ImagesMagUK_November_2021

www.images-magazine.com 30 images NOVEMBER 2021 KB INDUSTRY EVENT Melissa McLaverty revealed that David Luke , which is part of The Parently Group, has saved 40 million plastic bottles from landfill over the past 12 years thanks to it being the first manufacturer to move into using recycled polyester in its schoolwear styles. The company, which has a strong ‘eco’ record, has also removed acrylic from its sweatshirt range as it is “very harsh” in environmental terms, explained Melissa. No one visiting the show could fail to notice that Rowlinson Knitwear had rebranded. Now known as One+All , the company's bold, bright stand with eye-catching photography matched the show's optimistic mood. One+All was celebrating its new look as well as the launch of its newwebsite with online ordering, along with its new range of school ties, said Christopher Charlton-Killen, and had plenty to talk about, from its recycling bins for retailers to its commitment to sustainability and the welfare of everyone in its supply chain. With more innovations in the pipeline, One+All's journey is one to watch. Demand for Chadwick Textile's sportswear is "through the roof", said Joel Chadwick, providing a welcome relief to the shipping challenges the industry has faced. The company is focusing on building up its stock levels so it can keep customers supplied with everything they need; customers are also placing orders earlier, which is proving very helpful, said Joel. He also reported that the company's leggings are doing especially well, offering what he describes as "retail sports style" at a cheaper price. At the William Turner stand there was an attention- grabbing display of colourful metal water bottles. New this summer from the school uniform accessories supplier, the bottles are available in a wide range of colours and look set to be a popular addition to the company’s range of products. “All things considered, it had been a solid year,” confirmed Daniel Turner, and the company is looking not only to build up its stock levels further, but also to hire more machinists for its UK-made ties. 2022 should be a good year, was his positive prediction. The big news at the Madeira stand was the launch of its two new ‘green’ threads: Polyneon Green, and Sensa Green. Polyneon Green is a recycled version of its polyester Polyneon line, with the company teaming up with a charity that removes plastic bottles out of the ocean. The new Sensa Green line uses hardly any water in its production, reported Andrew Maylor, and is made from lyocell, which is derived from trees grown in sustainably managed forests. Over at school and sportswear manufacturer Banner , the focus was very much on its sustainable achievements and goals. Currently, 40% of its garments use 'eco' materials, up from 20% in 2020, and it has set a target of 100% by 2025, explained Alex Blest; read about its six 'Sustainability Pillars' in Banner's first annual sustainability report, available now on its website.