MEL Composites Delivers Integrated Manufacturing Approach and Cost-effective Build Strategy for Commercial Fishing Vessels

BARCELONA, Spain — October 7, 2025 — MEL Composites, a Spain-based provider of integrated composite solutions, has successfully expanded its long-term collaboration with ARESA Shipyards by delivering comprehensive materials and technical support for a series of four commercial fishing vessels.

The latest project showcases MEL Composites’ ability to optimize production workflows through specialized engineering services and pre-processed structural components. Taking responsibility for mold preparation and consulting on the engineering and design for the main deck, upper deck and structural hull & deck bulkheads, MEL enabled ARESA to reduce build time and significantly improve production efficiency.

“Our approach goes beyond simply supplying materials,” explains Eduardo Galofre, CEO at MEL Composites. “We leverage decades of composite expertise to provide complete solutions that address the technical and production challenges our clients face. With ARESA, we’ve created a workflow that allows their team to focus on hull construction, whilst we optimise and manage the build of the complex internal structures.”

Technical Innovation Drives Manufacturing Efficiency

The fishing vessels feature glass fibre sandwich bulkheads manufactured using vacuum infusion with MEL Composites’ proprietary Aircell HR80 PVC core, which was precision-cut using CNC technology to integrate all necessary reinforcements into a single infusion process. The company’s technical team specified grooved foam core that eliminated the need for mesh vacuum consumables, reducing material waste and processing time.

MEL Composites partnered with Fibervent for the composite manufacturing, with all components carefully engineered with transverse and longitudinal support beams included as part of the single-shot resin infusion process. This coordinated approach allowed internal structures to be produced off-site and delivered just-in-time for integration into the hulls, optimizing ARESA’s production schedule.

The collaboration follows MEL’s successful work on ARESA’s new Black Falcon V2.0, a 15.2-meter high-speed interceptor vessel capable of exceeding 65 knots with its four 450 hp Yamaha engines. For this project, MEL provided a complete package of infusion support, kitted materials, and consumables.

As a comprehensive composite solutions provider, MEL Composites supplies the full range of materials required for advanced marine applications, including resins, reinforcements, foam cores, consumables, tools, and equipment. This single-source approach simplifies procurement, ensures material compatibility, and provides clients with a single point of contact for technical support.

The company’s expanded in-house production capability for pre-processed structural cores and kit manufacturing offers marine manufacturers significant advantages in terms of build efficiency and material optimization.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: MEL Composites

Sunbrella® Horizon® Marine Vinyl Collection Expands With 14 New Skus, Including Leather-Grain Texture

BURLINGTON, N.C. — October 7, 2025 — Sunbrella® today announced the expansion of its Sunbrella® Horizon® marine vinyl collection with 14 new SKUs, including the new Tuscano leather-grain texture. Horizon marine vinyl offers industry-leading protection against microbial pinking along with highly UV-stable pigments for protection against fading, all backed by the comprehensive Sunbrella warranty. It also offers lasting performance with easy cleanability, four-way stretch allowing seats to hold their shape, and resistance to cold-cracking.

The new Tuscano texture is available in two neutral leather-grain colorways, Cognac and Cedar. Like the entire Sunbrella Horizon lineup, the versatile Tuscano texture can be used for a variety of marine applications, including passenger seating, captain’s chairs, and sun pads. Whether used for a larger application or a subtle accent, the texture elevates boat seating without compromising performance on the water.

In addition to the new Tuscano texture in 2 colorways, Sunbrella is introducing 12 colors in existing textures including a variety of neutrals, marine inspired blues and deep hues. New styles in existing textures include:

  • Capriccio: A lightly pebbled texture now available in Bordeaux, Biscuit, Sandstone, Putty, Fog, Hazy Blue, Harbor Mist, Indigo, Lagoon.
  • Sorrento: One of the newest textures offering a dual-emboss multi-dimension woven effect is now available in Indigo.
  • Textil: An elevated linen appearance now available in Storm and Black.

“We’re excited to continue to expand our Sunbrella Horizon line with these new textures and colors that were developed with feedback from customers to meet the needs of the marine market,” said Charlie Withers, general manager, Shade and Marine at Sunbrella. “For over 60 years, Sunbrella has been at the forefront of material innovation, and the new Tuscano texture and neutral colorways advance this commitment as we deliver an expanded collection of premium materials for marine applications.”

These additions expand the Horizon collection to 47 fade-resistant colorways across four textures. The new colorways and textures will be available to OEMs starting October 7, 2026 and to fabricators and consumers early January 2026.

Sunbrella Horizon will be showcased at Booth #3-1904 at the International Boat Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) taking place October 7–9, 2025 at the Tampa Convention Center. For more information on Sunbrella Horizon, please visit sunbrella.com/horizon.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Sunbrella

Heraeus Precious Metals, RUDOLF Form Strategic Partnership To Bring AGXX Antimicrobial Technology To The Textile Industry

HANAU/GERETSRIED, Germany — October 7, 2025 — Heraeus Precious Metals, a leading company in the precious metals industry, and RUDOLF, an international specialist in textile chemistry, have signed an agreement for the exclusive marketing of products for textile finishing and textile care. The cooperation focuses on Heraeus Precious Metals‘ AGXX technology, a groundbreaking antimicrobial innovation that has the potential to transform the textile industry in the long term.

AGXX works in a fundamentally different way to conventional biocides, especially silver technologies. The technology is based on a catalytic reaction triggered by the interaction of two precious metals. In the presence of air humidity, oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen species. These kill odor-causing and other microorganisms and also have an oxidative effect on odor-causing residues. As the mechanism is based on a circular redox system, AGXX technology is not consumed but continuously regenerated. The versatile technology can be integrated into textile finishing processes as well as directly into fibers and yarns.

By integrating the AGXX technology developed by Heraeus Precious Metals, RUDOLF is specifically expanding its portfolio with a technologically advanced solution for the functionalization of textiles.

The strategic expansion of its product portfolio will enable the company to position itself even more clearly as an innovation leader in a dynamic market environment. Based on AGXX technology, it offers its customers optimized, market-ready products that provide them with differentiated added value in the areas of textile (initial) finishing, care and aftercare applications for industrial, commercial, professional and end-user purposes.

Martin Danz, global head of Antimicrobial Technologies at Heraeus Precious Metals, commented: “Our strategic collaboration with RUDOLF is a significant step towards the further development of the textile market. Together, we will continue to develop the application possibilities of AGXX particles in textile finishing and explore new areas of application and effectiveness for the technology.”

Marcos Furrer, CEO of RUDOLF, explained: “This partnership sends a clear message: we are combining two strong innovative forces to give the textile industry new impulses. AGXX technology complements our portfolio perfectly – it is powerful, performance-oriented and offers real added value for our customers. Together with Heraeus Precious Metals, we are creating solutions that are functionally impressive and at the same time meet the growing demands of the market.”

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Heraeus Precious Metals / Rudolf Holding SE & Co. KG

Champion Thread Company Announces Poovey Family Scholarship

GASTONIA, N.C. — October 7, 2025 — Champion Thread Company (CTC), a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial sewing threads, yarns and other sewn products supplies, today announced the Poovey Family Scholarship.

Robert “Bob” Lee Poovey III – circa 1961

The grant is established in honor of its late founder, Robert “Bob” Lee Poovey III, who dedicated more than half a century to the textile industry. The need-based undergraduate scholarship will benefit students pursuing a degree at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, the globally recognized leader in textile education, research, and industry innovation.

Four Poovey family members are alumni of NC State University, including Robert L. Poovey (1935), Robert L. Poovey III (1963), Matt Poovey (2001) and his wife Melissa Poovey (2000). As part of the Wilson School of Textiles’ 125th anniversary celebration in 2024, the scholarship is funded by a permanent endowment to advance the industry’s pipeline of talent.

Champion Thread CEO Matt Poovey announced: “This scholarship is more than a recognition — it’s a reflection of my father’s lifelong devotion to the textile industry and his unwavering pride in the Wolfpack. He believed deeply in the transformative power of education, excellence, and service. His passion for textiles was matched by a quiet generosity — he had a gift for recognizing when someone just needed a helping hand and he offered it freely, without fanfare. Whether mentoring young professionals or offering encouragement at just the right moment, he believed in helping others rise. This scholarship carries that spirit forward, empowering future students to pursue their goals with courage, diligence, and the values that shaped his life and legacy.”

Bob Poovey grew up in the textile industry and studied textiles at NC State. During his time at the then-School of Textiles, he was an active member of the ROTC. He later served in the United States Army and worked at NASA. After working with several companies related to sewing thread, he leveraged his extensive knowledge of the textile industry to found Champion Thread Company in 1979. With nearly 50 years in business, Bob’s dedication to innovation has enabled Champion Thread to maintain an entrepreneurial spirit, adapting to an ever-changing world of textiles.

“The Wilson College is honored to recognize the Poovey family — a multigenerational Wolfpack family and a pillar of our industry,” noted David Hinks, dean, Wilson College of Textiles. The new scholarship the family has established in memory of Bob Poovey, founder of Champion Thread Company, reflects a legacy of excellence, a commitment to the future, and epitomizes our Wilson for Life philosophy. Just as the Poovey family approaches 50 years in business, this gift ensures that the next generation of textile leaders will have the support they need to innovate, grow, and carry forward the values that have defined both their company and the Wilson College.”

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Champion Thread Company (CTC)

New Global Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey Confirms Cotton Is The Fiber Of Choice

CARY, N.C./WASHINGTON — October 7, 2025 — Cotton Incorporated and COTTON USA™ today released new findings from the 2025 Global Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, offering a compelling snapshot of consumer preferences shaping the future of the apparel industry, sustainability, and shopping behaviors.

©2025 Steve Makowski Studio LLC

The results from the global survey, which interviewed 13,026 consumers across thirteen countries, reveal that comfort, quality, and durability remain the top drivers of apparel purchases worldwide, reinforcing cotton’s position as the natural choice for consumers across demographics.

These insights arrive at a pivotal moment, as brands, retailers, and manufacturers seek to align with evolving consumer values.

The release coincides with World Cotton Day — October 7 — a global observance celebrating cotton’s role in economies, communities, and fashion.

“On World Cotton Day, we recognize the fiber that continues to appeal most to consumers around the globe,” said William Kimbrell, president and CEO at Cotton Incorporated. “Comfort and quality remain top priorities for consumers, and cotton delivers on both, naturally. The latest data from the Global Lifestyle Monitor Survey confirms that cotton is the fiber of choice for consumers for everyday wear, performance, and sustainability.”

Key Findings from the Global Lifestyle Monitor™ Study:

  • Cotton is the Preferred Fiber Globally
    3 in 4 (75 percent) consumers prefer clothing made of cotton, cotton blends, or denim, overwhelmingly ahead of man-made fibers like polyester, spandex, and rayon.
  • Cotton Tops in Comfort, Quality & Authenticity
    Consumers rate cotton clothing as the most comfortable (67 percent), softest (66 percent), best quality (59 percent), most authentic (56 percent), and most sustainable (49 percent) compared to clothing made from polyester or rayon.
  • Natural Fibers Command a Premium
    Over half (59 percent) of global consumers are willing to pay more for clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, citing comfort (66 percent) and quality (63 percent) as key reasons.
  • Environmental Trust in Cotton
    Most consumers consider cotton (83 percent) and other natural fibers to be safe for the environment, while fewer than half believe manmade fibers like rayon (48 percent), polyester (46 percent), and Tencel (41 percent) are environmentally safe.
  • Sustainability Matters, But Trust Is Key
    75 percent of global consumers are interested in sustainable clothing, with 21 percent calling it essential and 54 percent saying it’s “nice to have.”
  • Tactile Advantage in Retail

Consumers say trying on clothing (71 percent) and feeling the fabric (56 percent) are the top reasons why they prefer shopping in-store, a clear advantage for cotton’s tactile appeal.

“This year’s Global Lifestyle Monitor findings show that cotton’s strengths — comfort, quality, and environmental trust — are exactly what consumers are seeking, no matter where they live,” said Liz Hershfield, executive director, COTTON USA. “As brands and retailers adapt to shifting consumer habits and tighter economic conditions, cotton’s durability and versatility make it a smart choice for building products that last, resonate globally, and meet sustainability goals.”

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Tatham At ITMA Asia 2025 – Tatham Expands Textile Recycling Capabilities Through Strategic Partnerships

BRADFORD, England — October 6, 2025 — With nearly two centuries of expertise in textile recycling, Tatham continues to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future. Through recent collaborations, it now offers a comprehensive range of equipment — from advanced automated textile sorting to mechanical recycling (rag tearing) and precision fiber blending.

Its cutting-edge sorting technology classifies garments by color, material type, and fiber composition, ensuring all fasteners such as zips and buttons are removed before further processing. This meticulous approach addresses a critical global issue: currently, less than 1% of textile waste is recycled back into new textiles.

By accurately identifying fiber content before recycling, Tatham is helping to close the loop in textile production. Together, we can transform the industry and empower consumers to make more responsible and sustainable choices.

Tatham will be exhibiting at ITMA Asia 2025 + CITMA 2025 in Singapore 28-31 October.  Join us in Hall 2, stand D205

Posted: October 6, 2025

Source: Tatham Ltd

Spinnova Completes Transaction To Buy Suzano’s Stake In Woodspin Oy And Suzano Finland Oy

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — October 6, 2025 — On August 27, 2025, Spinnova Plc announced that it had signed binding agreements to acquire all shares of Woodspin Oy and Suzano Finland Oy from Suzano S.A. and take full ownership of the businesses. The transaction was subject to certain customary closing conditions which have now been fulfilled. The transaction was completed on October 3, 2025.

Woodspin and Suzano Finland will be included in reporting as a part of Spinnova Group as of October 3, 2025

Posted: October 6, 2025

Source: Spinnova Plc

UHMWPE Fibers — FET’s Game Changer For The Biomedical Market

LEEDS, England — October 6, 2025 — Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) is launching the FET-500 Series of gel spinning systems in a move that could revolutionize the research and development of UHMWPE fibres.

The revolutionary FET-500 Series of gel spinning systems

FET — based in Leeds in Northern England — has built a reputation in medical fiber extrusion technology and innovations, designing and delivering high-performance equipment for a range of precursor medical products, including bespoke extrusion systems for the production of both resorbable and non-absorbable sutures. FET’s equipment supports small-scale, adaptable production and rapid new product development.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for R&D of UHMWPE fibers. These fibers are prized in many industries due to their extraordinary properties. However, current production processes are complex and focused on the large-scale output of existing fiber grades. This rigid supply chain has stifled innovation in this untapped product market.

The FET-500 gel spinning systems will address this gap in the market. The FET-500 enables a flexible and consistent process, able to produce quality fibers with less than 100 grams of polymer, while avoiding the harsh processing chemicals that were historically associated with gel spinning. The key to unlocking this lab and pilot scale flexibility is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a green solvent in a patent-pending process.

Gel spinning starts with extrusion, but the additional washing and drawing technology to produce finished yarn is critical to the overall performance characteristics. An example of the wide range of features and benefits can be shown in the Washing process, with Patent Pending technology using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide:

Extract carrier oil without using toxic, environmentally harmful chemicals such as Hexane and DCM.

  • CO2 is green, cheap, abundant, and significantly safer to work with
  • CO2 efficiently dissolves carrier oils without affecting the polymer yarn

Reduced operational costs

  • 9-Vast reduction in solvent use (CO2 vs Hexane/DCM)
  • Comprehensive oil recovery and recycling
  • Zero solvent waste is generated, unlike the hexane route

Compact and efficient batch washing system

  • Recipe controlled plug and play technology
  • Scalable and adjustable to customer needs
  • Carrier oil is recovered and fed back to the extrusion process
  • 80% reduction in factory footprint vs hexane route

FET’s Fibre Development Centre is critical to the inception and success of the FET-500. Having this facility located in Leeds where the manufacturing takes place allows FET to offer a gateway to de-risk, develop and demonstrate the system’s capabilities. FET houses a full demonstration line of the FET-500 to allow customers, existing and new, to visit and experience the system operating from start to finish. We can also aid in developing new products and operating parameters through R&D trials, giving you the confidence and knowledge to transfer a new product offering onto a production line.

Posted: October 6, 2025

Source: Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET)

Dilo Group With Kansan Materials, Izmir, On Display At ITMA ASIA Singapore 2025

EBERBACH, Germany — October 6, 2025 — We are very pleased to announce that Dilo Group, together with Kansan Materials, Izmir, shall be present at our booth No. H2 – D202 at ITMA ASIA and are looking forward to welcoming you to touch base with our latest developments. We shall discuss the range of our machinery for complete nonwoven lines as well as single specialty machinery and present nonwoven products from our Research and Application Centre. We will also take this time to acquaint you with our latest accomplishments and updates on service, software and new fields of expertise. Dilo has been specialising in the field of complete needling lines within our group to provide state-of-the-art solutions together with Temafa, Spinnbau, DiloMachines and DiloSystems as well as DG Engineering.

As a specialist for needling, Dilo has been leading in this technology for decades and are continuously updating machinery and processes in order to provide solutions for cost efficient nonwoven production at low energy consumption in many areas of needled nonwovens applications; lately, with the additional emphasis on lightweight products below 100 g/sqm for hygiene, cosmetic and medical applications. For this purpose, a large array of state-of-the-art needling lines are available in combination with high throughput fibre preparation, highly regular card feeding, high speed carding and crosslapping, in combination with drafting frames, in order to achieve an MD to CD ratio of 1 to 1.

Our MicroPunch model series allows product weights around approx. 30 g/sqm, which is only mechanically consolidated by needling or in combination with light thermobonding, providing a highly versatile array of different product quality features and parameters.

Please contact us for further demonstrations and product development services by our Technical Research Centre.

During ITMA ASIA we shall exhibit such lightweight applications by a series of physical samples, as well as samples on the other end of the needled products spectrum with very large area weights of up to approx. 5,000 g/sqm used as acoustical panels for sound dampening or heat insulation purposes.

This latter product spectrum includes new highly attractive patterning capabilities through our 3D-Lofter technique which uses a method of additive manufacturing by feeding additional opened fibre onto the surface of a needled substrate to be bonded together via needling, in combination with the DILOUR structuring process. The coloured patterns provide modern and attractive designs by feeding a large array of coloured fibre in various amounts. By varying the mass in Machine and Cross directions, we are able to create a visual effect of “sliding colours” for example. Modern designers and architects get a unique tool to make use of these colourful effects and add visual appeal to any room; be it in homes, offices, hotels or large administrative buildings. The 3D-Lofter can also be applied when moulded car interior parts need to be formed at reduced fibre consumption levels to make lighter cars.

Also, the new card feeder IsoFeed VRS is capable to run lower web weights at increased evenness.

Separate from the aforementioned advancements, the “PowerPunch” is one of our latest needle loom models, designed to reduce the vibration experienced in a loom to a new level. Also, the new kinematic system “SuperPunch,” is a combination of two HyperPunch needle beam drive mechanisms, designed to enlarge the range of advance per stroke in an easy-to-reach mode at low costs, allowing high throughput at low drafts.

Our focus is the further modernization of overall needle punch technology. To increase throughput, quality and productivity, patterning capabilities and the range of weights from very low to very high. Needling is the ideal production technology which requires minimal energy and no water consumption at the same time.

Johann Phillipp Dilo, Dilo Group CEO

Our services at Dilo have been enlarged as well and include our new MODILOUS needle board system to reduce the costs associated with exchanging needles and maintaining needle boards. Get the latest on all these various improvements and modern aspects of Dilo needling technology at our booth.

— J.P. Dilo

Posted: October 6, 2025

Source: DiloGroup

INDA Opens Executive Director Recruitment

CARY, N.C. — October 6, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry and the Global Nonwovens Alliance is announcing a recruitment for the new role of regional Executive Director for INDA based at its headquarters in Cary, N.C. This position is a result of INDA and EDANA founding the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA) and the planned evolution to the staff leadership structures to support this effort. The current INDA President and CEO, Tony Fragnito, will transition to an executive consultant to facilitate the INDA staff leadership transition as well as projects and initiatives related to operational integration and global outreach to expand GNA reach and participation for global priorities until his planned retirement.

The INDA Executive Director serves as the chief staff executive of INDA, reporting directly to the GNA CEO. The new role is responsible for leading regional strategic initiatives, managing operations, and representing the association’s interests within the Americas. The INDA Executive Director works closely with the Global CEO and other regional leaders to align INDA goals and priorities with the global mission.

“This new role will be instrumental in realizing the full potential of not just INDA but the Global Nonwovens Alliance. While INDA remains a separate legal entity its members, the industry and staff will benefit by the enhanced collaboration and expanded participation opportunities facilitated by GNA,” said Fragnito, current president and CEO of INDA.

“The creation of the new executive director role at INDA marks a key milestone in the evolution of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA). This position will enhance the value we deliver to members in the Americas, ensuring strong regional focus while aligning fully with GNA’s global strategy. As upcoming GNA CEO, I look forward to working closely with the future INDA Executive Director, two complementary leaders supporting this important region together. My thanks go to Tony Fragnito for his leadership and continued support during this transition. With this step, GNA continues to unite global vision and regional strength to serve our industry better than ever,” said Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA.

Qualified candidates will be presented to the INDA Executive Committee with the goal of having a starting date prior to or during the first quarter of 2026.

The full job description is available at: http://www.inda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/INDA-Executive-Director-Job-Description.pdf

Applications should be directed to president@inda.org.

Posted: October 6, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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