HOUSTON — December 19, 2025 — Ascend Performance Materials, a leading producer of high-performance and durable engineered materials for everyday essentials and new technologies, today announced the completion of its financial restructuring process and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Company’s Plan of Reorganization, confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on December 9, 2025, is now effective.
Ascend achieved the objectives it set for this process, including reducing its total long-term debt by approximately $1.3 billion, securing access to a $350 million asset-based credit facility, strengthening its liquidity position through more than $600 million of new capital provided by its new shareholders, and materially lowering its debt service costs, which will enable Ascend to reinvest in reliability, efficiency, and long-term growth.
“Today marks the final milestone in Ascend’s restructuring process, and we are thrilled to be emerging from Chapter 11 with significantly less debt and a much stronger capital structure,” said Patrick Schumacher, Ascend’s newly appointed CEO. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our people and the support of our new ownership group, we have strengthened the business and positioned Ascend for future growth. As we move forward, we will increase our investments in reliability and advance our leadership position in nylon resins and engineering thermoplastics.”
Ascend’s emergence from Chapter 11 marks a pivotal moment in its ongoing transformation. Ascend remains steadfast in its mission to deliver high-performance materials that improve the quality of life today and inspire a better tomorrow.
NEW YORK — December 22, 2025 — Private investment group, Middle West Partners (MWP) announces their acquisition of Paul Stuart, the iconic American luxury menswear brand. MWP partnered with premier apparel manufacturer, Peerless Clothing Inc. to acquire Paul Stuart from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Mitsui & Co. has been a committed partner to Paul Stuart for more than 50 years, significantly shaping the brand’s enduring legacy and commitment to craftsmanship.
The acquisition marks an important milestone for Paul Stuart, solidifying its future and continued growth. Kevin Kelleher, Managing Partner of Middle West Partners shares what drew him to the brand, “The Paul Stuart name continues to resonate with a discerning client 87 years later, and we still see so much more potential for this luxury heritage brand. Our goal is to protect its unmatched quality and amplify its unique attributes on a global scale.”
In this next chapter, John Hutchison, former chief executive officer of Bonobos, has been appointed incoming CEO of Paul Stuart. Hutchison brings a combination of creative vision and a deep understanding of how to build a modern, resonant menswear brand. His leadership and global perspective will lend a fresh eye toward the future.
Kelleher’s co-founding partner at MWP, Michael Hamp, is a member of the Ford Family and whose family co-owns the Detroit Lions. He shares what makes this acquisition so personal to him. “Paul Stuart has been one of my family’s favorite brands for more than 25 years. It has a look that’s distinctly its own—when you walk down the street, you know it’s Paul Stuart. My father and now my brothers and I have worn Paul Stuart for as long as I can remember. It is both a privilege and honor to take on the responsibility of stewarding this brand.”
With the acquisition complete, Middle West Partners and Peerless Clothing are jointly focused on strengthening core brand identity, unlocking international growth, and investing in product design that reminds us why Paul Stuart was, and is, an American icon.
Earlier this year, MWP announced its acquisition of high jewelry house, David Webb, another iconic American heritage brand.
Middle West Partners was advised on the transaction by David G. Hoffman, Legal Counsel was provided by Hinckley Allen, and valuation advisory was provided by Gordon Brothers.
For more information, please contact Heather Zachary at heather@hz-consulting.com and visit www.paulstuart.com to view the full collection.
Paul Stuart
Founded in 1938 by Ralph Ostrove and named for his son, Paul Stuart Ostrove, Paul Stuart embodies timeless elegance and a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship. The brand has remained anchored at its iconic flagship boutique on the corner of Madison Avenue and 45th Street, where it has long dressed some of the world’s most influential male style icons. Serving generations of discerning customers, Paul Stuart continues to design refined collections that define modern American luxury. Paul Stuart operates four boutiques across the US in New York City, Southampton, Chicago and Washington, D.C. https://www.paulstuart.com.
NEW YORK — December 24, 2025 — Crown Brands Group (“Crown”), a newly formed brand management firm, today announced the acquisition of Hanky Panky, the 48-year-old iconic intimate apparel brand known for pioneering the World’s Most Comfortable Thong®.
Crown has acquired Hanky Panky in partnership with Rafar Group (“Rafar”), the parent company of Gelmart International. Under the partnership, Rafar Group will serve as the core operating partner, leveraging over 70 years of experience in the intimate apparel industry to oversee product design, development, e-commerce operations and distribution. The partners will collaborate on marketing strategy and execution, allowing Crown to focus on brand strategy and global licensing while utilizing Rafar’s best-in-class capabilities to drive operational and product excellence.
This transaction marks a significant milestone as Crown’s first acquisition, establishing the anchor asset for a new diversified portfolio of iconic consumer brands. Crown is purpose-built to acquire and elevate heritage brands, leveraging deep retail expertise and capital backing from G72 Holdings, the family office of Raymond Gindi, whose family co-founded the iconic Century 21 Stores.
“Hanky Panky is the definitive example of the type of brand we are building our platform around—one with authentic heritage, category leadership, and incredible customer loyalty,” said Raymond Dayan, CEO of Crown Brands Group. “As our inaugural acquisition, this deal sets the standard for our portfolio strategy. By combining Crown’s retail relationships and brand management focus with Rafar’s operational excellence, we are positioned to unlock significant growth for Hanky Panky while honoring the quality that millions of women trust.”
Hanky Panky has maintained a devoted following for nearly five decades, with one of its Signature Lace Thongs sold every 10 seconds globally. The brand is currently distributed through over 2,500 top-tier boutiques, major department stores, and e-commerce platforms.
“We are honored to partner with Crown Brands Group to carry forward the legacy of a brand that has defined comfort and quality for generations,” said Yossi Nasser, CEO of Rafar Group. “Rafar’s track record of building intimates brands like LIVELY demonstrates our ability to resonate with today’s consumer. We see tremendous opportunity to expand Hanky Panky’s reach and introduce the brand to new audiences while maintaining the exceptional comfort and quality the brand is known for.”
Hanky Panky founders Gale Epstein and Lida Orzeck will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s future. Recognizing the importance of their creative vision, both founders will join Hanky Panky’s Board of Directors to ensure the brand’s signature aesthetic and commitment to quality remain intact.
“We built Hanky Panky on a foundation of comfort, quality, and female empowerment, and it was vital to find partners who respect that DNA,” said co-founders Gale Epstein and Lida Orzeck. “We trust Crown Brands Group and Rafar Group to steward this legacy. Their combined vision gives us great confidence that Hanky Panky will continue to thrive and innovate in this exciting next chapter.”
Wedbush Securities served as financial advisor and Morrison Cohen, and Sills Cummis & Gross acted as legal advisors to Crown Brands Group and Rafar Group. Consensus served as financial advisor and Perkins Coie acted as legal advisor to Hanky Panky.
Hanky Panky
From its namesake handkerchief lingerie collection in 1977, Hanky Panky went on to revolutionize the intimates industry by creating the World’s Most Comfortable Thong®. The brand has maintained a devoted customer following and is sold through over 2,500 boutiques, major department stores, and e-commerce platforms worldwide. Known for its signature stretch lace and commitment to comfort, Hanky Panky remains a staple in women’s intimate apparel. For more information, visit hankypanky.com.
GASTONIA, N.C. — December 18, 2025 — Intrinsic Advanced Materials, makers of CiCLO® technology will debut a new generation of responsible-performance luxury home textiles at Heimtextil 2026, Jan. 13–16 in Frankfurt. The product development demonstrates how combining TENCEL™ fibers derived from certified or controlled-wood sources1 with CiCLO®’s biodegradable polyester innovation can elevate comfort and durability while supporting reduced environmental impact across hospitality and home categories.
Intrinsic Advanced Materials will debut responsible-performance luxury home textiles combining TENCEL™ fibers and CiCLO® biodegradable polyester at Heimtextil 2026 (Jan. 13–16, Frankfurt).
CiCLO® technology is a patented textile ingredient that enables polyester and nylon to biodegrade naturally, significantly reducing the time synthetic fibers remain in the environment. The technology is embedded in the fiber, thereby creating pathways that attract naturally occurring microorganisms, enabling the material to break down in environments where traditional synthetics persist.
Biodegradation occurs only after long-term exposure to moisture and microorganisms, so fabrics maintain durability and performance throughout their useful life. CiCLO® fibers and TENCEL™ fibers are then blended, creating a luxury textile solution with dedicated benefits and a reduced environmental impact on a fiber level2.
The collection combines naturally soft TENCEL™ fibers derived from certified or controlled wood sources1 with CiCLO® biodegradable technology that is certified safe for use in sustainable textiles by OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT, and REACH compliant to meet EU standards for human and environmental safety, and is non-toxic to marine and plant life. The result is a collection designed for sheets, pillows, comforters, and other high-use home and hospitality applications where comfort, product life, and environmental considerations3 increasingly shape material choice.
“Hospitality brands make every effort to deliver the ultimate guest experience. This collaboration highlights the fusion of luxury, sustainability2, and performance materials,” said Cheryl Smyre, vice president of Intrinsic Advanced Materials. “By uniting CiCLO® technology with TENCEL™ fibers, we bring to life premium bedding solutions that elevate comfort, strengthen product value, and support long-term sustainability goals for manufacturers and brands alike3.”
“Advancing home textiles requires material solutions that meet today’s expectations for comfort while addressing tomorrow’s environmental challenges3,” said Walter Bridgham, Sr. Business Development Manager Home, North America, Lenzing AG. “Bringing together TENCEL™ fibers with CiCLO® technology allows manufacturers to design fabrics with elevated softness, strong performance, and responsible manufacturing2. It reflects a broader shift toward responsibly designed materials that support both commercial demands and long-term industry progress.”
As global hospitality buyers look for elevated comfort with reduced environmental impact, the collaboration introduces materials that unite performance, sensory appeal, and responsible design2 with key advantages:
Soft, smooth hand-feel that supports elevated comfort in premium bedding.
Maintains breathability, drape, andsmoothness to the touch, central to the guest experience.
Renewable and biodegradable4 fibers, offering a responsible upgrade across hospitality categories.
Commercial-grade durability, supporting consistent comfort and product life in hotel and high-use laundering settings.
Verified reduction of synthetic microplastic fiber persistence, lessening environmental impact that is rigorously tested for biodegradability by third-party labs using ASTM test methods5.
Easy adoption for mills, integrating as a drop-in approach that requires no equipment or process changes.
Traceable6, science-supported material choice, aligning with retailer and hospitality expectations for responsible product development.
These benefits position the collaboration as a strong example of the industry’s movement toward responsible luxury materials engineered for comfort, longevity, and reduced impact.
Heimtextil attendees can preview a range of constructions and product concepts developed through this collaboration and see how fiber-level innovation is shaping more responsible home textiles2,3 at the CiCLO Technology in Hall 4.0, Booth E28, and at Lenzing in Hall 4.0, Booth B11.
Intrinsic Advanced Materials
Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC (IAM) is a pioneering force in sustainable textile innovation and the company behind CiCLO® technology. This award-winning solution helps reduce the environmental impact of synthetic microfiber pollution. Founded in 2018, IAM is a joint venture between Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC, a Silicon Valley innovation company, and Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc., the performance fiber division of Parkdale Incorporated, the world’s largest manufacturer of spun yarns, headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Driven by a mission to combat microplastic pollution from textiles, IAM combines breakthrough science with deep industry expertise to deliver scalable, drop-in solutions for the global apparel and textile industry. CiCLO technology is produced in the USA and Asia. Synthetic fibers, yarns, and fabrics made with CiCLO technology are available worldwide, empowering brands and manufacturers to create high-performance products that are made to last, just not forever.
1 Adhering to the company’s commitment to environmental protection and resource preservation, Lenzing procures wood and pulp only from certified or controlled sustainable sources. In its Wood and Pulp Policy, Lenzing is committed to procuring wood and pulp exclusively from non-controversial sources.
2 TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are made with at least 50 percent less carbon emissions and water consumption, compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and modal. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.10 (April 2025).
3 To foster a sustainable global textile and nonwovens industry, Lenzing follows three strategic principles within the context of its “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy, which focuses on greening the value chain, driving systemic change and advancing the circular economy through partnerships with key industry stakeholders, such as Textile Exchange, Cascale, Canopy, Together for Sustainability, Renewable Carbon Initiative, and UN Global Compact.
4 LENZING™ Lyocell and Modal standard fibers are certified by TÜV AUSTRIA as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environment.
5 ASTM method testing of CiCLO Polyester vs. Conventional Polyester using third-party ASTM Testing Methods included: ASTM D6691 data show that CiCLO polyester biodegraded in seawater 94% compared to 5% for conventional polyester in 1,362 days. In wastewater sludge, ASTM D5210 data shows CiCLO polyester biodegraded* 90% compared to 0% for conventional polyester in 952 days. In soil, ASTM D5988 data shows CiCLO polyester biodegraded* 91% compared to 3% for conventional polyester in 1,170 days. In a biologically active landfill, ASTM D5511 data shows CiCLO polyester biodegraded* 91% compared to 6% for conventional polyester in 1,278 days.
*Achieving ≥ 90% in respirometry tests is considered full biodegradation. The remaining percentage can be attributed to biomass. Further analysis has been conducted to confirm that no microplastics are left behind. Data is summarized from studies conducted by third-party labs using ASTM Test Methods. Visit ciclotextiles.com for more information and detailed test data.
6 TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are produced with a molecular marker. This special identification technology ensures the authenticity and traceability of TENCEL™ fibers even after processing into textile products.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 23, 2025 — The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), indicates the equipment leasing and finance sector is poised for a strong fourth quarter. Market volatility and a slowing economy have not affected equipment demand, which is heading into 2026 with significant momentum after the Fed decided to lower rates again at the December FOMC meeting. Financial conditions remain healthy, suggesting that the sector will not be materially impacted if borrowing costs stay near current levels next year.
Total new business volumes (NBV) among surveyed ELFA member companies was $10.3 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, down slightly from the prior month.
Year-to-date NBV contracted by 0.9% relative to the same period in 2024.
Year-over-year, NBV dropped by 4.4% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.
“Demand for equipment remained strong in November. New business volumes topped $10 billion for the fourth straight month,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “We’re still on pace for one of our strongest years on record, and we expect that the Fed’s decision to lower the federal funds rate by 75 basis points in 2025 will bolster momentum for equipment demand next year. Even though policymakers may be done cutting for a while, the November financial data showed that delinquencies and losses remain relatively low, indicating that the industry is well-positioned for current financial conditions.”
Equipment demand tops $10 billion for fourth straight month. Total NBV grew by $10.3 billion in November. New activity declined by 2.1% from the previous month but remained above its trailing six-month average of $10.1 billion. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity that banks, independents, and captives added in a given month. Total new activity is on pace to reach $114.4 billion in 2025, slightly down from its all-time high in 2024 but still well above the average in the second half of the pre-pandemic expansion.
Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $3.3 billion, down from their 2025 high in the previous month.
Activity at all three institution types declined in November. New deal growth at banks edged down by 1.0% to $4.9 billion, while volumes at captives declined by 9.3% to $2.9 billion and new activity at independents declined by 12.9% to $1.9 billion.
The overall credit approval rate remains elevated. The industry-wide average edged up to 78.2% in November. It continues to hover around its decade high. The average small ticket approval rate ticked up from the prior month to 81.4%, down from its 2025 high but still well above its 2024 average of 75.4%. The rate at banks dipped to 79.4%. The rate at captives fell to 81.7%, while the rate at independents rose to 72.6%.
Delinquencies drop, while losses edged up. The overall delinquency rate dropped by 0.23 percentage points to 2.0%. The November decline offset the 0.24 percentage point increase in the previous month. The overall rate continues to oscillate in a narrow band between 1.9% and 2.2%. The average delinquency rate at banks and independents fell sharply, while the rate at captives rose.
The overall loss rate ticked up by 0.05 percentage points to 0.49% in November. The average loss rate for small ticket deals increased by 0.13 percentage points to 0.69%, the second-highest reading of 2025. Loss rates moved up modestly at banks and captives, and rose more sharply at independents.
“Across the United States, demand continues to strengthen as companies reassess how they deploy capital amid rapid technological change. AI is accelerating refresh cycles for both devices and data-center infrastructure,” said Wayne Fowkes, Executive Vice President of the Americas, CHG-MERIDIAN. “At the same time, businesses are seeking greater financial flexibility as they navigate uncertain economic conditions. With 2025 shaping up to be one of the strongest years for our industry, we expect this momentum to continue, supported by agile, future-ready investment strategies that set a more resilient path for long-term competitiveness. The latest ELFA CapEx Finance Index underscores this shift and mirrors the strong growth we are seeing at CHG-MERIDIAN.”
Industry Confidence
The Monthly Confidence Index from ELFA’s affiliate, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index remains steady at year end at 58.3 from 59.9 in November, a heightened level for the seventh consecutive month.
Technical Note
New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association’s CFI
The CapEx Finance Index (CFI) is the only real-time dataset that tracks nationwide conditions in the equipment financing industry. The information is compiled from a diversified set of businesses that respond to questions about demand for equipment financing, employment, and changes in financial conditions. The resulting data is organized by institution type, such as banks, captives, and independents, and is classified into overall activity and financing for small ticket equipment and software. The CFI is released monthly from Washington, D.C., generally one day before the U.S. Department of Commerce’s durable goods report. More detail on the data and methodology can be found at www.elfaonline.org/CFI.
Posted: December 26, 2025
Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)
SPRING, TX — December 22, 2025 — ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs.
The company recently launched its new ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which focuses on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry. ExxonMobil Signature Polymers unifies ExxonMobil’s polyolefin products under a single brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain.
Challenge
Over the past few years, the successful use of recycled polypropylene (rPP) content in non-critical auto parts has helped drive automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to turn their attention to high-performance functional parts.
OEMs have interest in rPP compounds that can meet application requirements for impact resistance at various temperatures and stiffness benchmarks. Those compounds must also be designed for fast injection molding cycle times which can help address cost concerns.
Additionally, aiming to make the automotive sector circular and maximize the efficient use of resources to protect the environment, the European Commission proposed a new regulation on end-of-life vehicles (ELV) in 2023. The new rules include circular design of vehicles to facilitate removal of materials, parts and components for reuse/recycling, and mandate the use of recycled plastics in automotive applications.1
This ask seems reasonable, but the reality is that this is not easily achieved: rPP content, even when originating from ELV waste, typically struggles to meet such demanding automotive OEM specifications.
Solution
Milliken & Company and ExxonMobil have a long history of working together. As a leading supplier of transformative chemical solutions that deliver essential performance, Milliken routinely helps brands and converters balance and enhance the properties and processability of mechanically recycled polypropylene content. ExxonMobil manages a portfolio of performance products that can provide the building blocks to help meet growing global demand for essential products.
Critical automotive OEM parts, such as wheel arch, and front fascia deflectors , must meet flexural modulus (stiffness), tensile strength, and impact strength specifications, so formulations that incorporate rPP content would have to meet these physical property requirements without compromising final performance or negatively impacting the injection-molding process.
Each company brought a unique skill set to help address the challenge. The companies developed trial formulations built around Milliken’s DeltaMax® performance modifiers and ExxonMobil’s Exact™ polyolefin elastomers (POE).
The technical team conducted several compounding trials using up to 25% Exact POE enhanced with DeltaMax® and post-consumer rPP content containing approximately 15% polyethylene.
These compounds were molded into dumbbell-shaped samples, which were then tested for flexural modulus, tensile strength, impact strength at 23 °C and at –20 °C, and for melt flow rate (MFR).
Results
The test results showed a Notched Charpy impact of 50 kJ/m2 at 23°C and 4 kJ/m2 at -20°C could be achieved with a flexural modulus of approximately 900 MPa and a tensile strength significantly above the target from various OEMs — passing the first hurdle of balancing mechanical performance. The MFR was improved more than two-fold over the initial rPP content compound, which has the potential to help reduce part processing costs. This can be achieved by decreasing operating temperatures and lowering cycle time, which can lead to lower energy consumption in the manufacturing process and a lower carbon footprint of the final part.
These results come from the innovative formulation enabled by Milliken and ExxonMobil’s collaboration:
The rubber-like behavior of Exact™ POE can help improve impact strength and limit drops in stiffness compared to other impact modifiers.
DeltaMax® performance modifiers can help improve flow rate and help boost impact further over recycled PP with Exact POE through compatibilization of the matrix-rubber interface, thus helping to facilitate particle dispersion and small particle size.
Following the successful initial trial, ExxonMobil and Milliken collaborated with Ravago, one of the leading compounders and recyclers, to evaluate a new formulation designed to meet the evolving requirements of the automotive industry.
The trial featured a blend of 20% Exact POE, 1% DeltaMax® performance modifier, and Ravapura®, a compound incorporating 25% certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) content — including 6.25% ELV material — in compliance with the new EU regulations.
Benchmarked Ravapura® grade meets the new ELV content thresholds and is suited for specific applications/parts in cars. The enhanced formulation demonstrated significant performance gains:
Melt Flow Rate (MFR): Improved by 200%
Charpy Impact at Room Temperature: Increased by 660%
Charpy Impact at -30°C: Increased by 200%
Although the addition of Exact POE slightly reduces flexural modulus, it substantially enhances impact resistance — bringing performance levels close to those of virgin materials like Exceed™ Tough PP8285E1. Trial results demonstrated that the formulation delivers comparable flow and impact performance to Exceed Tough PP8285E1, under both room temperature and extreme cold conditions (-30°C). This positions the solution as a strong candidate for OEMs and compounders seeking to balance regulatory compliance, sustainability, and mechanical performance in automotive applications.
“We’re excited to see the compound that incorporates rPP achieves similar (and even exceeds) performance as virgin materials,“ said J Dow, Global Market Development Manager for Polyproplylene, Vistamaxx™ and Exact™ at ExxonMobil. “This well demonstrated the value and power of collaboration that we can unleash possibilities by working together to help our customers meet stringent regulations.”
“The creation of viable compounds that incorporate rPP content is a major win, and we’re proud to play a role in solving this challenge together with our collaborators at ExxonMobil,” added Dr. Philippe Scheerlinck, Senior Market Development Manager for Milliken’s Chemical Business.
Data from tests performed by or on behalf of ExxonMobil
BALLY, Pa. — December 22, 2025 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, highlights its advanced webbing solutions for the parachute industry. With a longstanding reputation for quality and innovation, BRM’s webbing is designed to meet the critical demands of aerospace and commercial parachute applications, ensuring optimal performance, strength, and durability.
BRM’s parachute webbing is engineered using high-performance fibers such as Nylon, Kevlar®, Vectran®, PTFE, and Zylon®PBO, providing superior strength, strength to weight ratio and reliability. Manufactured to meet stringent military specifications, including PIA-Spec and Mil-Spec standards, these narrow woven fabrics are essential components in life-support systems. The company’s Nylon Webbing (Mil-W-4088K) and Tubular Nylon Webbing (Mil-W-5625K) are Berry Amendment compliant and undergo rigorous testing to meet the exacting standards required for critical parachute applications.
BRM is developing new woven tapes and webbings utilizing DuPont’s Kevlar® EXO, a next-generation fiber that offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to Kevlar® 29 and Vectran®. This material provides enhanced performance characteristics while maintaining a more competitive price point than traditional PBO materials. Currently under evaluation for use in the parachute industry, Kevlar® EXO presents a promising alternative for applications requiring lightweight strength and reliability.
Designed to withstand extreme conditions, BRM’s parachute webbing features low pack volume, high energy absorption, and superior abrasion resistance, making it ideal for deployment in demanding environments. These materials are integral to parachute canopy reinforcements, harnesses, and risers, ensuring both safety and reliability in airborne operations. Beyond traditional parachute systems, BRM’s webbing solutions support advanced aerospace applications, including space rocket launch vehicles, capsule recovery programs, and NASA-directed commercial sector initiatives.
BRM maintains the highest quality standards, holding ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications, underscoring its commitment to precision and excellence. The company ensures strict compliance with federal regulations, providing Berry Amendment-compliant products that are 100 percent sourced and manufactured in the United States. This dedication to quality and reliability has solidified BRM’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-performance webbing for mission-critical applications.
For more information about parachute webbing solutions from Bally Ribbon Mills, visit https://www.ballyribbon.com/mil-spec
DURHAM, N.C.— December 26, 2025 — The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition.
Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.
Top Row (left to right), AATCC President Christina Rapa, AATCC Executive Director Gregg Woodcock, competition judges Tim Dixon and Renuka Dhandapani, competition Chair Kanti Jasani, competition judges Martin Bide and Barry Brady, and AATCC staff member Josie Cranfill. Seated Row (left to right) competition participants Arifur Rahman, Prateeti Ugale, Mushfika Mica, and Fatima Garcia Corona
Each year, graduate students are invited to participate in a rigorous three-round process beginning with an abstract submission, followed by a research paper, and culminating in a presentation round held at AATCC’s annual conference or committee meetings.
The four students who achieved the highest scores in the second round attended the 2025 AATCC and SEAMS Fabricating the Future Conference to present their unique, industry-relevant research.
A sincere thank you to the 2025 judging panel for their support: Membership Committee and competition Chair Kanti Jasani, Martin Bide, Barry Brady, Renuka Dhandapani, Tim Dixon, and Nelson Houser.
Fatima Garcia Corona
First Place: Fatima Garcia Corona
University: North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Hometown: Efland, NC, USA
Fatima Garcia Corona earned first place with her presentation of “A Comparison of Five Fiber Fragment and Microfiber Test Methods.” Corona completed her master’s thesis in July of 2025 under advisor Karen Leonas (2025 AATCC Olney Award Recipient) within the Textile Sustainability Research Lab. Corona is currently an Advanced Technology intern at Mann+Hummel following the completion of her master’s degree. She is actively seeking a full-time position where she hopes to continue to learn and further develop the skills she gained through research, academic, and industry experience.
“Participating in the paper competition was a valuable opportunity to share my work with a broader audience in a concise and engaging manner. The Q&A portion from the audience helped me see new perspectives on my finalized research and highlighted the strong curiosity and engagement around the topic of fiber fragment release within the textile industry,” Corona said. “I would like to acknowledge the funding for my research from the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant and the Wilson College of Textile Sustainability Committee Microgrant.”
Arifur Rahman
Second Place (Tie): Arifur Rahman
University: Pittsburg State University
Hometown: Bangladesh
Arifur Rahman presented, “A Novel Approach for Fabrication of Lactose Fibers Derived from Milk Using Melt Centrifugal/Rotary Jet Spinning Concept.” His research was conducted with advisor Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti within the Textile Research and Testing Lab. About his research experience, Rahman said “This research taught me that innovation isn’t just about creating a new material, but also about making it practical for the real world. I learned to consider factors like cost, ease of manufacturing, and how to transform everyday resources into viable products.” After completion of his master’s, Rahman plans to enter industry with a focus on bridging the gap between lab research and market ready products.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti, for his invaluable guidance and for fostering a research environment that encourages innovation,” Rahman noted, “Thank you to AATCC for providing a platform that not only recognizes student research but also connects us with inspiring professionals in the field.”
Prateeti Ugale
Second Place (tie): Prateeti Ugale
University: North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Prateeti Ugale presented “Durability of Conductive Silver Inks Printed on Fabrics Under Household Washing Conditions.” Her research in the SHIFT (Smart Holistically Integrated and Functional Textiles) Research Group under the guidance of advisor Amanda Mills focuses on stretchability and washability of printed electronic textiles. She noted that research does not always go as planned, but each challenge opens a new way of thinking and problem-solving. After her graduation in Spring 2026, she hopes to enter industry to work on next-gen wearables.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition for the opportunity to share my research, and to the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant for funding and supporting this work. I am deeply thankful to my advisor, Dr. Amanda Mills, for her invaluable guidance, mentorship, and encouragement throughout this project.”
Mushfika Mica
Fourth Place: Mushfika Mica
University: North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Mushfika Mica presented “From Ballistics to Burnout: Modeling Heat Strain in Firefighters Wearing Enhanced PPE.” She is currently a PhD candidate working under advisors Emiel DenHartog and Roger Barker.
AATCC is proud to support and showcase the outstanding work of graduate student members from around the world. This competition reflects AATCC’s continued commitment to fostering innovative and impactful research in the textile field.
Posted: December 26, 2025
Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
ZÜRICH, Switzerland— December 15, 2025 — In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.
Mr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, commented:
Dr. Christian Schindler
“Welcoming SIMTA as a new Corporate Member of ITMF underscores the growing relevance of the Indian textile machinery industry. Textile machinery companies are key players in the textile value chain and within ITMF, providing essential innovations and solutions that help address challenges such as labour shortages or the need to digitize the value chain. By joining ITMF, SIMTA gains access to a unique global platform for information exchange, dialogue, and industry networking. We are confident that SIMTA will benefit from the wide range of services ITMF offers, including statistics, reports, surveys, webinars, and, of course, the networking opportunities provided through our conferences, workshops, and excursions.”
Mr. Senthil Kumar, Executive Director of SIMTA, stated:
“Joining ITMF is a logical step in SIMTA’s ongoing internationalization process. ITMF provides a unique international forum that enables SIMTA to actively participate in industry discussions, helping us better understand and contribute to shaping global dynamics within the textile value chain. The access to exclusive information will help us to develop and continuously adapt our business strategy. Our association with ITMF reinforces our commitment to strengthening our position as a supplier of technologies and solutions for the global textile value chain.”
For more information about the SIMTA, please go to www.simta.com/textiles/index.html.
Posted: December 22, 2025
Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
DURHAM, N.C. — December 22, 2025 — Abstracts are currently being solicited for subject areas listed below for the 2026 AATCC International Summit. This event will be held in the Fall of 2026. Interested individuals should complete the abstract submission form and provide an abstract of 125 words or less by March 9, 2026, for Oral Presentations. Poster abstracts are due May 18, 2026. The abstract submission form is available at https://www.aatcc.org/annual-conference/.
The program committee is soliciting abstracts for the following topics:
Fiber, fabric, and materials innovations
Innovations in smart textiles, application, functionality, and performance
Coloration (dyeing and printing) chemistry, application, process, and machinery
Lighting trends and color management
Performance Products – testing, claim validation and processing
Addressing sustainability, environmental challenges throughout the supply chain
Achieving comfort and wellness through innovative technologies
‘Made in America’ (share your story if you are investing in U.S. textile production-what are you creating, what makes your company different, what challenges must be addressed, etc.)
Oral Presentations
Abstracts for oral presentations should be submitted by March 9, 2026. AATCC reserves the right to accept, place on a waiting list, or reject any abstract for any reason.
Authors of accepted oral presentations will be notified. In accepting an invitation to present at the AATCC International Summit, a speaker agrees to provide AATCC with the full text or PowerPoint presentation for inclusion in the Summit proceedings. Speakers receive complimentary registration to attend the conference.
Poster Presentations
Abstracts for poster presentations should clearly state the problem, solution, and results of the research work. Poster abstracts will be accepted until May 18, 2026. Poster presenters pay a reduced registration fee.
Posted: December 22, 2025
Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
HOUSTON — December 19, 2025 — Ascend Performance Materials, a leading producer of high-performance and durable engineered materials for everyday essentials and new technologies, today announced the completion of its financial restructuring process and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Company’s Plan of Reorganization, confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on December 9, 2025, is now effective.
