The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA)’S Educational Foundation Announces Professional Grants For 2026

LEWISVILLE, N.C. — May 4, 2026 — Applications will be accepted between June 1 and June 30, 2026 for five professional grants from the Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association. Since the early years of this 79-year-old global design industry alliance, arguably the most diverse organization of its kind with membership that includes designers, media and marketers, it has awarded grants to talented professionals as well as scholarships to high-achieving design students, internationally. Last year, the funds awarded for scholarships and grants totaled more than $30,000.

2025 Grant Winners

“These professional grants are an incredible opportunity to expand horizons, strengthen skills and jump-start careers,” said Karen Dzendolet, Chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “Take the next step—apply and make the most of it.”

IFDA Educational Foundation Grants are offered to professionals working in the interior design or furnishings related fields, as well as design educators and design programs, not to undergraduate students. Winners will be notified by August 31 or as noted for that grant. The website has detailed information and applications: ifdaef.org.

The five grants to be applied for starting June 1, 2026, are as follows:

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant— $2,000

Open to an individual involved with Universal Design to meet the living needs of all ages and capabilities in product development; a design project; education or marketing.

Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs — $2,500

Open to an accredited U.S. interior design program, for supplementary materials/resources.

Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant — $1,500

Open to professionals in design/furnishings seeking to enhance skills with advanced study.

Valerie Moran Memorial Grant — up to $3,000

Awarded to an IFDA professional member interested in expanding their horizons through travel, trade shows and professional development studies.

Grants Available for IFDA Chapters – can be applied for throughout the year, at least 30 days prior to the event:

Barbara Brock Memorial Grant – $750 each, $1500 total

Funds will go towards travel expenses for two IFDA experts to speak at various industry venues.

Chapter Partnership Grants — $1,000 Each, $3,000 Total

Three grants available to IFDA chapters for educational programs (accepted a minimum of 30 days prior to event).

Claire Coleman Founders Grants — $1,000 Each, $2,000 Total

To help IFDA chapters develop marketing and communications programs, events or projects. Two grants available to IFDA chapters for marketing or communications programs (accepted a minimum of 30 days prior to event).

New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000

To aid newly formed chapters in creating an educational program to attract membership.

Chapter Student Member Event Grant —$200 Each, $1,000 Total

Encourages chapter interaction with IFDA Student members

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: IFDA Educational Foundation

Manufacturing PMI® At 52.7%; April 2026 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report:Textile Mills Lead Sectors Reporting Growth

TEMPE, Ariz. — May 1, 2026 — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the fourth consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.

The report was issued today by Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

“The Manufacturing PMI® registered 52.7 percent in April, the same reading as March. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 18th month in a row. (A Manufacturing PMI® above 47.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index expanded for the fourth straight month after four straight readings in contraction, registering 54.1 percent, up 0.6 percentage point compared to March’s figure of 53.5 percent. The April reading of the Production Index (53.4 percent) is 1.7 percentage points lower than March’s reading of 55.1 percent. The Prices Index remained in expansion (or ‘increasing’ territory), registering 84.6 percent, a 6.3-percentage point jump from March’s reading of 78.3 percent. In the last three months, the Prices Index has increased 25.6 percentage points to reach its highest level since April 2022 (84.6 percent). The Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.4 percent, down 3 percentage points compared to the 54.4 percent recorded in March. The Employment Index registered 46.4 percent, down 2.3 percentage points from March’s figure of 48.7 percent,” says Spence.

“The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slowing performance for the fifth month in a row after one month in ‘faster’ territory. The reading of 60.6 percent is up 1.7 percentage points from the 58.9 percent recorded in March; the index has risen in each of the last five months, meaning delivery times are increasingly slowing. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM® PMI® Reports index that is inversed; a reading of above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.)

“The Inventories Index registered 49 percent, up 1.9 percentage points compared to March’s reading of 47.1 percent. The Customers’ Inventories Index reading of 39.1 percent is a 1-percentage point decrease compared to March.

“The New Export Orders Index reading of 47.9 percent is 2 percentage points lower than the reading of 49.9 percent registered in March, making it the second month in a row in contraction territory. The Imports Index registered 50.3 percent, 2.3 percentage points lower than March’s reading of 52.6 percent.”

Spence continues, “In April, U.S. manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory, growing at the same pace as the month before. Of the five subindexes that make up the PMI®, the New Orders and Supplier Deliveries indexes indicated faster growth compared to the previous month, the Production Index grew at a slower rate, and the Employment and Inventories indexes remained in contraction.

“In this second month of the Iran War (at the time of data collection), 31 percent of the comments were positive and 69 percent negative, with a positive to negative sentiment ratio of 1 to 2.2. Among comments, the war was mentioned in 47 percent and tariffs in 18 percent. As was the case last month, some panelists referenced both topics within a single comment or in mixed sentiment.

“Two of four demand indicators (the New Orders and Backlog of Orders indexes) remain in expansion, although the Backlog of Orders Index dropped 3 percentage points compared to March. The New Export Orders Index remained in contraction with a 2-percentage point decrease, and the Customers’ Inventories Index remains in ‘too low’ territory, contracting at a slightly faster rate. A ‘too low’ status for the Customers’ Inventories Index is usually considered positive for future production.

“Regarding output, the Production Index is in expansion for the sixth month in a row (although it lost ground compared to March), and the Employment Index decreased by 2.3 percentage points and remains in contraction. Among panelists, 60 percent indicated that managing head counts remains the norm at their companies as opposed to hiring, and of those managing head counts, 34 percent are using layoffs and 43 percent using attrition or not backfilling positions.

“Finally, inputs (defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices, and imports) had another month of mixed results. The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated increasingly slowing deliveries, the Inventories Index contracted at a slower rate, and the Prices Index vaulted again — up another 6.3 percentage points to 84.6 percent, from 78.3 percent in March, and the highest reading from April 2022, when it was also at 84.6 percent. The Imports Index lost 2.3 percentage points for a reading of 50.3 percent, compared to 52.6 percent in March.

“Looking at the manufacturing economy, 19 percent of the sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in April, compared to 16 percent in March, and the percentage of manufacturing GDP in strong contraction (defined as a composite PMI® of 45 percent or lower) decreased to 2 percent, compared to 4 percent in March. The share of sector GDP with a PMI® at or below 45 percent is a good metric to gauge overall manufacturing weakness. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, four (Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) expanded in April,” says Spence.

The 13 manufacturing industries reporting growth in April — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; and Furniture & Related Products. The three industries reporting contraction in April are: Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

  • “Demand for manufactured goods is trending higher versus last year; however, geopolitical uncertainty and rising oil and diesel prices continue to weigh on demand. Many customers are exercising caution and remain in a wait-and-watch mode.” [Transportation Equipment]
  • “Continued tariffs on products utilized in our product lines are being monitored by the business, with the business working to mitigate or limit tariff risk. Geopolitical risk, especially in the Middle East, as it pertains to commodity and energy markets remains a concern and is being monitored by the business. Supply chain risk concerns pertaining to increased cost and transit time for rerouted shipments due to conflict in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal. These conditions are being monitored by the business and rerouting measures have been implemented where possible.” [Transportation Equipment]
  • “Continuing fluctuation in U.S. tariffs as well as market constraints for certain materials are affecting our current business. U.S. support of AI-related industry is also in flux which is causing some customer and investment hesitancy.” [Computer & Electronic Products]
  • “All products tied to crude, polyethylene resin or energy (liquified natural gas) have seen multiple increase spikes tied to the Iran crisis and market supply inflation.” [Chemical Products]
  • “Revenues are very strong. However, price increases are similar to a few years ago with the supply chain crisis. All imports from China are up 15 percent to 25 percent, which is impossible for us to absorb or to fully pass along. Our suppliers in China are telling us that oil is at an all-time high, which is putting huge challenges on their cost structures.” [Chemical Products]
  • “General uncertainty over the total impact of the U.S.-Iran war. Have not yet started to see the full impact of fuel increases but are aware they are coming.” [Machinery]
  • “Business levels have been decent this year, in line with the same period last year and improved from the second half of 2025. However, higher cost pressures are impacting margins.” [Fabricated Metal Products]
  • “Commodity markets remain mixed, with pockets of easing offset by ongoing volatility. Dairy and some soft commodities have cooled, while oils and grain-related inputs remain elevated given biofuel demand and feed costs. Pricing is still sensitive to policy changes, weather and global trade dynamics.” [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products]
  • “Our business remains strong and stable, but there are a lot of concerns in the geopolitical arena. If the Iran conflict persists, the impact on market pricing and supply continuity could be extreme. Electronics component market remains very volatile (pricing and continuity) based on AI.” [Miscellaneous Manufacturing]
MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE

April 2026
Index Series
Index

Apr

 Series
Index

Mar

 Percentage

Point

Change

 Direction Rate of
Change		 Trend*
(Months)
Manufacturing
PMI®		 52.7 52.7 0.0 Growing Same 4
New Orders 54.1 53.5 +0.6 Growing Faster 4
Production 53.4 55.1 -1.7 Growing Slower 6
Employment 46.4 48.7 -2.3 Contracting Faster 31
Supplier
Deliveries		 60.6 58.9 +1.7 Slowing Faster 5
Inventories 49.0 47.1 +1.9 Contracting Slower 12
Customers’
Inventories		 39.1 40.1 -1.0 Too Low Faster 19
Prices 84.6 78.3 +6.3 Increasing Faster 19
Backlog of
Orders		 51.4 54.4 -3.0 Growing Slower 4
New Export
Orders		 47.9 49.9 -2.0 Contracting Faster 2
Imports 50.3 52.6 -2.3 Growing Slower 3
OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Same 18
Manufacturing Sector Growing Same 4

ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes.
*Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price
Acrylic Products; Adhesives; Aluminum (29); Aluminum Products; Caustic Soda; Chemical Products (2); Cooking Fats and Oils (2); Copper (10); Copper Based Products (5); Corn (2); Corrugated Products; Diesel Fuel (2); Electronic Components (4); Freight (2); Fuel (2); High Density Polyethylene (HDPE); Logistics Services; Memory Components (2); Metal Products; Methanol (2); Nickel Products; Nylon; Oil; Oil Based Products; Packaging; Paint; Paper Products; Petroleum Based Products; Plastic Based Products; Plastics (2); Polyester; Polyethylene Resins; Polyethylene Terephthalate; Polyvinyl Chloride; Resins (3); Solvents; Soybean Products (2); Steel (6); Steel — Carbon; Steel — Hot Rolled (4); Steel — Stainless (3); Steel Products (5); Sulfur Products; Transportation Costs; Tungsten Products (3); and Wire and Cable.

Commodities Down in Price
Natural Gas.

Commodities in Short Supply
Aluminum; Bearing Components (2); Electrical Components (10); Electronic Components (14); Memory (4); Propylene Glycol; and Semiconductors (2).

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

APRIL 2026 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

Manufacturing PMI®
The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in April for the fourth straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 52.7 percent, the same reading as March. Of the five subindexes that directly factor into the Manufacturing PMI®, three (New Orders, Production and Supplier Deliveries) were in expansion territory, the same as in March. The Employment and Inventories indexes stayed in contraction, with Employment in decline compared to March. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, four (Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) expanded in April. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing sector is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A Manufacturing PMI® above 47.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the April Manufacturing PMI® indicates the overall economy grew for the 18th straight month. “The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the April reading (52.7 percent) corresponds to a 1.8-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Spence.

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month Manufacturing
PMI®		 Month Manufacturing
PMI®
Apr 2026 52.7 Oct 2025 48.8
Mar 2026 52.7 Sep 2025 48.9
Feb 2026 52.4 Aug 2025 48.9
Jan 2026 52.6 Jul 2025 48.4
Dec 2025 47.9 Jun 2025 49.0
Nov 2025 48.0 May 2025 48.6
Average for 12 months – 49.9

High – 52.7

Low – 47.9

New Orders
ISM®‘s New Orders Index expanded in April with a reading of 54.1 percent, an increase of 0.6 percentage point compared to March’s reading of 53.5 percent. “Of the six largest manufacturing industries, four (Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products) reported increased new orders. Demand sentiment was positive, with a 1.6-to-1.0 ratio of positive to negative comments in April. A number of the positive comments noted, however, that customers were ordering to get ahead of price increases,” says Spence. A New Orders Index above 51.9 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

The 12 manufacturing industries that reported growth in new orders in April, in order, are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Fabricated Metal Products; and Chemical Products. The three industries reporting a decline in new orders in April are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 31.6 53.2 15.2 +16.4 54.1
Mar 2026 29.1 56.3 14.6 +14.5 53.5
Feb 2026 30.3 56.9 12.8 +17.5 55.8
Jan 2026 31.4 51.0 17.6 +13.8 57.1

Production
The Production Index expanded in April for the sixth month in a row, registering 53.4 percent, a 1.7-percentage point decrease compared to March’s reading of 55.1 percent. “Of the six largest manufacturing industries, four (Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) reported increased production. For a second month in a row, panelists had a 2-to-1 ratio of positive to negative comments regarding output,” says Spence. An index above 52 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.

The 11 industries reporting growth in production during the month of April — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The two industries reporting a decrease in production in April are: Wood Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 28.3 58.7 13.0 +15.3 53.4
Mar 2026 24.5 62.8 12.7 +11.8 55.1
Feb 2026 25.2 58.8 16.0 +9.2 53.5
Jan 2026 25.7 58.8 15.5 +10.2 55.9

Employment
ISM®‘s Employment Index registered 46.4 percent in April, 2.3 percentage points lower than March’s reading of 48.7 percent. “The index posted its 31st consecutive month of contraction after expanding in September 2023. Since January 2023, the Employment Index has contracted in 39 of 40 months. Of the six big manufacturing industries, three (Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Machinery) reported higher levels of employment in April. For every comment on hiring, there was 1.7 on reducing head counts,” says Spence. An Employment Index above 50.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, five reported employment growth in April: Printing & Related Support Activities; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; and Machinery. The eight industries reporting a decrease in employment in April, in the following order, are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Chemical Products.

Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 17.5 62.3 20.2 -2.7 46.4
Mar 2026 14.2 70.8 15.0 -0.8 48.7
Feb 2026 18.8 60.8 20.4 -1.6 48.8
Jan 2026 13.7 68.0 18.3 -4.6 48.1

Supplier Deliveries†
Delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was slower in April for the fifth consecutive month after one month of faster deliveries. “The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 60.6 percent, a 1.7-percentage point increase compared to the reading of 58.9 percent reported in March. Of the six big industries, five (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment) reported slower supplier deliveries” says Spence. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The 14 manufacturing industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in April, in order, are: Textile Mills; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Furniture & Related Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment. No industry reported faster deliveries in April.

Supplier
Deliveries		 %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index
Apr 2026 22.6 75.9 1.5 +21.1 60.6
Mar 2026 19.5 78.8 1.7 +17.8 58.9
Feb 2026 14.0 82.2 3.8 +10.2 55.1
Jan 2026 12.7 83.3 4.0 +8.7 54.4

Inventories
The Inventories Index registered 49 percent in April, up 1.9 percentage points compared to the reading of 47.1 percent in March. “Only one (Chemical Products) of the six big industries expanded inventories in April,” says Spence. An Inventories Index greater than 44.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

Of 18 manufacturing industries, the five reporting higher inventories in April are: Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Chemical Products. The eight industries reporting lower inventories in April — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery.

Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 14.5 68.3 17.2 -2.7 49.0
Mar 2026 16.7 64.3 19.0 -2.3 47.1
Feb 2026 14.2 71.8 14.0 +0.2 48.8
Jan 2026 14.0 66.4 19.6 -5.6 47.6

Customers’ Inventories†
ISM®‘s Customers’ Inventories Index remained in “too low” territory in April with reading of 39.1 percent, a decrease of 1 percentage point compared to the 40.1 percent reported in March. In the last four months, this index has averaged 39.2 percent, its lowest levels since it averaged 33.1 percent over a 25-month period ending in August 2022. (For more information about the Customers’ Inventories Index, see the “Data and Method of Presentation” section below.)

The only industry to report that customers’ inventories were too high in April was Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 11 industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low in April, in order, are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Six industries reported no change in customers’ inventories in April compared to March.

Customers’
Inventories		 %
Reporting		 %Too High %About Right %Too Low Net Index
Apr 2026 73 7.6 62.9 29.5 -21.9 39.1
Mar 2026 74 6.9 66.3 26.8 -19.9 40.1
Feb 2026 76 5.7 66.1 28.2 -22.5 38.8
Jan 2026 69 5.5 66.3 28.2 -22.7 38.7

Prices†
The ISM® Prices Index registered 84.6 percent in April, an increase of 6.3 percentage points over its March reading of 78.3 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased for the 19th straight month. The Prices Index has risen 25.6 percentage points in the last three months to hit its highest reading since April 2022 (84.6 percent). All the six largest manufacturing industries — Chemical Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment, in that order — reported price increases in April. “As was the case in March, the Prices Index reading continues to be driven by (1) increases in steel and aluminum prices that impact the entire value chain, (2) tariffs applied to many imported goods and now (3) increases in petroleum-based products as a result of the Middle East conflict. Higher prices were reported by 70.3 percent of respondents in April, up 10.9 percentage points from March’s 59.4 percent,” says Spence. A Prices Index above 52.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

In April, the 17 industries that reported paying increased prices for raw materials, in order, are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Wood Products; Primary Metals; Furniture & Related Products; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products. No industries reported paying decreased prices for raw materials in April.

Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 70.3 28.5 1.2 +69.1 84.6
Mar 2026 59.4 37.8 2.8 +56.6 78.3
Feb 2026 45.4 50.2 4.4 +41.0 70.5
Jan 2026 29.0 59.9 11.1 +17.9 59.0

Backlog of Orders†
ISM®‘s Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.4 percent in April, a decrease of 3 percentage points compared to the March reading of 54.4 percent. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, two (Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) reported expansion in order backlogs in April.

The eight industries reporting higher backlogs in April — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Paper Products; Primary Metals; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products. The five industries reporting lower backlogs in April are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; and Wood Products.

Backlog of
Orders		 % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 90 22.1 58.6 19.3 +2.8 51.4
Mar 2026 90 24.6 59.6 15.8 +8.8 54.4
Feb 2026 90 26.8 59.5 13.7 +13.1 56.6
Jan 2026 90 22.2 58.8 19.0 +3.2 51.6

New Export Orders†
ISM®‘s New Export Orders Index registered 47.9 percent, down 2 percentage points from March’s reading of 49.9 percent. “Trade and war frictions continue to be a major concern. For every positive comment on exports, there was 1.6 negative comments,” says Spence.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the three that reported growth in new export orders in April are: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Primary Metals; and Computer & Electronic Products. The 10 industries that reported a decrease in new export orders in April — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; and Chemical Products.

New Export
Orders		 %
Reporting		 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 75 10.4 75.0 14.6 -4.2 47.9
Mar 2026 74 12.1 75.5 12.4 -0.3 49.9
Feb 2026 74 9.2 82.2 8.6 +0.6 50.3
Jan 2026 73 11.5 77.3 11.2 +0.3 50.2

Imports†
ISM®‘s Imports Index decreased in April to 50.3 percent, a 2.3-percentage point drop compared to March’s reading of 52.6 percent.

The eight industries reporting higher imports in April — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Machinery. The four industries that reported lower volumes in April are: Paper Products; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; and Chemical Products. Six industries reported no change in imports in April compared to March.

Imports %
Reporting		 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Apr 2026 85 10.6 79.3 10.1 +0.5 50.3
Mar 2026 87 15.1 75.0 9.9 +5.2 52.6
Feb 2026 87 15.8 78.1 6.1 +9.7 54.9
Jan 2026 85 11.3 77.4 11.3 0.0 50.0

†The Supplier Deliveries, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy
The average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures in April was 174 days, an increase of four days compared to March. The average lead time in April for Production Materials was 81 days, a decrease of one day compared to March. The average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies was 46 days, an increase of two days compared to March.

Percent Reporting
Capital
Expenditures		 Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days
Apr 2026 15 4 7 13 35 26 174
Mar 2026 17 3 10 12 32 26 170
Feb 2026 18 3 7 14 27 31 179
Jan 2026 18 5 9 10 30 28 172
Percent Reporting  
Production
Materials		 Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days		  
Apr 2026 7 26 25 28 10 4 81  
Mar 2026 8 26 27 26 7 6 82  
Feb 2026 9 25 26 26 10 4 79  
Jan 2026 8 26 26 27 9 4 79  

 

Percent Reporting
MRO Supplies Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days
Apr 2026 27 36 18 14 4 1 46
Mar 2026 29 38 15 13 4 1 44
Feb 2026 29 37 18 11 3 2 46
Jan 2026 31 37 15 12 5 0 41

 

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: Institute for Supply Management

Solbari Launches U.S. Wholesale Expansion And Appoints Grayson Davis As Head Of Sales To Lead Retail Growth Strategy

LONG BEACH, Calif.  — April 29, 2026 — Solbari, the Melbourne-founded Australian sun protection apparel brand known for its UPF 50+ clothing, sun hats and accessories, today announced the launch of its U.S. wholesale business, marking its expansion beyond a direct-to-consumer model into specialty outdoor retail distribution.

The move represents the next phase of growth for Solbari in the U.S., where the company has already established a strong direct-to-consumer presence, with the U.S. accounting for more than 60 per cent of its total revenue. The wholesale channel will enable the brand to scale its reach, increase accessibility, and build awareness through physical retail.

Solbari is currently onboarding regional representative agencies across key U.S. territories and engaging outdoor specialty retailers ahead of its initial wholesale rollout beginning May 15, 2026. A distribution center in Long Beach, California will support U.S. fulfillment and logistics as the retail business expands.

In conjunction with the launch, Solbari has appointed Grayson Davis as U.S. Head of Sales. In this role, Davis will lead the development and execution of the company’s wholesale strategy, including building a national network of independent sales representative agencies, securing key retail partnerships, and establishing the brand’s seasonal wholesale cadence.

Davis brings over two decades of experience, joining Solbari from United Sports Brands and Seirus Innovations, where he led wholesale expansion across outdoor and performance categories and built national retail distribution networks.

“Wholesale is a major growth driver for Solbari in the U.S.,” said Johanna Young, CEO and Founder of Solbari. “We’ve built a strong direct-to-consumer business, and expanding into specialty retail allows us to reach more customers in a meaningful way. Grayson brings the experience, relationships and execution mindset we need to build this channel the right way.”

“All our fabrics are designed, tested and rated UPF 50+ in Australia by independent, accredited laboratories and meet both Australian and U.S. sun protection standards,” Young added. “As demand grows for sun protection that fits into everyday wear, this next phase is about scaling access to reliable, high-performance products across the U.S. market.”

“Sun protection is becoming a core part of the assortment in outdoor and lifestyle retail,” said Davis. “The opportunity is to build a clear, focused wholesale strategy that supports retail partners and establishes Solbari as a leader in the UPF 50+ category.”

Solbari designs technical sun-protective apparel that blocks at least 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays, combining certified UPF 50+ protection, compliance with Australian and U.S. standards, and everyday wearability. The brand is seeing increasing interest from U.S. retailers as sun protection becomes more integrated into outdoor, travel, and lifestyle assortments.

Solbari’s initial wholesale rollout will focus on outdoor specialty retailers, with additional channel expansion expected over time. The wholesale strategy is designed to complement the brand’s direct-to-consumer business by increasing discovery and reinforcing its position as a leading authority in sun protection.

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: Solbari

Carter’s, Inc. Appoints Brand And Retail Veteran Sharon Price John As Chief Executive Officer And President

ATLANTA — May 1, 2026 — Carter’s, Inc., North America’s largest and most-enduring apparel company exclusively for babies and young children, today announced the appointment of Sharon Price John as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective June 15, 2026. Ms. John will also be appointed as a member of the Carter’s Board of Directors on the effective date.

Richard F. Westenberger has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer and President in addition to his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer and will serve in this capacity during the transition period until Ms. John joins the Company next month.

Ms. John will join Carter’s following the conclusion of her successful 13-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer and President of Build-A-Bear Workshop (“Build-A-Bear”) (NYSE: BBW), which was recently announced. Ms. John led Build-A-Bear through a transformational period of improved profitability and growth. Over her tenure, Ms. John diversified the business model beyond traditional malls, accelerated e-commerce with an integrated omnichannel focus, expanded the company’s addressable market to gifting and collectors, and extended into content-led marketing.

Under Ms. John’s leadership, Build-A-Bear was reimagined from both a consumer-facing and infrastructure perspective, while the company navigated retail headwinds and a global pandemic to deliver significant shareholder returns and the fifth consecutive year of record results in 2025.

Prior to joining Build-A-Bear, Ms. John held a number of executive positions, including President of Stride Rite Children’s Group, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Hasbro’s Global Playskool business, and worked at Mattel as the Vice President of International Marketing for the Disney business unit and as a Director of the Barbie brand.

Gretchen W. Schar, incoming Non-Executive Chair of Carter’s Board of Directors, said: “Sharon has a distinguished track record as a public company CEO and brings substantial and relevant experience in the children’s space. Her success in revitalizing Build-A-Bear gives us confidence in her ability to accelerate the work underway at Carter’s and leverage the power of our iconic brands to drive sustainable growth and shareholder value creation. Carter’s is showing solid momentum and we believe Sharon is the perfect fit to lead the Company into the future.”

Ms. John added, “For over 160 years, Carter’s has been a trusted resource as generations of young parents have made this brand their first choice in clothing for the many amazing moments in the life of a child. I am delighted to be joining a company with such a proud history and honored to be entrusted with leading it forward at this pivotal moment. As the leader in young children’s apparel, Carter’s enjoys rich brand equity with consumers and is trusted for the quality, style, and value of its products. We will remain focused on ensuring that Carter’s continues to meet the evolving needs of today’s families and caregivers.”

In connection with Ms. John’s appointment and effective immediately, Douglas C. Palladini has departed the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President, and as a member of the Board of Directors.

William J. Montgoris, outgoing Non-Executive Chair of the Board, commented, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Doug for his contributions to Carter’s during a pivotal year of reset and regained momentum in the business. At the Board’s direction, Doug led a series of initiatives to help Carter’s manage the onset of record tariffs, streamline the organization structure, and improve the quality and productivity of our retail store fleet. We believe it is the right time to transition Carter’s leadership. We sincerely appreciate Doug’s contributions and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

The Company today also reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook that was provided on February 27, 2026. As announced this week, Carter’s will report its results for the first quarter and hold a call with investors and analysts on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: Carter’s, Inc.

USFibers Secures Strategic Investment To Support Growth And Market Expansion

TRENTON, S.C. — May 4, 2026 — USFibers, a U.S.-based recycler and manufacturer of high-quality polyester staple fiber, today announced a new strategic investment from Glisco Partners (“Glisco”) and Orion Infrastructure Capital (“OIC”) to expand production capacity, enhance technical capabilities, improve efficiency, reach new markets, and further support long-term partnerships with customers and suppliers.

Founded in 1994, USFibers is the largest vertically integrated recycler and producer of polyester staple fiber in the United States, with integrated recycling capabilities that convert post-industrial and post-consumer PET waste into high-quality fiber and divert byproducts from landfills. The company serves a diverse set of end markets including automotive, filtration, and geotextiles, and is known for its technical expertise, customized product offerings, and long-standing customer relationships.

This investment marks the next phase of USFibers’ growth and strengthens the company’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and partnership. It also reinforces USFibers’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable materials within the industry while providing high-quality solutions that better serve the company’s clients.

“We are excited to partner with Glisco and OIC as we build on the strong foundation we’ve established over the past three decades,” said Teddy Oh, CEO of USFibers. “This investment strengthens our capacity, broadens our capabilities, and allows us to continue delivering high-quality, customized solutions to our customers. Just as importantly, it positions us to be an even stronger, long-term partner to our employees, suppliers, and customers.”

Alfredo Castellanos, Managing Partner of Glisco Partners, mentioned that “Glisco is thrilled to partner with Teddy and the rest of the USFibers team, supporting their business vision and growth plans. We look ahead to working alongside Teddy and OIC to create long-term value for stakeholders; our investors will have exposure to an outstanding business model led by a highly proficient management team.”

“We look forward to this partnership, supporting USFibers’ expansion in a market with a growing demand for recycled polyester and high value-add applications,” added Ethan Shoemaker, Investment Partner and Head of Infra Credit at OIC. “For the company’s customers and suppliers, our investment means greater opportunities and a stronger and more resilient supply chain going forward.”

The investment will support:

  • Expanded production capacity to meet growing demand across key end markets
  • Enhanced technical and product capabilities that improve efficiency, particularly in specialized and engineered fiber solutions
  • Extended coverage, including potential expansion into new markets and value-added services
  • Continued investment in recycling infrastructure, reinforcing USFibers’ leadership and commitment in sustainable fiber production

USFibers will continue to operate under its existing management team led by Teddy Oh, with a continued focus on maintaining the company’s culture, operational excellence, and long-standing relationships across its ecosystem.

According to the Circularity Gap Report 2025, the world consumes ~106 billion tons of materials annually, but only 6.9% comes from recycled sources. With this investment, USFibers is well-positioned to meet increasing demand for high-performance and sustainable fiber solutions while continuing to deliver consistent quality and service to its partners.

TM Capital, a division of Capstone Partners, served as exclusive financial advisor to USFibers.

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: USFibers

The LYCRA Company Strengthens Sustainability Leadership, Appoints Alistair Williamson As VP Of Product Sustainability

WILMINGTON, Del. — April 30, 2026 — The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.

Alistair Williamson

Williamson has four decades of experience in textile fibers and apparel, having held commercial, sales, and marketing leadership roles across EMEA, North America, and South Asia. Before joining the predecessor of The LYCRA Company in 2007, Williamson worked for two nylon spinners.

“Alistair’s expertise will drive our sustainability agenda and support our customers’ evolving requirements,” said Doug Kelliher, executive vice president, product. “His leadership will ensure we continue delivering high‑performance solutions with greater transparency and lower environmental impact.”

In recent years, The LYCRA Company has achieved several key sustainability milestones. These include launching Renewable LYCRA® fiber with 70 percent plant-based content, introducing products made from recycled materials, and obtaining third-party certifications to promote transparency and traceability across the value chain.

“I’m honored to step into this role as our industry continues to shift toward more sustainable, transparent practices,” said Williamson. “I am committed to advancing sustainability as a shared priority across the organization, partnering closely with industry stakeholders, and driving meaningful, lasting outcomes.”

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

WACKER’s Polymers Division Polymers Division Under New Leadership

MUNICH — April 30, 2026 — On May 1, 2026, Maximilian Peter will take over as head of WACKER’s Polymers division. Holding a doctorate in chemical engineering, he has been with WACKER since 2012. After working in process development, he took charge of Corporate Development and was most recently responsible for Human Resources.

Maximilian Peter, Head of Polymers division, Wacker Chemie AG.
Source: WACKER

Maximilian Peter succeeds Peter Summo, who headed the Polymers division for ten years. Effective May 1, 2026, Summo will take charge of Sales & Distribution. A graduate in business administration, he began his career at specialty chemicals manufacturer Akzo Nobel before joining WACKER in 1995. Since then, he has held various management positions within the company.

“With Maximilian Peter and Peter Summo, we are filling two key positions at WACKER with experienced colleagues who have already played a decisive role in using their expertise to shape the company,” said Christian Hartel, WACKER’s CEO, in connection with the changeover. “As head of the Polymers division, Maximilian Peter will continue to drive forward its regional expansion. Peter Summo will continue to forge ahead with WACKER’s market and customer focus and promote sales excellence throughout the company. I wish them both every success in their new roles and look forward to our continued collaboration going forward,” he added.

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: WACKER

PROPOSTE 2026 Returns For Its 33rd Edition

COMO, Italy— May 4, 2026 — The 33rd edition of Proposte opens tomorrow, May 5, at Villa Erba, Lake Como. With 87 exhibitors from around the world, the fair confirms its role as a key international event for furnishing textiles, showcasing new products, innovations and trends from direct producers of furnishing and curtain fabrics, trimmings and wallcoverings.

This year’s theme, Heritage Forward, expresses a shared vision: to enhance the sector’s manufacturing heritage while projecting it towards future challenges, including technological innovation, sustainability and international market expansion. This approach is also reflected in an increasingly contemporary and engaging exhibition format.

Alongside the excellence of the exhibitors’ offering, Proposte 2026 further enhances the visitor experience with redesigned spaces, refined hospitality and prestigious collaborations with the design world.

Inspirational interiors by Cristina Celestino Studio

Welcoming, inspiring, connecting: Proposte has always based its success on the quality of relationships. This vision is also reflected in a growing focus on exhibition spaces, conceived as places for interaction and storytelling. In this context, the fair has partnered with architect Cristina Celestino, who has reimagined the common areas of the Villa Erba congress centre, originally designed by Mario Bellini.

Interpreting the Heritage Forward theme, the project transforms transitional areas into spaces to be experienced—dedicated not only to relaxation, but also to meeting and exchange. At its core is the enhancement of the wing ‘Ala Regina’, now fully integrated into the exhibition route. The corridor, transformed into an evocative showcase of textile language created in collaboration with selected exhibitors, leads to the new Lounge Esedra.

The lounge’s semicircular architecture, with large windows opening onto the gardens, conveys the lightness and elegance of the setting. Fabrics become theatrical backdrops framing contemporary design pieces, including the iconic Gala sofas by Saba and Claretta table lamps by Contardi Lighting. The space becomes a modern lounge for relaxing, conversing, browsing international magazines and enjoying a refined break.

“For Proposte, I envisioned spaces that restore centrality to the experience of encounter, through a language that engages with the architectural identity of Villa Erba and the textile tradition, reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility,” comments Cristina Celestino.

A Made in Italy welcome: food and design

The 2026 edition expands the visitor experience by integrating design, decoration and hospitality culture, offering a comprehensive expression of Made in Italy.

Also designed by Cristina Celestino’s studio, the two bars in the Lario and Cernobbio wings have been redesigned with a more informal yet sophisticated approach, while an open-air café allows visitors to enjoy the lake landscape surrounded by furnishings by Roda, Meridiani and Crema Outdoor.

Open throughout the fair is also the ancient Villa, the historic residence of the Erba family and former summer retreat of film director Luchino Visconti. Its richly frescoed rooms host a high-end gourmet restaurant, offering a unique opportunity to dine in an exceptional setting.

INTERNI.PROPOSTE AWARD 2026

In collaboration with main media partner INTERNI, the INTERNI.PROPOSTE AWARD 2026 debuts this year. The award highlights some of the most interesting applications of fabrics presented at recent editions of Proposte, recognising the value of collaboration between furniture companies and textile manufacturers.

The awards will be assigned across three categories— Fine Outdoor, Inspired by Nature and Precious Touch—by a jury of leading figures from the worlds of design and publishing:

Gilda Bojardi, Editor-in-chief of INTERNI; Marco Parravicini, President of Proposte; Gabriele Chiave, Creative director and founder of Controvento; Francesca Lanzavecchia, Creative director and founder of Lanzavecchia + Wai; Claudio Saverino, architect and founder of Vudafieri Saverino Partners, Alessandro Enriquez, fashion designer and creative director of Alessandro Enriquez; Paolo Bleve, publisher of IFDM. Winners will be announced on the evening of 5 May during the traditional opening cocktail.

The exhibitors

Proposte 2026 features 87 exhibitors (+11% compared to 2025), including 37 Italian and 50 international companies (specifically 16 Belgian, 8 British, 6 Spanish, 6 Turkish, 4 Indian, 2 French, 2 German and one of each country: Austrian, Swiss, American, Moroccan, Finnish and Lithuanian). Together they represent high-quality production of furnishing fabrics (61%), curtain fabrics (32%), wallcoverings (6.5%) and trimmings (0.5%), with a total turnover of approximately €1.3 billion.

The offering includes jacquard and dobby-woven fabrics for upholstered furniture and curtains, velvets, embroideries and printed textiles, as well as solutions for contract applications and wallcoverings. 49% of companies offer flame-retardant fabrics and 64% produce outdoor textiles, confirming a growing market.

A commitment beyond the fair

Proposte actively supports the preservation of textile heritage beyond the duration and boundaries of the event. In collaboration with the Fondazione del Tessile Italiano and the Federazione Tessilivari e del Cappello, it contributed to the restoration of the historic upholstery in the Sala Bevilacqua at the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, dating back to the late 19th century. The work was carried out by the Fondazione Lisio Textile Restoration Laboratory in Florence between June 2025 and February 2026.

Collaboration with ITA

Thanks to the renewed support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ITA – Italian Trade Agency, a delegation of international buyers and journalists from 23 countries will attend the fair, fostering and promoting international business relations and confirming the sector’s ability to meet global demand for high-quality products.

Marco Parravicini, President of Proposte

“Proposte is undergoing a natural process of evolution, reflecting the changes within the sector and the evolving needs of the market. The initiatives introduced this year represent a concrete first step in this direction—an ongoing path aimed at making the fair increasingly open, dynamic and capable of generating value. Our commitment is to create opportunities for the entire supply chain, fostering dialogue between companies, designers, architects and the publishing world, while amplifying awareness of a highly specialised sector. A heritage of expertise and culture that we believe must be supported and preserved.”

Massimo Mosiello, Director of Proposte

“Since 1993, Proposte has been a key fixture in the international calendar for professionals in the furnishing textiles sector. Year after year, we witness the evolution of an industry whose excellence we are committed to representing. Proposte is not only about business, but also about textile culture—something we are determined to preserve and promote.”

PROPOSTE 2026 returns for its 33rd edition Villa Erba, Cernobbio (COMO), ITALY May 5-7, 2026

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: Proposte

Universal Fibers® Appoints Jay Brown As President

BRISTOL, VA — May 4, 2026 — Universal Fibers has announced the appointment of Jay Brown as President, effective May 1, 2026.  Bringing more than 35 years of leadership experience across the flooring, fiber and building materials industries, Brown joins the business at a pivotal time as it continues to advance innovation and strengthen its global commercial presence.

Jay Brown

A highly respected industry leader, Brown has held several senior roles throughout his career, including President and Chief Operating Officer at Bentley Mills and Vice President of Supply Chain at Interface.  Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President at Happy Floors, where he focused on driving strategic growth and strengthening customer relationships.

Known for his ability to build high-performing teams and deliver sustained growth, Brown brings a strong track record in operational excellence, product innovation and customer focus.

In his new role, Brown will lead Universal Fibers’ global operations, working across its manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia, while continuing to expand the company’s position within the flooring sector.

“I’ve long admired Universal Fibers, not only as a leader in the industry, but as a partner, says Brown. Having experienced the business from a customer perspective, I’ve seen first-hand the strength of their innovation, quality, sustainability focus, and technical expertise, and I’m thrilled to be part of a company that continues to pioneer responsible fiber technology for the flooring sector.  I look forward to working with the team to build on their strong foundation and drive future growth.”

“Jay brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven ability to lead organizations through periods of growth, says Jonathan Craig, CEO of Universal Fiber Systems.  His operational expertise and strategic mindset will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our global business.  We are delighted to welcome him to Universal Fibers and look forward to the impact he will make.”

Heidi Davidson, General Manager at Universal Fibers, added, “I’m looking forward to working closely with Jay as he joins the business.  From a plant and operations perspective, it’s an exciting time for the team, and I’m eager to support the commercial initiatives he will bring, ensuring we continue to deliver the performance, quality and consistency our customers expect.”

Brown’s appointment reflects Universal Fibers’ continued commitment to innovation, performance, sustainability, and customer partnership, as the company builds on its position as a leader in advanced fiber solutions for the global flooring market.

Posted: May 4, 2026

Source: Universal Fibers, Inc., a business unit within Universal Fiber Systems, LLC.

Polartec® Unveils Pioneering Approach To Simplifying Color Within Outdoor Apparel

SPARTANBURG, S.C.— April 30, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and the creator of synthetic fleece, introduces Standard Issue, a unified pre-dyed option now available in black on the company’s best-selling Fleece fabric platform. The technology will be progressively rolled out across the entire Polartec® portfolio and expanded in its color availability based on market demand. Developed to address an industry-wide problem, Standard Issue offers brands a simplified approach to producing one of the most widely used colors in outdoor apparel.

Every year, top brands independently order thousands of rolls of fleece fabric in nearly identical shades of black. Yet because each variation requires its own dye batch, minimum order quantity and production setup, custom dyeing adds unnecessary time and complexity without necessarily delivering meaningful differentiation.

With Standard Issue, Polartec® is helping streamline production and reduce resource impact. And because the pre-dyed fabrics can be seamlessly integrated into product development, the initiative also helps simplify sourcing decisions and accelerate timelines without compromising the durability, performance, and reliability outdoor brands expect from Polartec® fabrics. More importantly, the new standard is designed to complement, not replace, the multiple customization options Polartec® already offers its partners.

“Sometimes the biggest opportunities for progress come from questioning the most familiar parts of our industry,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Leader for Polartec. “Standard Issue invites the industry to consider a shared alternative to producing countless variations of a visually identical color like Black. It’s a solution whose practical benefits for our partners include simplified development in addition to smarter and more efficient production practices across the global supply chain.”

“This initiative highlights Polartec’s long-standing tradition of solving real-world challenges through material innovation,” added Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “By providing brands with a consistent, ready-to-use color option, we are helping design teams move from concept to production more efficiently without sacrificing the technical performance their products rely on.”

Polartec® Standard Issue will be progressively rolled out across the entire Polartec® portfolio and expanded in its color availability based on market demand, offering companies a concrete path to streamlining their apparel production while ensuring full flexibility in design and product differentiation.

Posted: May 3, 2026

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company Brand

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