INDA: Nominations Open for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards

CARY, N.C. — July 14, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards.

The IDEA Achievement Awards recognize outstanding innovations, technical advancements, and leadership across the nonwovens and engineered materials industry. Industry professionals are invited to submit their company’s most innovative products, materials, equipment, and sustainability advancements—or nominate innovations on behalf of their clients—for consideration.

Presented every three years in conjunction with IDEA®, the IDEA Achievement Awards honor breakthrough developments introduced since IDEA®25. Winners will be announced during IDEA®27, taking place March 23-25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Award categories include: 

  • Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction
  • Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction
  • Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction
  • Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction
  • Equipment – Best new equipment introduction
  • Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products

Entries must be submitted by November 8, 2026. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three entries in each category advancing to the final round. Industry professionals will then vote for the winners through the Nonwovens Industry website. The recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be selected exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

The 2025 IDEA Achievement Award winners were: 

  • Equipment: Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
  • Raw Materials: Woolchemy NZ Ltd. – neweFibre
  • Short-Life Product: Egal Pads, Inc. – Pads on a Roll
  • Long-Life Product: Magnera – Sontara EcoRE Bag
  • Sustainability Advancement: Kindcloth – KINDCLOTH™ PURA HEALTH Insect Repellent – Water Dissolvable Wipes
  • Nonwoven Product: Innovatec Microfibre Technology GmbH & Co. KG – InnovaWipe® Water Soluble Nonwoven
  • Entrepreneur: Dude Products

IDEA27 will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in nonwoven and fiber technologies. The RISE® Conference will be held in conjunction with IDEA27 and will feature scalable, demonstrated solutions designed to address complex technical challenges and pressing societal needs, from sustainability and circularity to healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing.IDEA27 attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in expert-led nonwoven short courses designed to expand industry knowledge and technical expertise.

For full details on the IDEA Achievement Award criteria and eligibility, visit:

https://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html

To submit a nomination, visit:

Vote Now for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards

For questions about the awards, please contact Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, at mosickey@inda.org.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

CovationBio Introduces Sorona® elasterell-p fiber

NEWARK, Del. — July 14, 2026 — Today, Covation Biomaterials LLC (“CovationBio®”) introduces Sorona® elasterell-p fiber. Made with partially plant-based Sorona® polymer, it is the first U.S. produced bicomponent stretch fiber offered by CovationBio. Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is now commercially available through regional distribution partner Mercados Internacionales (MI), across the U.S. and Latin America with local stock and regional customer service to meet growing demand.

Sorona® elasterell-p fiber delivers durable stretch and exceptional shape retention without the use of elastane so garments keep their fit and recover their shape wear-after-wear, wash-after-wash. Designed for apparel applications that rely on responsive and durable stretch, including activewear and workwear, Sorona® elasterell-p fiber offers the added benefit of its bio-based foundation, giving apparel brands the dual benefit of garments that perform and have a lower environmental footprint.

“Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is our first branded fiber,” says CovationBio CEO Steven Ackerman. “As a partially bio-based polymer, Sorona® has been an ingredient in innovative textile solutions used by leading apparel brands worldwide. With the introduction of Sorona® elasterell-p fiber, we’re pairing our reputation for trusted performance and sustainability benefits with a new stretch solution built for what brands need next.”

MI is the regional sales and market development partner for Sorona® in Latin America. Local inventory of Sorona® elasterell-p fiber is now available for a broad range of apparel applications including activewear, athleisure, workwear, uniforms, and other fabrics requiring durable stretch and recovery.

Since its debut, Sorona® polymer has grown into a globally recognized ingredient for apparel and home goods with a reputation for combining improved environmental impact with uncompromising performance for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. It is used to add softness, stretch, durability, and warm breathability to fabrics across a variety of applications including activewear, outerwear, workwear, ready-to-wear, high-fashion, carpet, and more.

For more information about Sorona® elasterell-p fiber, visit Sorona.com and follow brand announcements on the CovationBio LinkedIn and Sorona Instagram (@Soronafiber) pages.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Source:  Covation Biomaterials LLC

Nuyarn® And Unknown Runner Partner To Introduce Ultralight Trail Running Apparel

NEW ZEALAND — July 8, 2026 — High-performance yarn and fabric innovator Nuyarn® Technologies announced its partnership with Flagstaff, Arizona-based Unknown Runner, creator of purpose-built merino performance apparel for trail runners.

Unknown Runner introduces the debut Courser Collection: an ultra-lightweight performance merino wool system designed for hot, variable conditions and powered by Nuyarn technology. Built for high-output runs and everyday adventure, the 115 gsm merino blend fabric combines an open-knit structure with a 63% merino wool, 29% polyester, and 8% nylon composition to deliver natural temperature regulation, advanced moisture management, odor resistance, and next-to-skin comfort.

Nuyarn’s proprietary drafting technology wraps merino around a nylon filament to create a wool yarn that is lighter in weight, drier in moisture management, and stronger in long-term durability enabling a higher standard of natural performance solutions. Combined with polyester knitting, the result is an ultralight fabric that breathes exceptionally well, dries quickly, and maintains performance through repeated use in demanding conditions.

“We are excited to see Unknown Runner utilize Nuyarn to push the boundaries of performance apparel in the trail running space,” said Monica Ebert, VP of Sales for Nuyarn. “Our technology is designed to unlock the natural potential of wool, and in a high-intensity sport like trail running, the benefits of 5x faster dry times and 8x more durability are game-changers for the athlete”.

“We’re always searching for the highest-performing merino fabrics, and Nuyarn’s ability to innovate around performance made them the ideal partner for Unknown Runner,” said Alex Mette, Founder of Unknown Runner.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source:  Nuyarn®

Duggal Visual Solutions And EFI Reggiani Announce North American Debut Of The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus

NEW YORK, NY — July 9, 2026 — Duggal Visual Solutions and textile printing innovator EFI are proud to announce the first North American installation of the EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus 8-color configuration at Duggal’s New York production facilities. This signals a significant leap forward in print technology, combining industrial-scale power with a sophisticated, eco-conscious architecture.

The investment in the Reggiani NEXT Plus reinforces Duggal’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This system enables Duggal to deliver high-volume production while helping clients meet increasingly demanding speed-to-market timelines and sustainability goals without compromising print quality. The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus achieves this performance through several key innovations.

  • Energy Efficiency: Reduced energy consumption.
  • Precision Imaging: Advanced image clarity technology for sharper detail, featuring an industry-leading 4-picoliter drop size.
  • Enhanced Color Gamut: An 8-color system – including light magenta and light black – delivers precise matching and flawless reproduction of vibrant hues, pastels, and smooth gradients.

“We are excited to offer our clients improved dye sublimation printing through both an expanded gamut and higher resolution while also reducing our environmental impact,” said Michael Duggal, CEO of Duggal Visual Solutions.

“We are thrilled to partner with an industry leader and visionary like Duggal,” said Frank Pennisi, CEO at EFI. “The EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus was designed to push boundaries of what is possible in experiential print, provide market-leading innovation and responsible manufacturing – the essential drivers of the next generation of visual communication.”

Duggal is proud to continue its leadership position in bringing innovative and improved print production to the marketplace.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source EFI™

YKK Develops Concept EXCELLA® Zipper Tape Using Nonwoven Fabric Partially Derived From Used Clothing

TOKYO — July 13, 2026 — YKK Corporation (YKK), has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials.

Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson), and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

This development project took sheets of non-woven fabric, which had been regenerated using Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology (DFT)1, and used them as zipper tape for the first time. Since conventional methods were difficult to apply, the team conducted extensive studies to ensure the quality of element attachment. The concept item was brought to life after a series of further studies, including selecting a slider with a structure suited to the rigidity of the non-woven tape and improving the zipper’s ease of use.

The development was driven by the global challenge of recycling used clothing, resulting from the mass production and consumption of apparel. Nakazato has been exploring ways to utilize the used clothing flowing into countries such as Kenya.

YKK has also been advancing initiatives to support a circular economy through efforts such as rolling out the NATULON® Fiber Sourced™ zipper, which uses recycled polyester made from textile waste and discarded clothing in the zipper tape. Sharing a common awareness of the challenges surrounding textile circularity, YKK joined the project in support of its vision of creating new value through the upcycling of clothing and materials that would otherwise go unused.

YKK will leverage the insights gained from this development to further enhance the value of EXCELLA® zippers to meet the diverse needs of customers in the luxury sector.

1 Dry Fiber Technology (DFT) is Epson’s proprietary technology for converting diverse materials into fibers and enhancing their performance.

Posted: July 13, 2026

Source: YKK Corporation

NCTO Mourns The Passing Of Sen. Lindsey Graham, A Champion Of The American Textile Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 12, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement today mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)
Photo Courtesy U.S. Senate Historical Office

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from.

“He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America.

“His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

Posted: July 12, 2026

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

American Roller Company And Precision Roll Solutions Announce Merger — A Stronger Platform, Built For Customers

UNION GROVE, WI — July 10, 2026 — Precision Roll Solutions (PRS) and American Roller Company (ARCO) announced their merger, forming North America’s most complete precision roll manufacturing platform. The merger marks a new chapter for both businesses, the teams who built them, and the customers they serve.

The combined organization brings together PRS’s precision roll and cylinder manufacturing – including laser-engraved anilox rolls, gravure and embossing rolls, specialty base rolls, and web handling equipment, with American Roller Company’s deep expertise in engineered roll coverings and cores, industrial coatings, and broad field service capability.

As part of the merger, Scott Vuchetich will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6th.  Scott brings more than 30 years of experience leading growth-stage organizations and is uniquely positioned to guide the combined company through its next chapter.

Dan Cahalane, who has served as CEO since 2005 and whose vision has been instrumental in building American Roller into the organization it is today, will transition to Executive Vice President. Dan will work closely with Scott and the broader leadership team, ensuring continuity and direction as the company integrates and scales.

“What the team at American Roller has accomplished over the years is remarkable,” said Dan Cahalane. “To now merge with an equally accomplished team at PRS dramatically accelerates the possibilities for our customers and our combined teammates.”

Justin Glass, who has served as CEO of Precision Roll Solutions since 2024, will become the Chief Commercial Officer of the combined company. “This merger gives our customers immediate access to a broader set of capabilities, backed by the same teams and the same standard of precision they’ve always counted on. I couldn’t be more energized about what this team builds next.”

“I’m honored to step into this role at such an exciting inflection point,” said Scott Vuchetich. “The foundation Dan, Justin, and their respective teams have built is exceptional, and I’m committed to building on that momentum for our employees, customers, and partners.”

Together, ARCO and PRS deliver an integrated capability set that spans the full roll lifecycle: precision-engineered base rolls and cylinders, laser-engraved and mechanically engraved surfaces, specialty rubber and elastomer coverings, thermal and UV-cure coatings, and the service infrastructure to support them. These capabilities serve flexographic, gravure, laminating, coating, embossing, metal, and industrial converting applications.

Posted: July 10, 2026

Source: Precision Roll Solutions (PRS)

Wrangler® Introduces Toughlite™: Next Gen Denim Engineered To Be Lighter, Built To Last

GREENSBORO, N.C.— July 9, 2026 — Global denim icon Wrangler® today announced the launch of Toughlite, a denim innovation that brings enhanced airflow to the brand’s legendary Cowboy Cut® family. Engineered to prove that a lighter weight jean does not mean a weaker jean, Toughlite delivers made-to-move comfort without sacrificing the quality that has defined Wrangler for almost 80 years.

Weighing less than traditional 14.75 oz heavyweight denim, the Toughlite collection is constructed from a premium 99% cotton and 1% elastane blend. This tech-driven denim provides two key benefits tailored to a fast-paced lifestyle:

  • Lighter Weight: Built for premium comfort and enhanced airflow without the heavy bulk.
  • Made to Move: Durable, flexible, and ready for action right off the shelf with zero break-in time needed.

With the introduction of Toughlite, Wrangler is addressing the demands of a new generation of consumers who look for effortless comfort and go-anywhere versatility. Toughlite delivers a zero-break-in jean that seamlessly transitions from work, to a tailgate or a night out with friends.

“Wrangler has always stood for durability you can trust,” said Holly Wheeler, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Kontoor Brands. “With Toughlite, we pushed ourselves further, engineering a fabric that’s up to 20% lighter, has enhanced airflow, and is incredibly flexible, while not sacrificing durability. It’s innovation you can feel immediately, without giving up the authenticity that defines Wrangler.”

Designed for the guy seeking a simple, authentic aesthetic backed by high-quality performance, Toughlite honors the trusted five-pocket styling, relaxed seat and thigh, and over-the-boot fit that put Wrangler on the map, now re-engineered for a new era of comfort.

Wrangler Toughlite will debut in the brand’s most iconic, globally best-selling fits: the 13MWZ Original Fit Cowboy Cut® and the 936 Slim Fit Cowboy Cut®. They will be offered in four classic washes: Rinse, Stone, Faded Stone, and Light Wash.

Starting July 9th, Wrangler Toughlite will be available for $69.99 on Wrangler.com and at select Western and apparel retailers nationwide. To learn more about the Toughlite collection and see how “Tough Jeans Just Got Lighter,” visit Wrangler.com or follow the brand on social media @Wrangler.

Posted: July 10, 2026

Source: Wrangler®, of Kontoor Brands

AFFOA Launches A Chemical Protective Textiles Challenge Sponsored By CPE CBRND Through SPARK To Accelerate Next-Generation Protective Materials

BEDFORD, Mass. — July 8, 2026 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) today announced the launch of the Chemical Protective Textile Challenge, a nationwide initiative sponsored by the Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CPE CBRND) through its SPARK innovation incubator and administered by AFFOA. The challenge is designed to identify commercially available and high technology readiness level (TRL) textile-based materials capable of providing enhanced protection against hydrofluoric acid (HF), jet fuel, rocket fuel, and related operational hazards while maintaining the durability, flexibility, manufacturability, and comfort required for next-generation protective systems.

Material manufacturers, textile companies, startups, universities, research institutions, and other innovators are encouraged to participate by attending Industry Day on August 6, 2026, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where attendees will gain firsthand insight into the operational need, hear directly from government technical experts and operational end users, network, and participate in optional private pitch sessions to present their advanced material solutions.

“Protecting the Warfighter requires continuously identifying and advancing innovative materials that can address evolving operational threats,” said Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA. “Through this challenge, AFFOA is bringing together innovators, manufacturers, government stakeholders, and operational end users to accelerate the evaluation of promising textile technologies. By combining our national innovation ecosystem with technical expertise and manufacturing knowledge, we can help identify solutions with the greatest potential to strengthen future chemical protective systems and reduce risk for warfighters when facing HF acid, gas and fuel hazards.”

Industry Day Provides Opportunities to Showcase Solutions and Engage with Challenge Stakeholders

The in-person Industry Day is designed to provide prospective participants with a deeper understanding of the challenge while creating opportunities for direct engagement with key stakeholders.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the operational challenges driving the need for improved chemical protective materials.
  • Hear directly from CPE CBRND representatives, technical experts, and operational end users.
  • Participate in optional private pitch sessions to showcase their material solution(s).
  • Display material samples and engage with government stakeholders during the networking session.
  • Gain valuable insight that can strengthen their official challenge submission.

Participation in Industry Day is strongly encouraged but is not required to compete in the challenge.

Accelerating the Discovery and Transition of Advanced Textile Technologies
Following Industry Day, participants will submit Candidate Material Information and Sample Packages for technical evaluation by a panel composed of AFFOA, government, industry, and operational subject matter experts.

Up to three semifinalists will each receive a $5,000 prize award and advance to an independent testing and validation phase, where their materials will be evaluated against challenge performance objectives. Following testing and final evaluation, one Challenge Winner will receive an additional $5,000 prize award.

Beyond prize funding, participants have the opportunity to gain valuable visibility with government stakeholders, receive independent technical evaluation of their technologies, and contribute to the advancement of next-generation protective materials supporting future defense capabilities.

This Challenge aligns with AFFOA’s mission to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced textiles that address critical defense needs. As Challenge Administrator, AFFOA will leverage its nationwide Fabric Innovation Network and technical expertise to identify promising technologies, engage innovators from across the advanced textile ecosystem, coordinate technical evaluations and independent material testing, and support the identification of solutions with strong transition potential. The challenge demonstrates AFFOA’s ability to rapidly connect government needs with commercial innovation through a structured process that combines technology scouting, technical assessment, stakeholder engagement, and manufacturing expertise.

Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to review the Challenge Guidebook and register for Industry Day.

Participation Resources

Challenge Details, Submission Deadlines and Guidebook:

https: //affoa.org/chemical-protective-textiles-challenge/

Industry Day Information, Registration and Private Pitch Sign-Up:
https://affoa.org/Industryday

For additional information regarding eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines, or Industry Day, please visit the Challenge webpage or contact the AFFOA Challenge team at  challenges@affoa.org.

Posted: July 10, 2026

Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

NCTO President And CEO Kim Glas To Testify At U.S. Trade Representative’s U.S. Industry Forced Labor Hearing

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 9, 2026 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas is set to testify this morning at the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) hearing on proposed actions in the Section 301 Forced Labor Investigations.

Glas will outline NCTO’s positions and recommendations at today’s hearing, taking place at the U.S. International Trade Commission at 10 a.m. in Washington D.C.

See her prepared remarks here.

NCTO has also filed a written submission to USTR, which can be found here, outlining the U.S. textile industry’s positions on the USTR forced labor investigations.

Posted: July 9, 2026

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO

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