The Blog

Dow Launches New Eco-Treatment For Outerwear

2012-03-14T15:19:36Z

MICHIGAN - Dow Corning has developed a new, silicone-based water-repellency treatment for outerwear and activewear made without the use of fluorine, solvents or alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO).

Dow Corning DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard is a silicon-based technology emulsion. According to Dow that as well as providing water repellency, also imparts softness properties to most textile substrates, particularly cellulosic and blends. The water repellency imparted has shown to be durable after 30 home laundry wash times, which is equal to, or better than, that imparted by standard fluorocarbon water repellent finishing systems in the market, the company said.

“Leading brand apparel companies are looking for innovative water repellency technologies that can provide eco-friendly solutions for their garments without sacrificing comfort,” said Joanna Giovanoli, marketing manager, Dow Corning Textiles. “With the help of Dow Corning DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard, the brands are able to create apparel designed for wet weather.”

In contrast to current fluorocarbon technologies, silicon-based emulsions contain no fluorine, solvents or APEOs (alkylphenol ethoxylate). They also exhibit no adverse toxicological effects or evidence of bioaccumulation and have no effects on soil-living species or on crop growth, Dow said.

DWR-7000 is also said to provide very good stability and compatibility with most textile auxiliaries while requiring no heat reactivation or additional performance extenders, softeners and lubricants.

Biomass Fabrics For Sportswear Within Two Years

2012-02-15T20:41:48Z

MUNICH – At last week’s ISPO 2012 sports gear trade show in Munich, Toray announced that the first functional performance nylon and polyester textiles based on biomass will be ready by the 2013/14 season. The company says these 100% bio-based fabrics will be used by leading brands to produce 'eco-shells' for outdoor water-proof clothing that are both lightweight and breathable.

The Japanese fibre company says it has now succeeded in developing polyamide fibres and yarns from biomass – via a process it calls ‘Hybrid Engineering’ – having initially announced some polyester biomass variants during 2011.

For sports apparel in particular, it is envisaged the biomass polyamide-based fabrics will be combined with Toray’s Dermizax EC and Entrant EC coatings and membranes – also made from biomass – to produce effective ‘eco-shells’.

Toray claims that the technical features of its biomass polyester and polyamide fibres are equal in performance profiles to conventionally-manufactured versions – on a laboratory scale, at least. They are already being produced with a substantial ratio of biomass, but 100% versions, instead of blends, are now on the way, the company promises.

The company points out that organic production is not always synonymous with sustainability and the conservation of natural resources – as is borne out by traditional cotton fibre cultivation.Toray’s Hybrid Engineering fibres, however, are based on the castor plant (ricinus communis), grown primarily in India and traditionally used both for medicinal purposes and for industrial and hydraulic oils, cosmetics and coatings.

The castor plant is very robust, growing in dry farming areas and requiring significantly fewer pesticides and herbicides than other crops. Its cultivation is not in conflict with other agriculture in the region and the recovered oil can be used sparingly. The castor plant is non-edible and harvested several times per year. Its bean contains a large amount of oil and is therefore ideal for efficient production.

“We are very proud of this significant step forward in the field of sustainability,” says Steffen Meiler, Toray’s European brand communication manager. “With our biomass products, we can protect fossil sources while still offering maximum performance. Our Hybrid Engineering programme will set entirely new standards in combining innovation and sustainability. But we will go even further. Toray works 100% vertically – everything comes from one source. In a specialised manufacturing facility in Kyoto, all of the fabrication steps – from the polymer itself to the final product, are combined under one roof. This guarantees the utmost quality through continuous monitoring and production.”

Study Says PFC's Compromise Children's Health

2012-02-08T15:38:45Z

BOSTON – Harvard scientists have released a new study saying children exposed to fluorine-based chemicals from textiles and food packaging, may have compromised immune systems and are less likely to respond to routine vaccinations. Perfluorocarbons (PFC’s) are widely used to give stain- and water-repellent finishes to outdoor clothing and interior textiles.

The research was led by Dr Philippe Grandjean of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, USA, and is published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It is thought to be the first study to link PFCs to immune problems in children and tracked a group of 656 children from the Faroe Islands, in the North Atlantic Ocean, before birth until they were seven years old. It linked their blood levels of PFCs to their response to routine diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.

Results showed that the PFCs with the highest serum concentrations were perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and that a doubling in mothers’ blood levels of PFOS, corresponded to a 39 per cent drop in the diphtheria antibody concentration of their children at age five. It was also found that there were uniformly negative associations with antibody levels and PFC exposure — especially at age 7 years. Here, a doubling in a child's PFC levels corresponded to a halving of antibody levels. However, the tetanus antibody level following PFOS exposure was not statistically significant.

Speaking to Reuters Health, Dr Grandjean said, “When the PFC concentration increases in the body, the immune system gets more sluggish and is less capable of maintaining a defence mechanism against microorganisms.” These findings don’t prove the chemicals themselves are harming the immune system, Grandjean said he thought that it was “very likely” to be the case. “I don't feel comfortable with the compounds for myself and my family and would rather eliminate them,” he explained.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is considering regulation against PFC’s, these chemicals as toxic to laboratory animals, causing reproductive, developmental and other health problems. But so far, they haven't been shown to pose a significant threat to the general human population.

Criticism

However, the study has met with some criticism by other research groups. Dr Gilbert Ross, medical director of the American Council on Science and Health, a non-profit funded by corporations took a harsh view of the study. “Absolute junk,” Ross told WebMD. He says no studies have found increased rates of tetanus or diphtheria among people with higher PFC concentrations in their bodies. “It appears to represent this group's attempt to link PFCs to some adverse health effect.” The study he said had “no clinical significance whatsoever.”

However, another researcher, Alastair Hay of the University of Leeds, said the new study was well conducted. “The implication of this work is that everyday exposure to these chemicals makes us more vulnerable to infections,” he said in a statement to News Medical, “We cannot afford to ignore the research, but equally we should not panic. What we need is a measured response to test the findings in a robust way and assess their implications for our health and particularly that of our children.”

from EcoTextile News

Cotton Replaces Rice in Japan's Salt-Soaked Fields

2011-11-17T15:55:27Z

Among the devastating effects of the Japanese tsunami in March was the destruction of thousands of acres of rice paddies. One project aims to make use of those saltwater-soaked fields.

When a wall of water from the March 11 tsunami hit Japan's northeastern region of Tohoku, it deposited so much salt into the soil that it not only wiped out traditional rice crops, but rendered the land unfit for much future cultivation.

Fortunately for some farmers, certain crops -- such as cotton -- can be cultivated in land with higher salt content. That has spurred a group of manufacturers, including the Taisho (yarn) Spinning Co., sock manufacturer Tabio and plowing company Agri Services to found the Tohoku Cotton Project to not only help the farmers, but bolster cotton growing in the country.

The project provides cotton seeds to farmers whose rice paddies were flooded by the tsunami. The cotton will be harvested and purchased by participating companies, who will use it to create products such as towels and shawls. Japan Airlines, Lee Jeans, and department store chain Takashimaya are among the participants.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, more than 58,000 acres of farmland suffered nearly $4 billion in damages in the region.

"Our goal is to restore agriculture and help revive job creation in the area through the cultivation of cotton," said Masato Hata, a spokesman for the project. "Right now we have more than 10 farmers. There are also plans for the participating companies and other volunteers to help with the growing process."

Japan Airlines, which intends to use products from the project onboard its airplanes, sent 30 staff members to Sendai City in September to help weed fields in preparation for the harvest.

Soil salinity plays a key role in the growth of crops. Salt disrupts crops by hindering their ability to absorb water and other nutrients such as potassium -- but cotton has more than double the tolerance of rice.

In addition to flooding farmland with saltwater and debris, the tsunami damaged many irrigation and drainage systems, which will further slow the removal of salt from the soil. Tabio Corp., one of the founders of the project, estimated that in some cases it could take up to three years for the soil salinity to reach pre-tsunami levels and for crops with low salt-tolerance to begin growing again.

Japan has imported much of its cotton -- 80 percent -- in recent years, according to the Japan Cotton Traders Association. Participating companies say they hope the project also helps spur cotton growing in the country.

Thus far, about four acres of land in Sendai and nearby areas are dedicated to the project, with harvest set to take place in November. The goal is to harvest 3,500 pounds of cotton this year, and sell "Tohoku Cotton Project" brand products in stores by spring 2012, the first anniversary of the tsunami.

"I think it's a great idea," said Aiko Hayashi, an English teacher in the Tokyo area. "It seems like a lot of big companies have joined the project, and I think a lot of people will want to buy the products to aid in the reconstruction."

If the project is successful and more participants get involved, the harvesting area could expand to 25 acres next year, according to their press release.

Hot Promotional Products

2011-09-08T20:21:35Z

Solar Powered Briefcase. The solar panel on the briefcase allows users to charge cell phone, iPod and other small electronics. Perfect if you forget rechargers. For info, contact email: paul@orangehalo.com

Ride on Cooler. Electric cooler goes 12 mph, holds 12 cans and the rechargeable battery lasts for hours. Perfect for tailgating events and sports promotions. For info, contact email: paul@orangehalo.com

Mingle Sticks. Two users merely aim their high tech “business cards” at each other and push a button to exchange information. Plug device into USB port to launch website featuring your personal info. Smart for conventions, trade shows and corporate meetings. For info, contact email: paul@orangehalo.com

Personal GPS Unit. Click a few buttons to leave a virtual bread crumb trail-making it easy to find your way back from hikes, to parked cars, etc. Perfect for camping and hunting promotions and retailers. For info, contact email: paul@orangehalo.com

Laser Pen Flash Drive. Twist action pen with a laser pointer and USB flash drive. Super high-tech gift for execs. For info, contact email:paul@orangehalo.com

Cotton Prices Begin To Decline

2011-05-17T18:28:51Z

After a long run-up in cotton prices over the past year, costs have begun to stabilize. In fact, cotton futures have decreased by about 35% since reaching an all-time high in March. While still high historically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said last week that it expects prices to be lower in the 2011/2012 trading season. The price decline is attributed to tempered growth in global cotton consumption, according to the USDA.

"The first U.S. Department of Agriculture cotton forecast for 2011/12 projects growth in both world cotton production and consumption, with production exceeding consumption for the first time in seven years," the USDA wrote in a report released on Thursday. "After a significant jump in 2010/11, cotton prices are expected to fall in 2011/12, but are still expected to be about 70% higher than the prices of two years earlier."

After reaching a high of nearly $2.30 per pound in March, cotton has steadily declined over the past two months to settle at $1.44 per pound at the close of trading on Friday.

Pesticide exposure in womb may hurt your child's IQ

2011-04-21T13:34:17Z

(Health.com) -- Children whose mothers are exposed to high amounts of certain pesticides while pregnant appear to have lower IQs than their peers when they reach school age, according to three government-funded studies released today.

The pesticides, known as organophosphates, are commonly sprayed on food crops and can be found in trace amounts on berries, green beans, and other fruits and vegetables sold in stores. The pesticides have also been used in homes and gardens, although their indoor use has been widely restricted due to safety concerns.

Organophosphates, which kill pests by attacking the nervous system, have previously been linked to developmental delays and attention problems in young children who were exposed in the womb. Now, researchers in two different locations have found that a child's IQ tends to decrease in proportion to the mother's exposure while pregnant.

One of the studies followed hundreds of mostly Latino mothers and children in California's Salinas Valley, a center of commercial agriculture. Many of the women were farmworkers, or had family members who worked on farms.

When the women were pregnant, the researchers tested their urine for several chemical by-products of organophosphates -- a standard means of gauging exposure. The mothers with the highest levels of by-products, known as metabolites, had children whose IQs at age 7 were seven points lower, on average, than the children whose mothers had the lowest levels of exposure. (The average score is 100.)

"That's not unlike the decreases we see in children with high lead exposure," says the senior study author, Brenda Eskenazi, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology and maternal and child health at the University of California, Berkeley. "It's equivalent to performing six months behind the average."

The children's own metabolite levels were not linked to their IQs, however, which suggests that prenatal -- rather than childhood -- exposure is largely responsible for the trend, Eskenazi says. Organophosphates, which pass from the mother to fetus through the placenta and umbilical cord, may be more damaging to developing fetuses than to children, the study notes.

Similar trends are likely to be found outside farming communities, the researchers suggest. While the average metabolite levels of the pregnant women in the study were substantially higher than the national average, as many as 25% of pregnant women in the general population have levels above the study average.

Moreover, the findings are echoed by a second study released today, which was conducted in New York City and followed 265 black and Dominican mothers and children from low-income families.

In that study, researchers measured levels of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos in the women's umbilical cord blood. Chlorpyrifos, which has since been banned for indoor use, was still commonly used as a residential pesticide when the women were pregnant.

Using the same IQ test as the California study, the researchers found that when the children were 7, the IQs of those with the highest exposure in the womb was roughly three points lower, on average, than those with the lowest prenatal exposure.

The joint findings are strengthened by the differences in the locations, study participants, and methods used to measure pesticide exposure, says Bruce Lanphear, M.D., a professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University, in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Because the results are so consistent, we're more confident that the results are not spurious," says Lanphear, who was not involved in the research.

In both studies, the researchers sought to cancel out other factors that can affect a child's IQ. They controlled for the mother's education and income, and observed the stimulation provided by the child's home environment. The California study also factored in the mother's exposure to lead and toxic flame retardants.

Experts aren't sure how organophosphates might interfere with fetal brain development, although they do know that in insects the pesticides slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter.

"There have been a lot of studies that indicate that there are probably other mechanisms," says the senior author of the New York City study, Robin Whyatt, DrPH, a professor of clinical environmental health sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

Genes may play a role, in fact. In the third study, which also looked at children in New York City, researchers found that the association between organophosphate exposure and developmental delays was more pronounced in children whose mothers had a certain genetic variant that influences an enzyme that breaks down organophosphates.

The three studies appear in the April 21 issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. All three were funded by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, among other sources.

The average exposure to organophosphates is lower today than it was when these studies began a decade ago. Now that the indoor use of organophosphates has been all but eliminated, the main sources are direct exposure to commercial agriculture and the traces found on supermarket produce.

Eskenazi stresses, however, that pregnant women should not stop eating fruits and vegetables. "It's absolutely important that they have an adequate diet in terms of the health of their child," she says.

Still, she adds, "It's important that people wash their fruits and vegetables really, really well -- and that means even fruit with a peel on it. It should be washed before you peel it."

10 Great Ideas For Earth Day 2011

2011-04-05T15:27:13Z

	1. Elephant-Poo Journal. The ultimate recycled item that is made from elephant poo. Great for colleges, trade shows or any businesses using notebooks. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
2. Bamboo Dinnerware. Stop using paper plates and plastic utensils. Great for office picnics, concert venues and fairs. Bamboo, a renewable resource, can grow as much as four feet in one day. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
	3. Seed Paper Postcard. Plant the paper – all biodegradable – and flowers sprout in its place. Ideal for environment-themed mailings to prospects and clients, and also comes in other shapes. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
4. Shower Timer. Tells you when your five minutes are up. Utilities, local municipalities and environmental groups can promote water conservation by offering this practical item. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
	5. Recycled Tires Jar Opener. Made from rubber tires. Auto dealerships, mechanics and tire manufacturers can give these to customers for Earth Day or anytime year-round. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
6. Pine Tree Seedling. Live pine tree in a container. Employees can participate in a tree-planting day at the office campus, or community organizations can hand out to participants at an Arbor Day event. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
	7. Organic T-shirt. The cotton is certified that it has been grown without the aide of pesticides or fertilizers. Give one to each Earth Day event organizer and volunteer. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
8. Compostable Pens. This pen completely breaks down in a landfill in 90 days (except the spring and refill). Hotels, banks and shops can use these and give them away to customers. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
	9. Nonwoven Bag. Local grocery stores can eliminate plastic and paper, and exhibitors at trade shows can provide these to attendees to collect literature and samples. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.
10. Hemp-Blend Polo. This cotton and hemp organic shirt is naturally anti-bacterial and companies can use this shirt for summer uniforms. To order, email orders@orangehalo.com.

Green Item Promotes Eco-Friendly Vodka

2011-03-31T13:12:08Z

From Counselor March 2010:

By Kenneth Hein

When you have a name like the Earth Friendly Distilling Company (EFDC), you’d better back it up. To promote its 360 Vodka, the distiller believes it has done just that. Not only does EFDC donate $1 to environmental charities when a 360 Vodka swing-top closure is returned for recycling, but each of its 1.75 liter bottles comes with a reusable metal handle.

The handle helps create a steady pour that reduces spillage and breakage. What’s more, the vodka is produced using machines that run on biodiesel fuel, and recycled materials are used for its glass bottle and paper label.

To hammer its sustainability message home, EFDC shipped 10,000 cases of 360 Vodka with logoed, reusable recycling bins sized to hold 12 bottles each. The company hopes that the blue bins will be used again and again for recycling efforts. It views them as a superior alternative to the boxes that wholesalers often provide to their customers for carrying home their bottles.

“As the world’s only eco-friendly, luxury vodka, it’s essential that our marketing efforts promote sustainability and, whenever possible, give consumers reusable and recyclable solutions that encourage positive environmental changes, such as our recycling bin shipping containers,” says Vic Morrison, vice president at McCormick Distilling, parent company of EFDC. “We are also proud that 360 Vodka listens to the feedback of our mixologists, consumers and accounts, and provides them with eco-friendly solutions such as the reusable bottle handle.”

Earth Friendly believes it has not only lived up to its name, but it has also set a higher standard for sustainability in the spirits industry.

7 Hot Apparel Trends For 2011

2011-03-30T22:41:28Z

There’s a lot going on in the apparel field, including changes in color, fabrics, fashions, textures and decorating techniques. One factor that can’t be ignored is the cost of cotton. Cotton prices have skyrocketed to their highest level since the Civil War, mostly due to high demand in Asia and disappointing crops in several countries.

However, according to the Advantages Promotional Products Usage Survey, 53% of buyers say that shirts are the most effective products, so it’s more important than ever to stay educated about apparel. Here are some of the key trends to note as we head into the first quarter of the new year.

1. Jewel Tones

If you’re looking to add value and class to your promotional campaign, invest in deep jewel tones. Rich tones, such as amethyst purple, ruby red and sapphire blue, have a bold, lush quality. It is ideal to pair jewel tones with neutrals, particularly black and white.

Purple is leading the pack now. “Purple has been huge over the last year. Bright lavenders are an extremely hot color at retail right now. Bright jewel tones continue to be popular both in retail and in corporate apparel,” says Joanna Whitling, merchandising buyer at GatewayCDI (asi/202515). “Some of the shades of purple are starting to become a little more muted, like lilac and eggplant.”

Lauren Cocco, merchandiser and decoration specialist with Vantage Apparel (asi/93390), sees that purple is a more popular jewel tone among women. She suggests that blue jewel tones, like sapphire, work well for men and women alike.

Sales Tip

Pitch jewel tones to your corporate clients. They can be paired neatly with navy, black or brown, some of the traditional colors that are suggested for executives. Of note: The color purple, currently one of the most popular jewel tones, represents leadership, good judgment and trustworthiness. For your clients who are focused on retail, they can trust you to find a great selection of jewel tones in designer brands.

2. Distressed/Military

There’s no denying it: Burnout is still hot. “Blends used in burnout and other washed tees are very trendy. They may look vintage, but they feel super-soft and comfortable,” says Janine Toner, marketing coordinator for Broder Bros. (asi/42090). “The distressed look that comes from pigment-dyed and burnout tees is all the rage, especially with younger audiences. Plaids, military-inspired garments and sheer tanks and tops – which are perfect for layering – are also really fashionable right now.” Aside from being trendy, distressed wear also looks and feels comfortable.

Toner notes that distressed fabrics are mostly used in T-shirts, tanks and hoodies. Military caps and camo T-shirts, hoodies, hats and outerwear are the most common military-inspired garments. Military jackets for women offer a great alternative to the basic blazer. “We’re continuing to see a military influence in wearables – bold lines, strong shoulders and epaulettes,” says Amber Lee, marketing coordinator for CSE (asi/155807). “Jackets and shirts that have the military detailing will continue into spring.” A key element in pulling off the look is to counteract the masculine feel with a feminine touch, ideally with leggings or skirts.

The burnout style is a leading look for fashion tees. To achieve the look, T-shirts are chemically distressed so that portions of the material are so thin that they’re almost see-through. The sheer feel of the tee matches up with a big trend in apparel nowadays – layering lightweight tees. “The burnout process is interesting and it’s great for layering, which continues to be a strong trend,” says Cocco. In addition, she points out that using natural appliqué fabrics like cotton twill give a piece a distressed, vintage feel. “Applique is still a trend in lettering and patch-type looks. It’s a great way to add interest and dimension to a design,” she says.

Sales Tip

Vintage, distressed styles like burnout tees work great with various decorating techniques, including rhinestones and allover prints. Think young when you pitch the burnout and distressed look. Reach out to nightclubs and schools to tap into a younger market.

3. Performance Fabrics

At a time when people have enough on their plates, it comes as no surprise that performance and worry-free fabrics are becoming more and more in demand.

Most notably, fabrics that resist wrinkling, staining and fading are popular –especially for sport shirts and wovens. On the texture side, smooth cotton and stretch fabric blends are more durable and resist stains and wrinkles. “With such hectic work schedules, people prefer clothing that is easy to take care of, as well as fashionable,” says Toner. “These fabrics help customers with the daily maintenance of their clothing, as most people don’t have time to iron their clothes on a daily basis or worry about how their clothing will hold up after a couple of washes. There is also a significant cost savings with cutting down on trips to the dry cleaner, which can really add up.”

Performance fabrics in outerwear continue to be popular and fashion-forward, namely in soft-shell jackets. “The biggest thing is that they are incredibly functional. If you get the right style, it’s affordable and lightweight,” says Mike O’Connell, owner of Moko Loko Merchandising (asi/466637) . Whitling echoes the functionality of performance fabrics. She has seen an increase in their popularity among her corporate clients, due to moisture-wicking and UV-blocking capabilities. “The trend started with polo shirts and specialized golf apparel, but has now moved into more traditional categories like outerwear, T-shirts and headwear,” she says.

Also, the popularity of performance fabrics has a lot to do with lifestyle. “Customers want to feel comfortable. Being active is becoming a lifestyle, so they want to wear polo shirts that wick, don’t show perspiration and have UV protection,” Cocco says.

Sales Tip

Make sure to point out how the attributes of performance apparel will help your clients in their lives. These items will appeal to modern-day men and women, so target working professionals. Think also about young adults who are just out of college. “You’re seeing performance wear for the corporate jobs in the younger generation. They see those items in their college stores, so they look to wear them for work,” says Whitling.

4. Simple, Clean Lines

Maybe we can blame (or thank) Jon Gosselin, but it’s time to bid farewell to the era of Ed Hardy. Apparel is moving away from overly embellished and into more subtle, sensible looks. “Full-neon colored shirts seem to be on their way out. We’re seeing more neutral shirts. There may also be a trend of cleaner-looking tipped polos,” says Toner.

No one can deny that simple is in. “I see basic styling as being important right now. You’re seeing the male button-down with one pocket,” says David Bebon, CEO of DBEBZ Apparel.

Lee notes that there’s a lot less bling. “We’re seeing a focus on fresh, clean looks. In the past, there’s been so much embellishment, detailing, grommeting and foiling. Moving into 2011, we’re seeing less of that at retail. There are more muted colors and more clean, classic lines,” she says.

The same goes for screen printing. While allover prints are still popular, they will be toned down a bit. “You’ll see a subtle background design and a hint of color. They won’t be as bold and vibrant as we have previously seen,” says Cocco.

Sales Tip

When you’re developing a campaign that involves some simple, basic shirts, make sure to emphasize how you’re in tune with the world around you. Since your clients are retail shoppers, make a note of how the fashion world is shifting to a simpler style. You’ll be able to show your clients that you’re on top of your game.

5. Specialty Inks

Decorators are looking into the appeal of conservative color prints. “Going into 2011, less is more,” says Mary Strapason, director of sales and marketing for Apple Imprints Apparel (asi/36553). “The focus has always been on getting the most colors on the shirt. Now, it’s more about using specialty inks.”

One popular screen-printing ink creates a 3-D imprint; it’s best used on heavier T-shirts and fleece, not sheer tees. By using newer inks, Strapason points out that decorators can print from the base of the shirt. “It’s more fashion-forward. You can use color-changing inks, glow-in-the-dark inks and more. The more specialty inks that are used, the more value there is for the apparel,” she says.

Sales Tip

Funky inks are very appealing to the music industry, so think about highlighting the unique qualities of these inks in your next event, bar or concert campaign. Aside from being a great platform for a logo, the apparel’s value will increase with the exclusive inks.

6. Laser Etching

One of the ways that the subtle look in apparel is being achieved is through laser etching. In this method, a logo is displayed via a laser burning off the top layer on polyester pieces. “Leaving a dimensional look is a great way to add value to an item,” says Cocco.

Laser etching gives some variety in terms of logo placement, whether it’s vertical, over seams, on hems or on pockets. “Laser etching works best on most synthetic fibers, microfiber polyester knits, performance polos and polyester camp shirts,” she says. “It’s most popular on fleece because it gives a layer of dimension and actually burns the surface fabric.”

Sales Tip

Since laser etching is perfect for fleece, think about using it for winter promotions, whether it’s for a sporty educational campaign or a holiday fundraiser. When you’re pitching to a client, make sure to think creatively regarding logo placement. Instead of displaying a typical horizontal message across the chest, steal the spotlight with a dimensional vertical logo.

7. Tonal Embroidery

Tonal, color-on-color embroidery is one of the hottest ways to display a logo. Like in the past, the left chest is popular for logo placement, but more logos are showing up on back yokes. “Embroidery is going more tonal. It’s cool, hot and design-forward. You can get a French blue shirt with French blue embroidery. You can get a tone on tone, color on color, sold on solid. They are matching and blending with the garment,” says Bebon.

O’Connell echoes this decorating advice. “As far as logos go, you should be tonal. Black on black or black on gray,” he says.