Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) And NC Small Business Center Network Present Free “Developing Your Apparel/Textile Product In The US” Webinar On January 15

CONOVER, N.C. — January 2, 2025 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College is partnering with the NC Small Business Center Network to present a free webinar, “Developing Your Apparel/Textile Product in the US,” on January 15 at 12 noon.

MSC Resource Library Manager Tanya Wade will lead this session which will cover how entrepreneurs and businesses can proceed with developing and producing a textile or apparel product here in the United States. Topics include domestic material sourcing options and strategies for working with manufacturers as products move into the production stage.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.  Visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org for more information and to register.

Posted: January 2, 2025

Source: The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

ITMF: International Textile Industry Statistics — Slight Capacity Growth And Lower Fiber Consumption In 2023

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — December 23, 2024 — The International Textile Manufacturer Federation (www.itmf.org) has published its International Textile Industry Statistics (ITIS) on productive capacity and raw materials consumption in the short-staple organized (spinning mill-) sector in virtually all textile-producing countries in the world. ITMF has used a new calculation method and reviewed past time series.

The estimated global number of installed short-staple spindles reached 232 Mio units in 2023 and the number of installed open-end rotors grew to 9.7 million (see Figures 1 and 2). Capacity building is still disproportionally targeting Asia.

The number of installed air-jet spindles soared to 637 thousand. Outside Asia, the main capacity increase was registered in Türkiye.

The number of installed shuttle-less looms increased to 1.7 million in 2023 (see Figure 3). Total raw material consumption in the short-staple organized sector slightly decreased to 43 million tons (see Figure 4).

Global consumption of raw cotton and cellulosic short-staple fibers decreased by -4.4 percent and -2.9 percent, respectively. Consumption of synthetic short-staple fibers increased by 0.5 percent.

Find out more on itmf.org.

Posted: December 24, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturer Federation (ITMF)

ACIMIT — Italian Textile Machinery: The Upcoming Colombiatex 2025 Speaks Italian

MILAN — December 19, 2024 — There will be 23 Italian textile machinery manufacturers partecipating at the upcoming Colombiatex, the main Colombian textile fair, which will take place in Medellín January 28-30, 2025, once again confirming the strong connection between local textile companies and Italian suppliers of textile technology.

Despite a decrease in demand for textile machinery from the Colombian textile sector during the first nine months of 2024, the country remains one of the main markets in the area for textile machinery manufacturers. Specifically, in 2023, Italy was the second largest technology supplier behind China, with an export value of around 13 million euros. In the first nine months of 2024, Italian sales in Colombia reached 8 million euros.

“The Colombian textile and clothing industry has experienced strong growth in recent years, also supported by a technological upgrade in which Italian machinery has often played a key role,” commented Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT. “For many of Italian manufacturers Colombiatex remains an unmissable event in the international trade fair calendar to strengthen partnership with Colombian textile companies”.

In the Italian pavilion organized by Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, among the 23 exhibitors, the following ACIMIT member companies will also be present: Biancalani, Btsr, Color Service, Danti, Dettin, Fadis, Flainox, Isotex, Itema, Kairos Engineering, Lonati, Mcs, Mts, Monti-Mac, Ratti, Reggiani Macchine, Salvadè, Santoni, Stalam, Tecnorama, Tonello, Triveneta.

Posted: December 21, 2024

Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

AATCC Announces The 2024 Herman And Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Competition Winners

(left to right, first row) Melissa Armistead, Yahya Absalan, Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder, Hassan Ali, Kanti Jasani, Renuka Dhandapani. (left to right, second row) Dallas Crotts, Nelson Houser, Barry Brady, AATCC President John Crocker.

DURHAM, N.C. — December 20, 2024 — The AATCC Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition, held under the auspices of the Education Advisory Board, aims to further the goals and objectives of the Association through educational support of future textile professionals. Held annually, the two-part competition asks textile-focused graduate students to write a paper on their original research, with the top four papers invited to present their research in person in front of a panel of industry experts. The 2024 competition was held November 12, 2024, in conjunction with the 2024 AATCC Fall Research Committee Meetings, with students representing NED University of Engineering and Technology, North Carolina State University, and the University of Georgia presenting.

AATCC extends its gratitude to all the students who participated in the competition and to the finalists for their presentations. Additionally, AATCC appreciates the contribution and participation from Kanti Jasani, AATCC C6 Membership Committee Chair, and the fellow esteemed judges of the competition: Barry Brady, Dallas Crotts, Renuka Dhandapani, Tim Dixon, and AATCC Past President Nelson Houser.

First Place: Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder

Topic: Assessment of Legacy and Emerging PFAS in Firefighter Turnout Gear

Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Fiber and Polymer Science doctoral program at North Carolina State University. Working under the advice of R. Bryan Ormond, his research focuses on firefighters’ exposure to PFAS as an occupational hazard. He hopes to continuously be involved in research, better understand firefighters’ exposure to toxic chemicals, and improve their health and safety. Mazumder was awarded first place and a cash prize of $1000.

Second Place: Melissa Armistead

Topic: Evaluating the Total Filtration Efficiency and Breathing Resistance of Commercial Respiratory Devices for Wildland Firefighters using an Animatronic Headform

Melissa Armistead is a second-year Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University studying Fiber and Polymer Science under the direction of R. Bryan Ormond. Her research focuses on evaluating the protection and comfort of potential respiratory protection devices for wildland and wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighters. She hopes to continue her work in personal protective equipment for first responders to help mitigate the increasing number of risks they face on the job. Armistead was awarded second place and a cash prize of $800.

Third Place: Hassan Ali

Topic: Prediction of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Multilayered Plain Woven Carbon Composites

Hassan Ali is currently enrolled as a second-year MS Textile Management student at NED University of Engineering & Technology, where he also serves as a Graduate Research Assistant under the supervision of M. Owais Raza Siddiqui and M. Dawood Husain. His research focuses on woven carbon fiber composites, specifically in the domain of thermal analysis. Ali aims to contribute to the development of advanced composite materials and pursue a career in research or industry applications in materials science. Ali was awarded third place and a $600 cash prize.

Fourth Place: Yahya Absalan

Topic: Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Anion-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticle for Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Dyes

Yahya Absalan is a third-year graduate student studying chemistry science at the University of Georgia under advisors Sergiy Minko and Suraj Sharma. Absalan is working on the synthesis of different materials, including nanomaterials, metal organic framework, and inorganic complex compounds for different photocatalytic applications such as removing textile dyes from water. He continues to enhance his knowledge in this area and plans to continue in academia. Absalan was awarded fourth place.

AATCC congratulates the winners of the competition and thanks all participants for their contributions. Abstracts for the 2025 competition can be submitted in spring of 2025.

Posted: December 20, 2024

Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

Polartec Releases The Final Episode Of “Beyond Begins Today” Mini Series – Chapter 3: Product — Beyond Performance. The Fabric Of Progress

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 20, 2024 — Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand and premium creator of innovative textile solutions for future thinking, introduces Product, the third and final chapter in Polartec’s multifaceted Beyond Begins Today mini-series.

Within the rich tapestry of Polartec’s legacy, threads of innovation weave together the past, present, and future. From its humble origins as pioneers of synthetic fleece to bold strides into new realms, Polartec represents the promise of harmony between creation and care; touching lives while honoring the earth.

Product, the final installment of Beyond Begins Today, features Paul Cosgrove (Chief Product Officer, Mammut), Sachiye Koide, (Mountaineer & Product Engineer), and Eric Yung (Managing Director of Polartec). Through a discussion that begins with a reverent nod to the iconic designs of brands like Mammut and the pioneers who wore them, Chapter 3 leads us into the soul of the great outdoors. From a celebration of the gear that binds lives to landscapes, and passions to purpose, it looks at a legacy that connects Polartec’s promise to enhance lives to the enduring strength of its textile solutions.

Through its Beyond Begins Today initiative, whereby the first and second chapters were dedicated to the Planet and People respectively, the Milliken & Company brand and premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions aims to solidify awareness and unity around important universal themes, among which sustainability, diversity and positive change. Viewed singularly or as a whole, all content is rooted in the underlying premise that the future is what we make it; extending to the fundamental belief that if we change behaviors we can change the narrative. For our Planet. For our People. For our Products.

Where others see problems, we see a catalyst…

  • To change behaviours
  • To change the narrative
  • To reduce our impact and increase our commitments
  • Action, through innovation.
  • The future is what we make it.

“Innovation isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are,” says Eric Yung, Managing Director at Polartec. “Every fabric we create carries our promise to push boundaries, protect the planet, and empower those who wear us. Our responsibility is to see innovation as an inspiration: to encourage action, redefine possibility, and surpass artificially imposed limits.”

Posted: December 20, 2024

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company Brand

Eurasian Textile Leaders Gather At VIATT 2025 Amidst Vietnam’s Promising Export Climate

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — December 20, 2024 — Despite global challenges, Vietnam’s textile industry is poised for robust growth. This year, the country’s textile and garment exports are projected to reach $44 billion, reflecting an impressive increase of over 11 percent compared to the previous year. With more than 42 percent of local firms anticipating improved business performance in the fourth quarter, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) stands out as a crucial event for the industry to continue its momentum. Scheduled for February 26-28, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the fair will leverage Vietnam’s position as a leading textile and apparel manufacturing hub and provide opportunities to textile players from across ASEAN, Europe and beyond.

Spanning 15,000 square meters of exhibition space across Halls A and B1, VIATT will once again showcase a comprehensive range of products and solutions that encompass the full textile spectrum, including apparel fabrics and accessories; yarns and fibers; garments; home and contract textiles; technical textiles, nonwovens and equipment; and various certifiers and solutions providers. This edition will place a strong emphasis on ‘what’s next’ in the industry, by introducing Econogy Hub and the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, respectively highlighting the industry’s movement towards sustainability and technological innovation.

The fair will feature robust international exhibitor participation, especially in the dedicated country / region pavilions and zones from India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Thailand, as well as the inaugural European Zone. Highlighted European exhibitors include:

  • Bossa Ticaret Ve Sanayi Isletmeleri TAS (Türkiye; Apparel fabrics & fashion): established in 1951, Bossa is one of Türkiye’s largest integrated textile corporations. It offers a wide range of high-quality denim fabrics, with a high dyeing and finishing production capacity.
  • Chargeurs PCC Asia Limited (France; Apparel fabrics & fashion): a leading global provider of inner component solutions, the company produces over 350 million metres of interlinings annually across seven production sites worldwide, catering to diverse markets ranging from luxury to athleisure.
  • Hohmann GmbH & Co. Kg (Germany; Home & contract textiles): founded in 1907, Hohmann offers a wide range of production with high-shelf warehousing that ensures immediate supply with a diverse stock. Its expanded production space has now reached 30,000 sqm, housing 330 Dornier weaving machines with a daily capacity of 45,000 metres.
  • Technical Absorbents Ltd (UK; Technical textiles & technologies): a trusted brand in the superabsorbent and nonwovens industries, this company has been innovating its Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF™) technology for over 30 years, producing a diverse array of high-performance superabsorbent materials.

Other notable exhibitors include Albini 1876 – Thomas Mason (Italy), displaying premium shirting fabrics; Alumo AG (Switzerland), featuring top quality STeP by OEKO-TEX-certified cotton fabrics, and Homeplus (Germany), presenting carpets and rugs with special features such as 3D patterns that add a playful dimension and texture.

VIATT 2025 will also serve as a vital platform to provide Vietnamese and international buyers with access to innovative textiles and technologies from leading exhibitors across Asia. While Japan remains the second-largest destination for Vietnam’s apparel exports[3], the country is also a steady supplier in many textile categories. Hoping to attract new export business at the show, key Japanese exhibitors include:

  • Murata Machinery (Technical textiles & technologies): Murata is a world-leading textile machinery company. Its signature product, VORTEX, utilises air technology to produce yarns with a unique structure. This product also promotes sustainability through it’s high productivity and energy efficiency.
  • Tamurakoma & Co (Apparel fabrics & fashion): established in 1894, the enterprise will display functional fabrics, such as POLICOTT and Comfeel, highlighting innovative Japanese technology and products made in Japan and Vietnam.
  • Toyoshima & Co (Apparel fabrics & fashion): over nearly two centuries, Toyoshima has adapted to evolving market needs, engaging in the entire process from raw material to final product delivery, and remains dedicated to continuous, comprehensive fashion development.

Joining them are Stylem Takisada-Osaka, a premier fabric manufacturer, overseeing the entire manufacturing journey from raw materials to finished apparel products; Takisada Nagoya, featuring high-quality apparel products made by a robust network of spinning facilities, weavers, knitters, and dye works; and Toyobo Textile Co, presenting fabric and sewn products that meet high Japanese standard.

Other Asian exhibitors include: IDFL Vietnam (Vietnam) and Honest Rich Pacific (Hong Kong) in Apparel Fabrics & Fashion Zone; Sigma Vietnam Industrial (Vietnam) and Youngdo Velvet (Korea) in Home & Contract Textiles Zone; as well as AiDLab (Hong Kong), JB Ecotex (India), and Rovitex Asia (Thailand) in Technical Textiles & Technologies Zone.

With VIATT 2025 welcoming exhibitors from across Europe and Asia’s diverse textile sectors, the fair is set to enhance its status as a top sourcing destination for the ASEAN region, and buyer delegations from Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and beyond have already confirmed their participation next year.

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT will be held from February 26 – 28, 2025.

Other upcoming shows:

  • Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring — March 11 – 13, 2025, Shanghai
  • Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen — June 11 – 13, 2025, Shenzhen (Futian)
  • Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition — August 20 – 22, 2025, Shanghai
  • Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn — September 2 – 4, 2025, Shanghai
  • Cinte Techtextil China — September 3 – 5, 2025, Shanghai

Posted: December 20, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Universal Fibers® Strengthens Investment In Nylon 6,6 Capabilities In Response To Ongoing Changes Within The Fiber Market

BRISTOL, Va. — December 19, 2024 — As the fiber market continues to evolve, Universal Fibers continues its substantial investment in assuring customers have access to nylon 6,6 natural yarn offerings. In response to Ascend’s recent decision to exit the bulked continuous fiber (BCF) fiber business, this proactive move positions Universal Fibers to support transitioning customers with a comprehensive product lineup while reaffirming its commitment to excellence and reliability to provide critical support to customers navigating the evolving industry landscape.

With a firm belief in the ongoing relevance of nylon 6,6 in the carpet industry, Universal Fibers is committed to protecting and preserving the business of its valued customers. This commitment is reinforced by recent and continued capital investments in new spinning capacity that supports solution dyed nylon (SDN) and natural yarn offerings in nylon 6,6. By expanding the availability of natural yarns, Universal Fibers aims to meet evolving market demands with superior products.

“Universal Fibers is excited to capitalize on this opportunity,” said Marc Ammen, CEO of Universal Fiber Systems. “We are confident that the addition of these resources will complement our existing product offerings and further underpin our commitment to product innovation, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to ensuring their satisfaction with our products and services. This commitment to long-term growth provides confidence in our stability and future prospects.”

Renowned for its expertise in fiber technology and its ability to work across a variety of chemistries, Universal Fibers is uniquely positioned to deliver flexible solutions that address the dynamic needs of our customers.

Ammen added: “As part of our long-term vision, we remain focused on delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-performing products to the market, and this is our latest example of that commitment. This expertise gives our customers the confidence that we can meet their needs, no matter how complex or unique they may be.”

Universal Fibers’ enhanced capabilities and this expanded investment come at a pivotal moment for the industry, reaffirming the company’s role as a trusted partner for manufacturers looking for quality, performance, and reliability in their yarn supply.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: Universal Fibers Inc. — a business unit within Universal Fiber Systems LLC

NCC Congratulates Senator Amy Klobuchar As Senate Ag Ranking Member

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — December 19, 2024 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulates Senator Amy Klobuchar on her appointment as the new Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Klobuchar’s extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to agricultural issues make her an exceptional choice for this pivotal role.

The NCC is confident that Senator Klobuchar’s leadership will bring significant benefits to the agricultural sector. Her understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, combined with her ability to work across party lines, will ensure that the needs of the agricultural community are effectively addressed.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: The National Cotton Council (NCC)

AAFA: Multi-Industry Letter Urges IP Protection And Raises Counterfeit Concerns As Immediate Trump Administration Priorities

WASHINGTON — December 19, 2024 — A cross-industry group of representatives of U.S. manufacturers and owners of intellectual property (IP) rights today sent a  letter to President-elect Donald Trump  to recognize his commitment to protecting American businesses, consumers, and national security by cracking down on the illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods.

The cross-industry co-signers include

  • the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI),
  • American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA),
  • Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF),
  • Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2),
  • Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM),
  • Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA),
  • Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA),
  • Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA),
  • MEMA – The Vehicle Suppliers Association,
  • Personal Care Products Council,
  • Sentinel Connector Systems,
  • Sports & Fitness Industry Association,
  • The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC),
  • The Toy Association, and
  • TIC Council.

The group outlines immediate considerations for the first 100 days of President-elect Trump’s Administration. Trade in counterfeit products is considered a high-risk area that threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of businesses, and the livelihoods of U.S. workers. In some cases, it also poses risks to national security and the health and safety of consumers.

The letter applauds previous Trump Administration actions, including the 2019 Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods which resulted in the interagency report issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), developed because “…illicit activity impacts American innovation and erodes the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and workers.”

It provides several recommendations on steps the Administration can take to establish a strong foundation for IP protection, including:

  • Nominate and support the confirmation of critical Administration positions key to protecting and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights:
    • An Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) to oversee and coordinate IP enforcement actions and policies across the Administration.
    • An Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to protect IP and drive innovative digital policies for creators and innovators.
    • The Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection has already been nominated. CBP has designated the protection of IP rights as a Priority Trade Issue (PTI).
  • Convene an Interagency Working Group to Fight Against Illicit Trade, Protect IP, and Eradicate Counterfeits to combat the trafficking of counterfeits and other infringing products within the first 100 days to connect (at least quarterly) with stakeholders.
  • Resume steps to implement recommended actions outlined in the 2020 DHS report on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods.
  • Evaluate actions for holistic counterfeit prevention with Executive Orders, Regulation, and/or needed Policy Changes.
  • Support passage of the SHOP SAFE Act as introduced [H.R.8684 / S. 2934] in the 118th Congress to incentivize e-commerce platforms to improve their systems to detect and prevent the sale of counterfeit products.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Milliken & Company Becomes First Textile Manufacturer To Offer Non-PFAS Materials For Every Layer Of Firefighter Turnout Gear

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 19, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company reported that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.

“Milliken is proud to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we’re proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards,” said Marcio Manique, senior vice president of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don’t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear.”

The three layers in the non-PFAS composites include:

  • Milliken Horizon™: a non-PFAS, lightweight outer shell that provides industry-leading retention of strength and appearance year after year.
  • Milliken Assure™: a non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.
  • Milliken Equinox™: a non-PFAS, slick thermal liner that offers superior wicking and moisture management, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.

Third-Party Testing Results

The recently published NFPA 1970-2025 standard was issued with reduced performance criteria in anticipation of non-PFAS products having poorer performance; however, the Milliken composites were able to meet and exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process in November. Every individual layer that make up both composites are UL certified.

Detailed results from the third-party testing include:

  • Composite 1: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 3-Layer
    • Total Heat Loss (THL): 275
    • Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 40.9
  • Composite 2: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 2-Layer
    • Total Heat Loss (THL): 293
    • Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 38.2

NFPA requirements = THL: 205 (minimum) and TPP: 35 (minimum)

Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters’ protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. Milliken’s composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR options readily available on the market today. The company eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and across its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio in 2023.

These fabrics are available for use in wear trials now. For more information, visit https://contact.milliken.com/assure.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

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