INVISTA’s CORDURA brand and CamelBak have joined forces to help soldiers on the frontline become lighter, faster and more efficient by upgrading a wide variety of CamelBak brand tactical hydration pack systems with high-performance, weight-reduced 500D CORDURA Classic fabric constructions.
Traditionally produced with 1000D fabrics, the CORDURA brand team responded to the request for a lighter weight durable hydration system fabric with 500D CORDURA Classic fabric. Engineered to have a tighter weave and 35 percent weight reduction (per square yard), 500D CORDURA Classic fabric maintains a similar strength-to-weight ratio as the previous version. This innovative fabric solution provides infantry soldiers with a significantly lighter hydration system without sacrificing fabric performance.
“Today’s infantry soldier may carry up to 90 pounds of additional weight on their back. It’s important that they focus on the mission at hand – not what’s on their back,” said Hunter Shoop, CamelBak Military Product Manager. By joining forces with the CORDURA brand team, we were able to zero in on a fabric technology solution to continue providing infantry soldiers an essential hydration pack while removing the strain of additional weight.”
In addition to providing infantry soldiers with a lighter load carriage system, 500D CORDURA Classic fabric continues to offer exceptional breaking strength, tear-resistance, dimensional stability and water resistance. These benefits, coupled with the fabric’s built-in near infrared reflectance (NIR) visibility protection for day- and night-time military operations make for a highly advanced tactical hydration system. As a result, 500D CORDURA Classic fabric is also featured in Camelbak’s ArmorBak series packs which attach directly to outer tactical vests (IOTVs), modular tactical vests (MTVs) and outer tactical vests (OTVs).
“Improvements in military gear and equipment are critical to the war fighters’ success in maintaining an advantage in combat,” said Cindy McNaull, Global CORDURA brand manager. “By continuously advancing CORDURA fabric technology, INVISTA is honored to help our troops have the tools to become lighter, faster and more efficient as they protect us on the frontlines.”
The following 2009 CamelBak tactical hydration packs feature the innovative 500D CORDURA Classic fabric:
• BFM 500
• Motherlode 500
• H.A.W.G. 500
• TriZip
• M.U.L.E. 500
• ThermoBak 3L
• Ambush AB 500
• ThermoBak
• ArmorBak
The 2009 CamelBak tactical hydration packs not only offer a lighter fabric constructions, but they also are designed to increase organization – internally and externally – for carrying essential elements needed on the field. Furthermore, the packs now feature external access fleece-lined pockets for glasses and night vision goggles (NVG), a lower drink-tube exit port for underarmtube routing plus side release buckles for quick release shoulder straps.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
India : Govt should remove VAT on handloom & handicrafts, ASSOCHAM - Textile News India
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has urged the Finance Ministry and the Empowered Committee on VAT to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) on products of fashion, especially with more than 50% handloom and handicrafts input to make them competitive in the global market.
In a representation sent to Finance Ministry and Empowered Committee on VAT by ASSOCHAM Secretary General, Mr. D S Rawat, it is stated that Indian fashion industry is at budding stage and accounts for barely 0.3% of international industry’s networth, which may further come down in the absence of necessary government support.
Currently, fashion products that fall under VAT net ranging between 8-12% and make them costlier and thus dilute their competitiveness, the ASSOCHAM has thus emphasized need for removal of VAT on fashion products, having more than 50% handloom and handicraft input.
The Chamber has argued that the fashion design industry in India is extremely fragmented and unorganized even then it is expected to touch over Rs.800 crore of turnover in next 2-3 years. The present estimated level of fashion design industry is around Rs.300 crores.
Mr. Rawat said that the current market scenario and market dynamics of the designer wear industry in India finds it difficult to build concept and implementation of roadmap for setting up a successful, self-sustaining fashion hubs in India and therefore, the government support to it is the need of hour especially in the form of tax incentives and also need funding assistance.
The ASSOCHAM has also come out with a roadmap for creation of fashion hub which can be possible by implementation of roadmap to be jointly prepared by industry and government with strategic approach for short, medium and long-term.
The ASSOCHAM has recommended that the suggested fashion hubs could be set up provided India looks at successful models of setting up and running fashion hubs in different countries such as USA, France, South Africa, also in emerging markets like Dubai.
Relevant elements could be taken to develop the fashion hub in areas with maximum participation from the government since there are many examples where the government is promoting fashion industry such as France, Japan, Hongkong, USA etc.
In view of ASSOCHAM, the suggested fashion hubs should be set up as an special purpose vehicle (SPV) model under Companies Act.The land should be identified and purchased by the SPV before government puts it in its contribution as equity or grant.
The government equity and grant could be limited to 20% of project costs including facilities like health, spa, hotel and guest fitness centres, subject to a maximum of Rs.20 crore.
Government equity should be released in 4 equal instalments subject to equal contribution having been made by SPV after purchase of land, said Mr. Rawat.
In a representation sent to Finance Ministry and Empowered Committee on VAT by ASSOCHAM Secretary General, Mr. D S Rawat, it is stated that Indian fashion industry is at budding stage and accounts for barely 0.3% of international industry’s networth, which may further come down in the absence of necessary government support.
Currently, fashion products that fall under VAT net ranging between 8-12% and make them costlier and thus dilute their competitiveness, the ASSOCHAM has thus emphasized need for removal of VAT on fashion products, having more than 50% handloom and handicraft input.
The Chamber has argued that the fashion design industry in India is extremely fragmented and unorganized even then it is expected to touch over Rs.800 crore of turnover in next 2-3 years. The present estimated level of fashion design industry is around Rs.300 crores.
Mr. Rawat said that the current market scenario and market dynamics of the designer wear industry in India finds it difficult to build concept and implementation of roadmap for setting up a successful, self-sustaining fashion hubs in India and therefore, the government support to it is the need of hour especially in the form of tax incentives and also need funding assistance.
The ASSOCHAM has also come out with a roadmap for creation of fashion hub which can be possible by implementation of roadmap to be jointly prepared by industry and government with strategic approach for short, medium and long-term.
The ASSOCHAM has recommended that the suggested fashion hubs could be set up provided India looks at successful models of setting up and running fashion hubs in different countries such as USA, France, South Africa, also in emerging markets like Dubai.
Relevant elements could be taken to develop the fashion hub in areas with maximum participation from the government since there are many examples where the government is promoting fashion industry such as France, Japan, Hongkong, USA etc.
In view of ASSOCHAM, the suggested fashion hubs should be set up as an special purpose vehicle (SPV) model under Companies Act.The land should be identified and purchased by the SPV before government puts it in its contribution as equity or grant.
The government equity and grant could be limited to 20% of project costs including facilities like health, spa, hotel and guest fitness centres, subject to a maximum of Rs.20 crore.
Government equity should be released in 4 equal instalments subject to equal contribution having been made by SPV after purchase of land, said Mr. Rawat.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Netherlands : GMG ColorServer & Mimaki to set important quality standards - Technology News Netherlands
GMG, the world’s leading color management solutions provider, and Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, textile/apparel and industrial markets are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership providing a highly innovative solution for high value packaging applications.
The common solution, comprising UV inkjet printers of the UJF-605 series from Mimaki, GMG ColorServer 4.6 color management software for fully automatic color conversions and GMG SmartProfiler for printer calibration and profiling, allows for the first time to digitally produce consistent and accurate color results on virtually any material .
GMG ColorServer in combination with Mimaki UJF-605 printers is certainly a valuable solution for all kinds of businesses engaged in flexible packaging, compound board packages or tin printing, e.g. print houses, prepress companies, agencies and brand owners. The core applications of this unrivaled solution are:
• color-accurate digital proofing on original substrates used for production - with white ink and varnish support,
• digital production of color-accurate packaging mock-ups/prototypes – often requested in the packaging design phase or for customer acceptance tests,
• short runs/personalization - replacing time consuming and expensive prints on the production press.
“There is no doubt that this new solution will set important quality standards in these environments. No competitor is able to digitally print consistent colors on nearly any material so far”, says Paul Willems, CEO of GMG GmbH & Co. KG. “We are excited about the partnership with Mimaki, bringing together both companies’ core competencies in printer and software development.”
“We are excited that now GMG & Mimaki can jointly offer the best possible and most effective technological proofing solution for the packaging and label markets”, says Sakae Sagane, managing director of Mimaki Europe B.V.
Enormous time and cost savings can be achieved by replacing press time and costs for printing plates and gravure cylinders by digital production. The Mimaki UJF-605 UV inkjet printers have been optimized for digital proofing in the offset, gravure and flexo packaging industry. In combination with GMG color management technology, perfect color match, optimum spot color reproduction, highest repeatability and optimum print quality up to a resolution of 1200dpi can be achieved on any substrate such as shrink or metallic foils, tin and compound boards. Nearly any printing stock can be used with the GMG-Mimaki solution. Due to the extremely resistant, high-quality inks of the Mimaki printer, it is possible to apply the same finishing process as to the final product. Except a real press proof, no other solution on the market allows for this.
The German-based leading packaging specialist HUBER Packaging Group is the first company in Europe to use this new solution for digital proofing on tinplate and the production of color-accurate mock-ups. HUBER Packaging Group produces tinplate packaging for food stuff, coatings, chemical products as well as five-litre party kegs and elegant fancy boxes for renowned brand manufacturers.
The common solution, comprising UV inkjet printers of the UJF-605 series from Mimaki, GMG ColorServer 4.6 color management software for fully automatic color conversions and GMG SmartProfiler for printer calibration and profiling, allows for the first time to digitally produce consistent and accurate color results on virtually any material .
GMG ColorServer in combination with Mimaki UJF-605 printers is certainly a valuable solution for all kinds of businesses engaged in flexible packaging, compound board packages or tin printing, e.g. print houses, prepress companies, agencies and brand owners. The core applications of this unrivaled solution are:
• color-accurate digital proofing on original substrates used for production - with white ink and varnish support,
• digital production of color-accurate packaging mock-ups/prototypes – often requested in the packaging design phase or for customer acceptance tests,
• short runs/personalization - replacing time consuming and expensive prints on the production press.
“There is no doubt that this new solution will set important quality standards in these environments. No competitor is able to digitally print consistent colors on nearly any material so far”, says Paul Willems, CEO of GMG GmbH & Co. KG. “We are excited about the partnership with Mimaki, bringing together both companies’ core competencies in printer and software development.”
“We are excited that now GMG & Mimaki can jointly offer the best possible and most effective technological proofing solution for the packaging and label markets”, says Sakae Sagane, managing director of Mimaki Europe B.V.
Enormous time and cost savings can be achieved by replacing press time and costs for printing plates and gravure cylinders by digital production. The Mimaki UJF-605 UV inkjet printers have been optimized for digital proofing in the offset, gravure and flexo packaging industry. In combination with GMG color management technology, perfect color match, optimum spot color reproduction, highest repeatability and optimum print quality up to a resolution of 1200dpi can be achieved on any substrate such as shrink or metallic foils, tin and compound boards. Nearly any printing stock can be used with the GMG-Mimaki solution. Due to the extremely resistant, high-quality inks of the Mimaki printer, it is possible to apply the same finishing process as to the final product. Except a real press proof, no other solution on the market allows for this.
The German-based leading packaging specialist HUBER Packaging Group is the first company in Europe to use this new solution for digital proofing on tinplate and the production of color-accurate mock-ups. HUBER Packaging Group produces tinplate packaging for food stuff, coatings, chemical products as well as five-litre party kegs and elegant fancy boxes for renowned brand manufacturers.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
USA : Checkpoint-GS1 to deliver RFID-based EAS solution for METRO - Technology News USA
Checkpoint Systems, a global leader in shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling solutions, announced that it is partnering with METRO Group, one of the largest and most important international retailing companies, to deliver an RFID-based EAS solution.
This solution will comply with announced GS1 EPCglobal RFID-based Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)’s Strategic Overview Guide and Technical Implementation Guide. Checkpoint worked closely with GS1 EPCglobal to develop these guidelines and views them as a major milestone in the evolution of EAS.
“We are pleased that METRO Group has taken industry-leading steps with this latest innovation,” commented Rob van der Merwe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Checkpoint Systems. “As a contributor to the GS1 EPCglobal Guides, Checkpoint was committed from the outset to deliver a comprehensive, industry-leading, RFID-based EAS solution. Radio frequency is at the core of Checkpoint’s business, as demonstrated by our long history of developing RF solutions for retail applications. RFID-based EAS is a natural and very exciting evolution for our Company. We are proud to work with METRO Group on this breakthrough initiative.”
Significant benefits ahead for retailers
Retailers are poised to gain significant benefits from RFID-based EAS solutions, the driving force behind GS1 EPCglobal’s initiative to develop new guidelines. RFID-based EAS addresses an important challenge for retailers: inaccurate perpetual inventory caused by shrink. RFID enables retailers to not only know that a theft event has occurred but also what specific merchandise was stolen. This insight gives retailers a far more accurate picture of inventory levels, allowing them to promptly restock shelves. Improved stock positions and on-shelf availability lead to increased sales.
“METRO Group is working with Checkpoint to deliver standards-compliant, RFID-based EAS to both mitigate loss and optimize our merchandise management,” said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Head of CIO-Office, METRO AG. “This effort is in line with our stated RFID strategy to use tags for multiple purposes along the supply chain. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Checkpoint and we are convinced that the GS1 enhanced standards-based solutions are bringing benefits for retailers and suppliers.”
“GS1 EPCglobal’s RFID-based EAS guides that we released present a new model for the way in which retailers will monitor and manage shrink,” said Chris Adcock, President of EPCglobal Inc. “EPC/RFID delivers high-resolution visibility, enabling retailers to reduce stock-outs, enhance the shopper’s buying experience, and increase sales in an unprecedented way.” Checkpoint is a leader in the industry, contributing significantly to the guidelines and working to develop a standards-based, RFID-based EAS solution.
Evolve Platform provides clear migration path to RFID EAS
Checkpoint hasbeen developing RF-based EAS systems for decades. This experience led to the development of the company’s Evolve EAS platform, engineered from its conception to support RFID and first piloted in METRO Group’s Future Store in 2005.
This solution will comply with announced GS1 EPCglobal RFID-based Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)’s Strategic Overview Guide and Technical Implementation Guide. Checkpoint worked closely with GS1 EPCglobal to develop these guidelines and views them as a major milestone in the evolution of EAS.
“We are pleased that METRO Group has taken industry-leading steps with this latest innovation,” commented Rob van der Merwe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Checkpoint Systems. “As a contributor to the GS1 EPCglobal Guides, Checkpoint was committed from the outset to deliver a comprehensive, industry-leading, RFID-based EAS solution. Radio frequency is at the core of Checkpoint’s business, as demonstrated by our long history of developing RF solutions for retail applications. RFID-based EAS is a natural and very exciting evolution for our Company. We are proud to work with METRO Group on this breakthrough initiative.”
Significant benefits ahead for retailers
Retailers are poised to gain significant benefits from RFID-based EAS solutions, the driving force behind GS1 EPCglobal’s initiative to develop new guidelines. RFID-based EAS addresses an important challenge for retailers: inaccurate perpetual inventory caused by shrink. RFID enables retailers to not only know that a theft event has occurred but also what specific merchandise was stolen. This insight gives retailers a far more accurate picture of inventory levels, allowing them to promptly restock shelves. Improved stock positions and on-shelf availability lead to increased sales.
“METRO Group is working with Checkpoint to deliver standards-compliant, RFID-based EAS to both mitigate loss and optimize our merchandise management,” said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Head of CIO-Office, METRO AG. “This effort is in line with our stated RFID strategy to use tags for multiple purposes along the supply chain. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Checkpoint and we are convinced that the GS1 enhanced standards-based solutions are bringing benefits for retailers and suppliers.”
“GS1 EPCglobal’s RFID-based EAS guides that we released present a new model for the way in which retailers will monitor and manage shrink,” said Chris Adcock, President of EPCglobal Inc. “EPC/RFID delivers high-resolution visibility, enabling retailers to reduce stock-outs, enhance the shopper’s buying experience, and increase sales in an unprecedented way.” Checkpoint is a leader in the industry, contributing significantly to the guidelines and working to develop a standards-based, RFID-based EAS solution.
Evolve Platform provides clear migration path to RFID EAS
Checkpoint hasbeen developing RF-based EAS systems for decades. This experience led to the development of the company’s Evolve EAS platform, engineered from its conception to support RFID and first piloted in METRO Group’s Future Store in 2005.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
UK : Innovation will stand for competitive footwear production- SATRA - Technology News UK
Guest speaker Johs Knudsen, ECCO’s vice president business development, opened the event with a talk on how complete ownership of the supply chain can be turned into a competitive advantage as it enables quick reaction to retail demand. He talked about a general industry shift from production push and sell commercial models to better identification of market demand to generate supply – there was discussion on using time zones as a global production advantage. Talking generally, Knudsen put an emphasis on introducing science, standards and best practice before any systems are put in place.
Pittards CEO, Reg Hankey, took the floor next and highlighted how maintaining a source of good quality material was a global challenge and he raised the fact that, following the recession, there could be five million fewer cattle hides available in coming 12 months. From a technological point of view, he suggested that SATRA had an important role to play in helping companies in the industry better understand legislation (including REACH and DMF), and determine the most appropriate testing at points throughout the supply chain.
Hankey referred to a demand to trace the hide back to the animal and how leather suppliers need a steer on where traceability might lead. He left the room with a couple of thought-provoking questions: will oil-based synthetic materials be impacted by diminishing global oil reserves?; what will global population growth mean for leather/materials supply and demand?
This prepared the ground for the next speaker, Lesley Roberts, director corporate responsibility at Pentland Group, which claims to have reduced its waste to landfill by 50 per cent in 12 months. Roberts explored a variety of ethical issues, including how climate change will affect the amount of available leather, and how synthetic materials require considerable amounts of energy to produce.
She put it to the industry that China is no longer so focused on footwear exports and is increasingly finding local markets more interesting. Roberts made the point that the industry needs help from SATRA on what the message should be on restricted substances and the environment, for example playing a part in helping to evaluate carbon footprint through component factors in supply and production. She left delegates with a probing question: ‘If you find child labour in the supply chain what do you do about it?’
Steve Smith, supply chain director Clarks, described his company’s online presence and how control of stock for home delivery and in-store use has been combined to provide an integrated control procedure. Smith commented that wholesale customers are starting to look for retail type support models and that his main challenge is to balance minimal stock levels with high availability which is never easy at the best of times.
DESMA’s general manager, Klaus Freese, began his talk by asking whether shoe production will move back to USA andEurope. Picking up from earlier discussion on China’s possible shift from footwear export to its own domestic market, Freese proposed that the application of modern technology, production and quality control at source will mean competitive footwear production anywhere in the world. He highlighted a problem that there is no current cost advantage in the use of recycled materials in footwear production.
Pittards CEO, Reg Hankey, took the floor next and highlighted how maintaining a source of good quality material was a global challenge and he raised the fact that, following the recession, there could be five million fewer cattle hides available in coming 12 months. From a technological point of view, he suggested that SATRA had an important role to play in helping companies in the industry better understand legislation (including REACH and DMF), and determine the most appropriate testing at points throughout the supply chain.
Hankey referred to a demand to trace the hide back to the animal and how leather suppliers need a steer on where traceability might lead. He left the room with a couple of thought-provoking questions: will oil-based synthetic materials be impacted by diminishing global oil reserves?; what will global population growth mean for leather/materials supply and demand?
This prepared the ground for the next speaker, Lesley Roberts, director corporate responsibility at Pentland Group, which claims to have reduced its waste to landfill by 50 per cent in 12 months. Roberts explored a variety of ethical issues, including how climate change will affect the amount of available leather, and how synthetic materials require considerable amounts of energy to produce.
She put it to the industry that China is no longer so focused on footwear exports and is increasingly finding local markets more interesting. Roberts made the point that the industry needs help from SATRA on what the message should be on restricted substances and the environment, for example playing a part in helping to evaluate carbon footprint through component factors in supply and production. She left delegates with a probing question: ‘If you find child labour in the supply chain what do you do about it?’
Steve Smith, supply chain director Clarks, described his company’s online presence and how control of stock for home delivery and in-store use has been combined to provide an integrated control procedure. Smith commented that wholesale customers are starting to look for retail type support models and that his main challenge is to balance minimal stock levels with high availability which is never easy at the best of times.
DESMA’s general manager, Klaus Freese, began his talk by asking whether shoe production will move back to USA andEurope. Picking up from earlier discussion on China’s possible shift from footwear export to its own domestic market, Freese proposed that the application of modern technology, production and quality control at source will mean competitive footwear production anywhere in the world. He highlighted a problem that there is no current cost advantage in the use of recycled materials in footwear production.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Italy : Megan Fox - the new face for Emporio Armani campaign - Fashion News Italy
Giorgio Armani is pleased to announce that actress Megan Fox will be the new official worldwide face for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans for 2010.
The soon-to-be revealed campaigns were shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott this last weekend in Los Angeles.
Megan Fox, star of the $1.5 billion Transformer's film franchise, is currently starring in Jennifer's Body for Twentieth Century Fox from the Academy Award winning writer Diablo Cody. She is also starring in the upcoming Warner Brothers feature, Jonah Hex in which she stars opposite Josh Brolin and John Malkovich and the dramatic feature film Passion Play, a period drama starring opposite Academy Award nominee .
Fox will also reprise her role of "Mikaela" in Transformer's 3: Revenge of the Fallen slated to begin production in 2010.
The soon-to-be revealed campaigns were shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott this last weekend in Los Angeles.
Megan Fox, star of the $1.5 billion Transformer's film franchise, is currently starring in Jennifer's Body for Twentieth Century Fox from the Academy Award winning writer Diablo Cody. She is also starring in the upcoming Warner Brothers feature, Jonah Hex in which she stars opposite Josh Brolin and John Malkovich and the dramatic feature film Passion Play, a period drama starring opposite Academy Award nominee .
Fox will also reprise her role of "Mikaela" in Transformer's 3: Revenge of the Fallen slated to begin production in 2010.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
10 Potential Jewelries in the Next Five Years
Kate Middleton, the girlfriend of British Prince William for 8 years, is regarded as a modern version of Cinderella. Kate Middleton whose romance with William draws most attention of the public, is been regarded as another Princess Diana. Being similar to Princess Diana, she also has a simple background with an ordinary family, but has extraordinary inherent quality and temperature. However, it has nothing to do with her perfect behavior as Prince's girlfriend since she began to have a relationship with Prince William in 2003. Besides, Kate Middleton's good taste in fashion is also admired by others, being a fashion icon of the new generation of Britain. Even with only a pair of simple , her distinctive temperature could be revealed completely. But lately an engagement is said around the corner. "A communiqué is in preparation announcing the marriage between William and Miss Katherine Middleton," the magazine said. 
That's because William will take his girlfriend to Balmoral, the royal retreat in Scotland, for a weekend of shooting with the Queen, reported news of the World on Monday. It is the first time Kate has been invited to stay while the Queen is in residence, promoting speculation that the couple are getting closer to announcing their engagement. According to "royal watchers", this invitation is a "significant step" in the young couple's relationship. They will discuss exactly what it would mean if Kate became a Royal Highness and the extent to which her life would change. Do Kate and William mean to each other? I also want to know, so just wait for their future development.
That's because William will take his girlfriend to Balmoral, the royal retreat in Scotland, for a weekend of shooting with the Queen, reported news of the World on Monday. It is the first time Kate has been invited to stay while the Queen is in residence, promoting speculation that the couple are getting closer to announcing their engagement. According to "royal watchers", this invitation is a "significant step" in the young couple's relationship. They will discuss exactly what it would mean if Kate became a Royal Highness and the extent to which her life would change. Do Kate and William mean to each other? I also want to know, so just wait for their future development.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)