Nester Hosiery Awarded U.S. Army And U.S. Marine Corps Cold Weather Sock Contracts

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — June 25, 2026 — Nester Hosiery, a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance Merino wool socks, announced today that it has been awarded contracts supporting both the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program following the successful novation of the programs from Fox River.

These awards reinforce Nester Hosiery’s position as a leading provider of Berry Amendment compliant cold weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military, delivering mission-critical products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the United States.

Under the awards:

  • Nester Hosiery will serve as the provider of record for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year contract structure.
  • Nester Hosiery was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year term.

“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our longstanding commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery.

With manufacturing operations rooted in North Carolina and a decades-long legacy of domestic sock manufacturing expertise, Nester Hosiery continues to invest in its U.S.-based workforce, product innovation, and resilient supply chain capable of supporting both military and commercial markets.

The company’s military programs are supported through advanced knitting technology, technical product development expertise, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality and performance in the most demanding of operational environments.

To learn more about Nester Hosiery’s support with the Military community, please visit https://nesterhosiery.com/military/

Posted: June 29, 2026

Source: Nester Hosiery

Fairgoers Have Their Say: Sustainable Innovation And Heritage Key To Unlocking New Business At Intertextile Shenzhen 2026

SHENZHEN, China — June 26, 2026 — Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics concluded on 11 June, showcasing not only the solutions at the cutting-edge of the fashion industry, but also the quality suppliers and products that have stood the test of time. Hailed by many as a key avenue for textile business in South China, the fair, together with concurrent shows Yarn Expo Shenzhen and PH Value, drew over 20,000 visits from 74 represented markets – a notable internationality increase compared to the previous editions, with the city’s technological advantage and regional collaboration potential cited as key reasons for the growth.

Buyers at Intertextile Shenzhen were welcomed by nearly 620 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, and across the three days enjoyed access to a fringe programme that put sustainability and innovation first, most notably at the successful debuts of the Future Horizons Forum and Innovation Studio.

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, gave her perspective on this edition’s accomplishments: “Shenzhen is the focal point of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which, per Bloomberg, is being positioned as China’s first USD 2 trillion megaregion – pair that with regional industry strength, fairground accessibility, and China’s visa-free initiatives, and it becomes clear why this platform is ideal for business. This has been amplified by the strategic repositioning of Intertextile Shenzhen to better align with the innovation-focused market. The impact has been felt at our fringe programme and by exhibitors across the show floor, and we are incredibly grateful for the key collaborations which have truly helped elevate this edition.”

Themed ‘textile innovation’, the fair introduced the Future Horizons Forum, which covered sustainability, cutting-edge materials, and industry AI applications, with sessions moderated by academics from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), and Wuyi University. Guest speakers included key stakeholders from Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), LIVVIUM, niisham.liimbu, Panther Textile Group, Shift Fashion Group, and Sunday Square. Not far away was the debut Innovation Studio, a collective display area created in coordination with AIHF, School of Fashion and Textiles (PolyU), THEi, and Wuyi University.

Dr Eve Nwaogu Chan, Programme Leader of Fashion Design at THEi, who was integral to both initiatives, praised their impact: “Intertextile Shenzhen is strengthening its identity by leaning into textile innovation – smart materials, functional finishes, sustainable chemistry, and digital manufacturing. It firmly imprints our fashion degree upon domestic stakeholders and international partners, attracting premium buyers and exhibitors who are planning for the next five to ten years, not just the next season. This fair is focused, dynamic, and strategically smart, understanding that textiles in the region are part of a broader innovation ecosystem. The GBA’s future competitiveness is powered by collaboration, and I see this as a significant platform for building the region’s fashion and textile industry.”

With its new positioning, the fair reinforced its role as an important avenue for international textile business in South China – for exhibitors and buyers alike. VIP buyers included international companies like Adidas, American Eagle, Lululemon, and SIDEFAME, and domestic players such as Annakiki, CHLOSIO, and Ellassay. The fair also welcomed 65 buyers from four overseas buyer delegations – three of which were from Southeast Asia, including Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) and Thailand Textile Institute. Exhibitors hailed from China, France, Italy, Korea, Peru, the US, Vietnam, and more, with 16 companies showcasing in the Japan Zone. It was the unique blend of next-gen solutions and heritage suppliers that stood out to many buyers as a key differentiator of Intertextile Shenzhen 2026.

A VIP buyer from the Netherlands, Mr Malique Mohamud, CEO of The Niteshop / Concrete Blossom, said: “As a research and design-based consultancy, we are prototyping an initiative – in close collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam, who have big circular economy policy goals – to develop an ecosystem of local tailors where clothes are manufactured in the city itself on an artisanal scale. We’re at Intertextile Shenzhen sourcing sustainable and regenerative-fibre fabrics. The fair’s business matching programme has been extremely valuable. In just two hours we’ve made three high-potential connections, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we left with ten valuable contacts – which is remarkable.”

Exhibitors’ feedback

“We have witnessed Intertextile grow into a globally renowned exhibition in both Shanghai and Shenzhen. Intertextile Shenzhen is a refined, smaller-scale platform with a more targeted reach. Yet on both days so far, we have been busy with buyers non-stop, and the number of visitors has exceeded our expectations. The needs of South China and East China are very different: Shenzhen customers have higher raw material requirements, with a particular preference for natural fibres. This is likely because the Greater Bay Area is at the forefront of fashion in the country.”

– Mr Peng Xiao, Sales Director, Shanghai Cavallo 1886 Ltd. (agent of Incalpaca TPX SA), Peru

“We have three digitalisation tools currently being made – a traceability tool, a fibre data tracker, and an impact data tool for brands and retailers. My seminar undoubtedly drove audience members to our booth. In addition to standards trends, I have recently been introducing the concept of using kapok fibres – and found that kapok has been a particularly hot topic at Intertextile Shenzhen 2026. In fact, I just had an in-depth discussion about kapok with a regional fabric company, and hope after I feed back to our standard-setting department we can implement it in our future standards updates.”

– Ms Felicia Shi, Representative in APAC, Global Standard gemeinnutzige GmbH, Germany

“As the Japan Zone’s only company that stocks full-range products in China, we can meet customer needs faster than anyone. The GBA market leans toward the mid-to-high end, which aligns well with our positioning, while our model of rolling stock with no MOQ fits local needs perfectly. Visitor traffic has been slightly above expectations, and customers’ product choices matched our predictions and our strength: small trial orders requiring in-stock availability, and repeat orders needing real-time replenishment. Therefore, even though the overall market outlook is not optimistic, we are confident in our continued growth.”

– Mr Simon Xu, Manager, Kirari Textile (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Japan

“This fair mainly draws visitors from the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, with Koreans prominent among its international visitors. At this edition, the number of fairgoers has grown significantly compared to the previous two years. I believe Intertextile Shenzhen is gradually gaining momentum and participation will continue to increase. Some buyers visit us because of our reputation, while others come with products in hand with a very clear purpose. We have many long-standing regional customers, and this show provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with them.”

– Ms Daisy Cha, Business Unit Manager, Henglun Textile (Vietnam) Co Ltd, Vietnam

Visitor’s comment

“Our company mainly focuses on women’s apparel, and we came to the fair primarily to look for embroidered fabrics. We have found many of our regular suppliers here, and the show offers a diverse range of fabrics in different styles, giving us different options and enabling us to achieve our sourcing goals. For example, it also brings together exhibitors from India, which is not commonly seen at other fairs. In addition, our company is close to Shenzhen, so it is very convenient for us to visit. We will continue to attend every year.”

– Ms Zongying Lin, Purchasing Manager, Guangdong Bincai Textile Co Ltd, China

Speaker’s insight

“AIHF works closely with organisations across Asia, North America, and Europe. Intertextile Shenzhen 2026 is a great, internationally connected platform for us to be the hemp industry’s voice, allowing us to meet numerous stakeholders from China and around the world. Hemp needs the full supply chain, and with many industrial uses beyond apparel, such as auto composites and bioplastics, the Innovation Studio is ideal to showcase its applications. Advanced products are driven by new technology and tweaks to conventions, and hemp is a prime example of coming from heritage – a traditional, handcrafted material, where innovation is necessary to uplift and upscale the sector.”

– Ms Sharon Diedre Leyson, Secretary-General, Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), Thailand

Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is a business-friendly platform for unveiling new trends, innovative models, and dynamic forces shaping the industry. By showcasing pioneering case studies and comprehensive solutions for industry advancement, the fair enables stakeholders to discover and adopt successful new models and technologies through engaging displays, seminars, and themed forums.

Held concurrently with Yarn Expo Shenzhen and PH Value, the fair was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center.

Posted: June 29, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Maynards To Conduct Global Webcast Auction Featuring Advanced Manufacturing Assets From Natural Fiber Welding, Inc.

PEORIA, IL. — June 26, 2026 — Maynards Group of Companies, a global provider of industrial asset auctions and advisory services, has announced a webcast auction of surplus manufacturing and laboratory assets from Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), an innovator in sustainable materials technology. The auction will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with bidding opening at 9:00 a.m. CT.

The sale offers manufacturers, research institutions, converters, textile producers, advanced materials companies, and laboratory operators worldwide the opportunity to acquire late-model production equipment and analytical instruments previously used in the development and manufacture of next-generation natural fiber materials.

Featured assets include coating and converting equipment, high-speed winding systems, hydraulic and laminating presses, rubber mixing systems, web handling equipment, inspection systems, material cutting equipment, and an extensive selection of laboratory and quality control instrumentation.

Highlights include a 2021 Menzel 36-inch kiss coating line, Jiangsu Tangshi high-speed winding machines, GMI 450-ton hydraulic presses, MXI mixing systems, Mahlo quality control scanners, ISRA Surface Vision inspection systems, and premium laboratory equipment including a Phenom XL G2 scanning electron microscope, Shimadzu liquid chromatography system, TA Instruments hybrid rheometer, Thermo Scientific FT-IR spectrometer, Magritek NMR spectrometer, and MonTech rubber testing analyzer.

Additional assets include material testing equipment, compressed air and nitrogen generation systems, forklifts, stainless steel workstations, Allen-Bradley drives, and other production support equipment.

“This auction represents an outstanding opportunity for manufacturers and research organizations seeking advanced processing and analytical equipment without the long lead times of purchasing new machinery,” said Robert Levy, President, Global Strategies, Maynards Group of Companies. “The combination of sophisticated converting equipment and world-class laboratory instrumentation makes this one of the most comprehensive offerings we’ve seen in the advanced materials sector.”

Natural Fiber Welding has earned international recognition for developing technologies that transform natural fibers into high-performance materials for applications including textiles, footwear, automotive, consumer products, and industrial markets. The equipment available reflects the company’s investment in advanced manufacturing and R&D and is well suited for companies involved in technical textiles, nonwovens, engineered materials, composites, specialty chemicals, packaging, and product development.

Asset inspections will be held Monday, July 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT at 2323 Pioneer Parkway and 801 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL

Complete auction information, catalogs, registration, bidding details, and photographs are available at: https://maynards.com/collections/current-auctions/products/nfw-natural-fiber-welding-inc-day-1

Posted: June 29, 2026

Source: Maynards Group of Companies

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 Closes Doors, Advancing Sustainable And Innovative Sourcing In South China

SHENZHEN, China— June 29, 2026 — Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 served as a strategically positioned mid-year sourcing platform for the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Shenzhen’s role in connecting regional demand, supply and innovation exchange across the textile value chain. During the three-day fair, over 20,000 visits were drawn from 74 countries and regions, as exhibitors and buyers engaged with new developments in greener, performance-led, and value-added yarn and fibre solutions. Held in conjunction with Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and PH Value, the fair underscored the benefits of closer synergy and new materials across yarn, fabric and apparel platforms for the South China market.

Yarn Expo Shenzhen brought together a diverse line-up of yarn and fibre suppliers, supported by fringe forums and display areas that enriched the fair’s sourcing and innovation focus. (Photo: Messe Frankfurt)

“The strong participation seen at Yarn Expo Shenzhen this year showcased the fair’s growing role as a key meeting point for the Greater Bay Area’s textile industry,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “By bringing sourcing and knowledge exchange together, the fair helped exhibitors and buyers respond more directly to evolving industry needs, while the fringe programme offered insights into the future of yarn and fibre innovation. We are encouraged to see the platform strengthen its relevance in the Greater Bay Area and support the industry in ways that are commercially meaningful and forward-looking.”

Gathering nearly 100 exhibitors, the fair recorded a marked increase in participation compared with the previous edition, signalling the demand for emerging yarn and fibre products. Buyers were drawn to the broad offering across five key categories, spanning chemical fibre, cotton yarn, fancy yarn, regenerated yarn and wool yarn, giving them a targeted view of current material directions. Among the featured exhibitors, Better International was a particular highlight, showcasing Tempsense® bio-based, temperature-regulating fibres and Collaskin® collagen fibres, while Jingyi Group spotlighted Lyocell blended yarns. Both garnered strong attention, reinforcing the fair’s emphasis on lower-impact and performance-driven yarn development.

Beyond the exchange on the show floor, this edition’s fringe programme added further perspective through a mix of display areas and focused seminar content. The Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends Display Zone and the Green Fibre Certification Display highlighted creative direction, market-ready applications and pathways for greener fibre development. Meanwhile, the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Forum and Green Fibre Eco-Forum offered forward-looking discussions on certification, recycling technologies and bio-based materials, giving participants added reference points for future material selection and product development.

Alongside Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics’ innovation and sustainability features, including the Innovation Studio and Future Horizons Forum, these elements provided participants with a wider industry perspective, reinforcing synergy among the concurrent shows.

Exhibitors’ feedback

“Our company focuses on plant-based functional yarns, with patented products such as thermoregulating, ginger and herbal cotton fibres that offer versatile performance benefits.  At this edition, buyers were particularly interested in the functionality and green certifications of our products, and we met many new contacts from Southeast Asia and across the Greater Bay Area. The sustainability-focused forums also played an important role, helping buyers understand the latest eco-trends and then experience these materials firsthand at our booth.”

– Ms Amy Dong, Marketing Manager, Better International Holding (HK) Limited, Hong Kong

“We specialise in high-end cashmere yarns and fabrics made primarily from biodegradable protein fibres, targeting the mid- to high-end market and working closely with designers and brands. The visitor profile at Yarn Expo Shenzhen aligns well with this positioning, as we met buyers from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas who are actively looking for premium, sustainable materials. As sustainability becomes a global priority, we believe premium and green products will drive future demand. This edition met our expectations, and we will continue to participate next year.”

– Ms Mary Xu, Vice President, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Top Line (Ningbo) Textile Co Ltd, China

“As a leading enterprise in vortex-spun yarns and the president enterprise for the vortex yarn branch of China Cotton Textile Association, we continue to align with brands’ sustainability goals by developing and promoting sustainable Lyocell blended yarns. The mid-year timing helps us avoid peak overseas exhibition periods while reaching key customers in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Basin, two core textile technology regions. The concurrently held Intertextile Shenzhen is highly relevant to our business, and many exhibitors are already our customers, creating valuable cross-market exchange.”

– Ms Vivi Hu, Vice General Manager of Sales, Jingyi Group, China

Visitors’ comments

“We provide sourcing services for local weaving mills and fabric wholesalers, helping them connect with yarn and fabric suppliers in China. We visited to look for functional and distinctive yarn products, and have already found a supplier with excellent quality. Their protein-based yarns offer both great texture and fabric performance, making them well suited to the Korean market’s demand for functionality and comfort. Overall, this trip met our expectations, and Shenzhen’s efficient transport links and visa arrangements also encouraged our participation.”

– Ms Kuem Ryun An, President, Nice Vesta Co Ltd, Korea

“This is our first time at Yarn Expo Shenzhen. We are a dealer and importer from India, supplying yarns to local manufacturers. We mainly work with fully drawn yarns (FDY) and draw textured yarns (DTY), and we came here to explore new opportunities, with a particular focus on functionality. We found the product range here comprehensive, and travelling from India to Shenzhen is very convenient. Having both raw materials and apparel under one roof is a great advantage, and I plan to visit the apparel section as well.

– Mr Jay Munjani, Director, Sagar Texoline, India

“We came to this fair to expand our customer base and find products with stronger functionality and sustainability. The products on display matched what we were looking for, and the range of categories was very broad. On the first day, we already identified several potential partners. We also attended the concurrent fairs’ forums, which gave us a clearer sense of industry directions and helped us identify the products we need. The fair’s timing fills the gap between the spring and autumn seasons. We plan to return next year.”

– Mr Pengcheng Song, Phase Change Energy Storage (Beijing) Technology Co Ltd, China

Yarn Expo Shenzhen is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; and China Chemical Fibers Association. For more details on the fair, please visit: http://www.yarnexpo-shenzhen.com.

Posted: June 29, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

RE&UP Establishes Fiber Club Consortium To Scale Next-Gen Material Sourcing

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands — June 25, 2026 — Shifting the paradigm of fashion sustainability from isolated capsule collections to structural, industrial-scale reality, RE&UP announced the official launch of RE&UP and its Fiber Club. This landmark initiative introduces a collaborative consortium framework, originally developed as an umbrella framework by innovation platform Fashion for Good, designed to dismantle traditional supply chain barriers and accelerate the global adoption of premium recycled materials.

For years, the integration of high-quality, next-generation recycled textiles has been hindered by fragmented supply chains, restrictive minimum order quantities (MOQs), and prohibitive upfront costs, frequently trapping sustainability initiatives in a perpetual “pilot phase”. RE&UP is changing the rules.

The journey within RE&UP and its Fiber Club is engineered to be straightforward and structurally de-risked, guiding brand partners through four clear operational phases:

  1. Consortium structure & alignment: Establishing the framework and aligning key supply chain stakeholders.
  2. Initial material sampling: Reviewing standardized material specifications and aligning on specific supply terms.
  3. Pilot collection development: Designing and launching an initial commercial collection at the individual brand level.
  4. Long-Term partnership: Securing long-term fiber purchase commitments at predictable, discounted rates, successfully transitioning brands to a permanent circular supply chain.

“The technology to recycle textiles is only half the battle; the real hurdle is commercial alignment. With RE&UP and its Fiber Club, the baseline for high-volume, compliant circularity is active and operationally ready today. We are giving forward-thinking brands the plug-and-play infrastructure required to stop experimenting with sustainability and start scaling it,” said Andreas Dorner, General Manager of RE&UP.

Posted: June 29, 2026

Source: RE&UP

Understanding the Impact of U.S. Cotton Production

 

As expectations rise for brands to substantiate sustainability claims with reliable data, Cotton Incorporated’s 2026 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of U.S. Cotton Fiber Production can help companies align sourcing decisions with decarbonization strategies, regulatory requirements, and sustainability reporting.

This study examines how cotton’s environmental impacts are measured and where meaningful improvements can be made across the value chain. The new data, grounded in real‑world grower inputs, measures what drives U.S. cotton’s environmental footprint from field to gin.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant study, critically reviewed by an independent three-person expert panel, evaluates environmental impacts at the cradle-to-gate stage. Built on primary data from 753 growers across 17 states, the study offers new clarity into the key impact drivers including fertilizer production, on-farm emissions and irrigation, and highlights how methodological choices influence how results are interpreted.

The study reports that the cradle-to-gate production of 1 kg of U.S. cotton fiber generates 1.45 kg of fossil CO2 equivalent emissions. When accounting for biogenic carbon flows, including carbon stored in soil and temporarily in the fiber, the modeled-net result at this production stage is -0.264 kg CO2e per kilogram of fiber1. These results are presented within the defined system boundary and reflect how carbon is accounted for within the study.

As expectations rise for brands to substantiate sustainability claims with reliable data, this LCA provides a clear, independently reviewed reference for U.S. cotton. Built on primary data from real U.S. farms, it supports more informed material selection and Scope 3 Category 1 reporting, helping companies align sourcing decisions with decarbonization strategies, regulatory requirements, and sustainability reporting.

The LCA provides brands and other stakeholders with updated science-based data that can inform sustainability reporting, fiber sourcing decisions and broader efforts to assess cotton within material strategies. Read the full LCA report and executive summary at the link below.

AMERICA’S COTTON PRODUCERS AND IMPORTERS. Service Marks/ Trademarks of Cotton Incorporated © 2026 Cotton Incorporated.

Posted: June 30, 2026

Source: Sponsored Content Provided By Cotton Incorporated

Read the full LCA report and executive summary — CottonWorks.com/LCA

Thomas Jefferson University Announces Creation Of Three New Colleges To Advance Future-Focused Academic Strategy  — Announces The New College Of Fashion & Textiles

PHILADELPHIA, PA — June 24, 2026 — When the 2026-27 academic year starts, Thomas Jefferson University will feature three new colleges as part of a strategy designed for growth, support of a long-term vision, and a shifting professional world.

Effective July 1, the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce will transform into the College of Business, the College of Fashion and Textiles, and the College of Architecture, Design and Engineering.

“We’re designing the university for the future,” says Dr. Susan Aldridge, President, Thomas Jefferson University. “This move will strengthen our academic identity, better reflect the distinctiveness of our programs and provide clarity for prospective students and partners. This new structure is intended to enhance their experience through new collaborations.”

Despite the changes, students will remain in their current programs with no alteration to curriculum, faculty or advising.

The College of Business will include:

  • Undergraduate Programs: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, International Business, Management and Marketing
  • Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
  • Online Accelerated Undergraduate Programs: Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Management.

College of Business Dean Philip Russel notes that the transition from school to college represents a significant investment in students and their futures.

“This transition elevates the visibility and recognition of our programs, expands opportunities for experiential learning and industry partnerships, and strengthens our ability to deliver an innovative, career-focused education that prepares graduates to lead and succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy,” Russel says. “Building on a strong legacy, we envision the College of Business as a true lifelong learning hub, a place where students and alumni can return throughout their careers to gain new knowledge, develop in-demand skills and adapt to changing workforce needs.

“As continuous learning becomes increasingly essential to professional success, the College is well positioned to be a leader in delivering flexible, relevant and accessible education that empowers learners at every stage of their journey and supports meaningful, rewarding career outcomes.”

The new College of Fashion & Textiles will include:

  • Undergraduate Programs: Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising and Management, Textile Design and Textile Technology
  • Graduate Programs: Fashion Design Technology, Fashion Merchandising and Management, Textile Design and Textile Technology
  • Doctoral Program: Textile Engineering and Sciences.

Marcia Weiss, dean of the College of Fashion & Textiles, notes that bringing the Fashion Merchandising and Management program into the fold will enable students to benefit from award-winning programs and mirror the entire fashion ecosystem under one roof.

“This marks a brilliant new chapter for fashion and textile education. Rooted in our legacy as the nation’s first textile school and strengthened by our internationally recognized fashion programs, the College creates a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity, innovation and purpose converge,” says Weiss. “Students will be empowered to find their authentic voices and become the designers, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape the future of these industries. Through immersive experiential learning, deep industry partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and diversity, the College of Fashion & Textiles advances Jefferson’s mission of improving lives by fashioning the future. These strengths elevate our programs for even greater impact on the national and global stage. Create the future. Find your joy. Change the world in Jefferson’s College of Fashion & Textiles!”

The School of Design and Engineering programs moving to the new College of Architecture, Design and Engineering include:

  • Undergraduate Programs: Animation and Digital Media, Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering and Visual Communication Design
  • Graduate Programs: Engineering, Industrial Design, and User Experience and Interaction Design.

The College of Architecture, Design and Engineering will include:

  • Undergraduate Programs: Architecture, Architectural Studies, Construction Management, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture
  • Graduate Programs: Architecture, Architecture and Design Research, Construction Management, Historic Preservation, Interior Architecture, Real Estate Development, Sustainable Design and Urban Design–Future Cities
  • Doctoral Program: Architecture and Design Research.

Dean Barbara Klinkhammer says the changes – including the newly developed Department of Design chaired by Professor Neil Harner – mark an exciting new chapter for Jefferson students.

“The College of Architecture & the Built Environment expanding into the new College of Architecture, Design and Engineering builds off the strong reputation and legacy of excellence of our architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, design, construction management and engineering programs. CADE expands opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together fields that naturally intersect in the world beyond the university,” says Klinkhammer. “This evolution creates a dynamic learning environment where students can explore across boundaries while developing deep expertise in their chosen fields.

“Students will have greater opportunities to customize their education through expanded pathways, including accelerated dual-degree options, minors and concentrations that connect their individual passions with emerging professional opportunities. By fostering collaboration, applied research and interdisciplinary learning, CADE will prepare graduates who are not only ready for the professions of today, but equipped to lead, innovate and shape the possibilities of tomorrow.”

Posted: June 25, 2026

Source: Thomas Jefferson University

Global Nonwovens Alliance Launches New E-Learning Initiative To Strengthen Industry Knowledge And Professional Development

CARY, NC & BRUSSELS, Belgium — June 23, 2026 — The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, today announced the launch of a new global e-learning initiative designed to help companies build essential nonwovens knowledge across their functional teams.

The first program available through this initiative is the Fundamental Nonwovens series of e-courses, which offers flexible, accessible learning from anywhere and supports professional development at scale. Developed with the combined expertise of EDANA and INDA, the program provides a common foundation for professionals entering the industry, transitioning into new roles, or supporting nonwovens businesses from commercial, operational, regulatory, technical, or corporate functions.

“E-learning is one of the clearest examples of how the Global Nonwovens Alliance can deliver value to the industry,” said Murat Dogru, CEO, Global Nonwovens Alliance. “By bringing together the knowledge and reach of INDA and EDANA, we are creating a consistent learning experience that helps professionals around the world build a stronger understanding of nonwovens and contribute more confidently from day one.”

Through interactive online modules, learners are introduced to the essential building blocks of the nonwovens industry, including the global nonwovens landscape, raw materials, web formation, web bonding, and related manufacturing concepts. The curriculum will expand further in Summer 2026 to include finishing treatments.

The courses are structured to make complex technical topics approachable without sacrificing industry relevance. Participants gain practical insight into how nonwoven materials are produced, how different processes influence performance, and how nonwovens serve critical applications across hygiene, wipes, filtration, medical, automotive, construction, and other sectors.

For employers, the initiative offers a scalable professional development solution that can be deployed across teams, departments, onboarding cohorts, and international locations. By providing a consistent vocabulary and shared understanding of core nonwovens concepts, the program helps reduce early-stage knowledge gaps, improve cross-functional communication, and support faster time-to-productivity for employees.

The launch also reflects the broader purpose of GNA: to align the strengths of EDANA and INDA in ways that advance the global nonwovens industry while maintaining the regional expertise and member focus of each organization. GNA was created to support greater collaboration, expanded education, stronger industry insight, and a more unified voice for the nonwovens industry worldwide.

“INDA and EDANA each bring decades of trusted industry knowledge, educational experience, and member engagement,” said Hadrien Tournier, Global Director of Professional Development, Global Nonwovens Alliance. “Together, through GNA, we are making high-quality learning more accessible to companies and professionals across the global value chain.”

The Fundamental Nonwovens courses are available now through both EDANA and INDA’s websites.

To learn more or purchase the courses, visit:

INDA: www.inda.org/training/fundamental-nonwovens.php
EDANA: www.edana.org/professional-development/e-learning/nonwovens-fundamentals

Posted: June 23, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

CreateMe, Avalo And Laguna Fabrics Launch “Seed To System,” The First AI-Powered Apparel Manufacturing Ecosystem

NEWARK, Calif. — June 23, 2026 — CreateMe Technologies, an AI robotics company pioneering automated apparel manufacturing through advanced bonding and robotics, today announced strategic partnerships with Avalo and Laguna Fabrics to introduce Seed to System: a first-of-its-kind initiative connecting climate-smart cotton, domestic textile manufacturing and robotic garment assembly into a single AI-assisted ecosystem. From fields in the heart of Texas’ cotton region to production facilities in California, the partnership aims to demonstrate how apparel can be produced faster, more localized and with greater supply chain resilience.

Seed to System was created to explore a new model for how apparel can be developed and produced across the United States through connected innovation partners. While portions of the apparel supply chain already exist domestically, the industry has historically operated through fragmented systems and with limited coordination between agriculture, textile manufacturing and garment production.

Decades of offshoring in pursuit of lower costs also introduced longer lead times, reduced visibility, increased emissions across the supply chain, and greater inefficiencies between production stages. By connecting climate-smart agriculture, advanced textile development and automated assembly into one collaborative framework. Together, these companies aim to demonstrate a more modern and resilient approach to apparel manufacturing infrastructure.

Cam Myers

“At CreateMe, we believe the future of apparel manufacturing depends on building connected systems across material innovation, textile development and advanced automation,” said Cam Myers, founder and CEO of CreateMe. “This partnership is not about recreating legacy supply chains. It is about building a new foundation for apparel manufacturing, one powered by technical innovation, AI-assisted development and closer collaboration between next-generation partners. Together with Avalo and Laguna Fabrics, we are demonstrating how brands can unlock greater speed, resilience and responsiveness through a more connected manufacturing ecosystem.”

Seed to System will initially launch as a pilot designed to demonstrate how a fully integrated apparel manufacturing system can work in practice. The assembly process begins locally in Texas, with Avalo’s AI-assisted climate-smart cotton innovation, which is then spun into fabric in California with Laguna Fabrics’ knitting and dyeing capabilities. Finally, CreateMe’s commercial-grade and award-winning automated robotic assembly platform, MeRA and Pixel, produces the finished garments at its Newark, CA-based facility.

Tricia Carey

“Avalo leverages AI to naturally evolve cotton genetics to create more efficient and sustainable raw material production, while maintaining quality,” says Avalo’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tricia Carey. “This technology creates much-needed resilience on the farm, and we are excited to partner with innovators that are using AI to deliver the same climate-smart efficiency to the rest of the supply chain.”

“Laguna Fabrics is proud to help connect material innovation to scalable textile development,” said David Roshan, President of Laguna Fabrics. “Building a better apparel system requires practical infrastructure, and this partnership demonstrates how knitting, dyeing and manufacturing can work together in a more transparent and responsive way.”

Building on the announcement, the partners will continue development through the summer with a focus on product design, material storytelling and process visibility ahead of a planned Climate Week activation and capsule launch. Arriving at a moment when brands and policymakers alike are increasingly focused on reindustrializing American manufacturing ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the initiative serves as a physical demonstration of how innovation-led partnerships across agriculture, textiles and automation can help shape a new foundation for apparel manufacturing in the United States. More broadly, Seed to System reflects a new model for how future brands may build products with greater speed, technological integration, supply chain visibility and proximity to demand.

Posted: June 23, 2026

Source: CreateMe Technologies

Thomas Jefferson University Has Announced The Appointment Of Marcia Weiss, MFA, As Dean Of The Newly Formed College Of Fashion And Textiles

PHILADELPHIA — June 20, 2026 — Thomas Jefferson University has announced the appointment of Marcia Weiss, MFA, as Dean of the newly formed College of Fashion and Textiles. Marcia, who has served as Interim Dean, will assume the role on July 1, 2026.

As Interim Dean, Marcia has demonstrated outstanding leadership and selfless service to her programs and the University. She brings to the classroom decades of industry experience, including 19 years at Burlington Industries, where she rose to Vice President of Design for the House Fabrics Division.

A specialist in woven design, Marcia is nationally and internationally recognized in her discipline and well-respected among her peers, students and alumni. Her research interests include culturally significant textile practices in West Africa and Central Asia. An exhibited artist, her work has been displayed throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

In addition to her academic leadership, Marcia maintains a consulting practice spanning color and trend research, multi-layer textiles and advanced woven structural solutions for a range of applications. Her current practice involves the joy of multi-layer ikats, celebrating a rich family history of artisanal craft.

Marcia earned her BS in Textile Design from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and her MFA in Fibers from Savannah College of Art and Design. She teaches graduate-level studio courses and is a frequent presenter at conferences and symposia.

Posted: June 22, 2026

Source: Thomas Jefferson University – via LinkedIn

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