United Composite Materials, LLC Selects Greenville County For First South Carolina Operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March 19, 2026 — United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials), an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer, today announced it selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation. The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

The company’s new site is located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer. United Composite Materials will use the property’s existing two facilities as specialized manufacturing plants to supply the North American sports and leisure composite markets with advanced carbon composite material.

Operations are expected to be online in July 2026. Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are excited to establish our first South Carolina manufacturing facility in Greenville County. This strategic investment allows us to be closer to our North American customers and leverage the region’s exceptional workforce. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Greer community.” -United Composite Materials, LLC CEO Yunho Cho

“From its site availability to its skilled workforce, South Carolina leads the way in advanced manufacturing. United Composite Materials’ $17.5 million investment in Greenville County reflects the business-friendly environment found in the Palmetto State.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“With the creation of 50 new jobs, United Composite Materials’ decision to establish operations in Greenville County is a win for our state. Economic development in key industries like advanced manufacturing supports South Carolina’s continued growth and success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are excited to welcome United Composite Materials, LLC to Greenville County and the city of Greer. This investment highlights the collaborative environment we have built to support business growth and reinforces Greenville County’s importance to South Carolina’s economy. We look forward to partnering with United Composite Materials as they grow and succeed here.” -Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials) selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
  • United Composite Materials is an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer.
  • The company will be located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Techtextil (Germany) 2026

WAKAYAMA, Japan — March 23, 2026 — Textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

The SWG®-XR WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles with higher productivity and wider range of patterning. There is great potential for WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in the field of technical textiles, where most items are produced by woven or circular- and warp-knitted textiles using specialized industrial materials that are in many instances very costly.

Textile production usually involves knitting or weaving a square sheet from which 2D shaped patterns are cut and sewn together to make the final product, during which precious material is wasted. In sharp contrast, the WHOLEGARMENT® knitting process can produce a complete item in 3D without the need for sewing or linking, and no material wasted. Through WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology, SHIMA SEIKI therefore offers a sustainable, economical and smarter alternative to current manufacturing processes for technical textiles. In addition,

WHOLEGARMENT® knitting can create partial compression and special shaping, and since it produces one product at a time, on-demand production for customized items such as for patient care in the medical field is possible. Furthermore, WHOLEGARMENT® has no seams, providing excellent fit, comfort and stretch characteristics that support a wide range of medical applications.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SES® -R next-generation shaping machine features an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system which expands its product range even further with unprecedented three-dimensional shaping capability. Combined with loop pressers and auto yarn carriers, it enhances performance in both inverse plating and inlay knitting for efficient knitting of diverse patterns that support various industries besides apparel, such as sports, automotive, and industrial materials.

SES®-R will be shown at Techtextil in 14 gauge with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to support production of larger items. Also on display will be examples of technical textiles using industrial materials produced with SWG®-XR, SES®-R and other SHIMA SEIKI technology.

In addition to machine technology, presentations will be made on SDS® KnitPaint-Online knit software, the proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Also demonstrated will be APEXFiz® subscription design software that supports the creative side from planning and design to realistic textile simulation and 3D virtual sampling of products.

Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be easily transferred to SDS® KnitPaint-Online for converting into machine data, digitally bridging the gap between design and production. APEXFiz® and SDS® KnitPaint-Online therefore help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the supply chain.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.

India’s Expanding Garment And Apparel Manufacturing Ecosystem To Come Together At Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, India — March 23, 2026 — As India’s textile and apparel industry continues to expand its global footprint while adapting to evolving manufacturing technologies and sustainability priorities, Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai incorporating the Denim Show will bring together the apparel and garment manufacturing value chain from 9 – 11 April 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for the machinery manufacturers, technology providers, fabric suppliers, textile printers and accessories suppliers to connect, explore innovations and strengthen business collaborations across the textile and garment manufacturing ecosystem.

*India’s textile and apparel sector – valued at nearly USD 179 billion, remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing around 2% to the GDP nearly 11% to manufacturing GVA and over 8% to exports while supporting the livelihoods of 45 million people across the value chain. Besides being the largest cultivator of cotton and producer of jute and silk, backed by rich legacy of India’s timeless textile designs, the country has set a precedent in also in manufacturing of manmade textile ecosystem. These reflect the scale, diversity and potential of India’s textile ecosystem.

Amidst this evolving industry backdrop Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai will bring together more than 125 companies participating at the show presenting solutions across apparel and garment manufacturing technologies, denim manufacturers, fabrics, trims, accessories and textile printing solutions. The event will feature participation from companies representing key textile technology markets including Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Visitors will have access to over 500 products and 300 brands along with some new participants at the show. The fair will see new products launches, expected during the show.

Exhibitor showcase will cover a wide range of technologies and solutions including garment and apparel machinery, textile processing machinery, textile printing machinery, digital printing technologies, yarn and knitting machinery, printing and dyeing equipment, automation and software, testing equipment, packaging and labelling solutions as well as fabrics, trims and accessories.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd expressed: “India’s textile industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by technological advancement, global sourcing opportunities and increasing emphasis on sustainability. Platforms such as Gartex Texprocess India play an important role in bringing together industry stakeholders to explore innovations, share knowledge and build partnerships that support the sector’s next phase of growth.”

Likewise, Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, shared: “The garment and textile manufacturing sector continues to evolve with growing demand for advanced machinery, efficient processing technologies and integrated supply chains. Through Gartex Texprocess India and it’s co-located shows, we aim to provide a focused platform for technology providers manufacturers and suppliers to engage with industry professionals and explore new business opportunities.”

Reflecting evolving manufacturing needs, this edition will also see expanded product categories such as knitting machinery and fusing technologies supporting efficiency and precision in garment production. The co-located shows will further highlight specialised industry segments. The Denim Show supported by the Denim Manufacturers Association will present innovations from denim mills, fabric producers, finishing and washing technology providers, dyes and chemicals suppliers and denim garment manufacturing machinery companies.

As sustainability and circularity become increasingly important across the global textile supply chains, exhibitors are also expected to highlight technologies aimed at improving resource efficiency, reducing water, energy consumption, enabling recycling and supporting environmentally responsible production processes. The trade fair will see participation from Indian brands like: Balaji Sewing Machine, Bekah, Benz Embroidery, Brother, DCC, Dollar, Epson, Fynd, HSW, Jack, Jaysynth, Lordi Mehala Machines, Mexum, National Fabricator, Om Satya, Optitex, Siruba, Stampit Robotai, V Design and many more prestigious brands. The Denim show in association with the Denim Manufacturers Association will showcase brands like: Ginni International, LNJ Denim, Oswal Denim, Siyaram’s, Syama Denims and many more.

In addition to the exhibition, the event will also feature knowledge-sharing sessions and industry discussions, bringing together experts and stakeholders to exchange insights across Gartex Talks and Denim Talks. The topics** will be around: From Data to Design: Turning Consumer Insights into Winning Products, Culture to Commerce, How Global Cultural Shifts Are Shaping the Next Fashion Trends, AI in Apparel Manufacturing: From Prediction to Production, Athleisure Evolution: When Performance Fabrics Go Mainstream, The Future of Garment Machinery: Speed, Precision & Sustainability, Towards Zero-Waste Textile Production: Innovations in Machinery & Technology, Digital Textile Printing: The Next Frontier of Customization and more.

The expo is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd.

*Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2222927&utm_source=chatgpt.com&reg=3&lang=2

**Please visit the show website for updates on the agenda. The topics &/ speakers are subject to change without prior notice

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India

Europe Must Reach A Tipping Point To Scale Textile-To-Textile Recycling, New BCG And Rehubs Report Finds

BRUSSELS — March 23, 2026 — A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and ReHubs, titled “Advancing Textile Circularity – Europe’s textile waste challenge: Scaling Textile-to-Textile requires enabling mechanisms”, highlights the urgent need for systemic action to tackle Europe’s growing textile waste and scale a circular textile economy.

The report establishes the first harmonized fact base on textile waste in Europe. It finds that Europe generates around 15.2 million tonnes of textile waste every year, including 13.3 million tonnes of post-consumer waste. However, only a small share of this waste is collected and sorted for recycling, leaving most textile waste outside recycling systems.

As a result, textile-to-textile recycling currently represents less than 1% of post-consumer textile waste in Europe. At the same time, waste volumes continue to rise rapidly. Without decisive action, Europe’s textile waste could reach the equivalent of around 80 football stadiums filled with discarded textiles every year by 2035.

The report shows that scaling textile-to-textile recycling is technically possible but requires reaching a critical tipping point of c. 2.7 million tonnes of recycling annually by 2035 to unlock economies of scale and make the ecosystem viable.

Reaching this milestone will require €8-11 billion in capital investment and €5-6.5 billion in recurring annual operating costs, as well as coordinated supply- and demand-side measures across the value chain.

The analysis also underlines that textile-to-textile recycled fibers represent a new product category with structurally higher processing costs. Under current market conditions, they cannot compete directly with incumbent recycled materials or virgin fibers without targeted enabling mechanisms and coordinated policy support.

Scaling textile circularity will therefore require coordinated collaboration across the entire value chain, from improved collection and sorting infrastructure to demand signals from brands and clear policy frameworks that support investment and innovation.

Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO at ReHubs commented:

“Europe has the opportunity to build a truly circular textile ecosystem, but it will require systemic change across the entire value chain. Textile-to-textile recycling is technically possible today, but scaling it requires coordinated action from industry, policymakers, and investors. Through collaboration across the value chain, ReHubs is helping to drive the transformation needed to build a circular textile economy in Europe.”

Nicolas Manuelli, Managing Director & Partner at BCG commented:

“This report shows that scaling textile-to-textile recycling in Europe is achievable, but it requires the right economic conditions. Textile-to-textile recycled fibers are a new product category with higher processing costs, meaning they will not scale without enabling mechanisms. Supply-side and demand-side measures, combined with appropriate financing tools and supportive trade and industrial policies, will be essential to unlock investment and accelerate the transition to a circular textile system.”

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: ReHubs / Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Trützschler At Techtextil (Germany) 2026: Future Ready Nonwovens And Fiber Processing Solutions

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — MARCH 19, 2026 — From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its future‑ready solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany.

At Booth C61 in Hall 12.0, Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase its latest developments for efficient nonwovens production, including comprehensive service and consulting solutions.

Highlights include the fully upgraded X‑Series nonwoven cards suitable for spunlace, needle‑punching and air‑through bonding (ATB) processes, as well as the T‑ONE digital working environment enhanced with new features.

Trützschler Card Clothing will complement the presentation with a new card wire designed with a specially engineered surface for high‑performance nonwoven applications. Visitors can also take a closer look at Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste, TRUECYCLED.

Trützschler Nonwovens: Shaping the future of nonwovens

T SUPREMA needle punching line in operation: Proven, flexible, efficient

The T-SUPREMA needle punching line has proven its performance in the market, with lines successfully operating at two customer sites since early this year. It demonstrates the exceptional versatility of needle-punched nonwovens, covering basis weights from below 50 gsm to above 2,000 gsm. New streamlined configurations featuring the compact NC-Xe card further reduce the footprint while ensuring high process stability and consistent product quality.

NC-X carding machinery in operation on a T-SUPREMA needle-punching line at a customer site—proven performance under real-world production conditions.

Beyond complete line solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase upgrades to its single machine portfolio, including the X-Series nonwovens cards (the high-speed card NCT-X, the versatile NC-X and the compact NC-Xe), the MPD high-performance dryer and the new compact AquaJet-X. These developments are designed to combine compact machine concepts with high operational reliability and outstanding performance.

At Techtextil 2026, Trützschler Nonwovens will also highlight its advanced ATB technology for hygiene applications. The process enables the reliable processing of ultra fine fibers down to 0.4 dtex, producing exceptionally soft nonwovens that meet the highest requirements for softness and performance in baby diaper applications.

T‑ONE, Trützschler Nonwovens’ digital working environment, serves as a powerful digital backbone for any nonwoven line. New enhancements include an energy management function for real‑time monitoring of electricity and gas consumption and CO₂ footprint calculation per time unit, roll or order, as well as camera‑based anomaly detection that identifies fiber migration and accumulations at an early stage. This helps to prevent unplanned downtime while improving process stability and production transparency.

With tailored modernization and development solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens supports manufacturers in optimizing existing installations and translating new product ideas into stable, industrial scale production. Application-specific consulting enables higher efficiency, increased output and longer service life – without compromising quality.

Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC): Next‑generation card clothing for demanding nonwovens applications

Visitors can experience top nonwovens performance with our high-efficiency card clothing. Our TCC experts will present our latest innovation: a new wire with special surface designed for Hygiene, Spunlace and ATB applications. It ensures cleaner operation, less contamination and reduced downtime – delivering maximum productivity for your line. More details will be revealed at the exhibition – don’t miss this opportunity to see it first hand.

Trützschler Spinning: TRUECYCLED – the complete solution for textile recycling

Visitors can also learn more about TRUECYCLED, Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste. It covers the complete process: from cutting and tearing textile waste to carding and drawing secondary fibers. Based on Trützschler’s technological recommendations and a Trützschler machinery line-up, it ensures the best possible quality of the end product.

Meet us in Frankfurt

Techtextil 2026 provides an ideal platform to exchange ideas with industry experts and explore practical solutions for today’s challenges in nonwovens manufacturing.

Our teams look forward to welcoming visitors at Hall 12.0, Booth C61 in Frankfurt 

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: The Trützschler Group SE

Former ASOS CEO Nick Beighton Joins Kornit Digital To Help Shape The Future Of On-Demand Fashion

ROSH-HA’AYIN, Israel — MARCH 19, 2026 — Kornit Digital LTD. (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global supplier of sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, today announced it has appointed Nick Beighton, former Chief Executive Officer of ASOS, as a strategic advisor to the Company and its Board of Directors.

His appointment reflects Kornit’s continued focus on strengthening its connection to global brands, retailers, and digital commerce platforms as the industry transitions toward on-demand production. The Company plans to nominate Mr. Beighton for election to the Board at Kornit’s 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting.

Nick Beighton

“Nick’s experience leading a digitally native global fashion platform gives him a powerful perspective on the realities brands and retailers face today around speed, agility, and capital efficiency,” said Ronen Samuel, Chief Executive Officer of Kornit Digital. “As the fashion industry moves toward more demand-driven production models, his insight will help Kornit strengthen its role in enabling the next generation of global supply chains.”

Nick Beighton commented, “Kornit sits at the center of one of the most important shifts happening in fashion today. The industry is moving from inventory-heavy supply chains toward more agile, demand-driven production models. The convergence of retail, manufacturing, and on-demand fulfillment is accelerating, and Kornit is uniquely positioned to enable this transformation.”

Having led ASOS through one of the most significant digital transformations in modern fashion retail, Mr. Beighton brings an exceptional track record in global fashion and e-commerce. Over a 12-year tenure with ASOS, he helped scale the business into a multi-billion-dollar global platform, navigating hyper-growth, supply chain complexity, omnichannel evolution, and the industry shift from inventory-based models toward more agile, demand-driven operations. His experience spans global fashion and apparel dynamics, digitally native supply‑chain innovation, and the convergence of retail and manufacturing, with a proven ability to lead organizations through structural change and disruption.

Mr. Beighton’s perspective comes from the demand side of the industry, shaped by decades leading retail and consumer-focused organizations. This experience complements Kornit’s existing Board composition and adds a valuable perspective on how global brands and digital platforms are rethinking supply chains, capital efficiency, and speed to market.

Mr. Beighton’s engagement will commence on April 1, 2026. Mr. Beighton will also participate in Kornit’s upcoming Konnections 2026 industry event, where global brands, manufacturers, and technology leaders will discuss the future of fashion production.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Kornit Digital LTD.

WACKER Expands Production Of Silicone Emulsions In India

MUNICH, Germany — MARCH 23, 2026 — WACKER has achieved yet another milestone in the expansion of its silicone capacities in India. A new production complex for manufacturing silicone emulsions went into operation at WACKER’s Panagarh site. The facility produces GMP-certified silicones for the cosmetics and personal care industries. The new plant will increase the Group’s silicone emulsion production capacities in India significantly. The expansion will create 60 new jobs at the site.

WACKER has successfully completed the second expansion phase at its production site in Panagarh, India. In addition to silicone rubber, the site now also operates a production complex (left) for silicone emulsions.

The goods manufactured at the 15,000-square-meter complex fully comply with the good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines of the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients EFfCI. “Our facilities in Panagarh are truly world-class and will produce top-quality, high-purity products which are in great demand, in particular in the cosmetics and personal care industries,” announced WACKER Executive Board member Christian Kirsten at the commissioning ceremony.

For WACKER, the personal care industry is one of the main pillars of its silicone business in India. WACKER’s fully consolidated joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC) is a leading supplier of silicone raw materials for cosmetic products, shampoos, and personal-care applications. In addition to local manufacturers, the company’s customer base also includes international consumer goods companies. “The demand for our silicone products remains unabated, and we expect to see further significant growth in India,” said Tom Koini, head of WACKER’s Silicones division. “By expanding our production in Panagarh, we are ideally positioned to meet this rising demand and to support the growth of our customers.”

WACKER began its silicones production in India in 1999. At the Amtala site near Kolkata, the company has been manufacturing silicone fluids, emulsions, and silicone rubber compounds among other silicone products. In 2022, WACKER began operations at its 165,000 square meter site in Panagarh. Here, the company has been producing silicone rubber and ready-to-use silicone compounds for the electromobility, medical technology, and electrical power supply industries.

Following the commissioning of the second expansion phase, WACKER’s Panagarh site now represents a second mainstay for producing silicone emulsions in India. Through further expansion measures, WACKER aims at making the site assume a leading role in the regional silicones supply chain. In future, Amtala – hitherto the hub of silicone fluids and emulsion production in India – will increasingly focus on product and process development. “The successful completion of the expansion work in Panagarh is key to our future success in India,” declared Sascha Büchel, Managing Director Wacker Metroark during the opening ceremony. “Our main site in Amtala has played an outstanding role. But Amtala is increasingly being stretched to its limits. Panagarh provides us the space, infrastructure, and flexibility we need to continue our success story in India.”

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Wacker Chemie AG

Eastman, SOS Mata Atlântica Renew Partnership To Advance Restoration In Brazil

KINGSPORT, Tenn.— MARCH 23, 2026 — Eastman announced a new phase of its collaboration with SOS Mata Atlântica, a Brazilian environmental nongovernmental organization, to advance restoration efforts in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Under the newly signed agreement, SOS Mata Atlântica will plant 11,000 native tree seedlings.

The seedlings will be planted during southeast Brazil’s rainy season (October to March) in areas within the Tietê river basin as well as the Paraíba do Sul river basin. This is the organization’s priority territory, where around 12 million people live. It plays a crucial role in water security, biodiversity and the well-being of local communities across the biome.

This initiative builds on Eastman’s 2022 collaboration with SOS Mata Atlântica and reflects the company’s continued commitment to responsible forestry and sustainable material solutions. The Tietê and Paraíba do Sul basins are among the most environmentally vulnerable in the Atlantic Forest, where decades of urban, industrial and agricultural pressure have reduced forest cover and degraded local ecosystems.

Restoration work will be carried out through SOS Mata Atlântica’s Forests of the Future program, which includes soil preparation, removing degrading factors that limit natural regeneration and planting a diverse mix of native species.

Each site will receive maintenance during the first two years and monitoring through year five to support long-term ecological recovery. These efforts will help reconnect forest fragments, strengthen ecological corridors and restore areas critical to water supply. The partnership will also contribute to economic activity within the restoration value chain.

“We’ve noticed that rural landowners who take part in the Forests of the Future program begin to look at this portion of their land — where the forest is growing — with a sense of responsibility and admiration,” said Ana Beatriz Liaffa, coordinator of the Forests of the Future program. “This is a major gain with strong potential for multiplication. Some of the trees planted during the first phase of the project in Bahia are already providing shade for the team caring for the site.”

The second phase is already being implemented in the interior of São Paulo and contributes significantly to stimulating the restoration economy in the territory. This engages nurseries and rural workers in expanding forest cover in the Atlantic Forest.

“The benefits go even further, as the municipality hosting the second phase has less than 10% of its territory covered by forests, making forest restoration crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and water resources,” Liaffa said.

The initiative is part of the UN’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a call for all parties to join forces in restoring nature.

Responsible forestry and the protection of natural landscapes are foundational to Eastman’s sustainability strategy. These principles also guide the Eastman Naia™ brand, which provides commercially viable, lower-impact fiber solutions for the textile industry. Naia™ sustainability commitments focus on mitigating climate impact, advancing circularity and caring for society.

This forest area is considered ancient and endangered by Canopy, an award-winning NGO dedicated to protecting the world’s forests, species and climate. As partners of the CanopyStyle initiative, the Naia™ portfolio has been awarded a Dark Green Shirt in the Hot Button Report for four consecutive years. This recognition highlights the brand’s commitment to forest conservation, sourcing risk reduction and supply chain transparency.

All Naia™ fibers are produced using responsibly sourced wood pulp and a closed-loop manufacturing system that recovers and reuses solvents. This helps minimize water use, resource consumption and overall environmental impact. Within this portfolio, Naia™ Renew cellulosic fibers represents a further step in advancing circular design. The fibers are made using 40% certified recycled content* and 60% wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. This reinforces the brand’s work to broaden responsible material options and support wider access to sustainable textiles.

*Naia™ Renew recycled content is achieved by allocation of recycled waste material using a GRS-certified mass balance process.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Eastman

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), The Organization Behind The Global Woolmark Brand Selected Bryan Fry As CEO

SYDNEY, Australia — MARCH 16, 2026 — Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the organization behind the global Woolmark brand, has announced Bryan Fry as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

AWI Chairman George Millington says the decision by the Board follows an extensive recruitment process.

Bryan Fry

“Bryan brings global leadership experience, most recently serving as Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, where he led large-scale international operations across multiple markets and premium brands.

His career is distinguished by a rare combination of hands-on agricultural experience as an agronomist alongside deep expertise in international marketing, brand development and commercial strategy. This unique blend of skills positions him strongly to lead the research, development and marketing organization for Australian woolgrowers, including AWI’s global Woolmark program.

Bryan’s background in agriculture, coupled with his proven global leadership and brand expertise, makes him exceptionally well suited to lead the organization.

I would also like to thank John Roberts for his outstanding leadership as CEO since October 2021. During his tenure, John has delivered strategic focus and strong performance for the organization and industry alike. John will work closely with Bryan to ensure a thorough and seamless handover, supporting continuity and ongoing momentum.”

Bryan Fry said he was looking forward to commencing the role and working closely with stakeholders across the industry.

“I am excited to join AWI and to help deliver better outcomes both on and off farm. Australian wool is by far the best natural fibre in the world and I am looking forward to playing my part in securing an even brighter future for woolgrowers and the wider industry.”

Posted: March 22, 2026

Source: Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) / Woolmark

Utility Bedding Manufacturer Live Comfortably Acquires Downlite

BOCA RATON — MARCH 17 2026 — Live Comfortably, North America’s largest utility bedding manufacturer, has acquired the home and hospitality business of rival Downlite. Downlite is well known for its strength as a major manufacturer of down, feather and high end down alternative pillows and comforters. It has a strong portfolio of leading industry brands including Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Tommy Bahama, Primaloft, Pendleton and Eddie Bower.

“Downlite is a great strategic fit for us,” stated Brian Cassady, Chief Executive Officer of Live Comfortably. “They have built strong relationships with multiple key retailers that are complimentary to ours. So, the combination of our two companies will significantly diversify our revenue base and provide significant growth at a time when bedding markets have been challenging. The acquisition will be immediately accretive to our earnings and will further solidify our position as the industry leader in utility bedding.”

“The Downlite founders, families and employees have spent decades building a highly respected, successful company”, said Joe Crawford Downlite CEO. “I am proud and grateful to have been part of the Downlite team for the last 6 years.   But when the opportunity to join Live Comfortably presented itself, the timing was right.  Combining Downlite’s brand expertise and focus on quality with Live Comfortably’s manufacturing prowess and substantial resources will create the premier utility bedding company in North America.”

“We are excited to welcome Downlite’s portfolio of brands, as well as key members of its commercial team, to Live Comfortably,” said Amy Price, Chief Commercial Officer. “This acquisition further strengthens our position as the industry leader in branded utility bedding products and a premier supplier to the hospitality sector. The combination is a strong strategic fit for our organization and aligns well with our long-term growth strategy, further accelerating our ability to expand our product portfolio, deepen customer relationships, and grow across key channels. We are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to build relationships with several specialty retailers who will be new partners for us.”

The acquisition is Live Comfortably’s first since it became a pure play utility bedding company with the divestiture of its fashion bedding and window and shower curtain business last year. At the time, management hinted that acquisitions might be part of its growth strategy. Indeed, the Company has a long history of acquisitions, dating back to 2013 when Hollander bought Louisville Sleep products. Since then, Live Comfortably and its predecessors have grown via seven acquisitions. Live Comfortably anticipates that selective acquisitions may continue to be part of its growth strategy.

Live Comfortably is acquiring Downlite’s pillow and mattress pad manufacturing operations, which are currently conducted in two factories in Ohio and North Carolina. Downlite will retain its feather and down processing business, including its processing facilities in Ohio and Canada, as well as it sourcing office in China, which serve customers in the outdoor and furniture markets.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Posted: March 22, 2026

Source: Live Comfortably

123...2,617Page 1 of 2,617

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.