Robert Croak

"With onshoring on the brain for many brands and retailers, innovators from across the country are moving quickly to pilot programs to drive domestic textile manufacturing. At the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference in Downtown, Los Angeles last week, pioneers from Malibu, Calif. and Detroit, Mich. came together to talk about how combining advanced manufacturing with community-based social enterprise can propel the sector into the 21st century. Garrett Gerson, founder and CEO of VARIANT3D, launched his 3D-knitting factory on a sprawling mountain ranch on the California coast eight years ago with the goal of working with brands, suppliers and other players in the space to revolutionize footwear production. Last month, the group debuted a proprietary computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) software designed to be used across the industry at large, fostering innovation in industries like apparel and footwear. ... But adopting cutting-edge innovations like Variant 3D’s can be time- and resource-intensive for manufacturers. Testing for scalability through strategic partnerships is imperative, according to Jennifer Guarino, president and CEO of Detroit’s ISAIC - Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, a 501c3 non-profit that aims to train and upskill the next generation of garment workers. Launched in 2018, the group’s factory, located above Carhartt’s Detroit flagship store, serves as both a venue for production and education. ... Gerson said that with ISAIC’s help, Variant 3D was able to secure a grant from the Ford Foundation last year, allowing the company to bring its machines and technology to ISAIC and the city of Detroit at large. 'The automotive space is a massive opportunity lots and a lot of people don’t think about; we think about textiles as fashion apparel, footwear,' he said, noting that circular knitted fabrics make up the majority of most shoppers’ wardrobes. 'Being in ISAIC, having the machines there, getting the team familiarized with the machines and training them and creating a training program' has facilitated 'a bunch of incredible opportunities to onshore manufacturing,' Gerson said. ... And now, rather than send the prototype to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Asia for mass production, the auto-maker is exploring ways to bring in more Variant 3D machines to ISAIC and move the project forward domestically. Guarino said ISAIC’s mission is to advance technologies that entrepreneurs like Gerson are developing by giving them a soft place to land—and fertile ground for growth. 'We are there to help advance them in a real usage case facility, while also training people that need opportunities so that we can build prosperity in their lives,' she added." https://lnkd.in/eCQ7QKFB #SPESAdoesCali

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Insightful article showing the continuing rapid evolution of DTF. it’s also valuable to see the sustainability/ supply chain choices discussed

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Exciting news from the footwear industry! Footwear manufacturers recently gathered in Los Angeles, CA to discuss the future of “Made in the USA” shoes. Hosted by the U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association, the event explored nearshoring opportunities, challenges in supply chain transparency, and ways to bring back key production skills lost over the past few decades. Signet Mills is proud to be part of supporting the push for sustainable, high-quality, American-made materials to reshape the future of footwear manufacturing.   Read more about these efforts in the article "Footwear Manufacturers Convene in Los Angeles to Game Out 'Next Wave' of Made in the USA," written by Kate Nishimura. #MadeInUSA #SignetMills #FootwearIndustry

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US textiles and clothing imports increased by 4.6% in Jan-Jun 2024, reaching 46,741 million SME. Apparel imports saw a slight increase, while non-apparel textile imports grew by 6.175%.

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From Silicon Valley's tech innovators to Tuscany's leatherworkers, economic clusters are a key component of the global economic landscape. Their collaboration and collective influence are essential to driving social and economic progress. As we accelerate the green transition, it's imperative that these clusters are able to adapt and thrive. By utilizing two key strategies, governments can reskill and protect existing economic clusters while sparking opportunities for the future. The new BCG article, "Are Economic Clusters Ready for the Green Transition?," co-authored by Christopher Daniel, Varad Pande (वरद पाण्डे), Rami Rafih, Makoto Morihara, Charmian Caines, and Tina Zuzek-Arden, outlines tools for governments to propel cross-sector decarbonization and economic growth: https://lnkd.in/eMKAhvS6 

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Why choose Direct to Film (DTF) printing? Unlike traditional methods like Direct to Garment (DTG), DTF offers a myriad of advantages that can propel your business to new heights. 🌐 🔹 Versatility: Print on everything from cotton to leather without direct contact! 🔹 No Pretreatment: Say goodbye to time-consuming pre and post-treatments. 🔹 Cost Savings: Less white ink used means more money saved. 🔹 Durability: Your prints will withstand multiple washes, maintaining their quality. Considering a switch? DTF requires minimal investment and integrates seamlessly into existing operations, making it both a smart technological and economic choice. 📈 https://lnkd.in/gQ_Bi5mG

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In the first three quarters (July-March) of FY24, woven products posted only 0.47 per cent year-on-year growth to $16.19 billion, while knitwear items secured 9.79 per cent growth to $21.01 billion, show Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data. In the first nine months of this FY, such items posted year-on-year negative growth for three single months, and were able to secured double digit year-on-year growth just for a single month – July.

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Unlock the secrets to finding the perfect garment manufacturer for your fashion brand! Check out our latest blog post for a comprehensive guide on navigating this crucial decision. #FashionIndustry #ManufacturingExcellence https://lnkd.in/gCZh-YDG

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In the first quarter of 2024, with federal cannabis-reform efforts not yielding any practical changes, Curaleaf made a strategic decision to enter the hemp market. This is a trend we are starting to see. Cannabis can only be sold in the state it was produced and only allowed to be sold through dispensaries (in a hand full of states such as #california it could be sold through a delivery service). Intoxicating products that derived from hemp, are legal to ship across state lines, are available via e-commerce and mainstream retail channels. As well the producers of the products do not need to comply with burdensome licensing requirement and predatory taxation. A lot of politicians say that they support small businesses, but for small cannabis businesses to be able to properly compete, they need to have access to the same distribution channels as #hemp. Thank you Chris Roberts from MJBiz for the market update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gJHjPYgG

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Mercury Free Mining’s Toby Pomeroy is featured in INSTORE Magazine's recent profile of 10 people who are changing the jewelry industry for the better. The article is a probing snapshot of the "movers and shakers" whose works dare to elevate and improve every aspect of the field. It's a remarkable list of women and men who are not afraid to #bethechange. 👏👏👏 Preview: THE MERCURY VANQUISHER Toby Pomeroy’s mission is to ban mercury from artisanal gold mining. It’s a charge he took up in 2004 after reading the No Dirty Gold website; contents of it revealed the harmful impacts of mercury and cyanide in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) communities. Some use mercury to collect gold and occasionally mishandle tailings, harming ecosystems and displacing indigenous people. “Mercury in the environment is absorbed by creatures up the food chain,” Pomeroy explains. “From the waters around the mining area to the people who raise food, mercury contaminates everything.” At that point, Pomeroy was entrenched in a career as a jewelry designer known for forged hoop earrings, among other offerings, but decided he could no longer make jewelry unless this toxic influence was addressed. Read the full story from the May 2024 issue here https://lnkd.in/eDiskGv7 #mercuryfreemining

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A DETAILED COMPARISON: FULL GRAIN AND TOP GRAIN LEATHER EXPLAINED When it comes to the world of leather, the difference between full-grain and top-grain leather can often lead to confusion. Both terms are frequently thrown around in leather-related conversations, yet the exact distinctions between the two remain unclear to many. Considering the significant impact these differences can have on leather goods' quality, durability, and aesthetics, it's crucial to get a solid grasp of these concepts... https://lnkd.in/ggqYw3CQ #leather #fullgrain #leathergoods

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A DETAILED COMPARISON: FULL GRAIN AND TOP GRAIN LEATHER EXPLAINED When it comes to the world of leather, the difference between full-grain and top-grain leather can often lead to confusion. Both terms are frequently thrown around in leather-related conversations, yet the exact distinctions between the two remain unclear to many. Considering the significant impact these differences can have on leather goods' quality, durability, and aesthetics, it's crucial to get a solid grasp of these concepts... https://lnkd.in/ggqYw3CQ #leather #fullgrain #leathergoods

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🚀 RhinoArtisan 6.0 Launches on October 12! 🚀 We are thrilled to announce that on October 12, we will be launching the new version of RhinoArtisan 6.0, the essential plugin for jewelry design in Rhino, designed to optimize workflows for designers, retailers, and manufacturers. Over the past year, especially since the launch of version 5.4, we have engaged in numerous meetings with clients from over ten countries to better understand their needs and develop tools that simplify their work. 🌟 RhinoArtisan 6.0: The Design Revolution is Here! 🌟 With over 100 improvements in builders, gems, manufacturing, and more, you’ll have the power to create unique designs faster and more efficiently than ever. From the intuitive interface to cutting-edge rendering tools, every feature is crafted to enhance your creativity. Discover why RhinoArtisan 6.0 is the must-have tool for every professional in jewelry design and manufacturing at https://lnkd.in/dbx_4nTw. #RhinoArtisan #JewelryDesign #ProductLaunch #CreativeTools #ManufacturingInnovation

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Curious as to how material innovation is reshaping the fashion industry? Lacey Davidson, Director of Marketing and Communication at Ecovative - the mycelium technology company, spoke with just-style.com | The apparel industry news & information site, sharing insight on the potential of mycelium technology and other advancements in reducing fashion’s carbon footprint. Dive into the article and read about the booming next-gen materials market: https://hubs.li/Q02HbHCB0

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【New Article】 You Have to Solve It to Wear It: Insights from Tokiqil's Representative on the New Challenge of Solvable "Puzzle Apparel" Are you familiar with the apparel brand "Tokiqil"? It is a mysterious apparel brand based on the concept of "Solve it to wear it," where you must solve the "cipher (puzzle)" hidden in the clothing before being able to purchase it. This unique experience has captured attention and is trending primarily among puzzle-solving enthusiasts and young fashion lovers. However, information about Tokiqil is mostly limited to the internet, and many people feel the desire to learn more about the brand. In this article, we spoke with Kurumi Nagashima, the representative of Tokiqil, about the background of the brand's establishment, its features, and future prospects. ...please read the continuation of this article here. Article link 🔗 #Fashiontechnews #Tokiqil #PuzzleSolving https://lnkd.in/d6yEGk_S

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🚨 Delta-8: The Hemp Industry’s New Frontier—But at What Cost? 🚨 The rise of Delta-8 THC in the hemp industry is nothing short of remarkable. As highlighted in Cannabis & Tech Today, Delta-8 has quickly gained popularity as a legal loophole, offering consumers a THC-like experience within the bounds of the 2018 Farm Bill. But with fast growth comes big questions about its regulation, safety, and long-term sustainability. 🌱 Here’s my perspective: While Delta-8 presents a unique opportunity for hemp producers and retailers, it also creates a regulatory gray area that needs attention. With many products hitting shelves without proper oversight or testing, we run the risk of compromising consumer safety. For the hemp industry to continue thriving, WE NEED CLEAR STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES—not just for Delta-8, but for any product that consumers rely on for wellness and safety. The popularity of Delta-8 THC is undeniable, but how do we make sure the industry grows in a sustainable and responsible way? It’s a fine balance between innovation and regulation, and now’s the time to get it right. 💡 What’s your take on Delta-8 in the hemp industry? Do you see it as an exciting opportunity or a challenge in the making? #Delta8 #HempIndustry #Regulation #HempProducts #HempBusiness #CBD #Cannabinoids #Wellness #FarmBill

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