Textile Insight

Hohenstein Launches Digital Design and Protective Materials Initiatives. T he latest developments from Hohenstein provide cus- tomers with new services that target today's top of mind textile categories. A brand new Digital Fitting Lab helps bring collections to life faster, while a recently introduced Community Mask Program ensures material func- tionality for private use face pieces. Hohenstein's virtual Fitting Lab supports digitalization by linking deep fit and pattern experience with 3D and 4D technologies. Use of the Lab eliminates physical prototypes and enables efficient, flexible design edits and shortens development time. Digital fit models can be optimized for all sizes and shapes, making it feasible to design, adjust and display products for an entire target group. Significant, too, is the environ- mental savings of digital design and development. There is less mate- rial waste, and an overall lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation, with sampling in particular. Partnership is another benefit of the Digital Fit Lab, with Hohenstein staff available, providing the educa- tion, research and support. Community Mask Testing In many communities masks remain mandatory to help contain the spread of Covid-19, but to be effective pri- vate-use masks must meet legal and functional requirements. Hohenstein has developed the Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masks to meet and verify these needs. While not required to guarantee and define protective functions like medical face masks or filtering face piece (FFP) respirators, disposable and reusable community masks are still subject to functional claims. By providing easily understood product information on labels, Hohenstein supports produc- ers in increasing transparency for community mask users. Breathability is a key concern. To meet quality criteria, standardized test procedures verify whether the material used is too dense and will make breathing difficult for wearers. Further quality parameters include wash-ability, proper fit and compli- ance with legal requirements. The quality criteria claimed on the label can be expanded by testing for harmful substances according to Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex as an indicator for skin friendly textiles and a cytotoxicity test based on the testing of medical devices. l IN THE MARKET | ECO UPDATE The Right Fit 8 • Textile Insight ~ September/October 2020 textileinsight.com This label identifies masks that are suitable for private use. Digital Fit Lab design features. Wrangler supports sustainably grown cotton. G lobal cotton farmers who can demonstrate and doc- ument soil-carbon and biodiversity improvements are invited to apply for their cotton to be purchased for a Wrangler Retro Premium submission as part of The Jeans Redesign project from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF). One of the key prin- ciples of a circular economy is the regenera- tion of natural systems. The principle aligns with Wrangler's aim to source 100 percent sustainably grown cotton by 2025. Roian Atwood, senior director, global sus- tainable business at Wrangler, stated, "Wran- gler is amplifying our commitment with this call to action as we work with farmers to rapidly scale the supply of sustainably-grown cotton. For this project, we're looking for the best of the best." To be considered for inclusion in the Wrangler Retro Premium "Regenerative Jean" collection, Wrangler is asking any farmer from around the world to submit documented evidence of improved soil health and environ- mental benefits resulting from their adoption of regenerative agricultural systems. Examples include improve- ments in soil carbon, soil physical properties, biological properties, and determined benefits to the environ- ment. An external panel chaired by the Soil Health Institute will review farmer submissions for selecting the final candidate. This program builds on of Wrangler's sustainable cotton program launched in 2017, the Wrangler Science and Conservation Program, with an aim to build a more resilient and regenerative cotton supply. "Over the last 100-150 years, many of our most productive agricultural soils have lost 40-60 percent of their precious organic carbon back into the atmosphere," said Wayne Honeycutt, president and CEO of the Soil Health Institute. "Restoring carbon back into the soil with regenerative agriculture is one of the greatest opportunities we have to address both climate change and the financial well-being of farmers." In addition to signing onto the Jeans Redesign guidelines, the brand joined EMF's Make Fashion Circular, which drives collaboration between apparel industry leaders to ensure clothes are made from safe and renewable mate- rials, new business models increase their use, and old clothes are turned into new. l Wrangler Celebrates Regenerative Grown Cotton

• Cover