient.

The technical personnel at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions provide the content for the Digital Academy. Particular emphasis is placed on practical relevance. “Our customers define who should learn what, so that the training packages are targeted and customized,” explains Tilmann Seidel, Vice President Customer Services. The BCF module is currently available worldwide in English, Spanish and Turkish.

The portal is to be made available for all processes of the Oerlikon Business Unit Manmade Fibers Solutions in the future. The digital academy for the POY process is already under development.

Digital learning is the future

The online training center, which is located on the e-commerce platform myOerlikon.com, contains a collection of e-learning modules on the topics of operation, maintenance and repair, currently for the Oerlikon Neumag BCF machines S+ and S8. Operating personnel as well as process engineers and technicians as well as quality managers are trained.

A high staff turnover rate among yarn manufacturers, which has increased again since the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores the need for new training concepts that do not require a physical trainer and are accessible 24/7. This is because in-person training requires a considerable logistical effort, incurs travel costs and disrupts operations more severely than individually scheduled online training. This is where the Digital Academy offers a distinct advantage: compact, role-based learning units that can be accessed via mobile and stationary end devices make the content quickly applicable for the user. A success check helps to internalize the content and consolidate what has been learned. Feedback functions can quickly clarify comprehension questions at any time. Access to the Digital Academy is location- or company-specific.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division / Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG

Founded by Sanjeev Bahl, SAITEX is a global leader in sustainable garment manufacturing, known for its innovative approach to reducing the environmental impact of textile production. Founded in 2001, the company operates with a commitment to sustainability, circularity, and social responsibility. With facilities in Vietnam and Los Angeles, SAITEX employs cutting-edge technologies such as closed-loop water systems, energy-efficient processes, and clean chemistry to minimize waste and carbon emissions. The garment operation is bluesign, Fair Trade, LEED, and B Corp certified, underscoring its dedication to ethical manufacturing practices.

SAITEX partners with leading global brands to create high-quality denim and apparel while continuously pushing the boundaries of responsible production, setting a benchmark for the future of fashion.

Now that both the SAITEX Mill and Laundry are bluesign® system partners, brands can label their denim garments as bluesign DENIM, produced and processed entirely within SAITEX’s facilities. The bluesign DENIM label requires that the denim fabric is bluesign APPROVED from a system partner mill, and that the garment is processed in a system partner laundry, ensuring compliance with bluesign’s strict environmental criteria. This allows brands to source bluesign APPROVED denim fabrics directly from SAITEX Mill, have the garments processed at SAITEX Laundry, and achieve an end-to-end clean denim production process for consumers. With bluesign® APPROVED chemicals used in both fabric manufacturing and garment processing, brands can easily meet sustainability standards with SAITEX as their one-stop solution for clean denim.

This partnership aligns with bluesign’s dedication to reducing the textile industry’s environmental footprint by ensuring that textiles are made with responsible resource usage and worker safety. By becoming a bluesign System Partner, SAITEX enhances its commitment to eco-friendly production practices, offering transparency and traceability throughout the garment life cycle.

Opened in 2022, SAITEX’s fabric mill near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, represents the next generation of sustainable manufacturing. The mill integrates spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing processes under one roof, with a core focus on environmental responsibility. Leveraging advanced technologies, it reduces energy consumption, minimizes the use of harmful chemicals, and is on track to build a closed-loop water system to minimize freshwater intake, which will be completed by mid-2025. This state-of-the-art facility reflects SAITEX’s commitment to setting new standards for responsible production and circularity in the global textile industry.

• The mill features solar panels with a 3-4 MW capacity, reducing carbon emissions by 2,000+ tons annually.
• The facility is designed with LEED Gold Certified specifications, ensuring minimal environmental impact through energy efficiency. LEED Gold certification is expected in November 2024.
• The mill utilizes Smart-Indigo technology for hydrosulfite-free dyeing, resulting in 90% less CO2 emissions, 70% less energy use, and 30% less water consumption.
• SAITEX aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through continued innovations in energy and resource efficiency.
• The fully vertically integrated mill, from spinning to garment manufacturing, ensures lower environmental impact on both the fabric and laundry sides of the production process.

Sanjeev Bahl, CEO of SAITEX, said, “Becoming a bluesign System Partner is another step in reinforcing our mission of sustainability, transparency, and responsibility. With bluesign, we’re not just setting a new standard for responsible denim manufacturing; we’re driving a broader movement toward clean chemistry. This is about creating a system that’s safe for people and the planet—putting the human side of manufacturing at the center of everything we do. It’s our responsibility to ensure that our processes are as clean as they are efficient.”

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign, added, “We were proud to welcome SAITEX Laundry into bluesign over 10 years ago as the first system partner denim laundry in the world, and it is thrilling for us to now have SAITEX Mill join the system partnership as well. Brands can now source bluesign APPROVED denim fabrics from SAITEX Mill for their collections, and with both the mill and laundry as system partners, they can label their denim garments as bluesign DENIM, ensuring a fully compliant and sustainable production process under one roof. Together, we are making significant strides toward reducing the global environmental impact of denim production.”

This partnership strengthens bluesign’s Denim Initiative, which brings together key players in the denim industry to create safer, more sustainable denim products. With SAITEX’s vertical integration and advanced technology, the global denim market is one step closer to achieving environmental responsibility and social equity.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: bluesign®

Freudenberg’s investment of more than 42 million euros in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimizing material flows and leveraging modernized equipment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group, remarked: “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photovoltaic cells that supply 15 percent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Sivasailam. G, managing director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India. By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 percent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Group

The renowned company based in Shijiazhuang in north-eastern China specializes in the processing of recycled staple fibres and focuses on high efficiency and low water consumption. An ISOSIZE and an earlier generation KARL MAYER sizing machine are already in production in its warp preparation department. Pinhua Garments has now invested in another innovative warp preparation solution, a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box. With the signing of the contract, the state-of-the-art sizing equipment celebrates its premiere on the Chinese market.

At the trade fair, the experts from Pinhua Garments first learned about the possibilities of the Smart Size Box HSB and expressed great interest in this latest development for the sizing sector. The advantages of the advanced solution include less unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, and therefore more efficient, but also quality-assured production processes.  Like all PROSIZE Size Boxes, the Smart Size Box enables a cover factor of up to 100% at a maximum sizing speed of 160 m/min, with 200 m/min also possible as an option.

In addition to the Smart Size Box feature, the Size Box VSB was the subject of the exchange with Pinhua Garments Co. The innovative sizing equipment works with a highly efficient application technology that uses up to 10% fewer sizing additives compared to the immersion bath process. This saves costs, energy during desizing and waste water. In addition, the ability to control the yarn tension by the sizing system is an important advantage in view of the demanding processing of cotton. This performance convinced Pinhua Garments: The company ordered a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box.

“This investment is a reinforcing vote of confidence and I’m pleased to see our customer willing to grow with KARL MAYER through different generations and developments of machines,” says Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at Warp Preparation Business Unit.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP