Global Apparel Brands Expand Use Of CiCLO® Technology In Performance Fabrics To Address Microplastic Fiber Pollution

GASTONIA, N.C. — MARCH 17, 2026 — As the global textile industry intensifies efforts to address microplastic fiber pollution, Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM) today announced expanded adoption of CiCLO® technology across performance apparel, outdoor, and protective workwear.

Fruit of the Loom® Iconic Sweats collection

New product introductions from leading brands in Europe, Canada, and the United States demonstrate growing momentum for synthetic textiles engineered to reduce the persistence of microplastic fibers in the environment while retaining the durability, performance, and recyclability of fabrics.

Synthetic fibers now account for more than 65 percent of global textile production(1), making solutions to address microplastic fiber pollution an urgent priority for global textile producers across the performance apparel supply chain.

CiCLO technology is a textile ingredient embedded in polyester and nylon fibers during production, enabling the material to biodegrade at rates comparable to wool when it enters the environment.  When CiCLO polyester or nylon is exposed to seawater, soil, or wastewater sludge, microbes can break down the fibers, leaving behind only natural elements. Long-term comparative studies conducted by third-party labs show that CiCLO fibers fully biodegrade in under 4 years2 compared to conventional fibers that remain intact.

To support collaboration and further adoption across the textile value chain, IAM will showcase CiCLO technology at two major performance textile industry events this spring: Performance Days Munich (March 18–19, Booth #T02) and Functional Fabric Fair (April 7–9, Booth #254).

Fruit of the Loom® Iconic 250 Sweats collection

In Europe, Fruit of the Loom has incorporated CiCLO polyester into its Iconic Premium and Iconic 250 Sweats collections, including sweatshirts, hoodies, and jog pants designed for comfort, durability, and everyday wear.

“With our two new sweat collections, it was important to us to offer added value and differentiate ourselves from the competition. We succeeded by using CiCLO technology. What’s more, our distribution partners and consumers rely on us when it comes to products they wear every day, and with that scale comes responsibility,” said Christian Lanvermann, Senior Marketing Manager for Fruit of the Loom Europe. “Integrating CiCLO technology into these collections allows us to introduce an ingredient innovation directly into core apparel categories. It is a practical way to continue delivering comfort, durability, and value while helping address the growing concern around microplastic fibers.”

ROFA® MOVE EASY Workwear line

In the industrial apparel sector, ROFA is integrating CiCLO technology into the MOVE EASY Workwear line, designed for maximum movement, and the HIVIS LIGHT Warning protection line, designed for high-visibility safety garments.

“Industrial workwear is built to last and must perform under extreme conditions,” said Cornelia Jäger, product development. “Adopting CiCLO technology allows us to maintain the durability and safety standards required in protective Workwear and Warning Protection clothing while taking a responsible step toward addressing the long‑term environmental persistence of synthetic fibers.”

In the United States, Black Diamond Equipment has introduced the Rift Fleece collection featuring CiCLO technology designed for comfort and outdoor performance.

Additional market adoptions include athleisure apparel at Costco and Walmart, featuring men’s and women’s shirts and pants under the Mondetta brand, distributed across the US and Canada.

“CiCLO delivers a proven, scaled, and affordable solution for the entire existing textile supply chain,” said Cheryl Smyre, Vice President of Intrinsic Advanced Materials. “Helping brands move beyond intention into speedy adoption is unlocking the power of collaboration and partnership. We are experiencing an industry urgency to solve the environmental impact of unavoidable microplastic shedding from synthetic textiles. Responsible material innovation is at a new level, and we are committed to supporting our brand partners as they introduce durable and sustainable products across market segments. Let’s do better together, for people and planet.”

The momentum for CiCLO technology follows its recent recognition at the Textile Recovery Summit in San Diego, where it was voted as the winner of the Innovation Stage. Reflecting on this industry shift, Andrea Ferris, CEO and Co-founder of Intrinsic Advanced Materials, noted that brand partners are increasingly looking beyond traditional sustainability models. “We are seeing a real shift with brands, where producer responsibility and circularity are increasingly understood as cohesive strategies that bring more responsible materials and products to market from inception, extending beyond closed-loop recycling alone,” said Ferris.

The expansion of CiCLO adoption comes at a time when frequently evolving trade policies highlight the importance of a solid global infrastructure. Fibers and yarns made with CiCLO technology are available from certified manufacturers globally, supporting agile supply chains and enabling brands and mills to scale their use of CiCLO technology more efficiently across production networks.

Brands, mills, and fiber producers attending Performance Days Munich and Functional Fabric Fair are invited to meet with the CiCLO team to explore collaboration opportunities, supply chain integration, and co‑development of next‑generation performance fabrics that are made to last, just not here forever.

To schedule a meeting with the CiCLO team or learn more about how biodegradable technology works, visit www.ciclotechnology.com.

Sources: (1) Textile Exchange – Materials Market Report 2024; 2 Independent third-party testing | ciclotechnology.com biodegradation testing result 2026

Posted: March 20, 2026

Source: Parkdale Mills Inc.

EDANA Unveils Nominees For INDEX™26 Awards: Highlighting The Next Generation Of Nonwoven Excellence

BRUSSELS — MARCH 13, 2026 — EDANA is proud to unveil the highly anticipated nominees for the INDEX™26 Awards, the nonwoven industry’s highest accolade for technical and sustainable excellence.

Out of a record-breaking field of entries, these finalists represent the cutting edge of material science—from bio-based hygiene fibers and PFAS-free protective textiles to revolutionary water-filtration machinery.

Each nominee has been selected by a jury of industry experts for their ability to solve critical global challenges, including the transition to a circular economy and the pursuit of enhanced consumer performance.

  1. Nonwoven Roll Goods
  • Lenzing – LENZING™ Dualwipe
  • Magnera Corporation – Next-Gen Fluid Barrier Technology
  • Woolchemy – neweFlex™ ADL
  1. Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens – Single-use application
  • Corman – Organyc brand “Personalized Protection” Light Incontinence Pads
  • Teknomelt Teknik Mensucat – Fibrasiv®
  1. Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens – Durable application
  • Confitex Technology – Reusable Nonwoven Bed Pads
  • DuPont Personal Protection – DuPont™ Tychem® 6000 SFR
  • Pelsan Tekstil – Metabreathe™
  1. Raw materials or components of special relevance to the nonwovens and related converted products industry
  • Bostik – Kizen™ Miles 9.0
  • Fiberpartner – PolyPlant®
  • The Lycra Company – LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber
  1. Innovation in machinery of special relevance to the nonwovens industry
  • Kansan – KM Hydroentanglement Filtration System
  • Teknoweb Converting – OCEAN – Converting technology for high-performance, low-impact underpads
  • ZUIKO – Converting machine for recloseable baby diapers

The winners in each category will be announced during a special ceremony at the INDEX™26 exhibition, the world’s leading nonwovens event, which will take place on the first day of INDEX™26, Tuesday, 19 May at 10:30 CET, on the EDANA stand. These awards serve not only to honor the ingenious engineering of the finalists but also to provide a roadmap for the future of the entire nonwovens supply chain.

For more information on the nominees, please visit the official EDANA website:

https://www.edana.org/about-us/news/edana-unveils-nominees-for-index26-awards-highlighting-the-next-generation-of-nonwoven-excellence

To register for the upcoming exhibition, visit the official INDEX™26 website:

https://www.indexnonwovens.com/visit/visitor-registration/

Posted: March 20, 2026

Source: EDANA

 

Stäubli’s Solutions From Preparation To 3D Weaving At Techtextil (Germany) 2026

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — MARCH 19, 2026 — Stäubli, a global supplier of high‑performance weaving technologies, is pleased to announce its participation at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, from 21 to 24 April, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. As technical textiles continue their rapid expansion across demanding markets such as defense, mobility, aerospace, construction, energy… Stäubli will showcase innovative solutions designed to empower mills to produce the next generation of advanced fabrics.

Stäubli will exhibit its trend-setting technologies at the Swiss Pavilion Booth B01.6 in Hall 12.0.

Technical Textiles: A market accelerating toward high-performance innovation

The global rise in demand for reinforcement fabrics, multilayer structures, 3D composites, and high‑value industrial textiles is reshaping manufacturing expectations. Reliable equipment, flexible weaving architectures, and precise material handling have become essential for weaving mills pursuing new applications and higher performance products. This expansion underscores the critical role of advanced weaving solutions in meeting evolving industry needs. Stäubli’s decades‑long know‑how in technical weaving positions the company as a key contributor to this transition.

Stäubli weaving systems are widely used to produce demanding technical fabrics — from lightweight reinforcement materials, OPW airbags, to filtration fabrics, medical textiles, and specialized industrial materials.

By combining cutting‑edge mechanical engineering, advanced electronic control, and long‑term customer support, Stäubli ensures stable performance and high fabric quality across all applications.

Stäubli Solutions to discover at Techtextil 2026

Magma warp knotting machine

At this year’s edition, Stäubli will display its MAGMA Tying Machine, a robust and high‑efficiency solution specifically engineered to handle the increasingly diverse and demanding yarns used in today’s technical textile applications, including polypropylene tapes and other challenging filament structures.

MAGMA delivers consistent tying quality while reducing the downtime traditionally associated with warp changes.

TF weaving system for complex multilayers

Stäubli will also present its TF series weaving machines, engineered for the production of advanced 3D, multilayer, and high‑performance fabrics using demanding materials such as carbon, glass, and aramid fibers.

  • The TF20 offers high-speed capability and a double rapier option, increasing output for industries requiring lightweight composite reinforcements.
  • The TF30 ensures gentle yarn handling while supporting highly sophisticated weave structures, making it ideal for aerospace‑grade and industrial textiles.
UNIVAL 100 Jacquard machine for technical fabrics

Part of our other solutions for technical textile, the UNIVAL 100 electronic Jacquard machine provides unparalleled flexibility for weaving complex and sophisticated technical fabrics.

Featuring individually controlled harness cords and exceptional motion precision, the UNIVAL 100 is particularly suited for 3D weaving and the processing of demanding materials such as glass and carbon fibers.

LX 2494 Jacquard machine for technical fabrics

The Jacquard machine LX 2494 is ideal for weaving technical fabrics on all types of weaving machines. Very robust and wear-resistant, it opens new avenues in heavy fabrics and is designed for many years of daily use with a minimum of maintenance. The Stäubli M6T 3-position module principle makes the machine particularly compact, and plays an important role in exploiting its performance potential.

S2688 open-shed rotary dobby for technical fabrics, specially forming fabrics

Stäubli’s heavy dobbies deliver the power and precision required for weaving complex, high‑tension structures in technical and industrial fabrics.

Designed for demanding applications, they ensure exceptional shedding accuracy, stable high‑speed performance, and long‑term mechanical reliability.

S4080 closed-shed dobby for technical fabrics, specially wet felts and dryer fabrics

Discover Stäubli’s weaving technologies at Swiss Pavilion Booth B01.6 in Hall 12.0 during Techtexil 2026

Posted: March 18, 2026

Source: Stäubli Textile

ITM 2026: Barmag And Neumag Showcase Innovations Across All Manmade Fiber Processes

REMSCHEID / NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — MARCH 19, 2026 — For the first time, Barmag is presenting itself alongside its new parent company, Rieter. At this year’s ITM in Istanbul, both companies will be represented from June 9 to 13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B.

As a technology leader in the field of chemical fiber equipment, Barmag will showcase its entire portfolio of systems for filament yarn, staple fiber, and nonwoven production, as well as solutions for the networked factory.

The future of filament spinning

Part of the new POY 2.0 spinning concept is the new WINGS POY 2.0 winder, which features an automatic string-up function for the first time.

The new POY 2.0 concept already impressed industry experts at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025. Presented to only a select group in Singapore, the heart of the concept—the semi-automated winding machine—will be shown to the general public for the first time. WINGS POY 2.0 features an automatic string-up function – a long-awaited feature in the market that keeps string-up times consistently short and sustainably reduces waste. At the same time, staffing requirements at the winding level are reduced, which represents a significant advantage for many spinning mills given the increasing shortage of skilled personnel. Numerous other features make the entire concept a sustainable solution with significant optimizations in terms of energy efficiency, material consumption, waste production, and yarn quality.

Efficient texturing with eFK EvoSmart

Barmag’s manual texturing machine, the eFK EvoSmart, focuses on energy-efficient yarn production while delivering the highest yarn quality. The technological features of the eFK EvoSmart sustainably reduce both energy consumption and operating costs—without compromising on quality and process reliability. By combining energy-optimized process control with innovative components such as EvoHeater and Smart Godets, the eFK EvoSmart achieves a significant reduction in specific energy consumption—with potential savings of 25% per kilogram of yarn. Additional features reduce maintenance requirements by up to 50%.

Neumag’s EvoSteam process reaches perfection

The Neumag EvoSteam process delivers not only significant energy savings but also even better fiber quality.

The state-of-the-art Neumag EvoSteam process, which impresses not only with significant energy savings but also with even better fiber quality, is complemented by two new developments: EvoDuct and EvE-2. EvoDuct optimizes airflow distribution in the air jet, resulting in lower pressure drop, reduced energy consumption, and a more uniform airflow. Together, these factors have a positive effect on fiber quality and fiber uniformity. EvE-2 improves monomer and hot air extraction. The extraction nozzles minimize air turbulence and improve the uniformity of cooling in the air jet. The monomer extraction system, accessible from the outside, facilitates maintenance work and significantly increases spinning performance.

Another component of this perfected concept is the wiping robot, which is already in use in a similar manner at the Barmag filament spinning mill. This means that the benefits—consistent, excellent wiping quality, extended cleaning intervals, reduced labor costs, savings on consumables, and the synchronization of cleaning cycles with can changes and splice management—are now available in the staple fiber process.

Setting new standards in BCF yarn production

With its BICO BCF technology, the Neumag brand is introducing a completely new type of yarn to the market that takes carpet performance to a new level: greater bulk, improved recovery properties, and all this with approximately 20% less pile yarn consumption—without compromising the brand’s renowned high quality. The result: lighter carpets with the very high quality characteristics of Neumag yarns.

Neumag’s FiberGuard BCF – an intelligent system combining sensors and software – measures yarn tension between the twisting and winding stages in real time.

Also new to the portfolio: Neumag’s FiberGuard BCF – an intelligent system combining sensors and software that measures yarn tension between the twisting and winding stages in real time. The software automatically reacts to deviations and adjusts the process independently. This means: less waste, higher efficiency, and greater sustainability. FiberGuard is compatible with all current BCF machines and can be easily retrofitted into existing BCF S8 machines.

Toward the networked factory with atmos.io

atmos.io is the operating system for intelligent yarn production. Every machine – whether a pilot plant or large-scale production with hundreds of positions – comes with the digital core. This makes atmos.io the basis for the smart factory. In the integrated app store, yarn manufacturers can put together exactly what they really need. atmos.io provides data-based decision-making criteria – objectively, efficiently and with a focus on quality. It digitizes the entire material flow: every bobbin carries its own data, from the melt to the warehouse.

This allows yarn manufacturers to intervene in production at any time – quickly, precisely and profitably. The advantages: less waste, higher yarn quality, less effort for shop floor employees. The system integrates seamlessly into existing production and IT infrastructures. atmos.io relies on an intelligent data infrastructure that meets the highest standards of cyber security while providing consistent, trustworthy data for secure and efficient process control.

Posted: March 18, 2026

Source: BARMAG – A Subsidiary of the Rieter Group

INDA Honors Four Industry Leaders With 2026 Lifetime Service And Technical Achievement Awards

CARY, NC — MARCH 17, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the four distinguished recipients of the 2026 INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award.

Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong are being recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions to advancing the nonwovens industry and strengthening the global community it serves.

“These awards celebrate individuals whose careers have helped shape the growth and progress of the nonwovens industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “We are proud to recognize Tom, Pricie, Carey, and CK for their remarkable achievements and for the lasting impact they have made through their leadership, expertise, and dedication to INDA and the industry.”

The INDA Lifetime Awards honor professionals with distinguished records of service and technical accomplishment whose work has significantly influenced the development and advancement of nonwoven technologies, businesses, and the broader industry.

Award Recipients

  • Tom Daugherty and Carey Hobbs will receive their awards at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 30th beginning at 4:30 pm
  • Pricie Hanna will receive her award at the Hygienix™ Conference, November 17th at 4:30 pm
  • Sabrina Wong, President, U.S. Pacific Procurement Company Ltd., will accept the posthumous award on behalf of her husband, CK Wong, at a future INDA event

Tom Daugherty: INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

“It has been a great privilege to spend nearly 45 years collaborating with so many talented individuals in this industry to improve the lives of consumers worldwide. I am truly humbled to receive the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. My deepest thanks to my colleagues at P&G, partners across the supply sector, The Nonwovens Institute at NC State, the INDA community, and my wife and family for their amazing partnership. Here’s to the next generation of innovation!”

Tom Daugherty’s career spans decades of service to the nonwovens industry, both in industry R&D leadership roles at Procter & Gamble where he first retired in 2016, and also in a unique industry-academic partnership role at The Nonwovens Institute at NC State, where he retired in 2025.

Throughout, he was dedicated to the idea of driving business growth through innovation, and doing this by working to improve consumer’s lives with delightful benefits and winning with consumers vs. the best competition.  Other powerful innovation themes included focus on platform technologies that could be leveraged for multi-generational initiatives to meet consumer needs, and to allocate balanced effort across the different innovation types to build, transform, and create markets.

He advanced through R&D positions spanning upstream technology development, business unit product development, and initiative launch.  And through his collaboration as a part of multidisciplinary teams representing, in varied capacities, global brands such as Pampers, Luvs, Always, Naturella, Bounty, Swiffer, Mr. Clean, and others, he contributed to product and process technologies that have been used hundreds of billions of times by consumers around the world.

Nonwoven specific innovations include developing benefits and functions related to comfort, resilience, softness, wettability, fluid handling, apertures, mechanical fastening, carrier for skin care ingredients, barrier for leakage prevention, surface cleaning, personal care skin cleaning, and stretch.  And at The Nonwovens Institute, it was an honor to contribute to the delivery of filtration products needed for health care during the COVID pandemic.

Recognizing the importance of contributing to building the business, and to building organizational and industry capability, Tom was also very active in industry service roles.  He served on the INDA Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009 and later as a member of the INDA Executive Committee from 2010 to 2016. In addition, he played a significant role at The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), serving on its Executive Committee from 2003 to 2016, including as Chair from 2006 to 2008, and as Chair of the NWI Scientific Advisory Board from 2010 to 2016.  And in his second career at The Nonwovens Institute, Daugherty brought enthusiasm and strategic leadership to the organization, helping support its continued growth and success.

Tom commented upon the highlights of his long and multi-faceted career, “The absolute best part of my career was having the opportunity and privilege to collaborate with so many talented people in the nonwovens industry.  Collaboration is the most powerful, and fun, way to create and deliver business results.”

Pricie Hanna: INDA Lifetime Service Award

“I have benefited from the services of INDA’s talented staff for the 40 years that I have been in the nonwovens industry.  I am truly humbled and honored to receive the INDA Lifetime Service Award. It has been a blessing to collaborate with this close-knit community of dedicated professionals as the industry has innovated and grown all around the world.”

Pricie Hanna is Managing Partner of Price Hanna Consultants, a firm founded in 2011 with Partner, David Price, which specializes in nonwoven products and technologies. Pricie’s expertise in hygiene absorbent products ranges from tracking market trends to estimating the demand and technical requirements for raw materials – such as resins, fiber, fluff pulp, nonwovens, film, superabsorbents, adhesives and elastics – used to make these products. She is a frequent conference speaker and has authored numerous papers and publications on the global markets for hygiene absorbent products and other nonwovens businesses.

For twenty-three years before that, Pricie was Vice President of John R. Starr, Inc., and led the firm’s consulting practice in hygiene absorbent products and nonwoven wipes. Pricie managed numerous client engagements involving market and technology feasibility, supply/demand outlook, strategy development, new product opportunity evaluation, competitor assessments, value chain analyses, and financial valuations.

Prior to joining John R. Starr, Inc., Pricie was Vice President – Finance, Planning and Administration for the Scott Nonwovens Division of Scott Paper Company. During sixteen years with Scott Paper, Pricie held various corporate positions including Vice President – Corporate Planning; Vice President – Corporate Financial Services and Assistant Treasurer. Before joining Scott Paper, Pricie was a corporate lending officer at Citibank in New York City. She received an A.B. degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed the Executive Education Program in Corporate Financial Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Business. She and her husband Colin live in West Chester, Pennsylvania. They have two adult children and two avid soccer-playing grandsons.

Carey Hobbs: INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

“I was shocked to learn that I’m receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award. I have devoted my professional career to making cars quieter, making jackets warmer, defending our country, and helping families enjoy quilting. This honor humbles me and lets me know that my career has positively impacted people’s lives.”

Carey Hobbs joined Hobbs Bonded Fibers (formerly known as Clark Brothers Felt Company) in 1963 and grew the company into a leader in the nonwoven industry, with applications across government, military, medical, automotive, industrial, and crafts until he sold in 2015.

He loved providing jobs that his employees could depend on, and his team members became integral leaders in their community.

The company was only the seventh bonded polyester plant in the world. Carey was renowned for creating the Heirloom and Tuscany Collections, which became two of the most in-demand quilt batting labels in the industry.

While he produced his own brands that ranked #2 in the industry, he also manufactured the #1 and #3 brands for other companies. As a result, he produced 90% of the quilt batting sold in America.

“I saw quilting as the ideal arena because it is so personal. Quilt patterns and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. We still have quilts made by our own parents and grandparents.”

Carey adds, “I figured that if I couldn’t sell all the quilt batting in the nation, at least I could manufacture most of it. If I were going to lose a sale to someone, I could lose it to myself under a different label. I was fortunate to lead a team of innovators who elevated an entire industry.”

Carey was the second-largest producer of fiber fill for ski jackets and leaned into the automotive sector, supplying components for 12 of the 15 top-selling vehicles in the United States. A constant innovator, he owns or has owned all or parts of at least four patents, some of which remain classified as projects involving the joint Armed Forces.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) named Carey the “Small Businessperson of the Year” for the Dallas District. He was also appointed by the George H.W. Bush administration to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Sector Advisory Committee for Trade Policy Matters for Textiles and Apparel.

He celebrated his 90th birthday in December and published his memoir, Piloting Life, which includes 60 years of stories and advancements in the nonwoven industry, along with his passion for family and flying. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Carey served our nation in the U.S. Marine Corps as a jet fighter pilot and a test pilot. In our industry, he served two terms on INDA’s board of directors. Today, he focuses on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and serves on the boards of various charitable organizations. He and his late wife, Brenda, helped start the Texas Tech University Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities, which became the model adopted by more than 200 universities.

CK Wong: INDA Lifetime Service Award

“It is with profound gratitude that I accept this Lifetime Service Award in honor of my late husband, C.K. Wong. His dedication to nonwovens industry was not just a career, but a calling. He gave his time, his wisdom, and his heart to advancing the work and uplifting those around him. This recognition is a testament to the values he lived by—integrity, perseverance, and service. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to guide and inspire, and I am deeply moved that his contributions are remembered in this way.” – Sabrina Wong, President, U.S. Pacific Procurement Company Limited

C.K. Wong, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited, built a distinguished career at the forefront of the global nonwovens sector. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he became a U.S. citizen in his twenties after earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in New York City.

Recognizing the potential of the emerging nonwovens industry in the early 1970s, CK began his career in the export and import of nonwoven products. In 1988, he returned to Hong Kong as a marketing consultant, and the following year established his corporate headquarters there to oversee manufacturing operations in China. His company specialized in converting nonwoven roll goods into disposable products for industrial and medical protection, addressing the critical challenge of cross-contamination. Over time, the business expanded into household, sports, and other value-added applications. Among his notable achievements was the invention of a patented patient mobility product, which generated significant global business through collaboration and partnerships.

Under CK’s leadership, U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited experienced substantial growth. Beginning in 2000, he emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability, investing heavily in a spunbonding production line dedicated exclusively to PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material.

Beyond his business accomplishments, CK was a respected industry leader and advocate for the advancement of nonwovens worldwide. He served as Vice Chairman, Vice Chairman-Finance, and later as an Executive Committee Appointee of INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, where he was credited with helping to open the doors to China for the association. In China, he held prominent leadership roles, including Honorable Chairman of the Guangdong Nonwovens Association (GDNA) and Chairman of the Spunbonded Division of the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Through his vision, leadership, and commitment to innovation, CK Wong made lasting contributions to the growth and globalization of the nonwovens industry. His legacy continues today, inspiring entrepreneurship, sustainability, and international collaboration.

Posted: March 18, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Standard Fiber Names Randy Spence To Top Merchandising Post

HENDERSON, Nev.  — MARCH 17, 2026 — Standard Fiber has named 40-year industry veteran Randy Spence to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer, further strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues to expand its home textiles business.

Randy Spence

In this role, Spence will oversee merchandising, product development, marketing and sourcing, bringing a unified strategy to the company’s product and brand initiatives. His appointment reflects Standard Fiber’s focus on aligning innovation, market insight and operational execution to better serve its retail partners. He reports to Brett Scharf, managing director and CFO for Standard Fiber.

Spence brings four decades of sales and leadership experience in the consumer goods industry, including executive roles that have contributed to the growth and success of several major organizations. He began his career in the early 1980s as a bedding buyer for California-based department store chain Mervyn’s. Over the next two decades, Spence held sales management and executive roles with Pillowtex and Springs Global, gaining extensive experience across product development, sourcing and global supply chains.

In 2004, Spence founded NVM Pet, which grew to become one of the largest domestic manufacturers of pet beds. The company was the first to market with mattress-branded pet beds, demonstrating Spence’s ability to identify untapped opportunities and translate bedding expertise into new product categories. He sold the business in 2020 with the intention to retire.

Spence said he was drawn back to the industry by the opportunity to help shape the next phase of Standard Fiber’s growth.

“Randy’s experience across merchandising, manufacturing and brand development makes him an ideal fit for this new role,” said Scharf. “He understands the entire lifecycle of a product—from concept to retail floor—and his ability to bring teams together around a common vision will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”

Spence’s entrepreneurial background and experience building NVM Pet make him uniquely suited to lead Standard Fiber’s cross-functional teams across merchandising, marketing, sourcing and product development. In addition, his longstanding relationships with leading bedding brands across the industry are expected to further strengthen Standard Fiber’s market position and strategic partnerships.

“Standard Fiber has built a strong reputation for innovation and value in the home textiles space,” Spence said. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to further develop the company’s product strategy and help create programs that resonate with both retailers and consumers.”

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source Standard Fiber

Hexcel Names James Coogan As New Chief Financial Officer

STAMFORD, Conn. — MARCH 13, 2026 — Hexcel Corporation announced today that James (Jamie) Coogan has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective May 1, 2026. He will report to Tom Gentile, Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President. Coogan succeeds Mike Lenz who has been serving as interim Chief Financial Officer. Lenz will remain for a period of time when Coogan joins the company as a Senior Advisor to assist with the transition.

“Jamie brings the experience and the financial leadership that will help Hexcel build on our momentum as we enter a period of growth with rising commercial aircraft production rates and an expanding defense and space market,” said Tom Gentile, Chairman, CEO and President, Hexcel Corporation. “His experience in aerospace and defense companies and broader industrial manufacturing organizations will enable him to make a meaningful impact quickly on Hexcel’s strategic priorities.”

“I also want to thank Mike Lenz for his steady leadership as interim Chief Financial Officer of Hexcel,” added Gentile. “Mike’s contributions during this period have been invaluable while we conducted the search for a new CFO and we appreciate his continued support during the transition.”

Coogan most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Axcelis Technologies (Nasdaq: ACLS), a supplier in the semiconductor industry, having joined the company in September 2023. Previously he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Kaman Corporation (formerly traded on the NYSE under the symbol KAMN). During his 15 years at Kaman, he held various management positions including Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, Assistant Vice President, External Reporting and SEC Compliance, and Director, External Reporting and SEC Compliance.

Coogan has more than 20 years of finance, accounting and investor relations experience across multiple industries, including aerospace and defense. After starting his career at PwC, he held several financial management roles at Ann Taylor Stores Corporation and Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority before joining Kaman.

Coogan holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management, an M.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source Hexcel Corporation

The LYCRA Company To Eliminate More Than $1.2 Billion Of Debt Through Prepackaged Restructuring Process, Positioning Business For Long-Term Financial Stability And Growth

WILMINGTON, Del. — MARCH 17, 2026 — The LYCRA Company, LLC (“LYCRA” or “the Company”), a global  developer of fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced today that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement (“RSA”) with the overwhelming majority of its creditors to eliminate approximately $1.2 billion of long-term debt and establish a sustainable capital structure that will recapitalize the Company and position it for long-term financial stability and growth.

The RSA has overwhelming support from holders of the Company’s senior secured term loan, 16.000% Senior Secured Notes, and 7.500% Senior Secured Notes, who have agreed to vote in favor of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the “Prepackaged Plan”). To implement the Prepackaged Plan, the Company and certain of its affiliates, have filed a voluntary prepackaged Chapter 11 case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The Prepackaged Plan reflects a consensual agreement reached over the course of several months of productive discussions with the Company’s key financial creditors. Given the near unanimous support of its stakeholders, the Company expects to complete its financial restructuring expeditiously and emerge from the Chapter 11 process within 45 days.

“The LYCRA Company’s products have long been a symbol of quality, delivering benefits like lasting comfort, fit, and performance across a wide variety of apparel and personal care applications,” said Gary Smith, Chief Executive Officer of The LYCRA Company. “Today marks a significant milestone for The LYCRA Company as we are taking decisive action to meaningfully reduce our debt and strengthen our financial foundation. By taking this step, we will continue serving our customers, supporting our partners, and providing the high-quality products on which they rely. I want to thank our team members for their ongoing dedication and our loyal customers and partners for their continued support throughout the process.”

The Company is seeking customary “first day” relief that will enable it to operate in the ordinary course of business throughout the restructuring process. As part of these first day motions, the Company will seek approval to continue to pay all valid amounts owed to vendors and suppliers in full in the ordinary course of business. To support these ordinary course operations, the Company has obtained commitments for $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing (“DIP Financing”) and more than $75 million in exit financing, which is poised to refinance the DIP Financing, providing the Company with capital upon completion of the Chapter 11 process.

Importantly, certain entities within The LYCRA Company are not included in the Chapter 11 filing. A list of those entities included in the filing can be found at

https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/lycra.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

COOLMAX CloakFX™ Fiber Makes Official Global Debut aA Performance Days Munich

WILMINGTON, Del. — MARCH 12, 2026 — The LYCRA Company will officially launch COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber globally at Performance Days Munich, Europe’s leading functional fabric fair, March 18–19. This innovation is designed to help garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks while delivering moisture management and cooling comfort.

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, the latest innovation from The LYCRA Company, helps garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks and delivering moisture-wicking, cooling performance. Photo: The LYCRA Company

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber is for brands, mills, and garment makers creating performance-driven activewear, workwear, and everyday apparel. The technology diffuses light at the fiber level using optical “masking” that reduces the visual appearance of moisture, helping to make sweat marks less noticeable. Because the technology is built into the durable fiber, its benefits last wear after wear and wash after wash.

“Visible sweat on apparel is the leading pain point for consumers across demographics, often forcing them to compromise between performance, comfort, and appearance,” said Tara Maurer-Mackay, product category director, branded specialty products, The LYCRA Company. “Consumers want one fabric that does it all, and COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber helps garments look drier while keeping them cool and dry.”

In addition to sweat-masking performance, COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber can provide higher UPF protection than conventional polyester fibers due to its unique structure and composition. Ninety-three percent of the polyester in this GRS-certified fiber is recycled, helping support sustainability goals without requiring changes to manufacturing processes.

Following extensive validation through the company’s innovation and testing processes, development of COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber continues across knit, woven, and seamless applications. The innovation pipeline is also expanding into additional wearing occasions and select non-apparel markets, underscoring its broader potential.

The LYCRA Company will also be showcasing elastane fabrics and garments made with renewable LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at the textile trade show. Made from 70 percent plant-based resources, this bio-derived solution reduces the carbon footprint of apparel while delivering the same trusted performance as traditional LYCRA® fiber.

To see sample commercial fabrics developed by leading mills that feature COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, visit The LYCRA Company’s stand C09-C10 at Performance Days Munich.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

UTulsa Receives $12.6M In Appropriations For AI, Cyber, Extreme Materials, Energy Research

TULSA, Okla. — MARCH 13, 2026 — The University of Tulsa has received four federal appropriations supporting major research initiatives that will strengthen the nation’s energy resilience, advance next-generation materials and manufacturing and position Oklahoma as a hub for secure autonomous-systems innovation. These funds will expand UTulsa’s pilot-scale research infrastructure, deepen industry and community partnerships and create new pathways for student engagement in cutting-edge discovery.

“From providing novel energy systems to securing physical artificial intelligence systems, these investments reaffirm UTulsa’s role as a national leader in applied research that delivers real-world impact,” said Rose Gamble, vice president for research. “We are excited to broaden and enhance UTulsa’s expertise, facilities and industry collaborations.”

These federally funded initiatives will:

  • Grow Oklahoma’s workforce in materials science, energy systems, autonomy and cybersecurity through faculty-led research, student participation and industry involvement
  • Support area manufacturers and energy firms with fabrication partnerships, prototype testing and data-driven insights
  • Expand UTulsa’s pilot-scale research facilities

“UTulsa’s partnerships with industry and community stakeholders ensure these breakthroughs translate into economic and societal benefits,” said Interim President Rick Dickson. “We are grateful to our state’s congressional delegation whose commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s research capacity and economic future is critical.”

Advanced, Low-Cost, Grid-Scale Energy Storage

UTulsa researchers will develop pilot-scale zinc-sulfur batteries as a safer, lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion technology for utility-scale battery energy storage systems. The project combines new battery-manufacturing capability, industrial-grade characterization equipment, grid-simulation systems and GPU-based artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) modeling to evaluate performance, safety and reliability under real-world grid conditions.

Resilient and Safe Energy Transportation

Building on UTulsa’s pilot-scale pipeline facilities, researchers will analyze multifuel flow behavior, corrosion risks and leak-detection challenges using advanced distributed sensor networks and machine-learning models.

Extreme Materials

This project focuses on materials capable of withstanding extreme environments, including temperatures above 600 degrees and corrosive or high-velocity conditions relevant to deep-well drilling, hypersonics and spacecraft reentry. UTulsa is one of the few U.S. universities able to manufacture carbon-carbon composites through chemical vapor infiltration and perform pilot-scale performance testing.

Cooperative and Secure Physical AI Systems

UTulsa will advance the next generation of physical AI systems in the form of autonomous robots that interact with the world through real-time sensing, adaptation and decision-making. The initiative integrates robotics, AI/ML, kinesiology, user-experience research and cybersecurity toward assistive robotics for home services and health care.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The University of Tulsa

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