Epson And Designer Yuima Nakazato Show A Glimpse Of A More Sustainable Future For Fashion

* Partnership combines inkjet and dry fiber technologies to create stunning designs from recycled clothing 

Epson, a world leader in digital and printing solutions, today announced a partnership with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato and his eponymous YUIMA NAKAZATO brand at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring - Summer 2023 to unveil creations that are both stunning and sustainable. In addition to utilizing Epson’s digital textile printing to reproduce his unique and creative worldview, YUIMA NAKAZATO realized some of its creations with the help of a new, more sustainable and potentially industry-transforming textile production process. 

Epson’s dry fiber technology, which is already used commercially to recycle office paper and which requires virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The new fabric production process was revealed in Paris as part of a three-year collaboration between Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO and was used in the creation of items for the first time during the latter’s runway show at the Palais de Tokyo on January 25, 2023.

The collaboration between Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO builds on the success of the company’s printing support for his couture and evolves the level of his creations to enable the low-impact production of high-quality custom garments. Both Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO are keen to raise awareness of the water and material waste associated with excess production. The Paris Show illustrates how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable and less wasteful means of textile printing.

The fabric taken to create the latest YUIMA NAKAZATO fashion line was derived from material from used garments sourced from Africa, the destination for many discarded garments from elsewhere in the world. Nakazato visited Kenya where he collected around 150 kg of waste garment material destined for the “clothes mountain” of discarded textiles he encountered there. Epson then applied its dry fiber process to produce over 50 metres of new re-fiberised non-woven fabric, some of which was used for printing with pigment inks with Epson’s Monna Lisa digital printing technology.

Hitoshi Igarashi from Epson’s Printing Solutions Division explains the importance of the technology: “Although in its early stages, Epson believes its dry fiber technology combined with pigment ink digital printing could offer the fashion industry a much more sustainable future, significantly reducing water use while allowing designers the freedom to fully express their creativity.

“Epson’s Environmental Vision is committed to contributing to a circular economy, and this development could be one step towards achieving this. Dry fiber technology applied to the fashion industry offers the possibility of producing material for new clothes that have been recycled from used garments.” 

In a trial of distributed printing for venue decoration, Epson inkjet printers in Japan and France with remote support from Epson engineers were used to create decorations in the venue space. Both Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO intend to continue exploring the possibilities for contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate the use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.  www.global.epson.com/

About Epson India

Epson India Pvt. Ltd. was incorporated in the year 2000. Epson products address the needs of homes, businesses and commercial enterprises as those of consumers with specialized needs in India. With a commitment to providing products and services that surpass people’s expectations, Epson India today has an enviable reputation for quality and value. Headquartered in Bangalore, the company markets and supports Epson Inkjet Printers, Inkjet All-in-Ones, Point of Sale Printers, 3LCD Projectors, Scanners, Large Format Printers, Robots and Dot-Matrix Printers. In all of these categories, Epson is either the No. 1 or No. 2 brand in India and growing fast. https://www.epson.co.in/

Sabre Corporation Named Among Best CEO And Best Company Culture Winners By Comparably

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, recently received the Best Company Culture award and Best CEO award from Comparably, a workplace culture site and corporate brand reputation platform. Sabre was rated in the top 50 in these categories among 70,000 companies.

The award for Best CEO is determined based on the ratings employees give to the company’s chief executive and Best Company Culture is based on employee feedback across 16 different categories including leadership, team, environment, compensation, career growth, perks & benefits, work-life balance and company outlook.

“Culture starts with leadership so it makes sense that Sabre would have the honor of earning both of these prestigious awards,” said Shawn Williams, Sabre’s chief people officer.

Sean Menke joined Sabre in 2015 as President of Sabre Travel Network and is currently the Chairman and CEO. Under Menke’s leadership, Sabre has made strategic improvements to be held as the premier global technology platform in travel, serve as a great partner for its customers and further establish itself as an employer of choice.

“During his career in the travel industry, Sean has consistently led the way for change, challenging the status quo to help the industry evolve and find the best path toward the future of travel,” said Williams. “Like the rest of the travel industry, Sabre faced many challenges over the past few years, and, thanks to Sean’s steady and forward-thinking leadership, we are better positioned today for the future.”

Underpinning Sabre’s culture is the company’s commitment to its customers and to its team members. The company fosters an inclusive environment, where team members – with their wide and rich variety of differences – can bring their full selves to work, contribute their best and feel a sense of belonging. Additionally, Sabre’s Work From Anywhere policy and company-wide year-end break demonstrate the organization’s best-in-class culture.

Williams elaborates, “Sabre leaders are dedicated to their team members, provide transparent communication and have a relentless focus on team success. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to our leaders and team members’ passion for Sabre and to each other.”

About Sabre Corporation

Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.

The world's Largest Esports Festival Is Coming Back This Summer – With More Than Double The Prize Pool

·       Gamers8: The Land of Heroes begins on July 6, with eight weeks of incredible action

·       The eyes of the esports world will be on Riyadh as the biggest esports competitions are combined with big-name concerts, festivals, community gaming, and more

From the archive: Gamers8 festival 2022 

Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming festival worldwide, is returning this summer even bigger and better – with a world record prize pool in excess of $30 million, more than double last year’s grand prize total.

Entitled Gamers8: The Land of Heroes for the 2023 season, the eight-week entertainment extravaganza makes a triumphant return on Thursday, July 6 – so make a notification of the date now, and don’t miss out. The big date will blast off a superb summer jampacked with the biggest esports competitions, live music from star names, as well as festivals, shows, community gaming, education platforms, and fun-filled activities for all ages.

Gamers8: The Land of Heroes follows the success of last year’s Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world’s best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15 million.

And with bigger and better absolutely guaranteed at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, full details of this summer’s elite competitions and entertainment calendar will be released in due course.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Gamers8: The Land of Heroes is going to be the destination this summer and we are delighted to once again be welcoming the elite of the esports world to Riyadh.

“The Land of Heroes is the place for world-class esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It is the ultimate occasion where you can compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story.

“Showcasing the most popular titles on the planet will be amplified even further this summer. To be frank, when we mean bigger and better this summer – we truly mean it. We cannot wait to reveal what we have in store for Gamers8: The Land of Heroes.”

Gamers8 in 2022 succeeded in bringing the virtual world of esports and gaming out into the physical realm of Riyadh, a city which was the ideal setting for an ultra-modern festival with big ideas and big ambitions.

Just some of the highlights from Gamers8 2022 include:

1.4 million visitors

132 million people watching the elite competitions

392 professional players

113 international professional teams – including Team Falcons, PSG LGD, FURIA Esports, and FaZe Clan

61 nationalities represented

Eight nights of music at the NXTLVL Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City throughout the summer that brought in an incredible total of 74,670 ticketholders, who enjoyed performances from 19 global artists, 10 Arab artists, and 17 local Saudi artists

Gamers8 concluded last summer with the Next World Forum, an esports and gaming forum in Riyadh that brought together sector leaders and experts from around the world, to host first-of-a-kind discussions shaping the future of the booming industry.

Gamers8: The Land of Heroes will similarly conclude with the Next World Forum, with full details to be released in due course.

About “Gamers8 – The Land Of Heroes”:

Gamers8 is the world’s largest esports and gaming festival and the destination for elite esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It’s the ultimate place to compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story. Located in Riyadh at the heart of Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans a period of eight weeks from July to September 2023, with new challenges and experiences unlocked every week. You can watch the world’s top esports teams compete for the highest prize pools, attend performances by global music artists, experience your favorite gaming platforms come to life, and learn the mysteries behind the creation of video games. Gamers8 is your world and it’s your adventure to choose.

“Gamers8: The Land of Heroes” follows the success of last year’s Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world’s best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15million. The 2022 event was visited by more than 1.4 million visitors and watched by more than 132 million people around the globe. A total of 391 professional players – representing more than 61 nationalities – and 113 international teams took part in the world-class esports competitions.

Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has a total prize pool of over $30 million – more than double last year’s grand prize total – and will host the elite of esports in a state of the art, purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum, known as “The Next World Forum”, that brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world.

Blue Dart’s Quarter 3 Sales At Rs 1,337 Crore Up By 6.6%; EBITDA Margin At 12.3%

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's premier express air, integrated transportation and Distribution Company, declared its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, at its Board Meeting. 

The company posted Rs 86.93 crore profit after tax for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 (previous year, profit after tax for the corresponding quarter was Rs122.18 crore). Revenue from operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 stood at Rs1,337 crore with a growth of 6.6% over the same quarter from the previous year. EBITDA for the quarter is Rs 64.53 crore, EBITDA margin stood at 12.3%.  

Consolidated revenues during the quarter stood at Rs 1,337 crore  with a growth of 6.6% over previous year same quarter. EBITDA for the quarter is ?237 crore. Consolidated Revenues for the nine month period stood at Rs 3,956 crore with growth of 22% over previous year. EBITDA at Rs 762 crore. Consolidated EBITDA margin for the nine month period stood at 19.25%.  

During the quarter, the geo-political scenario continues to remain volatile. International crude prices and foreign currencies specifically witnessed high volatility which is leading to high inflationary ecosystem. Higher ATF prices, Forex volatility and correction in minimum wages continue to keep the costs at escalated levels. Further, the company has been working on enhancing its package handling capacity  both on air and ground to handle increased volume and improve service quality. 

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart says, “We look forward to embarking on a journey with newer challenges, delivering the best services through reach and best in class transit time. With a focus on Bharat we are expanding our  presence in Tier II & III markets. We have about 700 retail stores(with DHL) across India, offering customers a quick turnaround time and an enhanced direct reach to pin-codes in the country. Additonally, we plan to set up about 100 new stores in the near future to aggressively expand our channel footprint.”   

The company continued to deliver excellence across the wide gamut of solutions that it offers to industries. Its exceptional service quality remains one of Blue Dart’s major pivots, alongside automation and technology, towards providing customers with a seamless one-stop solution for all their logistics requirements. We carried 24.56 crore shipments weighing 880,370 tons during the nine month period ending December 31, 2022. 

At Blue Dart, technology has played a major role and the pandemic has only catapulted innovation on this front. As part of the DPDHL Group, ‘Strategy 2025 – Delivering Excellence in a Digital World’ is an important aspect for the company and various initiatives have been taken to ensure lean operations that helped ramp up and achieve high service levels at short notice, such as our reverse shipments program. 

Hero Motocorp Launches The High-Tech 110cc Scooter - XOOM

XOOM COMES WITH THE INDUSTRY-FIRST – CORNER BEND LIGHT (HERO INTELLIGENT CORNERING LIGHTTM)

SEGMENT FIRST – BIGGER AND WIDER TYRES

FUTURISTIC DESIGN, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, UNMATCHED AGILITY & SUPREME COMFORT

Redefining the scooter category and charting the next phase of its tech-enabled journey in the scooter segment, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today launched the new 110cc scooter – Xoom.

Meticulously designed and developed to appeal to the generation of perceptive customers who seek adventure and excitement in their everyday ride, the Xoom scooter delivers a contemporary design, supreme maneuverability, unmatched agility and extraordinary performance.

The Hero Xoom embodies a fresh new take in the 110cc category. With an industry-first feature – the Hero Intelligent Cornering Light (HiCL), and segment-first features – bigger and wider tyres and zippy acceleration in the 110cc segment, it guarantees an unparalleled mobility experience to the owners.

The Hero Intelligent Cornering LightTM (HiCL) makes its debut in the 110cc segment with Hero Xoom, providing enhanced safety for the customers. The HiCL illuminates the dark corner areas with an unrivalled bright, clear light when the rider is taking a turn or heading into curves. The rider benefits from the illumination of the corners on the road, thereby ensuring safer riding at night. 

The Xoom comes with a powerful BS-VI compliant engine that features Hero MotoCorp’s revolutionary i3S technology (Idle Stop-Start System). The new Digital Speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity and Side-Stand Engine-cut-off add to the tech profile of the scooter.

Launched in in three variants – Sheet Drum, Cast Drum and Cast Disc, Hero Xoom scooter is available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at an Introductory Price of INR 68,599 (LX -Sheet Drum), INR 71,799 (VX - Cast Drum) and INR 76,699 (ZX - Cast Drum)

*(Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Hero MotoCorp, said, “Over the years, Hero MotoCorp has introduced iconic brands that have captivated the nation and continue to enjoy a strong consumer connect. With the unmatched style and performance of Hero Xoom, we are turning a new leaf in our journey to redefine the scooter segment. The new Hero XOOM is an outcome of our deep understanding of the needs of young India & our commitment to introduce future-oriented technologies which will help strengthen our scooter portfolio. The ones who are looking for an exciting ride, and are at the forefront of innovation will definitely be drawn to the dynamic character of the Hero Xoom.”

Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) said, “The new Hero Xoom reinstates our commitment to drive in the future of mobility. The scooter segment has witnessed an increasing preference for two-wheelers with a sporty character, and Hero Xoom hits the sweet spot with its futuristic structure, engineering play and performance. In addition to bringing the first-in-industry ‘HiCL- Hero intelligent Cornering Light’, the new scooter ups the tech quotient with the revolutionary i3S technology, LED Headlamps & Tail Lamp and Bluetooth connectivity. The Hero Xoom is a strong addition to our attractive and comprehensive portfolio of scooters.”

FUTURISTIC DESIGN WITH ‘ADVANCED LIGHTING’ PACKAGE

The all-new Hero Xoom introduces a radical new futuristic design language. Nimble and agile in traffic, yet supremely robust over tough terrain, its agility opens up a whole new world of riding experience. Extremely sporty, yet mature and comfortable, it is the perfect companion for adventures of daily riding.

The exciting lighting package - including LED Projector Headlamp, LED Tail Lamps, and industry-first “HiCL-Hero intelligent cornering light” - provides an unmistakable presence to the scooter. The signature H position head and tail lamps ensure distinct character, uniform illumination and enhanced rider safety. Bigger and Wider Tyres, Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels, Integrated Rear grip add to the distinct character of the scooter.

TECHNOLOGY AT THE CORE

Embodying the culture of innovation at Hero MotoCorp, the all-new Hero Xoom has been developed with as many as 25+ patent applications. The new scooter brings a host of exciting technologies to the category. The industry-first “HiCL-Hero intelligent cornering light” adds to the safety aspect by illuminating the blind spots while turning. Hero Xoom is programmed with ‘XSens Technology’ which helps in improving the performance, durability, safety, reliability and fuel economy. In addition, the full digital speedometer with Bluetooth Connectivity provides call (Caller ID) and SMS updates, and key alerts, such as Low Fuel Indicator, (RTMI), Phone Battery etc. Features such as the Side Stand Engine Cut Off, Boot Light and Mobile Charger in front glove box add to the safety and convenience aspects.

POWER-PACKED PERFORMANCE

The Hero Xoom comes with a 110cc BS-VI compliant engine producing a maximum power output of 8.05 BHP @ 7250 RPM and torque of 8.7 Nm @ 5750 RPM for a high-performance ride. Delivering the brand promise of performance and comfort, the new Hero Xoom comes with the i3S patented technology for enhanced convenience and higher fuel efficiency. The scooter provides instantaneous acceleration and power-on-demand at all times.

EYE-CATCHING COLOR THEMES

The Hero Xoom is available in five sporty, striking, and impressive color options. While the Sheet Drum variant is available in Polestar Blue, the Cast Drum variant is available in Polestar Blue, Black & Pearl Silver White. The Cast Disc variant is available in Polestar Blue, Black, Sports Red and Matt Abrax Orange color schemes.   

Odisha Pitches To Billionaire Tim Draper To Open ‘Draper Startup House’ In Bhubaneswar

* Startup Odisha Executive Chairman Dr. Omkar Rai and Billionaire Venture Capitalists Tim Draper mull over the prospects of escalating Startups and entrepreneurship in Odisha.

Billionaire Venture Capitalist Tim Draper and Startup Odisha Executive Chairman Dr. Omkar Rai met in Cuttack and had a comprehensive discussion on the prospects of escalating the growth of Startups and fostering entrepreneurship in Odisha and on the possibility of establishing a ‘Draper Startup House’ in Odisha. Tim Draper lauded the efforts of the State government in supporting the Startup Ecosystem. Bitcoin billionaire investor Tim Draper, known for his early bets in breakthrough tech companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Hotmail, Skype, etc. also backs startups in a big way. Discussions have begun between Tim Draper’s team and Startup Odisha on the modalities of how to take it forward.

“The startup ecosystem in Odisha is growing by leaps and bounds capitalizing on the strength of both traditional and modern sectors. Odisha is ranked among the “Top Performer States as per the Startup Ranking 2021 given by the Government of India. To further, spur the growth and support the startup ecosystem, we had a discussion regarding establishing a ‘Draper Startup House’ in Odisha. We have received a positive response and have started discussions on how we could work together. A ‘Draper Startup House’ has been established in Bengaluru and with the potential that Bhubaneswar holds in the Startup Ecosystem, the next destination can likely be Odisha’s capital.” said Dr. Rai.

‘Draper Startup House’ supports startup entrepreneurs across the world, with a vision and mission to one million entrepreneurs by 2030. Draper Startup Houses are in about 25 cities around the world and Draper is expecting to move that to 50 this year.

Tim admired the efforts of Startup Odisha and said, “Giving Incubation support to Startups is a very important job”.

Startup Odisha has taken several initiatives in the recent past like Startup Odisha Yatra, Startup Xpress to promote grassroots innovations and entrepreneurship among the students. Also, Odisha Startup Growth Fund (Fund-of-Funds) for supporting startups to scale. Startup Odisha has also initiated the concept of “Campus Ambassadors” ~ where Startup Odisha in its attempt to directly reach out to the students across campuses, and in its bid to be pervasive throughout educational institutions, universities, colleges, B-schools, etc., has identified some bright students as Campus Ambassadors who apart from being prospective startups would also add value to the Startup Ecosystem of Odisha by inspiring, sensitizing, and orienting their peers to be part of startups and encourage them for entrepreneurship.

“Odisha Government has extended all support to the Startup Ecosystem in the State and has developed O-Hub, an Incubation center that sprawls over 3.8 lakh sqft in Bhubaneswar,” informed Dr. Rai.

Photo Caption: Startup Odisha Executive Chairman and Billionaire Venture Capitalist Tim Draper.

Kankatala Hosts 2 Exclusive Handloom Exhibitions In 1 Week For Saree Connoisseurs Of Bengaluru

* Explore Handloom Marvels at Raintree on 30th Jan to 1st Feb 2023 and at The HSR Club on 3rd & 4th Feb 2023 

A legacy brand for over 79 years, Queen of Sarees – Kankatala, brings the Handwoven Sarees of India Exhibition & Sale exclusively as 2 unique exhibitions in Bengaluru. First exhibition at Raintree Sankety Road  from 30th January to 1st February 2023 and second exhibition at The HSR Club – Mayuri Hall on 3rd and 4th February 2023.

The brand will showcase the masterpiece sarees in various one-of-a-kind weaves, like Kanchipuram, Banarasi, Paithani, Organza, Patola, Jamdani, Kota, and many more handwoven weaves handpicked by Kankatala family from across 50 weaving clusters of India specially for Saree connoisseurs of Bengaluru!

Since 1943, Kankatala has been constantly working towards curating the best weaves for their patrons, and like most of their patrons; their weavers too, have been associated with them for 3 generations. This event is going to be a one-stop destination for authentic Indian handlooms. Every saree hosted at the event captures the timeless artistry that has been passed on from one generation of artisans to another and is a piece of heirloom that only a true connoisseur of Indian handloom can appreciate.

Mr. Mallikharjuna Rao Kankatala, Managing Director said, “Every season we host an exclusive exhibition across various cities in India. This festive season, we handpicked some of the best handloom sarees for our Queens of Kankatala for 2 exclusive exhibitions & sale in Bengaluru to cater to the needs of saree connoisseurs in various parts of the city.”