More Than 300 Groups Call On Congress To Pass Robust Farm Bill

MEMPHIS — September 9, 2025 — Citing worsening economic conditions impacting the nation’s farmers, the National Cotton Council led an effort that resulted in over 300 national and state groups sending a letter to congressional leaders today calling on them to pass the farm bill before year’s end.

Signatories included groups representing farmers, livestock and specialty crop producers, lenders and other essential stakeholders in agricultural communities across the U.S. Commodity and lending groups will head to the Capitol en masse this week to advocate for passage of the legislation with a stronger agricultural safety net.

“It is critical that Congress pass a new farm bill that strengthens the safety net as many producers are facing multiple years of not being profitable, and this is causing their overall financial situation to deteriorate,” the letter said. “Some will have challenges as they seek operating credit for the 2025 crop year.”

The farm bill is typically passed every five years and supports the nation’s farmers, ranchers and forest stewards through a variety of safety net, credit, conservation and other critical programs. The law was originally scheduled for reauthorization in 2023. Last November, Congress voted to extend the existing legislation to September 30, 2024. Since that point, the leadership from both parties on the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have worked to push the legislation forward.

As the farm bill has faced delays, producers across the country have experienced headwinds, ranging from extreme weather to high input costs to uncertain global demand to supply chain disruptions.

Since the beginning of the year, the harvest price of major crops traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Intercontinental Exchange have fallen by an average of 21% while total production costs remain near record levels.

Farmers and their allies say these challenges have exposed areas of the farm bill that need to be strengthened.

“Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, we have realized considerable gaps in the farm safety net due to sharply changing conditions, including the trade war with China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and related supply chain challenges, rising foreign subsidies, tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers and other harmful practices,” the letter said. “These conditions seriously tested the effectiveness of the 2018 Farm Bill, and it was only by the aggressive use of supplemental assistance that many farms survived.”

The letter noted that the outlook for farm country is even more daunting, as the USDA-projected market prices for the 2024 crop are well below costs of production, and current projections paint another bleak picture for 2025.

“The farm bill reauthorization provides an opportunity for Congress to address serious challenges in agriculture,” the letter said. “A durable farm safety net, along with risk management tools like a strong federal crop insurance program, voluntary and locally led incentive-based conservation programs, and enhanced international marketing and promotion programs, will be critical in shoring up America’s farm families and rural communities, which otherwise face an uncertain — and potentially calamitous — future.”

Posted September 10, 2024

Soure: National Cotton Council

Committing To 100-Percent bluesign® Approved Fabrics By 2025, Storm Creek Joins bluesign System As The First U.S. Promotional Products Brand Partner

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — September 9, 2024 — Storm Creek, an innovator in sustainable apparel within the promotional products industry, is proud to announce its official partnership with bluesign® as a system partner. This partnership marks a significant milestone, as Storm Creek becomes the first promotional products brand  to join the bluesign system, setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry.

As part of this commitment, Storm Creek has pledged to use only bluesign® Approved fabrics by 2025. Their upcoming 2025 product catalog will already feature a range of products made with bluesign certified fabrics, demonstrating their dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting safe, responsible production practices.

“This partnership takes our already strong commitment to sustainability to the next level,” said Doug Jackson, Storm Creek founder and president. “Our aim is to inspire and educate promotional products distributors to sell sustainably and increase the impact their end buyers can have. Storm Creek is proud to set the standard for the promo industry.”

Storm Creek’s partnership with bluesign aligns with their mission to deliver high-performance, sustainable apparel while minimizing environmental impact. By adhering to the rigorous standards set by bluesign, Storm Creek is not only ensuring the safety and sustainability of its products but also leading the charge in transforming the promotional products industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Storm Creek as a promotional products brand to join the bluesign System,” said Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign technologies ag. “Their commitment to using 100 percent bluesign-approved fabrics by 2025 is a bold and commendable step towards a more sustainable future. Storm Creek’s leadership in this area sets an inspiring example for the entire promotional products industry.”

Posted September 10, 2025

Soure: bluesign

Delta Galil Industries Appoints Yaniv Benedek CFO

CAESAREA, Israel — September 9, 2024 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label intimate, activewear, loungewear and denim apparel for ladies, men and children — today announced the appointment of Yaniv Benedek as CFO effective October 9, 2024. Benedek, who joined the company in 2011, most recently served as CFO of Delta Israel Brands.

“Yaniv’s financial and management experience and success in driving the growth of our Delta Israel Brands business have prepared him exceedingly well for the role of CFO of Delta Galil Industries,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil Industries. “We’re pleased to appoint a talented leader who has grown within the company and are confident his knowledge, track record and leadership capability will enable him to help guide our business to new heights.”

Benedek brings global experience across due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, strategic business development, and the establishment of new business initiatives to his new role. He initially joined Delta Galil in 2011 as an accountant and has held several key positions during his tenure, including vice president of Global Taxation and company secretary. He was promoted to CFO of Delta Israel Brands in 2021, when that company went public, to manage its financial system, spearhead business development, maintain investor relations and coordinate activities with the board of directors.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Delta Galil

Alchemie Technology Wins Best CleanTech Textile Dyeing Solutions Company At SME Midlands Enterprise Awards 2024

CAMBRIDGE, England — September 9, 2024 — Alchemie Technology has been named the Best CleanTech Textile Dyeing Solutions Company at the prestigious SME Midlands Enterprise Awards 2024. This award celebrates Alchemie’s groundbreaking work in revolutionising the textile dyeing industry with its innovative and sustainable solutions.
The SME Midlands Enterprise Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence, honouring the exceptional businesses that drive economic growth and innovation in the heart of England. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the Midlands is home to the most outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make this region a cornerstone of British industry.

This year, the awards have focused on recognizing enterprises that have made significant contributions to sustainability, customer service and technological innovation. Among these, Alchemie Technology has distinguished itself for its unparalleled impact in the clean technology sector. Winning this award is powerful recognition of Alchemie’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation and advanced technologies.
Alchemie Technology, known for its pioneering low-carbon digital textile dyeing system Endeavour, has made significant strides in reducing the environmental footprint of the global textile industry. Endeavour dramatically cuts energy consumption by up to 85 percent and reduces wastewater by more than 95 percent, addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges in textile manufacturing. This award underscores Alchemie’s commitment to driving sustainable change within one of the world’s most polluting industries.

“We are honored to receive the award as this recognition reinforces our mission to transform the textile dyeing industry and create a sustainable future”, said Dr Alan Hudd, CEO and founder of Alchemie Technology. “We are proud to be part of a community that values innovation and environmental stewardship.”

Alchemie will showcase its cutting-edge lab system Discovery at the Digital Textile Manufacturing Technologies Conference 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., September 16-17. This will be the company’s first U.S. demonstration, marking a significant milestone in how disruptive digital textile manufacturing technologies will become key incentives and drivers for meeting brand owners’ goals, reducing environmental impacts and enabling more profitable production.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Alchemie

Chris Schowalter Appointed Global Sales Director Software At Durst Group

Chris Showalter

BRIXEN, Italy — September 9, 2024 — Durst Group, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has announced the appointment of Chris Schowalter as the new Global Sales director, Software, reinforcing its strategic focus on expanding software solutions for the printing industry.

With more than 20 years of experience in print, primarily in inkjet,  Schowalter possesses a profound understanding of the evolving software technology landscape and its intersections with workflows and print equipment. His extensive experience in both the United States and Europe has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of global business and opportunities. Throughout his career, he has consistently ensured that customers have access to the right solutions to overcome their bottlenecks and pain points, supported by the appropriate channels or direct partners. His customer-centric approach and strategic vision have consistently delivered exceptional results.

In his new role, Schowalter will lead the development and execution of Durst’s global sales strategy for the software division, while supporting the company’s international sales teams. He will also play a key role in strengthening customer relationships, identifying customer needs, and driving efficiencies throughout the process following the “Pixel to Output” strategy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Schowalter to the Durst team,” said Michael Deflorian, Business Unit manager, Durst Software & Solutions. “His expertise and vision will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our software solutions worldwide.

Christian Harder, vice president, sales, Durst Group, said: “Today, we recognize that customers not only require productive and reliable printing systems to address the trend of shorter lead times, but also seek to automate production processes to reduce operational costs. With our comprehensive 360-degree offering, we provide a complete solution that gives us a clear competitive advantage.

Schowalter said: “Durst not only delivers the highest quality printer hardware, but truly provides customers with an end-to-end solution that leverages software to increase productivity and reduce touch points is impressive to say the least. I am honored to join the Durst team and share my 25 years of software and color expertise to help our customers boost productivity and increase process efficiency through advanced software solutions.”

Schowalter will be joining the Durst Software team at the Durst booth in Central Hall, Booth #C1543, during Printing United in Las Vegas, from September 10-12. The team will be showcasing Durst’s innovative software solutions and discussing how they can advance the printing business.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Durst

Reifenhäuser Strengthens Field Service Operations In The Middle East And Africa

Bharath Yallah, managing director, Reifenhäuser, Middle-East

TROISDORF, Germany — September 9, 2024 — Reifenhäuser Group, a global producer of plastics extrusion technology, announces a significant expansion of its field service operations across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Building on a longstanding presence in the region, which includes a sales office established in United Arab Emirates five years ago, Reifenhäuser is now taking a major step forward to enhance its local customer support and service capabilities.

With the establishment of a new Service Hub for the MEA, UAE and GCC regions Reifenhäuser encourages its strategy to strengthen comprehensive and responsive service solutions. The hub will include extended premises and the establishment of a highly specialized service team on site to encompass a full spectrum of field-engineering services, covering the installation of machinery, commissioning, and ongoing service support.

This expansion is driven by Reifenhäuser’s commitment to being “Close to our customers,” a philosophy that prioritizes proximity to customers to better understand and meet market demands. The new hub will enable Reifenhäuser to offer enhanced local support, ensuring faster problem resolution and improved accessibility for businesses operating in the MEA region. In line with this growth, Reifenhäuser has also expanded its facilities in Lagos (Nigeria), with plans to further expand its presence. The MEA market is recognized by Reifenhäuser as a very important and rapidly growing region.

Bharath Yalla, managing director of Reifenhäuser Middle East & Africa, commented on the expansion: “Our strong dedication to local markets is now embodied in UAE and Lagos. We promised, and we delivered. This is just the beginning of bringing our global expertise closer to our customer needs.”

Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of Reifenhäuser Group, also remarked on the company’s customer-focused approach: “We are committed to building lasting relationships with our customers, ensuring they receive the guidance and support necessary for effortless equipment start-ups and optimal operational efficiency.”

Reifenhäuser’s investment in the MEA region underscores its commitment to delivering exceptional service and support, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the plastics extrusion industry.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Reifenhäuser

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Completes New Production Center, Expands Capacity More Than Eightfold

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — September 09, 2024 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. announced today that it has completed the second wave of its production expansion and is now transitioning spider silk manufacturing operations to its new, larger production center.

Following the overwhelming success of the spring production trials, Kraig Labs outlined a strategic investment plan to rapidly scale its production capacity, slated to take part in two waves. The first phase was completed in July, providing the necessary space for the company to operate through the rainy season. The second and larger project was the construction of a new production center for the company’s spider silk manufacturing operations.

Kraig Labs kicked off construction for this new production center in July. The new facility increases the company’s rearing capacity by more than eight times its current operations. With dedicated production spaces for each BAM-1 parental line and a dedicated space for its BAM-1 hybrid hatchery, this new facility is expected to address the production space needed to meet the spider silk production schedule through 2025.

The company is now transitioning its production operations and equipment to this new space, and finalizing the installation of backup power generation systems ahead of the next spider silk production cycle slated to begin at the end of this month.

Kicking off later this month, the first production cycle in this facility will be the largest single-cycle rearing of the BAM-1 parental strains in the company’s history. This rearing will, in turn, allow for the full utilization of this new and significantly expanded production space.

“As planned, this new facility is coming online just in time to support our fall production kick-off. The larger production center will allow us to fully leverage the supporting silk production infrastructure, maximizing the production output and bringing our spider silk manufacturing to the next level,” said company COO Jon Rice. “This center is the latest in a series of breakthroughs for Kraig Labs in commercial scale production of spider silk in 2024.”

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Kraig Labs

Crystal International Teams Up With i2Cool To Boost Cooling And Solar Gains

HONG KONG — September 9, 2024 — Crystal International Group Ltd. has been actively investing in cutting-edge energy saving initiatives, as one of the strategies heading towards net zero. To accelerate efficiency upgrades, Crystal International is partnering with i2Cool Ltd., an award-winning innovator in electricity-free cooling technology. As a pilot project which is currently under installation, the group is adopting the patented technology, iPaint, at rooftops of two factory buildings in the lifestyle wear factory in China, covering a total area of more than 7,000 square meters.

By applying electricity-free cooling technology with zero energy consumption iPaint, the roof surface could result in more than 95 percent of solar reflectivity and mid-infrared emissivity, enabling dual benefits. First, iPaint reduces heat absorption and promotes heat dissipation, achieving zero-energy cooling without electricity or refrigerants. It’s expected to reduce the indoor temperature beneath the roof by around 4 to 5°C, saving around 200,000 kWh electricity per year for cooling purposes.

The iPaint-applied roof surface also reflects substantial sunlight onto the back of the installed bifacial solar panels, increasing the solar power generation by around 8 percent.  In addition, it can also enhance weather resistance and corrosion resistance.

Commenting on the latest technology, Catherine Chiu, vice president of Global Sustainability at Crystal International, said: “Through leveraging the technology from i2Cool, we are making a major step in further enriching our decarbonization strategies to reach net zero. We are keen to uncover more opportunities with pioneering peers to expedite our decarbonisation pace.”

This summer, the factory has also completed the second phase rooftop solar installation, in which part of the installation was building integrated, substituting the aged rain covers to stand against weathering. The total capacity of group-wide solar PV has reached to over 20MW. Crystal International will continue to solicit innovative solutions for low-carbon and greener manufacturing.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Crystal International

Teijin Frontier Expands Production Capacity In Thailand To Meet Growing Global Demand For Conjugate Filaments

TOKYO —  September 2, 2024 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., announced today that it will expand production capacity for conjugate filaments by increasing the number of spinning and drawing machines at its group company, Teijin Polyester (Thailand) Ltd. (TPL). The goal is to meet increasing global demand for these filaments, which provide an attractive alternative to wool fibers. Conjugate filaments are produced by simultaneously spinning two different polymers from a divided spinneret, resulting in a single fiber. These fibers can have structures such as side-by-side or core-sheath configurations.

The new equipment will be installed at the existing TPL production facility in Bangkok to increase its capacity to 700 tons per year in FY2025. The expanded facility will commence full-scale production in September 2024.

In recent years, global demand for wool alternatives has been rising due to population growth and increasing costs for processing wool fibers. Consequently, Teijin Frontier has seen significant growth in the sales of its conjugate filament materials, such as TRIXION Ⓡ, which offer a natural worsted wool-like appearance and desirable functional properties such as stretchability. These materials are primarily used in fashion apparel and uniforms.

To address this growing demand, TPL has been operating at near-full capacity and has implemented efficiency measures such as strategic personnel re-allocation and productivity improvements. However, anticipating further increases in demand, TPL made the decision to expand production capacity.

The conjugate filaments produced at the expanded facility will be widely marketed domestically and internationally, including within Teijin Frontier Group, as raw yarns, textiles, and finished products. Additionally, the facility will be used to manufacture new conjugate filaments that may be developed in the future.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Teijin Frontier Group

NATURAL FIBRE CONNECT 2024: The Annual 5-Day Event Comprising Conference And Mill Visits Returns To Biella, Italy September 16th-20th, 2024

BIELLA , Italy— September 5, 2024 — Natural Fibre Connect (NFC) is an alliance between leading alpaca, cashmere, mohair and wool organizations, namely The Schneider Group, the International Alpaca Association, Sustainable Fibre Alliance and Mohair South Africa. The NFC logo represents each of the four natural fibers — alpaca, cashmere, mohair and wool — woven together by their shared goals and challenges to shape a world with more natural fibers by 2030 as well as their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. NFC is also supported by NGOs such as Textile Exchange, brokers, growers and processors, as well as certifying bodies and industry institutions such as Confindustria Toscana Nord.

NATURAL FIBRE CONNECT 2024 is a chance to examine the product environmental footprint and how natural animal fibers are considered in terms of impact and environmental services. Challenges on animal welfare, resiliency, transparency, innovation and the continuity of the industry going forward, how to bring growers and herders closer to consumers, how to mitigate audit fatigue and moderate brand ambitions with grower real possibilities, regenerative agriculture, chemical use in the industry, art, the role of natural fibers in fighting climate change, international alignment and connection to fight for more natural fibers, design, recycling and its challenges, are some of the hot topics the two-day conference will go through.

After the success in 2023, NFC is back with 3 distinct experiences that together are able to offer a complete picture about the animal fiber scenario.

  • Biella Mill Visit Program – Natural Fibre Connect – September 16-18;
  • Prato Session Program – Natural Fibre Connect – September 18; and
  • Biella Conference Program – Natural Fibre Connect – September 19-20.

It will take place in Biella, the center of precious animal fiber manufacturing, at Città Studi Conference Centre on September 19-20.

During the opening of the two days of conference, on September 19, Elena Schneider and Willy Gallia of The Schneider Group will welcome the guests, who will have the opportunity to see a series of interventions alternating Gunter Pauli (The Blue Economy | Entrepreneur – Economist – Author – Chairman of the Board at Novamont), Baptiste Carriere-Pradal (2BPolicy), Elisabeth Van Delden (Woolmark), Stephen Wiedemann (Integrity Ag Services), Dora Xu (Metabolic), Lindsay Humphreys (The Rethink Lab), Mariano Serratore (ICEA), Laura Kohler (Textile Exchange), Una Jones (SFA), David Melroy (SFA), Derek Baker (STELAAR) and the Materials Matter Workshop with Laura Kohler, Bronwyn Botha and Siobhan Momberg of Textile Exchange.

After a panel session dedicated to growers from Australia, South Africa and other producing countries, there will be the Authentico® by Schneider Group update with Debora Tricarico (Authentico Brand Manager), Horacio Duran (MD Argentina), Sherif Shousha (MD Egypt), Tim Marwedel (MD Australia) and Michela Toppan (Certifications & Compliance).

On the second day there will be Federico Brugnoli (Spin 360) talking about SBTI, followed by Pascal Gautrand (Colectif Tricolor), who will make an introduction to the European Wool Working Group. Then, as United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, there will be the speeches of Horacio Duran (Vicuña and Guanaco) and Juan Pepper (Alpaca). From late morning onwards, a series of initiatives will follow: updates from South Africa and USA, and from Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) and the Good Cashmere Standard, as well as several reports on chemicals in textiles, circularity and certifications among others.

The other two experiences of NATURAL FIBRE CONNECT 2024

PRATO SESSION – September 18, 2024

An open discussion will take place in the Confindustria Toscana Nord related to the GRS and Materials Matter Standards of Textile Exchange. Natural Fibre Connect invites all stakeholders to  attend this important presentation and feedback session to ensure that the best outcome is obtained for the future of standards.

Moderator will be Silvia Gambi with the introduction of Francesco Marini, of Marini Industrie. Willy Gallia (Natural Fiber Connect), Elisa Gavazza (ZDHC), Giuseppe Bartolini (TIL) will follow and then Roberta Pecci (Confindustia Toscana Nord | Fashion Systems Section Board Member & Sistema Moda Italia | member of the sustainability technical committee) will present some updates on the matter. In the late morning until lunch there will be: Woolmark Recycled Wool Specification with Elisabeth van Delden (Woolmark), Observations from CAB by Francesco Pazzi or Giuseppe Portarapillo (TBC) and Textile Exchange Presentation with Laura Kholer and Videsh Kandam. After lunch a transfer will take the guest to Biella to continue the NFC event!

BIELLA MILL VISITS – September 16-18

Attendees of the guided tours will have the opportunity to visit different mills and expand their knowledge of the textile manufacturing process and listen to leading voices of the international textile industry. Monday, 16th September the tour starts with the Schneider Group (www.gschneider.com) at Pettinatura di Verrone to continue then with Tintoria di Verrone (www.tintoriadiverrone.it), Finissaggio e Tintoria Ferraris (www.tintoriaferraris.com) and Magno Lab (www.magnolab.com). On the second day tour will start with Lanificio Cerruti (www.lanificiocerruti.com) and will continue with Fratelli Piacenza (www.piacenza1733.com), Burcina Park, Maglificio Maggia (www.maglificiomaggia.it) and Guabello (www.guabello.it). Last day will see Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia (www.baruffa.com) mill followed by Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna (www.zegnagroup.com/it/our-filiera) and Oasi Zegna (www.fondazionezegna.org/casa-zegna) ending with Reda (www.reda1865.com).

Sponsors

Here’s the list of the 2024 sponsors: Textile Exchange, ICEA, Mohair South Africa, Woolmark, Piacenza 1733, The Good Cashmere Standard by AbTF, Novalan, San Ildefonso, Südwolle Group, Macdonald & Co Woolbrokers, Endeavour Wool Exports, TIL Test & Innovation Lab , Australian Merino Exports and Control Union .

Through the event, NFC enables the sharing and understanding of the growers and herders’ perspectives and offers a unique chance for the textile and fashion industry and growers and herders around the world to engage and network. Attendees can then explore local mills, enjoy live presentations, and take part in interactive workshops and panel discussions that will help to shape the future of the industry through a lot of topics as Grower Perspective, Product Environmental Footprint, Regenerative Agriculture, Social & Animal Welfare, Innovation & Technology and Green Finance, and through upcoming initiatives, standards and case studies. NFC awaits you in Biella and Prato! Stay tuned for program updates on the website www.naturalfibreconnect.com

Posted: September 6, 2024

Source: NATURAL FIBRE CONNECT 2024

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