Milliken Naming Investment Fuels NC State Research In The Textile Protection And Comfort Center

RALEIGH, N.C. — April 4, 2025 — A new $1.5 million investment from Milliken & Company will further elevate groundbreaking research at NC State’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC)  through a five-year, fixed-term naming.

John Morton-Aslanis, research scholar and thermal lab manager, and Roger Barker, TPACC’s founder and director, run a test using the PyroMan, a life-size manikin used to evaluate the performance of thermal protective clothing, in the Milliken Textile Protection And Comfort Center on Centennial campus.

The newly named Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation Textile Protection and Comfort Center, housed within the Wilson College of Textiles, is poised to reach new heights. The center will continue to build on its global reputation for advancing innovation and enhancing comfort in high-performance protective apparel. This important work safeguards first responders, military personnel and other frontline workers who depend on protective fabrics to keep them safe, secure and able to perform in the line of duty.

“This generous investment from Milliken & Company is a powerful affirmation of our shared mission to lead in textile innovation,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “It will expand research in protection and performance, open doors for student discovery and fuel the next generation of breakthroughs at the Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center.”

David Darko, a sophomore textile engineering major, researches the effect of color on heat stress for firefighters by setting up the manikins outside in the sun to measure their physiological output.

With 30 years of specialized expertise, TPACC remains the only academic center in the United States that researches, tests and evaluates the comfort and protective performance of textile materials, garments and ensemble systems in one location.

As a global manufacturing leader focusing on the science of materials, Milliken produces specialty chemicals, flooring and performance textile materials for a variety of industries, including household care, personal care, agriculture and dyes.

“Milliken and TPACC are aligned in a bold vision to develop breakthrough materials and technologies that shape the future of protective apparel textiles,” says Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken & Company and chair of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation. “This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to purposeful textile innovation that impacts lives, transforms industries and ensures that NC State remains a global leader in the field.”

With government grants and industrial partnerships, TPACC innovates Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for first responders, and medical and military personnel.

TPACC has generated nearly $80 million in research and technical service awards since its founding in 1994. Each semester, the center’s faculty and staff mentor 15 graduate students with 60 students, on average, using the center’s 9,500-square-foot state-of-the-art laboratories, office and collaboration spaces in TPACC-related courses.

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: NC State University – University Communications

Trivantage® Launches Batyline® Sling Fabric Collection — Two Distinct Collections From Serge Ferrari

BURLINGTON, N.C. — April 4, 2025 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for fabrics, hardware, and accessories, has introduced two distinct offerings to the Batyline sling fabric collection by Serge Ferrari. Batyline Elios and Batyline Eden are ideal for fabricating long-lasting sling chairs and outdoor furniture, having dimensional stability, outstanding strength, and durability in any climate.

Both collections are made from a blend of PVC, polyester, and synthetic yarns and include a flocked yarn which makes them soft to the touch. With an open weave design, breathability, and quick-drying properties, these sling fabrics ensure a comfortable and cool experience no matter the temperature. Other notable features include:

  • 100% waterproof
  • Phthalate-free
  • Resists sagging or stretching
  • Easy to clean; Mildew resistant
  • 5 year warranty

Batyline Eden fabric can be used for sling, cushion, and upholstery projects, featuring 23 standard colors plus five waterproof colors. Compared to other acrylic options, Batyline Eden fabrics are five times more resistant to abrasion and feature double the tensile strength. Batyline Elios fabrics are available in 10 colors to fit with any design.

“We remain dedicated to providing the best decorative and industrial fabrics in the industry and to stay aligned with evolving consumer trends,” said Jimmy Barnhardt, decorative sales manager at Trivantage. “Adding Eden and Elios Sling is the perfect way to elevate outdoor sling seating and allow your craftsmanship to shine.”

For over 30 years, Batyline has been a leading option in the performance furniture fabric industry. To learn more about Elios and Eden, visit:

https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-sling-serge-ferrari-batyline.

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: Trivantage

JAAF, Sri Lanka, Engages Government On Urgent Response To U.S. Tariffs Threatening Export Sector

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — April 4, 2025 — Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has expressed deep concern over the new Reciprocal Tariff policy announced by the U.S. government, cautioning that the move could severely disrupt the country’s largest export sector.

The Reciprocal Tariff policy announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, imposes a universal baseline tariff of 10% tariff on all imports into the USA effective April 5.

Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF)

Come April 9, this will then increase with each country being given a tariff rate dependent on the US Government’s view on “Tariffs charged into the USA”. For Sri Lanka, this will see the baseline 10% increasing to 44% for Sri Lanka.

“This tariff is significantly higher than what our regional competitors face,” said Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). “We could see a rapid shift in U.S. sourcing away from Sri Lanka, which would be extremely difficult to recover from.”

The United States remains Sri Lanka’s largest apparel export market, accounting for over 40% of the sector’s exports, which exceeded USD 5.5 billion in 2023.

In response to the development, JAAF commended the Government of Sri Lanka for its prompt action, including the establishment of a working group to assess the wider economic impact of the U.S. decision.

“We appreciate the urgency with which the Government has responded,” said Lawrence. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities to determine a constructive path forward that also remains consistent with Sri Lanka’s ongoing IMF programme.”

The working group is currently finalizing a proposal that will be presented to His Excellency the President later today. JAAF emphasized the importance of acting quickly and expressed confidence that, with the support of the President, decisive measures would be taken in the national interest.

Despite this setback, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry remains firmly committed to its core values of ethical manufacturing, transparency, and sustainable growth.

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF)

AAFA: Liberation Day Announcement Offers Promise Of Economic Strain For American Companies And Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 2, 2025 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to new reciprocal tariffs announced by the White House today. With the tariffs announced today, all major suppliers of apparel, footwear, and travel goods are now facing higher tariffs.

Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA, expressed concern over this tariff approach, stating:

“To be clear, tariffs are taxes borne by the American companies that import the goods and the hardworking American families that buy those goods. Before today’s so-called ‘Liberation Day,’ the average tariff on clothes, shoes, and accessories, necessities every American must buy, was already more than five times higher than on other U.S. imports. True liberation would have involved eliminating this high tariff burden and relieving U.S. consumers of its regressive and misogynistic effects, rather than layering on more costs that fuel inflation. While we welcome President Trump’s focus on reducing foreign trade barriers, we need to reduce America’s high trade barriers as well and do so in a predictable manner that enables long-term investment and supply chain decisions. For companies that had been in a ‘wait and see’ mode, the chaos of the last few months, coupled with the confusion from today’s announcement has only created more uncertainty.

“While the President touts ‘America First’ policies, this tariff plan overlooks its destructive impact it will have on the U.S. manufacturers in our industry. These American companies depend on foreign inputs which have no, or very few, American substitutes. Tariffs will significantly increase the cost of manufacturing in the U.S., and, when paired with the retaliatory tariffs that will surely come, will undermine U.S. export opportunities as well.”

For more information and regular updates on tariff’s impact on the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, please visit AAFA’s Fashion Tariffs 101 page:

https://www.aafaglobal.org/tariffs

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

MycoWorks Biomaterial Reishi™ Enters A New Era Of Interior Design With Its First Industrial Collaboration With Ligne Roset 

PARIS — April 4, 2025 — Reishi™, the groundbreaking biomaterial developed by MycoWorks, is making a bold statement in the world of interior design.

On April 3rd, during the Onirium event at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, Ligne Roset unveils the Kobold sofa designed by Erwan Bouroullec, marking the first large-scale integration of Reishi™ in luxury furniture.

This milestone demonstrates that Reishi™ is no longer an experimental possibility—it is a ready, industrialized solution capable of meeting the most demanding standards of design and craftsmanship.

As one of the natural, non-animal materials available at industrial scale, Reishi™ offers a unique blend of performance, durability, and aesthetics, redefining what is possible in sustainable design.

Reishi™: A Game-Changer for the Future of Design 

For years, biomaterials have remained on the fringes of design—too delicate, too niche, or too limited for industrial application. Reishi™ changes this narrative. Thanks to MycoWorks’ patented Fine Mycelium™ technology, Reishi™ is the first biomaterial to deliver both exceptional aesthetics and technical performance at scale.

Chosen by Ligne Roset for the Kobold sofa, Reishi™ meets the rigorous requirements of contemporary furniture production while offering a new sensory and visual experience:

  • Unparalleled Performance: Resistant to daily wear, Reishi™ combines strength, supple elasticity, and durability—qualities essential for interior applications.
  • A Living Material: Like the finest natural materials, Reishi™ develops a patina over time, enhancing its beauty while preserving its structural integrity.
  • A Unique Aesthetic: Each sheet of Reishi™ carries its own distinctive veining and organic patterns, creating designs that are one-of-a-kind—echoing the natural beauty of marble or leather.
  • Industrial Scalability: Unlike other biomaterials, Reishi™ is available at scale, offering a reliable, sustainable alternative to traditional materials for major design brands.

“At MycoWorks, we believe that art inspires science, and that mycelium can redefine the future of design,” says Sophia Wang, co-founder of MycoWorks. “The integration of Reishi™ into the Ligne Roset collection is a powerful demonstration that sustainable luxury is not a concept of tomorrow—it is a reality today.”

Beyond Materials: A Vision for Sustainable Interiors 

The Kobold sofa Made with Reishi™ — now available, in the Ligne Roset 2025 catalog — is more than a new product. It’s a proof of concept that Reishi™ can deliver the performance and beauty needed to redefine sustainable interiors.

“We have been waiting for years for a natural and sustainable material that meets our quality standards and our customers’ expectations. Our partnership with MycoWorks strengthens our commitment to ethical and sustainable development, while upholding the highest level of quality for which the Roset Group is known. By embracing innovation, it also offers us the opportunity to redefine the legacy of Made in France design,” says Antoine Roset, Managing Director of Ligne Roset.

Designed by Erwan Bouroullec, the Kobold is a versatile and modular seating solution that seamlessly integrates various functional elements around a central sofa unit. These sustainable features align with the choice of incorporating Reishi™ to make it a piece of design that embodies eco-conscious innovation without compromising on aesthetics, comfort, or longevity.

In the evocative Onirium scenography, lush greenery will envelop the Reishi™ Kobold, symbolizing a new era where nature and design coexist seamlessly. This installation is not just an artistic display—it is an invitation for designers and brands to embrace the future of materials and integrate Reishi™ into their creative visions.

The collaboration with Ligne Roset is the latest step in MycoWorks’ mission to provide scalable, sustainable materials that meet the highest standards of luxury. With Reishi™, brands can move beyond imitation leather toward a new category of natural materials that are both performative and aesthetic.

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: MycoWorks

ITMF: US Tariffs Are Disrupting The Global Textile And Apparel Value Chains Resulting In Higher Prices In The U.S.

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — April 4, 2025 — The U.S. administration’s decision to unilaterally impose sweeping tariff increases on imported goods represents a significant challenge to the existing global trading system, which has long been structured around multilateral (WTO), regional, and bilateral (FTA) trade agreements.

Mr. K. V. Srinivasan, President of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), emphasized that “these substantial tariff hikes will have a major impact on textile imports, particularly apparel, into the U.S.”

Currently, approximately 95% of apparel sold in the U.S. is imported, with the majority sourced from China (about 30%), Vietnam (13%), India (8%), Bangladesh (6%), and Indonesia (5.5%). To put this into perspective, these countries, which previously faced tariffs of 11-12%, will now see rates surge to 38-65%. In response, U.S. apparel importers are seeking alternative sourcing options in countries with lower tariffs. However, many of these alternatives have higher production costs and often lack the required product ranges or production capacities.

Reshoring apparel manufacturing to the U.S. would also pose significant challenges. Labor costs are substantially higher, and many essential textiles for apparel production would still need to be imported—now at increased costs. Additionally, the U.S. faces a shortage of skilled workers in the apparel sector. Whether through higher tariffs on imports or costly domestic production, the outcome will be increased apparel prices, ultimately contributing to higher inflation.

Mr. Srinivasan further stated: “The trade policy pursued by the U.S. administration will disrupt textile and apparel supply chains, increasing uncertainty, and driving up prices. Rather than implementing unilateral tariff hikes across all product categories, it would be far more beneficial for the global textile and apparel industry if governments engaged in negotiations and collaborative policymaking.”

For more information about ITMF, please go to  www.itmf.org

Posted: April 4, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

SGS Guides Textile Manufacturers And Brands On How To Phase Out PFAS

The utility of PFAS has led to their widespread use in garments, particularly high-performance wet-weather clothing.

Daniel Waterkamp, head of bluesign® ACADEMY, part of SGS, explores the regulatory landscape and challenges surrounding the elimination of PFAS in textiles.

TW Special Report

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in textiles and apparel for their water- and stain-resistant properties. However, concerns over their environmental persistence and toxicity have led to stricter regulations, pushing businesses to replace PFAS with safer, more sustainable alternatives.

The utility of PFAS has led to their widespread use in garments, particularly high-performance wet-weather clothing. Consequently, alongside broad regulations restricting PFAS in consumer products, the textile sector is also subject to specific legislation.

January 1, 2025

New Year’s Day saw the implementation of three important regulatory changes for textile and apparel businesses operating in the United States.

Firstly, California Assembly Bill No. 1817 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale or offer for sale of any new textile article containing a regulated PFAS that is intentionally added or present at a level above a set threshold. Manufacturers are required to provide a certificate of compliance stating that their products do not contain a regulated PFAS.

Secondly, New York has implemented a ban on the sale or offer for sale of any new apparel containing an intentionally added PFAS. However, this prohibition will not apply to outdoor clothing for severe wet conditions until January 1, 2028.

Finally, Colorado recently initiated a phased approach to prohibiting PFAS in outdoor clothing for severe wet conditions. Initially, products containing PFAS can still be sold if they carry the disclosure notice: ‘Made with PFAS chemicals.’ However, from January 1, 2028, all outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions and textile articles with intentionally added PFAS, primarily used in households and businesses, will be banned.1

These are just the latest PFAS bans affecting consumer products, and the trend toward greater restriction is expected to continue. For example, businesses operating in Europe should be aware that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is advocating for a universal ban on PFAS under REACH. Once accepted, other countries, including the UK and Canada, will probably align with the new requirements.

Challenges

Textile manufacturers, retailers and brands face several challenges when seeking to eliminate PFAS, including:

  • Compliance — Businesses need to stay informed to adapt their supply chains to rapidly evolving regulations and remain compliant
  • Performance — Alternatives need to display the same durability, water repellency and stain resistance as PFAS
  • Transparency — It can be difficult to monitor the use of PFAS-based chemicals in supply chains with multiple operators
  • Consumer trust — Headlines such as, “Fast fashion is made with alarmingly high amounts of toxic chemicals,” have heightened consumer awareness of PFAS risks, increasing demand for independently verified products free from harmful substances2
    Approaches to PFAS-free textile production

Businesses must take a proactive approach to maintaining compliance in an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Available options include adopting alternative chemistries, such as water- and silicone-based repellents, biobased coatings and advanced polymers. Manufacturers and brands can also implement a rigorous testing system to ensure products conform to regulatory requirements.

However, rather than testing end products for compliance, it is more cost-effective to ensure that inputs are free from PFAS. This approach requires transparency and effective oversight of the entire supply chain. Partnering with suppliers certified to strict chemical management standards is an effective starting point. Independent verification not only ensures regulatory compliance but also enhances brand trust in markets where sustainability is a key driver of success.

Daniel Waterkamp

PFAS phase-out

bluesign, an SGS company, has been at the forefront of supporting sustainability in textiles since 2000. In 2015, it banned long-chain PFAS (C8 chemistry) in products carrying the bluesign logo.

In response to the growing body of evidence on the damaging effects of PFAS, bluesign is now expanding its ban to phase out short-chain PFAS (C6 chemistry). From January 2025, all bluesign APPROVED and bluesign PRODUCT items must be free from intentionally added PFAS, with limited exceptions for essential uses.

Exceptions apply where there is a significant socioeconomic justification and no viable alternative, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) classified under risk category III and textiles used in automotive or aerospace engine bays. In these cases, the bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER must provide evidence to qualify for the exception.

Timeline for change

  • July 2022 – New PFAS-containing chemicals were banned from registration in bluesign FINDER, the online database of bluesign-certified chemical products
  • July 2023:
    • All existing PFAS chemicals were removed from bluesign FINDER and certification was banned
    • New articles/materials that are treated with PFAS-containing chemical products were banned from registration in the bluesign GUIDE, the online database for bluesign-certified articles (unless exempted)
  • July 2024 – Registration of any new bluesign PRODUCT containing materials/articles treated with PFAS-containing chemicals is no longer possible in the bluesign GUIDE (unless exempted)
  • January 2025:
    • All articles treated with PFAS-containing chemical products, and any bluesign PRODUCT containing these materials/articles, were removed from the bluesign GUIDE (unless exempted)
    • New articles containing a PTFE membrane are no longer eligible for registration in the bluesign GUIDE (unless exempted)
  • January 2026 – All articles and any bluesign PRODUCT falling under exemptions will be removed from the bluesign GUIDE, and labeling of these materials/articles as bluesign APPROVED is no longer permitted

Bluesign solution

The bluesign SYSTEM offers a comprehensive solution for manufacturers, retailers and brands seeking to demonstrate sustainability and regulatory compliance across their products and supply chains.

A proactive approach to PFAS and other hazardous chemicals ensures safer products for workers, consumers and the environment. Beyond safety and sustainability, certification supports market growth by differentiating products for eco-conscious consumers. The bluesign logo is a trusted symbol that enhances brand reputation and signals a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

References:

1 New York and California: Bans on PFAS in Textiles and Apparel Begin January 1, 2025 – Publications

2 Fast fashion is made with alarmingly high amounts of toxic chemicals, say authorities. 5 substances can affect your immune system.

Oerlikon Barmag And Oerlikon Neumag Present Solutions For DTY And Carpet Yarn Production At The Morocco Stitch & Tex Expo In Casablanca

REMSCHEID, Germany — April 3, 2025 — With a clear focus on sustainability, Barmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, is presenting comprehensive solutions from its product brands Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Neumag for DTY and carpet yarn production at the Morocco Stitch & Tex Expo in Casablanca. From May 13 to 15, trade visitors can talk to experts from Barmag and the joint venture BB Engineering (BBE) at the Unionmatex booth (booth B4) to get an idea of the portfolio of the chemical fiber machine manufacturer.

The eAFK Big V multi-spindle texturing machine is a central component of the Oerlikon Barmag product brand for manufacturing high-quality, high-titer yarns.

Sustainable and efficient – the production of DTY yarns

Oerlikon Barmag offers a wide range of DTY machine configurations for the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality textured yarns made of various polymers – from polyester and polyamide to polypropylene, PLA and PTT. The modular machines – whether manual or automatic – produce yarns for excellent downstream processing at optimal OPEX costs.

Fancy yarns increasingly in demand

The demand for textiles with special characteristics is continuously increasing. For the production of these effect yarns, such as cotton-like DTY, linen-like DTY or wool-like DTY, Oerlikon Barmag offers a variety of processes and additional components. With its high-quality and flexible technology as well as its detailed knowledge of the yarn path and the required parameter settings, Oerlikon Barmag is the ideal partner for the successful and flexible production as well as the continuous further development of these specialty yarns.

Extended product range for carpet yarns

Thanks to its comprehensive knowledge of all relevant technologies in manmade fiber spinning, Oerlikon Barmag is the only manufacturer worldwide that can expand its range for the production of carpet yarns. The system concept, based on a POY and texturing process, is designed for the carpet and home textile sector and produces particularly soft and bulky polyester threads with BCF-like properties. The aim is to produce yarns with a titer of up to 1300dtex and over 1000 filaments, such as 1300dtex f1152, 660dtex f1152 and 990dtex f768. The machine concept includes the well-known WINGS HD POY winder and the eAFK Big-V texturing machine.

Innovative bicomponent BCF yarn for the carpet market

Quality, efficiency and performance – with its latest development in the field of bicomponent yarns for carpet production, Barmag’s product brand Oerlikon Neumag is meeting the carpet market’s demand for innovative BCF yarns. The new BICO-BCF yarn is characterized by a richer and higher volume and simultaneously significantly reduces the raw material consumption during carpet manufacturing.

VarioFil® – versatile compact spinning system for diverse applications and specialties

The VarioFil® system from BBE is ideal for a broad range of products, whether it be carpets, upholstery fabrics, fashion, sports, seat belts or airbags. This compact turnkey spinning line is particularly suitable for producers of small batches or specialized products. It flexibly processes various polymers such as PET, PP, PA 6, PA 6.6 and PBT. In combination with Oerlikon Barmag texturing machines, a wide range of textile standard yarns as well as textured yarns with BCF-like properties can be produced.

The VarioFil® R+ enables the direct recycling and processing of PET bottle flakes and PET waste from the start-up process into POY. This sustainable machine concept offers a high degree of product flexibility, including the production of spun-dyed yarn.

JeTex® air texturing offers a versatile product portfolio

BB Engineering also offers flexible solutions for the subsequent texturing of yarns. The JeTex® air texturing system perfectly complements the Oerlikon Barmag DTY systems and expands the product portfolio to include high-quality ATY based on POY and FDY for various textile applications. The centerpiece of the system is the texturing box developed by BB Engineering, which ensures gentle yarn treatment with reliable texturing effects and production efficiency.

“From waste to value” with VacuFil and Visco BBE’s VacuFil PET recycling system transforms textile waste into high-quality rPET melt. The technology is based on decades of experience in extrusion, filtration and spinning and combines gentle large-area filtration with targeted IV control. VacuFil processes various input materials, from bottle flakes to production waste and post-consumer waste. The patented Visco+ component removes volatile contaminants and automatically regulates the IV. The recycled melt can be added to the main melt stream, pelletized into chips or fed directly back into the spinning mill. The VacuFil system is modular and flexibly adaptable to customer needs.

 Posted: April 3, 2025

Source: Barmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Oerlikon Group

Better Cotton Convenes Brazil’s Agricultural And Textile Sectors For Unique Collaborative Action

BRASÍLIA, Brazil — April 3, 2025 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has launched a new effort uniting key stakeholders across Brazil’s agricultural and textile sectors to build an ambitious vision for more sustainable cotton production.

The inaugural Multistakeholder Dialogue, held in Brasília on 26 March, brought together representatives from cotton producers and exporters, textile associations, retailers, brands, civil society, researchers, government agencies, financial institutions, and NGOs.

Attendees of Better Cotton’s Multistakeholder Dialogue discuss common challenges and opportunities.
Photo — Better Cotton / Bárbarah Queiroz

Together, participants identified climate resilience, traceability, and greater collaboration as priority areas to shape future actions, help define best practices and tackle systemic agricultural challenges.

Lena Staafgård, COO at Better Cotton, said: “Brazil’s agricultural industry is vast and is not only a leading producer and exporter of cotton, but of many other commodities. By bringing together key stakeholders across Brazil, we create a platform to overcome mutual challenges and champion best practices. Together, I’m confident we can accelerate change, and I look forward to future meetings.”

Better Cotton has worked in Brazil’s cotton sector for more than a decade in collaboration with its Strategic Partner ABRAPA, the country’s association of cotton producers. Márcio Antonio Portocarrero, Executive Director at ABRAPA, said: “I see dialogue as a way for us to build a coalition of ideas and solutions together with diverse sectors that often tend to isolate themselves and think differently. This can only lead to progress and improvement.”

As cotton is grown in rotation with other crops, closer collaboration across sectors is essential to addressing shared challenges and driving best practice adoption.

This initiative offers Brazilian cotton growers a platform for stronger engagement with industry stakeholders, to gain insights into their work and perceived risks, and for increased innovations to address sector-wide challenges.

Kamila Garantizado, Sustainability Specialist at Brazilian clothing department store Lojas Renner, noted: “This was a highly educational environment, with very active listening. It became very clear that the needs [of others] are relatively similar to ours—like improving communication.”

Participants committed to continuing their collaboration and will reconvene in the coming months to drive further progress towards a more sustainable cotton production in Brazil.

Posted: April 3, 2025

Source: Better Cotton

NONWOVENN Accelerates Growth In Protech Division With £1.5 Million Investment In Innovation And Team Expansion

SOMERSET, England — April 3, 2025 — Nonwoven fabric-tech company Nonwovenn is investing £1.5 million in its ProTech division to strengthen its market-leading position in personal protection and harm reduction. The investment is part of a long-term growth strategy, with a business unit target of £16 million turnover by 2028.

A major focus of the investment is in the research and development of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protective solutions for first responder and military safety and protective clothing. Nonwovenn is also working closely with ministries of defence, and first responders across the globe.

Nonwovenn accelerates expansion in ProTech division

To support this ambitious growth, Nonwovenn has strengthened its specialist team with four key appointments, expert recruits with considerable understanding and experience.

Nonwovenn is therefore, also making significant strides in product innovation, with new CBRN solutions set to launch throughout 2025 and 2026. Among these are advancements in protection systems for firefighters focused on volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration, as well as next-generation protective solutions tailored towards military and first responders.

Andrew Fisher, Head of ProTech at Nonwovenn, said: “This is an exciting time at Nonwovenn. Not only are we investing in cutting-edge R&D, but we’re also building a strong team to bring these innovations to market and fully support our customers. By combining our advanced technology with real-world application insight, we are setting new standards in personal protection and harm reduction.”

Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “Our focus on growth, innovation and talent acquisition reflects our commitment to advancing protective solutions for the industries that need them most. With our ambitious R&D programme, strategic partnerships and industry-leading team, we’re confident in our ability to become the leading player in this segment of the market.”

Nonwovenn offer complete support to customers working intimately with them on new concepts, through innovation, product design, business development, commercialisation and supply of products, offering complete ‘end to end’ supply expertise. This ranges from ‘live chemical’ agent instruction, and fully planned and audited supply chain management for large and small projects in addition to its outstanding expanding portfolio of products.

Posted: April 3, 2025

Source: Nonwovenn

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