USDA Launches Great American Cotton Plan To Revitalize The Cotton Farm Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 28, 2026 — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the Great American Cotton Plan (PDF, 2.7 MB), a comprehensive USDA initiative to strengthen the cotton farm economy, restore domestic textile manufacturing, expand cotton trade opportunities, and increase demand for products made with American-grown cotton.

“Since 1607, cotton has helped build and sustain rural America. Our farmers grow some of the highest-quality cotton in the world, but over the last several years America’s cotton growers have been crushed by rising costs, unfair foreign competition, and a flood of cheap synthetic products. In 2023, we lost our status as the world’s top cotton exporter to Brazil. This change starts today,” said Secretary Rollins. “The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring American cotton once again becomes the fiber of choice with the Great American Cotton Plan — a bold effort to restore profitability for cotton producers, strengthen rural economies, rebuild domestic textile manufacturing, and bring American cotton back into the products families use every day.

“Supporting natural fibers like cotton also aligns with the Make America Healthy Again agenda as Americans grow increasingly concerned about microplastics and synthetic materials in everyday products. Cotton is natural, breathable, biodegradable, and proudly grown by American farmers — not manufactured from petroleum-based plastics that can shed microplastics into our soil, water, and bodies.”

The announcement comes as cotton producers face a fifth consecutive year of negative returns driven by rising input costs, trade distortions, and increasing competition from synthetic materials. As part of the plan, USDA will elevate the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative to encourage consumers to purchase products made with healthy natural American cotton fibers rather than synthetic plastic-based alternatives.

Cotton remains one of the most economically significant crops in the United States, supporting producers and rural communities. USDA estimates every $1 generated at the cotton farm gate creates approximately $15 in direct economic activity across related industries.

However, the cotton industry continues facing severe economic pressure. USDA forecasts producers could lose approximately $2.6 billion across 9 million planted acres during the upcoming crop year. Since 1980, the number of U.S. cotton gins has declined from 2,254 to 446, while domestic textile production facilities have sharply contracted over the last two decades.

At the same time, nearly 70 percent of the world’s textile fibers are now synthetic, most of them plastic-based materials such as polyester.

Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the cotton plant’s seedpods and has been used in clothing and household products for thousands of years due to its breathability, softness, durability, and comfort. Unlike synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are petroleum-based and chemically manufactured, cotton is biodegradable and naturally breathable.

As part of the Administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again priorities, USDA and HHS are promoting greater awareness around natural fibers and the potential impacts of synthetic materials. Cotton’s natural structure allows for strong air circulation and moisture absorption, helping keep consumers cooler and more comfortable. Cotton can absorb up to 27 times its weight in water, making it especially effective at pulling moisture away from the skin during hot weather and physical activity. By contrast, synthetic materials often trap heat and reduce breathability.

The Great American Cotton Plan addresses these challenges through four key pillars:

Promoting Domestic Cotton Consumption

  • USDA and HHS are promoting the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative to encourage consumers to choose products made with American cotton
  • USDA is ensuring the BioPreferred Program remains funded so biobased products, including cotton products, can continue using the BioPreferred label
  • USDA is implementing increased marketing loan rates for upland and extra-long staple cotton authorized through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act

Providing Affordable Cotton by Increasing Domestic Demand and Production

  • USDA is prioritizing cotton processors and manufacturers within Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to increase domestic production capacity
  • The Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills program payment rate will increase from 3 cents to 5 cents per pound of cotton processed
  • USDA will continue working with Congress to support the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act

Improving Cotton Trade

  • USDA is implementing the Administration’s Three-Point Trade Plan to expand export opportunities for U.S. cotton
  • Cotton Council International participated in an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Indonesia for the first time in program history earlier this year
  • USDA and USTR secured commitments from Indonesia and Bangladesh that will support future U.S. cotton purchases and textile production using American cotton
  • USDA continues supporting cotton exports through the Market Access Program and COTTON USA™ licensing initiatives

Protecting Cotton Growers from Adverse Risk

  • USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists are advancing research efforts to combat the spread of the cotton jassid pest
  • Cotton producers now have expanded access to Supplemental Coverage Option insurance tools
  • The Working Families Tax Cuts Act increased the seed cotton reference price for ARC and PLC programs by 14 percent beginning in fall 2026

USDA will continue coordinating with industry stakeholders, manufacturers, cotton growers, retailers, and Congress to advance policies that strengthen the cotton supply chain from the field to the fabric.

Posted: June 1, 2026

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

American Apparel & Footwear Association Celebrates 250 Years Of Fashion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 1, 2026 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today launched its new  250 Years of Fashion  archival platform, celebrating individuals and brands that have contributed to American fashion and culture over the last two and a half centuries. The platform complements AAFA’s role as a supporting partner of  America250, a bipartisan initiative celebrating American contributions and milestones this semiquincentennial.

The “250 Years of Fashion” platform provides snippets of American history through iconic American brands including Columbia Sportswear, Fruit of the Loom, Gap Inc., Gildan, Jockey International, Inc., Kayser-Roth Corporation, L.L. Bean, Levi Strauss & Co., New Balance Athletics, Inc., Perry Ellis International, Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Spanx, LLC, and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP); featuring the story behind classic American fashion like blue jeans, khakis, the “Bean Boot,” and more.

Developed through submissions from AAFA members, the platform showcases how fashion has evolved alongside the nation itself, reflecting cultural shifts, innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship across generations. Members proudly share elements of their company’s heritage, including stories of founders and other contributors.

Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

“Through the lens of our 250th birthday, we’re giving Americans an inside look of the choices that have shaped what they now wear every day. Every article of clothing, every shoe, and every accessory carries a story. In many cases, your favorite pair of jeans or most comfortable sweater reflects a story that is profoundly American,” said  President and CEO of AAFA, Steve Lamar. “The semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the vibrant American heritage behind iconic brands and pieces that are woven into our daily lives and play a vital role in shaping our nation’s identity, economy, creativity, and culture.”

Providing just a small sample of the many diverse voices, perspectives, and contributions that have shaped the success of America’s fashion industry, AAFA is proud to celebrate these snapshots in “250 Years of Fashion.” The organization recognizes that the industry’s progress has been made possible through ongoing reflection, learning, and the activism that continues to drive meaningful improvement.

AAFA also acknowledges that this work is never complete. As the industry moves forward, it will continue to navigate challenges and opportunities related to corporate responsibility, sustainability, and other evolving dynamics.

As part of this semiquincentennial reflection, AAFA is inviting participants to consider the question, “What will our industry look like on July 4, 2076?” through a virtual time capsule that will be opened during America’s tricentennial celebration. Contributors are encouraged to share their aspirations for the future of fashion, offering insights that will help future generations understand how today’s industry imagined the road ahead.  Throughout the rest of the year, AAFA will continue sharing stories and historical reflections through member and media engagement.

Posted: June 1, 2026

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® Finalists Revealed

CARY, N.C. — June 1, 2026 —  INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The finalists are The Clorox Company for their Clorox™ Refreshables™, Lenzing Fibers, Inc. for their Lenzing™ DualWipe, and Rockline Industries for their First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe.

These finalists will present their products at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 29-July 2, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. The winner will be announced during the closing session on July 2.

Presented annually, the World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes breakthrough achievements in nonwoven product design, technology, and application across the wipes supply chain. Selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, finalists are honored for creativity, technical excellence, and distinctive advancements in areas such as raw materials, fibers, converting, packaging, binders, additives, active ingredients, sustainability, and end-use performance.

The 2026 Award finalists are:

The Clorox Company: Clorox Refreshables In-Dryer Clothing Refresher – The power of the wash without the wait. Clorox Refreshables In Dryer Clothing Refresher turns dryers into a 15-minute wardrobe reset, no washing machine needed. These innovative wet dryer sheets work like a fast, fabric-friendly tune-up: just toss one towelette into the dryer with an outfit for 15 minutes to revive lightly worn items, tackling odor, wrinkles, static and pet hair while leaving a crisp, lasting Spring Fresh scent.

Lenzing Fibers, Inc.: Lenzing DualWipe – enabled by Lenzing’s Nonwovens Technology (LNT), integrates two functional surfaces within a single material: an abrasive side for effective removal of dirt and residues, and a soft, highly absorbent side for wiping and finishing. DualWipe contains no synthetic fibers, binders or finishing chemicals, and eliminates the risk of plastic and microplastic shedding typically associated with conventional synthetic wipes. Its compatibility with standard converting processes supports broad applicability across industrial, professional and household cleaning segments.

Rockline Industries: First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe – Rockline Industries, in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems, developed the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe, a single-use presumptive test that rapidly detects trace fentanyl through a visible color change. Featuring specialized indicators bound to viscose fibers with a starch-based system, the wipe improves field usability and reliability. Tested with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl and other opioids, it is designed for law enforcement, first responders, military, airports, schools, and correctional facilities.

The 2025 award winner was Cookware Care’s Seasoning Wipes™ which offer a simple, convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Made from 100 percent viscose and infused through a proprietary process using a combination of non-petrochemical oils and beeswax, the formula contains no water, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives.

For more information or to register for WOW 2026, visit www.worldofwipes.org.

Posted: June 1, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Manufacturing PMI® At 54%; May 2026 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report: Textile Mills Report Growth

TEMPE, Ariz. — June 1, 2026 —  Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the fifth 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 54 percent in May, 1.3 percentage points higher than in April and its highest reading since May 2022 (55.9 percent). The overall economy continued in expansion for the 19th 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 fifth consecutive month after four straight readings in contraction, registering 56.8 percent, up 2.7 percentage points compared to April’s figure of 54.1 percent. The May reading of the Production Index (54.3 percent) is 0.9 percentage point higher than April’s reading of 53.4 percent. The Prices Index remained in expansion (or ‘increasing’ territory), registering 82.1 percent, a 2.5-percentage point decrease from April’s reading of 84.6 percent. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 52.2 percent, up 0.8 percentage point compared to the 51.4 percent recorded in April. The Employment Index registered 48.6 percent, up 2.2 percentage points from April’s figure of 46.4 percent,” says Spence.

“The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slowing performance for the sixth month in a row after one month in ‘faster’ territory. The reading of 60.6 percent repeated its April figure after the index increased in each of the previous five months. (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 49.9 percent, up 0.9 percentage point compared to April’s reading of 49 percent. The Customers’ Inventories Index reading of 42.7 percent is 3.6 percentage points higher as compared to the 39.1 percent recorded in April.

“The New Export Orders Index returned to expansion territory with a reading of 50.6 percent, 2.7 percentage points higher than the 47.9 percent registered in April. The Imports Index registered 53 percent, 2.7 percentage points higher than April’s reading of 50.3 percent.”

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

“In May, 25 percent of the comments were positive and 69 percent negative, with a 1-to-2.7 ratio of positive to negative sentiment. Among comments, the Iran war was mentioned in 42 percent and tariffs in 18 percent; 57 percent of the panelists mentioned pricing volatility as an issue for their companies.

“Three of four demand indicators (the New Orders, Backlog of Orders, and New Export Orders indexes) were in expansion. The Customers’ Inventories Index remains in ‘too low’ territory, contracting at a slower 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 seventh month in a row, and the Employment Index increased by 2.2 percentage points but remained in contraction. Among panelists, 50 percent indicated that managing head counts remains the norm at their companies, while 50 percent are hiring.

“Finally, inputs (defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and imports) were mostly improved month over month. With the same reading as in April, the Supplier Deliveries Index stayed at its highest level since May 2022 (65.7 percent). The Inventories Index contracted at a slower rate, the Prices Index declined by 2.5 percentage points and the Imports Index grew at a faster rate.

“Looking at the manufacturing economy, only 2 percent of the sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in May, compared to 19 percent in April, and the percentage of manufacturing GDP in strong contraction (defined as a composite PMI® of 45 percent or lower) was also 2 percent, the same as in April. The share of sector GDP with a PMI® at or below 45 percent is a good metric to gauge overall manufacturing weakness. All of the six largest manufacturing industries expanded in May, in the following order: Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. In May, all indexes headed in a direction that suggests sustained growth,” says Spence.

The 16 manufacturing industries reporting growth in May — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The only industry reporting contraction in May is Wood Products.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

  • “Impact of Iran conflict starting to directly and negatively impact cost of supply chain. Oil and related commodities are escalating in price.” [Transportation Equipment]
  • “The Middle East conflict is triggering shipment delays and uncertainties. Elevated gas prices and inflation will surely impact our purchases. However, over the last quarter, we’ve seen increased demand that was unexpected.” [Machinery]
  • “As with all companies, we have felt the effects of fuel-related inflation and general market uncertainty due to overall economic variability and geopolitical events that have impacted such markets as construction, automotive and agriculture, as well as the general industrial sector.” [Chemical Products]
  • “Continuing trends of 15-percent sales increase in April, cost increases on a majority of raw materials, and fuel charges on many inbound and outbound deliveries. We remain cautiously optimistic that if global economic factors stabilize and the Iran conflict ends, we can continue with increased sales and maintain acceptable margins.” [Chemical Products]
  • “Cost of diesel is having huge impacts on our profitability. Confusion abounds around tariff refunds. We purchase many imported goods but in most cases are not the importer of record, so it is currently unclear to what we may be entitled.” [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products]
  • “Prices continue to rise for many products — some due to increase in data center creation for electronic components, others as a result of the Iran war and reductions in availability of oil/petroleum.” [Computer & Electronic Products]
  • “Supply constraints continue to propagate and are a key headwind to supporting increased aerospace and defense demand. Semiconductors, critical minerals and certain types of raw materials are illustrative examples of sales plans at risk. Corporate risk mitigation actions are underway to secure supply in the midst of constraints.” [Transportation Equipment]
  • “The current atmosphere is one of extreme uncertainty and concern for the future in terms of both price stability and longer-term supply continuity related to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure. We have a lot of negotiations in process related to requested price increases, some related to oil prices and some still fallout from the 2025 tariff/geopolitical climate.” [Miscellaneous Manufacturing]
  • “Continued dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) volatility, increased gas prices and tariffs are causing long lead constraints and price hikes that customers are not willing to bear. Panic is starting within our industry.” [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components]
  • “Business appears to be weakening — uncertainty surrounding the Iran war, rising energy prices and customers unwilling to commit to expenditures beyond a very short term.” [Fabricated Metal Products]
MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE

May 2026
Index Series

Index

May

 Series

Index

Apr

 Percentage

Point

Change

 Direction Rate of

Change

 Trend*

(Months)
Manufacturing PMI® 54.0 52.7 +1.3 Growing Faster 5
New Orders 56.8 54.1 +2.7 Growing Faster 5
Production 54.3 53.4 +0.9 Growing Faster 7
Employment 48.6 46.4 +2.2 Contracting Slower 32
Supplier Deliveries 60.6 60.6 0.0 Slowing Same 6
Inventories 49.9 49.0 +0.9 Contracting Slower 13
Customers’ Inventories 42.7 39.1 +3.6 Too Low Slower 20
Prices 82.1 84.6 -2.5 Increasing Slower 20
Backlog of Orders 52.2 51.4 +0.8 Growing Faster 5
New Export Orders 50.6 47.9 +2.7 Growing From Contracting 1
Imports 53.0 50.3 +2.7 Growing Faster 4
OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Faster 19
Manufacturing Sector Growing Faster 5

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 (2); Aluminum (30); Aluminum Products (2); Brass; Carbides; Chemical Products (3); Cooking Fats and Oils (3); Copper (11); Copper Based Products (6); Corn (3); Corrugated Products (2); Diesel Fuel (3); Electronic Components (5); Ethylene; Freight (3); Fuel (3); Gasoline; Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) Supplies; Memory Components (3); Metal Products (2); Methanol (3); Ocean Freight; Oil (2); Oil Based Products (2); Packaging Materials (2); Paper Products (2); Petroleum Based Products (2); Plastic Based Products (2); Plastics (3); Polyethylene Resins (2); Polypropylene; Resins (4); Soybean Products (3); Steel (7); Steel — Carbon (2); Steel — Hot Rolled (5); Steel — Stainless (4); Steel Products (6); Sulfur Products (2); Transportation Costs (2); Trucking Services; Tungsten Products (4); and Wire and Cable (2).

Commodities Down in Price
None.

Commodities in Short Supply
Aluminum (2); Electrical Components (11); Electronic Components (15); Memory (5); Propylene Glycol (2); Resins; Semiconductors (3); Steel Products; and Tungsten Products.

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

MAY 2026 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

Manufacturing PMI®
The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in May for the fifth straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 54 percent, an increase of 1.3 percentage points as compared to April. This is the highest PMI® reading since it registered 55.9 percent in May 2022. 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 April. The Employment and Inventories indexes both stayed in contraction but improved compared to April. All of the six largest manufacturing industries expanded in May. 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 May Manufacturing PMI® indicates the overall economy grew for the 19th straight month. “The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the May reading (54 percent) corresponds to a 2.2-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Spence.

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month Manufacturing
PMI®		 Month Manufacturing
PMI®
May 2026 54.0 Nov 2025 48.0
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
Average for 12 months – 50.4

High – 54.0

Low – 47.9

New Orders
ISM®‘s New Orders Index expanded in May with a reading of 56.8 percent, an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to April’s reading of 54.1 percent. “Of the six largest manufacturing industries, four (Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery) reported increased new orders. Demand sentiment was positive in May, and for a second straight month, there was a 1.6-to-1 ratio of positive to negative comments,” 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 14 manufacturing industries that reported growth in new orders in May, in order, are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products. The only industry reporting a decline in new orders in May is Wood Products.

New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 30.9 55.2 13.9 +17.0 56.8
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

Production
The Production Index expanded in May for the seventh month in a row, registering 54.3 percent, a 0.9-percentage point increase compared to April’s reading of 53.4 percent. “Of the six largest manufacturing industries, five (Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products) reported increased production. Panelists had a 1.75-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 14 industries reporting growth in production during the month of May — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The only industry reporting a decrease in production in May is Wood Products.

Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 26.7 57.8 15.5 +11.2 54.3
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

Employment
ISM®‘s Employment Index registered 48.6 percent in May, 2.2 percentage points higher than April’s reading of 46.4 percent. “The index posted its 32nd consecutive month of contraction after expanding in September 2023. Since January 2023, the Employment Index has contracted in 40 of 41 months. Of the six big manufacturing industries, three (Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery) reported higher levels of employment in May. The panelist comment ratio of hiring to managing/reducing head counts was 1 to 1 in May,” 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, nine reported employment growth in May, in the following order: Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Machinery. The five industries reporting a decrease in employment in May are: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Textile Mills.

Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 17.0 67.6 15.4 +1.6 48.6
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

Supplier Deliveries†
Delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was slower in May for the sixth consecutive month after one month of faster deliveries. “The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 60.6 percent, the same as in April and a repeat of its highest reading since May 2022 (65.7 percent). Of the six big industries, five (Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Machinery; 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 May, in order, are: Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; and Transportation Equipment. No industry reported faster deliveries in May.

Supplier Deliveries %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index
May 2026 24.6 71.9 3.5 +21.1 60.6
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

Inventories
The Inventories Index registered 49.9 percent in May, up 0.9 percentage point compared to the reading of 49 percent in April. “Of the six big industries, five (Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products) expanded inventories in May,” 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 nine reporting higher inventories in May — in the following order — are: Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The six industries reporting lower inventories in May — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Primary Metals.

Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 18.1 65.4 16.5 +1.6 49.9
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

Customers’ Inventories†
ISM®‘s Customers’ Inventories Index remained in “too low” territory in May, with reading of 42.7 percent, an increase of 3.6 percentage points compared to the 39.1 percent reported in April. (For more information about the Customers’ Inventories Index, see the “Data and Method of Presentation” section below.)

The two industries that reported that customers’ inventories were too high in May are: Textile Mills; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 10 industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low in May, in order, are: Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; and Wood Products. Six industries reported no change in customers’ inventories in May compared to April.

Customers’
Inventories		 %

Reporting

 %Too

High

 %About

Right

 %Too

Low

 Net Index
May 2026 73 7.0 71.3 21.7 -14.7 42.7
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

Prices†
The ISM® Prices Index registered 82.1 percent in May, a decrease of 2.5 percentage points compared to its April reading of 84.6 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased for the 20th straight month. Five of the six largest manufacturing industries — Chemical Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment — reported price increases in May. “The Prices Index reading is still being driven by (1) increases in steel and aluminum prices that impact the entire value chain, (2) tariffs applied to many imported goods and (3) increases in petroleum-based products as a result of the Middle East conflict. Higher prices were reported by 66.3 percent of respondents in May, down 4 percentage points from April’s 70.3 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 May, the 16 industries that reported paying increased prices for raw materials, in order, are: Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Transportation Equipment; and Wood Products. No industries reported paying decreased prices for raw materials in May.

Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 66.3 31.5 2.2 +64.1 82.1
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

Backlog of Orders†
ISM®‘s Backlog of Orders Index registered 52.2 percent in May, an increase of 0.8 percentage point compared to the April reading of 51.4 percent. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, three (Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Transportation Equipment) reported expansion in order backlogs in May.

The nine industries reporting higher backlogs in May — listed in order — are: Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; and Transportation Equipment. The three industries reporting lower backlogs in May are: Wood Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. Six industries reported no change in backlog of orders in May as compared to April.

Backlog of

Orders

 %

Reporting

 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 87 20.4 63.5 16.1 +4.3 52.2
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

New Export Orders†
ISM®‘s New Export Orders Index registered 50.6 percent, up 2.7 percentage points from April’s reading of 47.9 percent, marking a return to expansion territory. “For every positive comment on exports, there were two negative comments,” says Spence.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the five that reported growth in new export orders in May are: Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment. The eight industries that reported a decrease in new export orders in May — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Machinery.

New Export

Orders

 %

Reporting

 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 74 12.8 75.6 11.6 +1.2 50.6
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

Imports†
ISM®‘s Imports Index increased in May to 53 percent, a 2.7-percentage point increase compared to April’s reading of 50.3 percent.

The eight industries reporting higher imports in May — in the following order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The three industries that reported lower volumes in May are: Textile Mills; Paper Products; and Chemical Products. Seven industries reported no change in imports in May compared to April.

Imports %

Reporting

 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
May 2026 85 15.4 75.2 9.4 +6.0 53.0
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

†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 May was 171 days, a decrease of 3 days compared to April. The average lead time in May for Production Materials was 81 days, the same as April. The average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies was 48 days, an increase of two days compared to April.

Percent Reporting
Capital

Expenditures

 Hand-to-

Mouth

 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average

Days
May 2026 17 5 7 11 34 26 171
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
 
Percent Reporting  
Production

Materials

 Hand-to-

Mouth

 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average

Days

  
May 2026 8 25 27 25 11 4 81  
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  

 

Percent Reporting
MRO Supplies Hand-to-

Mouth

 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average

Days
May 2026 27 39 16 12 4 2 48
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

 

Posted: June 1, 2026

Source: Institute for Supply Management

unspun: Focused On Creating A New Category Of Apparel Production

This animation still illustrates the unique manufacturing process developed by unspun: warp yarn is woven while suspended over a circular-shaped core, resulting in a completed 3D woven fabric directly off the loom.
Backed by more than $50 million, the San Francisco startup aims to cut lead times, reduce waste, and make automation practical in apparel manufacturing.

Textile World Special Report

Why apparel automation still hasn’t happened and why it matters now are questions San Francisco-based unspun is invested in answering.

According to the company, apparel is one of the world’s largest manufacturing industries, yet it remains defined by long lead times, labor-intensive assembly and an economic model that routinely converts uncertainty into waste. “The playbook has been familiar for decades: forecast months in advance, place large minimum-order buys, ship across oceans, then markdown what doesn’t sell,” — a model unspun is set on disrupting, asserting this approach is optimized for unit cost but has built-in fragility.

Brands Facing Change

Today, brands face a different operating environment: higher demand volatility, pressure to reduce waste and overproduction, shifting trade and tariff dynamics, and increasing constraints on labor availability. In this context, “faster” is not just a customer-facing metric; it is a risk-control strategy.

Speed Matters

For unspun, the catch is that speed requires a fundamentally different production system — one that can run closer to demand with fewer manual steps, and with economics that do not depend on massive batch sizes. The company believes the enabling technology is automation — specifically, an AI-enabled 3D weaving platform designed to manufacture shaped garment components directly from yarn.

Focus On Scaling

Founded to rethink apparel manufacturing from first principles, unspun states it is building an end-to-end production platform that collapses multiple steps of traditional cut-and-sew into a more automated, upstream process. The company has raised more than $50 million in venture funding and is transitioning from technology development toward industrial deployment and commercialization.

Warp yarn leaving the creel feeds unspun’s weaving machinery.
In March 2026, unspun appointed Arne Arens as CEO. Arens brings decades of global brand leadership experience, including roles at Denver, Colo.-based The North Face and Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Boardriders (brands Quiksilver and Billabong), signaling a shift from R&D into a phase focused on scaling and customer adoption.

3D Weaving

Conventional apparel production begins with fabric formation — weaving or knitting — and then moves through a series of downstream steps: cutting, sewing, assembling, finishing. Those downstream operations, according to the company, introduce time, variability and material loss, especially when production is distributed across multiple facilities and geographies.

unspun’s approach introduces shape at the point of textile formation. Using a proprietary 3D weaving method, the system is designed to create semi-finished garment components directly from yarn, rather than weaving yardage that must later be cut into pattern pieces. In other words, construction begins upstream.

3D woven pants produced in collaboration with designers Celine Kwan and Eckhaus Latta (far right).

A New Architecture

This shift is more than a new fabric technique; it proposes a different manufacturing architecture. According to unspun, when more of the garment’s structure is formed during weaving, the downstream assembly burden can be reduced, simplified, or redesigned — opening the door to higher levels of automation.

Technology Connects To Automation

Apparel has long been considered one of the hardest industries to automate. Soft goods are difficult to handle and sewing operations are complex, variable and historically dependent on skilled manual labor. While many upstream textile processes are already mechanized, downstream assembly has remained stubbornly human-powered.

unspun is attacking the bottleneck by moving complexity upstream and using software to make the system more adaptive, combining:

  • Automated textile formation that creates shaped components rather than flat fabrics;
  • An operating system that enables control and optimization to improve repeatability and uptime;
  • Production consistency, a key requirement for industrial reliability; and
  • A production flow designed for fewer handoffs, reducing handling steps that typically add time and variability.

For unspun, the result is a system designed to make automation practical not by forcing robots to mimic sewing but by changing what needs to be sewn in the first place.

Brands Are Paying Attention

Based on unspun’s analysis, new manufacturing technology only matters to brands if it changes a familiar set of outcomes: lead times, flexibility, unit economics, quality and supply-chain risk. unspun believes its platform is positioned around the three core operational levers:

  • Lead Time Compression — By reducing the number of labor and logistics-heavy steps, production timelines can move from months to days or weeks, enabling faster replenishment and more demand-aligned planning.
  • Inventory and Waste Reduction
  • Margin Resilience

unspun’s creative space showcases samples of yarn, flat and woven 3D fabric designs to demonstrate the scope of design potential using this unique process.
unspun posits that in a market where supply chains are being asked to do more with less risk, the promise is not just efficiency — it is a different way to compete.

From R&D To Deployment

According to unspun, interest in apparel automation is rising because the economics have changed. Labor availability is tightening, sustainability expectations are increasing and geopolitical volatility is reshaping sourcing strategies. In parallel, investors and strategic partners are increasingly focused on technologies that can rebuild industrial capability through the modernization of systems.

unspun’s progress — combined with its venture backing and expanding ecosystem of brand and supply-chain partners — signals that the industry may be approaching a transition point: from “pilot projects” to scaled, repeatable deployment.

Rebuilding Capability, Not Just Capacity

To unspun, if apparel can be produced with fewer manual steps and shorter cycles, the impact is broader than reshoring headlines. It is about building manufacturing systems that are responsive, resilient and economically viable at regional scale.

The near-term question is execution: translating advanced textile automation into a serviceable, high-uptime production platform that can run day after day in real manufacturing environments. If unspun is successful, the outcome could be a new category of apparel production — one that treats automation and responsiveness as first-order requirements, not optional upgrades.

2026 Quarterly Issue II

Techtextil North America Returns To Raleigh In 2026

August technical textiles event spotlights education, innovation and networking.

Textile World Special Report

Techtextil North America will return August 4-6, 2026, to the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., bringing together the technical textiles and nonwovens value chain from raw materials through end-use applications. The event will offer a mix of exhibits, education and networking aimed at helping decision-makers track developments across key application sectors.

“Techtextil North America 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic editions yet,” said Julie Nickel, senior show manager for organizer Messe Frankfurt Inc., based in Atlanta.

“Raleigh places us in the heart of a thriving technical textiles corridor, creating valuable opportunities for connection across the industry.” Nickel noted that, alongside a strong exhibitor lineup and the returning Symposium and Tech Talks programs, the show will debut the Econogy Sustainability Forum to bring focused conversations on innovation and sustainability to the forefront.

Raleigh Bound

Raleigh provides a fitting backdrop for the 2026 edition. In addition to its role in research and innovation, the city combines historic neighborhoods and cultural attractions with a growing advanced manufacturing and technology base. It is home to North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, reinforcing the event’s connection to workforce development and academic research in textiles.

Twelve Application Areas

The exhibition floor will span 12 application areas, reflecting the breadth of the technical textiles industry. Agrotech covers products for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and landscape use, from crop-protection fabrics to shading and ground covers. Hometech encompasses upholstery fabrics, carpets and curtains for home and contract interiors, while Oekotech focuses on environmental protection, including erosion control, waste-management textiles, and air and water filtration.

Buildtech highlights materials for construction and architecture such as membranes, awnings, tarpaulins and soundproofing. Packtech addresses packaging solutions including bags, sacks and flexible intermediate bulk containers.

Clothtech covers functional components for clothing and footwear, from interlinings and sewing threads to insulation materials. Geotech is dedicated to geotextiles used in civil engineering for reinforcement, filtration and drainage.

Indutech focuses on industrial applications such as filtration media, cleaning textiles and conveyor belts. Medtech centers on medical and hygiene uses, including surgical gowns, bandages and implants.

Mobiltech covers automotive and aerospace textiles, from seatbelts and airbags to interior fabrics. Protech addresses personal and property protection, including flame-retardant fabrics, bullet-resistant products and high-visibility clothing. Sporttech encompasses sports and leisure, from performance sportswear to equipment covers and sailcloth.

Symposium Sessions

The Techtextil North America Symposium will offer sessions on topics ranging from product development and performance to supply chains and reshoring. Planned sessions include: “Designing Textile-Based Medical Devices: From R&D to Real Use;” “Supply Chain: In the Round;” “Digital Design and Anthropometric Measurement;” “Protective and Military Textile Advancements;” “Designing for Real Performance;” and “Manufacturing/Re-shoring/Nearshoring.” The program is intended to deliver focused information on specific industry topics as well as perspectives on current and emerging market demands, and symposium registrants receive a three-day show-floor pass.

clockwise from upper left: Tech Talks draw diverse audiences; Symposium Sessions offer a wide range of industry-specific topics; the Student Poster Program highlights rising talents; and the annual Innovation Awards recognize new applications and industry solutions.

Tech Talks

Complementing the Symposium, the Tech Talks program will provide shorter, solution-focused sessions on emerging technologies, held directly on the show floor to encourage informal discussion and networking. The Start-Up Zone will give early-stage companies a dedicated area to present new technologies and business models to potential partners and customers.

Econogy Forum

Sustainability will also be highlighted through the Econogy Sustainability Forum on Thursday, August 6. The forum will feature two sessions in the Symposium Room: one examining circularity across the span of a textile career and another exploring how natural fibers can be reused and reimagined through technical textiles under the theme “Old to New — Circularity, Use and Reimagining of Natural Fibers Through Technical Textiles.”

Techtextil Innovation Awards

Innovation will be in focus through the Techtextil Innovation Awards, which recognize developments in research, materials, products, applications and technologies. Categories include new concepts, materials, applications, products, chemicals and dyes, recycled materials and recycling technologies, as well as production technology, digitalization and AI solutions.

“We look forward to celebrating the exhibitors whose advancements are elevating performance and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible across the technical textiles and nonwovens community,” said Kristy Meade, vice president of Technical Shows for Messe Frankfurt Inc.

Award winners will be selected by a jury of industry experts and announced onsite during the event.

Networking will extend beyond the show floor through the Techtextil North America Reception, offering attendees an additional setting to connect with peers and customers in an informal environment.

Additional events organized by Messe Frankfurt include Texprocess Americas, Texworld events in New York and Los Angeles, and other trade shows in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

2026 Quarterly Issue II

Textile Recycling Expo USA Takes Charlotte

Inaugural event addresses pressing topic facing U.S. textiles.

Textile World Special Report

Event organizer Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI) launched the Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels, Belgium in 2025, as its first event focused on textile waste, leveraging its long experience in plastics recycling.

Building on the momentum that began in Brussels, the Charlotte Convention Center recently hosted the U.S. inaugural edition.

With 1,858 visitors, 95 exhibitors, and 52 speakers, the inaugural event was met with a diverse group of attendees and visitors engaged in finding connections and information on one of the most popular topics facing U.S. textiles — recycling.

“As organizer of the inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo USA, it was incredible to see the event come to life in Charlotte, with packed sessions, a busy show floor and real momentum across the industry,” commented Isobel Ree, Marketing Manager — Textiles Recycling Expo Portfolio, AMI.

“The quality of conversations and diversity of attendees showed just how committed the sector is to advancing textile circularity.

“It was a proud moment to see the industry come together on one platform, reinforcing just how essential collaboration will be moving forward.”

Opinion From The Floor

Speaker and exhibitor Meredith Boyd, EVP, Chief Product Officer, Greensboro, N.C.-based UNIFI, Inc., shared her views on the Expo: “We were very pleased with the Textiles Recycling Expo in Charlotte to have the opportunity to exhibit and showcase our newest textile-to-textile, circular innovations: REPREVE Takeback™ and ThermaLoop™ insulation.

Jessica Franken, Vice President, Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) made that first presentation on the agenda of speakers.

“The turnout was fantastic, and it validated that the industry – brands, mills, designers and developers – are looking for: solutions that are available now, globally and at scale. “

Long-time industry veteran Ludovic Pitrois, North America Sales Director, FIMIC, commented, “Having spent the last six years in the plastics industry after a career in textiles, attending this inaugural U.S. edition was a particularly insightful experience.

“What surprised me most was the breadth of the technical discussions. I had anticipated a heavy focus on PET, but the curiosity extended across the entire polymer spectrum, including PA, PP and PE.

“Seeing that level of diversification in recycling interest was a very welcome surprise.”

Jessica Franken, Vice President, Government & External Affairs, Alexandria, Va.-based Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) made the first presentation on the agenda, stated, “It was a very positive and well-executed event; easy to navigate and a great platform to spotlight this rapidly growing area while bringing together a diverse mix of stakeholders across the value chain. The energy was palpable, with strong engagement between traditional textile players and those focused on reuse and recycling.”

Hardy Sullivan, Managing Director, Thies US, LLC, remarked, “Visitors included many people and companies new to me along with representatives based in the region. Awareness of the U.S.’ 17+ million tons per year of textile “waste” is growing, along with state-by-state regulatory initiatives. The Expo showed us that many companies want to either promote their approach or figure out what role to play.”

Adding some perspective, Sullivan added, “In my view, textile recycling is feasible, today, and if done right, it equates to strengthened domestic manufacturing. By turning “waste” into raw materials regionally, as opposed to shipping all used textiles offshore, means we will have raw materials for use by domestic sources, be it in textiles or other industries.

“I believe in the “All of the Above” strategy to recycling. “

Based on the industry’s positive reaction, the next edition of the Textile Recycling Expo USA will return to Charlotte, N.C. on April 7–8, 2027.

2026 Quarterly Issue II

SYFA Conference, Networking And SYFA Scholarship

The Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA) event featured presentations, networking and annual tournament.

Textile World Special Report

The Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA) hosted its Annual Spring Conference April 1-2, 2026, at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel. The event drew 104 attendees for presentations and networking with industry peers.

Themed “The Fabric Frontier: ‘Our Future in Every Fiber,’” the conference featured presentations by industry notables including Drake Extrusion, Nilit, Syre, Gaston College, S&P Global and Under Armour.

Chuck Hall, president and CEO of Spartanburg, S.C.-based Barnet, offered remarks on the “State of U.S. Textiles.” Hall, the 2025 National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) chairman recently addressed the NCTO’s 22nd annual meeting in Washington with the detailed presentation (see “2026 State Of The U.S. Textile Industry,” this issue).

(Left to right): Charlotte, N.C.-based BARMAG members Matt Pierce and Daniel Page, both in Technical Service Sales, with BARMAG President Chip Hartzog and General Manager, Services Sales Manuel Wray enjoyed the fourth annual Spring Golf Tournament.
Prior to the conference, the SYFA Fourth Annual Spring Golf Tournament was held at Rocky River Golf Club in Concord, N.C. The event supports the SYFA Scholarship at Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center, offering technical training to students for careers in textile manufacturing.

“Participation in the Annual SYFA Tournament reflects our continued commitment to the textile industry, as well as our support for educational fundraising initiatives,” said Charlotte, N.C.-based BARMAG President Chip Hartzog.

“This year, we also showcased our new BARMAG branding through a hole sponsorship. Together we enjoyed a beautiful day and greatly valued the opportunity to spend quality time with our industry partners and customers.”

The conference closed with remarks by the new SYFA president, Chris Schultz of Columbia, S.C.-based Shakespeare Company. Schultz takes the helm from Meredith Boyd of Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc. Boyd remains a strong supporter of SYFA and now serves as secretary and treasurer.

2026 Quarterly Issue II

Engineered For Workwear

(Photo: Nilit)
NILIT positions SENSIL® for evolving workwear needs.

Textile World Special Report

Migdal Haemek, Israel-based NILIT is introducing a new collection of SENSIL® technical fabrics and garment concepts for the workwear sector, designed to address durability, comfort and wearer well-being, according to the company. SENSIL® is NILIT’s premium Nylon 6.6 brand for apparel.

According to NILIT, as job-site expectations evolve, workwear must do more than withstand wear and tear. Garments are increasingly expected to support productivity while improving physical and mental comfort. The company says it is leveraging its background in athleticwear, outerwear and fashion apparel to develop fabrics tailored for modern work environments.

“The workwear market requires well-designed, multifunctional apparel that not only handles the demands of the workplace but supports the wearer with technical features that contribute to productivity, mental and physical comfort, and overall wellness,” said Sagee Aran, NILIT’s chief commercial officer.

The new collection is marketed under NILIT’s SENSIL® brand, its premium Nylon 6.6 platform. Nylon 6.6 is widely recognized for its strength, resilience and abrasion resistance, characteristics that make it suitable for performance applications, including workwear.

Within the SENSIL® portfolio, the fabrics are said to incorporate technologies intended to address key industry needs. These include thermal regulation to help maintain body temperature, moisture management to wick perspiration and odor control to support hygiene during extended wear. Additional features such as muscle support — described by the company as providing light compression — and abrasion and tear resistance are intended to improve durability and wearer comfort.

NILIT says the SENSIL® products are manufactured with an emphasis on sustainability and are designed to support circularity, referring to efforts to reduce waste and extend material life cycles. According to the company, these attributes align with emerging global regulations focused on environmental impact and transparency.

“While NILIT has always served the workwear market, we are now leveraging our proven expertise in athleticwear and fashion apparel into new workwear concepts that truly stand out for excellent performance, aesthetics and durability,” Aran said.

The collection also reflects evolving expectations around workwear aesthetics, according to NILIT. In addition to performance, garments are increasingly expected to deliver a professional appearance, particularly in customer-facing roles. The company says its fabrics are designed to support both functional and branding requirements.

The fabrics and garment concepts were presented at Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 in NILIT’s booth and through mill partners including Pontetorto, Concordia, Getzner, Edelweiss, Alto Milanese, FOV, IBQ and Sofileta. NILIT says these partnerships are intended to support broader adoption across the textile supply chain.

Target applications include corporate uniforming, hospitality, food service, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, first responders and military, sectors with varying performance requirements ranging from durability to long-wear comfort.

Founded in 1974, NILIT is a global producer of Nylon 6.6 fibers with four vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and global offices serving customers in EMEA, Asia, Latin America and North America. Its SENSIL® brand spans multiple apparel categories, including intimate apparel, legwear, activewear, denim, outdoor wear and workwear.

For more information, contact nilit.com

2026 Quarterly Issue II

People 2026 Quarterly Volume 2

Brown

Universal Fibers Appoints Jay Brown President

Bristol, Va.-based Universal Fibers announced the appointment of Jay Brown as president, effective May 1, 2026. Brown brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across the flooring, fiber and building materials industries. He previously served as president and chief operating officer at Bentley Mills and executive vice president at Happy Floors.

Rolland

Carbon Appoints Jason Rolland Chief Technology Officer

Redwood City, Calif.-based Carbon, a product development and manufacturing technology company, announced the promotion of Jason Rolland, Ph.D., to chief technology officer. Rolland has been with Carbon for more than 12 years, built the materials team, and co-invented the company’s patented dual-cure resin platform. He holds over 60 issued U.S. patents.

Shipley

Lyle Shipley Joins Herculite As Innovation Director

Emigsville, Pa.-based Herculite Products announced that Lyle Shipley joined the company as director of innovation. Shipley brings more than 25 years of experience in the plastics industry with expertise in film formulation, product management and new product development. He most recently served as senior product manager at Continental AG.

Arens

Arne Arens Joins unspun As CEO

San Francisco-based unspun, a B Corp-certified apparel technology company, announced the appointment of Arne Arens as chief executive officer. Arens brings decades of experience leading global consumer apparel brands including The North Face, where he served as global brand president, and Boardriders, where he served as CEO. Arens will guide unspun’s next phase of growth as it scales automated, localized manufacturing infrastructure for the apparel industry.

Sakimon (left) and Frett (right)

Teruyuki Sakimon Named CEO Of Toray CMA

Tacoma, Wash.-based Toray Composite Materials America Inc., a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, announced the appointment of Teruyuki Sakimon as president and chief executive officer effective April 1, 2026. Sakimon has been with Toray CMA for more than 20 years and with Toray Industries’ advanced composites division for nearly 30 years. He succeeds Dennis Frett, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the company.

(clockwise from upper left) Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs and CK Wong

INDA Honors Four With 2026 Lifetime Awards

Cary, N.C.-based INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the four recipients of the 2026 INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award.

Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong are being recognized for their leadership, innovation and contributions to advancing the nonwovens industry.

“These awards celebrate individuals whose careers have helped shape the growth and progress of the nonwovens industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president and CEO.

Tom Daugherty’s career spans decades at Procter & Gamble and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University. He served on the INDA Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009 and the INDA Executive Committee from 2010 to 2016.

Pricie Hanna is managing partner of Price Hanna Consultants, specializing in nonwoven products and technologies. She was previously vice president of John R. Starr Inc. for 23 years.

Carey Hobbs joined Hobbs Bonded Fibers in 1963 and grew the company into a leader in the nonwoven industry until he sold it in 2015. He served two terms on INDA’s board of directors.

CK Wong was chairman and CEO of U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited and served as INDA vice chairman.

Williamson

LYCRA Company Appoints Alistair Williamson Sustainability VP

Wilmington, Del.-based LYCRA Company appointed Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability. Williamson brings four decades of experience in textile fibers and apparel, having held commercial, sales and marketing leadership roles across EMEA, North America and South Asia. He will guide the company’s sustainability strategy and oversee initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations and innovation platforms. Williamson joined the predecessor of LYCRA Company in 2007.

Reichelt

Thermore Appoints Don Reichelt To North American Sales Team

Milan, Italy-based Thermore, a supplier of sustainable synthetic insulation, appointed Don Reichelt as North American sales representative. Reichelt brings experience across the outdoor and endurance sports industries and is the founder of Colorado-based Rocky Peak Marketing. He has worked with brands in the outdoor, run and active lifestyle spaces. In his new role, Reichelt will focus on expanding Thermore’s relationships with North American apparel partners.

McCracken

Trivantage Adds West Coast Furnishings Sales Representative

Burlington, N.C.-based Trivantage announced the appointment of Kate McCracken as a sales representative for the furnishings division. McCracken will strengthen customer relationships across the West Coast, focusing on outdoor furnishings and OEM segments. She brings nearly a decade of experience across textile sales, hospitality project management and the architectural industry.

Dr. Tambe

Nonwovenn Appoints Dr. Nisarg Tambe Innovation Director

Bridgwater, England-based Nonwovenn appointed Dr. Nisarg Tambe as director of innovation. Tambe brings more than a decade of experience in the nonwovens industry and most recently served as head of research and development for the Evolon product range at Freudenberg Performance Materials. Dave Hill will transition from innovations director to next gen products director, focusing on continuation and commercialization of existing product development activities.

Denes

Edd Denes Named CEO Of Accelerating Circularity

New York-based Accelerating Circularity announced the appointment of Edd Denes as chief executive officer. Denes previously served as board treasurer of Accelerating Circularity since 2021. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning financial services, technology transformation and international operations. Accelerating Circularity works with brands, manufacturers, collectors, sorters, recyclers, and innovators to build systems for textile-to-textile recycling at scale.

Altmann-Morelli

Texcare Names Altmann-Morelli Director

Frankfurt Am Main, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH named Vivien Altmann-Morelli director of Texcare International, effective May 1, overseeing the global laundry, dry-cleaning and textile services trade fair and brand portfolio. She will also lead Food Technologies and report to Kerstin Horaczek. Altmann-Morelli succeeds Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim.

Spence

Standard Fiber Names Spence Merchandising Chief

Henderson, Nev.-based Standard Fiber named Randy Spence chief merchandising officer, a new role overseeing merchandising, product development, marketing and sourcing. He will unify product and brand strategy and report to Brett Scharf. Spence brings 40 years of experience across consumer goods, including roles at Pillowtex and Springs Global, and founded pet bed manufacturer NVM Pet, sold in 2020.

John

Carters Names Sharon Price John CEO

ATLANTA-based Carter’s Inc. named Sharon Price John CEO and president, effective June 15, 2026, and a board member. CFO/COO Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO. John joins from Build-A-Bear, where she drove profitability, omnichannel growth and market expansion. Douglas C. Palladini departed; the company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook.

2026 Quarterly Issue II

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