PUTNEY, VT — September 30, 2026 — Nestled near the banks of the Connecticut River, Green Mountain Spinnery’s colorful yarn covers the entrance to its historic woolen mill headquarters in Putney, Vermont, a cheerful welcome to fiber artists and crafters alike. Green Mountain meticulously transforms raw wool into exquisite, finished skeins through a time-honored process.
But that process is dependent on something else time-honored: A five-foot Davis & Furber-Whitin carding machine that is over a century old. Built right here in New England between 1908 and 1918, the carding machine sits alongside other machines dating back to the mid-1940s and early-1950s.
About 10,000 pounds of wool goes through the mill a year. Imagine this machine made by two iconic Massachusetts companies has seen almost 1.1 million pounds of wool in its lifetime, and you can guess what kind of work it takes to maintain.
Keeping that antique machinery running smoothly is the job of Scott Matthews, carding operator and a nine-year veteran. For Matthews, machine maintenance and fine tuning is almost a daily devotional. And perhaps the most important part of that routine is lubrication.
Going Green in the Green Mountains
About a decade ago the spinnery transitioned away from traditional petroleum-based products seeking a cleaner footprint. They tried various eco-friendly solutions before finally settling on Renewable Lubricants, which exceeds performance standards. Today, the shop utilizes 1-gallon containers of Bio-Slide Way™ Lubricant—an ISO 68 lubricant—for transfer cases, sliding parts, and other moving surfaces. They also purchase 11-ounce aerosol cans of Bio-Penetrating Lubricant™—an NSF H1 food grade penetrant and light lubricant—for bearing shafts, and hard to reach spots. Bio-High Temp™ 180 E.P. Grease—a biodegradable lithium complex grease designed for high-temperatures, extreme pressures, and heavy duty applications—rounds out the products that the Spinnery purchases directly from the Renewable Lubricants website. This is used for bearings and wherever there are Zerk fittings.
“We use the lubricating oils on almost everything in our shop. We’re an old mill,” Matthews says. “We only have to oil the card every couple of days, and it lasts long enough. So, we’re not using this any more than we did with the petroleum-based oil, which is good.”
That can be a departure from the daily reapplication required of other green solutions. Throughout his intricate, single-shift 8-hour workflow, reliability is Matthews’ focus.
Efficient and Effective
Another place that applies is in replacement components. Original manufacturer parts are hard to come by after 100 years. With a combination mill drill press and lathe, the team handles its own custom fabrication to keep the vintage shop operational. They machine spares ahead of time to have on hand and rarely need to outsource solutions, Matthews says. That saves on shipping emissions and reduces their environmental impact for parts that can be heavy and unwieldy.
Yarn-making is, in many ways, a green industry. It’s entirely mechanical, relying on zero computer chips, and revolves around natural and organic materials. Customers ship or drop off raw wool, which is carefully sorted and scoured in a custom-built 180-degree water bath with organic soap to break down the natural lanolin. After passing through a four-stage steel roller squeezing system, a cast-iron washing machine that dates back to 1896, the wool is dried in a commercial dryer for 10 minutes to prevent mildew.
Once dry, the wool is funneled to the floor where it runs through a picker equipped with large bear claws on a hollow drum. On the final pass, a precise mixture of water, oil, and soap is added to control static and flyaway fibers. The wool then feeds into the historic carding machine, passes through a burr-crushing Peralta system, splits into 96 strands of roving, and moves to the spinning frame. Finally, the yarn is steam-set for memory, plied if necessary, and wound into custom-sized skeins.
It can be a noisy process, but one thing’s for sure, Matthews jokes: “If you keep them lubricated, the machines don’t squeak!”
From custom scouring to final packaging, Green Mountain Spinnery proves that vintage craftsmanship and sustainable modern maintenance can weave a remarkably successful future.
Posted: October 18, 2026
Source: Tne Green Mountain Spinnery / Renewable Lubricants, Inc.
HONG KONG — October 8, 2026 — To better serve and support increasing interest among apparel brands seeking greater geographic diversification with their sourcing needs, Billion Rise, a vertically integrated company focused on the manufacturing of textile-based materials for sportswear, swimwear, underwear, and lingerie products, has opened its doors to a high-tech, new factory in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam.
Backed by $100 million investment, the new Vietnam facility that is being developed in three phases, is an estimated 320,000 square meters in total size and is expected to have an annual production capacity of up to 100 million meters. Phase one of the facility is complete representing approximately 110,00 square meters. Additional knitting, dyeing and printing capacity will be added in phase two, to be completed in Q3 2027 and phase three to be completed in Q3 2029.
“We’re pleased to give our customers greater sourcing flexibility with the addition of our Vietnam operation to our established manufacturing base in Qing Yuan China,” said Charles Chen, Billion Rise CEO and Owner. “After a decade of investment in developing the facility and building it to the same high standards our customers expect from us, we’re confident Vietnam will deliver the quality, technical expertise and consistency our brand partners require.”
The Billion Rise Vietnam facility is being developed with sophisticated capabilities comparable to our China operation to include warp and weft knitting, dyeing, digital, flat-bed and heat-transfer printing, stentering, and finishing proficiencies. It also includes a cutting-edge wastewater treatment system and solar rooftop to help minimize our environmental footprint.
According to JP Brogan, US managing director of sales and marketing for Billion Rise, major US activewear and intimate brands are looking to diversify their sourcing to Vietnam. It has built a strong reputation for producing high-volume, technically complex performance fabrics, making it an increasingly attractive sourcing destination for U.S. activewear, swimwear, and intimate apparel brands. With a well-established garment manufacturing base, Vietnam also offers brands the opportunity to localize more of their value chain, from fabric production through finished garments.
“Our investment in Vietnam goes beyond the physical facility,” said Brogan. “We’ve also dedicated resources in materials strategy expertise across our global team along with AI and 3D visualization tools that help brands identify white space, build key material franchises, and quickly visualize new opportunities.”
For brands and retailers based in Europe and the UK, the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement provides opportunities to increase trade by eliminating 99 percent of tariffs, reducing regulatory barriers and opening services and public procurement markets, while supporting jobs and economic growth on both sides.
“The agreement creates new opportunities for brands in the EU and UK to source garments from Vietnam using fabrics and other materials produced locally,” said Steven Moore, Global Sales Director, Billion Rise. “With our new factory, we can now better support brands looking to build more integrated value chains in Vietnam while expanding our business across these important markets.”
Billion Rise looks forward to sharing its new Vietnam factory updates and capabilities, along with presenting its latest fabric innovations at international trade shows this fall. The company will be exhibiting at Performance Days Munich this October 13-15, Interfilière Shanghai, October 13-14, Texfuture Tokyo/ Performance Days, Tokyo October 21-22, Vietnam Hanoi Textile & Garment Industry Expo, October 21-22, and Functional Fabric Fair Portland, OR September 27-28, 2026.
Billion Rise Knitting Established in 1999, Billion Rise Knitting is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated companies focused on the manufacturing of textile-based materials for sportswear, swimwear, underwear, and lingerie products. For almost two decades, Billion Rise continually expands its business to meet industry standards and increasing demand for new textile products. Its newest addition is a second mill in Vietnam.
JERRABOMBERRA, Australia — October 8, 2026 — Samsara Eco, a circular materials company, today launched its new Circular-Conscious Consumer Report, revealing a critical blind spot costing the fashion industry. When a garment fails, consumers are 12 times more likely to walk away from a brand than to replace the item with the same brand. Only 5.9 per cent return the item, so the brand rarely hears about it.
The report draws on insights from over 5,000 global circular-conscious, predominantly Gen Z consumers on their expectations for material quality, transparency and circularity.
The survey found:
Invisible churn is the real cost of garment failure. When a garment lets consumers down, more than 1 in 4 (27.7 per cent) leave the brand, with 15.8 per cent never buying from the brand again and 11.9 per cent switching to a competitor. 5.9 per cent of customers return the item to the brand. The rest absorb it, with over 64 per cent either repairing the item or continuing to wear it. Only 2.3 per cent replace it with the same brand.
The quality failures that frustrate respondents the most are material. When garments fall short, consumers are clear on what frustrates them most: fabric thinning or developing holes tops the list (62 per cent), followed by seams splitting or unravelling (55 per cent) and fabric pilling (50 per cent).
Material transparency is fashion’s highest trust signal. Over 80 per cent of respondents say knowing what their clothing is made from is important. But when asked what would most increase their confidence that a garment is genuinely better made, independent certification ranked last of five options at 6.6 per cent. Material information and evidence of how something holds up over time took 63 per cent of first-place votes between them. Certification alone doesn’t build trust
Cost of living is changing where people shop, not what they settle for. Over 88 per cent of respondents say the cost of living has influenced how they buy clothes, with 1 in 3 saying cost-of-living pressure has led them to buy less and expect more from each item, while 43 per cent are buying second-hand. 13.9 per cent are choosing cheaper options.
Consumers hold brands responsible for quality. Over half of respondents (54 per cent) say quality is the brand’s responsibility, nearly double those who point to government regulation (27 per cent). Just under 9 per cent of respondents put the responsibility on consumers to buy less and better.
Consumers expect clothes to last. 89 per cent expect at least 30 wears before an item is done.
“Circularity means keeping materials in circulation at their highest possible value – not their lowest available use. That’s why durability matters so much. A garment has to last to be worn again, resold, handed on. And when it genuinely can’t be worn any longer, it should become clothing again, not something lesser. Downcycling only slows the linear model. It doesn’t stop it,” said Dr Lars Kissau, General Manager at Samsara Eco.
“Durability has always been a question of quality. It’s now a retention question, and in Europe it’s becoming a compliance one – both showing up on the bottom line.”
“Durable products can be made from recycled materials – there’s no trade-off in quality or performance. That’s what unlocks a truly circular textiles industry.”
“Understanding what consumers expect from their clothing, and how they respond when it fails, is essential to helping the industry make better products. These findings bring a valuable consumer perspective to the work of quantifying durability, helping us identify which failures matter most and how testing can better reflect real-world use. Translating that insight into better design and measurable performance is fundamental to a circular future,” explained Dr. Katy Stevens, Head of ESG, European Outdoor Group.
For more on the findings, visit samsaraeco.com/the-pulse.
The findings will feature in The Pulse, Samsara Eco’s new magazine, which provides a collection of perspectives from the people shaping a circular fashion future, including Deakin University, Debrand, the European Outdoor Group, LSKD, Seamless and The LYCRA Company. The Pulse launches on the 13th of October at the Textile Exchange Conference in Vancouver, in print and online.
GRAZ, Austria— October 14, 2026 — Shandong Huazhe Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. has placed an order with international technology group ANDRITZ for a high-speed needlepunch line to produce advanced filtration materials. The line will be installed at the company’s headquarters in Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
From left to right: Han Fuhe (Shandong Huazhe) and Teng Guangxing (ANDRITZ) Photo: ANDRITZ
This order builds on the cooperation between the two companies that began in 2023 with the contract for an ANDRITZ batt forming line, which was successfully delivered in 2024.
The value of the order will not be disclosed. It is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the third quarter of 2026. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The line will expand Shandong Huazhe’s production capacity for high-performance filtration materials made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber, addressing growing demand in this market segment. It is designed for high-speed, stable operation and gentle handling of fibers, ensuring consistently high product quality.
This project represents an important milestone for ANDRITZ in advanced filtration applications. It will feature the first commercial application of the A-Type needleloom, a new addition to ANDRITZ’s global needleloom portfolio, combining cost-efficient operation, production flexibility, and high product quality. Its random needle pattern capability helps improve material uniformity and performance, which are key requirements in advanced filtration applications. The line will be the first PTFE filtration material production line supplied by ANDRITZ.
Mr. Han Fuhe, Chief Executive Officer of Shandong Huazhe, states: “The production of advanced filtration materials requires reliable equipment and gentle fiber processing. Based on our positive experience with ANDRITZ, we are confident that the new needlepunch line will provide the quality, efficiency, and process stability we need for our future growth.”
Founded in 2015, Shandong Huazhe Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of filtration solutions, specializing in materials and equipment for solid-liquid separation and industrial dust collection. Its product portfolio includes filtration nonwovens, filter bags, filter cages, and dust collection accessories.
PRATTELN, Switzerland, — October 12, 2026 — Archroma and Nicca Chemical are collaborating to support the continued growth of ZELAN™ non-fluorinated durable water repellents (DWRs) across the global textile industry. The announcement follows Nicca’s acquisition of the ZELAN™ business from The Chemours Company in March 2026 and extends Archroma’s decade-long legacy with the ZELAN™ brand.
Archroma’s role as ZELAN™’s global distribution, marketing and technical support partner dates to the 2015 launch of Teflon EcoElite™ with ZELAN™ R3 by Chemours and Huntsman Textile Effects, which Archroma acquired in 2023.
Under the new agreement with Nicca, Archroma will continue as the exclusive textile industry distributor of ZELAN™ DWR products and the related Teflon EcoElite™ technology worldwide. Archroma will spearhead marketing initiatives for the solutions and provide technical support to mills and brands worldwide, as before. ZELAN™-finished textiles will also qualify for Archroma’s upcoming HIGH IQ® lastingrepelᴾᴿᴼ assurance program, giving brands a well-recognized consumer-facing mark of DWR performance, durability and sustainability.
The industry’s first renewably sourced DWR, ZELAN™ R3 remains one of the most significant perfluorochemical (PFAS)-free[1] DWRs available today. It contains 63% plant-based materials[2] – sourced from non-GMO and non-food-source feedstock – and offers excellent water repellency and outstanding durability while preserving breathability across all fiber types.
“When we acquired the ZELAN™ business, we inherited more than top-tier technology — we inherited the trust that mills and brands have placed in this platform for over a decade. Keeping Archroma as our exclusive distribution partner for the textile industry means that trust doesn’t have to be rebuilt. Customers get the same product, the same Teflon EcoElite™ support and the same partner they already know,” said a spokesperson from Nicca.
“PFAS-free durable water repellents have moved from a niche alternative to a baseline expectation for major outdoor and outerwear brands, and ZELAN™ has been central to that shift. As Nicca’s exclusive distribution partner for the textile industry, we’re supporting customers through this transition with uninterrupted supply and technical support everywhere they do business,” said Roland Borufka, Product Manager, Finishing and Technical Textiles, Archroma.
The ZELAN™ technology helps brands deliver excellent rain and stain protection, with good runnability for uninterrupted processing and compliance with industry standards. ZELAN™ R3 is bluepass certified and published on the ZDHC Gateway with Conformance Level 3.1.
SINGAPORE/ MUNICH — October 12, 2026 — Niber Technologies unveils NUSPUN®, its next-generation ingredient brand of laminates purpose-built for the functional apparel industry. Rooted in the company’s electrospun nanofiber technology, NUSPUN laminates enable a new category of Active Comfort to give performance apparel both ultra-breathability and tunable weather protection.
Weather shouldn’t dictate comfort
For the performance textiles industry, weather protection has long come at the cost of comfort. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has traditionally given garments an extra layer of waterproof protection, but as regulations against PFAS tighten, brands are under pressure to find alternatives.
However, most PFAS-free options force a compromise between water protection and breathability. While some waterproof garments succeed at repelling water, comfort suffers during intense activity as trapped heat, built-up sweat, and humidity, leaving an uncomfortable feeling despite protection from the elements. That trade-off is exactly what NUSPUN® laminates are built to solve through ultra-breathable materials that protect from the elements, without sacrificing comfort.
Electrospinning is the innovation behind NUSPUN® materials
NUSPUN® laminates start with an electrospun 3D nanofiber web — built fiber by fiber, not cast or stretched like conventional membranes. That’s what lets moisture escape while keeping water out, delivering ultra-breathable performance with tunable weather protection. PFAS-free by design, NUSPUN membranes and laminates are manufactured without intentionally added PFAS materials. While PFAS-free membranes used to rely on a stretched film or a dense, non-porous coating, electrospinning builds the material fiber by fiber, giving direct control over exactly how a NUSPUN laminate performs, rather than being limited by one fixed set of properties. Nanofiber membrane technology isn’t new, but translating it from the lab into a continuous, high-volume industrial process has remained a challenge the wider industry has struggled with.
Owning the spin for tunable performance, at commercial scale
Niber Cofounders Jaemin and Jaehyung Park
NUSPUN® laminates are built on a proprietary electrospinning platform, developed to take nanofiber membrane technology beyond laboratory-scale production and into industrial applications. Niber controls all critical stages of the process – from material formulation and electrospinning through membrane production and finished laminates. This end-to-end control enables NUSPUN® laminates to be developed around different combinations of breathability, water protection and windproofness, giving apparel brands the flexibility to choose the performance profile that best matches how their products will be used.
“When we say we own the spin, we mean that we control every stage of the process, from formulation through electrospinning to the finished laminate, working closely with our partners along the way. That control is what gives us the precision to tune performance around how a brand wants its apparel to perform – and ultimately how it wants its apparel to feel”, says Jaehyung Park, Co-Founder, Niber Technologies.
From behind-the-scenes technology to ingredient brand
Niber electrospinning
The launch of the NUSPUN® ingredient brand marks a new chapter for Niber Technologies. The company was founded on the belief that electrospinning could unlock new possibilities for performance materials. At a time when electrospinning remained a niche technology within textiles, Niber focused on overcoming the challenges of industrial-scale production and is now bringing this technology into the spotlight.
“We started Niber with the belief that electrospinning could do more for performance materials than anyone had proven yet. When we began, the technology was still niche in textiles, and scaling it was almost an uncharted territory for the whole industry. For years, we proved it quietly as an OEM manufacturer, supplying membranes without brands or consumers ever knowing our name was behind them. NUSPUN® is us stepping out of that role, so brands and consumers can finally see and trust exactly what’s inside their apparel”, explains Jaemin Park, Co-Founder, Niber Technologies.
Three performance platforms – one philosophy.
Different activities require different combinations of protection and breathability. NUSPUN® launches with three performance platforms: Arcus, Ventus, and Stratos. Each tunable for different balances of breathability and weather protection.
NUSPUN® Arcus – Protection for the Extremes. Arcus products combine ultra-breathability with waterproof performance, exceeding 10,000 mmH₂O, built for demanding conditions when protection from heavy rain and severe weather is essential.
NUSPUN® Ventus – Protection in Motion. Ventus products combine ultra-breathable, windproof performance with water resistance, designed for active outdoor activities, ranging from skiing to trail running in wet conditions.
NUSPUN® Stratos – Airflow for High Output. Stratos products deliver air-permeable performance above 1 CFM, together with water resistance, for high-intensity sports like cycling and running when airflow becomes a critical part of comfort.
Together, the three platforms give brands different ways to build Active Comfort into their products—from extreme-weather protection to high-output activity: A trail-running garment can be engineered to release heat and moisture during a humid climb, while a cycling jacket can block wind during a fast descent without unnecessarily trapping the heat generated on the way up, while a skier can have protection against snow and weather while demanding breathability during sustained movement.
Active Comfort is the next dimension in performance apparel
Future development will focus on expanding those capabilities—creating materials that are lighter, stretch further and support increasingly demanding forms of movement while maintaining the protection performance brands require. The platform will evolve toward new material systems, including opportunities for bio-based and lower-carbon polymers. “What excites us most is how far our materials can still be pushed. We see opportunities to make laminates lighter, stretch further and become even more comfortable while maintaining the performance brands need. That opens the door to applications built specifically for sustained, high-output activity”, says Richard Beck, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Niber Technologies.
For brands integrating NUSPUN laminates into their collections, our first Arcus, Ventus, and Stratos product portfolio is just the beginning. As Niber continues to develop its electrospinning platform, and explore new formulations, brand partners will have access to new capability tiers and performance categories. The NUSPUN collection can expand into broader material options, including bio-based polymers and low-carbon materials to have even more options for meeting PFAS-free performance requirements without compromising fit, feel, or function.
NUSPUN® materials arrive to brand partners in Q4 2026
The NUSPUN® laminate collection will be made available to selected brand partners beginning Q4 2026 onwards. The first products incorporating this technology are expected in the Fall/Winter 2027 outerwear collections.
SHANGHAI — October 13, 2026 — Starting from the upcoming Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – set to take place from 10 to 12 March 2027 – the organisers have signalled their intention to anchor the show’s evolving positioning with a new slogan: Shape the Movement.
Equipped with its refined focus, Intertextile Apparel is set to showcase its continued importance for defining the industry’s future – from creating and implementing new trends, to exchanging cultural ideas, functional utility and eco-innovation, to enabling business deals with far-reaching economic benefits. Several high-potential areas have been earmarked for further development next spring.
New slogan ‘Shape the Movement’ and key visual for Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2027 (second from right) alongside other textile fairs’ wallscapes at NECC this autumn (Source: Messe Frankfurt)
The fair’s key themes Fashion Forward, Textile Future, Performance Textiles, and Sustainability will again reflect the demands of the global textile market, with the latter two showing especially strong potential in the current landscape. Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “Shaping the industry’s movement is exactly what this fair does, at every edition. The new slogan is a nod to Intertextile Apparel’s unmatched influence in determining what vast numbers of global consumers want to wear, how they want to wear it, and how industry players can make that happen. This is the latest in our efforts to update the fair’s branding, to reflect its evolution as a platform that facilitates the development of not only trade, but also high-growth trends and movements like performance-based, sustainable innovation.”
Circularity requirements from key markets prompt exhibitors’ certified innovation
The apparel textile flagship will take place alongside four concurrent fairs at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, uniting thousands of exhibitors across yarns and fibres, apparel fabrics, fashion, knitwear, and home textiles. Two in-demand elements linking each sub-sector are functionality and sustainability. Beyond a nice-to-have, this is fast becoming a legal obligation for certain markets.
In Europe, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is establishing mandatory performance requirements across sectors, which safeguards significant circular textile economy investments from clothing brands, materials science companies and the EU itself, paving the way for further sustainable growth[1]. Europe remains a leading market for many suppliers and buyers at Intertextile Apparel, who have had to adapt and innovate to keep pace with stringent certification and traceability requirements.
Exhibiting at the previous Spring Edition, Mr Rainer Roten, CEO of TESTEX AG, said: “The industry is accelerating its evolution towards digitilisation, traceability, and the circular economy, and our core value lies in providing in-depth support that aligns perfectly – from testing services to ensure export compliance, to dissemination of trend information – empowering our clients to stay ahead. This fair brings together buyers from around the world, particularly from our core Asian market, enabling us to connect with many potential and existing partners in one location. Despite our global recognition, we still regard this as a vital platform for client engagement.”
Performance Textiles and Sustainability: the fair’s growing, integrating categories
The 2026 Spring Edition drew over 3,000 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions and more than 96,000 visitors from 119 represented markets. There was an emphasis on performance- and eco-focused solutions, with notable sqm expansion recorded by Functional Lab and Econogy Hub. Fast growth has been forecast for consumer segments prioritising sustainable, unrestrictive movement from sports and outdoor apparel brands[2], and these two zones are being positioned for exhibitors to leverage exactly that in 2027.
Both zones will again include integrated presentation and display areas, while the same hall (5.1) will also see the return of the Pet Boutique, featuring functional-sustainable garments, fabrics and accessories for China’s fast-growing pet apparel market[3]. The CUBE, Functional Lab’s expansive display area, will be a key showcase for performance textiles, and is set to unveil unique categories Thermal Regulation, Moisture Management, Comfort + Sustainability, and Protection for the first time at the show’s Spring Edition.
“We are actively strategising to combine sustainability with functional fabrics – investing in an integrated factory in Vietnam to develop bio-based spandex, and creating various recycled materials in China,” said Ms Eva Zhu, Fabric Business Unit/Vice Director from Hyosung International Trade (Jiaxing) last March. “Intertextile Apparel is an excellent platform to acquire customers, promote our products and brand, and hold in-depth discussions. This Spring Edition has truly exceeded our expectations so far. As well as meeting existing European and American clients, numerous new buyers showed strong interest. Global demand for functional fabrics is rising, especially in China, driven by consumer desire for healthy lifestyles and sports.”
Alongside the booths, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2027 will feature a robust fringe programme, including the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum for Spring / Summer 2028, several market-focused display areas, and a range of seminars, panel discussions and product presentations which cover topics on Design & Trends, Market Information & Business Strategies, Sustainability Issues, and Technology & Solutions. Sustainability and functionality – two key movements shaping the textile sector – will feature strongly throughout, set to be explored from various industry perspectives.
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 Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, 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 – Spring Edition will be held from 10 – 12 March 2027.
HO CHI MINH CITY — October 15, 2026 — As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return February 24 – 26, 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.
Vietnam’s textile and garment sector is moving beyond its traditional focus on cut-make-trim (CMT), with more manufacturers developing higher value-added production capabilities including OEM and ODM. Driven by industry upgrading priorities, changing trade conditions, external buyer requirements, and rising expectations around traceability and environmental performance, domestic producers are placing greater emphasis on efficiency, technology upgrades, digital transformation, and higher standards.
These shifts are creating demand for overseas products, technologies and expertise across the textile value chain, from fashionable fabrics and functional materials to garment machinery and finishing technologies. Reflecting this market evolution, VIATT 2027 will spotlight opportunities across three major product sectors: Apparel Fabrics & Fashion, Home & Contract Textiles, and Technical Textiles & Technologies.
Apparel Fabrics & Fashion: supporting Vietnam’s emerging style status
Vietnam’s fashion landscape is gaining international visibility, supported by local craftsmanship, rapid social media marketing, and celebrity endorsements. Contemporary Vietnamese labels such as Fanci Club, La Lune, and Cong Tri have dressed international stars, contributing to Vietnam’s emergence as a rising fashion hub[1]. This growing profile is strengthening demand for quality, fashionable, and performance-led fabrics.
VIATT 2027’s Apparel Fabrics & Fashion zone will feature fashion fabrics, fibres, yarns, accessories, prints, trims, functional materials, and garment manufacturing solutions, with product opportunities ranging from performance textiles to high-end shirting and suiting. The zone will also feature the new Fashion Manufacturing Hub, alongside dedicated international showcases, including the European Zone, presenting quality, sustainable, and technology-led products for buyers seeking specialist materials and advanced textile solutions. A variety of fashion shows, display areas, and workshops are set to further enhance product visibility and sourcing efficiency.
Home & Contract Textiles: harnessing local urbanisation and hospitality growth
The Vietnam home textile market size stood at around USD 747 million in 2025, and is forecast to expand to over USD 970 million by 2030[2], underscoring sustained growth momentum across both residential and commercial demand segments. The outlook is further supported by Vietnam’s booming tourism industry – the country is expected to add over 46,000 new hotel rooms between 2026 and 2029[3], following one of the highest mid-to-luxury growth rates in the region over the past decade.
The fair’s dedicated Home & Contract Textiles zone will bring together suppliers and buyers from the retail, interiors, property, and hospitality sectors. Key product categories include bedding, towels, upholstery fabrics, curtains, wallcoverings, decorative fabrics, bed and bath linens, and durable interior textiles for residential and commercial projects.
As demand expands across residential, commercial, and hospitality channels, the zone will offer an important sourcing interface between local buyers and international suppliers. Past editions have welcomed home textile exhibitors from China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Thailand, and Vietnam, underlining VIATT’s role as a key regional sourcing platform.
Technical Textiles & Technologies: meeting upgrade and performance needs
As Vietnam’s textile and garment industry moves into higher value-added production, demand is also growing for technical textiles, functional fabrics, machinery, finishing technologies, and advanced production solutions. Manufacturers remain focused on improving output and compliance with international sourcing requirements.
High-potential application areas include protective textiles and sportswear, as well as medical and industrial nonwovens. The global nonwoven fabric market is projected to grow from USD 61 billion in 2025 to exceed USD 86 billion by 2031[4], providing significant import and technology opportunities to serve Vietnam’s currently limited domestic production capabilities.
VIATT 2027’s Technical Textiles & Technologies zone -is set to provide a platform for products and machinery spanning the entire technical and industrial spectrum. Within this category, the returning Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone will present chemical and dyeing solutions, colouration systems, treatment processes, and material enhancement solutions that support performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.
International showcases, sustainability, and buyer engagement
Reflecting VIATT’s international buyer reach, the 2026 edition welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 represented markets, with the top 10 visitor countries and regions including China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.
Complementing this international visitor profile, exhibitor participation will be further strengthened through dedicated country and region pavilions, including the returning China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand Pavilions. Spanning all three major sectors, these pavilions will provide platforms for suppliers from across the wider textile industry. Backed by recognised national and regional identities, these pavilions will support product discovery and cross-border business exchange for buyers seeking quality, innovation-led solutions. Complemented by dedicated product zones, the sector-integrated Trend Forum, and a comprehensive fringe programme, VIATT will also facilitate market insight and business dialogue across the textile value chain.
Meanwhile, sustainability will remain a key theme through the fair’s Texpertise Econogy initiatives. The Econogy Hub will showcase sustainable products, certifications, and solutions; the Econogy Finder will increase visibility for verified sustainable exhibitors through the online directory and physical visitor guide; and Econogy Talks will host various seminars and panel discussions focused on responsible sourcing and production.
The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE). For more details on this fair, please visit www.viatt.com.vn
BALLY, Pa. — October 15, 2026 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, will exhibit at Advanced Textiles Expo 2026, November 3–5 in Orlando, Florida. At Booth #805, BRM will showcase advanced narrow fabrics, webbings, high-performance materials, and custom textile designs for demanding applications.
BRM develops standard and custom textile solutions using a range of high-performance fibers, including Zylon®, Vectran®, Kevlar® 29, Nomex®, Kevlar® EXO™, Spectra®, Dyneema®, and Teflon™. The company’s precision weaving capabilities support application-specific designs for markets requiring durable, high-performance textile components.
BRM’s woven materials also support next-generation exploration initiatives. Bally Ribbon Mills provided high-strength specialty tapes and webbing utilized in the parachute and landing systems that successfully deployed the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the Martian surface. The company is also developing materials for future Moon and deep-space missions.
Fire-side Chat: Designing and Manufacturing Advanced Medical Textiles
During ATA, Ted Fetterman, BRM vice president of sales and marketing, will lead a fire-side chat, “Designing and Manufacturing Advanced Medical Textiles,” on Tuesday, November 3, from 2:00–2:30 p.m. on the show floor. With more than 50 years of medical textile experience, Fetterman will discuss BRM’s work in the medical device market, lessons learned, and factors shaping the future of medical textiles.
Advanced Textiles Expo attendees are invited to visit Booth #805 to learn how BRM combines advanced materials with precision weaving to create custom textile solutions.
n modern manufacturing environments, precision isn’t optional—it’s essential. And moisture content is one underestimated variable that can make or break a production line. Whether it’s food, pharmaceuticals, paper, or plastics, even slight fluctuations in moisture levels can lead to inconsistency, reduced shelf life, material degradation, or costly rework. The solution? Implementing continuous, in-line moisture monitoring systems that offer real-time data insights and more precise process control.
As industry expectations rise and product quality standards become more stringent, moisture measurement is no longer a step reserved for lab testing. Instead, it has become an integral part of the production line, helping manufacturers safeguard product quality, boost efficiency, and meet compliance targets.
Moisture plays a key role in determining a product’s texture, weight, stability, shelf life, and even chemical composition. Left unchecked, moisture can compromise product quality, consumer safety, and, as a result, brand reputation. In industries where moisture levels can trigger microbial growth or accelerate spoilage, the stakes are particularly high.
Traditional moisture management methods, such as batch sampling and off-line lab testing, introduce critical delays to the production process. These approaches provide only intermittent, retrospective data that may not accurately reflect the full scope of process variability. As a result, deviations in moisture content may go undetected until well after affected products have progressed through multiple stages of production, leading to costly rework, scrap, or even recalls. On the other hand, to avoid this outcome, manufacturers can tend to overcompensate when moisture levels are detected in the lab, scrapping product that may not have been impacted by the moisture variability.
In contrast, continuous moisture monitoring offers immediate, real-time data that empowers operators to make precise, on-the-fly adjustments. By identifying and correcting moisture variations as they occur, manufacturers can isolate and address only the impacted portion of a production run. This targeted response dramatically reduces material waste and ensures that overall quality standards are consistently met.
Additionally, real-time monitoring minimizes energy consumption by helping to optimize drying times and temperatures. Instead of running dryers longer “just in case,” facilities can fine-tune their processes with confidence, conserving both energy and resources. By eliminating unnecessary production steps and reducing time-to-market, continuous moisture monitoring shifts moisture management from a reactive quality assurance measure to a proactive, strategic tool that drives efficiency across the board.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Moisture Management
When moisture management is reactive instead of proactive, the consequences ripple across operations. High energy usage during drying, rework due to off-spec batches, supply chain bottlenecks caused by spoilage or delays, and lost product from moisture-induced defects all contribute to ballooning operational costs.
In some cases, seemingly minor moisture fluctuations can have outsized effects. For example, a 1% increase in moisture content in a pelletized product can raise the amperage load on equipment, reducing throughput or causing a complete equipment shutdown. In high-volume production environments, these deviations compound quickly, impacting both the bottom line and customer satisfaction.
Industry Focus: Food Manufacturing
In food manufacturing, moisture levels directly affect texture, taste, safety, and shelf life. Too much moisture promotes microbial growth, mold formation, and premature spoilage. Too little, and products become dry, brittle, or nutritionally compromised. Additionally, moisture inconsistencies can lead to product clumping, affect batch uniformity, and interfere with critical processes like drying and curing. These issues not only harm product quality but can also trigger compliance failures in regulated markets.
Continuous moisture monitoring allows food processors to stabilize conditions in real time, maintaining tight control over product quality and reducing recall risk. By managing moisture proactively, companies also reduce energy costs associated with drying and extend shelf life, ensuring products reach consumers in optimal condition.
Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical manufacturing demands a level of consistency and traceability that leaves no room for guesswork. Here, moisture isn’t just a quality issue—it’s a regulatory one. Variations in moisture content can alter the chemical stability of active ingredients, compromise the efficacy of medications, or affect tablet disintegration and dissolution times.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA require strict documentation and verification of moisture levels, especially in oral solid dose manufacturing. Real-time monitoring helps pharmaceutical producers meet these standards while minimizing material waste, rework, and downtime. Beyond this, integrated data-logging and automated controls reduce human error and ensure that each batch, regardless of production site, adheres to the same moisture specifications—helping manufacturers meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and pass audits with confidence.
Common Misconceptions Around Moisture Monitoring
MoistTech’s IR3000 Series Moisture Sensors
A major misconception in the manufacturing world is the belief that all moisture sensors are created equal. While many companies have adopted near-infrared (NIR) technology to track moisture levels, they often overlook the significant performance differences between sensor models, particularly when it comes to long-term accuracy. Older or less sophisticated sensors tend to suffer from calibration drift over time. Much like an analog clock that gradually loses precision, these sensors slowly deviate from their original baseline, delivering increasingly unreliable data as time goes on.
To address this, manufacturers must schedule regular recalibration visits from service technicians, an added layer of maintenance that can interrupt production, increasing labor costs. Even brief periods of inaccurate moisture readings can lead to substandard product quality, inefficient drying processes, or equipment wear. That’s why advanced continuous moisture monitoring systems that resist calibration drift offer such a distinct operational advantage. These systems are engineered for stability and reliability, maintaining accurate performance over years of operation without the need for consistent recalibration. This not only reduces the burden on maintenance teams but also ensures that real-time data can be trusted when making critical process decisions.
Real-Time Consistency, Site to Site
For companies operating multiple facilities, maintaining product consistency across production sites is a constant challenge. Moisture variability between raw material batches, environmental conditions, or processing parameters can easily introduce inconsistencies that undermine brand integrity. With continuous in-line moisture monitoring, manufacturers can standardize moisture levels across sites. By automating adjustments based on real-time data, operators can ensure uniform product quality, reduce waste, and shorten drying cycles regardless of location.
One provider that has helped manufacturers across industries take control of their moisture management is MoistTech. Their NIR-based sensors are known for providing accurate, non-contact moisture readings in real time, without the calibration drift that plagues many other systems. MoistTech sensors are designed to operate continuously for years without recalibration, making them a reliable option for manufacturers seeking long-term process control with minimal maintenance. With a wide array of industry applications, from food and pharmaceuticals to biomass, paper, and bulk solids, their technology has become a trusted solution for organizations looking to boost product quality and reduce costs.
Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Continuous Moisture Monitoring
Manufacturers across a range of industries are seeing measurable improvements in quality control, efficiency, and ROI after integrating continuous moisture monitoring systems into their production lines. Below are a few standout examples.
A commercial flatbread producer, saw up to 1% product loss due to out-of-spec moisture before installing MoistTech’s system. After implementation, they reported nearly a 200% ROI within the first year, attributing this gain to reduced waste and improved production efficiency. Their sensors were integrated into both the line and the lab for more precise control.
A premier snack company operating in a highly moisture-sensitive baking environment, attributed an 8% year-over-year reduction in product waste to better moisture control, even within a complex baking process. While moisture isn’t the only variable, it’s a critical one, and their feedback was clear: “The ROI is exponential.”
One pellet company implemented MoistTech’s moisture sensors directly into their automated drying process, allowing real-time moisture readings to drive PLC-controlled dryer adjustments. This upgrade not only minimized operator error but also significantly reduced aborted material. According to their team, automating the dryer with real-time data has made a dramatic difference: “An accurate and reliable meter definitely pays for itself… I would estimate 100% ROI in less than six months.”
Another manufacturer of composite decking, had long struggled with reject material caused by moisture spikes in raw wood flour. After installing MoistTech’s IR3000 sensors across multiple locations, moisture issues “are no longer talked about”—a clear indicator that consistent moisture levels are now the norm. This improvement has not only reduced product rejects but also stabilized daily production outcomes.
These case studies highlight the wide applicability of real-time moisture monitoring, from biomass to baking, and reinforce a central truth: precise, consistent moisture control is a competitive advantage.
Making Moisture Detection Work for You
MoistTech’s continuous moisture monitoring offers one of the most actionable, cost-effective upgrades for your production
In an era where manufacturing efficiency and quality assurance are inseparable, continuous moisture monitoring offers one of the most actionable, cost-effective upgrades for your production line. Whether you’re trying to extend shelf life in a food product, ensure regulatory compliance in pharmaceuticals, or simply reduce drying costs, managing moisture in real time gives your operation the agility it needs to stay competitive.
The path forward is clear: move from batch testing to continuous monitoring. Equip your facilities with the tools to detect small changes before they become big problems. When moisture is monitored consistently, quality becomes predictable—and that predictability builds trust, performance, and profitability.
Editor’s Note: Sarah Hammond is the marketing manager at Sarasota, Florida-based, MoistTech Corp.
In 1975 John Fordham and Roger Carlson founded Moisture Systems and continued with the improvement process of moisture detection. Eventually forming MoistTech in 2006. The Sarasota Florida-based manufacturer sought to overcome common industry issues such as waste, low-efficiency, and inconsistency, going on to pioneer the industry’s first patented method of non-contact, non-destructive moisture analysis and detection.
Today the company’s near-infrared (NIR) equipment provides reliable moisture measurement and controls that manufacturers can trust to enhance efficiency. On-line and at-line sensors for real-time process control. MoistTech’s solutions valued by a range of clients across disciplines: adhesives, biomass, chemicals, coatings, food, minerals, renewable energy, textiles, and wood products.
For more information, visit https://www.moisttech.com/
PUTNEY, VT — September 30, 2026 — Nestled near the banks of the Connecticut River, Green Mountain Spinnery’s colorful yarn covers the entrance to its historic woolen mill headquarters in Putney, Vermont, a cheerful welcome to fiber artists and crafters alike. Green Mountain meticulously transforms raw wool into exquisite, finished skeins through a time-honored process.
But that process is dependent on something else time-honored: A five-foot Davis & Furber-Whitin carding machine that is over a century old. Built right here in New England between 1908 and 1918, the carding machine sits alongside other machines dating back to the mid-1940s and early-1950s.
About a decade ago the spinnery transitioned away from traditional petroleum-based products seeking a cleaner footprint. They tried various eco-friendly solutions before finally settling on Renewable Lubricants, which exceeds performance standards. Today, the shop utilizes 1-gallon containers of Bio-Slide Way™ Lubricant—an ISO 68 lubricant—for transfer cases, sliding parts, and other moving surfaces. They also purchase 11-ounce aerosol cans of Bio-Penetrating Lubricant™—an NSF H1 food grade penetrant and light lubricant—for bearing shafts, and hard to reach spots. Bio-High Temp™ 180 E.P. Grease—a biodegradable lithium complex grease designed for high-temperatures, extreme pressures, and heavy duty applications—rounds out the products that the Spinnery purchases directly from the Renewable Lubricants website. This is used for bearings and wherever there are Zerk fittings.
Yarn-making is, in many ways, a green industry. It’s entirely mechanical, relying on zero computer chips, and revolves around natural and organic materials. Customers ship or drop off raw wool, which is carefully sorted and scoured in a custom-built 180-degree water bath with organic soap to break down the natural lanolin. After passing through a four-stage steel roller squeezing system, a cast-iron washing machine that dates back to 1896, the wool is dried in a commercial dryer for 10 minutes to prevent mildew.
It can be a noisy process, but one thing’s for sure, Matthews jokes: “If you keep them lubricated, the machines don’t squeak!”
