The Wilson College of Textiles: Remembering Dr. Andre West

RALEIGH, NC — September 17, 2026 — The Wilson College of Textiles is mourning the loss of professor and former director of Zeis Textiles Extension, Andre West. A beloved colleague, mentor and friend whose creativity, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit left an enduring mark on the college and the people who knew him.

Throughout his career, West had a gift for seeing possibility — in ideas and, most importantly in people. He was known for bringing ideas to life and for creating opportunities for students and colleagues to step forward, take risks and receive recognition for their own work.

A Career in Textiles

West earned his B.S. in textile design from the University of Huddersfield in England. In 2009, he earned his Master of Fine Arts in visual arts from Miami International University of Art and Design followed by his Doctorate in Education in 2012.

For over 40 years, West worked in the textiles industry through fashion trend forecasting, fashion and textile design, manufacturing and retailing. He began his career in London, England as a trend forecaster and designer before moving to Florida. There, he had various professional experiences with places like the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week and the Knit Design Group, Inc.

His career eventually brought him to NC State in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, advancing to associate professor in 2019 and then full professor in 2024. In 2019, he was named director of the Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE).

Across those roles, West built a legacy that extended far beyond his own accomplishments. West built a legacy of service not only across the Wilson College and NC State communities, but also worldwide. He will be remembered by faculty and students as a champion for others’ success.

Research and Student Support

West’s research focused primarily on integrating technology into the textile and apparel industry.

He worked across disciplines, through apparel and fashion design, textile electronics, technical knit design and more. West also led several fashion shows when he was a professor, impacting and leading the creative minds of future designers and creators.

Ritika Shamdasani ’23, said West created an environment where students feel supported in every aspect of their academic growth.

He supported students outside of the classroom as well. By taking a holistic approach to his work, he established the Greater Good Textile Group, a student-led organization dedicated to sustainability and advocating for the ethical treatment of textile industry workers. He also helped form the Latinos Unidos en Textiles student organization and acted as the group’s faculty advisor.

West received several awards during his tenure, including international recognition for collaborating with researchers from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Entomology Department through the design and production of mosquito-resistent clothing with no harmful chemicals. The award he was most proud of, though, was the Textile Leader of the Year award he received in 2018, because he was nominated by the students.

He also focused on researching and developing sustainable materials. West explored the use of hemp as an alternative fiber for military and commercial clothing to lessen the impact of textiles on fast fashion and global warming.

West held multiple patents across his body of work, led several companies and developed commercially successful products.

Legacy at NC State

Under West’s leadership, the college made incredible progress in the growth and development of programs, research and entrepreneurship. One of the most visible pieces of West’s legacy can be found today in the W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory, which grew out of  West’s idea to create a prototype lab for ZTE. That early concept helped lay the groundwork for the newly opened Flex Factory, whose planning, design and expansion West helped champion..

Through fostering innovation and to showcase the emerging talents of Wilson students, West oversaw the development of the annual Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event. This mission connects textile entrepreneurs with the funding they need to turn their bold ideas into a real business.

Adaline Griffin, a Centennial Scholar, was West’s mentee in the college’s inaugural Pitch to the Pack entrepreneurial competition in 2024. Griffin said West pushed her to be better, do better and think better.

Under West’s leadership, the organizational restructuring of ZTE was successful while also optimizing revenue streams to drive long-term financial sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, West pivoted the manufacturing operations swiftly and repurposed machinery for the rapid production of critical personal protective equipment (PPE).

Amongst West’s multiple accomplishments and impacts on the college, he also secured highly competitive federal and international funding. Some highlights include prestigious grants from USAID, which succeeded in training more than 1000 people in northern Honduras to prepare them for jobs in the textile industry, the National Science Foundation (NSF Engines), where he led multiple projects focused on hemp and textile to textile circularity and the Department of Defense (DOD), developing products and building a manufacturing ecosystem to support military needs.

Remembered by Colleagues

Jeff Joines, associate dean for academic programs said West was one of the sincerest, kindest, most caring humans you will ever meet.

“He embodied the entrepreneurial spirit. He always had a million great ideas and, unlike others, made most of them happen. He just wanted to make people better and never cared about needing credit, just getting the idea to fruition. I will miss my friend and the many discussions we had about life, students, sports, and, of course, our bets on the Ryder Cup,” said Joines.

Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean Hinks said West was a true friend and wonderful colleague and will be deeply missed by the entire Wilson College community. West’s mentorship, generosity of time, encouragement and kindness will be cherished by undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.

“Andre was a tireless advocate for students regardless of their major and was one of the most collaborative colleagues who had the rare ability to combine fashion design with textile engineering and technology to create new innovations, patents and companies,” said Dean Hinks.

Melissa Sharp, interim director of Zeis Textiles Extension, said West was a “truly special human” and he “left an incredible legacy in the college, both physical and cultural, and in the students he mentored over his career.”

Sharp said West was an incredible mentor, and was the right balance of giving people the space to succeed and the right push when they needed it. West always had the energy of doing the hard work to bring new ideas to life, according to Sharp. Sharp spoke of his incredible career, leading up to his time and leadership at NC State with ZTE where she said West reshaped the program “significantly.”

“The pandemic hit just nine months into his tenure as director. He not only spent huge amounts of time making masks and facilitating others to help as well, but he also started to think about how to keep ZTE afloat at a time when businesses were turned on their heads and employees were mostly remote. So he started bringing grants into our unit and changed ZTE’s grant work from almost zero to now more than $1M per year.”

Sharp said West taught her about what servant leadership looked like, and was her ‘partner in crime’ for six years, becoming a dear friend and part of her family.

“I benefitted enormously through his mentorship and championship of me and the work I have led, and I watched him delight in doing this for his students and others in the college too. He genuinely cared about his students’ success and well being, going out of his way to make sure they were supported both academically and personally. I will miss his creative optimism, energy and friendship tremendously,” said Sharp.

West’s legacy can be seen throughout Wilson College in the facilities and programs he helped build, the research and partnerships he helped launch and the ideas he brought to life. But for the students, colleagues and friends who knew him, his most enduring legacy may be found in the people he believed in, encouraged and helped succeed.

West spent his career creating possibilities for others. The Wilson College community will continue to feel the impact of those possibilities for generations to come.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: NC STATE- Wilson College of Textiles

Spinnova Signs Letter Of Intent Regarding Potential Acquisition Of Tearfil And Related EUR 1.5 Million Bridge Loan Financing

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — September 17, 2026 — Spinnova Plc (“Spinnova” or the “company”), a materials technology company producing textile fibre from wood pulp and waste streams, has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Tearfil – Indústria Têxtil, S.A. (“Tearfil”) and its shareholders concerning a potential acquisition by Spinnova of all shares in Tearfil. Tearfil is a Portuguese yarn spinning company and a key development partner in Spinnova’s ecosystem.

The contemplated transaction would strengthen Spinnova’s position in the textile value chain by securing dedicated yarn development and spinning capabilities for SPINNOVA® fibre. The potential acquisition is intended to shorten development cycles, provide greater control over the conversion of SPINNOVA® fibre into customer-ready yarns and textile applications, and accelerate commercialisation with brand and supply chain partners.

“Tearfil has been an important partner for Spinnova, playing a key role in advancing SPINNOVA® fibre toward commercial applications,” said Janne Poranen, CEO of Spinnova. “Bringing these capabilities into Spinnova would strengthen our ability to support broader adoption of SPINNOVA® fibre and advance the commercial scaling of our technology”.

The letter of intent sets out the parties’ current understanding of the framework for the potential acquisition, including an initial purchase valuation of EUR 500,000 paid in cash and Spinnova’s shares for all shares in Tearfil. Except for certain provisions expressly stated to be binding, the letter of intent is non-binding and does not create an obligation for Spinnova to proceed with or complete the acquisition. The intended timeframe for completion of the potential acquisition is during Q1 2027.

Under the letter of intent, Spinnova contemplates providing Tearfil with EUR 1.5 million in bridge loan financing for the duration of Tearfil’s process for a special revitalisation proceeding (Processo Especial de Revitalização, “PER”) to restructure Tearfil’s current debts. PER is a Portuguese court-supervised restructuring process intended to enable a company in financial difficulty, but not yet insolvent, to negotiate and approve a recovery plan with its creditors while continuing its business operations.

The bridge loan arrangement remains subject to the parties executing definitive loan documentation and the fulfilment of applicable conditions. Spinnova expects to finalise the loan arrangement in the coming weeks and will inform the market accordingly. The loan would have an interest rate of 12-month EURIBOR + 2% and mature one year after payment. The loan agreement would also include early repayment triggers if Spinnova decides not to proceed with the acquisition. The bridge loan would be intended to support Tearfil’s working capital and ordinary-course operational needs during the PER process, subject to Spinnova’s approval. The loan is intended to benefit from available priority, protection and recoverability under applicable Portuguese insolvency and restructuring laws and from guarantees granted in favour of Spinnova.

Tearfil – Indústria Têxtil, S.A

The table presents Tearfil’s key financial figures as of 31 December 2024 and 2025. The liabilities presented in the table are expected to be addressed in the PER process described above, the outcome of which will depend on the negotiation of a recovery plan with creditors and approval by the competent Portuguese court.

EUR thousand 2025 2024
Turnover 8,572 12,941
Result -3,274 -448
Total fixed assets 6,625 3,493
Total equity 2,426 2,195
Total short-term liabilities 7,909 8,632
Total long-term liabilities 5,003 3,781

Completion of the contemplated acquisition remains subject to key conditions, including satisfactory due diligence, approval by Spinnova’s Board of Directors, final approval of Tearfil’s PER restructuring plan, agreement on definitive transaction documents, and other customary transaction protections satisfactory to Spinnova.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: Spinnova PLC

Polartec® And Vibram®  Bring Comfort And Performance To The New Crocs’ Tembo II RO

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 17, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and creator of the world’s first synthetic fleece, and Vibram®, a global leader in high-performance rubber soles, are two of the world’s leading ingredient brands for technical innovation and performance.

Together, they have teamed up with Crocs to launch the new Tembo II RO, a fall/winter-ready shoe designed for everyday exploration. The new model builds on the Tembo silhouette by combining Crocs’ unmistakable design language and its iconic Crocs Comfort™ construction with a Vibram® rubber outsole and a fleece bootie powered by Polartec® Micro Series. The result is a warmer, more rugged take on the Tembo, with a slimmer profile that brings the silhouette closer to that of a traditional sneaker.

By bringing Polartec’s proven Micro Series fleece technology into the new silhouette, Crocs ensures lightweight warmth and soft comfort in colder weather without compromising the distinctive look and feel of the Tembo.

The Vibram® rubber outsole delivers excellent grip and durability, with Vibram® XS TREK EVO providing a versatile technical compound engineered for stability, comfort, and reliable multi-surface traction in a range of conditions. Furthermore, the Polartec® bootie can be removed for easy cleaning and secured back into place with a nylon ladder system. The result is a winter-ready evolution that takes the archival silhouette into new territory while maintaining the comfort and versatility Crocs is known for.

Behind Crocs’ innovative approach to off-road footwear is its trust in Vibram to create a custom outsole designed for premium traction and durability, and in Polartec to deliver proven fleece performance that extends well beyond traditional apparel. Together, Crocs, Polartec and Vibram bring three distinct areas of expertise to the Tembo II RO: an iconic and unconventional design, trusted warmth and breathability, and dependable grip underfoot. The combination nets a versatile product designed to deliver all-day comfort and performance both inside and out.

The partnership also reflects an opportunity to extend the role of the Crocs and Vibram alliance beyond traditional outdoor applications. Building on the performance and versatility of the current product portfolio, the two brands see potential to serve additional environments, including the hospitality business, where comfort, durability, easy cleaning and reliable traction are increasingly important.

“Crocs has always approached design in its own unmistakable way, and that makes this partnership particularly exciting for Polartec,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “The Tembo II RO shows how trusted fleece performance can take on a completely different role when it is placed in the hands of a creative partner. We’re proud that Crocs chose Polartec® Micro Series to bring warmth and comfort to this new silhouette.”

©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company Brand

As A Bolder Era Of Design Takes Hold, Pantone Adds 224 Vibrant Shades To The Pantone Matching System™

CARLSTADT, N.J. — September 16, 2026 — Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, today introduced 224 new colors to the Pantone Matching System™ (PMS), expanding the library to nearly 9000 colors. The additions arrive at a turning point in design; as stark minimalism gives way to bold, unapologetic self-expression, the new colors answer a creative community hungry for more range, more saturation, and more feeling to bring to their designs.

The shift is already visible across the landscape. Designers and consumers alike are embracing emotion-driven color, bold pattern, and personality, a movement reflected in surging interest in maximalism and in the rise of joyful, mood-boosting color across fashion, interiors, product, and graphic design. Today’s interpretation of maximalism and the feeling of “more” is intentional. Rather than a chaotic mix of colors, designers are carefully curating every color for the feeling and world it creates for their audience. As a result, color consistency and accuracy has never been more important to properly display that intention.

Built to serve graphic and product designers, brands, printers, converters, and ink manufacturers, the new colors are engineered for real-world production. Available in both coated and uncoated paper stock, they deliver the stability, consistency, and reproducibility that allow a color to travel accurately from the screen to a shelf, bridging physical and digital mediums so teams can specify with confidence across today’s product and packaging needs and ensuring the final product is as intended. Reflecting these evolving design trends, the additions help designers stay ahead of the curve while producing more relevant, reproducible options for today’s modern workflows and consumer trends.

To develop the collection, the Pantone Color Institute™ and Pantone’s group of color scientists worked together to leverage their respective cultural forecasting and technical color science expertise to identify, curate and integrate the new colors into the PMS. The resulting additions complement the current system with more range while simultaneously tapping into the future of trend and color.

The 224 new colors are available now across the iconic Pantone Formula Guide, Color Bridge, and Solid Chips Set, with the new colors also offered as a supplement for the Pantone Formula Guide, Color Bridge and Solid Chips Pages for a limited time so existing customers can refresh their collections. The range is also available digitally through Pantone Connect and the Pantone Connect Extension for Adobe Creative Cloud, supporting faster exploration, sharing, and specifying directly within designers’ existing workflows.

A Fuller Spectrum of Dynamic Color

The new colors were curated to further deepen every family in the system. The reds are augmented with full-bodied, pink-infused tones that add potency and strength, while the pinks range from tender, romantic rose to the playful and capricious. New oranges spring from three different worlds: the vibrant and floral, the organic and fruity, and the earth-inspired; and the yellows move from earthy and musky to peppery and citrusy, a flavorful, culinary range made to tempt the senses.

On the cooler and deeper end, the new greens are fresh, functional, and restorative, reflecting a desire for harmony with the natural world; the blues expand into the pure, expansive, and meditative, bridging nature and technological innovation; and the purples answer a growing appetite for glamour, from muted and dusky to moody and magnetic. Grounding the collection, new browns, taupes, and neutrals feel natural and honest, while chameleon-like grays lend a quiet, versatile power that supports and contrasts in equal measure.

Four Palettes to Inspire

Beyond the individual colors, Pantone has translated their trend research into four ready-made palettes that show how the new shades come together. Each is a starting point designed to direct and inspire, showcasing how this bold color trend is manifesting into distinct color stories.

  • Desire for Pleasure: Sickly sweet colors as a playful indulgence, evoking flavors of ripe fruit and spun sugar. A pair of playful pinks is elevated by the freshness of aquatic blue and pistachio green, each hue enhancing the other’s charm to create a dream-like, uplifting experience. (PANTONE 6288 C, PANTONE 6261 C, PANTONE 6206 C, PANTONE 6375 C, PANTONE 6414 C)
  • Desire for Exquisite: Inspired by opulent blooms and ripened fruits, a sophisticated palette of saturated color that celebrates the elaborate and the elegant. Chocolate and grape are energized and warmed by a nurturing peach and a pair of hot hues—a deep red and a vibrant orange—creating a rich contrast of light and dark. (PANTONE 6259 C, PANTONE 6322 C, PANTONE 6441 C, PANTONE 6294 C, PANTONE 6268 C)
  • Oxygenating: A vibrant palette drawn from nature’s most brilliant hues—golden amber, neon citrus green, and lush botanical greens. Rooted in organic materials and living ecosystems, these colors embody energy, oxygenation, and transformation, reflecting the restorative power of the natural world. (PANTONE 6406 C, PANTONE 6427 C, PANTONE 6225 C, PANTONE 6421 C, PANTONE 6402 C)
  • Beyond Boundaries: A family of color that has escaped the rules—buoyant aqua, powdery lavender, magical purple, lime green, and creamy beige. At once nostalgic and forward-looking, playful and scientific, these retro-yet-futuristic hues give designers free rein for creativity and fun. (PANTONE 6373 C, PANTONE 6309 C, PANTONE 6327 C, PANTONE 6423 C, PANTONE 6428 C)

“Designers and brands are embracing color as a form of confidence and bold expression, focusing on the way it makes their audiences feel. The new colors expand the expressive range of the entire system, adding to this trend of bold feeling and excitement. We hope this serves as a tool of inspiration and helps designers find even more range in the Pantone Matching System to bring their ideas to life,” said Cindy Cooperman, General Manager & Vice President, Pantone.

Real-World Workflows with Draplin Design Co.

That combination of expression and precision is exactly what drew renowned graphic designer Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co. to being the first designer to put the new palettes to work. Oregon-based Draplin, whose work spans brands and artists from Nike, Hot Wheels, and Patagonia to Pearl Jam, Tenacious D, and Chris Stapleton, has built a career on his bold, fearless use of color.

“It’s great to step out of your comfort zone. I’m still trying new things every day, chasing new techniques, typefaces and, lately, exploring new colors in my work,“ says Aaron. “Working with Pantone’s new colors really pushed me to flip the script and discover combinations that I just hadn’t arrived at on my own. And once you let go, everything loosens up and that’s where the fun begins—I’m roaming around in fresh, new territory and loving it!”

For more information, to see how Draplin integrates the new colors into his workflow or see the behind-the-scenes journey from first inspiration to finished, reproducible work, visit Pantone online at pantone.com.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: Pantone LLC

Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 Draws To A Close, Weaving Sustainable Innovation Into Global Sourcing

SHANGHAI — September 18, 2026 — Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 concluded with approximately 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, connecting with nearly 22,000 visitors from 110 represented markets, bringing the textile industry’s evolving material agenda into sharper focus.

Nearly 22,000 visitors gathered at Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 to explore global yarn and fibre innovations.
(Photo: Messe Frankfurt)

Held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC and PH Value, the fair connected upstream fibre and yarn innovation with fabric development, garment production and fashion-market demand.

Its broad product offering enabled buyers to assess recycled, bio-based and regenerated fibres alongside performance-led solutions, demonstrating how responsible choices can meet practical requirements across textile applications. Industry players from across the textile spectrum made new business connections, supporting cross-border sourcing dialogue and the commercialisation of innovation.

Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “This edition showed that sustainability and performance are no longer separate product categories; buyers increasingly expect credible solutions that deliver both. By bringing material innovators, processors, spinners, brands and downstream buyers together face to face, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 has turned shared priorities into practical discussions and tangible business outcomes. We are pleased that through this exchange, our platform is helping to create new commercial partnerships across a more responsive textile value chain.”

Where circularity, bio-based inputs and performance converge

From plant-based polyester to recycled PET and regenerated fibres, exhibitors showed that lower-impact solutions can still deliver performance, aesthetics and traceability. Notable displays included the 100% recycled PET deja™ range (Indorama Ventures – Thailand), plant-based polyester and NANODESIGN® technology (Toray Industries – Japan), and traceable recycled metallic yarns (The Lurex Company – UK). Complementing these international offerings, domestic exhibitor Hangzhou Benma Chemfibre and Spinning presented regenerated polyester made from PET bottles and textile scrap, widening recycled materials options for fashion, activewear, home textiles and nonwovens.

The returning Uzbekistan Pavilion, comprising eight exhibitors, highlighted the country’s vertically integrated cotton-textile sector, from domestic cultivation to weaving and garment production. Elsewhere, exhibitors illustrated the cross-border networks behind today’s supply chains: Vietnam’s Importeer International supplied imported cotton from Australia, Brazil, India and the US alongside virgin and recycled synthetics, while Egyptian Co For Flax And Its Products showcased local flax processed into fibres and yarns for export.

Together, the wide range on offer enabled buyers to evaluate origin, processing capabilities and sustainability credentials directly, supporting more informed sourcing decisions – as did the fair’s fringe programme. Organised by the China Chemical Fibre Association, the Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends Display Zone presented more than 300 new fibre and yarn samples. Meanwhile, the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Activities explored four themes, including temperature-regulating fibre innovation and resource recycling and reuse, highlighting sustainable material development, greener production and next-generation applications.

Exhibitors’ experiences

“It is very good to be back at this show. Lurex is a globally registered brand, and we are presenting our range of metallic and special-effect yarns, including 100% recycled Lurex yarns. We have already met potential new customers here, as well as existing customers from various markets. The fair allows buyers to experience the handle and softness of our specialised yarns directly, which is particularly important. It has been a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the industry and introduce our products to the market.”  – Ms Sally Bugg, Commercial Director, Lurex Company, UK

“This is our first time exhibiting at Yarn Expo Autumn. We are a flax manufacturer offering a range of 100% flax products, from flax planting through to spinning materials. The fair has presented an efficient opportunity to meet buyers and industry contacts from China and other international markets in one place. In particular, we have met many visitors from Pakistan, a market where we had not previously had many opportunities to connect. Participating also gives us useful feedback on what buyers are looking for, including certification requirements and market trends.”  – Ms Rania El Nouehi, Export manager, Egyptian Co For Flax And Its Products, Egypt

“This is one of the yarn industry’s largest and most important fairs, and particularly valuable to us as China is one of our key markets. We are seeing growing interest from buyers in our sustainable products, including recycled polyester, regenerative cotton and organic cotton yarns, and they are excited to explore these newer developments. The fair gives us a valuable platform to present these products, understand changing market needs and develop new potential business relationships. We are always happy with the results and look forward to returning next year.”  – Mr Neeraj Gupta, Head of Exports, PT. Indo-Rama Synthetics Tbk, Indonesia

Visitors’ comments

“I return to Yarn Expo Autumn every year because I consistently find the products I need. Our company sources products such as DTY, nylon, polyester fibre, cotton yarn and other textile products for markets including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Peru. More than 50 of our suppliers exhibit here, making it an important annual opportunity to meet them face to face, maintain our business relationships and review products directly. I consider this the most organised exhibition I have visited. This is why it remains an essential sourcing platform for our business each year.” – Mr Adrian Rios, Owner, Rios Trading Import and Export Co Ltd, Brazil

“Our trading company sources TC yarns, 100% cotton yarns and more for the Pakistani and Canadian markets. The fair offers a very wide selection, with exhibitors from different countries, and I have met many good suppliers here. Sustainability is also an important part of our sourcing, and we have found recycled-polyester yarn suppliers with GRS certification at the fair. This gives us access to both the conventional and recycled yarn products we are looking for. I believe there are opportunities to develop business with the suppliers we have met, and we would definitely consider returning.” – Mr Ebrahim Shakoor, Sales Manager, Peachbelt International, Pakistan

“As a garments manufacturer with knitting, dyeing and garment facilities, we consume mainly cotton yarn, with 95% of our consumption already in sustainable products such as BCI, organic, recycled and other certified fibres. The fair showcases a very good selection of eco-friendly products and sustainability trends. Our R&D and fabric development teams are visiting different booths to search for new products and innovations, which we can develop for future collections. We have learned new things about the industry and found valuable suppliers here.”  – Mr Mahedi Hassan, Deputy Manager (Sourcing & Material Sustainability), MASCO, Bangladesh

Yarn Expo Autumn was held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. The four fairs brought the fibre and yarn, apparel fabrics and accessories, fashion, and knitted garments industries together under one roof, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.

Yarn Expo Autumn is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. For further information, please visit: www.yarn-expo-autumn.com.

The upcoming edition of Yarn Expo Spring will be held from 10 – 12 March 2027.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

ITMF Announces International Collaboration Award 2026 Winners

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — September 18, 2026 — The winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2026 will present their project at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2026 which will be held from 14 – 15 October 2026 in Fortaleza, Brazil and will be co-hosted by ABIT (Brazilian Textile & Apparel Industry Association).

The objectives of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards are to recognize progress in the area of international collaboration in the textile industry according to the values of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 2 winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Award 2026 are (in alphabetical order):

  • HeiQ & Archroma: www.heiq.com/ and www.archroma.com/
    • Project: Alone we Innovate. Together we Scale
  • Lenzing & Armedangels: www.lenzing.com/ and www.armedangels.com/en-eu
    • Project: The Power of Collaboration: Driving Innovation for a More Sustainable Textile Industry

For more information about ITMF click HERE or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

AAFA Continues Challenge Against SB-707 PRO Selection Despite Injunction Denial

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 18, 2026 — Following the Sacramento Superior Court’s denial of its motion for a preliminary injunction, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is announcing that it will continue to pursue its complaint in American Apparel & Footwear Association, Inc. v. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, to ensure the statutory requirements of California SB-707 are met.

A statement from AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar:

Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

“We are disappointed by the court’s decision to deny our motion for a preliminary injunction, allowing the producer responsibility program to proceed through critical early implementation steps without first meeting the statutory requirements established in law. AAFA invested significant time and expertise in helping shape SB-707 into a practical and implementable framework designed to accelerate the development of a circular textile system in California through a cost-effective and collaborative approach.

That goal remains our priority. To that end, we will continue to pursue our complaint and advocate for a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that complies with the law and reflects the full breadth of the industry it serves. Specifically, the law requires a PRO that is: (1) formed and governed by producers, (2) led by a diverse Board of Directors that represents the full scale and scope of the textile and apparel industry, (3) organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit without profit motivation, and (4) supported by strong financial oversight and controls.

California’s textile circularity goals can only be achieved through a program that is both effective and legally compliant. Regrettably, what we have today is nowhere near that. Instead, CalRecycle chose a for-profit company, which has been allowed to operate under the guise of a 501(c)(3), setting its own budget, setting its own fees, and running a program with unclear industry input or financial oversight. If we get this wrong, not only do we jeopardize the success of California’s textile EPR program; we jeopardize the future of sustainable fashion everywhere. Therefore, we will continue to pursue all efforts, including this litigation to put California’s textile EPR program back on the track it deserves, and which was statutorily required, to achieve success. ”

Posted: September 19, 2026

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Bally Ribbon Mills To Showcase Award-Winning 3-D Woven Composite Technologies At CAMX 2026

BALLY, Pa. — September 10, 2026 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, will showcase its high-quality, high-performance products at CAMX 2026, that will take place on September 21–24, 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. BRM experts were on hand in booth K46 to discuss the company’s 3-D woven joints, thermal protection systems (TPS), and other 3-D structures.

BRM was named a 2016 JEC Innovation Award winner in the Space category, recognizing the company’s contributions to advanced composite technology for space-related applications. The award underscores BRM’s longstanding expertise in developing engineered woven solutions that help meet critical performance requirements while supporting lightweight, efficient composite structures.

Using 3-D continuous weaving, BRM creates new joint structures and improves existing designs. The company’s 3-D woven joints are available in Pi (π), double-T, H, and other complex net shapes. Designed to deliver strength, durability, and structural integrity, these woven shapes can help reduce component weight and cost without sacrificing performance.

Because reinforcement is integrated throughout all three dimensions of the weave, BRM’s 3-D woven structures support load paths across joined substructures. The architecture of each woven shape can be tailored to the needs of the overall structure and its individual components.

BRM’s 3D woven composites are also well suited for aerospace thermal protection systems. These mission-critical components are used in demanding heat-shield applications, including space exploration vehicles. By varying yarn types, density, thickness, width, and resin systems, BRM can develop customizable woven composite solutions for specific thermal and structural requirements.

In partnership with NASA, BRM developed 3D Orthogonally woven 3DMAT Quartz Material for Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle compression pads. The material was named the 2023 NASA Government Invention of the Year. BRM’s work with NASA demonstrates the value of collaboration between the agency and American small businesses with specialized technical capabilities that support current and future exploration efforts.

Beyond thermal protection applications, BRM’s 3-D woven components can support aircraft engine and other structural applications. Replacing traditional metallic parts with woven carbon fiber composite structures can reduce weight and lifecycle costs while meeting stringent manufacturing and performance requirements.

Visit Bally Ribbon Mills in booth K46 at CAMX 2026 to learn more about its 3-D woven composite capabilities and award-winning solutions for aerospace, defense, and other advanced applications.

For more information, visit www.ballyribbon.com.

Posted: September 15, 2026

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills

Archroma And Lameirinho Partner In Pioneering Deployment Of InOneGo Single-Step Dyeing

PRATTELN, Switzerland — September 14, 2026 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, and Lameirinho, a leading home textiles manufacturer based in Portugal, are collaborating to bring InOneGO by Archroma, a new single-step dyeing process, into commercial production. Lameirinho’s first InOneGo bedlinens collection is now available worldwide.

Archroma and Lameirinho partner in pioneering deployment of InOneGO single-step dyeing.
(Photo: Archroma)

InOneGO by Archroma is an innovative continuous dyeing process that combines coloration, fixation and softening into a single pad-dry application step.

“This new InOneGO by Archroma process enables Lameirinho to achieve a wide range of shades and effects – including authentic indigo denim looks, wash-down effects and vintage-inspired finishes – bringing depth, character and a contemporary aesthetic to home textiles. At the same time, it simplifies the dyeing process by reducing the number of processing steps, and decreases resource consumption,” said Jorge Leitão, Innovation and Development Manager at Lameirinho.

Developed for woven cellulosic textiles, including denim and fashion wear, as well as home textiles, InOneGO is compatible with Archroma’s advanced sulfur dyestuffs: the DIRESUL® RDT range of pre-reduced low-sulfur liquid dyes, and the EarthColors® and FiberColors® biomass-based sulfur dyes. This gives mills and brands a lower-impact way to produce wash-down effects, without compromising on fastness or shade range across earthy tones, deep blues and dark blacks.

“Achieving the washed-down look conventionally requires multiple washes, with extra water and energy needed at each stage. InOneGO is a genuine structural innovation. It delivers that same distressed character in a single step, with no trade-off in fastness – even after wash-down,” Julio Perales, Technical & Product Segment Manager, Archroma Textile Effects, said.

Impact assessments using Archroma’s ONE WAY Impact Calculator show substantial environmental benefits when using InOneGO by Archroma with DIRESUL® RDT for woven fabrics, including denim and jacquard. The tests included the addition of easy wash-down effect finishing, benchmarked against conventional cold pad-batch reactive dyeing with pigment top-dye finish. Key results include up to:

  • 81% less process time
  • 97% less water consumption
  • 65% less energy consumption
  • 75% less CO2 emissions

The InOneGO by Archroma process runs on Stenter and Thermosol lines, and performance finishes can be applied in a second step.

Posted: September 15, 2026

Source: Archroma

Nonwovenn And CorpAcq Initiate Acquisition Strategy In Specialist Materials

BRIDGWATER, England — September 15, 2026 — Nonwovenn and CorpAcq have announced the formation of a corporate vehicle, named Technical Materials Group (TMG), to spearhead an ambitious growth and acquisition strategy. Experienced M&A practitioner, Keith Pickering, has also been appointed as Head of Acquisitions to lead the initiative

Following the partnership transaction completed between Nonwovenn and CorpAcq (a TDR Capital portfolio company) in December 2025, the businesses have established TMG as the corporate vehicle to create an international specialist materials business.

Keith Pickering

TMG will focus on acquiring businesses in the UK, Europe and North America manufacturing IP rich products and specialist materials, such as highly engineered textiles, films, composites, ceramics and laminated products.

Keith joins the business as a highly experienced M&A practitioner, having completed over 120 transactions in a 30-year advisory career. This included jointly founding Catalyst Corporate Finance in 1998, subsequently selling the business to Alantra Partners SA in 2017. Keith retired from the Alantra partnership at the end of 2025.

Commenting on the new role, Keith Pickering said: “I am very enthused about the opportunity of working with the Nonwovenn and CorpAcq teams to build out a dedicated technical materials vertical within the CorpAcq portfolio. We already have a number of live discussions with potential acquisition targets and I am confident that, with the highly experienced Nonwovenn management team, the significant financial backing of TDR Capital and the competitive and flexible deal structures we can offer company owners, we can build a highly strategic group achieving revenues of £300m plus over the next three years.”

David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn
Picture by Roger Moody / Guzelian

David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn, added: “We are experiencing an incredibly exciting time at Nonwovenn, achieving record organic growth and profitability. Using this as the platform to acquire a broader range of specialist materials businesses has long been my plan and the transaction with CorpAcq and TDR allows me to bring this to fruition. To be able to welcome someone with Keith’s calibre to the team just shows how high our aspirations are.”

Technical Materials Group is focused on the acquisition of niche, high margin technical material businesses, especially those with a broad international sales footprint, manufacturing critical material and components, and with a culture of innovation and investment in research and development. Materials and component manufacturing aligned to power and thermal management, filtration, electrification, weight reduction, activated carbon solutions and PFAS alternatives are of particular interest. It is likely target businesses will operate in sectors such as military, aerospace, medical, water industry, data centres and other regulated markets.

Further information can soon be found on the new TMG website, which is due to be launched in the coming weeks.

Posted: September 15, 2026

Source: Nonwovenn

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