Usha Yarns Secures Growth Equity Investment From Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

CHANDIGARH, India — July 14, 2026 — Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, today announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonization.

Founded in 1995 and operating recycling and yarn manufacturing units near Chandigarh, Usha Yarns converts post-industrial cotton and recycled PET into yarns sold under its “Puneh” brand. Pre-coloured at the recycling stage, its yarns help customers reduce downstream dyeing costs, while its chain-of-custody and sustainability credentials — validated against several global certifications and benchmarks — align with the circularity and traceability standards that global apparel brands increasingly require.

The investment will support Usha Yarns’ next stage of scale up — expanding recycled yarn capacity, deepening the traceability of its feedstock sourcing, and broadening its supply of high-quality recycled yarns to apparel and textile brands across global markets.

Recycled yarns with verified traceability are fast becoming a supply chain imperative for global apparel brands — and Usha Yarns is one of the few producers already operating at that standard.

“Over more than two decades we have built deep expertise in turning textile waste into high-quality, affordable recycled yarns,” said Anurag Gupta, Managing Director of Usha Yarns. “Fullerton understood our business from the first conversation — not just the financials, but what it actually takes to produce recycled yarn at consistent quality and scale. We look forward to building the next chapter of Usha Yarns together — taking our products to more brands across global markets, with the traceability and reliability they increasingly expect.”

“Mechanical cotton recycling at consistent, brand-grade quality is one of the hardest things to do in textiles, and Usha Yarns is among the very few that have demonstrated it, at scale. As global brands move from sustainability pledges to binding requirements, demand for recycled materials will outpace supply — and our role is to help Usha scale to meet it, adding capacity, broadening the product range and customer base, and backing the promoters with long-term capital, capabilities and networks to build an enduring, institutional-grade business,” said Akhil Jain, Partner at Fullerton Carbon Action Fund.

Posted: August 18, 2026

Source: Usha Yarns Limited

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces An Agreement To Sell Non-Strategic Real Estate In The U.S.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — August 18, 2026 — Unifi, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UNIFI”), the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced that it has entered into an agreement for the sale of two non-strategic real estate assets across its operating base in Yadkin County, North Carolina for approximately $60 million before fees and expenses.

The non-strategic real estate assets include approximately 120 acres of land and 500,000 square feet of warehouse space across two separate operating locations in Yadkin County, North Carolina. The transaction is expected to close in the Company’s second fiscal quarter, unless extended by the parties, subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions as described in the associated Form 8-K filing.

“This transaction demonstrates our focus on optimizing the efficiency of our U.S. business and makes UNIFI a leaner and more profitable organization,” said Eddie Ingle, Chief Executive Officer of UNIFI, Inc. “Working with the buyer, we were able to identify portions of our real estate portfolio that would be most beneficial to a new owner while being least impactful to our ongoing operations and production capacity.

“This carve out of assets is expected to have minimal operational impact to our business and create no downtime in our daily processes. Our U.S. based operations will maintain their current production capacities and there will be no changes to how we service our customers out of UNIFI’s Yadkin County campus. Upon closing this transaction, UNIFI would retire a substantial amount of debt and significantly improve its financial flexibility.”

Posted: August 18, 2026

Source: UNIFI, Inc.

INDA Now Accepting Abstracts For The 2027 World Of Wipes® International Conference

CARY, N.C. — August 18, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is now accepting abstracts for the 2027 World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place June 7-10, 2027, in Indianapolis, IN.

Professionals from across the wipes supply chain are invited to submit abstracts highlighting new products, technologies, materials, market developments, research, and other insights shaping the future of the wipes industry. Abstracts are due January 22, 2027.

Prospective presenters should submit a concise abstract of one to two paragraphs describing their proposed presentation and its relevance to wipes, wipe manufacturing, or the broader wipes marketplace. Abstracts may be submitted online through the WOW website at https://www.worldofwipes.org/call-for-papers.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Dry and Wet Wipes
  • End-Use Markets
  • Market Statistics and Data
  • Raw Materials and Fibers
  • Sustainability
  • Fabric Formation
  • Ingredients, Formulations, and Lotions
  • Flexible and Rigid Packaging
  • Machinery and Equipment
  • Flushability
  • Single-Use Plastics
  • Labeling and Regulations
  • Circular Economy

Presenting at WOW 2027 provides an opportunity to share expertise and innovation with an engaged audience of wipes professionals while building connections across the entire supply chain, from raw material and technology suppliers to converters, brands, and retailers. Presenters will contribute to the conversations, ideas, and developments shaping the future of the global wipes industry.

For more information or to submit an abstract, visit

https://www.worldofwipes.org/call-for-papers

Registration, exhibit, and sponsorships details for WOW 2027 will be announced in late January 2027.

Posted: August 18, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Meridian Specialty Yarn Group, Inc. Names Keith Horn Vice President Of Manufacturing For Ranlo Plant

VALDESE, N.C. — August 17, 2026 — Meridian Specialty Yarn Group, Inc. (MSYG) today announced that Keith Horn has joined the company as Vice President of Manufacturing for its Ranlo Plant, effective July 27, 2026.

Keith Horn

Horn brings more than 30 years of experience in worsted wool spinning operations. In this role, he will lead manufacturing operations at Ranlo, with a focus on strengthening operational performance, maintaining consistent product quality, and strengthening MSYG’s position as a leading U.S. worsted spinning operation.

“We are pleased to welcome Keith to MSYG,” said Tim Manson, President. “His deep experience in long staple and worsted spinning, combined with his proven manufacturing leadership, will be an important asset as we continue to improve the capabilities and performance of our Ranlo operation.”

MSYG, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Meridian Industries, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of five operating companies within the Meridian organization and operates two textile facilities in North Carolina.

The Ranlo Plant is a long staple worsted spinning operation that produces worsted counts from 1’s to 36’s in singles or plied yarns. The facility also produces hollow spindle and fancy twist bouclé yarns, primarily from synthetic fibers, as well as air jet textured yarns. Meridian Mill House, MSYG’s luxury craft business, is also housed at the Ranlo facility.

The Valdese Plant is a state-of-the-art dye house with package dye, space dye, top dye, and tow dye capabilities across all dyeable substrates.

MSYG supplies products for hosiery and apparel, home furnishings and upholstery, industrial, military, medical, craft, and other textile markets.

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: Meridian Specialty Yarn Group, Inc. (MSYG)

NC State To Spearhead 10-Year, $480 Million Effort To Bolster Defense Textile Manufacturing

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 17, 2026 — North Carolina State University has been chosen to lead a 10-year Department of War initiative aimed at modernizing textile manufacturing in the United States to support the defense industry.

The FutureTEX award – which includes $36 million in its first year and has a ceiling of $480 million over a decade – brings together industry, government, university and nonprofit partners to advance manufacturing technologies of textiles for military and domestic applications.  FutureTEX will champion workforce development and modernization of facilities and equipment to increase U.S. competitiveness.

FutureTEX’s goal is to work with American manufacturing to capitalize on digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies making the domestic supply network more robust for the defense industrial base. Core partners in establishing FutureTEX include Drexel University, Gaston College, Georgia Tech, ISAIC and UMass Lowell.

FutureTEX will empower American textile manufacturing by adopting advanced technologies and techniques to enable manufacturing of new materials and improve capability industry-wide. The initiative is actively recruiting industry partners to be part of the project, and has already received more than 100 letters of support from industry organizations.

“North Carolina and NC State University have an enduring legacy with both the military and textiles industry, with NC State having the only college in North America dedicated to textiles,” says NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell. “We are honored to serve thousands of military affiliated students and participate in research partnerships that support our armed forces, like FutureTEX. I am proud our university will play a critical role in this national effort that will strengthen our economy and defense infrastructure.”

One of NC State’s first objectives under FutureTEX is to work with Gaston College to establish a nonprofit organization that will assume administrative oversight of the initiative. This new institute will be housed at the Gaston College’s Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, N.C., with hubs in Raleigh, N.C., Philadelphia, Pa., Lowell, Mass., Atlanta, Ga.

“FutureTEX is focused on creating a cutting-edge national ecosystem for defense textiles that simply doesn’t exist today,” says David Hinks, chief strategic partnerships officer of FutureTEX and the Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean of NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. “This will involve commercializing applied research to help American textile manufacturing meet the needs of both the warfighter and the domestic textile industry.

“NC State is a leader in technology commercialization, and the Wilson College of Textiles is a leader in applied research and education, so we’re spearheading this project,” says Hinks. “Transferring administrative oversight to a new nonprofit organization will allow us to focus on our strengths – education, innovation, and commercialization.”

“North Carolina and Gaston County have deep roots in the textile industry dating back to the late 19th century, making it only natural that our state is anchoring an initiative aimed at strengthening advanced textile manufacturing and supporting warfighters,” says John Hauser, president of Gaston College.

“With Gaston College’s deep-rooted commitment to workforce development and the textile industry, we are uniquely positioned to propel this manufacturing innovation institute forward with all of our partners.”

“Drexel embraces new models of innovation that eliminate borders between traditional disciplines,” says Genevieve Dion, director of Drexel’s Center for Functional Fabrics. “FutureTEX brings together a collaborative group dedicated to securing the future of textiles across the US supply chain. We are excited to join this crucial effort.”

“NC State is a national leader in technology transfer and industry collaboration,” says Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation at NC State. “Our extensive expertise in applied research is evidenced by the many products and successful companies that started at NC State – and as a member of more Manufacturing USA institutes than almost any other university in the nation, our long track record of leadership brings unique advantages to this initiative to advance the future of manufacturing.”

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: North Carolina State University

Europe Is Committed To Recycling End-Of-Life Wind Turbine Blades

DUISBURG, Germany — August 17, 2026 — Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life.

The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

Yarns manufactured from recycled glass fibers. Photo: DITF

REWIND stands for Efficient Decommissioning, Repurposing and Recycling to increase the Circularity of End-of-Life Wind Energy Systems. The project partners are developing basic technologies and processes for the dismantling, recycling, and reuse of composite materials. The goal is to make wind turbine blades recyclable instead of sending them to landfills or incinerating them.

The consortium has validated a model that can predict the mechanical behavior of recovered materials with an accuracy of over 90%. This makes them suitable for demanding applications, such as in electric vehicles or as insulation material.

At the DITF, yarns and fabrics are developed from both glass and carbon fibers recycled by the project partners for use in new components or repair kits for wind turbines. In an initial step, the recycled fibers were examined, primarily to determine which processing methods they are suitable for.

The research team is pursuing two different approaches. In the first process route, the recycled glass fibers are processed into high-value textile reinforcements. To do this, the fibers are pre-opened, carded, spun into yarns, and then processed into fabrics that are reinforced in both one or two directions. A first milestone has been the development of a recycled glass fiber yarn (rGF/polyamide-6 yarn) with a fiber volume content of around 40%, which is suitable for thermoplastic composite applications, such as structural components in automotive engineering.

Furthermore, the researchers succeeded in producing a yarn consisting of as much as 98% recycled glass fibers (rGF). The yarn was then used to manufacture a woven fabric with parallel fiber orientation (UD fabric). This demonstrated for the first time that specifically oriented textile reinforcement structures made from recycled glass fibers can be produced, which are optimally adapted to mechanical loads.

The second process route investigates the processing of long-fiber delamination (LFD) tapes – which are planed directly from wind turbine blades – into UD fabrics. These LFD tapes represent a novel class of semi-finished textile products manufactured from fully cured recycled glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Currently, research is conducted to determine the extent to which these intermediate products are suitable as high-performance reinforcement structures for fiber-reinforced composites.

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung (DITF)

KROHNE Showcases Advanced Magmeter Diagnostics And Field Verification Tools For Enhanced Process Operations

DUISBURG, Germany — August 17, 2026 —  KROHNE, a global supplier of measurement solutions for the process industries, is highlighting its latest advancements in electromagnetic flowmeter (magmeter) diagnostics and field verification tools. Building on more than sixty years of magmeter technology, KROHNE’s innovative magmeter diagnostics are setting a new standard in flow measurement with features designed to help customers maximize process reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Electromagnetic flowmeters, or magmeters, have earned a reputation for accuracy and durability in the most challenging flow applications. The integration of advanced microprocessors and sophisticated software has transformed these instruments. Modern magmeters from KROHNE offer comprehensive on-board diagnostics and verification capabilities, enabling users to continuously monitor device and process conditions. This proactive approach ensures that flowmeters operate within specified performance parameters and provides early warning of potential risks such as sensor erosion or material build-up-issues that could otherwise go undetected and impact measurement accuracy.

KROHNE’s magmeter diagnostics provide users with a clear understanding of device health and process status through intuitive reporting and real-time monitoring. Unique diagnostic features include self-check routines for both electronics and sensor hardware, as well as continuous assessment of electrode circuit resistance and process conductivity. These capabilities allow operators to identify and address anomalies before they escalate, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime.

Field verification tools further enhance operational efficiency by allowing performance checks without the need to remove the instrument from service. This not only minimizes process disruption but also helps maintain compliance with quality and safety standards. By leveraging these advanced tools, process operators can make informed decisions, optimize maintenance schedules, and ensure consistent, high-quality measurement results.

KROHNE’s ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that customers benefit from the latest developments in process instrumentation. With enhanced diagnostics and field verification tools, KROHNE magmeters remain at the forefront of reliable and efficient process measurement, supporting customers in meeting the demands of today’s complex industrial environments.

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH

Global Sourcing Re-Imagined As Intertextile Apparel Champions Sustainability, Craftsmanship, And Digitalization

SHANGHAI — August 10, 2026 — As global apparel sourcing adapts to shifting regulatory landscapes, rapid digital transformation, and rising sustainability mandates, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 is set to showcase the industry’s proactive response.

Taking place from August 25 – 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will give a valuable platform to international exhibitors organised around four key pillars: Fashion Forward, Sustainability, Performance Textiles, and Textile Future.

Serving as a strategic nexus for the Asian and global supply chains, the Autumn Edition will bring together leading textile manufacturers, heritage mills, emerging design studios, and digital technology providers. Together, they will offer buyers a vast assortment of responsible production methods, material innovations, and technology-driven solutions.

International pavilions underline persistent industry strength

Reinforcing the fair’s role as a vital hub for global textile trade, the 2026 edition will host a diverse array of country and region pavilions, including Hong Kong, India, Italy (Milano Unica), Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Türkiye. Highlights include the return of the Malaysia Pavilion, organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), which will blend artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary applications through handloomed fabrics and kasturi textile heritage products.

Organised by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), the India Pavilion will spotlight the convergence of vertically integrated production with sustainable material development. Standout exhibitors include:

  • Deiveegam Dyers: a prominent South India-based manufacturer and exporter, set to showcase its expertise in premium dyed yarns, woven fabrics, and sewing threads.
  • Paramount Textile Mills: a specialised producer of premium apparel textiles crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, Belgian linen, Lenzing fibres, bamboo, silk, cashmere, and other luxury materials.

Meanwhile, the Italy (Milano Unica) Pavilion will return with a novel, blue aesthetic, representing the pinnacle of Italian textile manufacturing through industry leaders such as the Marzotto Group, which will present its collection of fine wool, cotton, linen, and silk fabrics, supplying the world’s top fashion houses with exceptional luxury fabrics.

European premium expertise and everyday essentials

Continental excellence will feature prominently across SalonEurope and the Premium Wool Zone, catering to the sustained demand for high-end tailoring fabrics and advanced wool innovations. Key participants underscoring this superior positioning include:

  • Alumo (Switzerland): exhibiting ultra-fine cotton shirting fabrics, including Supraluxe and Cashmerello, both renowned for their unmatched softness, drape and tailoring performance.
  • Gruppo Piacenza (Italy): showcasing brands including Piacenza 1733, Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti 1881, Lanificio Piemontese and Filati Naturali – synonymous with Italian textile heritage and eco-conscious luxury yarns.
  • Holland & Sherry (the UK): displaying highly premium cloth collections long associated with Savile Row tailoring and bespoke craftsmanship.
  • Trabaldo Togna (Italy): presenting 100% natural-fibre stretch fabrics engineered from fine wool, cashmere, and mohair without synthetic elastane. These elegant, crease-resistant textiles maintain superior breathability for global luxury tailoring.

Complementing these upmarket offerings, the Essential Suits & Shirts zone will be on hand to provide a comprehensive sourcing platform for accessible, everyday ready-to-wear fabrics from suppliers across Asia, reflecting growing market demand for these solutions.

Sustainable innovations and circular-driven solutions
Sustainability remains a non-negotiable focus across all product categories. Central to this pillar is the Econogy Hub, a dedicated platform for sustainable textiles and solutions. Serving as an interactive focal point for green sourcing, the zone will connect buyers with eco-aligned suppliers, certifiers, material innovators, and industry experts, driving critical dialogues on circularity, traceability, and sustainable supply chain management.

This eco-conscious drive continues in the Beyond Denim zone, where Kipaş Denim (Türkiye) will present cutting-edge circular economy solutions, waterless finishing processes, and low-impact indigo dyeing. Azgard Nine (Pakistan) will also demonstrate vertically integrated denim production, featuring eco-efficient yarn blends, low-resource washing technologies, and its own circular initiatives.

Digitalisation, AI solutions, and next-generation design

Addressing the Textile Future pillar, the fair will spotlight digital solutions and advanced accessory technologies designed to streamline manufacturing and elevate product functionality. Within Accessories Vision, innovators such as NOTAPE™ will introduce a revolutionary tape-free zipper system for lightweight garment construction, while FIDLOCK will present its magnetic-mechanical fastening systems, highly sought after in performance apparel.

Within the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and Coats Digital will showcase software and technologies that support digital product development, planning, and manufacturing optimisation, driving transparency and data-driven decision-making across the supply chain.
Complementing these technical advancements, Verve for Design will offer trend-focused surface designs certain to appeal to domestic manufacturers. UK-based Circleline Design Studio, co-exhibiting with Yellow Minnow, will present inspirational fabric patterns, embroidery designs, and knit swatch collections that explore new technical possibilities alongside traditional craftsmanship – a key combination in today’s market.

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with the venue playing host to the entire apparel textile value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from August 25 – 27, 2026.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Automotive Nonwoven Manufacturer MENANG Rapidly Resumes Production With New ANDRITZ Airlay Line After Major Fire

Mr. William Wong, Group Director of MENANG, at the restarted airlay production line
© Andritz

GRAZ, Austria — August 12, 2026 — MENANG, a Malaysian manufacturer of nonwoven automotive components, has resumed production after a major fire severely damaged its airlay line in mid-March 2026. A new airlay line supplied by ANDRITZ enabled production to restart within only four months.

Following the fire, MENANG immediately launched a recovery program and ordered a new airlay line from ANDRITZ at the end of March. Working closely with MENANG, ANDRITZ completed installation and commissioning of the line by mid-July through a compressed project schedule. By carrying out site reconstruction and equipment installation in parallel, MENANG accelerated the return to production and minimized the impact on its operations.

William Wong, Group Director of MENANG, states: “Following the fire, our focus was on rebuilding quickly and ensuring continuity for our customers and partners. The strong collaboration between the MENANG and ANDRITZ teams played a key role in making this possible. We sincerely appreciate the commitment and responsiveness shown throughout the project and are pleased to be back in operation with our new airlay line.”

The newly installed ANDRITZ airlay line provides MENANG with modern and reliable nonwoven web- forming technology, supporting the company’s future growth and operational objectives in the automotive industry.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

Novonesis Launches DeniBrite™ Platform To Help Future-Proof Denim Bleaching

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — August 12, 2026 — Novonesis today launched DeniBrite™, a consolidated biobleaching platform for denim, bringing together its established enzymatic bleaching solutions designed to help formulators and laundries create distinctive denim looks while balancing creativity, process performance and compliance.

Denim formulators and laundries face growing pressure to reduce reliance on traditional bleaching chemistries while continuing to deliver the bright contrasts, vintage fades and authentic finishes that brands and consumers expect.

According to the latest Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) in the Denim Laundry Industry Progress & Insights 2025 report, chemical management remains one of the denim industry’s biggest opportunities for improvement, with 27% of finishing processes still classified as having high chemical impact. This highlights the continued need for lower-impact alternatives that support better chemical management, worker safety and reduced environmental performance. DeniBrite™ is designed to help customers address these challenges.

Helping formulators and laundries balance performance and sustainability

The platform combines DeniBrite™ Cold T for bright, contemporary looks through low-temperature bleaching and DeniBrite™ Vintage for authentic vintage finishes and grey-cast effects.
Together, the solutions give customers greater flexibility to meet different brand, fashion and consumer preferences while reducing reliance on traditional bleaching approaches.

“For decades, denim bleaching was about achieving the right look. Today, it is also about proving how that look was made,” said Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President, Planetary Health Biosolutions, Novonesis.

“Brands, formulators and laundries increasingly need confidence that their bleaching systems can meet evolving expectations around chemical compliance and sustainability. With DeniBrite™, we’re combining proven enzyme technology with verified sustainability documentation to help customers create authentic denim finishes while preparing for what’s next.”

Documented environmental performance

Developed by Novonesis, a bluesign System Partner, DeniBrite™ products are bluepass certified, meaning they are produced through processes that meet bluesign Criteria. The portfolio is also available in ZDHC Level 3-compliant formulations.

In addition, a screening-level Life Cycle Assessment of DeniBrite™ Cold T demonstrated approximately 40% lower global warming potential and 28% lower water consumption compared with conventional sodium hypochlorite bleaching under the assessed conditions, providing formulators with documented environmental performance to support customer and brand discussions.*

Available globally through Novonesis and its channel partners, DeniBrite™ is designed to help formulators and laundries create the denim looks brands want today while preparing for tomorrow’s expectations around compliance and sustainability.

*These results are specific to the modeled comparison and should not be interpreted as representative of all formulations, processes or production settings.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: Novonesis Group

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