MILAN — April 7, 2025 — Under Armour, Inc. and UNLESS, Inc. are poised to lead a transformative shift in the sportswear industry during Milan Design Week by launching an innovative regenerative sportswear collection. The immersive experience at Fuorisalone, scheduled for April 8 to 10, 2025, offers a tactile journey that illustrates the regenerative cycle of plant-powered innovation – from plants to sportswear to compost and back to rebirth. This Under Armour x UNLESS regenerative collection represents the first collaboration between the two brands.
“As a brand that has consistently disrupted the industry, we are prepared to do it again,” stated Under Armour Brand President Eric Liedtke. “Our unique and innovative approach represents a significant shift from the traditional production cycle, which often relies heavily on plastics and generates waste.”
Liedtke continued, “By using only plant-based materials; this regenerative sportswear collection is designed to decompose rather than pollute – representing a revolutionary advancement in reimagining the future of product creation in our industry, with an innovative commitment that honors both athletes and the planet.”
Designed for movement and crafted to return to nature, the collection includes hoodies, t-shirts, and shorts in men’s, women’s, and unisex styles. Priced between USD $30 and $160, each piece displays vibrant colors and graphics, blending style with a plastic-free future.
Under Armour and UNLESS aim to demonstrate that innovation and responsibility can coexist by utilizing plant-based, fully regenerative materials to redefine how premium sportswear products are created and safely returned to the earth at the end of their life cycle.
NORWALK, CT — April 7, 2025 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, returns to Portland, Oregon, from April 14-16, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center for the Spring edition. As the premier sourcing event for high-performance functional fabrics, trims and accessories in North America, this trade-exclusive event and conference will offer the latest innovations, sustainable materials sourcing, education and invaluable networking opportunities for designers, product developers and industry professionals.
Discover Tomorrow’s Textiles Today
Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025 is the must-attend event for apparel CEOs, designers and sourcing professionals looking to explore the latest in outdoor, activewear and lifestyle performance textiles. With over 300 sustainable-certified suppliers, attendees will source Spring 2026/2027 products and textile technologies.
“Functional Fabric Fair continues to evolve, responding to the needs of our industry,” said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President. “With an expanded exhibit hall, immersive educational programming, and new networking experiences, the 2025 edition promises to be our most dynamic yet.”
Event Highlights:
EDUCATION & CONFERENCE PROGRAM
In addition to the sourcing, the conference program at Functional Fabric Fair offers an array of distinct educational sessions over three days. Attendees can gain insights into the latest trends, innovations and sustainability practices shaping the outdoor and active textiles industry through:
Day 0 Sustainability Workshop(April 14) – Led by industry expert Jill Dumain of Fractal CSOs and sponsored by Hyosung, this full-day interactive program will cover material traceability, solvent impacts in manufacturing and sustainability performance in sourcing the day before the exhibit hall opens. This paid conference will take place from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Hall C – Room 123.
Expert Talks(April 15-16) – Industry leaders will share best practices and innovations directly from the show floor Expert Talks stage— sponsored by AATCC— in over 10 sessions, bringing insights on the latest trends, technologies, case studies and sustainability solutions.
“Our Day 0 Sustainability Workshop is not to be missed,” McCullough emphasized. “This is where thought leaders will come together to discuss the challenges, opportunities and advancements that will shape the future of sustainable textile innovation. The conversations and collaborations that begin here will influence industry direction for years to come.”
KEY EXHIBIT HALL FEATURES
AATCC Textile Test Zone – Experience live demonstrations of official testing procedures by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).
Bodywear Collective – A dedicated space showcasing categories such as underwear, swimwear, shapewear, wellness in motion, and next-to-skin seamless performance sportswear. Sponsored by The LYCRA Company, this area features the Bodywear Collective Trend Forum, showcasing the newest fabric and garment technologies from leading fiber suppliers, mills and manufacturers.
Innovation Zone – Spotlighting breakthrough textile technologies and forward-thinking material solutions that are new to the market and poised to transform the industry.
Outdoor Recreation Archive – Explore the evolution of outdoor apparel innovations in partnership with Utah State University.
Media Lounge – A comfortable space to unwind, connect and recharge designed for networking opportunities and showcases the show’s media partners.
Sustainability Lounge – A dedicated hub for sustainable material innovations and cross-industry collaborations.
Trend Forum – Curated displays of 12 essential fabric categories with sustainability at the forefront selected by industry experts, including academics, apparel brands and fabric technologists – providing a comprehensive look at innovative materials, and allowing attendees to scan and request samples.
Wool Forum (NEW) – A showcase that highlights wool’s natural sustainability, durability and versatility in activewear, outdoor gear and functional fashion, and its ability to regulate temperature, manage moisture and provide comfort in both extreme and everyday conditions.
EVENTS & NETWORKING
Design Lab Live – Watch Kelley Dempsey, sustainable designer and Project Runway runner-up, create an exclusive piece from featured exhibitors— FLYTEC, Pontetorto and YKK in real-time on April 15. The final garment will be displayed during the Happy Hour.
Book Signing (NEW) – On April 15 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the Media Lounge, author Zoë Hong will host a meet & greet and book signing session for her new book Fashion School in a Book.
Sustainability Lounge Guided Tours (NEW) – 45-minute guided tours led by Stewart Sheppard of S2 Consulting, on April 15 & 16 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, highlighting sustainable material suppliers.
Italian Bar – Sponsored by Kingwhale Corporation this lounge and concessions area will offer authentic Italian refreshments and a place to recharge between appointments.
Coffee Igloo – Enjoy complimentary coffee on both days of the show, located at the Thermore Igloo near the lobby/registration area in Hall A.
Happy Hour – Engage with industry peers at the Covation Bio® Happy Hour near the Expert Talks Stage on April 15 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM.
After-Hours Networking – Right after the exhibit hall closes on April 15, continue the conversations at local sports bar Spirit of 77 which is located a short walking distance from the Convention Center from 7:00–10:00 PM. Badge is required to enter this private event. Sponsored by NEXTEX; co-sponsored by Brookwood and Duraflex
To ensure attendees have a productive experience at the show, Functional Fabric Fair has implemented Colleqt, a new system that replaces physical business cards and marketing materials by enabling QR code scanning at booths. Attendees receive instant exhibitor information on their phones and daily summary emails, ensuring no connections are missed even at busy booths. Be on the lookout for the floor decals in front of exhibitor booths.
“This event is about more than sourcing—it’s about shaping the future of performance textiles,” McCullough added. “With new interactive experiences, technology integration and expanded educational offerings, we’re excited to bring the industry together for meaningful connections and forward-thinking discussions.”
Registration is free for verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers and students in the outdoor, performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear sectors. The Day 0 Sustainability Workshop requires separate registration and has limited seating.
For event details, exhibitor lists, travel information, and to register, visit: FunctionalFabricFair.com
Posted: April 7, 2025
Source: Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®
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
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:
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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
MILAN — April 7, 2025 — Under Armour, Inc. and UNLESS, Inc. are poised to lead a transformative shift in the sportswear industry during Milan Design Week by launching an innovative regenerative sportswear collection. The immersive experience at Fuorisalone, scheduled for April 8 to 10, 2025, offers a tactile journey that illustrates the regenerative cycle of plant-powered innovation – from plants to sportswear to compost and back to rebirth. This Under Armour x UNLESS regenerative collection represents the first collaboration between the two brands.
