eVent Fabrics Announces Partnership With WHITESPACE, Premium Snowboard And Apparel Brand

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — January 21, 2026 — eVent® Fabrics, a supplier of breathable waterproof, weatherproof, and windproof laminate technologies, is proud to announce WHITESPACE, makers of industry-leading snowboard apparel and accessories, is now using the high-performance, PFAS-free alpineST laminate in their top-of-the-range Performance 3L Pant.

Co-Founded by Shaun White and brother Jesse White, WHITESPACE balances precision, comfort, and aesthetics, and eVent’s alpineST is a natural choice for any product where performance is paramount.

“Our alpineST laminate is designed to provide performance and comfort in some of the most extreme on-mountain conditions,” said Chad Kelly, Vice President of eVent Fabrics. “Our partnership with WHITESPACE will give snowboarders an incredible option for durable weather protection and, like the rest of eVent’s offering, alpineST is PFAS-free, making it the perfect option for brands catering to uncompromising mountain athletes.”

As the best performing laminate in the eVent lineup, alpineST delivers the ultimate in long-lasting, waterproof breathability to shield users from extreme conditions. Its durable construction maintains high levels of waterproofness and breathability through dozens of washes, and is ideal for demanding activities, providing the ultimate shield from the elements.

“When we looked to source materials for our Performance 3L Pant, eVent became the only choice that made sense for us,” said Jesse White, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer for WHITESPACE. “Not only does alpineST provide the performance we demand, but like WHITESPACE, eVent is a forward-looking company, making products that help reduce environmental impact by forgoing PFAS chemicals and incorporating recycled materials.”

WHITESPACE performance pant

Engineered for the harshest conditions, the Performance 3L Pant blends the alpineST laminate with fully taped seams for uncompromising waterproofing and breathability. Articulated construction and 4-way stretch gaiters move naturally with every turn, while the expandable cargo system and thermal media pockets keep essentials close. Finished with a PFC-free DWR and recycled materials, these pants deliver technical protection with a refined, responsible design.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: eVent® Fabrics

Alchemie Jet Precision Dyeing Technology, Advancing Textile Dyeing With Acatel

CAMBRIDGE, UK— January 16, 2026 — Alchemie Technology, the pioneer of jet precision dyeing solutions announces partnership with Acatel, Portugal’s leader in sustainable textile manufacturing. This partnership validates and optimises Alchemie’s cutting edge jet precision dyeing technology for knitted cellulosic fabrics.

Alchemie Jet Precision Dyeing Technology, Advancing Textile Dyeing with Acatel 300 dpi

As part of this collaboration, Alchemie and Acatel will run a 12-month R&D programme to prepare the technology for large-scale manufacturing. The programme will demonstrate how Alchemie’s fully electric, non-contact dyeing process can replace conventional dyeing and finishing routes, delivering significant reductions in water, energy, and chemical use while improving production efficiency and consistency.

The partnership is anchored within the Acatel Innovation Hub, which brings together industrial expertise, manufacturing infrastructure, and innovation to accelerate the adoption of next-generation textile technologies. Through this platform, Alchemie will advance the commercial readiness of its low-carbon digital dyeing system tailored for knitted cellulosic fabrics such as cotton, linen, MMCF, hemp, and wool blends.

“Transforming one of the world’s most resource-intensive industrial processes have required resilience, vision, and innovation,” said Dr. Alan Hudd, Founder and CEO of Alchemie Technology. “Being part of the Acatel Innovation Hub represents exactly the kind of bold partnership needed to scale sustainable textile solutions globally.”

Acatel has been a leader in sustainable textile processes since 1985, blending advanced technology with a strong environmental commitment. By leveraging Acatel’s innovation ecosystem, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation dyeing solutions and highlight the role of the Acatel Innovation Hub in bringing scalable, sustainable innovations to the textile dyeing and finishing industry.

“Acatel’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with Alchemie’s mission,” said Tércio Pinto, Board Member of Acatel “With this collaboration, we are empowering textile producers to redefine responsible manufacturing.”

To mark this partnership, Alchemie and Acatel will be exhibiting side-by-side at Paris Première Vision, 3–5 February 2026, where visitors are invited to a hands-on experience on different samples that demonstrate Alchemie’s groundbreaking technology in what concerns the touch & feel of fabrics processed with the technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to see first-hand how these solutions can deliver substantial sustainability and efficiency gains for knitted cellulosic fabrics applications and beyond.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: Alchemie Technology

Trivantage® Presents New Shade Sail Seminar: Shades Of Innovation

BURLINGTON, N.C. — January 21, 2026 — Trivantage, a trusted supplier of fabrics and hardware in the shade industry, is launching an all-new educational experience in 2026. The first-ever Shades of Innovation—a seminar exploring all things shade sail—will take place on Feb. 20 in Fort Worth, TX.

Led by the creators of Shade Sail University, an educational initiative by Wholesale Shade, this one-day event will dive into themes like design, 3D rendering, theory, post and bracket installation, measuring, plus tips and tricks. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and door prizes will be raffled. Attendance is free, though interested parties are encouraged to RSVP here.

February’s event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Worthington Renaissance Hotel, where attendees can receive a special room rate until January 29. The next Shades of Innovation seminar is planned for March 5 in Los Angeles.

Shades of Innovation is the latest in a series of educational events presented by Trivantage. The company recently introduced The Makers Meet, geared toward workroom and upholstery professionals, and it continues to host Performance on Deck marine fabrication seminars around the country.

“Beyond supplying materials, our mission is to help our customers excel in their craft by equipping them with knowledge and resources,” said Brett Baird, Vice President of Sales at Trivantage. “We’re excited to continue driving the industry forward through new educational opportunities like Shades of Innovation.”

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: Trivantage

Polartec Joins IMAQA To Support The Next Generation Of Climate Research In The Arctic

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — January 21, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand renowned for pioneering more sustainable and innovative textile solutions, is proud to support the IMAQA project, an initiative led by a group of young scientists dedicated to studying the effects of climate change in extreme Arctic environments.

(Editor’s Note: IMAQA is an organization based in Belgium, active in scientific expeditions, field logistics for researchers, glaciological data collection and educational activities. Its ambition is to build bridges between exploration, science and knowledge transfer to younger generations.)

With several major missions carried out in recent years, IMAQA has established itself as an essential partner for scientific institutions wishing to collect crucial data on climate change. The team’s expeditions across Greenland and Alaska have combined scientific research with education and storytelling, highlighting how curiosity, collaboration, and care for the environment can inspire meaningful action. These same values reflect Polartec’s ethos and its long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility.

Working in one of the planet’s most remote and unpredictable regions demands absolute reliability from every piece of equipment, which is why the researchers wear garments made with high-performance Polartec® fabrics, including Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation and Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro, a non-PFAS weather protection membrane made from plant-based Biolon™* nylon.

Originally developed to offer dynamic protection in extreme environments, both fabrics are the result of Polartec’s continuous effort to reduce environmental impact. The high- performance technical fabrics also enable IMAQA’s scientists and explorers to maintain focus, comfort, and efficiency while working in difficult and dynamic environments. In fact, these same fabrics can be found in collections by outdoor brands such as 66°North, Black Diamond and many others.

“At Polartec®, innovation has always been guided by the belief that performance and responsibility can and should coexist,” Alessandro Perseo, Marketing Director Polartec,. “Supporting IMAQA was a natural continuation of a broader commitment to help people pursue their goals in harmony with the planet. Every Polartec® fabric is created with the same attention to comfort, endurance, and sustainability that defines the brand’s work across generations.”

Polartec’s drive to merge technical excellence with environmental responsibility is reflected in the company’s support for initiatives of this kind. Through partnerships like IMAQA, Polartec® continues to invest in the future. Its support of projects that empower young people and advance scientific understanding demonstrates how responsible materials combined with people-centric values can contribute to positive change.

* Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

** 20k mm water resistance (ISO 811)/20k g/m²/24hrs breathability (JIS L1099, B1).

*** The Biolon™ nylon plant-based content within Power Shield™ Pro reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon footprint by up to 50% compared with virgin Nylon-6,6.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand

Yongrong Holding Group: Barmag Honored As Gold Partner

REMSCHEID, Germany / FUZHOU, China — January 22, 2026 — At this year’s supplier conference held by polyamide yarn manufacturer Yongrong on January 17, Barmag was honored with the Gold Partner Award. The company presents the award to suppliers who make a significant contribution to the sustainable growth and success of the group.

Barmag was honored with the Gold Partner Award as one of Yongrong’s key suppliers.

The Yongrong Holding Group’s supplier conference 2025 took place in Fuzhou, China, under the motto “Shaping the future together with a focus on value.” As a long-standing strategic supplier, Barmag was invited and represented by Hou Xiaoguang, Head of Barmag China, and Felix Chau, Head of Sales China.

Barmag and the Yongrong Group have maintained a partnership-based business relationship since 2004, which has developed from a strategic to a value-adding collaboration over more than two decades. In the field of polyamide yarn production, the Yongrong Group is now one of Barmag’s most important customers worldwide.

While the company initially used mainly standard equipment from Barmag, the focus is now on customized, innovative solutions that have been jointly developed and continuously optimized. High-quality, cutting-edge technology from Barmag, combined with the Yongrong Group’s forward-looking strategy, has contributed significantly to the successful development of both partners.

In the future, both partners intend to further intensify their cooperation. The focus will be on developing environmentally friendly and intelligent production processes for the nylon industry, as well as a new model for a high-quality and sustainable industry.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: Swiss Oerlikon Group

Archroma Brings High Impact Textile Innovations To Colombiatex 2026

PRATTELN, Switzerland — January 22, 2026 — Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, is proud to announce its participation in Colombiatex 2026, one of the most influential textile and apparel industry events in the Americas. The event will take place in Medellín, Colombia, from January 27 to 29, where Archroma will welcome visitors at Booth PC006.

At Colombiatex 2026, Archroma will highlight its latest innovations designed to support more sustainable, high-performance textile production. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the company’s award-winning AVITERA® SE dyes and SILIGEN® D2W, alongside a strong portfolio of advanced solutions including BLUE MAGIC, THIOTAN® R, ERIOFAST®, ERIOPON® E3 SAVE, and TERASIL® W-VM. In addition, visitors will also be able to explore solutions from our latest partnership with HeiQ.

“These innovations reflect our commitment to helping the textile industry meet growing demands for performance, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Gerardo Estrada, Vice President, Americas, Archroma. “Colombiatex is a key platform for connecting with partners across the Americas, and we look forward to demonstrating how our solutions can enable more planet conscious textile production.”

Archroma invites industry professionals, brand owners, and manufacturers to visit Booth PC006 to discover its cutting-edge textile solutions firsthand and learn how the company is shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: Archroma

ELFA: Equipment Finance Industry Confidence At 11-Month High

WASHINGTON, DC — January 22, 2026 — The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its January 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market rose to 64.6, up from 58.3 in December, and the highest level since February 2025. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.

January 2026 Survey Results:

  • Business Conditions – When assessing the next four months, 34.6% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve, up from 12.5% in December. Those who believe business conditions will remain the same declined to 57.7% from 75% the previous month. The percentage of executives who believe business conditions will worsen also declined to 7.7% from 12.5% in December.
  • Capex Demand – For the next four months, 40% of the survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase (up from 20.8% in December). Additionally, 56% expect demand to remain the same (down from 75%), and 4% believe demand will decline, relatively unchanged from December.
  • Access to Capital – Over the next four months, 32% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, an increase from 25% in December. The majority (68%) anticipate the “same” access to capital to fund business, a decrease from 70.8% the previous month. None expect “less” access to capital, unchanged from December.
  • Employment – Regarding employment over the next four months, 38.5%% of executives expect to hire more employees, a decrease from 50% in December. Also, 57.7% foresee no change in headcount (up from 45.8% last month), and 3.9% expect to hire fewer employees, down slightly from 4.2% in December.
  • U.S. Economy – Of the respondents, 3.9% evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from none in December; 96.2% assess it as “fair,” down from 100% last month; and none evaluate it as “poor,” unchanged from December.
  • Economic Outlook – Over the next six months, 30.8% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will “get better,” a marked increase from 12.5% in December. Another 61.5% expect the U.S. economy to “stay the same,” up from 58.3%; and 7.7% believe economic conditions will worsen, a dramatic decline from 29.2% last month.
  • Business Development Spending – Over the next six months, 34.6% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, down from 35.7% in December. Those who believe there will be “no change” in business development spending increased to 65.4% (up from 58.3% in December), and none believe there will be a decrease in spending (down from 4.2% last month).

January 2026 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:

Bank, Small Ticket

“2025 was a strong year for our business and much of the industry. I think we will carry that momentum into 2026 and find new opportunities to continue our growth this year.” David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance

Captive, Small Ticket

“We observed an increase in December that has continued into January. We believe the improved interest rate environment has contributed to this momentum. Additionally, we suspect that a “tariff pre-buy” effect is occurring, as customers accelerate purchasing decisions ahead of potential cost increases.” Jim DeFrank, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.

Independent, Small Ticket

“As interest rates and the economy improve in 2026, the equipment finance industry will likely be facing more competition from banks, the larger independents and new entrants.”  James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC

Independent, Middle Ticket

“I’m optimistic about AI and automation along with onshoring creating new demand for equipment. However, isolationist policies and lack of workforce are challenges to these positives, so it’s a mixed bag.” Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO of Elevex Capital and Equipment Leasing & Finance Association Treasurer

ELFA and the Foundation are unifying their research efforts. Starting in January 2026, all industry data and reports historically produced by the Foundation will move to a streamlined home on the ELFA website.

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)

KARL MAYER: The New RE 6 EL — Raschel Fabric Production With Proven Performance, Optimized Costs

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 22, 2026 — Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency.

KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

Diverse designs, rapid pattern changes, efficient production

The RE 6 EL is available with working widths of 170″ and optionally 130″. The standard gauge is E 32, with an E 28 model available as an option. As an upgraded version of the old RSE 6 EL, it offers the same competitive advantages in the manufacture of elastic fabrics as the original model. With six guide bars, complex patterns and diverse fabric structures can be produced. All guide bars have maximum cumulative shogging distance of 2″ and are electronically controlled for quick pattern changes. The maximum underlap distance is 15 needles.

A warp beam support, which meets the same high technical standard as the RSE 6 EL, allows warp beams of different diameters to be placed in different positions, enabling flexible adaptation to different yarn capacities and production requirements.

The proven KAMCOS® 2 from KARL MAYER ensures that the machine can be precisely configured and controlled, and its electronic functions can be set exactly. Operation is extremely convenient and efficient.

Based on the proven technology of the RSE 6 EL, the RE 6 EL also impresses with its uniquely stable running, excellent fabric quality and speed. Depending on the lappings and yarn used, a working speed of up to 1,400 rpm is possible. All this at an extremely attractive price. Thanks to optimised local supply chains, the newcomer offers maximum cost efficiency without compromising on performance.

Same performance, same areas of application

Thanks to its performance and flexible processing options, the RE 6 EL can be used in the same wide range of applications as the RS 6 EL. The newcomer is the perfect machine for numerous key market segments, including:

  • Underwear and swimwear, through the production of high-quality fabrics for comfortable and chic lingerie and swimwear items that combine elasticity and a variety of looks
  • Outerwear, through the production of fashionable fabrics with texture and structure
  • Functional fabrics, through the production of performance materials for shapewear, corsetry and casual wear, for example
  • Home textiles, through the production of exclusive decorative fabrics, among other things.

Would you like to know more about the new RE 6 EL?

Kay Hilbert

Kay Hilbert, Product Owner Lace & Raschel at KARL MAYER, looks forward to receiving your e-mail:

kay.hilbert@karlmayer.com

Posted: January 24, 2026

Source: KARL MAYER

Americas Apparel Producers’ Network Launches Certificate In Foundations Of Textile Manufacturing

CHARLESTON, S.C. — January 23, 2026 — Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) has announced the launch of its Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing, a new industry-endorsed, competency-based credential designed to build practical manufacturing literacy for professionals working across apparel and textile supply chains.

“Manufacturing literacy has always been a critical capability across the apparel and textile supply chain—especially for emerging talent entering the industry,” said Lynsey Jones, Executive Director of the Americas Apparel Producers’ Network.

Lynsey Jones

“This certificate was created to give early-career professionals and cross-functional teams practical, real-world understanding of how textiles are actually made, by learning directly from the mills themselves.

“By building this foundational knowledge early, we strengthen communication, improve decision-making, and reinforce partnerships across the supply chain—supporting the long-term success of the next generation of industry leaders.”

The certificate provides participants with foundational knowledge of textile manufacturing processes as they occur in real mill environments and is designed to support clearer communication, stronger decision-making, and improved cross-functional collaboration between brands, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.

Ron Roach

“We’re teaching participants how to analyze circular knit fabric, understand different constructions, and learn the quality terms used in circular knits. We also focus on how to identify and fix problems when they arise. When you add in the dye houses, woven manufacturing plants, the texturizing plant, and the largest spinning plant in the United States, it becomes an unbelievable educational week for brands and retailers,” said Ron Roach, President of Contempora Fabrics.

The Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing is intended for early-career professionals entering the textile or apparel supply chain, as well as merchandising, sourcing and procurement, manufacturing, product development, design, and operations team members. It is also well suited for sales, marketing, and technical professionals who work closely with mills or suppliers, along with cross-functional team members seeking a stronger understanding of textile production.

The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) successfully concluded its 2025 Carolina Mill Tour, taking executives from 12 leading apparel brands on an immersive journey through textile and trim production facilities across North and South Carolina.

Participants earning the certificate demonstrate foundational knowledge across core textile manufacturing competencies, including cotton fiber and spinning, synthetic fiber and spinning, thread manufacturing, weaving, knitting, and dyeing and finishing.

The certificate is currently offered in conjunction with the AAPN Carolina Mill Tour. Registration for the 2026 Carolina Mill Tour is open to brands and retailers and will be held March 23–26. Space for the Carolina Mill Tour is limited, the deadline to register is February 26th or until all of the slots have been filled.

For additional information, please visit AAPNetwork.net or contact Holly Williams at Holly@AAPNetwork.net

The Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing is issued by the Americas Apparel Producers’ Network in conjunction with the Carolina Mill Tour.

Posted: January 23, 2026

Source: Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

Textile-Embellishment Assets Go To Auction In Multistate Tiger Group Sale

NEW YORK — January 22, 2026 — Tiger Group today announced plans to auction a wide array of advanced embellishment equipment used in the production of everything from T-shirts to shower curtains.

Bidding in the timed, online auction at SoldTiger.com opens on Thurs., Jan. 29, at 10:30 a.m. PT and closes on Thurs., Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m. PT.

Formerly owned by Delta Apparel and Royal Textiles, the equipment on offer includes an entire flatbed screenprint operation in Southern California as well as state-of-the-art M&R Sales & Services, Inc. (M&R) machines stored in Kentucky, Arizona and New Jersey.

“On the M&R side, we’re auctioning three direct-to-garment Polaris printing systems that are highly prized for their speed, ease-of-use and versatility, along with an M&R dryer,” said John Coelho, Senior Director of Tiger Commercial & Industrial.

Buyers of the M&R equipment stand to reap tens of thousands of dollars in additional savings due to the advanced work completed by Tiger prior to the sale.

“In a typical textile-industry auction involving heavily installed equipment, you need to hire a rigger to knock down the equipment that you’ve bought and transfer it to your facility,” Coelho noted. “We’ve already had leading experts in M&R equipment match-mark, uninstall and crate these assets for pickup.”

These same teams are available for assistance with installation and calibration of M&R’s sensitive, direct-to-garment printing heads, Coelho added.

In addition, nine GS1 Universal Product Code (UPC) certificates are available in the auction.

These legacy certificates, each of which represents 100,000 unique UPC numbers, are not subject to annual licensing or maintenance fees charged by GS1, the nonprofit organization that maintains supply-chain standards globally.

“The certificates can be freely transferred from the current owner and then used for any product in any sector,” Coelho explained. “The value for manufacturers is significant: A new buyer today would need to pay GS1 $10,500 for a block of 100,000 UPC numbers, along with an annual maintenance fee of $ 2,150 for that certificate. In acquiring a single legacy certificate in this sale, you stand to save more than $10,000 every five years.”

M&R Assets

Surplus to the operations of Delta Apparel, the five digital, multi-station Polaris machines available in the auction allow textile-embellishers to run multiple jobs at the same time and are at the leading edge of textile-embellishment technology, Coelho said. (A YouTube video by M&R offers a deep dive into the features and benefits of the Polaris systems.)

“Buying and installing one of these machines new could easily cost $1 million,” the executive said. “The potential savings for companies that acquire these in a secondary-market liquidation are tremendous.”

Three of the 2021 M&R Polaris PR2 Stryker printers are located in Cranbury, N.J. Another two are stored in Glendale, Ariz. The 2021 M&R Sprint 3000 dryer (72 inches by 20 feet) is located in Owensboro, Ky.

Flatbed Screen Print Operation

Assets from Royal Textiles’ flatbed screenprint operation are available individually, but a turnkey buyer could acquire them all and work with the landlord to restart production at the company’s plant in Compton, Calif., Coelho said. “The flatbed screenprint assets include a stretcher, two engraving printers, a tenter frame finishing machine, automated flatbed screen printers, a print library and thousands of aluminum screens,” he noted.

The assets include:

  • A screen-making stretcher as well as an industrial oven, both by DS Engineering
  • Two stainless-steel industrial mixing tanks
  • Two screen engraving printers
  • An air compressor
  • IDH automatic flatbed 8-screen and 12-screen printing machines with elevated industrial work platforms and ovens
  • 2,000 aluminum screen printing frames (3 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 11 inches)
  • A sample printing machine
  • A tenter frame machine
  • An industrial “Smog Hog” air-cleaning system

For asset photos, full descriptions and other information, visit: http://soldtiger.com

https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/auction-catalogues/tiger-asset-intelligent/catalogue-id-bscti10106

Inspections are available at all sites on Wed., Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (local time). To arrange an inspection or obtain other information, email: auctions@tigergroup.

For more information and to explore pre-sales or the turnkey opportunity, contact John Coelho via email: jcoelho@tigergroup.com

Posted: January 22, 2026

Source Tiger Group

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