Gherzi Textil Organisation AG Expands North American Practice, Renames U.S. Office Gherzi Americas

ZURICH, Switzerland — July 14, 2026 — Gherzi Textil Organisation AG today announced the expansion of its North American office and the renaming of Gherzi-USA as Gherzi Americas.

Robert Antoshak

The new name reflects a broader mandate covering the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the regional textile and apparel supply chain.

Gherzi Americas will be led by Robert Antoshak as Managing Partner, with Radhika Shrinivas and David Uricoli joining as Partners.

The team will advise brands, retailers, manufacturers, and investors, along with government agencies and technology providers, on sourcing strategy, manufacturing development, trade exposure, and operational improvement.

“Gherzi has always worked at the intersection of textile expertise and practical business judgment,” said Giuseppe Gherzi.

Radhika Shrinivas

“The launch of Gherzi Americas gives us a stronger platform in one of the most important regions in the world, and it brings together a leadership team that knows this industry from the inside.”

Antoshak brings decades of experience in textiles, apparel sourcing, trade strategy, and government advisory work. Shrinivas has deep experience in strategic sourcing, product development, supplier management, and program execution across textiles and apparel.

David Uricoli

Uricoli’s background spans business development and commercial strategy, with client work running from ESG implementation and commercial due diligence to supply chain risk assessment and growth strategy.

Gherzi Americas will also draw on the support of Uday Gill, Partner at Gherzi Textil Organisation AG. Based in Vancouver, Canada, he will work alongside the Gherzi Americas team while continuing the global consulting practices he leads across the textile supply chain.

“Companies across the Americas are being forced to rethink old assumptions,” said Antoshak. “Tariffs, sourcing shifts, compliance demands, and geopolitical risk are now central to how companies compete. Our job is to help clients make decisions that hold up in the real world.”

David Uricoli

Gherzi Americas will work closely with Gherzi Textil Organisation’s global network while bringing a sharper regional focus to client needs. The office will help companies evaluate new sourcing regions and develop factory capacity, and advise on investments, operations, and supply chain resilience.

“Generic consulting will not cut it in the Americas,” Gherzi added. “Clients need advisors who know textiles, manufacturing, trade, and execution. That is what Gherzi Americas is built to provide.”

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  Gherzi Textil Organisation AG

Bally Ribbon Mills Introduces Kevlar® EXO™ Webbing For Advanced Protective Applications

BALLY, Pa. — July 14, 2026 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry leader in the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, announces the availability of advanced webbing solutions utilizing Kevlar® EXO™, a next-generation aramid fiber platform engineered for demanding performance and protection needs. The new Kevlar EXO offerings expand BRM’s portfolio of high-performance tapes and webbings for mission-critical applications in defense, aaerospace, and industrial safety markets.

Kevlar EXO is designed for ballistic applications to deliver higher comfort, flexibility, and wearability while maintaining high strength, low weight, cut resistance, and thermal performance expected from aramid-based protective materials. BRM’s engineering team leverages its expertise in weaving advanced fibers to translate these material advantages into narrow fabrics and webbings that can be integrated into seam reinforcements, harnesses, and high tensile load applications. By combining Kevlar EXO with BRM’s custom weave designs, customers can achieve superior strength, low elongations at a lighter weight. The tenacity of the new webbings are engineered to be 40-50% stronger than legacy Kevlar webbings. They also exhibit 15-40% weight savings at the same tenacity targets.

BRM collaborates closely with OEMs and program teams to optimize Kevlar EXO-based webbings for specific end uses, including color matching, custom widths, specific weave designs, and targeted performance properties. From prototyping through full-scale production, BRM’s manufacturing and quality systems support consistent, repeatable performance for domestic and international customers in highly regulated markets.

Kevlar EXO webbings from BRM complement the company’s broader line of high-performance textiles, including E-WEBBINGS, specialty aramid and polyester tapes, and engineered narrow fabrics for aerospace, defense, commercial aviation, medical, safety, and commercial/industrial applications. Together, these solutions provide designers and engineers with an expanded toolbox of advanced materials to meet evolving protection, comfort, and system-integration requirements.

For more information on BRM’s Kevlar EXO high-performance webbing solutions, contact Bally Ribbon Mills.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

Carbitex Brings Biomechanics In-House With Appointment Of Principal Scientist Dheepak Arumukhom Revi, Ph.D.

KENNEWICK, Washington — July 9, 2026 — Carbitex, an innovator of flexible carbon fiber materials used in performance footwear, announces the appointment of Dheepak Arumukhom Revi, Ph.D., to the newly created role of Principal Scientist.

Dheepak Arumukhom Revi, Ph.D.

Arumukhom Revi’s career has focused on translating cutting-edge movement science into practical technologies that improve mobility, comfort, and performance in both healthy individuals and people with neurological impairments. Prior to joining Carbitex, Arumukhom Revi held research and engineering roles at REEV, Harvard University, and Boston University, where he developed wearable sensing systems, robotic assistance technologies, and data-driven approaches for understanding human movement. He earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Boston University in 2025 and has authored numerous scientific publications and patents in the fields of biomechanics, wearable sensing, and neurorehabilitation.

“Having Dheepak on board at Carbitex brings biomechanics capabilities in-house and strengthens our science-led product and technology development,” says Junus Khan, president and founder of Carbitex. “While we’ll still collaborate with external labs, our internal capability will allow us to advance our development significantly faster and conduct more fundamental research.”

In his new role, Arumukhom Revi will accelerate product integration with brand partners by translating biomechanical insights into practical solutions and driving research that will support product innovations, concepts, and performance benefits for the footwear industry. Arumukhom Revi will contribute to the scientific foundation behind Carbitex’s recently launched educational hub, the Center for Better Flex, helping expand the collective understanding of footwear flex and movement.

“Footwear is one of the most direct interfaces between human movement and the designed world, yet the static footwear properties constrain the dynamic foot,” says Arumukhom Revi. “I’m excited to bring biomechanical rigor to help translate what we’re learning into products and platforms that actually change how people move.”

Beyond athletic and casual footwear, Arumukhom Revi will help explore Carbitex applications in work, medical, and other specialized categories where engineered biomechanics can create meaningful value.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source: Carbitex

eVent Fabrics Partners With PELLIOT, Advancing Lower-Impact Innovation In The Global Outdoor Market

LEAWOOD, Kan.— July 14, 2026 — In a big win for lower impact products, eVent Fabrics, a global supplier of waterproof and breathable fabric technologies, is partnering with PELLIOT, one of China’s fastest-growing outdoor brands, to bring their flagship PFAS-free alpineST and windstormST laminates to the rapidly expanding China outdoor market.

PFAS in functional textiles has become a significant industry concern, making the transition to PFAS-free materials a clear market imperative. PELLIOT specializes in high-performance outdoor gear for mountaineering, travel, hiking, and skiing. Through this partnership with eVent Fabrics, PELLIOT is expanding its next-generation product range, further cementing its position as an industry benchmark for functional outdoor apparel.

“This partnership with PELLIOT represents a big step forward in the global reduction of PFAS in consumer apparel,” said Chad Kelly, Vice President of eVent Fabrics. “As one of the fastest growing outdoor apparel brands in China, PELLIOT is a volume leader, which means this partnership could have a real effect on attitudes towards PFAS in China’s explosive, multi-billion dollar outdoor sports market.”

“At PELLIOT, we are not only committed to crafting top-tier, versatile professional outdoor apparel for enthusiasts worldwide, but also to advancing material innovation and responsible product development,” said Zhao Le, Vice President of PELLIOT. “The environmental hazards associated with traditional chemical materials, such as PFAS, have become a pressing concern for the entire outdoor industry. Driving the transition toward PFAS-free and low-carbon textiles is not only an inevitable industry trend but also a fundamental responsibility and mission for leading brands. We look forward to partnering with eVent to steer the industry away from its reliance on traditional PFAS-based fabrics while continuing to deliver the performance consumers expect.”

Designed with the planet in mind, the PFAS-free alpineST membrane is laminated with performance face fabrics and backers, and finished with a C0 DWR finish. Ideal for demanding activities, alpineST provides the ultimate shield from the elements. The alpineST laminate can be found in the PELLIOT SS27 alpineST Hard Shell Jacket.

The windstormST laminate combines eVent’s plant-based membrane with recycled / low impact face and backer fabrics. Finished with a C0 DWR for sustainable performance, this softshell laminate completely blocks wind while repelling light rain and snow. Perfect for a wide-range of conditions, windstormST will be used in PELLIOT’S FW26 windstormST Soft Shell Jacket.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  eVent® Fabrics

INDA: Nominations Open for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards

CARY, N.C. — July 14, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards.

The IDEA Achievement Awards recognize outstanding innovations, technical advancements, and leadership across the nonwovens and engineered materials industry. Industry professionals are invited to submit their company’s most innovative products, materials, equipment, and sustainability advancements—or nominate innovations on behalf of their clients—for consideration.

Presented every three years in conjunction with IDEA®, the IDEA Achievement Awards honor breakthrough developments introduced since IDEA®25. Winners will be announced during IDEA®27, taking place March 23-25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Award categories include: 

  • Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction
  • Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction
  • Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction
  • Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction
  • Equipment – Best new equipment introduction
  • Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products

Entries must be submitted by November 8, 2026. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three entries in each category advancing to the final round. Industry professionals will then vote for the winners through the Nonwovens Industry website. The recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be selected exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

The 2025 IDEA Achievement Award winners were: 

  • Equipment: Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
  • Raw Materials: Woolchemy NZ Ltd. – neweFibre
  • Short-Life Product: Egal Pads, Inc. – Pads on a Roll
  • Long-Life Product: Magnera – Sontara EcoRE Bag
  • Sustainability Advancement: Kindcloth – KINDCLOTH™ PURA HEALTH Insect Repellent – Water Dissolvable Wipes
  • Nonwoven Product: Innovatec Microfibre Technology GmbH & Co. KG – InnovaWipe® Water Soluble Nonwoven
  • Entrepreneur: Dude Products

IDEA27 will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in nonwoven and fiber technologies. The RISE® Conference will be held in conjunction with IDEA27 and will feature scalable, demonstrated solutions designed to address complex technical challenges and pressing societal needs, from sustainability and circularity to healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing.IDEA27 attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in expert-led nonwoven short courses designed to expand industry knowledge and technical expertise.

For full details on the IDEA Achievement Award criteria and eligibility, visit:

https://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html

To submit a nomination, visit:

Vote Now for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards

For questions about the awards, please contact Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, at mosickey@inda.org.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

CovationBio Introduces Sorona® elasterell-p fiber

NEWARK, Del. — July 14, 2026 — Today, Covation Biomaterials LLC (“CovationBio®”) introduces Sorona® elasterell-p fiber. Made with partially plant-based Sorona® polymer, it is the first U.S. produced bicomponent stretch fiber offered by CovationBio. Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is now commercially available through regional distribution partner Mercados Internacionales (MI), across the U.S. and Latin America with local stock and regional customer service to meet growing demand.

Sorona® elasterell-p fiber delivers durable stretch and exceptional shape retention without the use of elastane so garments keep their fit and recover their shape wear-after-wear, wash-after-wash. Designed for apparel applications that rely on responsive and durable stretch, including activewear and workwear, Sorona® elasterell-p fiber offers the added benefit of its bio-based foundation, giving apparel brands the dual benefit of garments that perform and have a lower environmental footprint.

“Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is our first branded fiber,” says CovationBio CEO Steven Ackerman. “As a partially bio-based polymer, Sorona® has been an ingredient in innovative textile solutions used by leading apparel brands worldwide. With the introduction of Sorona® elasterell-p fiber, we’re pairing our reputation for trusted performance and sustainability benefits with a new stretch solution built for what brands need next.”

MI is the regional sales and market development partner for Sorona® in Latin America. Local inventory of Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is now available for a broad range of apparel applications including activewear, athleisure, workwear, uniforms, and other fabrics requiring durable stretch and recovery.

Since its debut, Sorona® polymer has grown into a globally recognized ingredient for apparel and home goods with a reputation for combining improved environmental impact with uncompromising performance for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. It is used to add softness, stretch, durability, and warm breathability to fabrics across a variety of applications including activewear, outerwear, workwear, ready-to-wear, high-fashion, carpet, and more.

For more information about Sorona® elasterell-p fiber, visit Sorona.com and follow brand announcements on the CovationBio LinkedIn and Sorona Instagram (@Soronafiber) pages.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  Covation Biomaterials LLC

Nuyarn® And Unknown Runner Partner To Introduce Ultralight Trail Running Apparel

NEW ZEALAND — July 8, 2026 — High-performance yarn and fabric innovator Nuyarn® Technologies announced its partnership with Flagstaff, Arizona-based Unknown Runner, creator of purpose-built merino performance apparel for trail runners.

Unknown Runner introduces the debut Courser Collection: an ultra-lightweight performance merino wool system designed for hot, variable conditions and powered by Nuyarn technology. Built for high-output runs and everyday adventure, the 115 gsm merino blend fabric combines an open-knit structure with a 63% merino wool, 29% polyester, and 8% nylon composition to deliver natural temperature regulation, advanced moisture management, odor resistance, and next-to-skin comfort.

Nuyarn’s proprietary drafting technology wraps merino around a nylon filament to create a wool yarn that is lighter in weight, drier in moisture management, and stronger in long-term durability enabling a higher standard of natural performance solutions. Combined with polyester knitting, the result is an ultralight fabric that breathes exceptionally well, dries quickly, and maintains performance through repeated use in demanding conditions.

“We are excited to see Unknown Runner utilize Nuyarn to push the boundaries of performance apparel in the trail running space,” said Monica Ebert, VP of Sales for Nuyarn. “Our technology is designed to unlock the natural potential of wool, and in a high-intensity sport like trail running, the benefits of 5x faster dry times and 8x more durability are game-changers for the athlete”.

“We’re always searching for the highest-performing merino fabrics, and Nuyarn’s ability to innovate around performance made them the ideal partner for Unknown Runner,” said Alex Mette, Founder of Unknown Runner.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source:  Nuyarn®

Duggal Visual Solutions And EFI Reggiani Announce North American Debut Of The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus

NEW YORK, NY — July 9, 2026 — Duggal Visual Solutions and textile printing innovator EFI are proud to announce the first North American installation of the EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus 8-color configuration at Duggal’s New York production facilities. This signals a significant leap forward in print technology, combining industrial-scale power with a sophisticated, eco-conscious architecture.

The investment in the Reggiani NEXT Plus reinforces Duggal’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This system enables Duggal to deliver high-volume production while helping clients meet increasingly demanding speed-to-market timelines and sustainability goals without compromising print quality. The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus achieves this performance through several key innovations.

  • Energy Efficiency: Reduced energy consumption.
  • Precision Imaging: Advanced image clarity technology for sharper detail, featuring an industry-leading 4-picoliter drop size.
  • Enhanced Color Gamut: An 8-color system – including light magenta and light black – delivers precise matching and flawless reproduction of vibrant hues, pastels, and smooth gradients.

“We are excited to offer our clients improved dye sublimation printing through both an expanded gamut and higher resolution while also reducing our environmental impact,” said Michael Duggal, CEO of Duggal Visual Solutions.

“We are thrilled to partner with an industry leader and visionary like Duggal,” said Frank Pennisi, CEO at EFI. “The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus was designed to push boundaries of what is possible in experiential print, provide market-leading innovation and responsible manufacturing – the essential drivers of the next generation of visual communication.”

Duggal is proud to continue its leadership position in bringing innovative and improved print production to the marketplace.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source EFI™

YKK Develops Concept EXCELLA® Zipper Tape Using Nonwoven Fabric Partially Derived From Used Clothing

TOKYO — July 13, 2026 — YKK Corporation (YKK), has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials.

Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson), and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

This development project took sheets of non-woven fabric, which had been regenerated using Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology (DFT)1, and used them as zipper tape for the first time. Since conventional methods were difficult to apply, the team conducted extensive studies to ensure the quality of element attachment. The concept item was brought to life after a series of further studies, including selecting a slider with a structure suited to the rigidity of the non-woven tape and improving the zipper’s ease of use.

The development was driven by the global challenge of recycling used clothing, resulting from the mass production and consumption of apparel. Nakazato has been exploring ways to utilize the used clothing flowing into countries such as Kenya.

YKK has also been advancing initiatives to support a circular economy through efforts such as rolling out the NATULON® Fiber Sourced™ zipper, which uses recycled polyester made from textile waste and discarded clothing in the zipper tape. Sharing a common awareness of the challenges surrounding textile circularity, YKK joined the project in support of its vision of creating new value through the upcycling of clothing and materials that would otherwise go unused.

YKK will leverage the insights gained from this development to further enhance the value of EXCELLA® zippers to meet the diverse needs of customers in the luxury sector.

1 Dry Fiber Technology (DFT) is Epson’s proprietary technology for converting diverse materials into fibers and enhancing their performance.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source: YKK Corporation

NCTO Mourns The Passing Of Sen. Lindsey Graham, A Champion Of The American Textile Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 12, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement today mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)
Photo Courtesy U.S. Senate Historical Office

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from.

“He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America.

“His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

Posted: July 12, 2026

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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