Carnegie Reinterprets Biobased Xorel With A Dimensional Lens In Aperture Embroider

NEW YORK, NY — August 5, 2026 — Carnegie, a supplier of sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions for the commercial industry, introduces Aperture Embroider, a new textile design as part of the new Crush Collection. As Carnegie’s latest addition to its Biobased Xorel product line, Aperture Embroider is made with rapidly renewable materials and 91% plant-based content, delivering durability, cleanability, and finish-free construction that Biobased Xorel is known for.

Aperture Embroider, new design part of the Crush Collection | Courtesy of Carnegie

Aperture Embroider brings a sense of movement and light to Biobased Xorel through finely stitched, radial bursts that feel almost like sparks across the surface. The embroidered detail adds a layer of dimension and tactility, while the open ground keeps it airy and versatile. As part of the Crush collection, Aperture Embroider is part of a lineup of fabrics created for designers who lead with color. From bold graphics and plush velvets to expressive florals, Crush was designed to mix, layer, and play, signaling Carnegie’s shift toward a brighter, bolder aesthetic while maintaining its commitment to responsible materials.

Free of added finishes and harmful chemicals, Aperture Embroider is available in four colorways suited for wallcovering, upholstered walls/panels, and upholstery, pairing expressive design with the performance and sustainability standards Carnegie is known for. Rated for 200,000 double rubs and cleanable with water-, solvent-, and bleach-based solutions, the fabric exceeds Type II criteria for wallcovering performance.

The textile is free of antimicrobials, ozone-depleting chemicals, PFAS, PVC, and Red List chemicals and also carries an extensive set of sustainability credentials, including but not limited to an EPD, California Proposition 65, Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold, Cradle to Cradle Material Health Platinum Certification, LEED, Mindful Materials, SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold, and USDA Certified Biobased Product designations. At the end of its lifecycle, Aperture Embroider is eligible for Carnegie’s responsible return program.

For more information on Aperture Embroider and the full Crush collection, please visit https://carnegiefabrics.com/crush.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: Carnegie Fabrics

“Guatemala Showed Up!” AAPN And VESTEX Showcase The Power Of Regional Sourcing

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala — September 1, 2026 — The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), in partnership with VESTEX, brought leading brands and sourcing professionals to Guatemala for the inaugural SOURCE: The Americas experience — an immersive look at the capabilities, verticality and relationships strengthening the Western Hemisphere apparel supply chain.

The takeaway from Luis Vasquez, SVP of Product Development & Sourcing for Fabletics, was simple: “Guatemala showed up!”

Held in conjunction with the 2026 Apparel Sourcing Show, the program welcomed representatives from Aerie, Carhartt Inc., Fabletics, Fanatics, Gap Inc., Momentec Brands, Target, Victoria’s Secret and Varsity Brands to connect directly with manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders.

The experience combined industry education, the Apparel Sourcing Show, executive networking and factory visits designed to showcase the verticality of Guatemala’s apparel supply chain — from yarn through finished product:

  • Imperial (ATS) — Spinning
  • Texpasa — Knitting, dyeing and finishing
  • Indiana Knitwear / Hoosier Manufacturing — Cut & sew

“Networking is the foundation of our industry,” said Sergio Isaza of TxGR Partners. “The opportunity to connect makes things possible and keeps our business running, as it gives us a better understanding of how different regions can add value to our sourcing needs.”

Liz Kircher of Momentec Brands highlighted the value of experiencing a new sourcing region through AAPN’s established network.

“The connections and insights that Lynsey has make this sourcing trip so much more valuable than traveling alone to new vendors,” said Kircher. “She is an amazing resource not only for meeting new vendors, but also for gaining valuable knowledge about the area — and for having some good laughs along the way!”

For AAPN, those connections are exactly why SOURCE: The Americas was created.

Lynsey Jones

“The real story was the connections,” said Lynsey Jones, Executive Director of AAPN. “Introductions became conversations. Conversations became follow-ups. And we watched new relationships begin to form between brands and suppliers, with the potential for new business already taking shape.”

The enthusiasm was shared by manufacturers participating in the week.

“We’re grateful to have connected with so many of the companies and people who make this region one of the strongest apparel and textile clusters in the industry,” Indiana Knitwear shared following the event. “The talent, craftsmanship, and scale of what Central America can deliver continue to impress us.”

The Guatemala experience demonstrated the strength of a regional sourcing ecosystem built on capability, proximity and relationships — and the value of bringing sourcing decision-makers directly into the regions where business happens.

AAPN extends its appreciation to VESTEX, participating manufacturers, factory hosts, sponsors and industry partners who helped make the inaugural SOURCE: The Americas experience possible.

Guatemala showed up. And for SOURCE: The Americas, this is only the beginning.

SOURCE: the Americas

SOURCE: the Americas is an AAPN initiative connecting brands and retailers directly with sourcing regions throughout the Western Hemisphere through curated sourcing experiences, factory tours, industry education and executive-level networking.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

Allsteel Elevates Office Materiality With Zero-Waste Knit Innovation — Harnesses The Power Of Upcycled Marine Litter

MUSCATINE, IA.  — August 23, 2026 — Allsteel is moving materiality from aesthetics to engineering with Levra™, its newest task chair designed for the way people work today.

Developed in collaboration with ITO Design, Levra’s ergonomic engineering is cloaked in human-centric materials and anchored by a first-of-its-kind, patent-pending frameless back architecture featuring structural knit material. Through this blend of textile innovation and ergonomic features, Levra presents a vision for the future of task seating—one where high performance and refined aesthetics merge to match the uncompromising demands of the modern workplace.

What Makes Levra’s Back Special?

During its development, the knit material of Levra’s back was treated as a design tool to help deliver structural integrity, adaptive flexibility, and a lighter visual expression:

  • A suspended back softens the hard visual and physical edges of a traditional frame, while integrated lumbar support provides tactile feedback and comfort without restricting motion.
  • The back is constructed through a precision-knit zero-waste manufacturing process. It is “fit-to-knit” directly to the chair’s specifications, entirely eliminating knit fabric cutting scrap.
  • The knit material used in Levra’s back is made from 100% recycled materials, including up to 96% post-consumer polyester and up to 4% SEAQUAL® yarn made from upcycled marine litter.
  • Its curated, monochromatic color palette and refined silhouette integrate seamlessly into design-forward interiors, offering a high-performance seating option that complements the visual language of modern office spaces.

Levra’s Design Philosophy

ITO Design played a significant role in shaping Levra from the earliest stages of development, helping define both the product’s performance and its refined visual language. Together, Allsteel and the ITO Design team worked through years of iterative prototyping to create a chair that balances technical and material innovation with a more human, approachable expression. “One of the key goals was to create a chair that accomplishes a great deal through its engineering without appearing overly technical,” said Christopher Schmidt, on behalf of the ITO Design team. “Levra brings together freedom of movement, intuitive support, and a quieter design language in a way that feels immediate and natural for the user.” These features are especially apparent in its sleek, yet highly functional, suspended back.

How is Levra Sustainable?

Material health is built into Levra. Beyond its aesthetic and comfort, Levra’s fit-to-knit back material construction also contributes to ambitious responsible manufacturing goals:

  • Its zero-waste, precision-knit back material is made from 100% recycled materials, including upcycled SEAQUAL® yarns.
  • The back upright, arm uprights, and base are made from aluminum containing 98% recycled content.
  • The chair is SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified for low emissions, supporting healthier indoor air.
  • Levra’s Declare Label publicly discloses every ingredient and screens materials against the Red List of chemicals linked to human and environmental harm, with material inputs measured to 100 ppm.
  • Levra is third-party certified to BIFMA LEVEL® 3, the standard’s highest achievement level, which evaluates sustainability performance across the product, manufacturing facility, and company.
  • All Levra full task chair models are carbon neutral, utilizing offsets from forestation projects to address carbon emissions associated with their life cycle.

 How Does Levra’s Materiality Support Its Function?

Levra responds to the changing realities of the workplace with a more intuitive approach to comfort, movement, and adjustment. For decades, task seating was built around routines—one person, one desk, one way of working. Today, work is more fluid, with people moving, sitting, and focusing differently throughout the day. Levra’s responsive materials, like its suspended knit back, actively support changing postures and micromovements to encourage a more seamless and productive flow to the workday.

Together, these choices reflect Allsteel’s human-centric approach to design: products should support people, complement the spaces around them, and be made with care. Levra brings that philosophy to life through intuitive movement, responsible materials, and a refined presence designed to feel like second nature.

Explore Levra’s design, material innovation, available finishes, and sustainability certifications at  https://www.allsteeloffice.com/introducing-levra

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: Allsteel

Nearly 150 Years In The Making: Environmental Textile Products (ETP) Launches New Brand Identity

MOBILE, AL — September 2, 2026 — What began as Brown & Brown, a fabric and textile business founded on the Gulf Coast in 1877 and developed into Engineered Textile Fabrics in 1980, has spent nearly 150 years growing, adapting, and expanding into markets its founders could not have imagined.

Today, that company — now known as Environmental Textile Products (ETP) — is marking its next chapter with a new name, a unified brand identity, and a new website at EnvironmentalTextileProducts.com.

The ETP family of brands — Environmental Textile Products, ETP Environmental, ETP ArtCraft Awnings, ETP Sports, ETP Racemarks, and ETP Industrial — united under one identity for the first time.

The formal adoption of the Environmental Textile Products name reflects the full scope of the company’s evolution over the past several decades. From its roots in cut-and-sew manufacturing, ETP has expanded to serve customers across five distinct markets: environmental and containment systems, industrial fabric solutions, ArtCraft Awnings, Racemarks, and competitive track and field through ETP Sports, a specialized brand serving the high school, collegiate, and elite racing community. The new brand unites all five divisions under one identity for the first time, giving customers and partners a clearer picture of the company’s reach and capabilities.

“This company has been in our family for five generations, and in that time, we’ve expanded into markets and capabilities that go well beyond where we started,” said Ken Robinson, owner of Environmental Textile Products. “The new name and brand reflect everything we do and everything we’ve built. We want our customers — both those who have been with us for decades and those finding us for the first time — to see the full picture of who ETP is.”

Across all five divisions, ETP designs and manufactures its products in the United States. The company’s core strength is delivering highly customized, made-to-order solutions that off-the-shelf or overseas suppliers cannot replicate — from geomembranes and floating baffles for wastewater and environmental systems to commercial awnings and custom industrial curtains. Long-tenured employees, deep technical knowledge, and a commitment to standing behind every product have defined ETP’s reputation across its markets for generations.

The new website serves as the central hub for ETP’s unified brand, featuring dedicated division pages, integrated e-commerce for ETP Sports and Racemarks products, and streamlined quote request capabilities for custom and large-format industrial work. The site was developed to serve both longtime customers and new audiences across ETP’s markets.

As ETP approaches its 150th anniversary, the Robinson family remains committed to the principles that have guided the company since its founding: quality materials, skilled American craftsmanship, and relationships built to last. The new brand reflects that continuity — and provides a foundation for the next generation of growth. For more information or to explore ETP’s full range of products and services, visit EnvironmentalTextileProducts.com.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: Environmental Textile Products (ETP)

ALLIED Feather + Down Finds 85% Lower Carbon Emissions Than Estimated Down Industry Average

MONTEBELLO, CA — September 3, 2026 — ALLIED Feather + Down, a global supplier of responsibly sourced and sustainably processed down, today announced the results of a recent carbon footprint audit conducted at their facility in Hangzhou, China. Results reported by Green Threads DPP show that ALLIED’s cradle-to-gate down processing generates 85% less carbon emissions than the estimated industry average.

This audit focuses specifically on down processing, using actual facility and supply chain data to quantify its carbon footprint. The result gives brands a more specific benchmark for evaluating the carbon impact of the down they source and the processes used to prepare it for finished products.

“We’ve known for years that down plays an important role in building a more circular and lower-impact apparel value chain,” said Daniel Uretsky, President of ALLIED Feather + Down. “These audited results allow us to put real numbers behind that belief. The data shows that our processing methods deliver a dramatically lower carbon footprint than other down providers, giving brands objective information they can use when making material decisions.”

The audit found that ALLIED’s processing methods generated 0.48 Kg CO₂e per KG of down*, about 85% lower than estimated industry averages (3.2 Kg CO2e per Kg) for conventional down and 57.9% lower than published figures (1.14 Kg CO2e per Kg) for recycled down.**

The audit also found that the carbon footprint of ALLIED’s down is 95% lower than the estimated carbon footprint of polyester fibers used in alternative insulations.***

Conducted by supply chain carbon audit experts Green Threads DPP, the audit evaluated greenhouse gas emissions associated with ALLIED’s down processing operation including the slaughterhouse impact, transportation and processing at ALLIED’s facility in China.

The results are the culmination of years of work by ALLIED across its global facilities and with supply chain partners. ALLIED’s Hangzhou facility utilizes on-site water reclamation, allowing 95% of all water to be reused, with only around 5% lost to evaporation. Solar power, along with efficiencies implemented throughout the facility, has also significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions. ALLIED’s longstanding partnership with its detergent supplier also resulted in the development of eco-friendly detergents designed to perform in cold water and rinse more easily, significantly reducing the water traditionally required for additional rinse cycles while lowering energy and gas consumption.

“These results reinforce what makes ALLIED’s down unique within the global insulation category,” added Uretsky. “Not only is down a renewable material that already exists as a byproduct of the food industry, but when combined with our processing methods, it also creates significantly less carbon. That’s a powerful combination for brands looking to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.”

As Digital Product Passport requirements take shape, apparel and outdoor brands will need access to material-level carbon data. ALLIED’s audit provides brands with verified information that can support material selection, sustainability reporting, and regulatory compliance.

This information is currently available to all ALLIED partner brands and will soon be available to anyone through their TrackMyDown hangtags and TrackMyDown website.

ALLIED’s down carbon footprint calculations use annual data for energy, water, wastewater, and detergent consumption and are produced in accordance with the requirements of the following standards and rules:

  1. ISO14067: 2018 Carbon Footprint of Products;
  2. PAS2050: 2011 Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services;
  3. Product Category Rules – Apparel, Except Fur and Leather Apparel (PCR 2024:03)

ALLIED will attend the Functional Textiles show in Shanghai, Performance Days in Munich, and Functional Fabric Fair in Portland this fall.

*For comparison, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) database reports a carbon footprint of 4.15 Kg CO2e per Kg of virgin down. This assessment includes the raising of the birds which is estimated by the published IDFB LCA to account for approximately 23% of that total. ALLIED Feather + Down has calculated its processing-related environmental impacts in China to include slaughterhouse impact, transportation and final processing at ALLIED’s China facility and does not account for the raising of the birds. Removing the impact of the birds estimated by the IDFB LCA, the PEF database would show an estimated impact for the processing of down to be 3.2 Kg CO2e per Kg of down.

**The recycled down figures do not account for impacts associated with the collection of post-consumer goods or the industrial delivery and recycling centers. Recycled down carbon footprint numbers are drawn from the PEF database.

***The carbon footprint comparison is based on ALLIED’s cradle-to-gate down processing data and estimated polyester fiber production data reported in ecoinvent version 3.12, using the IPCC 2021 100-year global warming potential. The comparison does not include upstream impacts associated with petroleum extraction and refining for polyester production. 

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: ALLIED Feather + Down

PerkinElmer Completes Acquisition Of SimoTech

SHELTON, CT — September 3, 2026 — PerkinElmer, a global supplier of analytical solutions and specialized services for the life sciences, applied, and food markets, today announced the completion of its acquisition of SimoTech, a trusted provider of manufacturing automation and GMP IT solutions to the life sciences industry, following the company’s announcement of the signed transaction on August 11, 2026.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Cork, Ireland, SimoTech has evolved into one of the leading automation and manufacturing technology services providers in the biopharmaceutical market, supporting half of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. SimoTech collaborates with life sciences organizations to develop, implement, and manage automation and digital manufacturing solutions that accelerate project execution, enhance operational performance, and increase manufacturing flexibility, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

This acquisition marks an expansion of PerkinElmer’s solutions for the life sciences industry, which include OneSource integrated laboratory and digital solutions as well as Project Farma’s manufacturing and engineering solutions platform. It further reinforces PerkinElmer’s standing as a premier provider of life sciences services that help accelerate research, development and the manufacturing of life-saving treatments.

“By combining SimoTech’s expertise in manufacturing automation and digital systems with the capabilities of OneSource and Project Farma, this acquisition creates a significant opportunity to build a differentiated, scaled platform for pharmaceutical services,” said Michael Stubblefield, Chief Executive Officer, PerkinElmer. “We are excited to welcome SimoTech’s exceptional team to the PerkinElmer family.”

“The combination of OneSource, Project Farma and SimoTech creates a unique opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with leading innovators and reduce the time to market for life-changing therapies. SimoTech’s expertise in automation and IT systems is a natural complement to our capabilities, enabling us to support customers across the full drug development and manufacturing lifecycle. Together, we bring highly complementary capabilities that position us to deliver greater value to our customers, unlock new opportunities for growth, and realize the full potential of a differentiated, scaled pharmaceutical services platform,” said Anshul Mangal, President of PerkinElmer’s Pharma Specialty Services business.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: PerkinElmer

Apparel Group Redefines India’s Retail Landscape With Carrefour’s Ambitious Entry

NEW DELHI  — September 3, 2026 — Apparel Group, a fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, announces the entry of Carrefour into India with the opening of the renowned retailer’s first flagship store at H&S Mall, Boulevard Walk, Greater Noida West, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for both businesses in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.

Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of APPCORP Holding, Owner of Apparel Group and Founder of KORA Properties and Patrick Lasfargues, ED Carrefour

The opening marks a defining milestone in Apparel Group’s India growth journey and its expansion into food and hypermarket retail. Bringing together Carrefour’s international retail expertise and Apparel Group’s deep understanding of the Indian market, the partnership sets the foundation for a new generation of modern retail in India, built around quality, value, convenience and the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers.

Spanning more than 50,000+ sq. ft., the Greater Noida flagship introduces Carrefour’s established retail experience to India through a proposition thoughtfully adapted for the local market. The store features more than 15,000+ SKUs, including exclusive international products, alongside an extensive selection of locally sourced products across fresh produce, grocery, bakery, household essentials and personal care.

More than a first store, the flagship signals the scale of the ambition ahead. Apparel Group plans to expand Carrefour’s presence across North India over the coming years, building a nationwide retail platform supported by strong local partnerships, modern supply chain capabilities and an integrated omnichannel ecosystem.

Under Apparel Group’s operational leadership, Carrefour will work with a growing network of local suppliers and partners, strengthening connections across India’s retail, supply chain and agricultural ecosystem.

Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of APPCORP Holding, Owner of Apparel Group and Founder of KORA Properties, said: “Carrefour’s entry into India represents more than the arrival of an iconic retailer. It reflects our conviction in India’s extraordinary potential and our ambition to help shape the next chapter of its retail landscape. Together with Carrefour, we are combining international retail expertise with deep local market understanding to build a platform designed for scale, relevance and enduring value. This flagship is the beginning of a much larger journey, one that will take Carrefour to more cities, serve more communities and create new opportunities across India’s evolving consumer ecosystem.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patrick Lasfargues, Executive Director – International Partnership, Carrefour, said: “Today’s launch marks a significant milestone for Carrefour as we officially begin our retail journey in India. We see India as one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, a rapidly evolving retail landscape and immense long-term potential. Our partnership with Apparel Group brings Carrefour’s global expertise with deep local market knowledge, creating a strong platform for sustainable growth. This flagship store is the first step in our long-term ambition to build a nationwide network and a robust omnichannel retail business that delivers quality, value and convenience to customers across India.”

India represents one of the most compelling growth opportunities in modern retail, powered by rising consumer aspirations, urbanisation and the continued evolution of organised retail. With the sector projected to exceed US$2.36 trillion by 2030, the opportunity extends beyond market growth to shaping how the next generation of Indian consumers shop, connect and experience retail.

Apparel Group and Carrefour aim to build precisely that model. The venture will combine Carrefour’s extensive international capabilities with Apparel Group’s local market expertise to bring a broader world of products and experiences to Indian consumers. Alongside the physical store network, Apparel Group will develop an integrated omnichannel ecosystem powered by modern logistics infrastructure, technology and strategic local partnerships, creating a platform built to evolve with India’s ambitions.

The Greater Noida flagship is only the beginning. It represents a long-term ambition to build Carrefour into one of India’s most relevant, accessible and trusted retail destinations, creating enduring value for consumers, suppliers, communities and the wider economy as the network expands across the country.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: Apparel Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Lectra Strengthens Its Partnership With Caron Technology

PARIS — September 3, 2026 — Lectra announces the strengthening of its industrial alliance with Caron Technology, an Italian company founded in 1993 and specializing in preparation systems operating before the cutting process. This new milestone reflects the strength of a trusted relationship that has grown between the two companies over nearly two decades.

Lectra, a catalyst for transformation in the fashion, furniture, and automotive industries, unites human expertise with cutting-edge industrial intelligence to offer technological solutions combining software in SaaS mode, cutting equipment, data, and associated services.

As long-standing partners, Lectra and Caron Technology collaborate to accompany manufacturers in the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries to optimize the preparation of their cutting operations.

Caron Technology designs and assembles preparation systems operating before the cutting process for flexible materials: fabric spreaders, feeders, roll loaders, spreading tables, and associated software. Upstream of the cutting process, fabric spreading and feeding are a strategic step in the production process, as the quality and consistency of these operations have a direct impact on cutting room productivity.

An industrial alliance underpinned by a long-term commitment

To support this new phase of development, Lectra acquired 70% of Caron Technology’s equity in August 2026 for 1.9 million euros, with an option to increase its stake to 100% by 2029. This reflects the two companies’ shared commitment to build on their cooperation over the long-term and to jointly support their future growth.

Lectra will now be able to offer its customers solutions developed by Caron Technology, providing an even more comprehensive response to cutting room productivity and performance challenges.

“This new milestone is the result of many years of fruitful collaboration with Lectra. We share the same commitment towards innovation, quality, and customer service. Together, we will be able to accelerate the development of our solutions and expand their reach to a greater number of manufacturers,” said Giulio Gallo, CEO of Caron Technology.

“For many years, Caron Technology has been a trusted industrial partner for Lectra. This strengthened alliance reinforces our offering by combining it with recognized know-how in cutting-room preparation with Caron Technology’s equipment perfectly complementing our product portfolio and expertise in building the connected cutting room of the future,” adds Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO of Lectra.

Posted: September 4, 2026

Source: Lectra

People 2026 Quarterly Volume 3

Horn

Meridian Specialty Yarn Group Names Keith Horn Vice President Of Manufacturing

Valdese, N.C.-based Meridian Specialty Yarn Group Inc. has named Keith Horn vice president of manufacturing for its Ranlo Plant. Horn brings more than 30 years of worsted-wool spinning experience and will lead manufacturing operations, with emphasis on operational performance and consistent product quality.


Dugan

RefrigiWear Names Jim Dugan CEO

Dahlonega, Ga.-based RefrigiWear has appointed Jim Dugan CEO. Dugan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, recently serving as chief revenue officer at Galls. He will lead RefrigiWear and its European brands: FlexiTog®, Fortdress®, Cold Tex®, Tessuto® and Goldfreeze®. Former CEO Ryan Silberman remains on RefrigiWear’s board.


Weiss

Marcia Weiss Appointed Dean At Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University has appointed Marcia Weiss, MFA, dean of its newly-formed College of Fashion and Textiles. Weiss previously served as interim dean and brings 19 years experience from Burlington Industries, as vice president of design for the House Fabrics Division.


Ryan

Schotex Global Names Jennifer Ryan Head Of Sales, North America

Hong Kong-based Schotex Global Co. Ltd. has appointed Jennifer Ryan head of sales for North America. Ryan brings 35 years textile-market experience, including more than 20 with Schoeller Textil AG. She will lead North American sales, active-lifestyle and fashion-apparel markets.


Champion Thread Appoints John
Giordano
Senior Sales Director

Gastonia, N.C.-based Champion Thread Co. has appointed John Giordano senior sales director, a newly created role. Giordano brings more than 50 years of industrial sewing-thread sales and marketing experience, and will lead the company’s national-account and wholesale-distribution initiatives to expand market reach and strengthen customer partnerships.


Machado

Mario Jorge Machado Re-Elected EURATEX President

Brussels-based EURATEX has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as president. Machado, who holds a degree in production polymer engineering from the University of Minho, will focus on improving textile-industry competitiveness, establishing a level playing field for products sold in Europe, and supporting companies through green and digital transitions. “Europe must decarbonize its industry, not deindustrialize it,” Machado said.


Taidi

bluesign Appoints Hanane Taidi CEO

Baar, Switzerland-based bluesign has appointed Hanane Taidi CEO. Taidi brings more than 20 years of global leadership in sustainability, public affairs and strategic communications and most recently served as director general of TIC Council. She will focus on expanding access to verified data, strengthening System Partner collaboration and translating evolving regulatory requirements into practical solutions for brands and manufacturers.


Enright

National Safety Apparel Appoints Michael Enright CEO

Cleveland-based National Safety Apparel has appointed Michael Enright CEO, succeeding Chuck Grossman Jr., who will become vice chairman after nearly 30 years leading the company. Enright brings more than 30 years of protective-clothing market experience and has served as NSA president for five years. Grossman will remain involved in mergers and acquisitions and strategic-growth initiatives.


Kasperkovitz

Lenzing Appoints Georg Kasperkovitz CEO

Lenzing, Austria-based Lenzing AG has appointed Georg Kasperkovitz CEO, effective June 1. Kasperkovitz will retain his role as chief operations officer and lead the company’s fiber production, sales, supply chain and human resources functions. A board member since June 2025, he succeeds to a three-year CEO mandate running through May 31, 2029.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Freudenberg Performance Materials Acquires Foshan United Medical

With UMT, Freudenberg Performance Materials becomes a full-service provider of advanced wound care.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials
Weinheim, Germany-based Freudenberg Performance Materials has acquired Foshan United Medical Ltd., a China-based supplier of advanced wound-care products.

Foshan United Medical, headquartered in Foshan, China, employs about 200 people. The purchase price was not disclosed. The sellers were UMT founder and CEO Dr. Xiaodong Wang and a private Chinese founding partner.

“Freudenberg Performance Materials and Foshan United Medical are a perfect strategic match,” said Dr. Andreas Raps, CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials. “Going forward, the merger will enable us to offer a unique portfolio of technologies and products as an innovative full-service supplier in the market for advanced wound care.”

UMT’s capabilities span fiber manufacturing and functionalization, nonwoven production, final packaging, sterilization and marketing authorization. Its portfolio includes polyurethane foam dressings, silicone-coated dressings, antimicrobial dressings containing silver, alginate-based absorbent fibers, and chitosan- and CMC-based wound dressings.

“The innovative strength and high level of customer-orientation characteristics in both our companies make for an ideal fit,” Wang said.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

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