Invista’s DuPont Teflon
product targets
industrial, hospitality markets

Uniform manufacturers and retailers will soon have another stain-fighting finish available to them, thanks to Invista, the licensed marketer of Teflon fabric protectors. Billed as the “toughest stain fighter to date,” Industrial Dual Action Teflon finish is designed to meet the needs of the work wear, career apparel, contract fabric and uniform rental markets.

“We recognized unique demands from people who encounter dirty work as part of their daily jobs,” says Lisa Hardy, North American Effects Manager at Invista. “The product was designed to provide an easy way to help keep hard-working clothes resisting stains these people encounter, from ketchup to motor oil.”

Products that resist and repel stains have been around for years, and several companies manufacture apparel using the technology. What is different here, however, is the product’s durability. “I don’t know of another product on the market today with the same industrial capability,” says Hardy. Industrial Dual Action Teflon finish shows good water- and oil-repellency results out to 50 industrial laundering cycles, which typically includes hotter wash temperatures, higher mechanical stress and stronger detergents than home laundering.

For the most part, stain-fighting technology can be classified into three types of solutions: stain repellent; soil release; and dual action, a combination of the two. Applied at the fabric level, Industrial Dual Action Teflon works as both a repellent and stain-release agent. On the repel side, Industrial Dual Action Teflon works to lower the surface tension of the fabric. “Put simply, if you spill water, the water will bead up without even leaving a wet mark” says Dr. Michelle Watkins, senior research engineer for Invista. In addition to water-based products, stain-repellent products also provide excellent protection against oil.

On the release side, the product allows laundry detergent to penetrate fiber and release stains. The technology was developed to fight stains that are ground into clothing and was, in fact, first developed to counteract the types of stains common to work wear, such as motor oil and cooking grease.

The introduction of Industrial Dual Action Teflon, expected to launch in the fall, extends the DuPont Teflon product portfolio to seven, housed within four families of technology: repel, release, dual action and ultra release. Other DuPont Teflon protector products are Repel, High Performance Repel, Release, High Performance Release, Ultra Release and Advanced Dual Action.

While Invista markets a dual-action product for the ready wear industry, Industrial Dual Action Teflon specifically targets the uniform market. “There are two segments of the market on which we are initially concentrating,” says Hardy. “The first is restaurants or hospitality settings where it is important to look good on the job, and the next is really dirty job professions in industrial settings.” Invista is also keeping a watchful eye on the school apparel and healthcare markets and sees potential for expansion into these arenas.

Hardy says that while the finish works best on garments constructed of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton, Industrial Dual Action Teflon can be used on all fabric types.

Though it is being touted as a product that can withstand extreme temperature cycles, the greatest benefit is that the fabric protector also can remove stains at lower temperatures – as much as 20 degrees cooler than typical industrial laundering wash temperatures, which helps to lower energy costs. And there are additional cost-savings benefits; because garments don’t get as dirty as those not treated with the finish, they may not have to be laundered as often, according to Hardy. “This saves both energy and time for the busy home launderer and extends the life of the garment,” she says. Moreover, if workers are throwing away uniforms because they can’t get them clean, “then this is a product that companies will want to take a serious look at,” adds Hardy. Lastly, because clothing looks good longer, the need and cost for replacement uniforms also decreases.

Invista explains why this technology isn’t used for all fabrics it produces. First, and perhaps most important, is cost. Dual-action products cost more, so it’s wasteful if you don’t need it. The actual cost of an Industrial Dual Action Teflon treated garment is difficult to generalize, according to Hardy. “The durability of the product and type of product being used will determine price,” she says.

Secondly, in some occupations a spotless look just isn’t expected. Athletes, for example, aren’t concerned with staying clean during a game, but they do want clean uniforms after a game or event. Here, a soil-release product would be the better choice.

Finally, if the customer needs a garment with wicking properties, Industrial Dual Action Teflon is not an option. “It’s an opposite science,” says Watkins. “The stain-repellency feature would counteract the moisture-management property.” Instead of absorbing sweat and wicking it away from the body, a garment treated with a stain repellent would cause sweat to bead up. The finish can, however, be used with other treatments commonly available today, including anti-microbial finishes and those offering wrinkle resistance. And both Hardy and Watkins stress that even without moisture management abilities, comfort is not compromised. Wear-test respondents have no complaints, they say.

Lab testing to confirm results has taken place over the past two years, and a real-life wear test is in progress. Patents are also pending for this new technology.

Visit www.teflon.invista.com for more information.

Detailed emblem and screen-printed
heat-seal transfer unveiled

The Penn Emblem Co., based out of Philadelphia, Pa., has announced the newest line of embroidered emblems that, according to a press release, allow for complex design details never before possible using traditional embroidery.

PennWeave combines the luxury of a fully embroidered emblem with the intricacy of a woven label, making even the most delicate details and tiniest letters easily seen and read. Before PennWeave, letters smaller than one-quarter inch in size were illegible when embroidered onto an emblem. Small details within a logo were lost in translation as well.

PennWeave’s innovative technology makes it possible not only for these intricate details to be visible but also crisp and clear. PennWeave emblems are also thinner and more flexible than standard embroidery, so they lie flatter on garments, allowing for a more comfortable feel.

Also new from Penn Emblem is PennTrans, billed as an alternative to traditional emblem identification. Cost effective and extremely durable, it is a screen-printed heat-seal transfer that is applied directly onto a garment. Any design can be used, including photographs, which means even the most intricate detail can be reproduced. Available in a range of standard shapes and sizes, PennTrans can be industrial laundered while retaining its vibrant colors.

For a free sample, you can email marketing@pennemblem.com,
or call Katelyn at 800-793-7366.

Shorts product lineup expands

Red Kap announces two new products. First, it is expanding its lineup of shorts styles for men and women. New styles for 2007 include the PT27 Women’s Plain Front Short, PC26/PC27 Men’s and Women’s Cotton Casual Shorts, and the PC42 Cotton Side Elastic Short.

The Women’s Plain Front Short is the perfect complement to the PT26 Men’s Plain Front Short. The women’s version has an updated fit and cut, ensuring a professional look. The 7.25 oz. 65/35 poly/cotton fabric also gives the durability expected from Red Kap.

The new Men’s and Women’s Cotton Casual Shorts utilize 7.5 oz. 100 percent cotton with mechanical stretch for the best in comfort. These plain-front shorts have front and back pockets, a jean-style waistband, men’s traditional fit and an updated women’s fit.

Finally, the Cotton Side Elastic Short is 8.5 oz. 100 percent wrinkle-resistant cotton twill. This short is plain front and has front and back pockets, a traditional fit and side elastic waistband inserts. It’s a great, comfortable short and has arrived just in time for warm weather.

Also new from Red Kap is the expansion of its lineup of Work NMotion styles for men and women. New styles for 2007 include the PZ60 Men’s Elastic Insert Pant and the PZ43 Women’s Pleated Pant.

The Men’s Elastic Insert Pant is plain front and has front and back pockets, a traditional fit and side elastic waistband inserts. The Women’s Pleated Pant has an updated contemporary fit with button and zipper closure. Both pants are 7.5 oz. stretch twill and utilize a 75/25 polyester/cotton blend.

All Work NMotion products use proprietary polyester yarns that do more than just expand. Work NMotion fabric also allows the yarn to shrink back to its normal state, which means better flex and superior recovery. Mechanical stretch alone can be a cost-effective shortcut for achieving flex, but those fabrics will quickly lose their memory, which leads to sagging. Exclusive Work NMotion recovery yarns ensure ongoing performance for the life of the garment without sagging at the knees and elbows.

Visit www.redkap.com for more information on these innovations as well as other styles.

New stain and liquid repellent
technology for worsted wools

A division of Burlington WorldWide, Burlington has announced the launch of a product called Invisible Barrier, a new stain- and liquid-repellent technology exclusively engineered for worsted wools. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful launch of Cocona Wool earlier this year.

“We are setting a new industry standard in liquid and stain repellency with performance specifications that have exceeded our expectations and surpassed all previous industry benchmarks specifically for worsted wool,” says Pete Baumann, vice president of merchandising. “As the industry leader, we must continue to innovate with technologies and enhance our fabrics to provide our clients the opportunity to differentiate their product lines and to better fit the lifestyle of their consumers.”

In early February, Burlington WorldWide announced that Burlington Labs had developed an activated carbon based product to add to its Cocona line, this time in wool.

The Cocona product line uses embedded activated carbon, derived from coconut shells, into the fiber and yarns. This new sustainable exclusive fabric combines the unique natural benefit of Cocona’s odor, moisture and UV management with the stretch and breathability of wool.

“Our performance product line was the first to utilize this process as part of Burlington ’s ongoing sustainable initiative” says Pat Palmer, executive vice president. “The market’s response has been overwhelming and generated further demand for other fabric applications. As the industry leader, we had to be responsive.” Palmer adds, “This is only the beginning!”

Burlington WorldWide, a business unit of International Textile Group Inc., is a leading provider and marketer of technology and fashion driven products for the menswear, womenswear, active wear, uniform and barrier markets. With offices and operations in the United States, Mexico, Europe and Hong Kong, Burlington Worldwide provides global textile innovations to its customers.

International Textile Group Inc. is a global, diversified provider of automotive, apparel and interior furnishings fabrics and textile solutions. International Textile Group’s business units include: Automotive Group, Cone Denim, Burlington WorldWide, Burlington House and Carlisle Finishing.

Contact a local Burlington WorldWide sales executive or call 212-621-4045 or
336-379-2855 for additional information.

BDUs available in new
camo pattern

A popular line of BDUs will now be available in the hottest new camo pattern on the market. Tru-Spec by Atlanco, one of the leading suppliers of BDUs and other apparel to the law enforcement and military sectors, has announced that its Tactical Response Uniform (TRU) will now be offered in an additional camouflage pattern. TRU is a new style BDU introduced last year and focused specifically on the requirements of tactical team members. MultiCam, a virtually universal camouflage pattern designed to provide concealment in varied environments and light conditions, has been added as the seventh color option for Tru-Spec’s new duty attire, which strongly resembles the U.S. Army’s ACUs but includes a host of improved features. The MultiCam option became available for purchase in March 2007 in TRU trousers, shirts, boonie hats and helmet covers.

MultiCam was developed by Crye Precision in cooperation with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Center as an experiment to determine whether a single camouflage pattern could be effective in limiting the visual and near-infrared signature of a person across a wider range of environments and seasons. The problem of inappropriate camouflage became glaringly apparent shortly after U.S. troops were deployed to Afghanistan, where daily footage of the U.S. forces in action pointed out the inadequacies of desert, digital and woodland camo in some of Afghanistan’s diverse environments and seasonal shifts. Crye Precision approached the problem scientifically by studying how wildlife adapted its camouflage protection to various geographic and climate conditions. The result was a super-versatile camouflage pattern that achieved even greater success than expected in multiple tests conducted by the U.S. Army over a year-and-a-half period.

Tru-Spec’s innovative new TRU was introduced to the law enforcement community in the second quarter of 2006 and enjoyed rave reviews and immediate acceptance due to its quality construction and unique features that are geared towards the special requirements of tactical offers. The TRU was designed with input from several tactical officers around the country, including members of the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Special Response Team in San Diego. TRU also has earned the “Members Tested and Approved” endorsement from the National Tactical Officers Association.

As with all TRU uniforms, the new MultiCam items will be manufactured in Tru-Spec’s own factory from fabrics developed and manufactured in U.S. government-approved factories.

TRUs are available only from Tru-Spec dealers and distributors.
For a list of dealers, visit the
Tru-Spec website at www.truspec.com
or call Tru-Spec at 800-241-9414.

New comprehensive work wear line

There’s product news from Strategic Partners Inc., makers of Classroom School Uniforms, a leading provider of school uniforms for public and private schools.

The company recently unveiled its 2007 School Uniform Line and its Cherokee Authentic Workwear line geared toward working men and women.

As school uniform programs continue to increase, Classroom continues to offer the standardized dress these schools require, the comfort, fit and style students want, and the affordability parents need. For the 2007 season, Classroom is pleased to offer new styles and quantities to complement its already best selling school uniform program. This season, retailers have a variety of new options including:

• A tailored girls’ pant to offer a more contemporary look
• A new flat-front, relaxed fit pant for boys
• Increased quantities of uniforms for pre schoolers (2T-4T and 4-6X)
• A wider selection of cotton/poly fleece
• Expanded size ranges now from 2T to 3XL Adult

In addition to Classroom’s new styles and sizing options for Classroom School Uniforms, Strategic Partners is pleased to introduce its comprehensive work wear line, Cherokee Authentic Workwear. The introduction of Cherokee Authentic Workwear meets the growing demand of businesses and schools looking to use work wear for their male and female employees.

“As with school uniforms, the right fit, a high level of inventory and the ability to consistently price apparel throughout all sizes is essential when creating a brand with staying power,” says Andy Beattie, senior vice president of the School and Service Apparel Division of Strategic Partners. “Introducing Cherokee Authentic Workwear bridges the gap schools and businesses have been looking for.”

With the latest data stating that more than 50 percent of working women are in non-office jobs, the Cherokee Authentic Workwear line is individually tailored for both men’s and women’s silhouettes.

“Our philosophy of being a partner to our retailers and schools across the country is important. These two brands help our retailers, schools and customers offer a comprehensive selection for all,” adds Beattie.

Strategic Partners Inc. is a nationally recognized uniform manufacture serving the healthcare, school, hospitality and work wear industries. With many brands including Cherokee Uniforms, Classroom School Uniforms, Cherokee Authentic Workwear, and Rockers Footwear, Strategic Partners is a leader in the design of fashionable and comfortable uniforms.

New security line

Edwards Garment’s new security line promises to blend traditional style with a bit of flair.

The traditional style selection includes a security shirt, clip-on tie, belt and polyester pant. The shirts come in either 100 percent polyester (in white, blue or midnight navy) or the new poly/cotton blend (in white) and sports “X” stitch epaulets, permanent collar stays, badge tab with reinforced sling, traditional sewn-in creases front and back, and pleated patch pockets with scalloped flaps and Velcro closures.

The flat-front pants are 100 percent polyester with a brass zipper and double hook-and-eye closure. The pants (in navy, black and heather grey) have two front and back pockets and the rubberized waistband ensures that the shirt stays tucked.

The traditional look is complemented with flair by combining Edwards security pants with a black value shirt, herringbone tie and security blazer. The shirt (in white, black or French blue) is a broadcloth that is easy to care for and wrinkle resistant. It has one left chest pocket and is available in short or long sleeve.

The polyester herringbone ties are 58 inches long by 3.75 inches wide, available in five fashion colors and have a woman’s companion neckerchief to match. The security blazer (in black, burgundy and dark navy) is a polyester weave that is fully lined and can be worn year round. It has one welt breast pocket, two outer patch pockets with flaps and two inside pockets.

For more information, contact Edwards Garment at 800-253-9885 or visit online at www.edwardsgarment.com

New line of high-performance athletic socks

Pro Feet, a leader in the uniform, military, custom and team athletic sock business for 27 years, has partnered with American Fibers and Yarns (AF&Y) for its latest venture. Pro Feet has developed a new line of high-performance athletic socks made with Innova yarns from AF&Y.

Manufactured in the United States, the socks combine superior softness and comfort with unrivaled inherent performance properties.

Pro Feet is introducing the socks in white, black, navy, royal, scarlet, hunter, kelly, gold and maroon. Priced at $6.99 per pair, the socks became available at Chick’s Sports in California in January. They will be available online at most major sporting good retailers and at specialty sport stores across the country.

The socks feature a welted top for better fit, superior arch support and cushioning for longer wear, and increased ankle support for enhanced stability. “Pro Feet’s longstanding commitment to comfort and quality, coupled with AF&Y’s dedication to supplying high-performance yarns, has led us to create this new line of athletic socks,” says Taylor Wilson, vice president of sales for Pro Feet. “Innova yarns are giving us the ability to offer customers athletic socks with unbeatable performance and cleanability, and that is a smart addition to our current product portfolio.”

The Multi Sport Team Socks made with Innova yarns are engineered with inherent performance features including superior moisture management, quick drying, stain/fade resistance, bleach cleanable, and bacteria, mold, mildew and odor resistance.

With thousands of yarns in its product portfolio and the ability to engineer yarns to customer specifications, AF&Y is a dominant supplier to the residential and contract furnishings marketplace, and has a growing presence in the apparel, hospitality, automotive and industrial markets. AF&Y maintains a Technology Center that specializes in engineering filament yarn with innovative combinations not available from other suppliers. The company also operates two U.S. production facilities totaling.

For more information about Pro Feet, visit www.profeet.com. For information on AF&Y and its products, please visit www.afyarns.com or call 800-925-0668.

Safety Flag moves to larger quarters

The Safety Flag Company of America has moved to a new location, 82 Hadwin St., Central Falls, RI 02863.

After decades in Pawtucket, R.I., the prominent manufacturer of safety flags, safety vests and other fluorescent and reflective gear has moved to the next town, Central Falls, a one-mile-square village in the heart of Rhode Island.

Safety Flag has quadrupled its space, to 25,000 square feet, in a historic building, the 100-year-old corporate headquarters of a former textile mill. Safety Flag will use the newly renovated space for stocking goods and supplies, adding workstations, streamlining the shipping department and increasing office space.

“We are already fast because we manufacture in the USA, but now we will be able to stock more inventory and ship it even faster,” says Norman Bernson, Safety Flag president. “We will be able to do more custom work – like logo imprints and special sizes – and turn the work around very quickly.”

The new location will be one of three offices across the country. Safety Flag also has offices in Frankton, Ind., and San Francisco, Calif. Delivery address is 82 Hadwin St., Central Falls, RI 02863, but the mailing address is P.O. Box 200, Central Falls, RI 02863-0200. Telephone will remain 800-556-7584 or 401-722-0900. Fax will remain 800-822-0450 or 401-722-0912. Email will remain mail@safetyflag.com

2007-’08 NAUMD board
and officers elected

The National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) announced the election of its Board of Directors and Officers for 2007-’08.

In voting by the NAUMD board, the continuing Executive Committee includes Ron Pate, Unison Marketing Group, elected to a one-year term as Chairman; along with one-year terms for Roger Heldman, Blumenthal Uniform Co., Vice Chairman; Steve Zalkin, Alamar Uniforms of Kansas City, Treasurer; and Steve Robinson, Liberty Uniform Manufacturing Co. as Member at Large. Richard J. Lerman, NAUMD’s President, was elected Secretary, and Michael Broome of Samuel Broome Uniform Accessories continues on both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors as Immediate Past Chairman.

Returning and newly elected board members include John Best, Best Uniforms; Stewart Brooks, Rocky Shoes & Boots; Joseph Chiusolo, Turn Out Fire & Safety; Brian Garry, Cintas; William D. Graves, Graves Uniforms; Cary Gregory, Galls/Aramark; John Gunzler, Edwards Garment Co.; Fred Heldman, Fechheimer Brothers Co.; Sol Jacobs, I. Spiewak & Sons; Chris Sneden, 3M Co.; Jim Tewmey, VF Imagewear; W. Jerry Vereen, Riverside Manufacturing Co.; and Russell Wilson, Pro Feet Inc.

Pate, the 2007-’08 NAUMD chairman, co-founded R&R Uniforms in 1972 and held senior level sales positions for Horace Small Apparel and VF Corp.’s work wear group. With Bob Gates, his business partner of 35 years, he currently co-owns Unison Marketing Group, a marketing resource for uniform manufacturers and dealers.

A long-serving NAUMD volunteer, his most recent roles included senior vice president and co-chair of the association’s U.S. Postal Committee, which works with the U.S. Postal Service, the National Association of Letter Carriers, the American Postal Workers Union and all other parties in representing the uniform industry in providing the highest quality and value uniforms and accessories to more than 300,000 USPS employees.

The NAUMD has been serving as the voice of America’s uniform industry since 1933 and is a not-for-profit trade association representing the interests of more than 500 member companies who are engaged in the design, development, material supply, manufacture and the distribution of uniforms, career apparel and associated accessories to businesses worldwide.

The association provides programs, services and products directly focused on the effectiveness and profitability of all its members. It also produces the uniform industry’s largest annual convention and exposition and many other programs and services designed solely for those who are engaged in the manufacture, distribution or creation of products and services to support the uniform industry.

For further information, contact the association at 212-869-0670 or
visit www.NAUMD.com

Program Helps Dealers Grow Their Business

A new Authorized Business Partner Program from Elbeco provides a total marketing support program for Elbeco authorized dealers.

Elbeco, a manufacturer of professional performance uniforms for police, tactical, fire and emergency medical technicians, is celebrating a century of manufacturing excellence this year.

“Excellence in manufacturing has given Elbeco staying power over a hundred years,” says Elbeco President David Lurio. “This program is designed to help dealers grow their business through marketing excellence.”

Elbeco’s turn key merchandising and marketing program is designed to build brand awareness and increase in-store sales at little to no cost to authorized dealers. The program features customizable in-store merchandising materials available for quick delivery; a point-of-sale fixture available for purchase by authorized dealers; and market development funds available for dozens of promotional vehicles including product seminars, direct mail, telemarketing, Web activities and others. There is no fee to become an authorized business partner for candidates that qualify for the program.

“Elbeco’s Authorized Business Partner Program offers authorized dealers a clear and organized guide to making the most out of our marketing support program,” says Mike Vasilik, Elbeco’s director of marketing. “Authorized dealers can use the program to create a comprehensive marketing plan to build their business.”

One West Coast authorized dealer is tapping the new program to create a gift-with-purchase promotion aimed at increasing sales of Elbeco’s Uf/x Polos. Quartermaster, a Cerritas, Calif., based retail store, will use the new program to offset expenses for its spring 2007 catalog. Elbeco also will supply branded travel mugs as a free gift with each purchase.

“Elbeco’s Authorized Business Partner Program makes it easy for us to create a customized marketing plan,” says Holly Nguyen, marketing supervisor for Quartermaster, based in. “Elbeco has always been supportive of our marketing activities. We’re excited about using the program to fund new initiatives that add value to our business and build customer loyalty.”

Authorized business partners can order materials online through Elbeco’s partner portal or via catalog. For more information on Elbeco’s Authorized Business Partner Program, contact Mike Vasilik at 610-921-0651 x171 or mvasilik@elbeco.com