BURLINGTON, N.C. — February 14, 2025 — Trivantage®, a one-stop shop for marine fabrics and hardware, has expanded its Sunbrella® Plus fabric collection to include 17 vibrant, fade-resistant color offerings. Known for its excellent UV protection, weather resistance, and simple care, Sunbrella Plus has proven to be an ideal choice for high-moisture applications, such as exterior storage, bimini covers, boat covers, dodgers, and more.
“This line expansion more than doubles options for our fabricators whose customers are looking for marine shade and cover solutions,” said Keith Purves, business development and product training manager at Trivantage. “With new and improved pricing, Sunbrella Plus has never been more accessible.”
Built for use in open waters, Sunbrella Plus and its advanced design takes performance to the next level – a unique polyurethane and acrylic undercoating gives the fabric enhanced water repellency.
Other notable features include:
UV protection and fade resistance;
Resistance to mold, mildew, and stains;
Easy maintenance and cleaning;
PFAS-free, and compliant with state regulations; and
Backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The collection now features a range of neutrals, earth tones, blues, and eye-catching reds. To learn more about Sunbrella Plus, visit: https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-marine-sunbrella-plus
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — February 12, 2025 — ZymoChem, the biotech company creating sustainable materials for everyday products, announces the successful commercial-scale production of the key biopolymer ingredient used in its groundbreaking first product. This follows ZymoChem’s recent announcement of the launch of BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) as a drop-in replacement for traditional, fossil-based SAPs, a key component in disposable, absorbent hygiene products. By achieving production levels measured in multi-metric tons (MT) for the key biopolymer ingredient for BAYSE, and at efficiencies demonstrating commercial viability, ZymoChem is paving the way to deliver BAYSE BioSAP to customers worldwide.
ZymoChem’s proprietary fermentation-based manufacturing technology delivers ingredients with performance and cost attributes on par with conventional counterparts, while enabling the development of decarbonized solutions. Previously mastered in small-scale production, the company’s latest milestone saw the production of its biopolymer at the 45,000-liter scale. With support of its contract manufacturing operator (CMO), ZymoChem delivered this production with metrics that surpassed lab scale performance, demonstrating the robustness of the process at the industrial level.
“Our team’s dedication to innovation and precision has enabled us to showcase biomanufacturing at scale and at unprecedented efficiencies, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles in deploying bio-based products commercially,” said Dr. Ritu Bansal-Mutalik, vice president, BioProcess Development at ZymoChem. “This success brings us closer to providing high-performance, sustainable solutions for the hygiene, agriculture, cosmetics, and water treatment industries.”
Following its successful scale-up, ZymoChem is commencing commercial runs with its CMO partners to create additional inventory to deliver on the immense demand from partners eager to deploy bio-based, high-performance solutions globally.
Nearly 90 percent of the 4 Million MT of SAP manufactured each year is directed to the $145 billion global hygiene industry as part of infant diapers and period pads. The introduction of BAYSE with its biodegradable properties will positively disrupt the trade by addressing the environmental concerns associated with the 300,000 diapers that enter landfills or are incinerated every minute. Other non-hygiene-focused industries are also ready for a non-fossil-based SAP to support their customer needs.
Surpassing vital production, commercialization, and sustainability milestones has unlocked the path to producing thousands of MT of BAYSE annually, positioning ZymoChem to revolutionize the global SAP market.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — February 14, 2025 — KARL MAYER supports its customers not only with top products and the best service, but also with valuable specialist knowledge, and has done so for decades. The company’s own trainings for customers have been providing know-how for entry into warp knitting or business development since 1960 and are still in great demand in the industry today.
KARL MAYER Academy, Obertshausen
In 2024, there were a total of 104 courses for the warp knitting sector with 432 learners at the KARL MAYER academies in Germany, China, India, Japan and Turkey. The online offerings of the company’s own training hub are also gaining in importance. The online training platform has been available to customers in the Western Markets region since summer 2022. In December 2024, the Academy already had 564 active accounts with users from 50 countries, including many company owners and managers, as well as textile engineers, product developers and machine operators.
Sophia Krinner
“We are seeing a shift from on-site training to digital alternatives. The online courses are sufficient for many professional groups and make a trip to Obertshausen no longer necessary,” says Sophia Krinner, Product Owner Academy at KARL MAYER. She is looking forward to receiving the first registrations for the 2025 course program at the beginning of January.
Early bookers can look forward to a New Year’s special: there is a 25% discount on the “Introduction to warp knitting” e-learning course in February.
Specialist knowledge with high practical relevance
Just over half of last year’s courses corresponded to the standard program. However, there were also many special trainings in which customers specifically chose individual topics from the course program to intensify their knowledge. In addition, there was an increase in inquiries about the production of fishing nets, optimizing production processes and improving product quality. These trainings were held at the customer’s premises during ongoing production.
Working Warp Knitting Mill
Whatever format the courses took, they were always a success for the participants. The close practical relevance was particularly well received.
“I have much better view of the correlation between machine parts and product property now. I think the basic mechanism of lapping and needle motion will guide me on common quality issues in my work. And the practice I did in this training will be influencing me a lot in the future,” says Fang of Shawmut Corp., USA, about the training “Practical introduction to warp knitting”.
“What I learned will help me develop new functionalities for the company I work for. I will use it every day. My new knowledge will help me to develop new patterns and realize new design. By doing a training here you can eliminate many doubts and everything will be much clearer afterwards,” explains Valentina, American Specialized Textiles, Mexico, who had attended the same training.
“An excellent time spent learning and expanding my knowledge which I can now implement in my day-to-day job. The facilities and staff have been wonderful, and I look forward to returning to KARL MAYER to further my education with another course soon,” concludes Ashley, Baltex, United Kingdom, after attending the advanced course on warp knitting machines.
An introduction to warp knitting – already available in five languages – and various free tutorials are available in e-learning format. In 2024, the new topics “Energy Efficiency Solution” and “ Basics of Textile Analysis” were added to the range and were very well received. 117 trainees have already taken advantage of the additional offerings. This year has already started with new additions.
“In January, we published our new knowledge check for warp knitting. We want to help customers to self-assess their knowledge and make it easier for them to choose the right academy course,” explains Sophia Krinner.
MUMBAI — February 13, 2025 — Birla Cellulose, Cellulosic Fibres division of Grasim Industries Ltd is pleased to announce the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with LNJ Bhilwara Group Companies (RSWM Limited & TACC Limited) as the next step forward in the development of graphene technology for textile applications.
From Left to Right: Mr. Vishvajit Juikar – Group Leader NPD, R&D , Birla Cellulose -Pulp & Fibre Innovation Centre, Mr. Ashutosh Sharma President & Chief Marketing Officer Grey and dyed Business RSWM – LNJ Group, Mr. Ankur Khaitan – CEO TACC- LNJ Group, Mr. N.K Bahedia – Business Head Yarn Business RSWM – LNJ Group, Mr. ManMohan Singh – Chief Marketing Officer – Birla Cellulose, Ms Vaishali Kamble – Asst General Manager, Future Fibre & New Product Dev – Birla Cellulose, Mr. Shyamlal Patnaik – Jt President & Business Head – Future Fibre & New Product Dev – Birla Cellulose
Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice, is known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and lightweight properties, with applications in electronics, energy storage, coatings, composites, construction materials, and textiles.
Under this collaboration:
TACC Ltd. will supply graphene derivatives to Birla Cellulose
Birla Cellulose will integrate TACC’s graphene derivatives into the production of viscose fibres.
RSWM Ltd. will use these graphene-enhanced viscose fibres for textile manufacturing
This collaboration is set to evaluate textile innovation, integrating graphene’s remarkable properties into fabrics, enhancing durability, performance, and sustainability.
TACC, an innovation-driven venture of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, is a key player in the advanced materials sector, specializing in synthetic graphite and graphene derivatives. With a strong commitment to green technologies and sustainability, TACC continues to push the boundaries of graphene synthesis and its diverse industrial applications.
As one of India’s largest textile manufacturers, RSWM Ltd. has been at the forefront of innovation in yarn and fabric production for over five decades. With state-of-the-art manufacturing units and a strong export presence in over 70 countries, RSWM is a leader in delivering high-quality textile solutions to global markets.
Birla Cellulose, the cellulosic fibers business of Grasim Industries Ltd, flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading sustainability-focused Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) producer.
Birla Cellulose’s manufacturing units apply environmentally efficient closed-loop technologies including recycled materials and enhanced conservation of natural resources. Its five global advanced research centres are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and pilot plants. Birla Cellulose’s fibers are made from renewable wood and are produced using a closed-loop process with significantly lower carbon emissions and lower resource consumption.
Birla Cellulose collaborates actively with its upstream and downstream partners to create a bigger and broader positive impact on the sustainability of its value chain. Visit www.birlacellulose.com
WASHINGTON — February 13, 2025 — The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners.
“While we support the president’s efforts to reduce trade barriers and imbalances, this scale of undertaking is massive and will be extremely disruptive to our supply chains. It will likely result in higher prices for hardworking American families and will erode household spending power. We encourage the president to seek coordination and collaboration with our trading partners and bring stability to our supply chains and family budgets.
“The University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index continues to decline, suggesting consumers are alarmed about trade war uncertainty.”
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 13, 2025 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
The NCC is confident as Ms. Rollins steps in as the new Secretary of Agriculture that her knowledge and commitment to producers and rural America will be vital in our efforts to strengthen the farm economy. The NCC looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins to bring about positive developments for cotton and all of agriculture.
DURHAM, N.C. — February 13, 2025 — AATCC is still accepting submissions to the NEW 2025 Concept 2 Consumer Design & Merchandising Student Competition. The popular design and merchandising competitions have now been combined into one to allow students to better showcase their full range of skills.
Textile students are tasked with designing and merchandising an apparel collection based on the 2025 competition theme, “Creating Comfort: Waterway-Conscious Casual Apparel”. This theme aims to tackle issues regarding sustainability as many current textile items marketed as “comfortable” have a high ecological impact on waterways through microfiber shed, low tolerance to repeat laundering, and high-water usage during production. The industry relevant theme challenges students to think about how choices made early in the design and merchandising processes can reduce the environmental footprint of apparel.
To support and educate the students on competition related topics, AATCC is proud to offer webinars on topics such as textile testing, fiber fragments, low-impact textile production methods, and professional development. An official schedule of competition affiliated events can be found on the competition website.
The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students around the globe. Participants must be an AATCC student member to enter and AATCC memberships must be purchased prior to April 21, 2025, to be eligible. Only one entry per student per AATCC competition per year is permitted and entries are due April 23, 2025.
Awards
The first-place prize will be awarded US $2,000 from AATCC, US $300 from Farhan Patel, $150 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition.
The second-place prize will be awarded US $1,500 from AATCC, US $200 from Farhan Patel, $100 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition.
The third-place prize will be awarded US $500 from AATCC, $100 from Farhan Patel, $50 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition. All winners will receive one (1) free year of AATCC membership.
Entries will be judged based on content, creativity, completeness, thoroughness, and presentation of poster. Winners will be announced in May 2025.
Sponsors
The sponsors for the 2025 Concept 2 Consumer Design & Merchandising Student Competition are Farhan Patel, VV Hanwei Su of Maison De Hoe, and Archroma.
BADINERES, France — February 13, 2025 — Porcher Industries, a developer and producer of high-performance textiles and thermoplastic solutions, is proud to announce three major highlights that will be showcased at JEC World 2025. These solutions, designed to support all players in the composite value chain, showcase Porcher Industries’ commitment to advancing composite materials.
Launch of the Composite Application Lab (CAL)
Porcher Industries is unveiling its Composite Application Lab (CAL), a unique service designed to accelerate innovation in textiles and thermoplastic solutions. Acting as a true application laboratory, the CAL supports clients in creating tailor-made solutions.
Key objectives:
Deliver innovative solutions leveraging expertise in technical materials.
Develop prototypes and small production runs for enhanced responsiveness.
Facilitate the transition to thermoplastic solutions with the “Vacuum Bag Only” process.
The CAL reflects Porcher Industries’ commitment to meeting its partners’ needs across all markets and applications.
Porcher industries introduces its Peel Ply range for composite parts
Porcher Industries Peel Ply
A Peel Ply range designed to meet composite process requirements
Porcher Industries offers a line of peel ply textiles specifically engineered to optimize the manufacturing processes of composite parts.
Key features:
Exceptional dimensional stability, ensuring a reliable manufacturing process.
Easy removal, thanks to precise fabric tension management.
Uniform weave, promoting strong and consistent bonding.
Targeted at demanding industries such as aerospace and industrial manufacturing, this range combines technical performance with ease of use, making it ideal for complex industrial processes.
Aerospace Innovation: a revolutionary Cockpit
Porcher Industries Cockpit Lining
In collaboration with Airbus, Porcher Industries presents an innovative aerospace cockpit panel prototype made with materials optimized for vacuum bag consolidation:
Thinner material lightweight, and easy to assemble.
Manufacturing time savings: Opportunity to reduce the use of paints and varnishes, thanks to a naturally optimized surface.
Enhanced recyclability compared to traditional thermoset materials.
Once again, this technology showcases Porcher Industries’ ability to drive the adoption of composite materials.
Visit our booth 5U40 at JEC World from March 4–6, 2025, to discover these innovations! The cockpit is visible on our booth and on the JEC PLANETE MOBILITY
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — February 13, 2025 — VERIGRAFT, a Swedish biotechnology company has been awarded a prestigious Eurostars grant to lead PREPPER (PREcision Printed PERsonalized Tissue Therapies), a groundbreaking project developing next-generation 3D-printed arterial grafts. Together with Readily3D SA (Switzerland), RISE (Sweden), and Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Sweden), VERIGRAFT will integrate advanced 3D printing, solution-blown fiber technology, and personalized tissue engineering. The goal is to create customized vascular grafts that mimic natural arteries offering superior durability and seamless integration compared to current synthetic alternatives. The project has secured 1.2 million euros in funding and brings together internationally recognized experts in their respective fields to drive real innovation in regenerative medicine.
A Potential Game-Changer not just in Vascular Surgery
PREPPER aims to overcome the major limitations of existing grafts, such as access to human donated material, poor integration and high failure rates. This should pave the way for a first-in-human clinical trial and future commercialization. The technology also has potential applications beyond vascular grafts.
“This Eurostars grant is a major milestone for VERIGRAFT and regenerative medicine. With PREPPER, we are accelerating the future of personalized tissue therapies,” said Dr. Raimund Strehl, CTO of VERIGRAFT. “The global vascular graft market is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, and PREPPER positions Europe at the forefront of 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine.”
MANCHESTER, England — February 13, 2025 — The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is alerting apparel brands, retailers and their supply chain partners to an important change taking place this month.
As of February 24, 2025, the sale of all fluorescent lighting will officially come to an end in the EU and UK, with potentially significant implications for everyone along the supply chain — from designers and fabric manufacturers through to merchandisers and window display artists.
Eliminating mercury
VeriVide is holding stocks of fluorescents for its installed light booths as brands make the switch.
“The phase-out of fluorescent lamps has been in progress for some years because they contain mercury which can be damaging to health,” explained BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Lamps containing mercury were banned for general use in August 2023, impacting lighting in homes, factories and retail environments, but an exemption was granted for specialist applications such as visual and digital colour assessment until this month.
“So far, the legislation only initially applies in Europe and the UK but will rapidly be adopted globally and this means that specialist light booth manufacturers such as our member company VeriVide will no longer be able to sell new fluorescent-based light booths.”
“Color consistency is vital throughout the textile supply chain and all participants – from designers to fabric and garment manufacturers — have to be working under the same lighting conditions to guarantee it,” added VeriVide Sales Director Adam Dakin “The colour-matching that is carried out under fluorescent lamps in labs and design offices and passes through successive process steps in manufacturing can come out looking very different once it’s displayed in store under LEDs. This can result in very costly products returns, and even complete batch recalls.”
Colour ecosystem
VeriVide has spent the last decade developing and optimising its industry-leading all-LED light booths as part of its ecosystem of products specifically designed for instantly communicating colour decisions, colour fastness gradings, test reports and more, incorporating the DigiEye and DigiView digital colour measurement systems.
“What the ban means is we’ll no longer be able to manufacture fluorescent light booths,” Adam said. “What we will have going forward is the UltraView all-LED technology. We do, however, have a stock enabling customers to buy replacements for their existing light booths before transitioning to UltraView.”
Retail adoption
Since its launch in 2023, Ultra-View all-LED technology has already been successfully adopted by leading retail brands including H&M, George by Asda, Marks & Spencer, NEXT, River Island and Tesco.
“With UltraView from VeriVide, we are confident that we have future-proofed our capability for the visual assessment of colour,” says Gary Timmons, fabric technologist at NEXT.
“LED technology is the ideal alternative to fluorescent lighting being both mercury-free and using significantly less energy,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “It’s vital that all players are working to the exact specs, especially because the textile supply chain can be so complex.”
Posted: February 17, 2025
Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)
BURLINGTON, N.C. — February 14, 2025 — Trivantage®, a one-stop shop for marine fabrics and hardware, has expanded its Sunbrella® Plus fabric collection to include 17 vibrant, fade-resistant color offerings. Known for its excellent UV protection, weather resistance, and simple care, Sunbrella Plus has proven to be an ideal choice for high-moisture applications, such as exterior storage, bimini covers, boat covers, dodgers, and more.
“This line expansion more than doubles options for our fabricators whose customers are looking for marine shade and cover solutions,” said Keith Purves, business development and product training manager at Trivantage. “With new and improved pricing, Sunbrella Plus has never been more accessible.”
Other notable features include:
