Helps students in the consumer, apparel, and retail studies program learn best practices for color quality control in textile and apparel manufacturing.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – X-Rite Incorporated, a global leader in color science and technology, and its subsidiary Pantone LLC, today announced the donation of color management hardware, software and training services to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for use in their Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) program, part of the Bryan School of Business and Economics. With this donation, CARS students will be able to use the latest color measurement equipment and software to better understand and improve color quality control processes used in textile and apparel industries.

“At X-Rite, we are committed to supporting the education and training of the next generation of color and material professionals,” said Murphy Keeley, SVP and General Manager Americas, X-Rite. “Accurate color and appearance in textiles is critical and warrants an understanding of color science, materials, dyes and pigments. By accessing the latest technologies, CARS students will learn best practices for reducing color errors and improving production quality throughout the entire textile supply chain.”

“Students in the CARS program will benefit tremendously by having access to this cutting-edge color measurement equipment and technology,” said Dr. Nancy Hodges, Burlington Industries Professor and CARS Department Head. “This donation will allow us to teach production applications through hands-on activities using real-world equipment, and ultimately to better prepare our students to succeed in the industry after graduation.” 

Included in the X-Rite donation is the Ci7800 spherical benchtop spectrophotometer and the Color iQC software. The Ci7800 is an advanced measurement instrument enabling textile and apparel companies the ability to achieve the strictest standards for color accuracy and consistency. It provides accurate, reliable sample-to-sample color measurement of materials across the entire supply chain, from concept through dyeing of raw materials to manufacturing of a final product. The Ci7800 is used in conjunction with Color iQC Software to streamline the color measurement, reporting and recording workflow to maintain a centralized, cost-efficient quality control process.