AATCC Announces 2025-2026 Board of Directors

DURHAM, N.C. — January 13, 2025 — This fall, AATCC individual members elected their 2025-2026 President and Interest Group Board of Directors representatives. Election results were announced at the AATCC Annual Meeting, preceding the Technical Committee on Research (TCR) meeting November 13, 2024. All officers began their term on January 1, 2025.

President

Christina Rapa, W.L. Gore and Associates, will serve two years as president before continuing to immediate past president for two years.

Rapa has been an advocate for AATCC for over 23 years. Starting as a Textile Engineering student at both Jefferson University and NC State and continuing through the formation of the Northwest chapter in Portland/Seattle in the early 2000s, she now serves as the Delaware Valley chapter Chair.

As the Material Interest Group chair for the last 3.5 years, she has invited members via webinar to hear diverse speaker topics such as “Space Textiles”, “Biobased leather”, “Advances in regenerated cellulose” and “Seaweed fiber”. As an engineer in the Fabrics division at W.L. Gore and Associates, she focuses on digital transformation, including 3D material creation and PLM software implementation.

Rapa will be a member of the board for all four years, providing continuity and guidance to the Association. When Rapa became president, John Crocker, SDL Atlas, became immediate past president.

Interest Groups

AATCC members participate in one or more interest groups to network, learn, and share ideas with like-minded colleagues. Each member may select one “voting” interest group from which they elect representatives to the AATCC Board.

The Chemical Applications Interest Group re-elected Sabyasachi Gaan, as chair. Gaan received his Ph.D. in chemistry from UC Davis in 2007. He has been working at Empa in Switzerland since 2007 and is currently head of the Additives and Chemistry group in the Laboratory of Advanced Fibers. His group specializes in the development of functional polymer and metal additives, synthesis and modification of sustainable thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, and recycling of polymers. He has been a member of AATCC since 2016, served on the AATCC Journal of Research Committee, and currently serves as the AATCC Chemical Applications Interest Group Chair.

The Concept 2 Consumer Interest Group elected Chris Hipps as chair. Chris Hipps is the Global director of the Color Management business at Archroma. He has been with Archroma since 2014. Prior to this, from 1998 to 2014, he was with Datacolor, Oxco, and CAE Simuflite in various technical, sales, and marketing positions. Beginning his career as a process engineer and shift dyeing manager at Dixie Yarns’ Caroknit division, he graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Science and then earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Hipps has been a member of AATCC since 1992 and was the interim Chair for the Concept to Consumer Interest Group.

The Materials interest group has elected Apurba Banerjee as Chair and Yongxin Wang as Vice-Chair. Banerjee has served as the At-large Member since 2021.

Apurba Banerjee is a Textile Research scientist at Standard Textile Corp. (STC). As a key member of the Research and Development department, she plays a pivotal role in bringing sustainable, value-added products to life in the realms of Hospitality, Healthcare, and Interiors. Banerjee is a proud alumna of the University of Georgia, where she earned her Ph.D. in Polymer, Fiber, and Textile Science in 2017. Prior to that, she honed her craft at Colorado State University, graduating with a master’s degree in Apparel and Merchandising in 2013. Banerjee has a passion for advancing industry benchmarks through her multiple voluntary leadership roles in organizations like AATCC and ASTM International.

Yongxin Wang is a Materials manager at W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. She has been with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. since 2018. Prior to this, Wang worked at VF Corp. as a Materials Research manager, where she worked as a project lead, and gaining extensive experience on raw materials and their properties, textile manufacturing/processing/structure, and their relationship with apparel performance. Wang received her Master’s in Textile Materials and Product Design from Donghua University, Shanghai China in 2010, and went on to receive her Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science from North Carolina State University in 2013. Her experience in textiles is demonstrated in her numerous publications throughout her career. Wang has been a member of AATCC 2021.

In 2023, AATCC newly established the Rising Professionals Interest Group. The group is focused on supporting individuals as they embark on a career in textiles. Members include recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals transitioning from other industries and those who just want to learn more about navigating opportunities for growth.

The Rising Professionals interest group re-elected Jessica Brooks as Chair and Monét Freeman as Vice-Chair.

Jessica Brooks is the colorist for the Vertical Business Units for W. L. Gore & Associates. She has been with Gore since 2021. In addition, Brooks is an adjunct faculty at Thomas Jefferson University and teaches the Color, Dyeing & Finishing course. Prior to this, she was the Dye Lab & Technical Manager for Darlington Fabrics. Brooks has been a member of AATCC since 2013 and is currently the Vice Chair of the AATCC Delaware Valley Section and the Chair of the RISE Interest Group. She is a member of the RA36 Color Measurement Test Methods committee and on the AATCC Board of Directors. She feels very strongly in helping push future generations into taking active roles within AATCC and promoting a mentorship space within the association.

Monét Freeman serves as a Physical Testing specialist at the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, with six years of professional experience steering all facets of manufacturing, quality and testing, operations management, and coordinating industry training. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Freeman completed her studies in Textile Technology at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles. Freeman is a strong believer that, no matter what, there is always room for improvement and perfecting your craft. Her interest in the Rising Professionals Interest Group stems from her own personal experience of not feeling fully equipped with the tools for career development or networking right out of school.

Opportunities

While AATCC Board elections only occur every two years, there are many ways to get involved. Taking a leadership role on a committee or task group is an excellent way to make connections and gain valuable experience. To learn more about available opportunities, contact Gregg Woodcock, AATCC Executive Director (woodcockg@aatcc.org) or any Board or staff member.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

Premium Scrubwear Brand Jaanuu Brings Modern Uniforms To S&S Activewear

LOS ANGELES & BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — January 13, 2025 — Scrubwear brand Jaanuu continues to broaden its reach, establishing a new partnership with S&S Activewear (S&S), a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in the United States and Canada.

S&S operates eight nationwide distribution centers and has been servicing the decorator and promotional industry for more than 30 years. The company’s extensive market coverage throughout North America has positioned S&S as the distributor of choice for some of the industry’s leading brands.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with S&S to introduce more clients to our premium scrubs,” said Jaanuu CEO Michael Alexander. “With the superior quality of service from S&S by our side, we see this partnership as a pivotal step in Jaanuu’s future within the healthcare-adjacent space. We believe this marks the beginning of a transformation, as Jaanuu evolves into a leader in modern uniforms that redefine both style and functionality.”

Jaanuu will feature an assortment of their core bestsellers through its partnership with S&S. Jaanuu’s product development team has refined a number of designs from the core line to improve the wearer’s performance, boasting premium quality in comfortable fabrics, true-to-size fits, and all-around functionality. The assortment of women’s and men’s apparel features both a durable woven material and a one-of-a-kind knit fabric that remains a standout amongst their loyal customer base.

“When choosing to work with S&S, we knew we wanted a partner who is first-class,” said Ian Scherber, vice president of business development at Jaanuu. “Their customer service is top notch, and they have a thorough understanding of trends and an uncanny relatability within the sales field.”

“We’re excited to welcome Jaanuu into our family of brands,” said Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “By offering top-quality scrubs to our diverse set of customers, we are meeting the practical needs of lifestyle, health and wellness professionals everywhere. S&S is committed to expanding our product offerings to provide new and exciting brands to our customers.”

The new partnership reaffirms Jaanuu’s commitment to the health and wellness community, increasing audience diversity and expanding into new avenues. The core designs will be available through the S&S Activewear platform today.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: S&S Activewear

Venerable American Design House Schumacher Announces The Opening Of A Showroom In New York Design Center 

NEW YORK CITY — January 13, 2025 — Schumacher, the venerable American design house, is proud to announce the opening of a showroom in the New York Design Center, a staple for designers in the New York area and the oldest design center in the US. The showroom occupies 4,000 square feet on the 15th floor in suite 1516 and will be in addition to the existing Schumacher showroom at the D&D building at 979 Third Avenue in New York City. The showroom is set to open on February 3.

“This new showroom, along with our existing presence at the D&D and newly expanded offices in Soho, underscores our deep commitment to NYC and the greater Tri State area, reflecting our dedication to fostering a vibrant design community in the heart of the industry,” says, Emily Romero, President of Schumacher North America. “With the support of David Frazier’s impeccable taste and vision, we’ve brought to life a more modern, quieter side of Schumacher — a facet we’ve always cherished internally but are now proud to highlight to the world. Our hope is that this showroom becomes not just a place to experience our designs but a welcoming destination where designers can gather, receive excellent service, and find endless inspiration for their projects.”

The space at NYDC will provide a curated selection of the brand’s portfolio with a focus on textured and solid fabrics, wallpapers, and trims in a mostly neutral palette.

Schumacher’s Creative Director Dara Caponigro said: “Editing our portfolio for the space has put a new spin on our brand. I have a feeling the modernists out there will be quite surprised by our latest look. In addition, we’ve worked with some of our favorite iconic Italian furniture brands — from Capellini to Cassina to Molteni and De Padova — as well as Brooklyn-based Workstead for lighting fixtures, to furnish the space and amplify our vision.”

Patterson Flynn, Schumacher’s sister company, will also have a presence at the new showroom. The brand will offer a tailored portfolio of made to order rugs and broadloom carpets that reflect their dedication to craftsmanship and the very finest materials.

Schumacher tapped New York-based interior designer David Frazier to design the showroom. Frazier was an inaugural member of FREDERIC’s It List, and represents the parent company’s commitment to championing budding design talent.

“Our goal was to create a space that evokes the warmth and sophistication of a residential downtown setting,” says Frazier. “We envisioned the layout as a series of rooms that unfold into one another, revealing themselves quite deliberately. While cohesive, each space has its own identity, showcasing unique fabrics and wallcoverings. We sought to highlight a lesser-known side of Schumacher — wonderful linens, mohairs, and neutral, warm colors. We are celebrating their quality while also revealing a more contemporary side of the brand. It is Schumacher — downtown. Our warm modernist approach defines the space, complemented by our signature mix of antiques and contemporary furniture.”

As part of the new initiative, Schumacher has tapped art consultant Eleanor Edelman to curate art exhibitions from local talent on a quarterly basis. The first show features the work of New York artist Tina Shaw. Shaw’s work is based firmly on the minimalist tradition, nodding to great modernists like Fontana and Ryman but explores a more tactile side of that genre by activating the work’s surface. All artworks will be for sale.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Schumacher

PLASTICS Industry Association Announces Executive Leadership Team New Hires And Promotions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 13, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced a series of new hires and promotions within its Executive Leadership Team, effective January 1, 2025. These appointments reinforce the association’s commitment to protect, promote, and grow the industry towards a goal of creating a sustainable plastics industry.

“I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled at PLASTICS, happy to welcome our new additions and announce these well-deserved promotions to the Executive Leadership Team,” said PLASTICS President and CEO, Matt Seaholm. “As we start the new year, I’m confident this team will continue to represent the entire supply chain of our industry with dedication and deliver the highest value for our members.”

PLASTICS New Hires:

Chris Rager will join the PLASTICS team as Vice President of Government Affairs. Chris joins PLASTICS after serving as the head of State Government Affairs for the American Petroleum Institute, where he managed the day-to-day operations of eight regionally based offices and nearly 50 staff members and consultants that covered API’s nationwide integrated advocacy capability. With over 20 years of experience in government relations, Chris brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles and will focus on building a robust government affairs strategy at PLASTICS. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing PLASTICS’ advocacy and policy efforts at all levels of government.

Angela Mealy joins PLASTICS as Executive Director of NPE: The Plastics Show. In this newly created role, Angela will oversee the strategy, operations, budget, project management, and overall success of NPE2027. Angela brings extensive experience from her tenure as Senior Director of Event Services at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, where she directed three major trade shows.

PLASTICS is also proud to announce the following promotions within its Executive Leadership Team:

  • Ashley Hood-Morley to Senior Vice President, Industry Engagement.
  • Patrick Krieger to Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Policy.
  • Stephanie Strategos Polis to Vice President, Public Affairs.
  • Apryl Alexander-Savino to Vice President, Events and Marketing.
  • Mónica Mancilla Cooke to Vice President, Human Resources.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Plastics Industry Association

Tex-Tech Industries Completes Acquisition Of Fiber Materials (FMI) From Spirit Aerosystems

KERNERSVILLE, NC  — January 13, 2025 — Tex-Tech Industries Inc., a provider of high temperature and high-performance specialty material and coatings, has successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) based in Biddeford, Maine, and Woonsocket, R.I., from Spirit AeroSystems Inc.

FMI is a supplier of high-temperature materials and reinforced composites, with a focus on carbon/carbon and related composites. FMI’s applications include thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips, and rocket motor throats and nozzles. FMI’s products are installed on critical defense platforms as well as NASA programs such as Stardust, Mars Curiosity, Orion, and Mars 2020. The company employs approximately 400 people. The existing senior management team of FMI will continue in their existing roles at FMI.

“The acquisition of FMI is highly complementary and strategic for Tex-Tech,” said Scott Burkhart, Tex-Tech CEO. “The addition of FMI adds a unique set of high-performance products to our robust portfolio of thermally protective materials. FMI’s unique capabilities will allow us to better service the rigorous material requirements in the rapidly growing space and defense industry.”

“We are excited to join forces with Tex-Tech,” said Matt Bernier, FMI’s general manager. “This acquisition highlights the remarkable accomplishments of our team and sets the stage for an even brighter future. Together, with the significant capital and combined heritage of IP rich material science know-how and manufacturing capabilities, we will leverage our combined strengths to continue delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled value to our customers.”

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Tex-Tech Industries, Inc.

Pottery Barn Launches Collaboration With Kravet: Archival Prints Reinterpreted

Kravet x Pottery Barn Collection Photo — Pottery Barn

SAN FRANCISCO — January 8, 2025 — Pottery Barn, portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today a new collaboration with the revered home furnishings company, Kravet. The prints and patterns Kravet is known for, which were previously only available to the design trade, have been translated into an inspiring collection of tabletop, bedding, pillows, wall and window coverings, and decorative accessories.

Founded in 1918, Kravet has remained a family-operated business for over five generations. The brand’s impressive textile archive holds more than 60,000 pieces dating back over 2,000 years, all preserved with museum-quality standards to honor the rich history of the documents. For the first time in its history, Kravet opened the archive beyond their own team to work with Pottery Barn’s in-house designers to develop a collection that artfully blends Kravet’s prints and patterns with Pottery Barn’s world-renowned quality and craftsmanship.

To create the collaboration, the Kravet and Pottery Barn design teams partnered closely on hand-selecting prints from the archive. These prints were recolored and reimagined to develop new fabrications, applications, and products. The resulting assortment of print and pattern – the Garden Floral, Arboretum, Heirloom Damask, Ikat, Petite Floral, Medallion, and Meadow Stripe – celebrates Kravet’s mastery of textile design as seen through the inimitable lens of Pottery Barn’s timeless aesthetic. These designs can be found throughout the collection on products intended to bring the coveted interior designer touch to the Pottery Barn customer. Several pieces in the collection also feature additional designer details like French knots and embroidery.

“We’re so proud of the one-of-a-kind pieces from the new Kravet and Pottery Barn collection,” says Pottery Barn President Monica Bhargava. “This collection reinterprets their heirloom decorator prints in a way that feels fresh, timeless, and beautifully suited for our customer’s home.”

“The Kravet family has had the privilege of serving the design trade for many decades, and we’re now thrilled to partner with Pottery Barn to bring consumers exclusive pieces for their home inspired by our archives,” says Cary Kravet, President and CEO, Kravet LLC. “Pottery Barn’s exceptional expertise, as well as their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, made reimagining our prints and patterns into new categories an exciting and rewarding journey.”

The Kravet for Pottery Barn collection is available now in all stores, and online at potterybarn.com/kravet. Follow along on social @potterybarn and @kravetinc for styling tips and inspiration.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Pottery Barn, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. / Kravet LLC

HEFEL And Hologenix Team Up To Redefine Restful Sleep With  The New Wellness Retreat Line

LOS ANGELES — January 13, 2025 — Hologenix and HEFEL, Austria’s bedding company, are joining forces to launch the Wellness Retreat Line, a revolutionary collection of eco-conscious bedding designed to enhance sleep quality and promote recovery. This partnership marks Hologenix’s debut product launch with HEFEL, blending CELLIANT® infrared (IR) technology with HEFEL’s expertise in high-quality bedding.

The Wellness Retreat Line includes fiber- and down-filled sleep essentials such as pillows, duvets, and mattress toppers, all powered by CELLIANT Viscose — the first in-fiber sustainable viscose infrared solution. CELLIANT’s proprietary minerals transform body heat into infrared energy, boosting local circulation and oxygenation, thereby supporting restorative sleep and faster recovery.

A Marriage of Science and Sustainability

The collection highlights CELLIANT Viscose, a nature-based fabric that enhances a product’s comfort and wearability and is known for its sustainable raw material sourcing – one of the most environmentally responsible infrared carrier options on the market, a credit to the impressive efforts of CELLIANT partner Kelheim Fibres. The Wellness Retreat Line combines this sustainable textile with TENCEL™ Lyocell, a silky, moisture-wicking fiber derived from renewable wood sources, that fosters temperature regulation, allergy support, and moisture control for the ideal sleep environment.

“A good night’s sleep can be the catalyst to a great day — when you’re well-rested you might feel happier, more productive, more active. Your sleep sets the tone for the day, which is why it is important to prioritize rest and recovery,” said Seth Casden, founder and CEO of Hologenix. “HEFEL is esteemed in Austria as bedding experts, so we were really honored and excited to partner with them on the new Wellness Retreat line. It is the perfect balance of comfort and practicality, and we can’t wait for customers to feel the benefits firsthand.”

A Customized Sleep Sanctuary For Every Bedroom

The Wellness Retreat Line leads with science-backed technology but also understands that sleep set-ups come with personal preferences. The new portfolio includes two options, so there is something for every type of sleeper:

  • Fiber Collection: Offers pillows, comforters, and mattress toppers available in all standard sizes, blending CELLIANT Viscose with TENCEL™ Lyocell for exceptional temperature regulation and softness.
  • Down Collection: Features three-chamber pillows and duvets in all standard sizes  crafted with RDS-certified, ultra-fine goose down, enveloped in a luxurious satin fabric made of CELLIANT Viscose and TENCEL™ Lyocell, which is woven exclusively at HEFEL’s in-house’s mill. These down-filled options promise unparalleled coziness and restorative benefits.

“At HEFEL, we consider ourselves innovators in the bedding industry and thanks to our partnership with Hologenix, we are able to launch a new regenerative wellness program called ‘Wellness Retreat’ at the Heimtextil Conference 2025,” said Ulrike Hefel, CEO of HEFEL. “In the down products of the Wellness Retreat line, CELLIANT Viscose fiber is seamlessly integrated into fabrics crafted exclusively at HEFEL’s in-house ticking weaving mill in Austria. In the quilted products, the fiber enhances comfort helping you fall asleep faster, achieve deeper sleep, and recover more quickly after physical activity.”

For more information, or to purchase products from the Wellness Retreat line, please visit https://www.hefel.com/.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Bio-Based Epoxy Systems Pioneer Sicomin Joins Forces With Madskis To Maximize Sustainable Performance With GreenPoxy® 56

SICOMIN, France — January 13, 2025 — Sicomin has announced its partnership with MADskis, the Swiss company renowned for crafting handmade skis with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. MADskis will now incorporate GreenPoxy® 56 resin, known for its industry-leading bio-content of 51 percent, into its high-performance ski production.

The Sicomin and MADskis collaboration sets a new standard in winter sports manufacturing, showcasing maximum sustainability, uncompromised performance on the slopes and improved working conditions. With the highest bio-content available, GreenPoxy 56 delivers great mechanical performance as well as meeting MADskis challenging production and environmental requirements. It also ensures a cleaner, safer production environment for the MAD production team, as they hand laminate wooden top sheets, natural fibres and European wood cores in their boutique workshop.

MADskis was co-founded by Aurélien Ducroz, a celebrated professional skier and Class40 ocean racing world champion. Ducroz’s Class40 yacht was constructed using Sicomin GreenPoxy resins and flax fibers, highlighting the resin’s durability. Ducroz will now apply the similar processing techniques and materials at MAD, creating cutting-edge, lower impact skis. MAD’s revolutionary UNDO-REDO process uses bio-based resins and natural wooden topsheets to enable skiers to repair or replace the upper layers of their skis. This innovation significantly extends the lifespan of the skis, reducing waste and promoting eco-responsibility.

“MADskis share our vision to enhance the sustainability of their products without compromising on their performance,” said Matthieu Chaloin, Sicomin. “We are proud to support their mission as they craft unique wood-finished, eco-conscious skis for dedicated customers that understand how advanced bio-based materials can help support the future of winter sports.”

GreenPoxy 56 is a high-performance resin system formulated with 51% of its carbon content from biobased sources. Its unique formulation and low viscosity mean it quickly and efficiently wets out reinforcements under hand lamination, vacuum bag or press consolidation processes. A range of different reactivity hardeners are available to suit the varied laminating and bonding challenges of custom ski manufacturing.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Sicomin

Outlook 2025: A New Year Of Innovation With Dornbirn GFC: Four Unmissable Highlights To Ignite Your Year!

DORNBIRN, Austria — January 13, 2025 — Warm greetings as we welcome the start of a new year filled with opportunities and innovation!

As a leading platform for knowledge exchange, research, and innovation in the fiber industry, Dornbirn GFC is set to (co)-host a series of expert-driven events in 2025. These four key events will showcase groundbreaking advancements and foster global collaboration:

  • Dornbirn GFC ASIA / Korea
    • In collaboration with DYETEC, KOFOTI, and Textile TechForum, this event will take place on 3rd & 4th April 2025 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), Busan, South Korea.
    • The 4th Dornbirn GFC-ASIA 2025, co-organized by the Dornbirn GFC,
      DYETEC , KOFOTI and Textile TechForum in Korea, will be held on April
      03rd and 04th 2025 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) in Busan, South Korea as a 2 day On-Site event. The two days international conference will consist of plenary lectures, oral presentations and culture event for foreigners.
    • From the reputation as a world class beautiful city of tourism and culture, we welcome you to the 4th Dornbirn GFC-ASIA 2025. To present furthermore the most important developments and findings, we kindly invite you to submit your lecture proposals for 2025 program.
  • CRETE 2025 International Conference
    • Organized together with the Technical University of Crete, this conference will run from 27th to 31st May 2025 in Chania, Greece.
    • The 8th International Conference on Industrial and Hazardous Waste Management will be held from 27 to 31 May, 2025 in Chania, on the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. CRETE 2025 is organized by the Technical University of Crete, Vienna University of Technology, Nanyang Technological University, Tsinghua University of Technology, Austrian Fibers Institute (Dornbirn GFC), Korean Basel Forum and the University of Stavanger.
    • CRETE 2025 will once again include an extended spectrum of topics, in order to allow a holistic approach of industrial and hazardous waste management and create an appealing, interesting and riveting Conference program. This time a focus on recovery potential and processes will be pursued. The renewed CRETE 2025 Organizing Team is working on new ideas and events, in order to make the upcoming Conference even more successful, always counting on your high quality contributions and presentations.
  • 64th Dornbirn GFC & 5th Innovation Days
    • Join us for the flagship event from 10th to 12th September 2025 in Dornbirn, Austria, show-casing cutting-edge research and innovation.
    • The Dornbirn GFC is inviting researchers, experts, manufacturers, and practitioners to submit papers for the 64th edition, taking place in September 2025. This congress offers a platform to present cutting-edge research and innovations that will shape the future of the fiber and textile industries.
    • Submissions possible until 14th of February 2025!
  • Dornbirn GFC ASIA / India
    • In partnership with Techtextil India 2025, this event will be held on 18th November 2025 in Mumbai, India.
    • Details will be announced soon, but the spotlight will undoubtedly be on cutting-edge fiber innovations and transformative solutions for sustainability. Stay tuned for updates on how this event will shape the future of the industry!

Join us in shaping the future of the fiber industry through these transformative gatherings.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: Dornbirn GFC Global Fiber Congress / Austrian Fibers Institute

NCTO: U.S. And Mexican Textile Associations Applaud Mexico’s Crackdown On Unfair Trade Practices

WASHINGTON — January 13, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and the National Chamber of the Textile Industry (CANAINTEX) commend the Mexican government for its decisive action to curb the flow of illegal and subsidized apparel products from Asia that evade tariffs and undermine the U.S.-Mexico textile co-production chain.

In as joint letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, NCTO and CANAINTEX expressed strong support for Mexico’s new decree, which imposes penalty tariffs and taxes on imported finished textile and apparel goods and certain inputs into Mexico from non-Free Trade Agreement countries. These measures will shield regional supply chains and ensure fair competition for production in the United States and Mexico.

See a link to the full letter here.

The decree also targets the misuse of the U.S. “de minimis” trade loophole by taxing goods entering the U.S. from Mexican warehouses that exploit the rule to avoid tariffs, a practice that has significantly harmed U.S. and Mexican textile and apparel manufacturers. The associations are also asking the incoming Trump administration to immediately close the de minimis loophole.

U.S. textile producers have lost 25 plants and 26,000 jobs in the past 18 months, while Mexico’s industry has shed over 75,000 jobs, largely due to predatory trade practices by non-USMCA signatories like China.

“Despite the legal efforts of Mexico and the United States to prevent the importation of goods that are undervalued, made with forced labor or with tariff or regulatory restrictions, we have seen firsthand how the Asian market has gained an unfair advantage through predatory trade practices, displacing companies and workers in the USMCA industries and undermining our critical coproduction chain,” the associations wrote in the letter. “The countries participating in the USMCA produce ample supply to guarantee a continuous flow of cost competitive manufactured products. The Decree will improve the production chain, grow jobs and ensure tariff preferences are granted to goods manufactured in the region and stop rewarding non-signatories such as China and other Asian suppliers.”

Posted: January 13, 2025

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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