Paradigm Equity Partners Acquires STI Fabrics

Paradigm Equity Partners logoLOS ANGELES — November 4, 2026 — Paradigm Equity Partners (“Paradigm”), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in corporate divestitures and operationally focused situations, announced today the successful acquisition of STI Fabrics (“STI” or the “Company”), an American manufacturer of upholstery and performance fabrics.

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Kings Mountain, NC, STI designs, weaves and finishes fabrics for furniture manufacturers, retailers and interior designers. The Company’s portfolio includes Revolution® Performance Fabrics, known for durable, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabrics made without PFAS chemicals, and Brentwood Textiles, which serves customers seeking distinctive designs and textures. STI’s integrated domestic manufacturing capabilities support responsive service, consistent quality and reliable delivery across indoor and outdoor applications.

“STI has built a business with deep customer relationships, a skilled workforce and a differentiated position in American textile manufacturing,” said Roman Zelinsky, Founder and Managing Partner of Paradigm. “Revolution combines performance and design with the reliability of domestic production. We see a substantial opportunity to build on that foundation by strengthening operations, investing in the business and expanding STI’s reach across customers and end markets.”

Paradigm’s investment approach combines transaction execution with active support for the businesses it acquires. The STI acquisition builds on the firm’s experience acquiring established businesses through ownership transitions. Paradigm works with sellers and their advisors to address transaction complexity and develop a practical plan for the business following closing.

“Our approach begins with understanding what is important to the business and what the organization needs to succeed under new ownership,” Zelinsky added. “We bring a disciplined diligence process and flexibility in structuring transactions, then work hand-in-hand with management after closing to translate the investment plan into operating results. STI is a strong fit for that approach, with an established manufacturing platform and clear opportunities to grow.”

Paradigm plans to support STI’s next phase of growth through improvements in manufacturing efficiency and commercial execution, continued product development, and expansion in outdoor and designer channels. The firm also sees opportunities to pursue complementary acquisitions that broaden STI’s capabilities and customer reach.

Honigman LLP served as the legal advisor for Paradigm.

Posted: November 10, 2026

Source: Paradigm Equity Partners

lululemon Brings Enzymatically Recycled Polyester To Two Core Run Styles

JERRABOMBERRA, Australia — November 10, 2026 — lululemon is launching a limited capsule in Australia and New Zealand featuring two core run styles made with enzymatically recycled polyester.

Developed through its long-term work with Australian-based Samsara Eco, the capsule’s Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 2.5″ and Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7″ build on earlier product milestones by bringing enzymatically recycled polyester into high-performance products lululemon guests know and love.

Material progress through circular innovation

At lululemon, material progress means improving how products perform at every stage of their life, including advancing new pathways to recycle materials into new products.

Samsara Eco’s technology uses enzymes to break down plastic and textile waste into molecular building blocks that can be used to make new polyester. In both shorts, enzymatically recycled polyester makes up at least 50% of the product by weight and is used in the body material.

The capsule builds on lululemon’s first enzymatically recycled polyester product, the limited-edition Packable Anorak introduced in 2024, as well as earlier work with Samsara Eco on enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6.

“Material progress is part of how we define performance. Advancing circular innovation takes long-term collaboration, testing, and learning across the value chain,” said Yogendra Dandapure, Chief Materials Scientist at lululemon. “Bringing enzymatically recycled polyester into two of our core run styles is another opportunity to learn how new recycling pathways that can use textile waste as an input can be integrated into our products while maintaining the performance and quality our guests expect.”

Focused launches like this help lululemon and Samsara Eco better understand how new materials perform in products and inform future applications.

Samsara Eco is part of lululemon’s broader innovation ecosystem. Through partnerships across recycling and biotechnology, lululemon is developing high-performance material solutions and reducing reliance on conventional virgin inputs.

“Seeing our enzymatically recycled materials in two of lululemon’s core run styles that people can buy and wear is an important milestone, and a testament to the progress we’ve made together,” said Dr Lars Kissau, General Manager of Samsara Eco. “lululemon backed us early, and each launch helps us learn more about how our technology can integrate into existing supply chains. Moments like this help pave the way for broader adoption of enzymatically recycled materials.”

The capsule will be available exclusively through lululemon’s e-commerce site in Australia and New Zealand beginning November 10, 2026, in the Canyon Rock colourway.

Posted: November 10, 2026

Source: Samsara Eco

Circulose Resumes Recycling Of Discarded Cotton Textiles And Appoints Interim CEO

SUNDSVALL, Sweden — November 10, 2026 — Circulose announced its restart of commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The Ortviken plant is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility. Its restart demonstrates that the fashion industry is seeking ways to scale proven solutions that move beyond pilots and into commercial production.

In 2024, under new ownership by private equity firm Altor, Circulose set a renewed strategic direction focused on securing volume commitments from partner brands to bring CIRCULOSE® back to market at scale.

“Our focus has been to align the production restart with confirmed demand. With commitments from 16 brands, and more on the way, we are now there. Today Circulose is backed by leading brands and fiber producers, has an organization of around 130 people with deep expertise where it matters, and a plant ready to produce,” says Helena Helmersson, Executive Chair of Circulose.

With the Ortviken plant back in operation, Circulose continues supplying fashion brands and fiber producers with high-quality recycled raw material at commercial scale, supporting industry efforts to divert textile waste from landfills and incineration.

After two years leading the restart, CEO Jonatan Janmark has, together with the Board, decided that this is the right moment to hand over to a new leader for the next phase. CFO Amanda Geijer has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent CEO is in place. She will be supported by Helena Helmersson in the role of Executive Chair.

“When Jonatan joined, Circulose had just been given a second chance. Since then, he has made Circulose a leading player in textile-to-textile recycling again. That has taken a lot of energy, creativity and teamwork. I have learnt a lot from working with Jonatan, and on behalf of the board and our owners, I want to thank him for everything he has built,” says Helena Helmersson, Chair of the Board of Circulose.

“It has been a privilege to rebuild Circulose, and I am proud of what we have achieved. With confirmed market demand for our product, a strong team in place, and a plant ready for production, the time has come for me to hand over,” says Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose

“For the upcoming phase, I am very pleased that Amanda, who knows the company and our plans well, has agreed to lead Circulose as interim CEO until a permanent CEO is in place. I look forward to working closely with her and the team during that period,” says Helena Helmersson.

“Restarting Ortviken is a milestone for Circulose and for the industry. Our focus now is to ramp up production safely and deliver on the commitments to our customers,” says Amanda Geijer, interim CEO of Circulose.

Amanda Geijer joined Circulose as CFO in 2025. She was previously Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe. The change takes effect on 1st of December.

Posted: November 10, 2026

Source: Circulose

Color Solutions International Appoints Chris Plemmons As Head Of CSI

Color Solutions International (CSI) LogoCHARLOTTE, N.C. — November 10, 2026 — Color Solutions International (CSI), a provider of color standards, color forecasting, and digital color communication solutions, has announced the appointment of Chris Plemmons as Head of CSI. CSI is a member of the DyStar Group, serving brands, retailers, and manufacturers across the global textile and apparel value chain.

Color Solutions International (CSI) - Chris Plemmons
Chris Plemmons

Chris brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in global operations, manufacturing excellence, and business transformation. He holds an MBA and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams, driven operational excellence, and developed strong customer partnerships across international markets.

Prior to joining CSI, Chris served as Senior Vice President of Global Operations at American & Efird (A&E), where he led international operations supporting major apparel brands, retailers, and manufacturers worldwide. His extensive experience in global supply chain management, operational optimization, and customer-centric leadership positions him well to guide CSI’s continued growth and innovation.

In his new role, Chris will be responsible for driving the company’s strategic direction and growth, with a focus on strengthening its market leadership in color management, standards, and digital solutions. His industry expertise, commitment to operational excellence, and customer-focused approach will further enhance CSI’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable color solutions to customers around the world.

Eric Hopmann, Senior Vice President of Americas and Europe at DyStar Group, said:

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to Color Solutions International. His extensive leadership experience, operational expertise, and strong customer focus make him well positioned to lead CSI as it continues to strengthen its market position and deliver value to customers worldwide. We look forward to working with Chris as CSI advances its innovation capabilities and supports the evolving needs of the industry.”

Under Chris’s leadership, CSI will continue to strengthen its position as a trusted partner to the textile and apparel industry, delivering color standards, digital solutions, and innovative technologies that help customers achieve greater color accuracy, efficiency, and consistency throughout the supply chain.

Posted: November 10, 2026

Source: Color Solutions International (CSI) is a member of DyStar Group

Brückner Showcases Sustainable Technologies For The Future Of Textile Finishing At ITMA ASIA 2026

LEONBERG, Germany — November 9, 2026 — With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world’s leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.

A special focus will be placed on the company’s proven heat recovery and exhaust air purification systems. These solutions enable manufacturers to recover valuable energy from production processes, substantially reduce overall energy demand, and reliably comply with environmental regulations at the same time. For many textile finishers, they offer considerable potential for lowering operating costs and reducing CO₂ emissions.

Brueckner_Stenter_with_Energy_Saving_System
POWER-FRAME stenter equipped with heat recovery and exhaust air purification system

Brückner will also demonstrate how modern stenter technology can make a significant contribution to resource-efficient production. The latest generation of the POWER-FRAME stenter combines outstanding process quality with numerous features designed to maximize energy efficiency. Optimized airflow systems, highly efficient burner technology, intelligent control and automation solutions, and innovative energy-saving packages help significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs while increasing productivity.

“Sustainability has long become a decisive competitive factor for many textile companies. With our technologies, we help our customers minimize energy consumption, reduce emissions, and future-proof their production operations,” explains Alexander Mandel, Sales Director at the German family-owned company. He will be personally attending ITMA ASIA and will be pleased to explain the benefits of German engineering excellence to visitors.

The exhibition in Shanghai also provides an opportunity for visitors to explore practical examples demonstrating how sustainability and profitability can successfully go hand in hand and to discover the potential that modern finishing technologies offer for both existing and new production facilities. Visit Brückner at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai – Hall 8.1, Booth C46. Learn how innovative machinery technology can help keep your products competitive and prepare your production for the future.

Posted: November 9, 2026

Source: Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Arclin And KINETIXX Expand Exclusive Partnership To Advance Kevlar® EXO™ Technology

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — November 9, 2026 — Arclin, a materials science company, today announced the expansion of its exclusive partnership with KINETIXX, asupplier of advanced composite engineering and manufacturing, extending the reach of Kevlar® EXO™ unidirectional (UD) technology into additional high-performance consumer markets worldwide.

Arclin-Kevlar-EXO-Stacked-Blk-Ylw-cmyk-2Building on a partnership first established in January 2025, the new agreement sets the stage for a new wave of product innovation beyond sporting goods. By combining Arclin’s Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber with KINETIXX’s proprietary resin matrix engineering, advanced UD prepreg development, and utility-patented hybrid composite manufacturing technologies, the companies are creating new opportunities to commercialize lightweight, high-strength composite structures across multiple industries. The agreement broadens KINETIXX’s worldwide UD exclusivity rights to cover hard luggage, bicycle structural components, and footwear applications, including fashion, sport, and work boots.

The expanded agreement reinforces KINETIXX’s position as an exclusive technology partner for Kevlar® EXO™ UD composite applications in these categories, combining advanced material science with proprietary engineering and manufacturing capabilities developed through decades of high-performance composite innovation.

Arclin - Bradley Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer
Bradley Bolduc

“What began as a successful collaboration in sporting goods has grown into a broader opportunity to bring Kevlar® EXO™ technology to new consumer applications,” said Bradley Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer at Arclin. “KINETIXX has demonstrated how innovative composite design can translate the unique performance advantages of Kevlar® EXO™ into products consumers can experience firsthand, and we’re looking forward to exploring new markets and applications together.”

The partnership combines Arclin’s newest aramid fiber innovation, Kevlar® EXO™, with KINETIXX’s proprietary processing technologies and expertise in engineering advanced multi-axial UD composite structures. Kevlar® EXO™’s advanced molecular structure provides approximately 40% greater strength-to-weight performance than traditional Kevlar® K29 fiber, along with improved flexibility and energy absorption. For consumers, these material properties create opportunities for products that are lighter, stronger, and more resilient without sacrificing performance or comfort.

Realizing the full potential of advanced aramid fibers in commercial composite applications requires more than the material itself. KINETIXX has developed proprietary resin chemistry and hybrid composite manufacturing processes designed to overcome traditional challenges associated with aramid fiber integration, including resin adhesion, interlaminar shear performance, and compatibility with high-modulus carbon fiber structures.

This combination of material innovation and proprietary manufacturing expertise provides a platform for developing next-generation products across industries where structural integrity, durability, lightweight construction, and design flexibility are critical.

“This expanded agreement marks an important milestone in our collaboration with Arclin,” said Jason Horodezky, CEO and CTO of KINETIXX. “Arclin’s Kevlar® EXO™ represents a significant advancement in aramid fiber technology. At KINETIXX, we’ve invested decades in developing proprietary systems and processes that allow us to integrate advanced materials into highly engineered, commercially viable products. By expanding our exclusive rights into additional global markets, we’re collectively creating opportunities for manufacturers to achieve performance characteristics that conventional materials and construction methods cannot easily deliver.”

With its vertically integrated manufacturing model, in-house development of proprietary UD prepreg materials, and extensive experience supporting leading global OEM and ODM partners, KINETIXX is positioned to help manufacturers translate advanced material innovations into scalable, high-performance product solutions.

Posted: November 9, 2026

Source: Arclin

INDA Announces New Name For International Fiber Journal

CARY, N.C. — November 9, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and its publishing arm INDA Media are excited to announce that International Fiber Journal (IFJ) will become Fibers&Nonwovens with Issue 1, 2027. The new name reflects the magazine’s longstanding focus on fiber innovation and its coverage of the materials, technologies and markets shaping the global nonwovens industry.

INDA - Fibers & Nonwovens logoUnder its new name, the magazine will continue to deliver the industry reporting, market insights and technical perspectives that IFJ readers rely on.

“Fibers, materials science, nonwovens and engineered materials have long been part of the same story for our readers,” said Rachael Davis, publisher and chief content officer, INDA Media. “An advance in fiber technology can change how a nonwoven is made, how it performs and where it can be used. Our job is to follow those connections and help readers understand what new developments mean for their work. The name Fibers&Nonwovens makes that editorial focus clear while carrying forward the technical reporting and industry perspectives readers have come to expect from International Fiber Journal.”

INDA acquired International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News in October 2018. At the time, IFJ covered man-made fibers, technical textiles and nonwovens, connecting producers of engineered materials and machinery with fiber and yarn users in more than 90 countries.

Current subscribers will continue to receive the new magazine without interruption. For subscription information, please email circulation@inda.org.

The 2027 Media Kit is now available. For editorial inquiries, please reach out to Rachael Davis at rdavis@inda.org. For advertising information, please reach out to Vickie Smead at vsmead@inda.org. The magazine’s new website will launch in January.

Posted: November 9, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Landmark Partnership Between Unspun And Arvind Limited

unspun-wordmark-black-01 sizedAHMEDABAD, India & SAN FRANCISCO — November 9, 2026 — unspun, the B Corp-certified fashion technology company behind OneWeave™ 3D weaving, and Arvind Limited, one of India’s leading textile-to-retail conglomerates, today announced a strategic partnership to bring yarn-to-garment 3D weaving into industrial-scale apparel manufacturing.

arvind logo sizedThe deployment marks Arvind’s first installation of OneWeave™ technology and the first time unspun’s 3D weaving platform will move from its own microfactory into the production environment of a global Tier-1 manufacturer — an important step in the company’s broader vision for more responsive, automated and lower-waste apparel supply chains.

The fashion industry’s operating model still depends heavily on forecasting demand months in advance, committing to bulk orders, and correcting for inevitable misses through markdowns, deadstock and disposal. McKinsey has reported that U.S. retailers alone were sitting on approximately $740 billion in unsold goods in 2023. As of July 19, 2026, new EU rules prohibit large companies from destroying unsold clothes, clothing accessories and footwear across the EU — a policy shift that makes overproduction not just a sustainability problem, but a compliance and business-model risk. In apparel manufacturing, conventional cut-and-sew production also creates fabric offcuts before a garment ever reaches a customer — making waste, excess inventory and long lead times structural problems rather than edge cases.

unspun August13_Arvind deploymentUnder the partnership, Arvind will deploy two OneWeave™ machines at its facility in Ahmedabad, India, with operations expected to begin by December 2026. The phased partnership includes a path to 30+ additional machines across India and/or North America in 2027–28, scaling with demand from global apparel brands. unspun will provide installation, commissioning, training, software, and ongoing service and support; brands will contract with Arvind to produce using the technology.

Demand for the new capacity is already building, with a pipeline of leading global apparel brands preparing programs. With initial capacity limited to the first two machines, production slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, giving early-moving brands priority access as the deployment scales.

“For decades, Arvind has helped define what scaled, high-quality apparel manufacturing can look like, and they have consistently been willing to invest in the technologies that move the industry forward. That makes them exactly the right partner for this next chapter. This partnership is about more than installing machines; it is about scaling our technology around the world with a world-class manufacturing partner, building the capacity to bring production closer to major markets in the U.S. and Europe, and helping solve some of the apparel industry’s biggest problems in the process. Bringing OneWeave™ into an industrial Tier-1 manufacturing environment is a critical step toward the responsive, demand-led manufacturing model our technology is designed to unlock: one where brands can respond to demand in weeks instead of months, reduce waste and markdown exposure, and move closer to making only what is needed.” – Arne Arens, CEO, unspun

unspun Thread Detail sized 1Innovation has always been central to Arvind’s growth journey, and our decision to deploy OneWeave™ reflects our conviction that the future of apparel manufacturing will be more automated, responsive and sustainable. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce manufacturing complexity, improve material utilisation and enable faster replenishment cycles for global apparel brands. As customer expectations continue to evolve, brands are seeking shorter lead times and greater flexibility without compromising quality or sustainability. Through this partnership with unspun, we are building capabilities that can help address these needs while strengthening our leadership in advanced textile manufacturing. We believe this is an important step towards a more demand-driven and resource-efficient apparel ecosystem. – Karan Ojha, CEO – Wovens Business & COE, Arvind Limited

OneWeave™ weaves yarn directly into three-dimensional garment forms, bypassing 2D fabric production, most cutting, and most sewing. A pant leg is woven in roughly 10 minutes, and each machine can produce approximately 20,000 pants per year — creating a new foundation for faster, more flexible apparel production.

unspun - Vega_5pocket_Exp_DenimLaser-78705By moving OneWeave™ from unspun’s microfactory into a global Tier-1 manufacturing environment, and by building a path toward additional capacity in India and the U.S., the partnership brings the industry closer to a future in which brands can replenish closer to demand, produce nearer to end markets, and rely less on long-range forecasting and bulk inventory bets.

That shift matters because unsold inventory remains one of fashion’s most persistent financial and sustainability problems. Overproduction — locked in by long lead times and bulk ordering — ends in markdowns, deadstock and landfill. Responsive and nearshored manufacturing capacity gives brands a path to make smaller, smarter commitments; react to real consumer demand in-season; reduce overstock and waste; cut markdown exposure; and move closer to a true on-demand production model over time.

Posted: November 9, 2026

Source: unspun

Buddhi Weerasinghe Appointed General Manager Of Environmental Consulting Firm Bluwin As Dr Ron Pedemonte Retires

BluWin logoHUDDERSFIELD, UK — November 2, 2026 — BluWin today announced that Dr Ron Pedemonte, Vice President of BluWin, CSI and Texanlab, will retire at the end of 2026. BluWin also announced the appointment of Buddhi Weerasinghe as General Manager
(Head of BluWin), effective 1 November 2026, as part of a structured leadership transition.

A respected industry leader, Dr Ron Pedemonte has guided BluWin through a period of significant growth since assuming leadership of the company in 2024, expanding its global customer base, strengthening financial performance, and broadening its service portfolio across verification, certification, consulting, and capacity-building services.

BluWin - Buddhi Weerasinghe - Portrait
Buddhi Weerasinghe

“We are deeply grateful to Ron for his exceptional leadership, dedication and contributions over the years,” said Eric Hopmann, Senior Vice President, Americas and Europe Regions and Head of Marketing, DyStar Group. “His combination of scientific expertise, commercial acumen and strategic leadership has created lasting value for our customers, partners and the industry. We thank Ron for his many contributions and wish him every success in this next chapter.”

With nearly three decades of international experience across diverse business functions, Buddhi Weerasinghe joined BluWin in 2022 and has since played a key role in the company’s growth and development. In his most recent role, he has helped expand the company’s service offerings, accelerate commercial growth and support its expansion into new market sectors.

In his new appointment, Buddhi will lead BluWin’s strategic direction and business growth, while focusing on strengthening its service portfolio, key partnerships and market presence.

“I am honoured to lead BluWin into its next chapter,” said Buddhi Weerasinghe. “BluWin is recognised for delivering trusted sustainability solutions that help organisations improve environmental performance and create long-term value. I look forward to working with our teams, customers and partners to strengthen our impact, expand our capabilities and accelerate future growth.”

Under its new leadership, BluWin remains committed to advancing sustainability across global value chains through innovative solutions, trusted expertise and meaningful collaboration with customers and partners worldwide.

Posted: November 8, 2026

Source: BluWin

Freudenberg Performance Materials Presents Filtura® Filter Media For Challenging Industrial Filtration Applications At Filtration & Separation Asia (FSA)  2026

WEINHEIM, Germany / SHANGHAI — November 4, 2026 — Freudenberg Performance Materials is presenting filter media for challenging industrial applications at Filtration & Separation Asia (FSA) in Shanghai from November 18 – 20, 2026. The focus is on pleatable Filtura® filter media for air pollution control (APC). FPM will be welcoming visitors to Booth R20, Hall 1, in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

For metal processing, manufacture and recycling of lithium-ion battery materials, and metal 3D printing

The PET-based filter media for industrial dust removal combine mechanical rigidity and pleat stability with high tear resistance. Depending on the application, additional functional options such as anti-static or flame-retardant treatments can also be integrated. The filter media are used, for example, in metal processing, the manufacture and recycling of lithium-ion battery materials, and metal 3D printing.

A customer comparison in the metal processing industry demonstrates the potential impact on operational efficiency: switching from a conventional cellulose blend filter media to a PET-based Filtura® filter media with an ePTFE membrane extended the intervals between the cleaning pulses. As a result, compressed air consumption decreased by approximately 20 percent. At the same time, filter cartridge service life was extended by up to three months.

Posted: November 7, 2026

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Sponsors