Industry News
Dickies off icial takeover by Bluestar Alliance begins
B P
luestar Alliance has officially welcomed Dickies under its wing after completing its $600 million acquisition from VF Corporation. With both companies having agreed on the purchase in September, the iconic American heritage brand will now start life under new owners. Joseph Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance, spoke highly about the deal
before praising the label’s legacy. He said: “Since 1922 Dickies has provided hard-wearing, long-lasting and comfortable clothes, cementing its status as a storied brand in performance workwear. “We have followed the brand for many years and have a deep appreciation for its history. “We are committed to supporting the Dickies brand’s growth by
Pantone on cloud nine as Colour of the Year is revealed
antone has revealed its latest entry for the Colour of the Year, opting to award it to 11-4201. More colloquially known as ‘Cloud Dancer’, the colour is described by the company as “a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity that serves as a symbol of calming infl uence.” The shade is similar to a blank canvas, and according to Pantone, “signifi es the desire for a fresh start.
“Cloud Dancer quiets the mind, encouraging true relaxation and focus that allows the mind to wander and creativity to breathe.”
It succeeds Pantone 17-1230, also
known as Mocha Mousse, a warm brown shade imbued with richness and luxury.
The company’s vice president, Laurie Pressman, said in a 2023 interview that the Colour of the Year initiative – which has taken place annually since 1999 – was created as an “educational programme” to “engage the design community and colour enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around colour. “We wanted to highlight to our audience how what is taking place in our global culture is expressed and refl ected through the language of colour.”
Pantone awards ‘Cloud Dancer’ as 2026’s Colour of the Year
leveraging our consumer insights and operational excellence to unlock its full value.”
VF’s president and CEO, Bracken Darrell, continued: “Dickies is an iconic American workwear brand with a bright future, and I am confident that under Bluestar Alliance’s ownership, it will continue to improve and realise its significant growth potential.”
Inkcups unveils
updated direct to object printing equipment
The Helix ONE
I
nkcups, a global provider of direct to object printing technology, has released updates to its fl atbed and cylindrical printing systems, designed for use on promotional products, merchandise, and packaging. The Helix ONE now includes auto fi le automation software, barcode scanning, a jettable primer for powder-coated surfaces, and extended diameter support from 33mm to 116mm. The X5-T High Throw UV fl atbed printer increases the distance between the print head and the substrate, allowing accurate printing on contoured, rounded, and irregular objects such as mugs, tiered drinkware, and sporting equipment. The Helix cylindrical printer incorporates Nano Pin Curing technology, enabling printing on transparent cylindrical vessels – including glassware, clear plastic bottles, and candle holders – without fi lling the vessel with UV-blocking materials.
Hendrik Koemans, European sales director, said these updates expand the practical applications of direct to object printing and improve production effi ciency.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk January 2026 |5 |
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