Textile Factory 7.0: Smart Jackets, Laser Technology And Microplastics

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — August 27, 2026 — As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production – from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Minister Mona Neubaur with T7 logo
Photo:© Tomas Rodriguez

Researchers from the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB) of the Hochschule Niederrhein and the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University presented Minister Neubaur, Mönchengladbach Mayor Felix Heinrichs and representatives of state politics with innovative technologies and processes developed as part of T7.

Textilfabrik 7.0 is being established in the Monforts Quartier as a real-world laboratory where innovative technologies and production processes are developed, tested under real-world conditions and further advanced for industrial application. The goal is to foster economically viable, CO₂-neutral and circular textile production in the Rhenish Mining Area. The halls of the T7-Factory in the Monforts Quartier are currently being equipped with machinery. The innovations already developed were presented to the visitors at the Technology Centre for Textile Finishing at Hochschule Niederrhein.

Smart: Making Textile Production Intelligent and Digital

Under the motto “smart”, the Minister explored a range of innovative technologies. She tested one of the project‘s smart jackets which recorded her movements and body data and visualised them via an app. Integrating sensors into textiles opens up new fields of application, particularly in the healthcare sector. Smart jackets, for example, can be used during physiotherapy exercises to digitally track movement patterns and provide targeted feedback.

At an embroidery machine, the visitors were also shown how conductive yarn can be integrated into textile structures. AI applications were demonstrated as well: artificial intelligence can be used to analyse natural fibres and, for example, determine material compositions more quickly and accurately. Project staff also presented digital manufacturing processes such as laser printing.

The Rhenish Mining Area is already shaping the future with innovative and sustainable solutions for industry and the people who live and work here. Digital applications, artificial intelligence and sustainable processes are not merely being demonstrated here; they are being further developed and tested. The focus is on products that are closely aligned with users’ needs. When smart jackets made from intelligent textile fabrics measure vital data, they can provide tangible support to help people stay healthy or regain their health. This benefits not only people, but also creates tangible opportunities for a competitive and sustainable textile industry,” said Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Clean: Sustainable Alternatives for Textile Processes

Under the motto “clean”, the project partners presented approaches for dyeing textiles using natural dyes, for example from tea or pomegranate peels. Alternative processes for decolourising and bleaching textiles are also being developed. Visitors were shown how a pair of jeans can be decolourised using either laser technology or fungal cultures. The resulting substance can even be used to produce vegan leather alternatives. The visitors also had the opportunity to view a set-up for detecting fibrous microplastics in wastewater from washing machines.

Mönchengladbach Mayor Felix Heinrichs said: “Today’s tour impressively demonstrated just how much textile expertise and innovative strength exists in Mönchengladbach and the surrounding region. A wide range of technologies and applications can already be experienced and tested here in practice. This highlights the potential that lies in bringing together science, industry and Mönchengladbach’s long-standing textile tradition, and the opportunities this creates for sustainable growth and prosperity in the future.

A Clear Shared Vision For The Future

The visit clearly showed: innovation does not solely happen in the laboratory. The crucial step is translating research into practical applications. This is what the researchers at Textilfabrik 7.0 are doing.

With its four core areas – On-Demand Manufacturing, MicroFactory Engineering, Digital Textiles and Biosphere – T7 combines technological innovation with sustainability and creates a platform for the textile production of tomorrow. At its heart is one shared question: How can textile production become smarter, cleaner and economically viable at the same time?

Prof. Dr. Rabe (Hochschule Niederrhein) and Prof. Dr. Gries (RWTH Aachen University) emphasised to the Minister that the motto “smart and clean” is not an abstract vision. It can already be experienced and tested in practice today and is ready for application.

About T7:

T7 is a joint project of the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB) of the Hochschule Niederrhein, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University, the Association of the Northwest German Textile and Clothing Industry, the Association of the Rhenish Textile and Clothing Industry, the Textile Academy NRW, and the Wirtschaftsförderung Mönchengladbach.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) through the “STARK” funding guideline for strengthening the momentum of transformation and fostering new beginnings in the coal regions and at coal-fired power plant sites, by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy (MWIKE) of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in accordance with the Framework Guideline for the Implementation of the Investment Act for Coal Regions (InvKG) in North Rhine-Westphalia (RRL), and by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Posted: September 1, 2026

Source: Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

KARL MAYER During ITMA ASIA 2026: Innovations For Warp Knit, Warp Prep And Technical Textiles

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 1, 2026 — At ITMA ASIA in Shanghai, KARL MAYER will once again demonstrate that it understands the challenges facing the Asian textile industry – and will present tailor-made solutions. It will do so across no fewer than three stages:

  • Hall 4.1, Booth C18 for warp knitting
  • Hall 3, Booth A24 for warp preparation
  • An accompanying mega Product Show at the company’s Changzhou site

The Asian markets are among the most dynamic and innovative in the world and are a key part of KARL MAYER’s global strategy. Across Asia, rising labour, energy, and financing costs are compounded by continued price pressure from international brands. At the same time, sustainability requirements, shorter lead times, and smaller batch sizes are making the battle for margins even tougher.

With its new machines and textile solutions for ITMA ASIA, KARL MAYER will directly address precisely these challenges.

“Our closeness to customers in Asia helps us identify market requirements at an early stage and translate them into targeted innovations. That is why, at this trade fair, we will be showcasing solutions that are not only technologically leading but, above all, deliver one key benefit: they create measurable added value and long-term growth opportunities for our customers,” explains Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER.

The company will present its solutions to the challenges facing its customers at two exhibition booths in Shanghai. This approach will also allow KARL MAYER to engage with customers from both the warp knitting and warp preparation sectors within their own industry environment. In addition, KARL MAYER (CHINA) will host a Product Show at its Changzhou location, featuring further machine premieres.

Performance Upgrade for the Next Generation of Warp Knitting

In the late 2010s, KARL MAYER triggered a boom in China with its cost-effective tricot machine range. Now, a new generation is ready to deliver performance upgrades and drive business expansion. Two-, three-, and four-bar models offer higher output and greater flexibility, and set new standards for product quality thanks to XXL working widths, higher operating speeds, and finer gauges.

Visitors to Hall 4.1, Booth C18 at the NECC Shanghai can look forward to:

  • A two-bar elastic tricot machine optimized for performance and value, designed for demanding sportswear, outerwear, and lingerie, offering high flexibility in panel width
  • A three-bar tricot machine with significantly more scope for patterning and fabric widths, with a clear focus on productivity and cost efficiency

Complementing the machine exhibits, a textile innovation show will highlight natural fibres and eye-catching trend collections for the growth sectors of sportswear, fashion, and footwear, providing inspiration for new textiles and business fields. Sustainable material concepts are a particular highlight. KARL MAYER’s new natural-fibre warp knits help customers meet brands’ growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions.

KARL MAYER supports its customers in all their needs – quickly, efficiently, and comprehensively. This commitment will also be reflected in the company’s Care Solutions offering at ITMA ASIA. The presentation will focus on the Customer Portal, the latest digital solutions, and the SPARE PARTS WEBSHOP.

Innovative Warp Preparation Machines for Staple Fibres

Weaving customers will once again find KARL MAYER’s latest warp preparation technology in the familiar surroundings of Hall 3, Booth A24.

Here, the leading machine manufacturer will demonstrate its particular strengths in staple fibre processing with:

On display are:

  • A next-generation directwarping machine with creel and yarn tensioners delivering unique output levels, simplified operation, perfect yarn tension and top-quality beams. The premium beams reduce yarn waste during sizing and maximize efficiency in the weaving process.
  • An intelligently engineered sizing box capable of achieving maximal yarn coverage with minimal sizing agent consumption and maximum occupancy rates, while simultaneously reducing maintenance requirements.

Product Show Featuring Premieres for Greater Efficiency, Growth, and Creativity

Further world premieres and innovations will be unveiled at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou:

  • The fastest and most flexible four-bar short-stroke tricot machine on the market, which is simultaneously the finest-gauge model in KARL MAYER’s four-bar portfolio. It enables the production of textiles with an exceptionally premium appearance and a wide variety of designs.
  • The public premiere of multiple double-needle bar Raschel machines that rethink patterning, particularly for the footwear industry, while delivering an unparalleled level of efficiency
  • A RASCHELTRONIC® machine that opens up new creative possibilities in product development for both knitting mills and brands
  • An upgraded weft-insertion machine that creates new opportunities for fashion through finer fabrics and easier pattern changes, while maintaining high productivity, particularly compared with weaving
  • A new composite machine that expands KARL MAYER’s portfolio for reinforcement textiles, especially for the wind energy sector. Customers can use it to supply all required non-crimp fabrics from a single source – with outstanding productivity, ease of operation, and operational reliability

KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) in Changzhou will also presenting new fabrics reflecting current trends and applications with major future potential. The textiles developed here not only demonstrate the machines’ capabilities but also translate market trends, customer requirements, and new materials into concrete business opportunities for customers.

At the TIC, visitors will find fresh ideas, inspiration for the markets of tomorrow, as well as ideas for specific development projects and experts able to address all their needs.

KARL MAYER looks forward to welcoming its visitors and engaging in a lively exchange with them.

Posted: September 1, 2026

Source: KARL MAYER Verwaltungsgesellschaft SE

CreateMe Strengthens Leadership Team To Accelerate Commercialization Of U.S.-Based AI-Powered Apparel Manufacturing

NEWARK, CA. — September 1, 2026 — CreateMe Technologies, an AI robotics company pioneering automated apparel manufacturing through advanced bonding and robotics, today announced three key leadership appointments as it enters its next phase of commercialization. John W. Jacobson joins as vice president of commercialization, Leslie Lambert as vice president of people & business operations, and Ashley Nicole Stickler has been promoted to vice president of marketing & partnerships.

The appointments strengthen CreateMe’s commercial, operational and brand-building expertise at a pivotal time, as the company advances from technology development and early brand partnerships into broader commercial deployment of its automated manufacturing platform.

John W. Jacobson

John W. Jacobson joins in the newly created role of vice president of commercialization, bringing nearly two decades of experience building businesses across retail and global manufacturing. He previously co-founded Luminara Worldwide, scaling the business to more than $100 million in retail revenue and 30,000 retail outlets worldwide within six years. In his new role, Jacobson will lead commercialization strategy and work with brands, retailers and manufacturing partners to move programs from development through scaled production.

Leslie Lambert

Leslie Lambert joins as vice president of people & business operations, bringing more than 20 years of experience building and leading people functions across manufacturing, retail and consumer brands, including Ampersand Brands, CIRCA of America, Sephora and Williams-Sonoma.

At CreateMe, she will lead people and business operations and build the talent, organizational, and workforce infrastructure needed to scale CreateMe’s apparel manufacturing platform.

Ashley Nicole Stickle

Ashley Nicole Stickler has been promoted to vice president of marketing & partnerships, expanding her leadership across global brand strategy, communications and strategic partnerships. Stickler brings nearly two decades of experience building global brands and cultural platforms, including work for adidas and Calvin Klein. Since joining the company, she has helped shape its position at the intersection of apparel, robotics and advanced manufacturing while developing key partnerships and industry engagement that support its broader commercialization efforts.

“CreateMe has established a new model for apparel manufacturing. John, Leslie and Ashley bring the commercial, operational and brand leadership we need to put that model to work at scale,” said Cam Myers, founder and CEO of CreateMe. “John’s commercial perspective and global manufacturing experience will help us move customer programs from deployment into production, while Leslie will build the teams, systems and infrastructure needed to support that growth. Ashley has already played a central role in shaping our market presence and building strong industry partnerships. Together, they will help build the commercial foundation needed to make bonded manufacturing the future of fashion.”

The appointments follow several key commercial milestones as CreateMe advances toward scaled production. In 2026, CreateMe announced a strategic partnership with UNTUCKit and Supima® to introduce its first commercially available digitally bonded garments, with plans to scale production to as many as 50,000 bonded T-shirts annually. In June, the company launched Seed to System with Avalo and Laguna Fabrics, connecting climate-smart cotton, domestic textile manufacturing and robotic garment assembly in an AI-assisted U.S. apparel manufacturing ecosystem.

Together, these programs signal CreateMe’s transition from demonstrating what automated apparel manufacturing can do to building the commercial ecosystem required for widespread adoption. The expanded leadership team will drive this next phase across customer growth, operations, talent, brand and strategic industry partnerships.

Posted: September 1, 2026

Source: CreateMe Technologies

 

Schotex Global® Welcomes Mats Jengard As Nordic Sales Director

HONG KONG — September 1, 2026 — Sustainable and high-performance textile and textile technology developer Schotex Global® Co. Ltd. announces it has named outdoor industry sales veteran Mats Jengard as its head of sales for the Nordic region.

Mats Jengard

Jengard brings more than 25 years of successful sales and project management experience to his position at Schotex.  Based in Sweden, Jengard has served as sales manager for established outdoor performance brands, including Norrona, PrimaLoft and W.L. Gore & Associates.

Designed in Switzerland, developed from European raw materials, and manufactured on European machinery, the Schotex Global collection pairs Swiss design heritage with the efficiency of Asian manufacturing.  Schotex Global textiles range from its ACTIVE double weave constructions and FLEX single-layer textiles with exceptional 4-way stretch comfort to its TERRA natural fiber and technical synthetic blends and its SHIELD ultimate weather protection 2- or 3-layer laminates.

“We see great potential for Schotex in Northern Europe with the addition of Mats to our team, and are excited for him to introduce our product offerings to the outdoor performance brands in his Nordic region,” said Schotex Co-Founder and CEO Gwen Hsu.  “His deep experience with global brands, collaborative work style, and focus on guiding long-term partnership programs with exceptional customer service align perfectly with our company goals and working principles.  He is also a passionate outdoorsman who understands exactly what our consumers need and look for in their garments.”

Outside of work, Jengard enjoys alpine skiing, downhill biking, hiking, as well as golf.  He resides in Trollhättan, Sweden, with his wife of 30 years, their kids and dog.

Posted: September 1, 2026

Source: Schotex Global Co. Ltd.

AAFA Applauds Congressional Passage Of Two-Year Extension Of AGOA And Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 1, 2026 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrates the passage of a two-year extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by the House with bipartisan support. The vote (370-48), which occurred as part of the Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government, provides for a crucial extension of both programs, which were set to expire at the end of this year. Once the CR is signed into law, the programs will expire December 31, 2028.

For 25 years, AGOA has provided eligible Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access, strengthening American exports in textiles and agriculture and fostering a wide array of U.S.–Africa commercial partnerships. Likewise, for more than 15 years, the Haiti HOPE/HELP programs have supported both U.S. and Haitian textile industries by granting Haiti duty-free access for apparel and textile products, building strong business ties between the two neighboring nations.

“We are grateful for the bipartisan, bicameral support these vital programs have received and look forward to President Trump signing the two-year extension into law,” said Beth Hughes, AAFA’s Vice President of Trade and Customs Policy. “Our industry remains firmly committed to these programs and encourages Congress to use this extension as an opportunity to modernize AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP and build toward a 15-year renewal. Long-term renewal continues to be the goal in order to encourage long-term investment, deepen trade partnerships, and strengthen industries at home and throughout the region.”

AAFA has consistently urged Congress and the Administration to renew both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP, offering testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on AGOA’s renewal in July.

Both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP have been supported for decades by overwhelming bipartisan majorities. Long-term renewal of these programs will provide much-needed certainty for U.S. companies and provide stability for the workforces in sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti.

Posted: September 1, 2026

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

RDJ 6/2 In E 32 Gauge: Filigree Mesh Looks And Maximum Comfort For High-Performance Sports Footwear

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — August 25, 2026 — The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical.

In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes.

These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

The extensive range of design possibilities has now been expanded by another member of KARL MAYER’s RDJ family: the RDJ 6/2 in the new E 32 gauge.

More Pattern Effects and Exceptionally Uniform Surfaces

Thanks to its fine gauge, spacer textiles can be produced with an unprecedentedly soft hand feel, fine and dense structures, and particularly smooth surfaces. Pattern designs appear exceptionally delicate and clean, as the smaller loop heads provide sharper contours and more clearly defined motifs. The resulting overall appearance is uniquely uniform and refined.

Another advantage is that the RDJ 6/2 operates with two Jacquard guide bars controlled wirelessly. This enables more complex patterning, additional design effects, two-color designs, and both equal-lap and counter-lap patterning. Counter-lap patterning, for example, can be used to create breathable pore zones with nearly round openings, as well as surfaces offering greater structural variety. Everything is possible, from lightweight and thin constructions to bold designs featuring pronounced pattern effects achieved with thicker materials.

An EL pattern drive ensures quick pattern changes.

Maximum Productivity, Durability and Operating Efficiency

In addition to its flexibility, the RDJ 6/2 also excels in economic efficiency. It impresses with very high production speeds while maintaining outstanding fabric quality and unique operational reliability. This makes it a dependable machine for high-volume production.

The RDJ 6/2 also stands out in terms of durability and ease of operation. Handling is extremely simple, requires minimal personnel resources, and is supported by intelligent features, including the wireless Jacquard control system. This not only expands patterning capabilities but also simplifies yarn threading and improves overall accessibility and clarity.

Furthermore, specially designed trick plates tailored to the fine gauge make the adjustment of fabric thickness particularly convenient. The fabric spacing can be flexibly adjusted between 2 and 5 mm.

The RDJ 6/2 in E 32 is available with a working width of 138″.

KARL MAYER will present its latest innovations at ITMA ASIA in Shanghai: for warp knitting in Hall 4.1/C18 and warp preparation in Hall 3/A24.

Posted: August 30, 2026

Source: KARL MAYER Verwaltungsgesellschaft SE

Monforts On The Move In Textile Growth Markets

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — August 26, 2026 — During September, specialists from Monforts will be attending events in two of the fastest growing countries for textile manufacturing –  Kenya and Uzbekistan – before once again looking forward to meeting customers old and new at the 2026 Igatex exhibition which is taking place in Lahore, Pakistan, from October 15-18.

Uzbekistan’s growth

Thomas Päffgen and the company’s local partner Textile Technologies & Services (TTS) will be at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Monforts Area Sales Manager Thomas Päffgen will be present alongside the company’s local partner Textile Technologies & Services (TTS) at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from September 8-10, at stand B50-9.

“Monforts has been closely involved in Uzbekistan’s rapid move downstream from cotton and yarn production into higher-value fabric manufacturing,” he explains. “We have Montex and Thermex installations already in place at a number of the country’s major vertically integrated manufacturers and as Uzbekistan looks to establish itself as a significant textile and apparel hub between Europe and Asia, its companies are increasingly looking at value addition through finishing – which is the area we specialise in.”

Uzbekistan has transformed its textile industry from one centred largely on the production and export of raw cotton into an increasingly integrated manufacturing sector spanning spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and garment production.

The change accelerated after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power ten years ago, with reforms aimed at reducing the state control of cotton production, encouraging private investment and retaining more of the value generated by the country’s substantial cotton crop. A network of vertically integrated textile clusters has subsequently emerged, linking cotton cultivation with ginning and downstream manufacturing.

Kenya’s promise

Manfred Havenith will take part in the VDMA delegation to Kenya and also join regional partner Al Ameen at the Igatex textile machinery exhibition in Pakistan.

Area Sales Manager Manfred Havenith will meanwhile join the delegation of VDMA Textile Machinery Association members who will stage a symposium at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel on Nairobi, Kenya, on September 30th.

“Kenya’s textile and apparel industry is emerging as one of Africa’s most promising manufacturing sectors,” he says. “After a difficult period when cheap imports, falling cotton production and under-investment led to the closure of many mills, the industry has rebuilt itself around export-oriented garment manufacturing while also beginning to revive its domestic textile supply chain. Today, the challenge is to move beyond being primarily a cut-and-sew manufacturing base and develop a fully integrated industry stretching from cotton farming to finished garments and technical textiles.

One of Kenya’s greatest strengths, he adds, is its workforce.

“The country has a young and rapidly growing population, with garment manufacturing already providing employment for more than 80,000 people in the formal sector, the majority of them women. The wider cotton value chain, including farming, ginning and informal activities, supports many thousands more livelihoods. Labour costs remain competitive by international standards and Kenya has developed considerable experience in producing apparel for leading global brands.”

Pakistan’s growing influence

Monforts specialists will also be in attendance at the forthcoming Igatex textile machinery exhibition taking place at Pakistan’s Expo Lahore from October 15-18, alongside regional partner Al Ameen at stand F-2-09, in Hall 2. At lasy year’s Igatex, Al Ameen celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Monforts continues to gain significant repeat orders for its equipment from Pakistan’s major vertically-integrated textile manufacturers as they seek to both expand and diversify into new markets. Monforts customers in the regions around Pakistan’s three biggest cities of Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad include all of the main players in the fields of home textiles and denim production.

“These companies rely on our established technologies including Montex stentering equipment, Monfortex sanforizing units and Thermex dyeing ranges,” says Manfred Havenith. “As they look to new markets in today’s highly-competitive industry, we continue to assist them with trials and optimised processing parameters in developing advanced fabrics for a wide range of end-uses, both at their own plants and at our Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) in Germany. We are very much looking forward to fruitful discussions in Lahore about the many options for increasing productivity while making major sustainable gains through resource efficiency.”

Posted: August 30, 2026

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

SDL Atlas Donates Vortex M6 To AATCC In Celebration Of The Instrument’s 10th Anniversary

ROCK HILL, S.C. — August 26, 2026 — SDL Atlas is proud to announce the donation of a new Vortex M6 laboratory laundering instrument to AATCC (The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), reaffirming the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing standardized textile testing and supporting the global textile testing community.

The donation coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Vortex M6, the laboratory laundering instrument developed by SDL Atlas specifically to meet the requirements of AATCC Monograph M6 and Laundering Procedure 1 (LP1). Since its introduction in 2016, the Vortex M6 has become a trusted solution for laboratories seeking highly controlled, repeatable laundering conditions for textile performance testing.

The Vortex M6 was developed in response to an industry-wide need for a standardized laboratory laundering system capable of delivering repeatable results aligned with AATCC standard based testing. As consumer washing machines evolved to meet new environmental and energy regulations, laboratories faced increasing challenges maintaining consistency in shrinkage, appearance, and durability testing. Working closely with the textile testing community, SDL Atlas engineered the Vortex M6 to restore the precision and reproducibility required for AATCC test methods.

“As we celebrate ten years of the Vortex M6, it is especially meaningful to place one of these instruments with the organization whose standards inspired its development,” said Charles Lane, President of SDL Atlas. “AATCC has played a vital role in advancing textile testing worldwide, and we are honored to support their ongoing work by donating a new Vortex M6.”

“AATCC is grateful for the ongoing support SDL Atlas has provided to the association. Corporate members such as SDL Atlas support our role in standards development,” said Gregg Woodcock, executive director of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Pictured from left are Woodcock; Garry Atkinson, AATCC technical manager; and Carrie Gray, AATCC senior technical associate.

“SDL Atlas has been a valued partner of AATCC for many years, and we sincerely appreciate their continued support of the textile testing community,” said Erika Simmons, Technical Director at AATCC. “This generous donation of a Vortex M6 will be an invaluable resource as we continue to develop, maintain, and support the standardized test methods relied upon throughout the industry.”

The Vortex M6 donation marks both a celebration of the instrument’s first decade and a continued investment in the future of standardized textile testing. Alongside the Vortex M6 Dryer, Vortex Plus, and the new Vortex Elite, the Vortex instrument family reflects SDL Atlas’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions that help laboratories achieve accurate, repeatable, standard based testing.

To learn more about the Vortex M6, visit www.sdlatlas.com/products/vortex-m6.

Committed to providing confidence in standards-based testing, SDL Atlas has offices and technical experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China, along with agents serving more than 100 countries, providing customers worldwide with instruments, consumables, calibration services, and technical support.

Posted: August 30, 2026

Source: SDL Atlas, LLC

Gherzi Americas Adds Four Industry Veterans To Consulting Team

NEW YORK  — August 26, 2026 — Gherzi Americas has added Andrew Olah, Courtney Caneer-Williams, Christine Tymkiw, and Colleen Ahalt-Eagle as consultants.

Their work covers denim, textile innovation, product development, sourcing, sustainability, and international operations.

“These are people who know the business from the inside,” said Robert Antoshak, Managing Partner of Gherzi Americas.

“They’ve built supply chains, run global operations, and dealt directly with mills and brands. They know how to take a strategy and make it work on the floor.”

Andrew Olah has been in textiles since 1976 and in denim since 1979.

Andrew Olah

He founded the Kingpins Show in 2004, the first trade show built entirely around the denim supply chain, and spent 15 years helping develop the capstone jeans brand course at the Fashion Institute of Technology. His Kingpins Transformers initiative, launched in 2014, became the Transformers Foundation in 2020. It remains a forum for hard conversations about how denim actually gets made.

Christine Tymkiw brings more than 20 years in fabric R&D, sourcing strategy, and supply-chain management, with leadership roles at Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Nautica, and Walmart.

Christine Tymkiw

She’s run fabric innovation programs and negotiated with mills around the world. Much of her career has been spent getting design, production, and quality teams to agree on something that can ship at margin. Through TYMKIW Consulting she advises companies on product development, sourcing, sustainability, process improvement, and tariffs.

Courtney Caneer-Williams has more than 24 years in textile innovation, international sourcing, and operations. She’s held leadership positions at brrr°, Everest Textile USA, HerMin Textile, Weavism, and Robert Talbott.

Courtney Caneer-Williams

At brrr° she ran multinational product programs, managed large purchasing budgets, and moved textile technology and production capability out of Asia and into North Carolina. She has lived and worked on three continents and speaks English, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish. Through K2K Industries she advises brands and manufacturers on textile strategy, sustainable materials, sourcing, and market development.

Colleen M. Ahalt-Eagle is a textile and manufacturing consultant with more than 20 years of experience across materials development, sourcing, sustainability, testing, and product innovation.

Colleen M. Ahalt-Eagle

She has held technical and materials roles with Target, Reebok/Adidas, Kathmandu, HanesBrands, and JCPenney, while also consulting for brands including Under Armour and Adidas. Her work combines hands-on textile and materials expertise with global sourcing, manufacturing strategy, commercialization, and sustainable-material development, giving her a broad view of both the technical and business sides of the industry.

“Clients want people who know the mills, understand the technology, and stay in it through execution,” Antoshak said.

Robert Antoshak

“That’s harder to find than it should be.”

All four will work with Gherzi Americas clients across the textile and apparel value chain on market strategy, sourcing, product development, operations, and responsible production.

Posted: August 30, 2026

Source: Gherzi Americas

Crowley, Port Houston Connect Central America And The U.S. Gulf With New Weekly Shipping Service

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — August 19, 2026 — Crowley, today announced a new weekly container service connecting Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras – two of Central America’s largest and fastest-growing trade gateways.

Crowley’s new Gulf-Central America Express Service links Port Houston to major ports in Central America and offers 53-foot containers to maximize intermodal efficiency across regional supply chains.

The Gulf-Central America Express Service makes its first Houston call on Sept. 10 with Thursday departures. Crowley’s vessels will carry dry and refrigerated containers that safely transport a range of fresh produce, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods from sea to land. The range of sizes includes 53-foot containers that maximize intermodal efficiency in the markets.

Central American exports to the United States grew 15.7% in year-over-year shipments in early 2026, driven largely by demand for fresh produce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.

“A direct Houston connection provides a reliable, efficient logistics solution for U.S.-Central American supply chains,” said Claudia Kattan, vice president for Central America, Mexico and Panama at Crowley. “Shippers get faster transits, improved inventory planning and the flexibility to move fresh produce, consumer goods and other time-sensitive cargo without the delays of transshipments.”

Port Houston is home to one of the nation’s top five and fastest-growing container ports, commanding approximately 75% of U.S. Gulf container volume. The port’s scale and inland connectivity give Central American exporters direct access to Texas, Midwest and West Coast markets, strengthening supply chain reliability for U.S. retailers.

“We are proud to welcome Crowley’s Gulf-Central America Express Service to Port Houston,” said John Moseley, chief commercial officer for Port Houston. “This new weekly call gives shippers a direct, reliable connection to Houston and two important Central American gateways, expanding choice for customers moving refrigerated and dry cargo through Houston.”

Beyond providing another option for shippers, the service will connect Houston more directly to the food, products and commercial activity moving between Central America and the United States.

“The impact of this service will extend well beyond the docks,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “It creates a more direct path for fresh produce and everyday goods to reach stores and families across our region, while helping Texas businesses connect with customers in Central America. That is what growth at Port Houston does: create opportunity and make the supply chains people rely on work better.”

Crowley’s expansion builds on the company’s long-standing presence in Caribbean and Central America, where it has maintained an integrated inland logistics network for more than 65 years.

By combining ocean transportation with warehousing and inland services through a single provider, businesses can reduce handoffs and improve supply chain visibility, a key advantage for retailers efficiently managing product inventory and shelf-life cycles.

Purpose-built to support the dynamic needs of customers, Crowley’s container vessels offer space for dry, refrigerated and project cargo, including 40- and 45-foot dry and refrigerated containers, 53-foot dry containers and 20- and 40-foot flat-rack equipment. The Crowley network of terminals, warehousing and supply chain solutions united U.S., Central American and Caribbean ports such as the Dominican Republic.

For more information about Crowley’s Houston service and broad capabilities, visit crowley.com/logistics.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Crowley

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