Page 17 - TEXtalks May-June 2021

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ITMF postpones upcoming conference till 2022

International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) ITMF is an international forum for the world's textile Barco® turned 40 million plastic
has decided to postpone the ITMF Annual Confer- and related industries founded in 1904. ITMF mem-
ence in Davos, Switzerland, from September 26-28, bers are associations and companies covering the bottles into garments
2021, to April 10-12, 2022. entire textile value chain, including the producers of
fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel,
The decision has been taken by the Board of the and home textiles. The membership is from more
ITMF, Swiss Textiles, and Swiss Textile Machinery, than 40 countries representing around 90% of global Barco® Uniforms has reached a new sustainability milestone by converting 40 million plastic bottles into
keeping in mind the current unpredictable situation of production. The conference is dedicated to keeping textiles. Barco Uniforms is a recognized leader of design innovation in the premium professional apparel
COVID-19. The closure of international borders, travel the worldwide membership constantly informed industry. The company has collectively recycled over 40 million plastic bottles, marking a 115%
bands, and mutating coronavirus are causing delays through surveys, studies, and publications, opinions year-over-year increase. Founded in 1929, Barco™ Uniforms is a leader of design innovation in the premium
in such international events. on future trends and international developments. professional apparel industry, designing award-winning premium uniforms that elevate and honor the individ-
ual in the healthcare, enterprise, and foodservice industries.

In 2016, Barco launched the Barco One sustainable brand of scrubs, which has quickly become the number
one choice not only for healthcare professionals but also for veterinarians who love the proprietary fabric's
Philippines to establish regional yarn anti-static and temperature-regulating properties, and Barco's Quick-Shed technology, which releases animal

hair quickly from the surface of the fabric. In addition, Barco One incorporates five recycled plastic bottles
into the fabric of each garment. Barco's in-house design team relies on the innovative rPET process, where
production and innovation center plastic bottles are cleaned, shredded into pellets, and spun into thread woven into the polyester.

The Skechers by Barco scrub brand, launched in 2017, incorporates seven recycled bottles per garment
made of 54% Polyester, 40% Recycled Polyester and 6% Spandex for stretch and comfort. SkechersTM has
With an investment of PHP 40 million, the Philippines will establish a new Regional Yarn Production and been designed for the modern, value-conscious healthcare professional who appreciates brand recognition,
Innovation Center (RYPIC). It is a microscale yarn spinning facility for producing yarns from blends of natural quality, and style associated with highly respected brands. Skechers™ by Barco™ offers authentic style,
fibers like banana, pineapple leaf, and abaca with cotton. It will also offer technical support to textile MSMEs. maximum value, fit confidence, and high-quality, easy-care sustainable fabric with 4-way Spandex-Stretch
and moisture-wicking to enhance performance.
The project approved by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is part of the Inclusive Innova-
tion Textiles Empowering Lives Anew (i2TELA) program, led by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute Once, these plastic bottles were considered as only trash items polluting the environment. Now, few compa-
(DOST-PTRI). nies are turning such waste into garments. With enhanced awareness regarding pollution and drawbacks of
conventional textiles, many people prefer to wear recycled/green garments made from used water bottles.
The RYPIC is among the DOST initiatives of DOST - PTRI to push forward the Philippine textile industry by Also, it is responsible for the reduction in toxins released into the air while burning waste plastic. Besides, the
providing a facility that will enable textile innovation and produce local natural fiber-blended yarns in the same waste bottles dumped into the landfills are also reduced. Further, the plastic bottles turned into fabrics are
region where the raw materials such as abaca, pineapple, and banana, are in abundance. The RYPIC is recyclable and generate less pollution in the environment. This is a great way to cater to people's needs and
established in partnership with Iloilo Science and Technology University, DOST Region VI, and LGU in Miagao eliminate waste from the environment.
with the funding support of DOST-GIA.
May/June 2021 May/June 2021