HealthGuard Sees Renewed Momentum, Retailers Open To Change

CONCORD, Ont. — February 26, 2026 — HealthGuard returned from the recent Winter Las Vegas Market encouraged by renewed optimism among retailers and a clear willingness to reassess existing programs. Company officials said conversations with market buyers signal fresh opportunity across the top-of-bed category.

Throughout the market, HealthGuard engaged with a wide range of retailers, from independent owner-operators to large-scale Top 100 U.S. accounts. Many conversations centered on the need for product diversity and refreshed assortments, as buyers explored ways to differentiate on the sales floor while maintaining strong margins.

HealthGuard’s featured introduction was the NuGlow collagen pillow, which was well received from product to packaging. While pillows remain a consistent traffic driver for the company, discussions increasingly leaned toward its premium offerings across product lines. Retailers responded favorably to the combination of performance-driven design and premium positioning within a competitive price structure. Mattress protection and premium pillows drew strong interest, with particular attention given to NuGlow, a solid-core memory foam pillow featuring collagen treatment and the option of copper or lavender infusion for added benefits.

“From a broader perspective, the Winter Market reflected a shift in buyer mindset,” said Ryan Cleary, vice president of sales for HealthGuard. “After a prolonged wait-and-see period, many retailers appear more open to reviewing existing programs and making strategic changes. We see this as a sign that the market is calling for change, and more opportunities are readily available.”

HealthGuard is well-positioned to present retailers with options to refresh and evolve their programs. As Canada’s largest top of bed manufacturer, HealthGuard can offer domestically produced solutions with import-type pricing. Cleary said this resonated strongly with buyers seeking both value and supply-chain reliability. In addition, changing consumer purchasing behavior—driven by increased social awareness and digital influence—underscored the importance of being prepared for the expectations of tomorrow’s shopper.

“Our domestic manufacturing capabilities and expansive distribution network continued to be key drivers in partner discussions, reinforcing the brand’s ability to support retailers with speed, reliability, and flexibility,” said Cleary.

HealthGuard’s primary goal for the market was to continue building brand awareness while opening expansion conversations with both existing and prospective partners. Noting that decision-makers are increasingly ready to implement significant changes, the company reaffirmed its commitment to earning floor space through strong fill rates, consistent product quality, and hands-on service.

Posted: February 26, 2026

Source: HealthGuard

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Launches New Goals In Sustainability Snapshot

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 24, 2026 — Unifi, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today released its FY2025 Sustainability Snapshot. The Snapshot highlights UNIFI®’s progress on the growth of the REPREVE platform and commitment to circular materials.

The company celebrated a huge milestone in the Snapshot, hitting 1 billion T-shirts’ worth of textile and yarn waste transformed through the REPREVE platform including: REPREVE Takeback™, ThermaLoop™ Insulation, REPREVE ReCirculate™, and REPREVE Nylon. This growth continued after UNIFI launched globally available circular polyester products made from textile waste in insulation and white filament earlier this fiscal year.

In the Snapshot, UNIFI introduced a new goal, aiming to recycle 65 billion plastic bottles by FY2030. This goal aligns with the previously established FY2030 goals, including transforming the equivalent of 1.5 billion T-shirts’ worth of textile and yarn waste.

The Snapshot demonstrates that UNIFI continues to reduce its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water, and raw material consumption each year through the continual growth of the REPREVE platform and responsible manufacturing.

“Our sixth annual sustainability publication demonstrates our commitment to ‘Waste Nothing’,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI. “UNIFI’s momentum is driven by its innovation, launching multiple new sustainable products and expanding its product portfolio. We continually push boundaries in recycling, waste reduction, and innovation to make recycled and circular manufacturing available globally and at scale.”

UNIFI’s 2025 Sustainability Snapshot highlights include:

  • 1 billion T-shirts’ worth* of textile and yarn waste recycled, on track to reach 1.5 billion T-shirts’ worth by FY2030;
  • 46 billion plastic bottles diverted from landfills, progressing towards UNIFI’s new goal of 65 billion bottles recycled by FY2030;
  • Zero noncompliant water discharges across local municipalities and per national regulation;
  • REPREVE accounted for 31% of FY2025 revenue and targeting over 50% by FY2030; and
  • UNIFI named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025” in Fashion and Apparel.

The Snapshot reaffirms UNIFI’s enduring commitments to environmental progress and supporting global brands in achieving circularity and sustainable materials goals.

For more details, access the full Snapshot  visit: https://unifi.com/sustainability/esg Except where otherwise noted, the Snapshot has been guided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) frameworks.

*“T-shirt equivalents” refers to the weight of material equal to that of a single polyester T-shirt.

For more information on UNIFI and the REPREVE platform, please visit www.unifi.com and www.repreve.com.

Posted: February 24, 2026

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Culp To Transfer Stock Exchange Listing To Nasdaq

HIGH POINT, N.C. — February 23, 2026 — Culp, Inc., a leading provider of fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential, commercial, and hospitality furniture and other applications, today announced it will voluntarily transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”).

CULP’s common stock is expected to begin trading as a Nasdaq-listed security at market open on March 6, 2026, under its existing “CULP” stock symbol.

Iv Culp, president and CEO, Culp Inc.

Iv Culp, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to join Nasdaq and leverage its trading platforms and corporate solutions as we move into our next chapter following the recent completion of restructuring, integration and other transformational initiatives across our business.

“In addition, Nasdaq should provide us with a listing exchange more closely aligned with companies we consider to be peers in certain respects. We anticipate a seamless transition for our shareholders and would, of course, like to thank the NYSE for its partnership over the last three decades of our journey as a publicly traded company.”

Posted: February 24, 2026

Source: Culp, Inc.

Milliken : Independent Laboratory Testing Confirms No Detectable PFAS In Milliken Firefighter Turnout Gear Fabrics

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — February 18, 2026 — Independent laboratory testing has confirmed that Milliken fabrics used in the manufacturing of firefighter turnout gear contain no detectable PFAS, based on third-party analysis conducted by Forever Analytical, an independent laboratory specializing in screening products and environmental samples for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Photo: Milliken & Company

The testing also found no detectable bromine, an indicator of brominated flame retardants, in any of the samples evaluated. Milliken will make the reports available to any fire department that requests a review of the findings from this testing through their website:

https://www.milliken.com/en-us/textiles/contact-us?message=request%20the%20Forever%20Analytical%20report

Interested departments must include ‘Forever Analytical’ in their request for the reports.

As more fire departments evaluate non-PFAS materials for turnout gear, access to independent, third-party data beyond standard NFPA certification has become a growing priority. In response, Milliken proactively engaged Forever Analytical to test samples of its turnout gear fabrics. Samples of the following Milliken fabrics were tested in December 2025, representing all three layers of firefighter turnout gear:

  • Milliken Assure™ (moisture barrier)
  • Milliken Horizon™ (outer shell)
  • Milliken Equinox™ (thermal liner)

Forever Analytical screened the textile samples for total fluorine as an indicator of PFAS and for bromine as an indicator of brominated flame retardants. Across all samples tested, fluorine levels were below the laboratory’s method detection limit. Bromine was not detected above the laboratory’s reporting threshold of 100 parts per million in any sample tested.

“We’re talking to department leaders every week, and in recent months we’ve seen an increase in questions about transitioning to non-PFAS materials,” said Marcio Manique, SVP and Managing Director for Milliken’s apparel business. “While we have full confidence in our internal testing and NFPA certifications, we also know that independent data would give the industry added confidence as departments evaluate newer, non-PFAS materials.”

Milliken has supplied materials for several high-profile transitions to non-PFAS turnout gear, including the San Francisco Fire Department and East Providence Fire Department. The company currently works with every major turnout gear manufacturer and supports departments across the United States—from small communities to large metros. Milliken invested in independent testing to provide credible third-party data to help safety committees and procurement officers with material evaluation and decision making.

“This testing was entirely voluntary,” Manique added. “It reflects Milliken’s commitment to go beyond minimum requirements and provides firefighters and department leaders with more clear, credible information about the materials used in their gear.”

PFAS have drawn increased attention within the fire service due to reports of their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts. As of January 2026, 18 states have introduced or adopted legislation addressing the acknowledgement, purchase, and use of PFAS in firefighter gear. Milliken removed the use of PFAS in fabrics developed for the fire service industry in 2021, and today the company’s non-PFAS fabrics are available through every major turnout gear manufacturer.

For more information about Milliken Fire Service fabrics, visit https://www.milliken.com/en-us/textiles/products/fire-service-fabrics

Posted: February 24, 2026

Source: Milliken & Company

From Natural Fibres To Patterned Fabrics, Intertextile Apparel’s Key Pavilions And Zones Demonstrate Industry’s Global Range

SHANGHAI — February 23, 2026 — The international textile industry is preparing to gather for one of the season’s biggest sourcing events – Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026. Over 3,000 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions will showcase from 11 to 13 March across seven halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. The industry’s diversity, readily apparent across the fairground, is especially prevalent in the International Hall. Within the hall, while featured zones such as SalonEurope, Premium Wool Zone, and Verve for Design are usually well visited, its pavilions will also be strong draws for fabric buyers. Group pavilions include those from Ecocert, KTC, and Lenzing, alongside country and region pavilions from Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Türkiye.

Exhibition categories cover suiting and shirting, functional wear, ladieswear, casualwear, and more, with overseas suppliers featured in the International Hall (5.1), Accessories Vision (1.2), and Beyond Denim (7.2). The fair’s diversity is one of its great strengths, according to Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd: “As organisers, we pride ourselves on the fact that Intertextile Apparel can act as a one-stop sourcing platform for any buyer – from high volume yarn spinners seeking large quantities of recycled chips to boutique fashion designers with relatively low MOQs. Consequently, this show has a place for exhibitors from across the apparel textile spectrum. Nowhere is this more evident than at our wealth of pavilions brought together by leading organisations from Asia and Europe, which now includes the Türkiye Pavilion for the first time in spring.”

Leading pavilions ready to welcome global buyers in Shanghai
One area where the industry’s variety will be on display is the Lenzing Pavilion, with 23 downstream suppliers showing how one brand’s regenerated cellulose fibres can become a wide variety of yarns, fabrics, and finished products such as silk-like womenswear, functional fabrics, and even denim. At the show, Lenzing will launch a new campaign to elevate the TENCEL™ brand through consumer voices and compelling data, while also introducing the groundbreaking TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 fibre to the Chinese market – a cotton-inspired product with an authentic, raw texture for different applications.

Across the hall, the Ecocert Pavilion, arranged by the French certification company that strives to enable production processes that respect the environment, quality, and safety, will give a platform for its textile partners to showcase knitted fabrics, cashmere, and more. Meanwhile, the KTC Pavilion, organised by the Korea Textile Center, will promote cotton, polyester, and pattern designs from the Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province textile and apparel industry.

The geographic and product diversity of the fair’s country and region pavilions will be boosted by the Türkiye Pavilion’s Spring Edition debut and the India Pavilion’s return. Organised by Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (İTHİB), the Türkiye Pavilion is set to feature a blend of traditional and modern styles of woven fabric, silk, jacquard, lace, embroidery, and woven denim. The India Pavilion is being organised by the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), while other leading pavilion organisers include Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFW), Korea Fashion Textile Association (KFTA), and Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF).

Overall, seven country and region pavilions will showcase their specific strengths at the show. Visitors would do well not to miss the Italy Pavilion’s Vitale Barberis Canonico, one of the world’s most prestigious wool mills; eco-fashion fabrics from Marsala Tekstil at the Türkiye Pavilion; and Vinod Denim’s cotton-LYCRA®, cotton-poly-LYCRA®, and pure cotton fabrics at the India Pavilion.

European fabric, design, and accessory expertise on show for S/S 2027
One of the International Hall’s focal points will be the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum, spotlighting textiles and accessories from around the world which correspond with the PARADOX fashion theme for Spring / Summer 2027. Three nearby zones are set to welcome trendsetting exhibitors from Europe who focus on both quality and style.

In Premium Wool Zone, featured exhibitors include Scabal, a world-renowned weaver of fine English cloth for menswear; Fratelli Piacenza, the Italian makers of quality men’s worsted fabrics; and Clarenson, a French manufacturer of tweed, boucle, and jacquard fabrics.

Patterns and prints will also play important roles in S/S 2027, and studios at Verve for Design will welcome brand buyers seeking unique designs for their upcoming collections:

  •    Circleline Design Studio (UK): the London-based studio is an innovative creator for all kinds of surface design, from haute couture to underwear – always with a twist.
  •    Les Dessines (France): specialising in beautiful hand-drawn prints and patterns, the studio’s “To-go” collection uses colours inspired by Almodovar’s pop sets and Portuguese azulejos.
  •    Le Studio Copenhagen (Denmark): making its debut at Intertextile Apparel, the studio creates eye-catching commerical print designs for the fashion industry worldwide.

Beyond fabrics and designs, various elements are required for clothing to perform as required – and these will not be in short supply at SalonEurope, where featured exhibitors include Concordia Textiles (Belgium), a vertically integrated manufacturer of protective, lifestyle, home, and advanced textiles, and Baur Vliesstoffe (Germany), the suppliers of lavalan® fibrefill insulation, made from 100% natural and renewable virgin wool and corn-based PLA. New exhibitors in the zone include DB Acetate (Lithuania), showcasing acetate and mixed filament yarn with widely ranging parameters, and LOXY (Norway), a leading producer and distributor of seam sealing and reflective tape.

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will be held from March 11 – 13 ,2026.

Other upcoming shows:

Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies
February 26 – 28, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City

Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen
June 9 – 11, 2026, Shenzhen (Futian)

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
August 25 – 27, 2026, Shanghai

Posted: February 24, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

NCTO: U.S. Textile Industry Applauds Presidential Determination Granting Access To Key Defense Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C.— February 23, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which represents the full U.S. textile supply chain from fiber and yarn to fabrics and finished sewn products, lauded President Trump’s signing of a determination that enables the U.S. textile industry and other critical sectors to access Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III investment funding through the Department of War (DoW).

The presidential determination was published in a Federal Register notice here.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We sincerely thank President Trump for authorizing DPA Title III funding for certain warfighter clothing, textiles, and equipment. This has been a long-fought advocacy effort on the part of the domestic textile industry and our partners in coordination with the White House Made in America Office, DoW and allies on the Hill. This is an important breakthrough and a step forward for the U.S. textile industry, a strategic industry that supports the U.S. military and national security priorities.

“NCTO formally requested a presidential determination last year, urging immediate action to allow the U.S. textile and uniform industry to utilize the DPA Title III program to bolster domestic production capacity, sustain critical supply chains, and meet evolving national defense needs.

“Under the Berry Amendment, a law requiring the DoW to purchase 100% U.S.-made textiles and clothing, the U.S. textile and apparel industrial base provides more than $1.8 billion in uniforms, body armor, footwear, and individual equipment annually to the U.S. armed forces. This industry supplies over 8,000 textile items and more than 30,000 line-items when sizing is included.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, DPA authorities were widely used to invest in U.S. manufacturing operations to rapidly scale production of personal protective equipment (PPE), demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in strengthening domestic industrial capacity in times of national need.

“Expanding access to DPA Title III funding for broader defense priorities will help secure a resilient domestic textile supply chain, reduce reliance on foreign and adversarial suppliers, and ensure the United States can equip and protect its servicemembers across all operational environments.

“We appreciate partnering with the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition on this effort.  We look forward to working with the DoW and the administration on securing funding allocations to ensure the domestic industry can continue our servicemembers across all operational environments.”

Posted: February 23, 2026

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

INDA Opens Registration For Filtxpo™ 2026

CARY, N.C. — February 23, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has opened registration for FiltXPO™ 2026, the premier global conference and exhibition dedicated to filtration technologies. The event will take place October 28–29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

FiltXPO will bring together innovators from across the filtration supply chain to showcase next-generation solutions, advanced materials, and breakthrough technologies shaping the industry’s future. Attendees will gain valuable market insights, explore emerging applications, and connect with key decision-makers driving industry progress.

Co-organized by INDA and the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS), the Advances in Filtration Conference will feature expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and technical posters highlighting the latest research and real-world applications. Students, researchers, and industry leaders will present innovations addressing today’s most critical challenges.

Conference topics include:

  • Artificial intelligence in filtration and data centers
  • E-mobility and battery applications
  • Nonwoven media for water filtration and PFAS mitigation
  • Sustainability in filtration systems and materials

Additional details, including speakers and presentation abstracts, will be announced soon.

The Filter Media Training Course will precede the exhibition on October 26–27, offering a comprehensive technical overview of nonwoven materials in air and liquid filtration, technology pathways, emerging needs, and future development trends. More details are available on the website, https://inda.org/training/filter-media-training.php

Registration, sponsorship, and exhibiting opportunities are available at www.filtxpo.com.

For questions, please contact the Registrar at registrar@inda.org

Posted: February 23, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Colombia Shows Its Fashion Strength on the Global Stage

MIAMI, FL.— February 13, 2026 — Colombia’s fashion industry is demonstrating its versatility and global reach this month, with leading apparel suppliers presenting at MAGIC Sourcing Las Vegas, February 17–19, and designers gaining international visibility during New York Fashion Week. The Colombia Country Pavilion at MAGIC invites apparel brands and retailers to explore the country’s capabilities in design, manufacturing, and innovation.

Photo: Courtesy of ProColombia

Participating companies include Tulum Fashions, known for premium swimwear and resortwear, and Aritex, a leader in streetwear and lifestyle apparel, together representing the breadth of Colombia’s fashion expertise. This year also marks the first participation at MAGIC for Ciprés y Arrayán and Nexxos Studio, highlighting a new wave of Colombian companies expanding their global footprint and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a strategic sourcing partner.

New Colombian Exhibitors Expand Sourcing Capabilities

Ciprés y Arrayán, specialized in high-performance cycling and activewear, offers brands a fully integrated sportswear partnership, from concept and technical design to manufacturing, packaging, and export logistics. With in-house R&D, digital printing, sublimation, and modular production, the company delivers scalable, high-quality performance apparel across multiple athletic categories, combining technical innovation with reliability and export readiness.

Nexxos Studio brings over four decades of vertically integrated manufacturing expertise, providing full-package solutions from concept to finished collection. With in-house knitting, cutting, sewing, printing, and embroidery, Nexxos ensures control over quality, timelines, and traceability. Its advanced technology, customization options, and direct collaboration without intermediaries make it a flexible, responsive partner for brands seeking speed, scalability, and transparency.

“These four companies highlight Colombia’s sourcing advantages: nearshoring proximity to the U.S. market, flexible and scalable production, speed to market, high standards, and vertically integrated supply chains that enable faster replenishment and smarter inventory strategies,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s promotion agency within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism.

Colombia’s fashion sector continues to gain global traction. In 2025, exports reached approximately US$238 million, with the United States accounting for around 41% across categories including shapewear, swimwear, underwear, and casualwear. Supported by a robust business network, sustainability commitments, and a tradition of innovation rooted in craftsmanship and natural textile expertise, the country offers a diversified ecosystem capable of delivering both creativity and industrial scale. Colombian suppliers also offer flexible minimum order quantities, allowing brands to maintain lower inventories and improve cash flow.

Runway Momentum in New York

Colombia’s visibility in global fashion extends beyond sourcing platforms. Simultaneously, the country of beauty’s creativity is making an impact on international runways during New York Fashion Week, demonstrating the influence across both manufacturing and high-fashion design.

Colombian prêt-à-porter brand Somos Arial 12 presents its runway show, showcasing designs rooted in artisanal craftsmanship and generational expertise. Each garment reflects more than 50 hours of detailed work, celebrating individuality, timeless elegance, and narrative design.

Designer Raúl Peñaranda will unveil his collection Bolero Nights at Rockefeller Plaza, marking a milestone as he joins the official New York Fashion Week calendar under CFDA recognition. The collection blends nostalgic references to the 1950s and 1960s with architectural tailoring, handcrafted embellishments, and custom textiles, reaffirming Colombian influence within global luxury fashion.

Additionally, eight Bogotá-based brands —Alanna, A Modo Mio, C’emadier, Más Cincuenta y Siete by Love Me Jeans, Lorant & Co, Lyenzo, Liza Herrera, and Kernel Leather— will present collections at the Fashion Designers of Latin America runway through the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce’s internationalization initiative, strengthening exposure for emerging and popular fashion segments.

“Together, these milestones reflect Colombia’s growing global visibility across the entire fashion value chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to high-fashion creativity, reinforcing the country’s position as a complete, competitive, and increasingly influential player in the global fashion scene,” Caballero concluded.

Posted: February 22, 2026

Source: PROCOLOMBIA USA

XTech And Fulgar’s Q-SKIN®: Innovation And Performance For Early-Season Cycling And Hiking

MILAN — February 17, 2026 — With the arrival of the first sunny days, the desire to get back on the bike and enjoy outdoor walks and trekking grows stronger. XTech, a Brescia-based company and leader in the production of Made in Italy technical sports socks and apparel, presents a selection of garments made with Q-SKIN®, the innovative yarn developed by Fulgar, specifically designed to support cyclists, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts during the first activities of the warm season.

The collection includes highly high-performance garments for both cycling and outdoor sports: technical socks, four-season tops with either a soft or close fit, jackets and bib shorts, all designed to adapt perfectly to the changing weather conditions typical of early-season outings. These garments are the ideal solution for those returning to outdoor training after the winter break—whether cycling, trekking or simply walking in nature—ensuring optimal performance and maximum comfort.

Q-SKIN® is Fulgar’s polyamide 6.6 fiber that incorporates silver ions directly into the yarn during the spinning process. Thanks to their unique chemical and physical properties, these ions help regulate bacterial proliferation. Bacteria have a negative charge, while the silver ions contained in Q-SKIN® have a positive charge; this mechanism allows the silver ions to reduce excess bacterial flora.

The bacteriostatic effectiveness and resistance to repeated washing of Q-SKIN® by Fulgar® have been tested, confirming its effectiveness against the main Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacterial groups.

Q-SKIN® by Fulgar therefore becomes the perfect ingredient for early outdoor activities: during physical exercise, it helps reduce the development of unpleasant odors and bacterial growth, while delivering key benefits such as breathability, freshness and comfort, fully respecting the skin. This is a key advantage when starting to cycle or walk again in milder temperatures and wanting to fully enjoy the warm season.

“The arrival of spring brings enthusiasm for the first outdoor outings, whether by bike or on foot, and our collection was also designed with this time of year in mind. We chose Fulgar’s Q-SKIN® because we know how important it is for outdoor sports enthusiasts to rely on garments that guarantee maximum performance and comfort, especially when resuming regular training after winter. Whether professionals, cycling enthusiasts or trekking lovers, being able to count on cutting-edge materials means enjoying every moment of the warm season to the fullest,” says Samuele Ragnoli, owner of XTech.

“Spring is when many athletes return to outdoor training, and we know how crucial it is to choose the right apparel to fully enjoy this experience. Our Q-SKIN® yarn represents real added value for those seeking performance and well-being during the first outings of the warm season, both by bike and on foot. We are pleased that an Italian company like XTech has chosen to integrate this innovation into its spring collection, offering athletes a superior outdoor experience from the very first sunny days,” comments Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar.

Posted: February 22, 2026

Source: Fulgar

Jeanologia Urges Industry To Accelerate PP Spray Phase-Out Following ZDHC Watchlist Update

VALENCIA, Spain — February 17, 2026 — Potassium Permanganate (PP) has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

For years, Jeanologia has called for the elimination of PP spray, warning about its impact on worker health, operational safety and the environment. Now, the industry is formally acknowledging what has been evident on factory floors worldwide.

PP spray is commonly used to create localized vintage effects in denim, but it exposes operators to chemical micro-particles and presents serious occupational risks. Despite growing awareness and available alternatives, this practice continues to be used in parts of the industry. According to Jeanologia, millions of workers globally are still affected by this process.

Jeanologia eliminated the need for PP spray in 2015, becoming the first technology provider to offer a scalable industrial alternative through laser-based finishing. Today, the company replaces PP spray through its laser technology with Light Bright tool and combined with G2 Ozone technology, delivering authentic vintage effects without chemical spraying. The solution offers full digital control, safer working conditions and reliable industrial performance.

This approach is reinforced by Jeanologia’s Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) platform. In its Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing 2024 Report, EIM identifies potassium permanganate as one of the remaining high-risk processes in garment finishing and highlights the urgent need for safer technologies, reinforcing laser-based solutions as a low-impact alternative.

“PP spray belongs to the past. This is not about compliance; it’s about protecting people and transforming the way denim is made. The tools to eliminate PP already exist and are fully scalable. What the industry needs now is courage to move forward. It’s time to BAN PP SPRAY and embrace a cleaner, safer future for denim.” claims Jeanologia’s Global Marketing Director Carmen Silla.

Over the past decade, Jeanologia has progressively replaced the most hazardous denim finishing processes with eco-efficient technologies, becoming the first company to eliminate sandblasting and to advance alternatives to stone washing, manual scraping and PP spray. Today, its laser and G2 Ozone technologies are implemented worldwide, enabling denim brands to achieve the same aesthetic results while improving worker safety, reducing chemical use and lowering water consumption, with measurable impact across global production.

As transparency requirements, ESG reporting frameworks and chemical management standards continue to evolve, early adoption of safer technologies is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Jeanologia calls on brands, laundries and manufacturers to accelerate the transition toward chemical-free finishing. The technology exists. The transition is achievable. The time to act is now. BAN PP SPRAY is no longer a vision. It is already an industrial reality.

Posted: February 22, 2026

Source: Jeanologia

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