MILAN — February 17, 2025 — In the fourth quarter of 2024, the index of orders for Italian textile machines, compiled by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a 19% decline compared to the same period in 2023. In absolute terms, the index stood at 49.6 points (base 2021=100).
This result is due to a slight increase in order intake from the domestic market, contrasted by a decline in foreign markets. Orders in Italy grew by 6%, while abroad a 22% drop was recorded. The absolute value of the index in foreign markets was 48.3 points, while in Italy, it reached 58.5 points. In the fourth quarter, the order backlog ensured 3.3 months of production.
Overall, in 2024, the index recorded a 16% decrease compared to the 2023 average. Domestically, the index grew by 10%, whereas abroad there was a 19% decline.
Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented: “The order index for the October-December 2024 period confirms a still weak order intake. The negative trend in machinery demand continues, especially abroad. According to data updated to October 2024, our exports have declined in all major target markets in the first 10 months of the year. Except for the Chinese market, Turkey, India, the United States, and Germany have all seen a drop compared to the same period in 2023.”
Posted: February 17, 2025
Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)
MUNICH, Germany — February 17, 2025 — Sympatex is entering an exciting new chapter! With immense excitement and optimism, we are thrilled to announce a transformational expansion of our global sales team. This is more than just growth – this is a bold leap forward in strengthening our sales strategy, expanding into key markets, and deepening relationships with new and existing partners. By reinforcing our commercial presence, we ensure a future of sustainable high-performance functional fabrics for brands and retailers worldwide.
Michael Cattanach Joins Sympatex – A Game-Changer for Growth
Michael Cattanach
We are beyond excited to welcome Michael Cattanach as our new Global Sales manager on February 15, 2025. A true industry heavyweight, Cattanach brings more than 25 years of expertise in the performance textile sector, having held pivotal roles at Polartec, General Electric, and W. L. Gore & Associates. His deep knowledge of waterproof laminate technologies, product development, and strategic business growth will be a game-changer for Sympatex as we expand our sales footprint, particularly in the US market.
As Sympatex accelerates its global sales efforts across all three business units (apparel, footwear, and corporate & workwear), we are thrilled to announce key strategic appointments that will enhance our customer engagement and market reach:
China – Leandra Reisner will now lead business development for the apparel sector in China while continuing to manage key U.S. accounts, ensuring seamless cross-market collaboration with existing and new customers. At the same time, Marc Estor remains responsible for the footwear business in China, further strengthening Sympatex’s presence in this key market.
India expansion – Sympatex is strengthening its presence in the Indian market, working closely with local partner Sportiva Lifestyle PYT. LTD., represented by Vibhuti Trivedi. With strategic oversight from Marc Estor, the team is focused on driving sales and growth in this dynamic region.
France & Southern Europe – We warmly welcome Nadia Youcefi as our new Sales & Marketing Manager for the Corporate & Workwear business unit, expanding our commercial reach in France and Southern Europe.
A Team Built for Impact – Expanding Sales for a Sustainable Future
This milestone marks a defining moment for Sympatex. Our strengthened global sales force is not just about expansion – it’s about deepening partnerships, increasing market share, and helping brands transition to circular textile solutions with our membranes and laminates. We are setting new benchmarks for functional performance and sustainability, and our new team members will be instrumental in driving business success for Sympatex and its partners.
“I am incredibly proud of the Sympatex family and what we have accomplished together,” says Kim Scholze, CSMO at Sympatex. “This is a turning point, a moment to celebrate! Our journey toward mono-material fiber2fiber offerings and full circularity has been remarkable, but equally important is our ability to support our partners in delivering top-tier, sustainable performance products to the market. With these new colleagues, we are ready to expand our customer network, accelerate sales, and drive real business growth. This is a moment of hope, excitement, and bold action – not just for Sympatex, but for our partners, our industry, and our planet.”
BURLINGTON, N.C. — February 14, 2025 — Trivantage®, a one-stop shop for marine fabrics and hardware, has expanded its Sunbrella® Plus fabric collection to include 17 vibrant, fade-resistant color offerings. Known for its excellent UV protection, weather resistance, and simple care, Sunbrella Plus has proven to be an ideal choice for high-moisture applications, such as exterior storage, bimini covers, boat covers, dodgers, and more.
“This line expansion more than doubles options for our fabricators whose customers are looking for marine shade and cover solutions,” said Keith Purves, business development and product training manager at Trivantage. “With new and improved pricing, Sunbrella Plus has never been more accessible.”
Built for use in open waters, Sunbrella Plus and its advanced design takes performance to the next level – a unique polyurethane and acrylic undercoating gives the fabric enhanced water repellency.
Other notable features include:
UV protection and fade resistance;
Resistance to mold, mildew, and stains;
Easy maintenance and cleaning;
PFAS-free, and compliant with state regulations; and
Backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The collection now features a range of neutrals, earth tones, blues, and eye-catching reds. To learn more about Sunbrella Plus, visit: https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-marine-sunbrella-plus
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — February 12, 2025 — ZymoChem, the biotech company creating sustainable materials for everyday products, announces the successful commercial-scale production of the key biopolymer ingredient used in its groundbreaking first product. This follows ZymoChem’s recent announcement of the launch of BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) as a drop-in replacement for traditional, fossil-based SAPs, a key component in disposable, absorbent hygiene products. By achieving production levels measured in multi-metric tons (MT) for the key biopolymer ingredient for BAYSE, and at efficiencies demonstrating commercial viability, ZymoChem is paving the way to deliver BAYSE BioSAP to customers worldwide.
ZymoChem’s proprietary fermentation-based manufacturing technology delivers ingredients with performance and cost attributes on par with conventional counterparts, while enabling the development of decarbonized solutions. Previously mastered in small-scale production, the company’s latest milestone saw the production of its biopolymer at the 45,000-liter scale. With support of its contract manufacturing operator (CMO), ZymoChem delivered this production with metrics that surpassed lab scale performance, demonstrating the robustness of the process at the industrial level.
“Our team’s dedication to innovation and precision has enabled us to showcase biomanufacturing at scale and at unprecedented efficiencies, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles in deploying bio-based products commercially,” said Dr. Ritu Bansal-Mutalik, vice president, BioProcess Development at ZymoChem. “This success brings us closer to providing high-performance, sustainable solutions for the hygiene, agriculture, cosmetics, and water treatment industries.”
Following its successful scale-up, ZymoChem is commencing commercial runs with its CMO partners to create additional inventory to deliver on the immense demand from partners eager to deploy bio-based, high-performance solutions globally.
Nearly 90 percent of the 4 Million MT of SAP manufactured each year is directed to the $145 billion global hygiene industry as part of infant diapers and period pads. The introduction of BAYSE with its biodegradable properties will positively disrupt the trade by addressing the environmental concerns associated with the 300,000 diapers that enter landfills or are incinerated every minute. Other non-hygiene-focused industries are also ready for a non-fossil-based SAP to support their customer needs.
Surpassing vital production, commercialization, and sustainability milestones has unlocked the path to producing thousands of MT of BAYSE annually, positioning ZymoChem to revolutionize the global SAP market.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — February 14, 2025 — KARL MAYER supports its customers not only with top products and the best service, but also with valuable specialist knowledge, and has done so for decades. The company’s own trainings for customers have been providing know-how for entry into warp knitting or business development since 1960 and are still in great demand in the industry today.
KARL MAYER Academy, Obertshausen
In 2024, there were a total of 104 courses for the warp knitting sector with 432 learners at the KARL MAYER academies in Germany, China, India, Japan and Turkey. The online offerings of the company’s own training hub are also gaining in importance. The online training platform has been available to customers in the Western Markets region since summer 2022. In December 2024, the Academy already had 564 active accounts with users from 50 countries, including many company owners and managers, as well as textile engineers, product developers and machine operators.
Sophia Krinner
“We are seeing a shift from on-site training to digital alternatives. The online courses are sufficient for many professional groups and make a trip to Obertshausen no longer necessary,” says Sophia Krinner, Product Owner Academy at KARL MAYER. She is looking forward to receiving the first registrations for the 2025 course program at the beginning of January.
Early bookers can look forward to a New Year’s special: there is a 25% discount on the “Introduction to warp knitting” e-learning course in February.
Specialist knowledge with high practical relevance
Just over half of last year’s courses corresponded to the standard program. However, there were also many special trainings in which customers specifically chose individual topics from the course program to intensify their knowledge. In addition, there was an increase in inquiries about the production of fishing nets, optimizing production processes and improving product quality. These trainings were held at the customer’s premises during ongoing production.
Working Warp Knitting Mill
Whatever format the courses took, they were always a success for the participants. The close practical relevance was particularly well received.
“I have much better view of the correlation between machine parts and product property now. I think the basic mechanism of lapping and needle motion will guide me on common quality issues in my work. And the practice I did in this training will be influencing me a lot in the future,” says Fang of Shawmut Corp., USA, about the training “Practical introduction to warp knitting”.
“What I learned will help me develop new functionalities for the company I work for. I will use it every day. My new knowledge will help me to develop new patterns and realize new design. By doing a training here you can eliminate many doubts and everything will be much clearer afterwards,” explains Valentina, American Specialized Textiles, Mexico, who had attended the same training.
“An excellent time spent learning and expanding my knowledge which I can now implement in my day-to-day job. The facilities and staff have been wonderful, and I look forward to returning to KARL MAYER to further my education with another course soon,” concludes Ashley, Baltex, United Kingdom, after attending the advanced course on warp knitting machines.
An introduction to warp knitting – already available in five languages – and various free tutorials are available in e-learning format. In 2024, the new topics “Energy Efficiency Solution” and “ Basics of Textile Analysis” were added to the range and were very well received. 117 trainees have already taken advantage of the additional offerings. This year has already started with new additions.
“In January, we published our new knowledge check for warp knitting. We want to help customers to self-assess their knowledge and make it easier for them to choose the right academy course,” explains Sophia Krinner.
MUMBAI — February 13, 2025 — Birla Cellulose, Cellulosic Fibres division of Grasim Industries Ltd is pleased to announce the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with LNJ Bhilwara Group Companies (RSWM Limited & TACC Limited) as the next step forward in the development of graphene technology for textile applications.
From Left to Right: Mr. Vishvajit Juikar – Group Leader NPD, R&D , Birla Cellulose -Pulp & Fibre Innovation Centre, Mr. Ashutosh Sharma President & Chief Marketing Officer Grey and dyed Business RSWM – LNJ Group, Mr. Ankur Khaitan – CEO TACC- LNJ Group, Mr. N.K Bahedia – Business Head Yarn Business RSWM – LNJ Group, Mr. ManMohan Singh – Chief Marketing Officer – Birla Cellulose, Ms Vaishali Kamble – Asst General Manager, Future Fibre & New Product Dev – Birla Cellulose, Mr. Shyamlal Patnaik – Jt President & Business Head – Future Fibre & New Product Dev – Birla Cellulose
Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice, is known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and lightweight properties, with applications in electronics, energy storage, coatings, composites, construction materials, and textiles.
Under this collaboration:
TACC Ltd. will supply graphene derivatives to Birla Cellulose
Birla Cellulose will integrate TACC’s graphene derivatives into the production of viscose fibres.
RSWM Ltd. will use these graphene-enhanced viscose fibres for textile manufacturing
This collaboration is set to evaluate textile innovation, integrating graphene’s remarkable properties into fabrics, enhancing durability, performance, and sustainability.
TACC, an innovation-driven venture of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, is a key player in the advanced materials sector, specializing in synthetic graphite and graphene derivatives. With a strong commitment to green technologies and sustainability, TACC continues to push the boundaries of graphene synthesis and its diverse industrial applications.
As one of India’s largest textile manufacturers, RSWM Ltd. has been at the forefront of innovation in yarn and fabric production for over five decades. With state-of-the-art manufacturing units and a strong export presence in over 70 countries, RSWM is a leader in delivering high-quality textile solutions to global markets.
Birla Cellulose, the cellulosic fibers business of Grasim Industries Ltd, flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading sustainability-focused Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) producer.
Birla Cellulose’s manufacturing units apply environmentally efficient closed-loop technologies including recycled materials and enhanced conservation of natural resources. Its five global advanced research centres are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and pilot plants. Birla Cellulose’s fibers are made from renewable wood and are produced using a closed-loop process with significantly lower carbon emissions and lower resource consumption.
Birla Cellulose collaborates actively with its upstream and downstream partners to create a bigger and broader positive impact on the sustainability of its value chain. Visit www.birlacellulose.com
WASHINGTON — February 13, 2025 — The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners.
“While we support the president’s efforts to reduce trade barriers and imbalances, this scale of undertaking is massive and will be extremely disruptive to our supply chains. It will likely result in higher prices for hardworking American families and will erode household spending power. We encourage the president to seek coordination and collaboration with our trading partners and bring stability to our supply chains and family budgets.
“The University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index continues to decline, suggesting consumers are alarmed about trade war uncertainty.”
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 13, 2025 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
The NCC is confident as Ms. Rollins steps in as the new Secretary of Agriculture that her knowledge and commitment to producers and rural America will be vital in our efforts to strengthen the farm economy. The NCC looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins to bring about positive developments for cotton and all of agriculture.
DURHAM, N.C. — February 13, 2025 — AATCC is still accepting submissions to the NEW 2025 Concept 2 Consumer Design & Merchandising Student Competition. The popular design and merchandising competitions have now been combined into one to allow students to better showcase their full range of skills.
Textile students are tasked with designing and merchandising an apparel collection based on the 2025 competition theme, “Creating Comfort: Waterway-Conscious Casual Apparel”. This theme aims to tackle issues regarding sustainability as many current textile items marketed as “comfortable” have a high ecological impact on waterways through microfiber shed, low tolerance to repeat laundering, and high-water usage during production. The industry relevant theme challenges students to think about how choices made early in the design and merchandising processes can reduce the environmental footprint of apparel.
To support and educate the students on competition related topics, AATCC is proud to offer webinars on topics such as textile testing, fiber fragments, low-impact textile production methods, and professional development. An official schedule of competition affiliated events can be found on the competition website.
The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students around the globe. Participants must be an AATCC student member to enter and AATCC memberships must be purchased prior to April 21, 2025, to be eligible. Only one entry per student per AATCC competition per year is permitted and entries are due April 23, 2025.
Awards
The first-place prize will be awarded US $2,000 from AATCC, US $300 from Farhan Patel, $150 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition.
The second-place prize will be awarded US $1,500 from AATCC, US $200 from Farhan Patel, $100 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition.
The third-place prize will be awarded US $500 from AATCC, $100 from Farhan Patel, $50 from VV Hanwei Su, and a Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Edition. All winners will receive one (1) free year of AATCC membership.
Entries will be judged based on content, creativity, completeness, thoroughness, and presentation of poster. Winners will be announced in May 2025.
Sponsors
The sponsors for the 2025 Concept 2 Consumer Design & Merchandising Student Competition are Farhan Patel, VV Hanwei Su of Maison De Hoe, and Archroma.
BADINERES, France — February 13, 2025 — Porcher Industries, a developer and producer of high-performance textiles and thermoplastic solutions, is proud to announce three major highlights that will be showcased at JEC World 2025. These solutions, designed to support all players in the composite value chain, showcase Porcher Industries’ commitment to advancing composite materials.
Launch of the Composite Application Lab (CAL)
Porcher Industries is unveiling its Composite Application Lab (CAL), a unique service designed to accelerate innovation in textiles and thermoplastic solutions. Acting as a true application laboratory, the CAL supports clients in creating tailor-made solutions.
Key objectives:
Deliver innovative solutions leveraging expertise in technical materials.
Develop prototypes and small production runs for enhanced responsiveness.
Facilitate the transition to thermoplastic solutions with the “Vacuum Bag Only” process.
The CAL reflects Porcher Industries’ commitment to meeting its partners’ needs across all markets and applications.
Porcher industries introduces its Peel Ply range for composite parts
Porcher Industries Peel Ply
A Peel Ply range designed to meet composite process requirements
Porcher Industries offers a line of peel ply textiles specifically engineered to optimize the manufacturing processes of composite parts.
Key features:
Exceptional dimensional stability, ensuring a reliable manufacturing process.
Easy removal, thanks to precise fabric tension management.
Uniform weave, promoting strong and consistent bonding.
Targeted at demanding industries such as aerospace and industrial manufacturing, this range combines technical performance with ease of use, making it ideal for complex industrial processes.
Aerospace Innovation: a revolutionary Cockpit
Porcher Industries Cockpit Lining
In collaboration with Airbus, Porcher Industries presents an innovative aerospace cockpit panel prototype made with materials optimized for vacuum bag consolidation:
Thinner material lightweight, and easy to assemble.
Manufacturing time savings: Opportunity to reduce the use of paints and varnishes, thanks to a naturally optimized surface.
Enhanced recyclability compared to traditional thermoset materials.
Once again, this technology showcases Porcher Industries’ ability to drive the adoption of composite materials.
Visit our booth 5U40 at JEC World from March 4–6, 2025, to discover these innovations! The cockpit is visible on our booth and on the JEC PLANETE MOBILITY
MILAN — February 17, 2025 — In the fourth quarter of 2024, the index of orders for Italian textile machines, compiled by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a 19% decline compared to the same period in 2023. In absolute terms, the index stood at 49.6 points (base 2021=100).
