Robin Wiener Wins Award For Recycling Leadership

LONDON — March 25, 2025 — Robin Wiener has received the inaugural – “Award for Recycling Leadership 2025”.

The award, presented by the Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) for the first time this year, was made in recognition of Robin’s dedication to the importance of recycling globally.

GRF introduced this award, the vision of Founding President Ranjit Baxi, to recognize our industry leaders for their contributions, alongside its annual Recycling Heroes prize, presented to individuals and organizations for their own innovative solutions to the cause of recycling

Wiener is president of the Recycled Materials Association (REMA) and serves as the chief advocate for the recycled materials industry, promoting safe, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling through education, networking and advocacy.

Under Wiener’s leadership, REMA has expanded its reach and effectiveness within the United States and globally, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, compliance and innovation. She believes it is the recycled materials industry that is responsible for so many of the everyday items and infrastructure that we all depend upon.

Wiener joined REMA (then ISRI) in 1989 to direct the association’s environmental compliance activities, eventually becoming Assistant General Counsel and then, in 1997, was selected to lead the organization. REMA’s work promoting public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development has helped the industry continue to grow and thrive, and to be recognized for its essential role in the U.S. and global manufacturing supply chains.

In addition to her leadership of REMA, Wiener currently serves on the Boards of Keep America Beautiful —  a non-profit organization that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment — JASON Learning: Real-world STEM Curriculum available for all classrooms, and the Recycling Education and Research Foundation (ReRF). She also serves on the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)’s Electric, Electronic and EV Batteries Steering Committee and is a member of the U.S. Chamber Association Committee of 100 and the World Council of Recycling Associations.

Making the award, Baxi said: “Robin has been an outstanding leader and advocate for the crucial role recycling plays in every aspect of our lives. She has dedicated her time and energy to reminding people of how fragile the planet has become and of the central role recycling plays in preserving our precious raw materials.

“It is through the work of organizations like REMA, which represents more than1,700 companies in the US and around the world, and the extraordinary leadership of Robin Wiener that we have no hesitation in making this award.

‘The Recycling Leadership Award has been established to support leaders like Robin Wiener who individually are driving the recycling agenda forward to every corner of the world. By taking the lead they are carving a path through the barriers which prevent sustainable practices which in turn shine a powerful light on the possibilities that reuse and renewal can offer the world.”

GRF supports the promotion of recycling and the recycling industry across the world to showcase its vital role in preserving the future of the planet. It was formed in October 2018 with a mission to fund educational and awareness programs, innovation initiatives which focus on the sustainable and inclusive development of recycling across the world. The role of the Foundation is to show the world that recycling is a collective endeavor, crucial for the future of the planet. No one can act in isolation and it’s imperative that we engage with the widest population possible.

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF)

Sapphire Mills Achieves SBTI Validation For Science-Based Emissions Reduction Targets

LAHORE, Pakistan — March 24, 2025 — Sapphire Mills has reached a significant sustainability milestone with the validation of its science-based emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Sapphire Mills’ Commitments:

  • Under its validated targets, Sapphire Mills is committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50.4 percent by 2032, using 2022 as the base year.
  • Additionally, the company aims to achieve a 30 percent reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods, services, and capital goods within the same timeframe. The targets also account for land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
  • For Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions, Sapphire has pledged a 40% absolute reduction in Scope 3 FLAG GHG emissions by 2032.
  • Furthermore, the company has committed to maintaining zero deforestation across all primary deforestation-linked commodities by December 31, 2025. These targets align with SBTi’s 1.5°C pathway, ensuring that Sapphire’s climate action contributes meaningfully to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Industry Leadership in Decarbonization:

Sapphire Mills is among the few companies with approved science-based targets, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. Ismael Abdullah, COO of Sapphire Mills, emphasized the company’s long-term sustainability vision, stating: “At Sapphire Mills, we recognize that the textile industry has a responsibility to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change. Our commitment to SBTi-approved targets is more than just a corporate initiative, it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and grow. Sustainability is embedded in our DNA, and we are investing in cleaner energy, resource-efficient production, and responsible sourcing to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come. We understand that reducing emissions isn’t just about compliance — it’s about leadership, accountability, and building a business that thrives while protecting the planet.”

The company has already achieved a 54.7 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, driven by major investments in renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing practices. The cogeneration power plant now operates entirely on 100 percent biomass, eliminating coal usage. Furthermore, a solar power plant has been installed to expand the company’s clean energy portfolio.

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: Sapphire Mills

SPI 2025: Where Screen Printing Meets The Future – Innovation, Global Brands And Advanced Materials In Focus

BRUSSELS — March 25, 2025 — Screen printing is no longer just a printing method—it’s an innovation driver for industries worldwide. From flexible electronics to high-security printing, Screen Print Innovations 2025, organised by European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA), will showcase the latest breakthroughs and connect industry leaders shaping the future. As the world’s only dedicated screen printing event, SPI 2025 is where researchers, manufacturers, and brands collaborate on the next wave of technological advancements.

Following the announcement of key industry leaders in screen printing for 5G/6G antennas, security printing, and fuel cells, SPI 2025 is thrilled to introduce three additional renowned speakers who will share insights into working with global brands and advancements in flexible electronics.

New Keynote Speakers

Chris Vacca: Unlocking Success with Major Brands: An Outcome-Based Approach

In today’s competitive landscape, brands like Nike seek more than just technical advancements—they demand solutions that drive real outcomes. What do industry giants like Nike truly look for in their suppliers? Chris Vacca, former Nike Innovation & Supply chain leader, will break down the winning formula for technology companies looking to work with major brands. Attendees will learn how to move beyond technical specs and deliver solutions that drive real business impact — securing long-term partnerships with global leaders.

Through real-world case studies, Vacca will demonstrate how strategic thinking, vendor collaboration, and innovation in sustainability, automation, and digitization can provide a competitive edge. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to win new business and grow existing partnerships with top-tier brands.

Vacca played a pivotal role in shaping some of Nike’s most disruptive innovation platforms, including Nike Flyknit, Nike Forward, and Nike ColorDry.

Menno Bos: Next Generation of Formable Substrates: Unlocking Innovation in Automotive and Flexible Electronics

As industries push the boundaries of design and functionality, formable substrates are transforming the landscape of automotive lighting, printed electronics, and decorative surfaces. Menno Bos, sales manager International at Kimoto Ltd., Switzerland, will explore the latest advancements in high-efficiency diffusion films and pre-cured hardcoat PC technologies. With 25 years of experience in functional coated films and a background in Industrial Automation Engineering, Bos will highlight how these cutting-edge materials enhance durability, aesthetics, and performance across industries.

Attendees will gain insights into breakthrough applications, from flexible electronics to next-generation automotive surfaces, and discover new ways to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Philip Renners: Tailored Production with Printed Electronics Showcasing Innovations in Elderly Care

A key challenge in the development of this medical device, besides ensuring the reliable performance of the sensors, was primarily the cost and scalability of the solution. Printed electronics offer clear advantages over traditional designs of electronic components in this regard. Through additive manufacturing using printing machines, very lightweight, flexible, robust, and cost-efficient electronic components can be produced. Due to their unique properties, they are particularly suitable for use in wearables and medical technology applications. Production on specialized roll-to-roll printing machines enables high-volume manufacturing.

Philip Renners earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Münster. During this time, he was also a scientific assistant, before becoming project manager and Head of R&D at PolyTaksys. As vice president R&D at Witte Technology since 2020, he is responsible for business development as well as research and development of printed electronics.

Exhibitor Showcase at SPI 2025

Beyond expert-led sessions, SPI 2025’s exhibitor showcase will feature leading companies unveiling the latest advancements in screen printing for automation, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

  • CST – Unveiling a new machinery series with high resolutions and laser power.
  • Grünig and SignTronic – Presenting a modular concept for automated screen production.
  • INO – Displaying a fully automatic modular machine for high-precision printing on sensitive foils.
  • KIWO – Introducing new screen-printable protective films for safeguarding sensitive surfaces.
  • Lüscher Technologies – Unveiling a groundbreaking innovation exclusively at SPI 2025.
  • Proell – Featuring chemical products and adhesion promoters for in-mold decoration and industrial applications.
  • Sun Chemical – Showcasing inks for human-machine interfaces, combining functional and graphic inks for enhanced visual impact and reliability.
  • Technigraf – Showcasing an upgraded combination dryer featuring UV and IR radiation.
  • Thieme – Presenting a fully automatic screen printing system for various industrial sectors.

Join the Future of Screen Printing at SPI Essen

The groundbreaking advancements presented by these keynote speakers at the SPI Innovation Theatre highlight the transformative potential of screen printing across multiple industries. Industry professionals, researchers, and innovators are encouraged to attend these sessions to gain valuable insights into the latest technological trends. Registrations are free for all visitors.

Event Details:

  • Date: 3-5 June 2025
  • Location: Messe Essen, Germany

Join SPI Today: Secure your place at the leading event for screen printing innovation.

  • Visitors: spi-europe.com/visitors/visitor-registration
  • Exhibitors: spi-europe.com/exhibitors/book-your-stand
  • Stay Updated: spi-europe.com/contact

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA)

trinamiX Expands Its Portfolio For Plastics And Textile Identification With New Handheld Nir Spectrometer “trinamiX PAL Two”

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — March 25, 2025 — trinamiX GmbH, a provider of mobile spectroscopy solutions and subsidiary of BASF, will participate in the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) 2025, taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company will showcase its versatile technology for identifying various plastics and textiles, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the recycling process. Their solutions facilitate the design of sortable plastic packaging, ensure quality control for incoming and outgoing materials, and promote cleaner sorting methods that improve recycling efficiency. A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the new handheld spectrometer, trinamiX PAL Two. Attendees are invited to visit trinamiX at booth #E134 to experience the company’s Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solutions firsthand on April 1-2, 2025.

trinamiX Mobile NIR (Near-Infrared) Spectroscopy Solutions: Accessible plastics and textileidentification

trinamiX provides a user-friendly solution for the quick identification of plastics and textiles with just the push of a button. This system features a robust, portable NIR spectrometer, accompanied by an app that leverages sophisticated cloud-based data analysis, along with a customer portal for managing results, downloading reports, and exporting data. The solution boasts the capability to accurately identify over 30 different types of plastics, including common consumer plastics such as HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, PS, and PVC, as well as engineering plastics like PA, ABS, PC, and PLA. Additionally, it can quantify blends of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

In the realm of textile identification, the solution can detect a diverse array of fiber materials including acrylic, cotton, elastane, polyamide — with subclasses PA 6 and PA 6.6), polyester, polypropylene, silk, viscose, and wool. It also has the capability to analyze textiles composed of multiple materials.

To meet the specific needs of recyclers, trinamiX offers a flexible solution that encompasses various configurations. Users can choose between a compact handheld device for quick on-the-go checks or a semi-automated setup that can be seamlessly integrated into a sorting table, allowing for automatically triggered scans for enhanced efficiency.

Hardware portfolio expansion: trinamiX PAL Two spectrometer trinamiX will unveil the newest addition to its Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solutions at PRSE: the handheld spectrometer trinamiX PAL Two. Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations of this new device. Designed with ergonomics in mind, trinamiX PAL Two allows for single-handed operation, making it user-friendly and convenient. Additionally, it includes a built-in display that presents measurement results directly on the device, enhancing usability and accessibility for users.

Design for recyclability – ensuring NIR detectability

Increasingly stringent regulations, such as the “Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation” in the European Union, introduce new requirements for packaging design, the use of recyclates in plastic packaging, and specifications for reusable systems. To enable efficient plastic recycling, materials must be accurately identified and sorted. As the sorting process relies on NIR technology, all material must be “NIR detectable.” The design of the packaging plays a crucial role for this parameter. Features like color, labels, additives and more can impact a packages’ ability to be identified. With trinamiX, brands can assess the impact of these features on the NIR detectability early in the design process. By designing packaging with recyclability in mind, manufacturers not only comply with regulatory requirements but also support sustainability efforts.

Hard-to-differentiate plastics and textiles: multi-material films, PE/PP, compostable plastics and PA 6/PA 6.6

Hard-to-differentiate plastics and textiles, such as multi-material films and blends of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), pose significant challenges in recycling due to their mixed compositions. Compostable plastics, while environmentally friendly, can complicate sorting processes, especially when they resemble conventional plastics. Polyamides like PA 6 and PA 6.6 are often difficult to separate and recycle, further complicating waste management efforts. The sophisticated models of trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution have been trained to identify all those materials, helping to close the loop and improve recyclability.

Mobile quality control along the manufacturing and recycling process

Quality management in plastic production and recycling facilities is essential for producing high- quality products. A key element for efficient recycling of plastics is the sorting of mixed plastic waste into pure waste streams, as impurities can compromise the quality and integrity of the recycled products. From checking incoming materials to approving bales of sorted plastics or textiles, trinamiX makes quality control simple and easy. The solution also supports non- conformance management and the efficient management of complaints, reducing the risk of costly errors and delays. trinamiX not only enable companies to perform spot checks, but also to comprehensively document incoming and outgoing material flows, visualize and analyze them, thus creating comprehensive transparency for manufacturers and recyclers of plastics.

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: trinamiX GmbH – a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE

Focus On Denim For Monforts At Saigontex 2025

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 25, 2025 — At the SaigonTex 2025 textile machinery exhibition which is taking place from April 9-12 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monforts will highlight the benefits of its advanced finishing technologies for denim.

Over 900 Monforts THERMEX hotflue dyeing systems are now operational in the main textile producing countries, with many of them devoted to denim production, and a significant number already reaping the benefits of the Econtrol® and Econtrol®T-CA processes*.

More than 900 Monforts denim range concepts are now successfully running worldwide

Econtrol is a continuous process for the dyeing of woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics in which reactive dyestuffs are fixed into the fabric in a one-step dyeing and drying operation with a controlled combination of steam and air. The entire pad-dry process takes just two-to-three minutes at a temperature of between 120-130°C and a relative humidity volume of 25-30 percent.

Denim fabrics are stretched and skewed far more gently than with conventional range combinations.

Monforts denim range concepts which are successfully running worldwide enable the processing of high-qualtiy and reproducible fabrics which are stretched and skewed far more gently than with conventional range combinations.

The ‘double rubber’ version of a THERMEX range comprises two compressive shrinkage units and two felt calenders in line, for super elastic and bi-elastic materials. Additionally, the combined drying, stretching and skewing functions for denim fabric are possible with the ThermoStretch unit, which can also include an EcoApplicator system for the minimum application of necessary finishing chemicals.

Monforts Head of Denim Hans Wroblowski

“These latest Monforts lines allow users to be extremely versatile and respond quickly to market demand, while also allowing very short production runs,” said Monforts Head of Denim Hans Wroblowski, who will be present at the Ho Chi Minh exhibition along with specialists from the company’s regional partner, Peja Vietnam, at stand 1L01 in Hall A1.

In 2024, Vietnam surpassed Bangladesh to become the world’s second-largest textiles and apparel exporter, trailing only China, with total export revenues reaching $44 billion. This is in part due to tariffs that are currently 10 to 20 percent lower than China’s and significantly cheaper labor costs — less than half of China’s.

Typical denim range configuration.

Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry is poised for further expansion in 2025, leveraging cost advantages and rapid production turnaround while proactively managing rising logistics costs and adapting to shifting trade dynamics.

“Vietnam is now a significant market for us and we have developed long-standing relationships of mutual trust with many of the leading textile manufacturers,” says Hans Wroblowski. “Peja Vietnam has proved the perfect partner in installing and commissioning Monforts machines, with its service team working side by side with our own engineers to ensure the machines fully meet every customer expectation. Together, we are looking forward to fruitful discussions at SaigonTex.”

* Econtrol® is a registered trademark of DyStar Colours Distribution GmbH, Germany.

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Jens Reinig Named New CFO At Freudenberg Performance Materials

WEINHEIM, Germany — March 25, 2025 — Jens Reinig, currently senior vice president, Finance & Controlling, at Freudenberg Performance Materials, has been appointed CFO at Freudenberg Performance Materials effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Marco Altherr, who is leaving the Freudenberg Group at his own request with effect from March 31, 2025, to take on new challenges outside the company.

Jens Reinig

“I greatly appreciated my collaboration with Marco Altherr on the management board of Freudenberg Performance Materials, both on a professional and a personal level. He made a significant contribution to the success of our company and introduced valuable forward-looking initiatives,” said CEO Dr. Andreas Raps. “Jens Reinig has many years of management experience and a deep understanding of our business. He will generate further valuable input in his role as CFO. I am looking forward to our close cooperation and to shaping the future of our company together,” Raps added.

Jens Reinig joined the Freudenberg Group in 2008 as team leader in Corporate Controlling at Freudenberg Nonwovens, the predecessor organization of Freudenberg Performance Materials. He subsequently held various positions in the company’s Finance & Controlling department. He became senior vice president, Finance & Controlling, at Freudenberg Performance Materials in 2020, holding this role until his recent appointment to the management board. Jens Reinig graduated from the University of Mannheim with a degree in business administration.

Posted: March 25, 2025

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

INDA Calls On White House To Permanently Exclude USMCA Products From Canada, Mexico Tariffs

CARY, N.C. — March 24, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry issued the following statement on executive orders imposing significant tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico:

Last month, President Trump instituted significant tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico. While products that fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have been excluded from these new tariffs to date, it has been reported that these exclusions may end in early April.

The nonwovens industry contributes to nearly $100 billion in economic output through sales to end users in North America. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, thanks to the USMCA: “one-third of critical U.S. manufacturing inputs now come from Canada or Mexico, rather than from competitors that often engage in unfair trade practices.”

At a time when manufacturers are facing cost pressures from many angles, it is imperative that American manufacturers remain competitive globally and have long-term clarity on import costs. As such, we urge President Trump to make the tariff exemption for USMCA products permanent and are ready and willing to work with the White House to promote a balanced trade policy.

For questions please contact Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs at wfisher@inda.org

Posted: March 24, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Introducing Home Environments: A New Era In Smart Luxury Home Design

ELMHURST, Ill. — March 24, 2025 — A new source for luxury home design has emerged with the launch of Home Environments, a company that brings together industry experts in smart home automation, custom window treatments, and advanced lighting design. Headquartered in Elmhurst, a west suburb of Chicago, Home Environments redefines how architects, designers, and builders integrate technology into modern residential projects — creating smarter, more efficient living spaces.

Founded by Betty Brandolino, former owner and Creative director of interior design firm Fresh Twist Studio, Home Environments streamlines the design and implementation process, serving as a trusted partner for fully integrated home technology. The company offers motorized window treatments—including an in-house drapery workroom and custom lighting systems, simplifying the process from design to installation.

“The luxury home market is evolving, and technology is now a fundamental part of high-end residential design,” Brandolino said. “By combining automation, lighting, and window treatments, we’re not only elevating interiors—we’re transforming how homeowners experience and live in their spaces.”

Home Environments takes a holistic approach to luxury smart home integration, providing solutions that enhance both functionality and design. The brand’s offerings include, but are not limited to:

  • Smart Home Automation:Advanced systems that give homeowners seamless control over lighting, climate, security, and entertainment — all in an intuitive, fully integrated solution. These technologies create smart homes that effortlessly adapt to modern lifestyles.
  • Custom Window Treatments: Motorized window solutions that blend high-end craftsmanship with automation, offering privacy, light control, and energy efficiency in tailor-made designs that enhance any space.
  • Lighting Design & Solutions: Expertly designed custom lighting systems that improve ambiance, efficiency, and functionality, with flexible solutions to meet the needs of each project.

Home Environments is committed to helping trade professionals streamline workflows and integrate smart technology seamlessly.

Posted: March 24, 2025

Source: Home Environments

Better Cotton Project To Break Down Healthcare Barriers For Farmers In Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

CÔTE D’IVOIRE, West Africa — March 24, 2025 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has launched a two-year pilot project in Côte d’Ivoire to boost cotton farming communities’ access to essential, quality healthcare services and create a replicable model for marginalised groups around the world.

The pilot project will build an accessible, community-tailored health programme for an initial 8,000 people. In Côte d’Ivoire, 46 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and the country has some of the lowest health metrics in West Africa.

Photo — Better Cotton/Landry Yao. Location — Ferkessédougou, Côte d’Ivoire, 2025.

Maria Kjaer, Smallholder Livelihoods manager at Better Cotton, said: “Farmer health and well-being are essential to supporting sustainable agriculture. We have the opportunity to remove healthcare barriers for farming communities to create a real, positive impact. I’m confident that with the support of a very committed network of partners, we can drive change in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond.”

Better Cotton has teamed up with its Programme Partner in Côte d’Ivoire, SECO — a subsidiary of Olam Agri — and Elucid, a social enterprise, to create a unique ecosystem that fosters both health outcomes and cost savings.

The two-year project will introduce Elucid’s digital healthcare platform to some of the country’s farming regions to enrol cotton farmers and connect them with local accredited healthcare providers. Elucid’s platform will ensure secure payments and enable user feedback, providing local healthcare services with a tool that can help them improve their plans.

Samuel Knauss, managing director and co-founder of Elucid, said: “With this project, we are bringing our healthcare model to cotton farmers by strengthening the capacity of agricultural producer organizations. This will ensure that farmers can access essential and emergency care without financial hardship. Building on our success in the cocoa and coffee sectors, we aim to show that investing in healthcare not only improves farmer well-being but also strengthens cotton supply chains and creates lasting impact for communities.”

Jean-François Touré, vice president & managing director of SECO, added: “At SECO, we are committed to improving the well-being of cotton farmers by pioneering a tailored health insurance model for the sector. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring they have access to essential healthcare. This project shall serve as a reference for the industry, particularly as Côte d’Ivoire advances the implementation of its Universal Health Coverage programme. Through this partnership with Better Cotton and Elucid, we aim to create a lasting, scalable impact for farming communities.”

Better Cotton and its project partners will engage agricultural producer organizations (APOs) to promote local ownership of the platform, streamline uptake among communities, track its use, and ensure it addresses relevant challenges.

Successful implementation will increase the number of farmer households under social protection, remove barriers to healthcare and unlock opportunities for sustained investment in the service beyond the project’s end date.

By creating a working model for health programs in the cotton sector, Better Cotton can not only contribute valuable learnings to other commodities and regions, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices across sectors, but also present valuable data on the correlation between health outcomes and farmer incomes.

Posted: March 24, 2025

Source: Better Cotton

BASF Hosts Cotton Farmers At Educational Agronomic Performance Trial Summits

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — March 13, 2025 — BASF hosted 74 cotton farmers and their families across five meetings in December, January and February to share the results from over 200 Agronomic Performance Trials (APT). The farmers in attendance participated in the trials and helped plant, grow and harvest BASF test plots for cotton seed. These trials help BASF determine which varieties of FiberMax® and Stoneville® cotton seed to advance for limited release the following year1.

“Feedback from farmers is at the center of BASF innovation and the Agronomic Performance Trial program is integral to our cotton seed portfolio and allowing us to help farmers do the Biggest Job on Earth,” said Kenny Melton, Western Region Agronomic Services manager for BASF. “Since 2006, APT farmers have been a cornerstone of advancing new varieties and we are extremely grateful for their partnership and contributions.”

The Agronomic Performance Trial Summits were held in Texas — San Antonio, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo — and Charleston, S.C. Farmers in attendance were shown trial data from all test plots, new information regarding the advanced varieties and updated information on chemicals. The APT program helped introduce six new varieties of FiberMax and Stoneville cotton for the 2025 growing season1.

“Getting to see the new varieties on our farm under our conditions has been a benefit to our operation,” said Billie Fuston, a cotton farmer from Turkey, Texas. “Seeing the new technology and how it performs on different soils, plus the opportunity to attend the summit and compare notes with other producers in different areas is a big benefit as well.”

The variety trials allow BASF to evaluate performance under real world grower conditions, with larger plots and varied production management programs, as well as in broader geographies with more locations. In 2024, APT were planted in 210 locations, leading to six new varieties being added to the BASF cotton seed portfolio for the 2025 growing season.

1Availability of cottonseed containing the Axant™ Flex technology for the 2025 growing season and beyond is subject to many factors, and such seed may not be available in all cotton-growing areas. Commercial sales of cottonseed containing the Axant Flex technology will be subject to contractual terms and conditions and stewardship obligations, which may include among other requirements or restrictions on where the crop resulting from such seed may be sold, transferred and/or exported. BASF does not guarantee any publicized results and each grower is solely responsible for farming management practices and decisions, including, without limitation, selecting seed best suitable for the intended growth and use under grower’s local conditions. 

Posted: March 24, 2025

Source: BASF Corporation

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