Americhem Acquires Noble Biomaterials, Expanding Its Global Footprint In Functional Additives And Advanced Materials

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — October 27, 2026 — Americhem, a global designer and manufacturer of custom polymer solutions, today announced the acquisition of Noble Biomaterials, an advanced materials company that specializes in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft surface applications. The acquisition adds Noble Biomaterials’ differentiated technologies and deep specialization to Americhem’s broader global platform, strengthening Americhem’s ability to support customers from concept through scalable commercial production.

Noble Biomaterials provides proprietary materials technology for mission-critical applications across high-growth markets including apparel & textiles, healthcare, and aerospace & defense. Its flagship platforms, IONIC+®, X-STATIC®, and CIRCUITEX®, deliver advanced functional capabilities backed by U.S. manufacturing and a robust IP portfolio built over two decades. Noble Biomaterials’ antimicrobial, odor control, and conductive technologies strengthen Americhem’s position in fiber and polymer solutions to capture significant growth across healthcare and other high-demand markets.

“This is an exciting step forward for Americhem as we continue to invest in high-growth, high-demand markets,” said John Richard, Chief Executive Officer of Americhem. “Noble Biomaterials brings exceptional capabilities in antimicrobial solutions, strong commercial relationships and a reputation for quality that aligns with our values. We will be better positioned to deliver specialized solutions at a global scale as we make strategic investments to grow in healthcare and aerospace and defense. We are excited about what we can achieve with Noble Biomaterials for our customers around the world.”

“Americhem is the right partner for Noble Biomaterials’ next chapter, bringing complementary capabilities, global reach, scalable resources, and a customer-first culture that will drive lasting value,” said Joel Furey, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Noble Biomaterials. “Our proprietary materials and brands, such as IONIC+®, X-STATIC®, and CIRCUITEX®, will benefit from Americhem’s global scale and deep knowledge of polymer and fiber applications. I am proud of our team and excited about what Noble and Americhem will accomplish together.”

“We believe Noble Biomaterials is an exciting addition, and its technology and market focus align well with Americhem’s strategic direction,” said Kaitlyn Desai, Principal at PPC. “This acquisition reinforces our conviction in Americhem’s growth strategy and the strength of its capabilities, and we look forward to continuing to support Americhem’s ambition to be a global leader in specialized polymer and advanced materials solutions.”

Posted: October 27, 2026

Source: Americhem

Albany Engineered Composites Expands Hypersonic, Solid Rocket Motor And Space Manufacturing Capabilities With Dedicated AEC Advanced Programs Business And Rochester Facility

NEW Albany Engineered Composites logoROCHESTER, N.H.— October 22, 2026 — Albany Engineered Composites, a segment of Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), today announced the expansion of its hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space capabilities through AEC Advanced Programs, Inc. (AEC-AP), a wholly owned subsidiary established in 2021 to develop the carbon-carbon manufacturing capabilities required for advanced high temperature, extreme environment applications. The AEC-AP facility is located in Rochester, New Hampshire, adjacent to the Albany Engineered Composites’ headquarters and research and development (R&D) operations.

Since establishing AEC-AP, Albany has invested more than $36 million in dedicated facilities, equipment and independent research and development (IRAD) to build vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities for advanced composite thermal protection systems (TPS) and other hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space hardware. This investment is complemented by a $21.2 million, 30-month U.S. government Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) contract awarded in September to advance carbon-carbon composite TPS for hypersonic vehicles and solid rocket motors. The funding will also support a recently announced teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin to pursue scalable production of next-generation U.S. hypersonic systems, including hypersonic glide body applications.

“Hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space systems require advanced materials and the ability to manufacture complex hardware at scale,” said Chris Stone, president of Albany Engineered Composites. “Building on the investments we have already made, our industry-leading LEAP program industrialization experience and both our recent IBAS contract award and Lockheed Martin partnership, AEC Advanced Programs provides vertically integrated, scalable capabilities for high-temperature composites for our customers and the U.S. industrial base.”

The approximately 70,000-square-foot AEC-AP facility supports full-scale hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space hardware production, including carbon-carbon composites. Purpose-built equipment and planned densification, machining and inspection capabilities will enable expansion as program requirements and production volumes grow.

“Building this capability has been a deliberate, long-term investment,” said Brent Stevenson, vice president, emerging markets and technology at Albany Engineered Composites. “The combination of our industry leading near net shape 3D-woven technology, associated design and simulation capabilities, our Rochester infrastructure, new IBAS programs and our Lockheed Martin collaboration gives us a strong foundation to support the transition of hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space technologies into production.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Albany Engineered Composites

Audi AG Selects Georgia To Invest $4 Billion In First US Manufacturing Facility

Georgia_state_sealATLANTA— October 24, 2026 — Governor Brian P. Kemp and Gernot Döllner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that Audi will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. Headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi plans to invest approximately $4 billion in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite, delivering approximately 4,500 new jobs to middle Georgia.

“We are proud that Audi has selected Georgia as the home of their first U.S. manufacturing facility, delivering truly historic investment and jobs to middle Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Following the success we’ve enjoyed with other megasites, we purchased and made more improvements to the Middle Georgia Megasite for just this purpose: to bring a job-creating, high-caliber automotive manufacturer to this region. I want to thank the countless professionals from Peach, Macon-Bibb, and Houston counties in the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA who helped make this happen. We are excited for hardworking Georgians in Peach County and the entire middle Georgia region to benefit from this project for decades to come. On behalf of the State of Georgia, we are honored to welcome Audi to our state!”

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America, and Georgia will play a central role in making them a reality. With its strong business environment, skilled workforce, and shared ambition, the state is an ideal partner for Audi,” said CEO Döllner. “We are proud to bring our engineering excellence and pioneering spirit to Georgia. Together, we want to create something that goes far beyond a manufacturing plant: a new home for Audi in America, opportunities for thousands of people and a strong foundation for long-term growth. This investment will bring us closer to our customers and strengthen Audi’s competitiveness around the world.”

With cutting-edge premium SUVs tailored to North American customers and manufactured locally, Audi aims to unlock significant growth potential in one of the world’s most important premium markets. Audi expects to begin grading in 2027 and construction on the new facility in 2028. Full production is expected in 2031 at an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

The facility will be designed around Audi’s future manufacturing requirements, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to respond to evolving customer needs and market demand.

The company is known for its sporty vehicles, progressive design, high build quality, and the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology). The Audi Group also includes the brands Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati.

“We invest in our workforce programs to create opportunities for Georgians,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Governor Kemp’s leadership has positioned Georgia as the home for world-class companies. Congratulations to Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for the future they are building together. Projects like these help small businesses, school systems, and local governments provide more services to local residents, and we look forward to seeing them working within their communities to capitalize on this opportunity.”

“Georgia has a strong commitment to managing our resources wisely and planning responsibly for the future as we work to bring good-paying jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I applaud Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for upholding that commitment and working together to lay the foundation for future generations of Georgians to build careers, raise their families, and succeed in the communities they call home.”

In choosing Georgia, Audi cited speed-to-market, workforce, access to consumer markets, and proximity to an established automotive supply chain.

Developed and marketed by the Development Authority of Peach County in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, comprised of Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties, over the last several years alongside the state, the Middle Georgia Megasite offers the speed-to-market requirements for Audi AG’s goals. Industrial utilities are adjacent to the site, and extensive due diligence reports have been completed, enabling the company to construct its brand-new facility on a rapid timeline.

“The decision by Audi realizes the vision we had for the Middle Georgia Megasite – an innovative, global automotive OEM that will position the region as a premier hub for innovation and industry,” said Roy Lewis, Chairman of the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA and the Peach County Board of Commissioners. “When we formed the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, we set out to build a more resilient regional economy and secure major projects that will benefit our families and our workforce for decades. We are excited to continue conversations with Audi, the State of Georgia, and countless regional and state partners to build out programs that will prepare Georgians for the high-skill jobs of the future.”

Georgia Quick Start will work with Audi to develop a customized training curricula and design a designated training facility. It will also partner with local campuses in the Technical College System of Georgia to begin employee instruction on tailored curriculum as the training facility is constructed. Competitive wages for all roles will be well-paying in the local market.

The Middle Georgia Megasite is well-positioned for connectivity to domestic and international markets. Both the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick can easily be reached by rail in less than 5 hours. The site has access to Norfolk Southern Class I rail.  The busiest and most efficient passenger airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is a 90-minute drive, and two regional airports are within 25 minutes of the Middle Georgia Megasite.

“We are excited to welcome Audi as a neighbor,” said Mark Sanchez, CEO of Southern Orchard Management. “We are so proud to work with Peach County, the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, and the State of Georgia on the Middle Georgia Megasite, because it has given us an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for the very community that has supported our own growth and success over the years. We hope that in the future, when people think of Audi, they think of Georgia peaches, too!”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented by Global Commerce Assistant Director Virginia Sengewald; in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, which includes Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties; the Technical College System of Georgia; Georgia Quick Start; University System of Georgia; Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia Ports Authority; Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Norfolk Southern; Georgia’s Germany-based Europe Office; and Georgia Power.

“Audi’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgia is a historic milestone for our state and a transformational opportunity for Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s success is built on long-term investments, trusted international relationships, and partnerships that bring communities together around a shared vision for the future. The relationships we began building decades ago, combined with the work our state and local partners have done to prepare this site, have positioned the region to compete for a project of this scale. Ultimately, this is why we do what we do, particularly in rural communities. Economic development is about more than the jobs and investment announced today. It is about strengthening communities, creating opportunities for families, and ensuring that future generations can build their lives and their futures close to home. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Audi and the communities of Middle Georgia.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Georgia – Office of the Governor

Man-Made Fibers As A Platform For Innovation: Stephan Sielaff Takes The Helm Of The Schill+Seilacher Group

ZURICH — October 7, 2026 — Stephan Sielaff took over as Chief Executive Officer of the Schill+Seilacher Group on October 1. A chemical engineer by training, he brings around 30 years of experience in specialty chemicals and related industries. His career includes senior roles at Unilever and Lenzing AG, and most recently at SSI SCHÄFER Plastics. At Schill+Seilacher, Sielaff will lead the next phase of development for the internationally active specialty chemicals Group.

Schill+Seilacher Group - Stephan Sielaff (2)
Stephan Sielaff

For manufacturers and processors of man-made fibers, the Group offers high-performance process auxiliaries for staple fibers and continuous filaments, as well as solutions for the targeted functionalization of nonwovens.

Tailored spinning finishes support reliable, efficient processing while giving fibers the specific properties required for their end use – from a pleasantly soft handle to controlled water absorption or repellency.

The result is a broad range of solutions designed for diverse requirements and applications, from apparel and hygiene products to technical uses in mobility, construction and infrastructure.

For Sielaff, this business exemplifies one of the key strengths of successful specialty chemicals companies: combining decades of experience with the ability to keep adapting to new requirements. “Tradition becomes a competitive advantage in specialty chemicals when experience is continuously translated into new solutions. Schill+Seilacher has extensive application expertise across the production and further processing of man-made fibers. The key is to turn that knowledge into tailored solutions together with our customers.”

Customer proximity will therefore be a key priority for Sielaff. He intends to sharpen the organization’s focus on markets, customers and partners while strengthening international collaboration across the Group. “We already have an international footprint. Now we want to make better use of the strength of our Group – thinking globally, acting together and staying closer to our customers,” says Sielaff.

Sielaff began his career at Unilever, where he held roles spanning operations, innovation and product development, culminating in the position of Innovation and Engineering Director for Home and Personal Care Europe. After further roles at Symrise, he became Chief Operating Officer of Swiss specialty chemicals company Archroma. He subsequently served as CEO of Austria-based Lenzing AG and, most recently, as CEO of SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

Dr Peter Dürolf, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Schill+Seilacher Group, says: “The world will not wait for us. In our markets, speed, international reach and the ability to turn good ideas into real business are becoming increasingly important. In Stephan Sielaff, we have appointed a CEO who has successfully navigated precisely these kinds of challenges and developed companies in demanding international markets. Together, we want to take the Group forward – with entrepreneurial courage, commercial discipline and a clear focus on our customers.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: The Schill+Seilacher Group

LX Hausys America Highlights Carbon Reduction and Sustainable Product Innovation

LX Hausys logoALPHARETTA, Ga. — October 21, 2026 — LX Hausys America Inc., an innovative manufacturer of building and decorative materials, today highlighted key findings from the 2026 Sustainability Report published by its parent company LX Hausys Co., Ltd. The report outlines the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, goals and performance, primarily covering 2025 activities and results, with select activities from the first half of 2026.

A key highlight is the company’s continued implementation of its 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap. Across the 15 Korean business sites included in its greenhouse gas inventory, LX Hausys achieved a 9.5% year-over-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. The company also fully incorporated Safety and Environment key performance indicators into business division performance measures in 2025 to strengthen its emissions management system.

In the U.S., LX Hausys operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Adairsville, Ga., and produces VIATERA quartz, HIMACS solid surface materials and automotive fabrics. The report lists LX Hausys America as holding ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety certifications. For 2025, LX Hausys reported 159 environmental certifications and labels across its products, supporting transparency and informed product selection. The report also details responsible business practices, including a new Supply Chain ESG Management Policy, ESG risk assessments for 372 suppliers and the company’s first human rights impact assessment in 2025.

The company continues to incorporate bio-based and recycled materials into product innovation while supporting resource circulation. In April 2026, LX Hausys launched Bio SMR Furniture Film, which applies a plant-derived bio-carbon coating to PET film using its SMR (SuperMatte Resist) matte coating technology. The product was verified as containing bio-based carbon by Beta Analytic and passed a U.S. Food and Drug Administration food-contact safety assessment.

Separately, LX Hausys has supplied furniture films made from recycled PET bottles to global markets, including Europe and North America, since first developing the material in 2018. A 2025 application at a large-scale apartment complex in Busan, South Korea, is expected to have the effect of recycling approximately 1.2 million waste PET bottles. In June 2025, LX Z:IN Interior Film Flame-retardant received Korea Eco-Label Certification after LX Hausys changed its release paper from a polyethylene coating to a clay-based material, enabling the paper to be recycled after use.

“Creating social value, building a sustainable ecosystem for shared growth, and driving innovation toward decarbonization are ongoing ESG activities that will continue to serve as the core values of LX Hausys’ management,” said Roh JinSeo, CEO of LX Hausys, in the report. “We will realize responsible growth in line with the global movement toward sustainability.”

LX Hausys was selected for the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the second consecutive year, ranking among the top 8% of companies in the building materials industry and as the only Korean building materials company included in the Yearbook. The company also maintained an overall A rating from the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability for the 10th consecutive year and was included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Korea Index for the 11th consecutive year.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: LX Hausys America Inc.

First Ever Launch Of Atomic-6 Space Armor Takes Aim At Growing Threat Of Space Debris

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — October 21, 2026 — Atomic-6, a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, today announced the first-ever launch of its Space Armor® technology into orbit aboard Portal Space Systems’ Starburst-1 spacecraft, carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Bandwagon-5 dedicated rideshare mission. The launch marks a significant milestone for Atomic-6, moving Space Armor® tiles from ground-based hypervelocity testing to its first operational deployment in space.

The composite shielding technology will help protect critical spacecraft systems against potentially catastrophic impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD), addressing concerns related to the “Kessler Syndrome,” a cascading effect of space debris collisions that could make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable for satellites or space missions.

Atomic-6 - Trevor Smith
Trevor Smith

Built with a proprietary fiber-to-resin manufacturing method, Space Armor® tiles also create the first composite radome, a structural enclosure that protects communication equipment, that offers both communications transparency and impact resilience.

“We’ve proven Space Armor® tiles can withstand debris traveling at extraordinary speeds without generating harmful secondary fragments,” said Trevor Smith, CEO, Atomic-6. “Now, we’re putting that technology to work aboard Portal’s Starburst-1, taking an important step toward scaling its deployment and making space safer and more sustainable.”

Protecting a New Generation of Spacecraft

Space Armor® technology’s combination of impact resistance, reduced mass, and RF permeability offers spacecraft manufacturers a new approach to protecting high-value orbital assets, including satellites, communications systems, and future crewed platforms. Unlike traditional metallic Whipple shields, Space Armor® tiles are lighter, thinner and engineered to resist fragmentation upon impact, reducing the risk of generating additional hazardous debris in orbit.

In ground-based hypervelocity testing, Space Armor® composite tiles successfully stopped projectiles traveling faster than 7 kilometers per second, or approximately 16,000 miles per hour, while producing no harmful secondary debris. In comparative testing, conventional aluminum shielding generated a multitude of fragments, some larger than the original projectile.

Portal’s Starburst-1 installed Space Armor® tiles on its first free-flying spacecraft mission carrying live payloads. Designed for rapid maneuvering within an orbital regime , Starburst-1 will demonstrate capabilities that support rendezvous and proximity operations, rapid retasking, and significant orbital changes during its planned one-year primary mission.

“Protecting spacecraft from orbital debris matters to us and our customers, and we’re excited by Atomic-6’s approach to that challenge,” said Jeff Thornburg, co-founder and CEO of Portal Space Systems. “Space Armor has the potential to add valuable protection to spacecraft while not affecting or hindering the performance our missions demand. Seeing the first tile reach orbit is a milestone deserving of celebration, and we’re proud to have been the vehicle to get them there.”

Portal and Atomic-6 will use experience from integrating Space Armor® tiles onto Starburst-1 to validate installation procedures and develop best practices for incorporating the tiles into future spacecraft designs.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Atomic-6

Italian Textile Machinery Orders In Q3 2026

acimit-logoMILAN— October 23, 2026 — Order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers increased by 7% in the third quarter of 2026, compared with the same period of 2025. Growth was driven by demand from international markets, where orders rose by 8%, while the domestic market remained weak, posting a 4% decline.

Compared with the previous quarter, overall order intake decreased by 4%, reflecting the uncertainty that continues to affect investment decisions across the global textile sector. The textile machinery orders index for the July-September period reached 44.6 points (base year 2021 = 100).

Italian manufacturers reported an average order backlog equivalent to 3.5 months of production, while capacity utilisation stood at 72.4%.

Sector-by-sector data show that order trends were generally stable or declining during the quarter, both in the domestic and export markets. Expectations for the final quarter of 2026 remain cautious, with most companies anticipating either stable or lower levels of order intake.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, commented:

Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President
Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President

“Despite the widespread caution among manufacturers, fuelled by international uncertainty and rising energy costs, foreign markets continue to provide positive signals. This is particularly encouraging, as exports account for around 80% of the order intake of Italian textile machinery manufacturers.”

“The domestic market, however, remains subdued. The industry is looking for stronger investment momentum from Italian companies, supported by the incentives available under the Transition 5.0 scheme, which offers improved planning opportunities for industrial investments.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT )

Chinese BCF Yarn Manufacturer Relys On Barmag’s Digital Academy

REMSCHEID, NEUMÜNSTER / Germany — October 22, 2026 — Three years after its launch in English, Spanish, French and Turkish, Barmag’s Digital Academy online training center for the BCF process is now also available in Chinese.

Barmag_Neumag_Digital_Academy_laptop - The Digital Academy's training programs are designed for operators, process engineers and technicians, as well as quality managers, and are currently available in 5 languages.
The Digital Academy’s training programs are designed for operators, process engineers and technicians, as well as quality managers, and are currently available in 5 languages.

Online training courses disrupt production processes less than in-person events, are more targeted, and are available more quickly. 450 active users have already recognized the benefits of Barmag’s digital classroom for themselves. Most of them are based in the U.S.; with the launch of the Chinese version, this offering is now accessible to an even larger customer base.

Taicang Universal Fibers Co. Ltd. is already taking advantage of the opportunity to train its employees at the machine to ensure optimal machine operation. “With the Digital Academy, we can provide our employees with optimal support and further increase the efficiency of our equipment,” says Tom Yu, Facility Manager at Taicang Universal Fibers.

Customers using other Barmag and Neumag processes are also set to benefit from the Digital Academy. The training program for the POY process is just about to be rolled out. Online training courses for the staple fiber process are currently in preparation.

Digital learning is the future

The online training center, available on the e-commerce platform myBarmag.com, offers a wide range of e-learning modules on the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Neumag BCF S+ and S8 systems. The training program is aimed at operators, process engineers and technicians, as well as quality managers.

The advantage of the Digital Academy: Compact, role-based learning units accessible via mobile and desktop devices allow users to quickly apply the content. At the same time, the Digital Academy consistently shares Barmag’s OEM expertise regarding the operation and maintenance of the machines. In contrast to work methods that have evolved individually, all processes are standardized and followed through in complete detail. This ensures that users learn and apply the defined best practices.

Progress assessments help participants internalize the contents and reinforce what they have learned; exams and certificates document their learning achievements. Feedback features can quickly clarify comprehension questions at any time. Access to the Digital Academy is granted on a location- or company-specific basis.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: BARMAG – A Subsidiary of the Rieter Group

Lectra’s Observatory Newest White Paper Explores The Transformative Impact Of AI On The Fashion Industry

PARIS — October 22, 2026 — The Lectra Observatory, which explores innovation and change in the fashion, furniture and automotive markets, has published a new white paper entitled “The intelligence edge is here.” It examines how a sudden leap in artificial intelligence maturity and adoption is transforming the fashion industry, creating unprecedented opportunities for brands to reimagine product creation, manufacturing, marketing, traceability and collaboration.

Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from an emerging technology into a transformative force that is reshaping industries around the world. The latest generation of AI systems is capable of supporting far more than isolated tasks. Connected to enterprise data and business processes, AI can help fashion companies enhance decision-making, automate complex workflows, improve collaboration across teams and unlock new levels of productivity. At the same time, the effectiveness of AI depends on the quality and accessibility of the information it can leverage.

“Our long-standing expertise in AI and Fashion, combined with our unique visibility across the global fashion ecosystem, places us in a privileged position to understand how today’s AI is revolutionizing the industry. Through the Lectra Observatory, we bring together leading industry voices to explore the opportunities AI creates across the entire product journey. This white paper reflects a shared conviction: the companies that successfully combine AI with trusted data, deep industry expertise, and connected workflows will be best positioned to accelerate innovation, improve decision-making, and build lasting competitive advantage in an increasingly complex market,” explains Maria Modroño, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Lectra.

Contribution of experts from the fashion industry

In this white paper, the Lectra Observatory appealed to a wide array of experts from across the fashion ecosystem, including Ilaria Del Gaudio, Marketing & Communication Senior Manager at KIKO Milano; Caterina Ticchio, Head of Merchandising & Planning at C.P. Company; Nicolas Griffioen, former New Technology & AI Lead at G-STAR RAW and independent AI consultant; Ben Hanson, Editor-in-Chief of The Interline; Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO of Lectra; Thierry Caye, Chief Technology Officer of Lectra; Nicolas Favreau, Vice President of Offer Strategy at Lectra; and Arnaud Roy, Chief Strategy Officer at Launchmetrics, a Lectra company.

This white paper is the fifth dedicated to the fashion industry, including The Challenges of Product Development in the Fashion Industry, and Sustainable Fashion. All Lectra Observatory white papers are available here:

https://www.lectra.com/en/the-lectra-observatory

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Lectra

Secretary Rollins And NASA Administrator Isaacman Sign MOU To Advance USDA Data Modernization Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C.— October 26, 2026 — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Jared Isaacman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NASA that will strengthen USDA’s data quality and help ensure that American farmers and ranchers benefit from and have access to cutting-edge technologies.

Effective immediately, both Departments will work together to guide cooperation on integrating Earth observation, geospatial analytics, and statistical methodologies in support of agricultural statistics and aligned with USDA’s ongoing data and technology modernization efforts.

“American farmers are the best in the world and deserve any solution we can leverage, even when it is out of this world. I am proud to announce that USDA will now work with Administrator Isaacman and NASA to utilize the full power of technology, research, and development to fortify U.S. agriculture,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “With this unprecedented partnership the Trump Administration is committing to a bright future of research and tech opportunities that will enhance USDA acreage and yield estimation and drive profitability for American agriculture.”

The partnership between the two Departments is long-standing, but new opportunities to improve crop performance for Earth and space-based goals were initiated in December 2025, when President Trump issued Executive Order 14369, “Ensuring American Space Superiority.” At that time, NASA and USDA began to explore creative new ways to improve American and global agriculture, observe the environment, and contribute to better human health.

“NASA develops some of the most advanced sensing, computing, and analytical capabilities in the world, and we should put those tools to work wherever they can deliver meaningful outcomes for the American people,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “By combining NASA’s Earth observation data and technical expertise with USDA’s knowledge of American agriculture, we can improve the information available to farmers and ranchers, strengthen our understanding of crop conditions and natural hazards, and pursue new high-risk, high-reward ideas that advance both science and American competitiveness.”

The scope of cooperation under this MOU may include, but is not limited to, agricultural statistics, remote sensing science, modeling, geospatial data engineering, and super intelligence/machine learning (SI/ML) supported by the participants. As priorities evolve, additional areas of cooperation may be identified.

Areas of cooperation include:

  • Mission/Data Alignment: Regular technical exchanges to align USDA statistical requirements with NASA Earth science missions and data products (e.g., satellite observations, model outputs, and derived geophysical variables).
  • Data Access & Infrastructure: Discussions on scalable access patterns to NASA archives, cloud‑native geospatial formats, application programming interfaces (APIs), and workflow orchestration that enable USDA production operations.
  • Methodology & Validation: Joint technical reviews of algorithms for crop condition indicators, yield models, planted/harvested area estimation, and disaster impact assessment, including approaches to bias correction, uncertainty quantification, and validation using statistically sound frames and ground data.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and the participants intend to work together to investigate opportunities for collaboration under this MOU.

This effort supports the USDA Data Modernization Plan (PDF, 5.3 MB) launched by Secretary Rollins last month to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the agricultural data that inform decisions across American agriculture.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

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