Home New Trending Search
About Privacy Terms
#
#TextileWorld
Posts tagged #TextileWorld on Bluesky
August 2025 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report: Manufacturing PMI® At 48.7%; Textile Mills And The Apparel, Leather & Allied Products Sectors Report Growth TEMPE, Ariz. — September 2, 2025 — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in August for the sixth consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report. The report was issued today by Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “The Manufacturing PMI® registered 48.7 percent in August, a 0.7-percentage point increase compared to the 48 percent recorded in July. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 64th month after one month of contraction in April 2020. (A Manufacturing PMI® above 42.3 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index indicated growth in August following a six-month period of contraction; the figure of 51.4 percent is 4.3 percentage points higher than the 47.1 percent recorded in July. The August reading of the Production Index (47.8 percent) is 3.6 percentage points lower than July’s figure of 51.4 percent. The Prices Index remained in expansion (or ‘increasing’) territory, registering 63.7 percent, down 1.1 percentage points compared to the reading of 64.8 percent reported in July. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.7 percent, down 2.1 percentage points compared to the 46.8 percent recorded in July. The Employment Index registered 43.8 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from July’s figure of 43.4 percent. “The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slower delivery performance after one month in ‘faster’ territory, which was preceded by seven consecutive months in expansion (or ‘slower’) territory. The reading of 51.3 percent is up 2 percentage points from the 49.3 percent recorded in July. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM® PMI® Reports index that is inversed; a reading of above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.) The Inventories Index registered 49.4 percent, up 0.5 percentage point compared to July’s reading of 48.9 percent. “The New Export Orders Index reading of 47.6 percent is 1.5 percentage points higher than the reading of 46.1 percent registered in July. The Imports Index registered 46 percent, 1.6 percentage points lower than July’s reading of 47.6 percent.” Spence continues, “In August, U.S. manufacturing activity contracted at a slightly slower rate, with new orders growth the biggest factor in the 0.7-percentage point gain of the Manufacturing PMI®. However, since production contracted at a rate nearly equal to the expansion in new orders, the Manufacturing PMI® increase was nominal. “Two of the four demand indicators improved, with the New Orders and New Export Orders indexes showing gains, while the Customers’ Inventories and Backlog of Orders indexes contracted at slightly faster rates. A ‘too low’ status for the Customers’ Inventories Index is usually considered positive for future production. “Regarding output, the Production Index returned to contraction and the Employment Index edged up slightly, as panelists indicated that managing head counts is still the norm at their companies, as opposed to hiring. “Finally, inputs (defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and imports), on net, declined further into contraction territory. The Inventories Index improved slightly but is still in contraction territory, the Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slower deliveries, and prices continued to increase, but at a slower rate. The Imports Index moved further into contraction. “Looking at the manufacturing economy, 69 percent of the sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in August, down from 79 percent in July. Four percent of GDP is strongly contracting (registering a composite PMI® of 45 percent or lower), down from 31 percent in July. The share of sector GDP with a PMI® at or below 45 percent is a good metric to gauge overall manufacturing weakness. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, two (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Petroleum & Coal Products) expanded in August, compared to none in July,” says Spence. The seven manufacturing industries reporting growth in August — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Primary Metals. The 10 industries reporting contraction in August — in the following order — are: Paper Products; Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING “A 50-percent tariff on imports from Brazil, combined with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s elimination of the specialty sugar quota, means certified organic cane sugar — and everything made with it — is about to get significantly more expensive.” (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) “Orders across most product lines have decreased. Financial expectations for the rest of 2025 have been reduced. Too much uncertainty for us and our customers regarding tariffs and the U.S./global economy.” (Chemical Products) “Tariffs continue to be unstable, with suppliers adding surcharges ranging between 2.6 percent to 50 percent.” (Petroleum & Coal Products) “Tariffs continue to wreak havoc on planning/scheduling activities. New product development costs continue to increase as unexpected tariff increases are announced — for example, 50-percent duties on imports from India, and increases to all countries up from original 10 percent. Our materials/supplies are now rising in price, so our sell pricing is again being reviewed to ensure we keep a sustainable margin. Plans to bring production back into U.S. are impacted by higher material costs, making it more difficult to justify the return.” (Computer & Electronic Products) “The construction industry, especially home building, is still at a lower level. With new construction at a low level, our new sales are impacted. We are mainly now relying on replacement business. Cost of goods sold is higher due to tariff-impacted goods.” (Machinery) “Domestic sales remain flat but are down four percent from plan by unit volume [tariff pricing]. Export demand is falling as customers do not accept tariff impacts, which likely will require some production transfers out of the U.S. Supplier deliveries remain consistent with ocean shipping costs dropping significantly. Tariff costs have biggest financial impact but also costs of copper and of steel products.” (Fabricated Metal Products) “The trucking industry continues to contract. Our backlog continues to shrink as customers continue to hold off on buying new equipment. This current environment is much worse than the Great Recession of 2008-09. There is absolutely no activity in the transportation equipment industry. This is 100 percent attributable to current tariff policy and the uncertainty it has created. We are also in stagflation: Prices are up due to material tariffs, but volume is way off.” (Transportation Equipment) “Very tentative domestic market, with home building and remodeling not very active at all. Inflation, among other factors, is starting to impact consumer buying power, leading to negative signs for our order files. International markets are upended due to the unpredictability of on-again, off-again tariff activity.” (Wood Products) “We’ve implemented our second price increase. ‘Made in the USA’ has become even more difficult due to tariffs on many components. Total price increases so far: 24 percent; that will only offset tariffs. No influence on margin percentage, which will actually drop. In two rounds of layoffs, we have let go of about 15 percent of our U.S. workforce. These are high-paying and high-skilled roles: engineers, marketing, design teams, finance, IT and operations. The administration wants manufacturing jobs in the U.S., but we are losing higher-skilled and higher-paying roles. With no stability in trade and economics, capital expenditures spending and hiring are frozen. It’s survival.” (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components) “There is still uncertainty in the construction market. Large expansions or investment are hampered by the unknown of costing and the economy. The markets we operate in can be strong short term, but there is an underlying feeling that has you questioning for how long.” (Nonmetallic Mineral Products) MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE August 2025 Index Series Index Aug Series Index Jul Percentage Point Change Direction Rate of Change Trend* (Months) Manufacturing PMI® 48.7 48.0 +0.7 Contracting Slower 6 New Orders 51.4 47.1 +4.3 Growing From Contracting 1 Production 47.8 51.4 -3.6 Contracting From Growing 1 Employment 43.8 43.4 +0.4 Contracting Slower 7 Supplier Deliveries 51.3 49.3 +2.0 Slowing From Faster 1 Inventories 49.4 48.9 +0.5 Contracting Slower 4 Customers’ Inventories 44.6 45.7 -1.1 Too Low Faster 11 Prices 63.7 64.8 -1.1 Increasing Slower 11 Backlog of Orders 44.7 46.8 -2.1 Contracting Faster 35 New Export Orders 47.6 46.1 +1.5 Contracting Slower 6 Imports 46.0 47.6 -1.6 Contracting Faster 5 OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Faster 64 Manufacturing Sector Contracting Slower 6 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes. *Number of months moving in current direction. COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY Commodities Up in Price Aluminum (21); Brass; Copper (2); Copper Products (2); Electrical Components (7); Steel* (7); Steel — Stainless (6); and Steel Products* (6). Commodities Down in Price Corn (2); Natural Gas (2); Plastic Resins; Soybean Meal (2); Steel*; and Steel Products*. Commodities in Short Supply Electrical Components (2); and Electronic Components (6). Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item. *Indicates both up and down in price. AUGUST 2025 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES Manufacturing PMI® The U.S. manufacturing sector contracted in August for the sixth consecutive month after two months of expansion preceded by 26 months of contraction. “The Manufacturing PMI® registered 48.7 percent, 0.7 percentage point higher compared to the 48 percent reported in July. Of the five subindexes that directly factor into the Manufacturing PMI®, two (New Orders and Supplier Deliveries) are in expansion territory, up from one in July. After two months in expansion territory, the Production Index lost 3.6 percentage points, putting it back in contraction. The Employment Index increased slightly but remains in contraction territory, and the Inventories Index had a slower rate of contraction. Two of the six biggest manufacturing industries (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Petroleum & Coal Products) registered growth in August,” says Spence. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing sector is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting. A Manufacturing PMI® above 42.3 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the August Manufacturing PMI® indicates the overall economy grew for the 64th straight month after contracting in April 2020. “The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the August reading (48.7 percent) corresponds to a change of plus 1.8 percent in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Spence. THE LAST 12 MONTHS Month Manufacturing PMI® Month Manufacturing PMI® Aug 2025 48.7 Feb 2025 50.3 Jul 2025 48.0 Jan 2025 50.9 Jun 2025 49.0 Dec 2024 49.2 May 2025 48.5 Nov 2024 48.4 Apr 2025 48.7 Oct 2024 46.9 Mar 2025 49.0 Sep 2024 47.5 Average for 12 months – 48.8 High – 50.9 Low – 46.9 New Orders ISM®’s New Orders Index expanded in August for the first time after six consecutive months of contraction, registering 51.4 percent, an increase of 4.3 percentage points compared to July’s figure of 47.1 percent. This reading is above the 12-month moving average (48.8 percent) for the New Orders Index, which hasn’t indicated consistent growth since a 24-month streak of expansion ended in May 2022. “Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, two (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products) reported increased new orders. Despite the index’s move into expansion territory, for every positive comment about new orders, there were 2.5 comments expressing concern about near-term demand, primarily driven by tariff costs and uncertainty,” says Spence. A New Orders Index above 52.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars). The eight manufacturing industries that reported growth in new orders in August — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The six industries reporting a decline in new orders in August, in order, are: Paper Products; Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery. New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 24.7 52.6 22.7 +2.0 51.4 Jul 2025 18.8 55.3 25.9 -7.1 47.1 Jun 2025 20.5 52.2 27.3 -6.8 46.4 May 2025 25.0 48.1 26.9 -1.9 47.6 Production The Production Index landed in contraction territory for the first time since May (following two months of expansion), registering 47.8 percent, 3.6 percentage points lower than the July reading of 51.4 percent. “Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, one (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) reported increased production. Panelists had a 1-to-1.8 ratio of positive to negative comments regarding output,” says Spence. An index above 52.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures. The six industries reporting growth in production during the month of August — in the following order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The six industries reporting a decrease in production in August, in order, are: Wood Products; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Chemical Products. Six industries indicated no change in production levels in August as compared to July. Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 16.6 62.3 21.1 -4.5 47.8 Jul 2025 20.1 60.7 19.2 +0.9 51.4 Jun 2025 20.7 60.6 18.7 +2.0 50.3 May 2025 19.1 56.3 24.6 -5.5 45.4 Employment ISM®’s Employment Index registered 43.8 percent in August, 0.4 percentage point higher than July’s reading of 43.4 percent. “The index posted its seventh consecutive month of contraction after expanding in January, with seven straight months of contraction before that. Since May 2022, the Employment Index has contracted in 33 of 40 months. Of the six big manufacturing sectors, none reported higher levels of employment in August. For every comment on hiring, there were four on reducing head count as companies continued to focus on accelerating staff reductions due to uncertain near- to mid-term demand. Layoffs and not filling open positions remain the main head-count management strategies,” says Spence. An Employment Index above 50.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, two reported employment growth in August: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. The 13 industries reporting a decrease in employment in August, in the following order, are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Textile Mills; Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Primary Metals; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 9.4 68.2 22.4 -13.0 43.8 Jul 2025 12.6 62.4 25.0 -12.4 43.4 Jun 2025 10.4 72.1 17.5 -7.1 45.0 May 2025 14.1 68.2 17.7 -3.6 46.8 Supplier Deliveries† Delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was slower in August, after one month of faster deliveries preceded by seven months of index readings in “slowing” territory. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 51.3 percent, a 2-percentage point increase compared to the reading of 49.3 percent reported in July. Of the six big industries, two (Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) reported slower supplier deliveries. “The findings in August could suggest that supply chain performance is slowing due to demand increasing in the form of new orders,” says Spence. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries. The 10 manufacturing industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in August — in the following order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The three industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in August are: Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Machinery. Supplier Deliveries %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index Aug 2025 9.2 84.2 6.6 +2.6 51.3 Jul 2025 8.7 81.1 10.2 -1.5 49.3 Jun 2025 14.7 79.0 6.3 +8.4 54.2 May 2025 19.1 73.9 7.0 +12.1 56.1 Inventories The Inventories Index registered 49.4 percent in August, up 0.5 percentage point compared to the reading of 48.9 percent in July. “Of the six big industries, three (Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) expanded in August,” says Spence. An Inventories Index greater than 44.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars). Of 18 manufacturing industries, the six reporting higher inventories in August — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The seven industries reporting lower inventories in August — listed in order — are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products. Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 19.5 61.9 18.6 +0.9 49.4 Jul 2025 15.2 67.2 17.6 -2.4 48.9 Jun 2025 15.6 64.9 19.5 -3.9 49.2 May 2025 15.6 63.2 21.2 -5.6 46.7 Customers’ Inventories† ISM®’s Customers’ Inventories Index remained in “too low” territory in August, with a reading of 44.6 percent, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points compared to the reading of 45.7 percent in July. “Customers’ inventory levels in August continued to contract and move further from ‘about right’ territory,” says Spence. (For more information about the Customers’ Inventories Index, see the “Data and Method of Presentation” section below.) The two industries reporting customers’ inventories as too high in August are: Computer & Electronic Products; and Furniture & Related Products. The 12 industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low in August, in order, are: Primary Metals; Paper Products; Textile Mills; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Wood Products; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. Customers’ Inventories % Reporting %Too High %About Right %Too Low Net Index Aug 2025 74 9.5 70.1 20.4 -10.9 44.6 Jul 2025 71 10.5 70.3 19.2 -8.7 45.7 Jun 2025 72 14.1 65.2 20.7 -6.6 46.7 May 2025 69 9.9 69.2 20.9 -11.0 44.5 Prices† The ISM® Prices Index registered 63.7 percent in August, decreasing 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous month’s reading of 64.8 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased for the 11th straight month (though at a slower rate compared to July). The Prices Index has increased 11.2 percentage points over the past nine months. In the last six months, the index reached its highest levels since June 2022, when it registered 78.5 percent. All of the six largest manufacturing industries — Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; and Chemical Products, in that order — reported price increases in August. “The Prices Index reading continues to be driven by increases in steel and aluminum prices that impact the entire value chain, as well as tariffs applied to many imported goods. Higher prices were reported by 33.5 percent of respondents in August, down from 35.4 percent in July. The share of respondents reporting higher prices trended up from November 2024 (12.2 percent) to April (49.2 percent), which was the highest level since June 2022 (65.2 percent),” says Spence. A Prices Index above 52.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials. In August, the 15 industries that reported paying increased prices for raw materials, in order, are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Chemical Products. No industries reported paying decreased prices for raw materials in August. Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 33.5 60.4 6.1 +27.4 63.7 Jul 2025 35.4 58.8 5.8 +29.6 64.8 Jun 2025 45.6 48.1 6.3 +39.3 69.7 May 2025 45.1 48.5 6.4 +38.7 69.4 Backlog of Orders† ISM®’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.7 percent, a decrease of 2.1 percentage points compared to the July reading of 46.8 percent, indicating order backlogs contracted for the 35th consecutive month after a 27-month period of expansion that ended September 2022. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, none reported expansion in order backlogs in August. “As we have been reporting, ongoing contraction in the Backlog of Orders index means that trade issues and other geopolitical tensions are still at play. Significant improvement shouldn’t be expected until those issues begin to recede,” says Spence. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the two that reported growth in order backlogs in August are: Textile Mills; and Primary Metals. The 12 industries reporting lower backlogs in August — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Transportation Equipment. Backlog of Orders % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 91 16.3 56.7 27.0 -10.7 44.7 Jul 2025 89 18.3 56.9 24.8 -6.5 46.8 Jun 2025 91 14.9 58.7 26.4 -11.5 44.3 May 2025 92 15.8 62.6 21.6 -5.8 47.1 New Export Orders† ISM®’s New Export Orders Index contracted in August, registering 47.6 percent, up 1.5 percentage points from July’s reading of 46.1 percent. “Export orders contracted for the sixth consecutive month after growing in January and February. That brief period of expansion followed an ‘unchanged’ status (a reading of 50 percent), preceded by six straight months of contraction. The continued contraction of new export orders still indicates the effect of the ongoing trade friction and resulting dampened demand,” says Spence. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, three industries reported growth in new export orders in August: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Machinery. The eight industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in August — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Chemical Products. Seven industries reported no change in new export orders in August. New Export Orders % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 71 11.3 72.6 16.1 -4.8 47.6 Jul 2025 71 7.5 77.2 15.3 -7.8 46.1 Jun 2025 75 12.1 68.3 19.6 -7.5 46.3 May 2025 73 11.8 56.5 31.7 -19.9 40.1 Imports† ISM®’s Imports Index remained in contraction for the fifth month in August after expanding for three straight months. The August figure of 46 percent is a decrease of 1.6 percentage points compared to the reading of 47.6 percent reported in July. “Imports are contracting at a faster rate, indicating lower levels of demand due to tariff pricing,” says Spence. The four industries reporting an increase in import volumes in August are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 10 industries that reported lower volumes of imports in August — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Computer & Electronic Products. Imports % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Aug 2025 84 9.8 72.4 17.8 -8.0 46.0 Jul 2025 86 13.3 68.5 18.2 -4.9 47.6 Jun 2025 86 15.3 64.2 20.5 -5.2 47.4 May 2025 85 13.2 53.3 33.5 -20.3 39.9 †The Supplier Deliveries, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments. Buying Policy The average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures in August was 173 days, the same as July. The average lead time in August for Production Materials was 84 days, a decrease of one day compared to July. The average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies was 48 days, an increase of four days compared to July. Percent Reporting Capital Expenditures Hand-to-Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Aug 2025 18 3 7 14 30 28 173 Jul 2025 16 4 10 15 26 29 173 Jun 2025 17 3 9 13 29 29 175 May 2025 18 2 9 14 30 27 171 ‌ Percent Reporting Production Materials Hand-to-Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Aug 2025 9 25 26 25 9 6 84 Jul 2025 9 28 22 26 8 7 85 Jun 2025 9 22 28 26 9 6 85 May 2025 8 24 30 24 9 5 81 ‌ Percent Reporting MRO Supplies Hand-to-Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Aug 2025 32 31 18 11 7 1 48 Jul 2025 31 35 17 12 4 1 44 Jun 2025 32 33 17 11 5 2 48 May 2025 31 35 16 10 7 1 47   Posted: September 2, 2025 Source: Institute for Supply Management

#BreakingNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Uster Technologies Marks 150 Years Of Empowering Quality Excellence USTER, Switzerland — September 2, 2025 — Uster Technologies marks 150 years of excellence – a milestone that reflects continuous adaptation to customer needs and industry change. Over the decades, Uster has evolved from manufacturing quality testing instruments into a trusted partner shaping the future of textile production. Moving forward, Uster can be compared to a ‘family doctor’ with strategic advice and end-to-end solutions optimizing mill performance. With its ‘Think Quality – Next Level’ vision, Uster empowers customers beyond just data and devices towards intelligent decision-making. This transition sets the course for a more sustainable, efficient, and impactful textile industry. Reaching 150 years is an achievement for any company, especially in the modern era of rapidly changing business conditions. For Uster Technologies, it has been a process of continuous development, shifting its core competence from origins manufacturing telegraphy equipment to its 21st Century role as global leader in textile quality systems and solutions. Today, that progression sees Uster taking on a new mission – customer-focused, with a business model offering end-to-end solutions for quality management and business profitability. The family doctor A customer once said that Uster Technologies could be compared to a family doctor. It’s a powerful metaphor, and it suggests that Uster should go further than being a provider of instruments such as yarn clearers and evenness testers. Excellent as these are for measuring and controlling quality, their role typically ends at that point – comparable with the medic’s simple thermometer. Taking the family doctor analogy further, Uster wants to understand in detail the context of each spinning mill – its operations, goals, and market environment – to advance from simply delivering data towards actively helping mills improve. In this way, Uster is evolving to make a much bigger impact, as a trusted partner – like the family doctor, who monitors health but also provides insights, guidance, and long-term care. The trusted strategic partner This concept opens the door to a new level of value creation. Rather than offering isolated instruments, Uster can empower mills to achieve more, by providing integrated, end-to-end solutions. This requires understanding the mill’s entire production chain, identifying opportunities for improvement, and aligning quality management with the mill’s broader business goals. ‘Think Quality – Next Level’ is Uster’s shift from product supplier to strategic partner. It’s about helping customers move from reactive quality control to proactive quality assurance and optimization. This approach allows mills to unlock higher efficiency, better performance, and increased profitability. The value chain manager The ultimate goal is satisfaction for the customer’s customer, in a way that is profitable for the spinning mill. Uster has the preconditions available, with what’s called the ‘solution stack’. That means Uster has the sensing points connecting hardware and managing parameters across the spinning mill and along the value chain. These cloud-connected instruments feed data to the Uster 360Q platform. This is where the problem-solving happens, the ultimate enabler for decision-making, action and optimization with a comprehensive mill overview. Applying AI here, the result is greater automation and performance, uniquely combined with the support of top Uster textile advisors to integrate all the key data for the outcome the spinner wants. Superior sensors, intelligent analysis and unrivaled human expertise create the Uster magic that is greatly valued but rarely matched. Uster is at the start of this transformation, but the direction remains clear and unchanged – as long as it continues to meet the needs of our customers. The Uster FiberQ raw material management solution has already been proven in practice – and another new solution will be introduced at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025. The full impact of ‘Think Quality – Next Level’ might be found in a mill in the year 2035, when a mill can correlate data from the bale laydown with fabric quality parameters. Collating all this information and even connecting the data with mills across the world, can be massively influential, giving spinners early optimization potential with a clear view of the ultimate quality impact. The sheer power of this ‘Next Level’ is amazing. The pioneer A sustainable textile industry should be part of a better planet for all. Stakeholders today expect Uster to take on the kind of pioneering role it had when launching the first evenness tester in 1948. While textile recycling is still in its infancy, there is a clear call for Uster to lead the way in developing innovative quality management approaches quality management approaches that support and accelerate recycling efforts in collaboration with stakeholders. The adoption and scale-up in use of recycled fibers will see this segment evolve from a 1% niche of production to something notably bigger. In that sense, sustainability is very important, so Uster is currently developing many technologies to fit with ongoing ecological trends. As with all Uster policies, this goal is aligned with the company’s purpose statement: “We empower people to create a better future for the textile industry through quality and innovative end-to-end solutions. ”A purpose is of universal importance, driving and directing the company and focusing on the basic principles – especially in tough times. It’s the way to build resilience for the company and for its people, and is the foundation for the optimism that Uster will continue to achieve significant milestones on into the next 150 years. Posted: September 2, 2025 Source: Uster Technologies AG

#BreakingNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Cinte Techtextil China 2025 Opens This Week With New Products, Innovation-Focused Exhibitors And Fringe Events SHANGHAI — September 1, 2025 — International and domestic exhibitors are relishing the chance to present their curated products at Cinte Techtextil China, when the fair opens from 3 to 5 September 2025, spanning three halls and 32,000 sqm at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The International Hall W5 will feature a debut zone for textile chemicals and dyes, the returning European and German Zones, as well as first-time and prominent exhibitors in key application areas of technical textiles and nonwovens. Several domestic pavilions will be set up in Halls W3 and W4, highlighting noteworthy products in automotive, medical & hygiene, and filtration & separation segments. Meanwhile, the fair’s upgraded fringe programme will include the Econogy Tour and Sustainability Forum, the forward-looking AI Panel Discussion, the annual China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC) and more, adding insights to the platform’s business exchange. Speaking ahead of the show’s opening, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “In general, China’s textile industry has maintained stable performance despite international economic turbulence. Like its host country, Cinte Techtextil China has exhibited its resilience, with increased overseas visitor pre-registration numbers. Hosting a number of leading exhibitors this year, we invite visitors to take advantage of the unique sourcing opportunities, and the range of international experts who will present as part of our fringe programme – as we navigate uncertain times, this fair remains as important as ever to drive innovation and business exchange in the industry.” As Asia’s only dedicated show for the full spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China is set to present a comprehensive roster of global exhibitors across the three-day show period. In the International Hall W5, quality suppliers from Europe will come together under the European and German Zones, with standalone exhibitors in the hall also set to showcase trending products for a wide range of applications. Featuring leading global companies, the two zones are strong drawcards for visitors looking for international quality. First-time exhibitors in the European Zone include Serel Industrie (Belgium – W5 D11) and Proton Product International (UK – W5 C08), with other notable companies returning to the zone, such as Fil Man Made Group (Italy – W5 B08) and Graf + Cie (Switzerland – W5 B02). In the German Zone, Wetekam Group (W5 A12) will make its debut, bringing fresh energy to the fair alongside featured exhibitors like Perlon (W5 A10) and Autefa Solutions (W5 A02). Another highlight of Hall W5 is the inaugural Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone, also a new product category at Cinte Techtextil China 2025. The zone’s products cater to an array of textile applications, including medical & hygiene, civil engineering, industrial, automotive and environmental protection uses, attracting visitors from across the value chain. Some of the zone’s members making their debuts at the show include Dupre Minerals (UK – W5 D07), whose products have industrial applications, and Michelman (USA – W5 C02), who focus on construction and medical applications. Meanwhile, CHT Germany (Germany – W5 D03) will be returning to showcase solutions for sports and safety. Range of international and domestic exhibitors come together for global showcase In addition to those gathering in zones, the fair will also welcome a number of renowned individual exhibitors, with various focuses and highlights. JCT Industries Group (Malaysia – W5 E03) and Vietnam Geotextile (Vietnam – W5 A05) are some of this year’s valuable new additions, with the former offering PVA fibres and yarns for building and agricultural uses, and the latter featuring woven and nonwoven geosynthetic solutions. Meanwhile, the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) (Hong Kong – W5 D02) will return to showcase its AI-enhanced technologies, while Zhejiang Kingsafe Hygiene Material Technology (China – W3 D01), a key domestic exhibitor, specialises in medical and hygienic nonwoven materials. In Halls W3 and W4, several domestic pavilions will feature products with in-demand applications, including: * Foshan Xiqiao Pavilion: Medical & Hygiene Textiles * Jiangsu Funing Pavilion: Filtration & Separation Textiles * Zhejiang Tiantai Pavilion: Filtration & Hygiene Textiles * Mobiltech Zone: Mobiltech Textiles Overall, the fair’s product segments include textile production technology and processes; fibres and yarns; performance apparel textiles; nonwovens; woven fabrics, laid webs, braidings, and knitted fabrics; coated textiles; composites; bondtec; and the new category textile chemicals and dyes. Enhanced fringe programme to complement fair’s product offerings Committed to innovation and sustainability, Cinte Techtextil China organises a number of fringe events every year to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. On Day 2 of the fair, key events will centre around the theme of sustainability, starting with the Econogy Tour in the morning, and ending with the Sustainability Forum in the afternoon. The Econogy Tour (10:30 – 11:30) will begin with a presentation on Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 by Ms Sabine Scharrer, Director of Brand Management for Technical Textiles & Textile Processing of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, at Econogy Talks (W5 – F20). The attendees will then be guided by sustainability expert Mr Karl Borgschulze, to explore exhibitors who have passed the Econogy Check, which is a stringent third-party audit that checks the suppliers’ sustainability certificates. At the Sustainability Forum (13:30 – 16:00), participants will be able to discover insights and practical case studies, featuring experts from academia and well-known brands, led by Dr Guoxiang Yuan, Graduate Supervisor of Donghua University and Research Fellow of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The Technical Innovation Exchange Conference on Automotive Textiles will also take place on Day 2, following a brief tour of three key Mobiltech exhibitors, namely Swisstulle AG (W5 – C03), JCT Industries (W5 – E03), and Dr Karl Wetekam GmbH & Co KG (W5 – A12). There will also be an automotive textiles showcase at W4 – F01, displaying key products such as automotive interior materials, lightweight composite materials, smart sensing fabrics, and acoustic insulation materials. Events on Day 1 include the AI Panel Discussion hosted by AiDLab, discussing the challenges and opportunities involved when applying AI technology for automated textile material inspection; the China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC), aiming to shed light on the industry’s efforts to evolve its competitive landscape; the Innovation Product Award and Presentation; and more. Meanwhile, the number of overseas visitor pre-registrations has already exceeded last year’s total, and includes 95 VIP buyers from 32 countries and regions. Leading visiting companies include Alpha Engineered Composites from Singapore, Delfim from Brazil, Lazwi Engineering 8 from South Africa, and Milliken Europe from Belgium. Visit the fair website for more updates: www.techtextilchina.com. The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry. Cinte Techtextil China will be held from September 3 – 5. 2025. The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA). Other upcoming shows: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn September 2 – 4 ,2025, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Posted: September 1, 2025 Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

#BreakingNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
U.S. Textiles: Time To Invest? Tariffs, Taxes And Pro-Manufacturing By Jim Borneman, Editor In Chief Despite the chaotic winds encircling U.S. textile Manufacturing, for staunchly committed producers, one can’t help but sense opportunity brewing. Lurking beneath the surface of the divisive tariff uncertainties, a once in a lifetime realignment of the United States’ role in international trade is taking place. There is ample opportunity for argument, objection and outrage — but one can’t escape the fact that the U.S. position in global production and consumption of goods is changing. As pundits dissect and prognosticate, real companies, with long track records of innovation and transformation, are on deck adjusting to the opportunities at hand. For the first time in a very long time, there is a palpable pro-manufacturing environment that is like an exhausted sailor suddenly finding the high winds at their back. U.S. tax policy and regulatory environments seem to be growing more reasonable, rather than serving as a disincentive to putting capital at risk. Restoring full expensing of investments— 100-percent depreciation — can offer capital-intensive businesses significant support for investing. For many who haven’t been able to invest, the dramatic advancements in equipment and technology may have been worth the wait. By many accounts productivity is poised to skyrocket. Expensive labor has always been an issue in U.S. manufacturing competing in a global market. But most technology has labor cost reduction built in and cost structures seem to be favoring proximity to raw materials, lower energy costs and speed-to-market advantages. This just may be a recipe for success in the United States and nearshoring manufacturing. Even for non-yarn spinners, the views of Rieter’s CEO Thomas Oetterli are worth a read (See “Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli Talks The Future Of Textile Spinning,” TW, this issue). As the leader of one of the most significant suppliers to the global textile industry, Rieter is a barometer on what the future holds in manufacturing. Oetterli’s takeaways — look for “auto-mated, digital and smart” to lead developments, and labor reduction is baked in. Oetterli said: “We are stepping up research and development activities to fully automate the value stream by 2027 through autonomous transport systems and collaborative robotics. Rieter’s digital spinning suite ESSENTIAL will be the command-and-control center of smart and high-performing mills that lower cost and maximize returns.” There are no simple solutions, but one can’t miss the fact that core U.S. textile manufacturers who have made very challenging markets work, will see a favorable shift in competitiveness; an opportunity to meet and exceed their customer’s and consumers’ needs, wants and desires; and an opportunity to establish a new presence in the domestic consumption of U.S. textiles. Investing in the future of U.S. textiles has never been for the faint of heart — but the business case of capital expenditure has positive support, and for the persistent, there may be no time like the present. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#FromTheEditor #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Gildan, HanesBrands Agree To Combine Montréal-based Gildan Activewear Inc. and Hanes-Brands Inc.,Winston-Salem, N.C., have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Gildan will acquire HanesBrands. The transaction implies a value of approximately $2.2 billion in equity and $4.4 billion in enterprise value for HanesBrands.The deal will double Gildan’s revenues and strengthen its positioning in activewear and retail channels, while enhancing efficiency and innovation through Gildan’s vertically integrated platform. “Today is a historic moment in Gildan’s journey as we look to join forces with HanesBrands,” said Glenn J. Chamandy, Gildan’s president and CEO.“With this transaction, our revenues will double and we achieve a scale that distinctly sets us apart.The combination with HanesBrands strengthens our positioning with an opportunity to expand the heritage ‘Hanes’ brand presence in activewear across channels, while enhancing Gildan’s retail reach for its portfolio of brands.” Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands, added:“This transaction represents a powerful alignment of HanesBrands’ and Gildan’s shared commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence. We have great respect for Gildan’s manufacturing strength and long track record of success.” 2024 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileWorld #Texworld

0 0 0 0
Purecycle, Emerald Carpets Partner For Circular Trade Show Carpets PureCycle Technologies, Orlando, Fla., and trade show carpet producer Emerald Carpets, Dalton, Ga., have formed a partnership to advance circularity in the trade show carpet industry. Under a supply agreement, Emerald Carpets will purchase about 5 million pounds of PureFive resin annually for fiber production, enabling them to exceed California’s current recycled content requirements. The companies also are testing closed-loop recycling by processing used carpets into purified recycled polypropylene pellets, which could then be remade into new carpets. “We are thrilled to partner with PureCycle,”said Tom Boykin, president, Emerald Carpets.“Our commitment to circularity in our material procurement and use aligns perfectly with PureCycle’s mission, as well as our customers’ expectations. We believe using recycled polypropylene will help us create carpets that not only perform exceptionally well on the conference circuit, but also contribute positively to resource efficiency and waste reduction.” The initiative includes collaboration at facilities in Georgia and Ohio to scale production, with the aim of delivering circular trade show carpets to the market by 2028. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Indo Count Relaunches Wamsutta Brand Indo Count Global, the New York City-based subsidiary of India-based Indo Count Industries Ltd., has relaunched Wamsutta as a direct-to-consumer brand, now available exclusively at wamsutta.com in the United States. Acquired in 2024, the brand is being reintroduced with updated product assortments to strengthen Indo Count’s presence in the premium U.S. home textiles market. “Wamsutta has always stood for quality and comfort that endures,” said Mohit Jain, executive vice chairman of Indo Count Industries. “Now, with a refreshed brand, premium positioning, and the direct-to-consumer channel, we are connecting with a new generation of consumers while honoring the brand’s legacy.” The relaunch includes a curated range of bedding and bath products emphasizing quality, simplicity and design. Indo Count’s DTC model enables closer consumer engagement, real-time insights, and long-term brand building while continuing Wamsutta’s mission of bringing comfort and thoughtful design to homes. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
SBTi Validates Elevate Textiles’ GHG Targets Elevate Textiles, Charlotte, N.C., announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The company — along with its brands American & Efird, Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann, and Safety Components — is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2 percent and scope 3 emissions by the same percentage by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Elevate’s targets were assessed and approved under SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard and Near-Term Target Criteria. “As we continue our decarbonization journey, we are proud to announce the validation of our 2050 net-zero targets,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer, Elevate Textiles. “Concurrently, we received a revalidation of our 2030 near-term science-based targets, which we are on track to meet. These steps mark an important milestone in an increasingly difficult decarbonization challenge.” The company said these commitments align its climate strategy with global efforts to achieve net-zero by 2050. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
World Emblem Announces Reshoring, Nearshoring Expansions World Emblem broke ground on its new facility in the Dominican Republic. World Emblem, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has announced plans to move production in Houston from a 35,000-square-foot (ft2) facility to a larger 72,000 ft2 manufacturing facility where it can produce up to 500,000 emblems and patches each week. The company will employ around 140 employees initially and plans to reshore jobs and add staff as U.S. production grows. “We are committed to continue growing our U.S. manufacturing base, which will not only help us reduce tariff costs and improve supply chain efficiency, but also enhance our ability to provide same-day production and delivery to clients,” said Randy Carr,World Emblem CEO. In addition, World Emblem has broken ground on a new 100,000-square-foot factory in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Construction is expected to finish in early 2026, creating 100 jobs initially and up to 500 over time. “After a thorough search, we selected the Dominican Republic for its business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to our clients in the United States,” Carr said. “As we look to further expand the range of products and services we provide to new and existing customers, this factory will enable us to strengthen our supply chain, enhance efficiency, and continue to grow the company.” World Emblem manufactures customized emblems and patches at facilities in Georgia, Texas, California, Mexico, and Canada, serving North American clients with short lead times (See “World Emblem: Embracing AI,” TW, 2024 Quarterly Issue IV). 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Birch Biosciences Signs Patent Licensing Agreement With NREL Birch Biosciences, Portland, Ore., has signed a global patent license agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to commercialize a new enzymatic deconstruction process for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The technology enables the efficient recovery of PET monomers that can be remanufactured into virgin-quality PET that can be used to make recycled content products. “This licensing agreement represents a significant step forward in our mission to enable a circular plastic economy using biological solutions,” said Dr. Johan Kers, co-founder and CEO of Birch Biosciences.“NREL’s process complements our enzymatic recycling platform perfectly and will help us achieve scalable, low-cost plastic recycling.” “NREL is pleased to partner with Birch Bio-sciences to bring this technology to market,” added Dr. Gregg Beckham, senior research fellow at NREL. “This is a great example of how national laboratories and industry can collaborate to address plastics recycling challenges with real-world impact.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Recover™, TextileGenesis™ Collaborate On Traceability Recycled cotton and cotton blend fiber producer Recover has launched a pilot with TextileGenesis, a Paris-based Lectra company, to digitally trace recycled cotton and polycotton from fiber to finished garments. Using Textile-Genesis Fibercoin technology, digital tokens were created for each kilo of material, verifying custody across supply chain stages. Two garment styles were tested to explore different configurations. The pilot supports Recover’s circularity goals and regulatory readiness, including the EU Digital Product Passport. “Traceability plays a foundational role in validating circularity claims and preparing for regulations like the EU Digital Product Passport,” said Orsolya Janossy, Senior Sustainability manager at Recover. Suppliers were trained and onboarded to the TextileGenesis platform, producing a transparent digital footprint. Amit Gautam, founder & CEO of TextileGenesis, said, “Recover is demonstrating how traceability can be embedded into circular business models — not just to validate recycled content, but to create the verified data infrastructure needed for regulatory compliance and brand accountability.” 2025 Quarterly Issue 2025

#TextileNews #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Fellowship & Family Spirit Shine At STA’s Annual Meeting Conference program focused on cotton market shifts, trade and policy issues and Made-in-USA. TW Special Report The Southern Textile Association (STA) is a 117-year-old non-profit organization with a membership of more than 500 people from practically every sector of the textile industry. Membership consists, as the name suggests, of people in the textile industry located mostly in the Southeastern United States. In order to localize activities and best service its members, STA is broken into two divisions — the Northern Division and The Southern Division. It hosts divisional meetings each spring and fall — in North Carolina and South Carolina — as well as a winter seminar, a summer marketing forum and an annual meeting. This year’s STA annual meeting was held at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C. More than 200 members were in attendance. Family Emphasis Among the tenets in its charter, are promoting good fellowship and social activities among its members. And no event hosted by STA pro-motes good fellowship more than its annual meeting. The meeting is part conference, part networking, part vacation, and it’s all about family. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families to the meeting — spouses and children— and events are designed to include everyone from the very young to the very old. Outside of the conference portion, there is a welcome reception open to all, golf, tennis, bingo, a beach party and an evening dinner dance. Some now adult attendees first came to the STA annual meeting as children and continue to participate, in some cases bringing their own children. Confirming that STA is fulfilling its fellowship tenet, Charles Poston, the most recent past STA president and chairman, and market manager for Textiles at Klüber Lubrication, shared that during the afternoon beach party, the camaraderie was so strong that even the beach lifeguard took notice! “During a brief chat with the lifeguard, she smiled and said, ‘I could have sworn it was a large family reunion,’” Poston said. “And in that simple observation, she captured the essence of the event. Because that’s exactly what it felt like — a family reunion. A gathering of people who may work in different corners of the industry, but share a common thread — a love for textiles and a deep respect for one another,” Poston added. Hank Reichle, Staplcotn 2025 Conference: Cotton Update The first morning of the conference, three speakers took to the podium to share insights on a variety of topics. First up, was Hank Reichle, president and CEO of Staplcotn, Greenwood, Miss. His “Cotton Mar-ket Update” presentation covered the current landscape in the United States, as well as challenges and opportunities. He noted that international cotton trade dynamics have been dramatically altered because Brazil has increased its production from 4 million to 18 million bales. Tariffs also have altered the market as have geopolitical issues. But bright spots exist. Reichle encourages agricultural export-friendly trade deals as well as the “Buying American Cotton Act” that supports U.S. farmers. In addition, sustainability and traceability programs may offer competitive advantages. “We’re not just selling cotton; we’re selling a story of quality, sustainability and American innovation,” he said. Dr. Sheng Lu, University of Delaware Tariffs & Trade The second speaker was tasked with perhaps the most difficult topic to talk about — tariffs and trade. In his presentation “The Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Textile and Apparel Trade,” Dr. Sheng Lu, professor of Apparel & Fashion Studies at the University of Delaware, spoke of strategies U.S. fashion brands are implementing to navigate the stormy trade waters. Diversification in manufacturing locations is a big component; and while Asia remains the primary sourcing region for apparel, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India are gaining ground over sourcing in China. Today, brands are sourcing from an average of 46 countries. “Brands are not putting all their eggs in one basket,” Lu noted. He also shared that consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability, and it can be a critical component of success in sourcing. Steve Hawkins, America Knits America Knits After more than 30 years working in the knit apparel manufacturing industry overseas, Steve Hawkins had a desire to produce high-quality apparel in the United States. A partnership with lifelong friend Dr. David Talton as well as a factory for sale in Swainsboro, Ga., led to America Knits. Founded in 2018 before the pandemic, the road hasn’t been smooth, but America Knits has found success in Swainsboro and is on a growth trajectory. In his presentation “America Knits/Seeds II Seams: A Sustainability Story Made in America,” Hawkins shared the company’s history. Currently, it produces approximately 25,000 T-shirts each week; and recently added screen printing, embroidery and laundry to its capabilities to expand on the products offered and to firmly control fit — an issue very important to Hawkins. To strengthen its supply chain and build vertical manufacturing, the company recently partnered with Lumberton, N.C.-based Contempora Fabrics Inc. Together, they plan to develop a plant that will manufacture beanies. The two companies also generously donated screen-printed, commemorative meeting T-shirts to STA members in attendance. After its initial success, America Knits also launched its own brand — Seeds II Seams. The brand logo features a crow because as the crow flies, there is only 238 miles between links in the supply chain compared to the average garment’s 17,000-mile journey. The company has received numerous recognitions from the State of Georgia for the work it is doing. Labels on America Knits shirts state “Made in Small Town America” because that idea really means some-thing to Hawkins. He admits there is no room to grow in Swainsboro because there isn’t enough of a workforce, but is open to the idea of replicating the business model in other small towns in America. Outgoing STA president Evans Tindal STA Conducts Business Session The second day of conference proceedings opened with the STA business session during which speeches were given, matters were voted on and awards were conferred. In his last speech as STA President, Evans Tindal, a Glen Raven plant manager, delivered his President’s Address. He was animated, wistful, funny and engaging as he assessed the value and deeper meaning of professional community and belonging and how STA has contributed to those ideals during his personal career. After sharing stories of connection, friendship and family, he was met with a standing ovation. Elections During the STA elections, Tindal was named STA chairman; Nathan Fisher, Nava Technologies, assumed the helm as president; Nathan Evans, Seydel-Woolley, became first vice president; Unifi’s Cory Bowman was elected second vice president; Tina Rogers, Techmer PM, was elected member-at-large; and Devin Steele was reelected secretary and treasurer. Reelected to the Board of Governors for a three-year term were Jessica Ethridge, Fi-Tech Inc., Chuck Butts, Murata Machinery USA Inc.; Jordan Renfrow, SYMTECH Inc.; Harriet Scar-borough, Central Textiles Inc., Marvin Smith, Shuford Yarns LLC; and Vance Tiller, Impact Workforce Solutions. Before the STA Business Session concluded, several STA members received awards (See sidebar). Auggie Tantillo, SRG & Associates From STA Matters To National Matters Auggie Tantillo, president of SRG & Associates, and former president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, addressed the STA crowd during his “Textile Trade & Policy Issues” presentation. As the last speaker before the keynote, Tantillo talked about the current administration’s aggressive trade strategy and the resulting implications for the textile industry. He also discussed the recent closing of the de minimis shipping loophole. Tantillo expects the rest of the year to remain uncertain when it comes to trade matters. Keynote Speaker Dr. “Doc Bird” Birchak Keynote Speaker To cap off the strong roster of speakers, Dr. Stephen “Doc Bird” Birchak offered an inspirational and wildly entertaining keynote speech focused on happiness and resilience. He increased the entertainment factor by using a variety of props to illustrate his ideas and embellish his anecdotes. Birchak also shared some deeply personal stories about adversity and loss. Key takeaways included attitude is everything, gratitude matters, and self-belief is important. Incoming STA President Nathan Fisher. Closing Remarks To close the proceedings, STA’s newly elected president Fisher offered some remarks thanking Tindal for his excellent leadership of the organization and acknowledging the big shoes he had to fill. He also expressed his genuine excitement about what lies ahead for STA. “The STA Annual Meeting is more than just an industry event — it’s like a family reunion for the textile community,” remarked STA’s Steele. “This is where challenges turn into opportunities, and competitors often become collaborators. We gather not only to share insights and tackle the challenges of today’s economy, but to lift each other up, swap stories and build relationships that last a life-time. Our connections run deeper than business cards.” “There’s nothing more to add,” Poston noted. “The Southern Textile Association’s summer conference wasn’t just a success, it was a reminder of the strength and the warmth of this incredible community.” --- Todd Wemyss (left) receiving the STA David Clark Award from Matt Shannon STA Honorees STA member Matt Shannon with Greenwood Mills had the honor of announcing the winners of several awards during the annual meeting. David Clark Award Honoree The association’s David Clark Award is given to an STA past president who continues to lead and serve the organization for 10 or more years following their term as president. STA 2015-16 President Todd Wemyss was honored with the award this year. He is currently plant manager of Glen Raven’s Norlina Plant. George Abbott Award This award was created in honor of George Abbot who had the nicknames “Mr. STA” and “Mr. Terrific.” A long-time advocate and supporter of STA, Abbot was the first recipient of the award, which is given each year to the person who recruits the most new members to the organization. The 2025 recipient was Randy Blackston, vice president of Operations at Glen Raven and an STA past president. He was unable to attend the meeting, however Blackston’s Glen Raven colleague Evans Tindal accepted the award on his behalf. (left to right): Recipients of the inaugural STA Support & Advocacy Award —Coker & Associates of South Carolina; Danbartex LLC; and the North Carolina Textile Foundation/NC State College of Textiles.  Charles Poston (left) recieved a plaque in recognition of his service to the association over the past two years from STA President Evans Tindal. Support & Advocacy Award This newly created award recognizes companies that have sponsored all seven events hosted by STA in a calendar year all at the highest sponsorship level. Three entities were honored with this recognition in its inaugural year — Coker & Associates of South Carolina, Danbartex LLC, and the North Carolina Textile Foundation/NC State Wilson College of Textiles. Service To The STA Charles Poston, Klüber Lubrication, concluded his term as president and chairman of STA during the 2025 Annual Meeting. In recognition of his service to the association, he was presented with a gavel plaque by Tindal. --- 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#Features #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
From Shanghai To Singapore: ITMA Asia + CITME Grows Its Reach This fall, Singapore will host the 2025 edition of ITMA Asia + CITME, offering a strategic platform for textile manufacturers in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. TW Special Report Since ITMA Asia combined with CITME, the trade show has been held in Shanghai on a biennial schedule since 2008. Then in 2023, the owners of the ITMA Asia + CITME show — the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), and its partners the China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex) — announced they would host the event in a second Asian location. The chosen host city was Singapore, and ITMA Asia + CITME, Singapore 2025 will be held October 28-31, 2025, at the Singapore Expo. It is organized by ITMA Services and co-organized by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co. At the time the exhibition was announced, then CEMATEX President Ernesto Maurer, said: “We have successfully held seven editions of ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai. As part of our strategy to support the aspirations of local manufacturers in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East to modernize their operations, we are augmenting the series with a second location in Asia to better reach out to the textile hubs in these regions.” According to organizers, the Singapore edition of ITMA Asia + CITME “presents an exciting opportunity for manufacturers to expand their reach and forge new partner-ships with the region’s top textile and garment producers and leading brand owners.” Positive Industry Response Exhibitor response for the event surpassed expectations and organizers expanded the exhibition space to accommodate the high demand. In October, more than 770 companies from 31 countries and regions are booked to participate in more than 70,000 square meters of exhibition space. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day affair. Some 19 exhibit product sectors represent the entire textile manufacturing value chain, according to organizers. They are: Spinning; Winding; Nonwovens; Weaving; Knitting; Embroidery; Braiding; Finishing; Printing & Inks; Garment Making; Composites; Testing; Logistics; Recycling; Software & Automation; Colourants & Chemicals; Plant Ops Equipment; Services; and Research & Innovation. ITMA Sustainability Forum ITMA Asia + CITME, Singapore 2025 organizers have developed a half-day sustainability forum to be held on October 20, 2025, under the theme “Accelerating the Green Transition.” The forum will focus on insights from the European Commission and other sustainability leaders. Changes in Europe related to extended producer responsibility (EPR), Digital Product Passport, and eco-design requirements are requiring accelerated adoption of circular practices and modernized production. The forum was designed to help support manufacturers during this transition period. “The textile industry has a critical role to play to protect the planet,” said current CEMATEX President Alex Zucchi. “As Europe takes a lead to regulate the industry, all stake-holders have to ensure that we are ready to journey towards a circular economy. The forum will facilitate engaging discussions and exchange of ideas as the industry urgently accelerates its transition to a greener future.” Standard visitor rates are 50 Singaporean dollars (approximately $40) for a four-day pass, and S$25 ($20) for a one-day badge. Fees will increase for on-site registrations. The exhibition is open October 28-30 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on October 31 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Attendees can download a mobile app on either iOS or Android devices to access interactive tools including an exhibitor list and online floorplan. “Textile manufacturers from South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are anticipating the exhibition as a strategic platform to source advanced machinery solutions to help them optimize production efficiency, increase output volumes, and enhance product quality to meet growing market demands,” Zucchi said. With strong exhibitor demand and a dedicated focus on sustainability, ITMA Asia + CITME’s Singapore 2025 exhibition offers manufacturers and brand owners alike a strategic platform to connect, innovate and prepare for a greener future. --- For more information about ITMA Asia+ CITME, Singapore 2025, please visit itmaasiasingapore.com. --- 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#Features #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli Talks The Future Of Textile Spinning Thomas Oetterli In an exclusive interview as Rieter reaches its 230th anniversary, Chairman and CEO Thomas Oetterli spoke with Textile World about leadership, technology, and the future of spinning. TW Special Report The global textile industry has few machinery and technology brands as well known and rooted as Rieter, a brand synonymous with yarn spinning technology and pioneering textile innovations. This year marks Rieter’s 230th anniversary as a company serving the industry — a company with humble beginnings as a trading company dealing in spices and cotton. Founded April 15, 1795, when Johann Jacob Rieter established J.J. Rieter & Cie. in Winterthur, Switzerland, the company soon become proficient at yarn spinning and textile manufacturing processes in the early days of textile’s industrialization — a key time in the development of mass production. Rieter is well known for its focus on engineering and the development of comprehensive textile manufacturing solutions. In 1891, Rieter converted into a stock company bolstering its trajectory as a leader in equipping the advancing industry. As the company notes while recounting its history: “Despite economic challenges, Rieter has always used times of crisis as an opportunity to increase its efficiency and hone its strategic focus. Along with its subsidiaries Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM, and Temco, today Rieter is distinctive and well-known in the market.” Rieter focuses its approximately 4,500 employees worldwide on innovation, automation, digitalization, and the goal to “fully automate the value creation process of spinning mills by 2027.” A lofty goal, yes, but one that is not beyond Rieter’s reach. Recently Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli sat down with TW to share some of the challenges of leadership, technology and the future of spinning. TW: Mr. Oetterli, you have held several executive positions with significant Switzerland-based companies. How did those experiences prepare you for your CEO role at Rieter beginning in 2023? Oetterli: Prior to joining Rieter, I was CEO of Schindler, a leading global player in the elevator and escalator industry, where I navigated the pandemic and the disruption of global supply chains. This taught me a valuable lesson: success requires a clear vision, mission, and strategy. As CEO of Rieter, I have worked together with our leadership team to articulate these clearly for the company so we can all work toward the same goal: Ensuring that Rieter’s cutting-edge technology strengthens and advances every spinning mill worldwide. Celebrating 230 years of Rieter, from trading to technology leader. TW: What surprised you most about Rieter in your leadership role for the last two and a half years? Oetterli: Rieter’s company culture is one of a kind. The drive and passion of our people are second to none. Our employees live for customer success. This is what gives our storied brand its enduring strength. And it is what keeps us ahead! TW: Having experiences in other industries, what do you find unique about the textile industry?  Oetterli: The cyclicality of the business is unique. Agility is therefore a key driver of our success and a core element of our strategy. This is why we have relocated production and research and development closer to customers, sharpening customer-centricity, accelerating the speed of product development, and improving agility. Rieter’s Campus in Winterthur, Switzerland, houses the most modern innovation and technology center of its kind. TW: As Rieter celebrates its 230th anniversary, are there any significant events, decisions or a corporate direction that will shape the company going forward? Oetterli: Throughout its history, Rieter has been synonymous with pioneering innovations. Some of our world-firsts include the introduction of compact spinning, the launch of a card with the largest active carding area and ROBOspin, the industry’s first fully automated piecing robot. Our new Campus in Winterthur, Switzerland, houses the most modern innovation and technology center of its kind, combining Rieter’s extensive know-how and long-standing experience under one roof. And the best is yet to come! We are now developing a prototype of a fully autonomous mill which we plan to showcase at ITMA 2027 in Hannover, Germany. TW: What is the vision for Rieter under your leadership, and what is your underlying attitude for expanding on the company’s 230-year legacy? Oetterli: The future of spinning is automated, digital, and smart. As mills struggle to hire and retain workers, automation technology is essential in order to ensure consistent and efficient operations. We are stepping up research and development activities to fully automate the value stream by 2027 through autonomous transport systems and collaborative robotics. Rieter’s digital spinning suite ESSENTIAL will be the command-and-control center of smart and high-performing mills that lower cost and maximize returns. Customers will be able to fully focus on their yarn business by outsourcing their operations to Rieter technology and expertise. Rieter’s automated piecing robot ROBOspin is a transformative automation solution. Growing The Company TW: Rieter’s most recent acquisition has made headlines. Can you describe Rieter’s path of acquisitions during your tenure, the thought behind purchases and how they fit into your vision for the company? Oetterli: As fiber consumption is projected to rise, most of the growth is expected to come from man-made fibers. The increase of natural fibers such as cotton and linen is limited due to natural boundaries. Man-made fibers will help to meet expanding demand for clothing, technical and home textiles. In May, we announced the strategic acquisition of Barmag, which will transform Rieter into a leading supplier for converting natural and man-made fibers into yarn. Subject to regulatory approval, we expect the transaction to close before the end of the year. Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing man-made fibers, texturing machines, bulked continuous filament (BCF) systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and — as an engineering services provider — offers solutions along the textile value chain. The transaction is fully in-line with our strategy and follows previous acquisitions, where we complemented our portfolio in short-staple fiber machinery and expanded our foot-print in components and machinery for man-made fiber production. The acquisition will further enhance Rieter’s position in the important Asia-Pacific region and provide access to Barmag’s filament expertise, which will help to further scale Rieter’s own capabilities and improve digitization solutions and product sustainability. We are very proud to welcome Barmag to Rieter. We are convinced that this combination will form a market leader in the textile industry which will create value for our shareholders, customers, and employees. Rieter’s card C 81 features intelligent sensors. Forward-Looking Thoughts TW: Forward-looking questions are always difficult to ask a leader of a large publicly traded company, but what can you share about your views on the global textile industry? Oetterli: Spinning mills around the world struggle to recruit and retain skilled workers. This is part of a larger trend in manufacturing, which faces a severe labor shortage amid a changing workforce. Rieter’s automation technology enables mills to turn this crisis into opportunity by helping to ensure consistent yarn quality, higher output, and greater resource efficiency — thus improving the economic efficiency of spinning mills. Rieter’s fully automated piecing robot ROBOspin is a case in point: Each week in spinning mills across the globe, this pioneering machine pieces more than 1,000,000 yarn breaks, resulting in a reduction of about 2,000 working hours for operators. TW: What significant events do you think may alter the trajectory of the global textile industry in terms of growth, technology shifts and prevailing trends? Oetterli: Digitization is transforming production processes in every industry, driven by the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The potential for the spinning industry is huge and Rieter is working to achieve its vision of a fully digitized mill. ESSENTIAL — the Rieter Digital Spinning Suite — is a steppingstone toward the fully digitized mill as it provides spinning operations with real-time data streams and key performance indicators along with improvement suggestions for efficiency, production, energy, and quality. ESSENTIAL is a stepping stone toward the vision of a fully digitized spinning mill. TW: AI is the big buzzword of 2025. What is the reality of AI in the products/technologies Rieter is focused on? Oetterli: AI helps to minimize energy consumption and optimize raw material yield. Rieter is incorporating AI into existing machinery. A case in point is Rieter’s card C 81, which features intelligent sensors that set the carding gap to the ideal size and monitor contaminant content in real-time. TW: With many textile manufacturers raising concerns about climate change, how is Rieter helping customers close the loop? Oetterli: Rieter uses its technology expertise to offer a complete recycling spinning system for both ring and rotor spinning lines. This enables customers to spin fiber from used garments and textile waste into yarn, thus helping to close the loop in textiles. One highlight is Rieter’s recycling toolbox: It makes spinning fine ring yarns with high quality and a high share of recycled fibers possible. Each of the three tools in the toolbox contributes to another yarn quality criterion. Pre-carding cleans the recycled fibers perfectly before they enter the spinning process, combing removes very short fibers and compacting adds the finishing touch to the yarn. The editors of TW appreciate Thomas Oetterli’s candor and willingness to share Rieter’s vision. The take-away — according to Oetterli, is to look for “automated, digital, and smart” to lead developments in this essential sector. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#ExecutiveForum #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
A Conversation With AATCC ‘s Gregg Woodcock: From Curious Textile Student To Executive Director Gregg Woodcock The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Executive Director Gregg Woodcock discusses his personal textile journey, industry relationships and new leadership role at AATCC. By James M. Borneman, Editor In Chief In response to the World War I blockade of Germany, when the export of European dyes to the United states halted, 140 men gathered at the Engineer’s Club in Boston in 1921 and established the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). Its critical mission at that time was to develop standards for producing dye products consistently — which was urgently needed — and in doing so, the groundwork was laid for further development of test methods, evaluation procedures and literature that brought a semblance of order to the expanding dyeing and finishing industry. For many in the textile industry, AATCC is a trusted resource for standardized textile test methods, training, publications, and engagement with like-minded industry professionals. AATCC standards became the arbiter for how textile manufacturers met the specifications of products ordered by their clients. Imagine the newfound ability for client and manufacturer to converse, compare competitive sources, and have a “standard”by which to evaluate order fulfillment. Even today, when textile products are at the end of production, prior to shipping, or received by the next client downstream in the supply chain, AATCC standardized test methods provide a baseline that, technically and systematically, represent the product’s characteristics. Late last year, AATCC named Gregg Woodcock executive director of the association — an organization that has played a significant role in his life-long career in textiles. Woodcock’s experience ranges from earning his textile engineering degree in 1985 to his most recent role as senior manager, Product Quality/Safety at Hanesbrands Inc. Woodcock recently sat down with Textile World to share some of the challenges and insights gained throughout his textile career and how those experiences prepared him for his current responsibilities as AATCC executive director. TW: What attracted you to the textile industry? Woodcock: My father, Dr. Harry W. Woodcock, is a theoretical physicist who spent his entire career teaching at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (PCT&S) which is now Thomas Jefferson University. As the dependent of a college professor, I had the opportunity to not pay tuition to attend the college. As a curious student, following my junior year of high school I participated in a week-long summer textile camp at PCT&S, and I was hooked. The combination of zero tuition and the new-found interest in textiles led me to major in textile engineering. TW: How did your academic background — a degree in textile engineering as well as a master’s degree from the Institute of Textile Technology —impact your career in textiles? Woodcock: As with most college students, I thought I knew everything after receiving my undergraduate degree. I quickly learned in graduate school that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I’ve carried that lesson with me throughout my career in industry, and now at AATCC. Even after 60 years of living and learning, I learn new things every day. I spent the first decade of my career largely working in dyeing and finishing mills. My education made the work lessons easier to comprehend and work taught me a depth of knowledge that you can’t get from textbooks. The degrees also taught me the language of textiles. Having the language and the engineering perspective allowed me to problem solve with a larger group of coworkers than if I had studied something other than textiles. Since its inception, AATCC has published test methods, evaluation procedures and other literature. TW: What was your early career path like in textiles? Woodcock: Probably the most significant detail of my early career was change. Over the first 11 years, I built three houses across North Carolina, moving multiple times. A key lesson was to never burn bridges; you never know what the future holds. I left a particular dyeing and finishing mill, was gone for three years, and then came back in a higher-level position. By leaving the first time with the right attitude, I was welcomed back. And one of the people that worked with me at that mill today works at AATCC. TW: During your career, what impact did AATCC have on you, your work and your personal growth? Woodcock: Back in college, AATCC was a legendary organization; there was a real mystique about it. There were so many critically important test methods that came from AATCC. For a large chunk of my career, I was responsible for product quality, including testing; it was during this stage that my relationship with AATCC really took off. I joined AATCC as a member and became involved with multiple research committees and eventually became chair of RA88, Home Laundering Technology, which then led me to be a member of ECR — the Executive Committee on Research. These were excellent experiences that broadened my personal knowledge, benefited the company that I worked for, and helped me make new connections across the industry. Not long after my term on ECR ended, I became interested in growing my relationship with AATCC, examining different paths. Before anything concrete happened, the executive director role at AATCC opened up and here I am. TW: When you came on board as AATCC’s executive director, what surprised you the most about the association and was there anything you learned about AATCC that you didn’t know? Woodcock: Having been an active member for more than a dozen years, I knew about the comradery among the members. But I wasn’t fully aware of the staff at the AATCC Technical Center. They are an incredible group of people that do a tremendous amount of work for the association, often behind the scenes. They are highly talented and dedicated professionals. They feel like a “work family.” I “knew”of the AATCC Foundation, but I wasn’t fully aware of it. It’s an incredible part of AATCC that just does one thing: it gives money to students in pursuit of textile education. Each year, the foundation gives up to $132,000 in scholarships, fellowships, and research grants. Signing the checks for these gifts is the highlight of my year. I’m tremendously grateful for the generous members that have built the foundation, including Charles E. Gavin III, who was instrumental in founding the scholarship program and gave the first financial gift to the foundation. TW: Anything interesting that people may not know about AATCC? Woodcock: I know this might sound funny, but AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent, WOB – without optical brightener, is not made by the same company that makes the number one selling laundry detergent in the United States. I feel like I’ve been given the formula to Coca-Cola or Colonel Sander’s 11 herbs and spices. What really differentiates AATCC detergent is its consistency — it doesn’t change with the times. The same is NOT true for detergents sold at retail. Lab testing demands consistency over time and AATCC detergent delivers consistency. (left to right): AATCC Executive Director Gregg Woodcock; former executive vice president Diana Wyman, and John “Jack” Daniels, who was previously executive vice president for more than 20 years. TW: When you are asked,“What is the AATCC?” what is your response? Woodcock: I asked myself that question shortly after I arrived. I put a one-page document together to help me fully understand. Key points are: * A professional association of members, including professionals, students, and corporations; * Founded in 1921 to serve the global textile industry; * A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization; * Focuses on textile testing methods, standards, and education for the textile, apparel, and related industries; * Publishes the AATCC Technical Manual (Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures), which includes test methods widely used for textile quality control; * Publishes the AATCC Journal of Research, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The journal’s aim is to advance and disseminate knowledge in all areas pertinent to textile research; * Provides training, conferences, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field; and * Includes the AATCC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides scholar-ships, fellowships, and research grants to undergraduate and graduate students studying textiles in the United States. TW: AATCC has always been a gold standard for test methods and communication by way of the standards. What is the process like for developing standards, and how does AATCC understand the need for a new standard and develop a method to support it? Woodcock: From my earliest days at PCT&S, to today, AATCC really has been the gold standard for textile test methods. And the secret sauce to the process of developing new standards and supporting existing standards is our members. AATCC is made up a very diverse group of individuals that represent all facets of the textile supply chain. We have people that span the entire vertical, from fiber formation to textile manufacturing through cut/sew, to brands and retailers. Then there are academics and suppliers, who are absolutely critical to the long-term success of AATCC and the standards development process. AATCC has dozens of research committees, all made up of members. The research committees meet twice a year — in May and November —and work on new test methods and update existing test methods. Committee members are welcome to propose new test methods that will benefit the industry. Each committee is chaired by a member — not by AATCC staff — and each committee is made up of volunteer members of the association. And the best part is that the committee meetings are free-of-charge to attend, and — thanks to COVID — offer a hybrid option. TW: Education has always been an important part of AATCC, how has that evolved from when you were a student? How do you see it changing with the shifts in the textile industry? Woodcock: The biggest change in textile education over the last few decades has been the reduction in the number of colleges dedicated to textiles in the country. There are still plenty of schools to obtain a degree in textiles but only one school/college of textiles remains. Along with this change, the most common degrees have changed as well. There used to be a lot more textile chemists, textile engineers and textile technologists. Today, it’s textile/apparel design, textile/fashion merchandising, fashion management, and fashion and apparel studies, for example. This changes some of the scholarships that the AATCC Foundation offers; two of the more recent scholarships added to the annual offering are a Textile Design Scholarship and a Textile Merchandising Scholarship. A changing industry also impacts the educational classes that AATCC conducts; we now include a Mastering Textile Specifications workshop that is less technical than traditional offerings, but appeals more to designers, merchandisers, and product developers. Though we have “chemists and colorists” in our name, we are adapting to the changes in industry and academia. TW: Industry events and meetings have always been a large part of the organization. How are they structured today? Are certain types of meetings, conferences or digital options shifting in importance? Woodcock: Industry associations are an important part of every industry. Since COVID, corporate travel budgets have been under more pressure than ever. Remote options have a real place that should not be abandoned, but so does face-to-face human interaction. The relationships and camaraderie are enhanced by participating in industry events. Because of the stress on travel budgets, a collective of textile industry associations has been organized to help all the associations thrive. It’s called the Alphabet Soup Collective. It now includes 12 different organizations that meet regularly to discuss shared issues and seek out opportunities for collaboration. To further the collaboration, AATCC and SEAMS — the Association and Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry — are jointly hosting a fall meeting we are calling “Fabricating the Future. ”It will be held in Savannah, Ga., October 5-7, 2025. There is a tremendous amount of content packed into the event that will appeal to both textile and apparel experts, plus plenty of opportunity to network and expand horizons. TW: As executive director, what is your vision for AATCC and how is the vision impacted by the global textile industry? Woodcock: For more than 100 years, AATCC has been a consistent beacon of service to the textile industry. Though founded in the United States and knowing that the first word in our name is “American”, we have become and will continue to be more international. The AATCC Technical Manual is now the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures. In January 2025, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Textile Association of India (TAI). In August, I will participate in a signing ceremony for a Mutual Recognition Agreement with CTES, the China Textile Engineering Society. Today, the largest AATCC student chapter is in Pakistan — NED University in Karachi. AATCC represents the American textile industry, but definitely has a global focus. The textile industry today is global in scope and so is AATCC. Over time, things will change. People might say “that’s not your father’s AATCC;”and when that happens, I’ll know I’ve been successful. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#ExecutiveForum #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Andritz Supplies neXline Spunlace Line To Gesalife Hubei Gesalife Industry Co. Ltd., China, has successfully commissioned its first crosslapped configuration neXline spunlace production line from Austria-based ANDRITZ. Operational since late 2024, the line produces up to 1,000 kilograms per hour of spunlace roll goods, with crosslapper speeds of 130 meters per minute. The installation supports Gesalife’s expansion in wipes and hygiene product converting, aligning spunlace output with its existing capabilities. The company manufactures hygiene products, disposable medical supplies and protective equipment. Li Jun, chairman of Gesalife, said: “This new spunlace production line and the cooperation with Andritz marks a major leap forward for Gesalife. We look forward to leveraging this technology to support future innovation and growth.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#NonwovensTechnicalTextiles #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
CCI Obtains U.S. Air Force Funding For CF3D® Technology Continuous Composites (CCI), Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, has secured multi-million-dollar funding from the U.S. Air Force to advance high-temperature materials using its CF3D® technology. The first funding phase will establish baseline material properties for CF3D-produced components, while the second phase will expand to full-scale production and flight testing. CF3D enables automated manufacturing of continuous fiber composites in near-net shapes, offering precise control and scalability for high-performance applications. According to CCI, by integrating advanced materials fiber steering and automated manufacturing, CF3D enables the production of lightweight, high-performance structures with unmatched precision and scalability. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#NonwovensTechnicalTextiles #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
ALMA Installs New Dilo Systems Needling Line To expand its polypropylene fiber production Italy-based ALMA S.p.A., a floor coverings specialist, has installed a new nonwoven needling line from Germany-based Dilo Systems GmbH. The line serves ALMA’s markets in exhibition carpet, artificial grass, automotive interiors and domestic applications. The system includes DiloTemafa fiber blending and filtration system, DiloSpinnbau card feeding, state-of-the-art carding, high-speed crosslapping from DiloMachines, and 6-meter-wide needling with DI-LOOP for high-speed structuring, in addition to Industry 4.0 DI-Connect controls. According to ALMA, the line has been installed and started up in a smooth, straightforward way, synchronizing DILO’s team with ALMA’s operating and maintenance department. The launch provided a quick start-up and full production capacity. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#NonwovensTechnicalTextiles #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Freudenberg’s Enka® Solutions: A Unique Family Of 3D Nonwovens Enka Bio Carrier, made from renewable resources, is a sustainable carrier material for green roofs on urban buildings. Enka® Solutions technology has been meeting diverse needs since the late 1960s. TW Special Report Every once in a while, the textile industry throws a curve in a positive kind of way. Maybe walking through the aisles of a show or expo, or maybe thumbing through an industry related magazine, a product or technology genuinely causes an abrupt stop with a desire to investigate further, only to find that it now creates more wonder and curiosity. Thoughts of “what is that,” “what’s it used for,” “how did they actually manufacture it” and maybe even “how can it be used in some application” start pinging around. Freudenberg’s Enka® Solutions technology is one of those unique and versatile product lines that has the ability to create this type of reaction. Best described as a 3D nonwoven matrix structure generated from extruded polymeric filaments, Enka Solutions’ technology has been generating conversations and fulfilling various application needs since its development in the late 1960s. “It is a unique product technology with a virtually endless range of possibilities,” offered Audrey Sanders, business manager for Enka America. “The flexibility this technology provides to designers and engineers enables the creation of solutions for use in rather diverse market segments.” Enka Solutions’ products are being produced both as private label products and also to be sold direct to customers. Global manufacturing locations now include Asheville, N.C., Obernburg, Germany, and Changzhou, China. The list of market segments for this technology currently includes filtration, composites, building and construction, civil engineering, green roofing, and sports and recreation, with more segments and applications in development or under consideration on a daily basis. Enka’s Path To Present Day The Enka name and brand has a long and storied history globally as well as in the American textile industry. Enka is derived from the initials of the organization’s original founding company, the Netherlands-based firm Nederlandse Kunstzijdefabriek (N-K), which translates as Dutch Artificial Silk Factory, which was founded in 1911 in Arnhem. The American Enka Co. was established in Candler, N.C., just outside of Asheville, in 1928, providing N-K a base to expand into the growing American textile industry. It began as a manufacturer of rayon yarn before transitioning into producing nylon 6 in the 1950s. While N-K is no longer in business, the Enka name has carried on. After a succession of different corporate ownerships and name changes, Enka was acquired by Low and Bonar in the mid-2000s. The Germany-based Freudenberg Group then acquired the Low and Bonar assets in 2020 positioning the Enka products as a brand under the Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM) segment. According to Sanders, who has been with the company for more than 17 years and is happy that they are now part of FPM, “Freudenberg provides us with the stability and direction to invigorate, grow and build upon these technologies along with the freedom to make a deeper dive into our existing product offerings while also exploring new opportunities.” A variety of Enka® Solutions 3D nonwoven matrix products A Highly Adaptable Technology “It really is a highly engineerable and adaptable technology,” stated Lori Hascher, Enka Technology’s research and development manager. “We have the ability to alter most any parameter or characteristic in the material, including the mesh shape and structure, interaction of the extruded filaments, the polymer composition and physical characteristics as the application may require.” The 3D structures can be produced in thicknesses ranging from 1 millimeter (mm) — 1/32-inch — to more than 50 mm — approximately 2-inches — with void spaces of up to 95 percent. A selection of standard and customized shape profiles are available as the molds used in the 3D matrix manufacturing process are created in-house. Polymer options include polyamide, polypropylene and polyester with others always in consideration. “Numerous additives are available to improve parameters through the polymer compounders we work with,” Hascher added. In addition, the manufacturing process allows for the inclusion of “skins” applied to the face, back or both surfaces of the 3D matrix. These skins can be in the form of a nonwoven material, woven or knit fabrics and/or membranes to impart even more characteristics or functionalities towards the application’s requirements. EnkaSpacer is a high-performance flow medium for injection molding. Diverse And Growing List Of Applications Most 3D textile structures remain somewhat unique to the industry, but in general have gained acceptance in a number of technical and performance driven applications in countless facets of industry (See “3D Textiles: The Difference is Depth”, TW, July/August 2016). “It certainly can be challenging given the variety of applications this technology serves,” suggested Luca Quinones, product manager and inside sales. “One minute we’re speaking with a customer on soil stabilization and the next you might be discussing roof venting or spacer inclusion applications. It can make for interesting and varied conversations.” There are several examples of Enka 3D matrix products and applications that may not generally be considered traditional textile applications. * Building and Construction: — EnkaSonic is a family of products used as a cushioning layer installed between flooring — such as hardwoods, engineered wood flooring and tiles — and the sub-floor of the building, which is usually concrete. EnkaSonic’s formation acts as a cushioning layer for the flooring that also provides a level of sound control. According to Sanders, a new customer is currently using a variation of this product in a layered system being used to deaden the sometimes-annoying sounds coming from indoor and outdoor pickleball courts when in use. * Ventilation Systems: — EnkaExFlo is a unique construction designed to fold over the peak or ridge of a roof structure and allowing for proper ventilation along the ridge without letting unwanted moisture from rain or blowing snow to enter the ceiling structure. * Water Management: — Variations of the Enka technology can be used to improve water management from within or outside building structures to safely redirect and improve water drainage from roofs or areas subject to pooling. * Civil Engineering: — Erosion Control applications make use of Enka Solutions products as a protective layer for soil stabilization on slopes and embankments, waterways and shorelines. It can also be used to protect riverbanks, spillways and drainage areas from erosion caused by waterflow. Given its high level of void space, the 3D products can also help to establish vegetation in these applications. — EnkaDrain refers to a multi-functional material construction that provides a proven reliable alternative for earthwork drainage of embankments, dykes and slopes as well as for reinforced walls. Its high shear strength and pressure resistant design can help to minimize construction time and reduce the localized environmental impact. * Green and Blue Roofing Systems — Variations of the 3D matrix, generally with skins applied to one or both sides can be incorporated into green and blue roofing systems as a carrier for vegetation as well as to facilitate water management and mimic natural hydrology aiding in plant growth, easy harvesting and installation in rather unlikely environments. * Other Applications: Composites Manufacturing: — EnkaFusion and EnkaChannel are two products being used as aids for the manufacturing of molded composite parts using vacuum infusion and resin transfer molding processes. Both products are compatible with most commonly used resin systems. EnkaFusion is employed as a flow media that as the name implies encourages the quick and even spread of resin across the width and breadth of the part being molded resulting in more even and consistent infusion. While EnkaFusion is designed to spread the resin flow, EnkaChannel was created to specifically provide a channel for the resin to flow efficiently and more directly to specific targeted locations. It is available in two widths and generally used in conjunction with larger molded part sizes such as boat hulls and wind turbine blades. EnkaChannel is a resin feeder that can provide high and constant flow rates. It’s available in two widths and is often used when making larger molded parts such as boat hulls and wind turbine blades. Benefiting from the newly found stability as part of the Freudenberg Group, Sanders has been reevaluating the Enka business segments and market opportunities with a view towards the future. “We’ve learned from the building industry that it is really important to be developing and providing the precise tools for each business segment and its associated applications,” she said. “So, we’re working hard to add the right products into our portfolio. We want to be closer to the market and end user to make sure we’re developing the products optimized to meet those needs in North America and globally.” Given the broad diversity of potential applications for this technology and continued interest in those that create more wonder and curiosity, there is sure to be no short-age of viable opportunities for Sanders and her group to pursue. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#NonwovensTechnicalTextiles #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
2025 Quarterly Issue III The SILKERRY Collection from LILYSILK New York City-based LILYSILK recently introduced the SILKERRY Collection, an activewear line featuring the brand’s proprietary cotton and silk-enhanced terry fabric. Herculite Products Inc., Emigsville, Pa., reports it has achieved 1,000 days with zero lost-time incidents. Switzerland-based SANITIZED AG has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Germany-based Rudolf Holding SE & Co. KG, which is now the exclusive global distributor for Sanitized® textile additives. England-based Carrington Textiles has partnered with Germany-based Haartz® GmbH — a division of The Haartz Corp., Acton, Mass. — to bring laminated ProTact by Haartz fabrics to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The agreement expands Carrington’s existing military offerings. Cotton Incorporated’s new CottonWorks website Cotton Incorporated, Cary, N.C., recently launched a newly redesigned CottonWorks website. The fashion-forward platform targets global textile professionals across every stage of the value chain, and was built to support compliance, product development, sourcing and education. Switzerland-based bluesign® recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company has supported 25 years of cleaner, safer and more responsible manufacturing practices using its science-based, input stream management system to help eliminate harmful substances at the source of textile production. Tokyo-based Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. has introduced a next-generation stretch fabric comprising an extra-fine 3D structure with randomly sized crimps. According to Teijin Frontier, this lightweight construction offers elasticity, softness and a naturally uneven surface that offers fast drying and moisture wicking performance. Houston-based Orion S.A. has announced plans to discontinue carbon black production at three of its five facilities based in the Americas and EMEA to focus maintenance investments on higher-performing production lines and free cash flow. Trivantage® has added Hydrofend Soft to its offerings. Trivantage®, Burlington, N.C., has expanded its Hydrofend line with the addition of Hydrofend Soft, a fabric cover designed to protect delicate surfaces in marine and outdoor environments. Trivantage is now also offering Infinity Canopy® slide-on wire components for shade canopies. They are a quick and efficient way to build shades in outdoor spaces and allow for quick adjustments. Mission, New York City, has partnered with intimates brand Everviolet, San Anselmo, Calif., to launch the Cool Essential Collection. The four-piece, limited-edition capsule combines Mission’s cooling technology with Everviolet’s signature softness to deliver garments offer support, comfort and relief for women. Germany-based Berger Textiles has received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis for its Europe-based operations, which recognizes its consistent work to reduce its environmental impact across all areas of its operations. The achievement puts Berger Textiles in the top 1 percent of the more than 130,000 global companies that were assessed. Poland-based Harper Hygienics S.A. has launched Kindii Dermo Cotton wet wipes, made using 100-percent cotton and designed for sensitive baby skin. FUZE Technologies, Salt Lake City, Utah, has partnered with JLA Hospitality (JLA) — a division of JLA Home, Fremont, Calif. — to combine Fuze’s antimicrobial product with JLA’s hospitality textiles and accessories from textiles to bath and room items. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#BulletinBoard #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
REACH, Samsara Eco Partner Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialization Hub (REACH) has partnered with Samsara Eco, both based in Australia, to accelerate enzymatic recycling solutions for plastics and textiles. Samsara Eco’s AI-designed enzymes break down synthetic fibers such as nylon 6,6 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into monomers that can be rebuilt into virgin-quality materials, enabling true circularity. Deakin researchers are studying the impact of dyes, textile finishes, and coatings on fiber breakdown to refine recycling processes. “We are laser-focused on creating true circularity and that means finding a solve for all plastics,” said Paul Riley, founder and CEO of Samsara Eco. “Our research collab-oration with Deakin will support our efforts to recycle more waste at speed, scale and with precision.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#FiberWorld #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Universal Fibers®, Circular Building Solutions Partner Universal Fibers®, Bristol,Va., has partnered with England-based Circular Building Solutions to advance circular flooring systems. The collaboration combines Universal Fibers’ sustainable carpet yarns, including its Thrive® matter recycled nylon, with Circular Building Solutions’ adhesive-free, reversible fixing systems. These systems allow floor coverings to be securely installed and later lifted for reuse or recycling, supporting material circularity and reducing waste. Ian Spreadborough, co-founder of Circular Building Solutions, said: “A truly circular flooring solution must consider the total flooring assembly, from the sub-floor to the fixing mechanism to the individual materials within a floor covering such as the backing and yarn. We are proud to collaborate with Universal Fibers to promote how a holistic approach to flooring can deliver meaningful sustainability gains.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#FiberWorld #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Carbowave: Energy Efficiency In Carbon Fiber Production Energy-reduced low-pressure oven (All images courtesy of DITF) New processing technologies allow for microwave assisted decomposition of carbon fiber composites. TW Special Report A new technology uses microwaves and plasma heating to produce carbon fibers in an energy-efficient manner. This means high-strength composite materials can be produced more cheaply and efficiently. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) is part of the Carbowave research consortium, which aims to improve and commercialize microwave and plasma-induced carbonization. The combination of high strength and low weight makes carbon fibers almost indispensable in manufacturing modern lightweight products. Major industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy increasingly rely on high-strength carbon fiber composites. Stabilization furnace for the oxidation of PAN fibers. Despite their advantages, these materials are complex and energy-intensive to produce. Stabilization and carbonization of the fibers, which are often made from petroleum-based polyacrylonitrile (PAN), requires slow process control in high-temperature furnaces. Despite the considerable energy input, a low material yield is achieved due to the long dwell time in the ovens. A new process uses microwave and plasma heating to replace the traditional stabilization and carbonization process with energy-saving technology. With this technology, energy is only induced into the fibers locally, thereby minimizing energy loss. This process shortens the production time of carbon fibers, enabling higher production volumes with lower energy consumption. A Europe-based research consortium has joined forces under the name “Carbowave” to optimize and market the process. Its specific research objectives are to develop an optimal coating for PAN fibers that improves microwave adsorption, to develop a plasma heating system for the oxidative stabilization of PAN fibers, and to advance microwave and plasma technology for continuous processes. An airlock system of a low-pressure oven. DITF is responsible for implementing these processes in continuous production and on pilot lines in a plant. As part of the joint project, the central task of DITF is the stabilization of the precursor fibers with plasma technology. This involves combining plasma and low-pressure technology to reduce energy consumption in the stabilization process. In terms of the circular economy, the Carbowave project includes carbon fiber recycling. The new process technologies will allow for the microwave-assisted decomposition of carbon fiber composites (CFRP). The Carbowave research consortium provides a holistic approach that includes the production and recycling of modern lightweight materials. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#FiberWorld #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Blended Armor: From Monofiber To Multifiber Blended fibers can raise protection levels and also increase end-user confidence in multi-hazard protective applications. By Eve Lamb As workplace risks evolve, with potential injuries from sharp metal edges and abrasive surfaces to thermal hazards, traditional, single-fiber protective fabrics often fall short. Enter hybridization: the strategic blending of high-performance fibers like high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), tungsten, steel, glass and basalt. These hybrid constructions are now reshaping personal protection boundaries, delivering multi-hazard resistance while maintaining wearer comfort and mobility. From Monofiber To Multifiber: A Structural Shift For decades, personal protective equipment (PPE) relied on monofiber solutions: aramids for heat, HPPE for cut or steel for slash protection. Yet each fiber has limitations: HPPE degrades above 80°C1, and steel adds considerable weight. Today, performance demands are shifting toward multi-fiber blends, engineered to meet the stringent requirements of EN 388:2016 and ANSI/ISEA 105-20162,3. By combining fiber characteristics — tensile strength, rigidity, elasticity and thermal tolerance —engineers are tailoring protection profiles that meet or exceed the most demanding classifications. HPPE: The Lightweight Backbone HPPE remains the cornerstone of most cut-resistant fabrics because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which is up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight4. It provides core flexibility and breathability while anchoring the structure of hybrid yarns. Blends incorporating HPPE with glass, steel or tungsten leverage shock-absorbing capabilities, allowing stiffer fibers to act as deflection barriers. This synergy delivers superior protection without bulk. Glass & Basalt: Sharp Defense, Thermal Edge Glass fiber contributes high rigidity and puncture resistance, but its brittleness can hinder comfort. Basalt, a naturally derived volcanic fiber, is gaining traction as a heat- and chemically resistant alternative. Withstanding temperatures up to 982°C and offering smoother yarn handling, basalt is now a compelling substitute for glass or aramid blends5,6. Basalt’s lower flammability and improved chemical durability make it ideal for applications involving heat, corrosion or frequent abrasion. Metal Yarns: When Strength Demands Edge Metallic filaments, primarily stainless steel, have long enhanced cut-resistant gloves and garments. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 and a melting point of 3,422°C, tungsten microfilaments deliver extreme slash and puncture resistance in lightweight configurations7. When integrated into knitted HPPE or basalt blends, these metals help garments reach EN 388 Cut Level F and ANSI A7–A9, with minimal ergonomic compromise. Applications Beyond Gloves While gloves remain the most visible application, hybrid protective fabrics are expanding into new fields, including: * Riot control and public order suits — offering slash and puncture protection; * Protective uniforms for correctional and detention facility staff; * Every day, urban security apparel— discreet, slash-resistant garments for private security; * Bite-resistant garments for mental health and special education professionals; * Seclusion wear and protective clothing for high-risk patients; * Cut-resistant workwear for steel, glass and metal fabrication industries; * Abrasion-resistant sleeves and aprons for meat processing, butchery and food production; * Multi-threat garments for recycling and waste management workers handling sharp or abrasive materials; * Protective wear for automotive assembly and maintenance involving sharp components; * Slash- and cut-resistant sports apparel such as hockey socks, skating, skiing and fencing base layers; * Motorcycle base layers with integrated cut and impact abrasion protection; * Footwear reinforcements for extreme sports including climbing, trail running, skating and snow-boarding; * Protective underlayers for equestrian and contact sports; * Lightweight slash- and stab-resistant garments for civilian use in high-risk areas; * Travel wear and backpacks with integrated cut protection for anti-theft protection; * Tactical apparel for military or special operations; and * High-resistance gear for search and rescue or firefighting when paired with heat-resistant fibers. This growth reflects a shift toward wearable, ergonomic protection across industries where safety, movement, and aesthetics must coexist8, but also a sustainable angle, as garments and apparel will have an extended lifespan. Hybrid protective fabrics are expanding into new applications including back-packs with theft protection, motorcycle base layers and riot control gear. Yarn & Fabric Engineering: Protection By Design The behavior of blended fabrics is influenced not just by fiber selection but also by yarn construction — core-spun, wrapped or twisted — knit architecture — flat, warp or 3D — and surface treatments. For instance, a glass and HPPE core-spun yarn in a flat-knit structure feels soft and elastic until it meets a blade. The moment stress is applied, the rigid inner fibers engage delivering what is known as “engineered resistance”9. This con-trolled activation enables garments to remain wearable without compromising safety. The future of protective textiles lies in engineered blends that merge strength, flexibility, thermal control and comfort. By harnessing the complementary properties of HPPE, steel, tungsten, glass, and basalt, fabric developers are no longer forced to choose between durability and wearability, instead achieving both. As industries demand more agile, multi-threat protection, blended fiber technologies are poised to become the new standard, raising not just protection levels, but also end-user confidence. The Circularity Challenge Hybrid fabrics pose significant recycling challenges due to mixed fiber content. A fully circular model is still much needed, and sustainability is becoming a driving force in the research and development of advanced PPE. Ultimately, the goal is to move from a linear model, where protective garments are made, used and discarded, to a circular economy where materials are recovered, repurposed or regenerated with minimal waste. This will likely mean a shift from “forever” blends to thoughtful hybridization for technical textiles, balancing safety and sustain-ability without sacrificing performance. Blended protective fabrics are the future of protection, but without a circular focus, they risk becoming tomorrow’s ecological problem. As the industry embraces innovation in material science and sustainable design, the next generation of PPE should protect the wearer and respect the planet. --- References 1 DSM Protective Materials – HPPE Performance Characteristics 2 EN 388:2016 Standard for Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks 3 ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Cut Resistance Classification 4 High-Performance Fibres: Fundamentals and Applications, Woodhead Publishing 5 BFC Research Group – Basalt Industry Analysis, 2023 6Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Basalt-Fibre-Reinforced Composites, Elsevier, 2022 7 Refractory Metals Handbook – Properties of Tungsten and Its Alloys 8 EU-OSHA Guidelines on PPE and Worker Comfort 9 Textile Research Journal, 2021 – “Advanced Yarn Structures for Technical Textiles” --- Editor’s Note: Eve Lamb is a technical textile consultant with more than a decade of experience in protective fabric innovation, specializing in cut, abrasion, tear and puncture-resistant materials. She has supported strategic product launches and brand content development across PPE, defense, industrial, and sportswear sectors. --- 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#FiberWorld #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
LAIP Introduces MINI JET Italy-based dyeing machine manufacturer LAIP has introduced the MINI JET. Designed for in-house sampling, Mini Jet enables textile producers to move beyond traditional lab dips that test only a small quantity of fabric by direct dyeing of up to 20 meters per color. This allows real garment prototypes to be created, providing insight into both color accuracy and fabric performance under production conditions. According to LAIP, the machine ensures 100-percent dye reproducibility, with results transferable directly to industrial dyeing machines without recalibration. Mini Jet also offers shorter dyeing cycles, supporting more sample runs per day and faster development cycles. Industry 4.0 ready, it integrates with digital systems for remote monitoring, analytics, and process traceability. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
TEXTILCOLOR Acquires Schoeller Technologies TEXTILCOLOR AG, Switzerland, has acquired Schoeller Technologies AG from Switzerland-based Schoeller Textil AG, expanding its international presence and creating new capacity for textile and chemical solutions. Schoeller Technologies, known for licensing and marketing functional and protective textile innovations, will now be integrated into Textilcolor’s new “Brand Management”unit. Existing partnerships and technology marketing will continue under the Textilcolor identity. Hans Kohn, former Schoeller Technologies COO will lead the new Brand Management division. “The acquisition is a consistent milestone in our long-term growth strategy,”said Detlef Fischer, CEO, Textilcolor.“With Schoeller Technologies, we are not only gaining renowned technologies, but also a highly qualified team with unique expertise. We will continue to develop and refine the products manufactured to date in this partnership in order to continue to provide our customers with future-oriented and sustainable technologies.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Sparxell, Positive Materials Launch Bioinspired Ink Sparxell has launched a plant-based textile ink, which is available in matte and shimmer finishes. England-based color technology company Sparxell has partnered with Positive Materials to launch a plant-based, biodegradable structural color ink for textiles. According to the company, the ink uses engineered cellulose to create vibrant hues without toxic dyes, mined minerals or petroleum-based ingredients. The debut, available in a signature blue with matte and shimmer finishes, allows brands to integrate the technology through standard orders. Dr. Benjamin Droguet, co-founder and CEO of Sparxell, said: “This textile ink launch transforms how brands can access our breakthrough technology. For too long, the textile industry had no choice other than to accept that vibrant colors meant environmental damage. Sparxell’s bioinspired technology shatters that assumption, delivering exceptional results from plant-based cellulose.” The ink is now available through Positive Materials, with printed cotton jersey products featuring the ink set to enter European markets in September 2025. 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Preview
Archroma Launches Washing-Off Auxiliary The right side of the garment was treated with CYCLANON XC W e, while the left side was treated with other soaping agents. Switzerland-based Archroma has introduced CYCLANON® XC-W e, a washing-off auxiliary designed to improve color fastness and efficiency in cellulosic dyeing under high-electrolyte or hard water conditions. Conventional agents often fail to fully remove unfixed dye, leading to extra rinsing, uneven shades and potential quality rejections.The product enables shorter washing cycles, reducing water, energy, and chemical use while increasing throughput. Cyclanon XC-W e is part of Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ port-folio and meets current MRSL and RSL compliance standards. “With Cyclanon XC-W e, we are building on our proven trio-polymer platform to give mills a way to meet rising brand expectations for durable, high-quality casual wear with a lower environmental footprint — all at a cost profile comparable to conventional washing-off agents,” said Dhirendra Gautam, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma. Archroma also recently introduced a full redesigned website, located at achroma.com, aimed at improving the user experience while also encouraging sustainable choices.

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Livinguard Introduces Two-In-One Better Fresh Switzerland-based Livinguard Technologies has introduced Better Fresh, a textile treatment that combines odor control with reduced microfiber shedding. The solution can cut fiber fragmentation by up to 80 percent, extending product life and lowering environmental impact. Validated through internal and independent tests, the technology binds permanently to fibers, limiting chemical leaching and microplastic release while fitting into existing production processes. By merging odor control with fiber protection, brands can offset costs by replacing current odor-control finishes. “No solution is perfect — neither is this one,”said Dr. Alok Goel, Research and Development manager at Livinguard Technologies AG.“But this technology provides meaningful impact and it can be implemented today to complement ongoing efforts to mitigate microfiber shedding that are already ongoing. As a society we must act today and stop the bleeding.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0
Cupron® Launches Cupron Clear™ Cupron Performance Additives, Richmond,Va., has launched Cupron Clear, a transparent and stable liquid form of copper designed for microbial control across polymers, liquids and coatings. According to the company, the platform offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional additives like QUATs and isothiazolinones, many of which face regulatory scrutiny. Cupron Clear can be applied in industries including personal care, hygiene, construction, textiles, plastics, paints, adhesives and sealants. Discussions with global partners are underway to bring the product to market. “This new liquid copper platform addresses the frustrations for so many different industries and dramatically expands the applications that can enjoy the benefits of Cupron innovations,” said Cupron CEO Chris Andrews.“It’s the direct result of focused R&D and our belief that economic, safer, sustainable technologies should replace legacy materials that no longer meet regulatory or performance standards.” 2025 Quarterly Issue III

#DyeingPrintingFinishing #TextileWorld

0 0 0 0