AAFA: American Brands Welcome Limited Tariff Respite; Seek Certainty And More Comprehensive Approach To Restore Predictability And Affordability To Market

WASHINGTON — April 9, 2025 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to a 90-day pause and lowering of “reciprocal” tariffs, as well as additional tariffs placed on U.S. imports from China, announced by President Trump today.

Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA, expressed concern over this minute-by-minute trade policy chaos:

“The on-again, off-again tariff policy is forcing companies to careen between chaos and costs. While we welcome this limited pause to give negotiators in the U.S. and dozens of trading partners a chance to hammer out sustainable outcomes, it is only a first step in a policy that needs to be more comprehensive, predictable, and durable if we want to encourage the kind of investments that will support more U.S. jobs.

“This policy continues to subject U.S. imports of our industry’s largest trading partner to an unsustainable tax. If left in place, this extreme tariff on U.S. imports from China, which is in addition to President Trump’s Section 301 tariffs, will lead to higher prices for everyday apparel, footwear, and accessories and higher costs for U.S. manufacturers who rely on materials and items they can only source from China.

“It is our hope that this limited pause can be extended to all countries so that U.S. companies, now caught in the crosshairs of a frenzied trade war, can focus their energies on encouraging the U.S. and its key trading partners to negotiate an end to both U.S. and foreign trade barriers. We further urge the Administration to work closely with Congress, and with all stakeholders, so that we can forge a more durable trade policy that is based on partnership of reciprocal trade, not fear of crushing tariffs.”

For more information and regular updates on the impacts on the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, including the very high tariffs that have been in place on our industry for nearly 95 years, please visit AAFA’s  Fashion Tariffs 101  page.

AAFA endorsed The Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced last week by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The legislation would recover more certainty to U.S. trade policy, and take a big step towards reasserting Congress’ constitutional authority over trade, as mandated in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Posted: April 10, 2025

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Talking Technical Textiles With Monforts Specialists At Techtextil North America In Atlanta

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — April 10, 2025 — The full potential of advanced coating and finishing technologies for the production of technical textiles will be outlined by Monforts specialists at Techtextil North America which takes place in Atlanta May 6-8, 2025.

The company and its U.S. representative PSP Marketing, Charlotte, N.C., will be part of the extensive VDMA German Pavilion at the show, at stand 3231 within the Georgia World Congress Center.

A recent MontexCoat installation for the production of technical textiles.

A wide range of technical fabrics is now being successfully created with MontexCoat coating units in combination with Montex tenters, including tents, tarpaulins and awnings, black-out roller blinds and sail cloth, automotive interior fabrics and medical disposables.

Full PVC coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments can all be carried out with the extremely versatile system. Solvent coatings in explosion-proof conditions, knife coating, roller coating and screen printing are further options and the MontexCoat has been engineered to enable users to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next without compromising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.

Monforts North America Area Sales Manager Achim Gesser

“There has already been terrific interest in the MontexCoat and the range of different techniques it enables and we’re far from exhausting its potential uses,” said Achim Gesser, Monforts Area Sales Manager who will be at the show in Atlanta. “For companies who don’t need such flexibility, the economical coaTTex unit is exclusively dedicated to air knife and knife-over-roller coating.

“At our ATC in Mönchengladbach, Germany, however, a MontexCoat unit has been integrated into a full Montex technical textiles pilot line, on which our customers can run trials of new fabrics and finishing formulations in widths of up to 1.8 meters. This line has been engineered to provide the ultimate in precision coating and finishing in industrial-scale trials.”

To fully demonstrate what’s possible, the Montex line at the ATC is able to treat materials not only at temperatures of up to 320°C, but apply separate coatings on the two sides of certain materials at different temperatures, within a single pass through the machine. To achieve this, the first two chambers of the tenter are fitted with TwinTherm burners for individual top/bottom heating. A temperature differential of up to 60°C can be achieved between the upper and lower nozzles within the chamber, depending on the treatment parameters.

“There are many applications where employing two separate temperature treatments is beneficial, such as floorcoverings — where the textile face fabric is treated at one temperature and the rubber backing at another — as well as PVC flooring employing chemical foams, black-out roller blinds with heavy backings or PTFE-coated filter materials,” Gesser explains.

Another key feature of the technical textiles line at the ATC is the Montex tenter’s special stretching device which is capable of pulling ten tons in length and ten tons in width — a huge amount per square meter of fabric and necessary in the production of materials such as woven or 3D knits for high temperature filter media.

Monforts also offers the special T-max grease-free tenter chain for high temperature treatments up to 320°C, at machine speeds up to 100m/min and transverse tension up to 2,500 N/m with the benefits of no maintenance and no grease marks on fabric.

“Technical textiles are extremely diverse in their end-use applications but the needs of the manufacturers of very different materials are still uniform in many respects,” Gesser said. “European-built Montex tenters provide maximum finishing efficiency and many of our customers are operating them 24 hours a day over seamless shifts.”

Existing customers include manufacturers in the fields of home textiles, geotextiles and automotive fabrics, as well as functional materials and dedicated Montex lines have also been supplied to producers of airbags, flame retardant barrier fabrics and spacer fabrics.

“Techtextil North America is a very important show for us because technical textiles are a key pillar of our production program,” Gesser concludes. “North America is one of our major markets and we are looking forward to reconnecting with existing and potentially new customers at this always-vibrant show.”

Posted: April 10, 2025

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Hanover, Germany Gears Up To Welcome ITMA Participants After Three Decades

BRUSSELS — April 10, 2025 — The city of Hanover is eagerly waiting to welcome participants of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition — ITMA 2027. The exhibition will be held September 16-22, 2027. It is expected to gross 200,000 square metres, occupying 13 exhibition halls at the Messegelaende Hannover.

Held once every four years since 1951, ITMA was last staged in the German city in 1991. The bid for ITMA 2027 was submitted by the venue owner Deutsche Messe in close cooperation with the capital of Lower Saxony and the office of the Lord Mayor.

Belit Onay, mayor and CEO of the City of Hanover enthused, “We are elated to have successfully bid for ITMA 2027. A bustling hub for trade fairs and congresses, the city looks forward to welcome ITMA back to Hanover after more than 30 years.

“We will spare no effort to ensure the hosting of an excellent ITMA. Hanover is a green and efficient city with a relaxed atmosphere. As a major trade fair city, Hanover is organised, and easy to navigate, making it a stress-free destination for visitors. Its blend of history and modernity makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a well-balanced urban experience.”

Interesting accommodation options

Hanover is no stranger to hosting mega trade shows. Supporting this established trade fairs destination is an ample and diverse range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, inns and private apartments. Each of these options caters to different needs and offers a unique experience.

Currently, the city of Hanover offers over 18,000 hotel beds, ranging from budget to premium options. In the surrounding districts and metropolitan region, an additional 54,000 beds are available. According to Deutsche Messe, the exhibition venue operator, around 4,000 private accommodations can also be found throughout the city, nearby areas, and the broader metropolitan region.

“The majority of the accommodation allow you to get to the fairground within 30 to 90 minutes. In addition, we have a campground opposite the exhibition venue that is open to participants who bring their motorhomes and caravans. ITMA 2027 participants can expect to have more options when another 700 rooms are made available in the city center next year,” said Dr Jochen Koeckler, chairman of Deutsche Messe’s Board.

To further assist ITMA participants, the organizer ITMA Services has appointed accommodation specialist bnetwork to provide hotel and vacation apartment booking services. Backed by nearly two decades of experience, the destination management company has handled two past ITMA exhibitions in Barcelona and is attuned to the needs of participants.

A dedicated website is being set up for ITMA participants to book their accommodation. Meanwhile, to enquire about accommodation or to book rooms, please contact itmahotels@bnetwork.com.

While Hanover may not be a primary global gateway in Germany, it is exceptionally well-connected within Europe and beyond. With direct high-speed train links and a well-connected airport, it serves as a convenient transit point for business travellers.

The fairground is accessible by public transport. It has two modern light rail stations that provide direct connections to the city center. It also has direct links to the motorways, and around 39,000 car parking spaces.

Alex Zucchi, president of CEMATEX which owns ITMA 2027, said: “We look forward to staging our exhibition in Hanover. The city has the necessary infrastructure to support a huge congregation of exhibitors and visitors of a mega ITMA exhibition. The organising team is working with the venue owner to ensure that all participants will have a seamless experience akin to what they have been used to at past editions.”

More exhibition information will be available from the ITMA 2027 website which will be launched this July, ahead of the opening of stand space application in September.

The last ITMA exhibition was held in Milan in 2023. Grossing 200,000 square meters, it featured the participation of 1,709 exhibitors from 47 countries, and visitorship of over 111,000 from 143 countries.

Posted: April 10, 2025

Source: The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) / ITMA Services

Teijin Announces Availability Of Digital Product Passport (DPP)-Compliant Products Aligned With Europe’s ESPR Environmental Regulation

TOKYO — April 10, 2025 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it has started rolling out initiatives to enable aramid fibers and carbon fibers to be accompanied by Digital Product Passport (DPP) technology, which enhances supply chain transparency by verifying the origins of materials and supporting sustainability claims. The company is using the supply chain traceability system from Netherlands-based Circularise B.V., in which Teijin has invested since November 2024, to develop DPPs for each product. Implementation of DPPs is being mandated by Europe’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). At JEC World 2025 in Paris, Teijin presented two proof-of-concept applications highlighting how DPPs enhance traceability and circularity in recycled materials use.

Through this strategic collaboration with Circularise, Teijin will gradually launch DPP- compliant products, beginning with carbon fiber materials.

The initiative underscores Teijin’s leadership in the development of products that help reduce environmental impacts. It enables Teijin to comply with evolving sustainability regulations while addressing consumer demands for greater transparency.

The ESPR, which came into force in July 2024, “aims to significantly improve the sustainability of products placed on the EU market by improving their circularity, energy performance, recyclability and durability,” according to the European Commission. Implementation of DPPs will follow a phased approach, with full adoption expected by 2030. From 2027, a DPP will be mandatory for all industrial and electric vehicle batteries. In the future, it is expected that a basic DPP will also be mandatory for textiles and other products.

Teijin showcased at JEC World how the DPPs developed in collaboration with Circularise’s product traceability platform for data management can substantiate material origin claims and improve accountability across the value chain. At the show, the company presented two proof-of-concept applications highlighting how DPP enhances material traceability and circularity.

  1. Teijin Aramid Pulp from Recycled Materials
Teijin Aramid Pulp from Recycled Materials

The first demonstration focused on Teijin aramid pulp made by grinding aramid fibers from recycled materials. The DPP shows a (potential) pathway of the aramid fibers from its origin to the customer Hampidjan, producer of the Terra® Sling. From the application we are able to follow the discarded slings back to Teijin Aramid where the end-of-life material can be used for the production of aramid pulp. This way we are able to illustrate a transparent and verifiable recycling process.

  1. Tenax Next™ R2S P513 6mm
Tenax Next ™ R2S P513 6mm

The second proof of concept showcased the traceability of Tenax Next™ R2S P513 6mm, a short carbon fiber product. This material is produced using post-production waste from carbon fiber filament yarn manufacturing. The DPP demonstrated how specific waste streams were reintegrated into the product.

By leveraging DPP technology, Teijin is taking a decisive step in enabling a more transparent and circular materials industry, and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable innovation.

Posted: April 10, 2025

Source: The Teijin Group

Carnegie Marks 50 Years With Création Baumann, Launches Vario Acoustic Divider In U.S.

NEW YORK CITY — March 27, 2025 — Carnegie, supplier of sustainable textiles and acoustic management solutions for the commercial industry, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its partnership with Création Baumann by introducing the Acoustic Divider Vario to the U.S. market. This innovative acoustic partition curtain system reduces noise levels by up to 23 decibels, creating quieter, more serene environments.

Image Courtesy of Création Baumann

For half a century, Carnegie and Création Baumann have shared a commitment to design, quality, sustainability, and performance. Since 1974, their partnership has driven innovation in acoustics and textiles, with Carnegie serving as the exclusive North American partner for Création Baumann’s commercial products, including high-performance window and panel coverings.

“Our 50-year partnership with Création Baumann represents a groundbreaking journey towards sustainable innovation in window treatments, including acoustic solutions products. We are dedicated to redefining building environments with solutions that beautifully blend design and functionality, ensuring our spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable,” said Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie. “The launch of Acoustic Divider Vario exemplifies our commitment to creating quieter, more serene spaces while championing eco-friendly practices. Together with Création Baumann, we are excited to lead the way in acoustic management and sustainable textile solutions, driving positive change for the commercial industry and beyond with Materials that Matter.”

As open floorplans continue to shape modern design, they often introduce acoustical challenges due to hard, reflective surfaces like glass and concrete. Acoustic Divider Vario addresses these issues by offering space division while reducing sound in just three layers due to its innovative NoiseBlocker technology. In collaboration with the Department of Technology and Architecture at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Création Baumann’s textile designers developed a synthetic rubber that offers sound insulation in a single layer while remaining soft, flexible, and maintaining its aesthetic and tactile quality. The outer layers can be chosen from Création Baumann’s extensive selection of beautiful acoustic fabrics.

“As we celebrate 50 years of partnership with Carnegie, we are reflecting on our past and embracing a future filled with possibilities,” said Philippe Baumann, CEO of Création Baumann. “Together, we are redefining acoustic environments, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically inspiring. Our commitment to quality and eco-friendly practices drives us to lead the industry in sustainable solutions, enhancing how we live and work.”

For optimal performance, Acoustic Divider Vario is expertly constructed and installed by Carnegie’s certified workrooms and installers, ensuring that a peaceful retreat is just a curtain pull away.

As a certified B Corporation that champions PVC-free and recycled materials, Carnegie strives to lead the textiles and acoustics industry with an authentic commitment to sustainability. From biobased textiles made from sugarcane to PET products crafted with post-consumer recycled plastics, Carnegie delivers beautiful and innovative solutions that enhance both textile and acoustic performance, placing sustainability at the core of its mission.

Posted: April 9, 2025

Source: Carnegie

Cone Denim And AMK Atelier Honor Rooted Collaboration At Kingpins Amsterdam

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 9, 2025 — Cone Denim® will debut Rooted, a denim collaboration with AMK Atelier and videographer Eduard Nijgh, at Kingpins Show Amsterdam April 16-17. The collection follows the work of farmers at De Stadsgroenteboer in Amsterdam, documenting wear patterns and testing fabric durability for a full year in custom workwear designed by AMK Atelier. Rooted garments utilize a range of Cone Denim fabrics, including the most recent Cone Denim Community Deforestation selvedge fabric.

“The first fabric Cone ever produced was for workwear, designed to be durable and built to last,” stated Cone Denim Design Director Pierette Scavuzzo. “Fast forward 130 years, and we are still innovating in the workwear space, which remains a key market for us. Rooted is a celebrated collaboration, allowing us to reconnect with our roots while offering what we hope will be both an inspiring and unique perspective from an all-female team of farmers. I feel the content will remain inspiring and relevant to future designers, regardless of the time.”

The AMK Atelier team visited farmers at De Stadsgroenteboer over the last year to learn about their work, create customized apparel unique to each farmer, and document the quality of the garments as they were worn over time. They observed each garment for all four seasons to align the characteristics with quarterly farming needs. Each season was filmed, photographed, and documented by Nijgh and shared across the Cone Denim and AMK Atelier social media channels.

“For too long, women have been forgotten by the world of workwear,” stated Rooted Designer and AMK Atelier Owner Maria Gunnarsson. “It has been a joy to remind our industry of the feminine.”

Each garment is crafted with intentional details by Gunnarsson, including extra pockets, belt loops, and accessories, all designed to elevate the functionality of the female-inspired workwear. Silhouettes from the collection include an array of modified vests, cargo pants, and convertible zipper pants created by Gunnarsson that can transform into shorts when desired.

The fabrics used for this collection intend to leave the smallest footprint possible while maintaining the durability to allow the garments to withstand life on the farm. Inspired by their archives, Cone chose fabric constructions that embody Rooted’s spirit in a sustainable way including innovative dye methods using 98 percent less water and sustainable fibers such as certified recycled cotton and Tencel™.

The Rooted capsule collection on display at Kingpins Amsterdam in April will showcase the final garments without any additional treatment or touchups. Gunnarsson and Scavuzzo hope that by displaying the garments in their natural state, attendees will be able to connect and leave inspired by real-life examples of fusing durability, function, and design in the workwear market.

“The intricate details and functionality that Maria has put into these garments are timeless,” added Scavuzzo. “When I envisioned the documentation of this collection throughout the harvest year, I thought about the possibility of someone viewing our Rooted collection 20, 50, or even 100 years from now. We hope this collection serves not only as a piece of history but also as an archive that continues to inspire for generations to come.”

Posted: April 9, 2025

Source: Cone Denim 

NRF: Import Cargo Levels To Drop Sharply Amid New Tariffs And Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — April 9, 2025 — With sweeping tariffs now imposed on all U.S. trading partners, import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to drop dramatically beginning next month, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Tariffs are taxes on U.S importers ultimately paid by consumers. They are creating anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and families alike with the speed at which they are being implemented and stacked upon each other. At this point, retailers are expected to pull back and rely on built-up inventories, at least long enough to see what will happen next.”

Following tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico announced earlier this year, President Donald Trump last week set a minimum tariff of 10 percent on all U.S. trading partners and “reciprocal” tariffs as high as 50 percent on dozens of nations. China has since announced tariffs on U.S. goods, prompting Trump to announce additional tariffs on China, bringing the base rate to 104 percent just for the national emergency tariffs. The rate goes even higher when the base tariff rate and earlier Section 301 tariffs are added in.

As a result, imports during the second half of 2025 are now expected to be down at least 20 percent year over year, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. Even balanced against elevated levels earlier this year, that could bring total 2025 cargo volume to a net decline of 15 percent or more unless the situation changes.

“In this environment of complete uncertainty, our forecast for import cargo will be subject to significant adjustments over the coming months,” Hackett said. “At present, we expect to see imports begin to decline by May and that they will drop dramatically during the remainder of the year.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.06 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in February, although the Ports of New York and New Jersey have yet to report final data. That was down 7.5 percent from January but up 5.2 percent year over year. It was the busiest February in three years even through the month is traditionally the slowest of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in China.

Ports have not yet reported March’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.14 million TEU, up 11.1 percent year over year. April — which includes cargo shipped before the new tariffs were announced — is forecast at 2.08 million TEU, up 3.1 percent year-over-year. But May is expected to end 19 consecutive months of year-over-year growth, dropping sharply to 1.66 million TEU, down 20.5 percent from the same time last year. June is forecast at 1.57 million TEU, the lowest volume since February 2023 and a 26.6 percent drop year over year. July is forecast at 1.69 million TEU, down 27 percent year-over-year, and August at 1.7 million TEU, down 26.8 percent.

Before the latest round of tariffs was announced, April was forecast at 2.13 million TEU, up 5.7 percent year over year; May at 2.14 million TEU, up 2.8 percent; June at 2.07 million TEU, down 3.2 percent, and July at 1.99 million TEU, down 13.9 percent.

The current forecast would bring the first half of 2025 to 11.73 million TEU, down 2.9 percent year-over-year rather than the total of 12.78 million TEU, up 5.7 percent year-over-year, that was forecast before the tariffs announcement.

Imports have been elevated since last summer, first as retailers brought in cargo ahead of an October strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports and then in anticipation of an escalation of tariffs after the November elections. Imports during 2024 totaled 25.5 million TEU, up 14.7 percent from 2023 and the highest since 2021’s record 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

Posted: April 9, 2025

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

A Generation Change At PLEVA GmbH: Kathrin And Stephan Pleva Join The Management Team

EMPFINGEN, Germany — April 9, 2025 — PLEVA GmbH — a manufacturer of sensors, measurement and control technology for various industries — announces that Kathrin Pleva and Stephan Pleva have been appointed as managing directors of the family-owned company. Together with their father, Dr. Ralf Pleva, they will shape the future of the company.

PLEVA, founded in 1969, has been developing and producing high-quality sensors and systems for process control in sectors such as the textile, paper, nonwovens, film, automotive and wood industries for over five decades. The company’s products have proven themselves in tough continuous operation worldwide and are successfully used by end customers and machine suppliers.

With the strengthening and succession of the management team, PLEVA is focusing on continuity and innovation. Kathrin and Stephan will bring fresh impetus and new perspectives to the company, while Dr. Pleva will continue to contribute his many years of experience and expertise. His strong technical know-how, recognition in the industry, deep understanding of customer needs, and values-driven leadership have shaped the company over decades and played a key role in its international success.

Together, the three managing directors will drive forward the strategic direction of the company to meet the challenges of the global market and further strengthen PLEVA’s position as a technology leader.

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of our family business and to shape the future of PLEVA together with our father,” explained Kathrin and Stephan. “Our aim is to strengthen the company’s innovative power and continue to offer our customers tailor-made solutions for efficient and sustainable production.”

With the reinforcement and succession, the company is ideally equipped to continue to operate successfully on the market in the future and meet the needs of its customers worldwide.

Posted: April 9, 2025

Source: PLEVA GmbH

INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Announces Four Industry Leaders To Join 2025 Board Of Directors

CARY, N.C. — April 7, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces the election of four industry leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors.

The board plays a vital role in guiding INDA’s strategic vision, ensuring responsiveness to evolving industry and member needs, and shaping policies and programs.

“We are excited to welcome these exceptional professionals whose insights, extensive experience, and leadership will significantly enhance INDA’s initiatives,” said Tony Fragnito, president of INDA.

“Their collective expertise will further strengthen our role as the leading resource for industry knowledge, technical innovation, workforce development, market intelligence, and sustainability within the nonwovens sector.”

The newly appointed Board Members are:

Ginny Casstevens, director of Sales – North America, Fibertex Nonwovens Inc.

Casstevens excels in developing, growing, and managing global nonwoven platforms across technologies such as spunlace, spunbond, chem bond, needlepunch, and thermal bond. With broad experience in cotton and other natural fibers, Casstevens is committed to advancing safe and sustainable solutions for all nonwoven applications. Her overall success is built on fostering trust-based relationships and consistently delivering results that are mutually beneficial to those she supports. An active industry leader, Casstevens served on the WOW Committee (2006–2014) and the Hygienix Committee (2014–2022). She resides in Florence, S.C., with her husband and daughter. Casstevens and her family are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Florence and The Florence Country Club. Golfing, beaching and cooking are her favorite pastimes.

Aleksandra Kruszewska, director R&D Business Development, Reckitt

Aleksandra Kruszewska holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Warsaw University in Poland and has completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Imperial College of London.

Her research on synthesis of novel bioactive products, including antibiotics or therapeutic agents for the detection and treatment of cancer has been published in numerous peer-reviewed scientifical papers as well as presented in multiple conferences. Kruszewska joined Reckitt in 2007 and in 2013 moved to the United States. She held different positions in the organization within regulatory and research & development departments. Since 2018 she leads amongst other disinfecting wipes development. She is focused on driving research programs in germ protection, promoting modern technologies in the development strategies (modeling, AI precursors). She managed to launch first branded 100-percent cellulosic-based wipes in EU and US, played instrumental role in 300 percent business growth including pioneering brand attainment of 1st EPA-approved product effective against COVID-19. Her work was recognized by external marketing organization (Lysol Plan Based Disinfecting Wipes awarded Product of the Year in 2022).

Mark Tumelty, senior vice president and general manager, Nice-Pak Products Inc.

As Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tumelty leads category-driven strategies to promote customer-centric growth and profitability at Nice-Pak. Tumelty oversees a diverse portfolio, including baby, personal care and facial categories, as well as Nice-Pak’s brand offerings and new ventures. Before joining Nice-Pak, Tumelty spent 17 years at the Campbell Company serving in numerous brand management, marketing and sales roles. He led businesses across many categories including Soup & Broth, Beverages, Baby, and Italian Sauce. Tumelty holds an MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina and a BA in Sports Management from the University of Richmond, where he minored in Leadership Studies and Business Administration. Tumelty and his wife Kathryn have three children and live in New Jersey, where they spend much of their free time watching youth sports.

Mariagiovanna Ramini Vetere, vice president, Sustainability and Public Affairs, NatureWorks

As NatureWorks Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs, Vetere represents the company in public and legislative affairs and oversees the sustainability activities. Her responsibilities include Government relations, product Circular Economy options, feedstock and biomass sustainability aspects, bioeconomy and interface with relevant industry associations and external stakeholders. Vetere manages an extensive network and relationships with Industry associations, Brand Owners associations and NGOs; she has practical experience in how the legislative process is implemented both in EU and the USA. Vetere brings a strong background well suited to this space, having spent 10 years at Corepla, the Italian PRO for Plastics Packaging Collection, Recycling and Recovery, where she gained competence in EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility. Her previous experience is with consulting company KPMG where she was focused on Business Process Reengineering. Vetere holds master’s degrees in philosophy and in economics.

INDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee

The INDA Board consists of elected members serving three-year terms, with one-third elected annually by the general membership. The Executive Committee, authorized to represent the Board between formal meetings, includes:

The Executive Committee includes these officers and appointees:

  • Chair: Mark Thornton, vice president, The Procter & Gamble Co.;
  • Vice Chair: Barbara Lawless, vice president of Sales and Marketing – Medical Products, Precision Fabrics Group Inc.;
  • Past Chair: Bryan Haynes, senior technical director for Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corp;
  • Appointee: Mike Clark, president, Filtration Solutions, Hollingsworth & Vose Co.;
  • Appointee: Jodi Russell, vice president R&D, Cleaning Innovation, Packaging & Sustainability, The Clorox Co.;
  • Appointee: Jeff Stafford, vice president of Nonwovens, Milliken & Co.; and
  • Appointee: Robert Weilminster, executive vice president & general manager, US & Canada – Health, Hygiene and Specialties Division, Magnera.

Posted: April 9, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

AAPN Announces Vickie Rotante Will Speak At the Upcoming 2025 pro:Americas Annual Conference

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — April 8, 2025 — Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) has announced that Vickie Rotante of Janie and Jack and Hatch Collection to the 2025 pro:Americas Annual Conference will speak at the Network’s 2025 pro:Americas Annual Conference.

Vickie Rotante is the Head of Product Development and Sourcing for Janie and Jack and Hatch Collection, a $250M portfolio of omnichannel brands specializing in childrenswear, maternity apparel, accessories, home, and beauty.

Vickie Rotante

Prior to Janie and Jack, Vickie’s career has spanned over 30 years where she has served as the SVP/VP for top U.S. retailers, including Sundance Catalog, QVC, URBN, Dick’s Sporting Goods, New York & Company, and Cygne Design.

Known for her strategic leadership and operational expertise, Vickie has been instrumental in building sourcing playbooks and driving value across global supply chains. With a renewed focus on Western Hemisphere sourcing, Vickie is committed to creating a global supply chain matrix that optimizes both agility and margin while incorporating sustainable sourcing practices and ethical compliance standards.

A native New Yorker and graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Vickie now resides in San Francisco.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Vickie Rotante of Janie and Jack and Hatch Collection to the 2025 pro:Americas Annual Conference,” said AAPN Executive Director, Lynsey Jones. “With her incredible industry experience and strategic insight, Vickie will be sharing her perspective on new business models, emerging brands, and the latest sourcing trends shaping the future of our industry. As part of the Go Global Retail team, she brings unique insights that simply can’t be missed—Vickie is truly a can’t-miss speaker for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of retail and sourcing.”

Americas Apparel Producers’ Network’s 2025 Annual Conference will be held from May 12 – 14, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

To register, visit: https://www.aapnetwork.net/2025-pro-americas-conference

Posted: April 8, 2025

Source: Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

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