CAMBRIDGE, UK — December 3, 2025 — Future Materials Group (FMG) is pleased to announce that it acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to SHD Composites, a leading global manufacturer of advanced composite materials, on its sale to Cambium.
The combination brings together SHD’s established expertise in advanced composite materials with Cambium’s high-performance materials business.
Managing Director Steve Doughty comments: “This is a major step forward for SHD. Combining with Cambium allows us to build on our existing strength and enhance our technical offering while remaining fully committed to the quality and service our customers expect.”
FMG exclusively advised SHD Composites throughout the entire transaction process, supporting SHD from inception to completion. Helen Doughty, Managing Director at SHD Composites said the following: “FMG’s strategic guidance, market insight and unwavering support made them an exceptional advisor to SHD throughout this transaction.”
Managing Director and transaction lead David Schofield commented “FMG is proud to have supported SHD in delivering a transaction that secures the next stage of its evolution and long-term growth.”
The completion of this transaction underscores FMG’s reputation as a trusted M&A advisor within the global advanced materials industry. FMG’s deep industry insight, international reach and hands-on approach continue to help clients realise strategic value and secure partnerships that support their next stage of development.
ISTANBUL / LONDON— December 9, 2025 — KIPAS Textiles, Europe’s largest fully integrated textile manufacturer, is launching fibR-e, a new recycling platform designed to finally tackle the hurdles that have stopped polyester from becoming truly circular.
Every year, the fashion industry produces millions of tonnes of polyester-based clothing. Less than 1 percent is recycled back into new garments. Most ends up in landfills or incinerators. It is a waste crisis hiding in plain sight.
Fashion is now facing a reckoning. Regulations across Europe and other regions will require brands to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products, and consumers are asking harder questions about sustainability.
fibR-e gives brands a credible way forward. Meltem Kimya converts post-consumer garments containing 70 per cent or more polyester, including polyester-elastane blends, as well as any other polyester-based mixed-fibre blends. Items with trims still attached and mixed-colour feedstocks are converted into high-quality GRS-certified rTEX Chips. KIPAS Textiles then turns these into certified, high-quality filament yarns and staple fibres ready for new collections.
The platform removes accessories during processing rather than through manual sorting, cutting labour and bottlenecks. It decolourises blended fabrics to produce cleaner outputs. At its core is a patented molecular recycling technology developed by Meltem Kimya that breaks polyester down to its building blocks and rebuilds it without creating microplastics, allowing repeated recycling without loss of quality.
Early analysis shows that producing polyester entirely from textile waste through fibR-e cuts emissions by nearly 74 per cent compared with virgin production. “Recycling has barely scratched the surface of the polyester problem,” said Halit Gümüser, CEO of KIPAS Textiles. “With fibR-e, we can take real post-consumer waste in all its complexity and return it to the market as certified, high-quality filament yarns and staple fibres. This is how the industry moves from linear to circular, not through pilots but through commercial scale.”
fibR-e is built on a multi-year partnership between KIPAS and specialist companies, with Meltem Kimya providing the molecular recycling expertise that underpins the fibR-e platform.
As a global yarn and fabric producer, KIPAS will channel fibR-e materials directly into its own supply chain, enabling bulk production at competitive pricing. The outputs are traceable, performance-tested and designed to meet commercial quality standards while helping brands reduce virgin material use and prepare for stricter regulations.
fibR-e marks a turning point. It shows that closing the loop on polyester waste can now move from ambition to industrial reality.
For more information, visit www.kipastextiles.com; www.kipasfibre.com
LENZING, Austria — December 9, 2025 — Lenzing AG today announced that Rohit Aggarwal, Managing Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Lenzing AG, has informed the Supervisory Board of his decision to resign from his position due to personal reasons, effective 31 January 2026.
Rohit Aggarwal
To support a smooth transition, Mr. Aggarwal will remain with Lenzing AG as an advisor to the company until end of September 2026. The Supervisory Board expresses its appreciation for Mr. Aggarwal’s leadership and contributions during his tenure.
Following Mr. Aggarwal’s departure, Lenzing AG will be led by a three-member Managing Board. As part of the company’s continued organizational development and in support of its refined premiumization strategy, Lenzing AG will establish an Executive Committee (ExCo) consisting of six members. The ExCo will include the three members of the Managing Board and will be complemented by Lenzing’s senior commercial managers Patricia Sargeant (Nonwovens Fibers), Yann Lepage (Textile Fibers) and Anton Putz (Pulp). The introduction of the ExCo
is designed to support Lenzing’s strategic focus on commercial opportunities in high-performance fiber segments with the objective of reinforcing the company’s position as the leading integrated premium supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers.
The process to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer has been initiated by the Supervisory Board and an appointment will be announced at the appropriate time.
Patrick_Lackenbucher (c)Sebastian-Philipp
Patrick Lackenbucher, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, comments: “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Rohit Aggarwal for his commitment and for the progress achieved under his leadership, including the successful execution of the performance program, a sharpened strategic focus, and improved profitability. Structural profitability remains a key objective, and the Managing Board will continue its relentless focus on improving Lenzing’s competitive position, its financial performance and long-term value creation in order to strengthen Lenzing’s position as a global market leader in sustainable cellulosic fibers.”
Based on the business performance to date and the current market outlook, the Managing Board confirms the EBITDA guidance 2025 and expects year-on-year growth in EBITDA in 2025.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — December 9, 2025 — The Textiles Recycling Expo USA is proud to announce the first confirmed speakers for its 2026 conference program, taking place April 29–30, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina.
As the first dedicated textile recycling exhibition and conference in North America, this free-to-attend event will bring together professionals from across the textiles, fashion, waste, and recycling sectors to gain expert insights, explore emerging technologies, and connect with the leaders shaping the future of U.S. textile circularity.
Curated in collaboration with the expo’s Structural Partner, Accelerating Circularity, the conference program will feature a diverse range of thought leaders and industry pioneers. Confirmed speakers include:
Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs, Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART)
David Eagles, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Goodwill Industries International
Diane Woods, Global Head of Sales and Business Development, ReJu
Morgan Ginn, Footwear Circularity Program Manager, The Footwear Collective
Rachel Kibbe, Founder and CEO, American Circular Textiles
Steve Bethell, Founder, Bank & Vogue
Jimmy Summers, Chief Sustainability Officer and VP of Environmental, Health, and Safety, Elevate Textiles
Olivia Poole, Consultant, AMI
Stuart Ahlum, Co-Founder and COO, SuperCircle
This leading roster represents key voices advancing circularity and driving systemic change across the U.S. value chain.
The conference theater, sponsored by the event’s Impact Partner, Goodwill Industries International, will serve as a central hub for dialogue, collaboration, and forward-thinking perspectives. Attendees will explore the challenges, opportunities, and policy developments shaping the future of textile recycling in North America.
Alongside the conference program, the Textiles Recycling Expo USA will host a dynamic exhibition featuring cutting-edge technologies and solutions transforming textile recycling, shredding, sorting, circular design, and more.
For more information and updates on the full conference program, visit the Textiles Recycling Expo USA website. https://events.amiplastics.com/textiles-recycling-expo-usa
Registration is free for all attendees. You can register via this link here:
BURLINGTON, N.C. — December 9, 2025 — Trivantage, a trusted supplier of fabrics and hardware in the shade industry, has introduced a new shade sail fabric by PolyFab USA called XTRA.
“XTRA is designed to set new standards for durability and safety,” said Keith Purves, business development and product manager at Trivantage. “It’s the ideal choice for medium to large structures and high-tensile commercial projects where longevity and performance matter most.”
Manufactured from premium-quality, heat-set materials, XTRA delivers market-leading sun protection of up to 99% UV blockage, earning approval from the Melanoma International Foundation. At just 12 ounces per square yard, this lightweight fabric is easy to handle while maintaining an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
XTRA’s 13-foot width makes it the widest standard shade fabric available—reducing seams, cutting installation time, and enhancing overall structural integrity.
Other key benefits include:
Ships unfolded, avoiding creases and ensuring a more professional appearance Available in 55-yard continuous rolls, providing seamless coverage for large projects (requires truck shipping)
Fire-rated ASTM E-84, meeting Class II/B standards for safety and compliance
Backed by a 15-year warranty
Offered in a wide variety of colors
To learn more, visit: https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-shade-sail-xtra
2025 award winners with the foundation chairman and professors Image: DITF
FRANKFURT, Germany — December 9, 2025 — At the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference held in Aachen at the end of November, Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, honoured five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability prizes were awarded in the categories bachelor/project theses and diploma/master theses. Academic theses that develop solutions for resource-saving products and technologies, for example, are eligible for the sustainability awards.
The Walter Reiners Foundation awarded a sustainability prize worth 3,000 euros in the bachelor’s category to Jasmin Roos. In her thesis, written at RWTH Aachen University, Ms Roos dealt with the development of sustainable solutions in textile recycling. Her approach was to replace non-recyclable elastane with melt-spun yarns.
Raphael Wiederkehr, DITF Denkendorf, received a promotion award worth €3,500 in the master’s category. In his thesis, he evaluated the influence of a carding machine on the quality of mechanically recycled fibres. The aim is to reduce the proportion of yarn and fabric residues and increase the proportion of recycled material in the spinning process. His topic was the automation of the process chain for the production of welded textile hard goods.
Another promotion award, worth €3,500, went to Janne Marie Warnecke, RWTH Aachen University. In her work, she focused on the topic of FEM analysis of stresses and deformations in a fabric during winding in a weaving machine.
A promotion award in the diploma category, worth €3,500, was presented to Lena Fink, TU Dresden. Ms Fink addressed a highly topical challenge: the forming of multiaxial fabrics into profile preforms.
Yuanjing Cai, TU Dresden, was awarded a sustainability prize worth €3,500 in the diploma category. In his work, Mr Cai shows how the production of carbon fibres (CF) can be made more sustainable by substituting the precursors.
CARY, N.C. — December 8, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachael Davis as the new Publisher / Chief Content Officer for INDA Media, effective January 5, 2026. Davis will provide strategic leadership for the International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, guiding the publications into their next phase of growth, engagement, and industry impact.
Rachael Davis
Davis brings a strong blend of technical expertise, editorial leadership, and deep knowledge of the fibers, textiles, and nonwovens sectors. Before joining INDA, she served as Executive Editor for Textile World, Textile World Asia, and Textiles Panamericanos within the Textile Industries Media Group, LLC. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, she holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry and began her career working directly in the textile industry before transitioning into publishing. Over the past two and a half decades, she has advanced through a variety of editorial roles, earning a reputation for clarity, accuracy, and thoughtful industry reporting.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to INDA,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “Her combination of technical understanding, editorial excellence, and industry insight makes her the ideal leader to guide INDA Media’s publications into their next chapter. As INDA expands its global collaboration as a founding member of GNA, and the industry continues to innovate and evolve, Rachael’s vision and experience will help us build on the strong publishing foundation already in place.”
Davis shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am very excited to take this next step in my career, and I am honored to join INDA and lead two publications that play such an important role in connecting and informing the global nonwovens and filtration communities. I will miss my colleagues at Textile World, but I’m excited to leverage my experience and help grow these INDA titles, deepen their technical and market coverage, and serve readers who rely on trusted, authoritative content.”
“Rachael has a broad range of textile knowledge and editorial skill and has been a significant member of the TIMG / Textile World team. Not only has Rachael written great stories about the US textile industry, but also has assisted TIMG to adapt to the many changes in print and electronic business media over the past 25 years. Everyone at TIMG and Textile World wishes her success and fulfilment in her new role — and I know INDA will offer numerous opportunities for Rachael to fully utilize her many talents,” said Jim Borneman, Editor in Chief, Owner, Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.
INDA extends its sincere appreciation to Caryn Smith, Principal at Driven by Design, whose leadership as Publisher / Chief Content Officer has strengthened the design, structure, and content of INDA Media’s publications. We thank her for her leadership and commitment to affecting a smooth transition. INDA wishes her, and her firm, continued success.
Posted: December 8, 2025
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
CARY, N.C. — December 3, 2025 — Cotton Incorporated launches a refashioned TheFabricOfOurLives.com, the leading online destination for cotton information, providing users with a more interactive and informative experience. The revamped platform now serves as a central hub for cotton education, sustainability resources and seasonal shopping opportunities.
“The new TheFabricOfOurLives.com is designed to be the go-to resource for cotton consumers,” Anne David, director of advertising for Cotton Incorporated. “It connects visitors with reliable education, showcases cotton’s unique advantages and inspires confident shopping decisions through engaging content and expert perspectives.”
Enhanced Interactive User Experience
The redesigned website streamlines the interface and introduces engaging interactive tools that let visitors explore the world of cotton. Users can access visually rich guides, product spotlights and comparison tools that highlight cotton’s benefits. The updated navigation helps visitors seamlessly discover topics ranging from everyday uses to the science behind cotton fibers.
Cotton Education Hub: Sustainability, Health and Wellness
TheFabricOfOurLives.com strengthens its commitment to education by offering comprehensive resources about cotton’s role in sustainability. Visitors can find information on cotton’s microplastic-free properties, environmental advantages and contributions to responsible fashion. The site dedicates sections to health and wellness, sharing facts about cotton’s comfort, breathability and hypoallergenic qualities.
Seasonal Shopping Opportunities
The relaunch curates seasonal shopping guides, allowing visitors to discover the latest cotton products easily. Shoppers can browse collections tailored for holidays, back-to-school and other key moments, while they learn about the benefits of choosing cotton for their wardrobes and homes.
When holiday shopping for apparel gifts, about 65% of consumers say they look for cotton clothing, according to the Cotton Incorporated 2025 Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey. The survey completes 500 interviews per month with U.S. consumers between the ages of 13 and 70.
Introducing “The Thread” Blog
The new blog, “The Thread,” delivers fresh content for cotton enthusiasts and industry insiders. Readers can explore expert styling tips, retailer spotlights and cotton shopping round-ups, updated regularly. “The Thread” keeps visitors informed about trends, product features and insights from fashion and textile experts.
NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — December 4, 2025 — The Nonwoven Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University and Oerlikon Nonwoven will be collaborating in the field of meltblown laboratory technology in the future.
Sealing the future cooperation: Professor Raoul Farer, The Nonwoven Institute (right), and Dr. Ingo Mählmann, Oerlikon Neumag.
This was announced by Professor Raoul Farer, Executive Deputy Director of the NWI and Professor at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Ingo Mählmann, Sales Director Nonwoven at Oerlikon Neumag, during this year’s ITMA Asia and CITME in Singapore.
The first step in the new cooperation is an investment in the hycuTEC hydrocharging system from Oerlikon Nonwoven; the institute will integrate the unit into its existing laboratory configuration. This will enable the NWI to operate a state-of-the-art meltblown hydrocharging laboratory in the future, facilitating the development of new products – primarily, but not exclusively, in the field of air filtration media. The advantage for North American Oerlikon Nonwoven customers and prospects is that they will be able to test hycuTEC technology and carry out their own meltblown product developments in a creative, innovation-oriented environment.
Patented and award-winning: the hycuTEC hydro-charging system.
Oerlikon Nonwoven’s patented hycuTEC system is a real innovation for the filtration industry. Using a special spray mist of demineralized water, the system enables the economic production of highly efficient electret-media with an impressive filtration efficiency of 99.99% at low pressure-drop. The hycuTEC hydrocharging technology was honored with the Edana Filtrex Innovation Award in 2023.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — December 4, 2025 — On 15 September 2025, the European Commission opened an Anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of PET spunbond from China following a complaint by the EU industry (AD738).
On 2 December 2025, the Commission made imports of PET spunbond from China subject to registration. This is an important milestone in the proceedings.
It means that as of 3 December 2025 all users must register their imports with the customs authorities who are carefully monitoring the import flows from now on.
Having made those imports subject to registration allows the Commission to impose definitive AD duties with retroactive effect.
The EU industry welcomes this step and thanks the European Commission for its efforts to re-establish a level playing field on the EU market.
CAMBRIDGE, UK — December 3, 2025 — Future Materials Group (FMG) is pleased to announce that it acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to SHD Composites, a leading global manufacturer of advanced composite materials, on its sale to Cambium.
Managing Director Steve Doughty comments: “This is a major step forward for SHD. Combining with Cambium allows us to build on our existing strength and enhance our technical offering while remaining fully committed to the quality and service our customers expect.”
