SARASOTA, FL. — December 22, 2025 — MoistTech Corp., a global supplier of moisture measurement and control, highlights the long-standing sustainability benefits of its advanced IR-3000 Series Moisture Sensor. Built on precision Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, the IR-3000 enables manufacturers to dramatically reduce material waste, energy consumption, and process inefficiencies to deliver measurable sustainability benefits across multiple industries, from textiles and packaging to food processing and recycling.
The MoistTech IR3000
By providing continuous, real-time, non-contact moisture measurement, the IR-3000 allows production lines to operate at maximum efficiency without the energy-intensive pauses of traditional lab testing. The sensor’s instant feedback capability empowers operators to fine-tune drying and heating processes on the spot, ensuring optimal moisture control that prevents product defects and reduces energy use. As a result, manufacturers can minimize over-drying, conserve natural resources, and significantly lower operating costs while maintaining top-tier product quality.
Designed for longevity and low maintenance, the IR-3000 eliminates the need for frequent recalibrations that often lead to production downtime and waste. Pre-calibrated at the factory and engineered with robust materials, it performs reliably even in harsh industrial environments, reducing both maintenance-related resource use and overall equipment footprint. In waste management and recycling applications, the IR-3000’s precision monitoring capabilities help facilities optimize drying systems, reduce unnecessary energy output, and enhance the quality of recyclable materials, contributing directly to cleaner, more efficient operations.
As industries face growing pressure to align with global sustainability goals, MoistTech’s IR-3000 stands as an innovative example of how advanced technology can support environmental and operational progress simultaneously. By integrating sustainability directly into production monitoring, MoistTech helps manufacturers minimize waste, conserve energy, and streamline operations for a more responsible and resilient future.
For more information about the IR-3000 and its role in advancing sustainable manufacturing, visit https://www.moisttech.com/.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — December 22, 2025 — Seventeen students from seven U.S. and El Salvador maritime academies and universities have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and dedication to their studies related to the maritime industry. The scholarship honors the legacy of Thomas B. Crowley Sr. by acknowledging excellence and investing in the next generation of maritime leaders.
The Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship is part of Crowley’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and fostering talent within the maritime sector. By investing in these outstanding students, Crowley continues to champion the values of leadership and focused commitment that are essential to the industry’s future.
The 2025 Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship recipients are:
Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
Payton McNabb, a junior from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, earning a degree in marine science.
Jack Chiles, a sophomore from Houston, Texas, earning a degree in marine engineering technology.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York
Gabriel Tvrdy, a senior from Savannah, Georgia, earning a degree in maritime logistics and security.
Dillon Babbitt, a senior from Conroe, Texas, is earning a degree in marine transportation.
Emma Cox, a senior from Huntingtown, Maryland, earning a degree in marine engineering and shipyard management.
Zeal Saballa, a senior from Augusta, Georgia, earning a degree in marine engineering with a concentration in nuclear engineering.
Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine
Claire MacDonald, a junior from Southampton, New York, earning a degree in marine engineering operations.
Brooke Foran, a junior from Groveland, Florida, earning a degree in marine transportation operations.
Mason Hatch, a junior from Buckfield, Maine, earning a degree in marine engineering technology.
Samuel Smoak, a junior from Charleston, South Carolina, earning a degree in marine transportation operations.
Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Traverse City, Michigan
Fabiola McFarlin, a senior from Williamsburg, Michigan, earning a degree in maritime technology.
Garret Riehl, a junior from Lansing, Michigan, earning a degree in maritime technology.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
Julia Glotfelty, a junior from Durango, Colorado, earning a degree in marine transportation.
Matthew Meal, a sophomore from Kingston, Massachusetts, earning a degree in marine engineering.
SUNY Maritime College, Bronx, New York
Kevin O’Connell, a graduate student from Portland, Oregon, earning a degree in shipping and logistics.
Tyler Rubinfeld, a senior from Massapequa, New York, earning a degree in mechanical engineering.
Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (ESEN), Santa Tecla, El Salvador
Giselle Nicole Fabián González, a junior from Cuscatlán, El Salvador, earning a degree in business engineering.
Established in 1994 by Chairman and CEO Thomas B. Crowley Jr., the annual scholarship program honors his father, Thomas B. Crowley Sr., whose leadership and contributions significantly advanced the company and the maritime industry. Since 1984, Crowley has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students attending maritime academies and other select institutions throughout the continental U.S., Puerto Rico and Central America.
BURLINGTON, N.C. — December 19, 2025 — Trivantage, a trusted supplier for workroom and upholstery professionals, was named a finalist in two categories in the first ever Window Fashion VISION Reader’s Choice awards: Best Workroom Supplies & Tools and Best Decorative Fabric.
“We’re dedicated to providing top-of-the-line products, education, and support that empowers makers to create with confidence,” said Lindsay Shakarjian, Marketing Director at Trivantage. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the professionals we proudly serve.”
The awards were a “landmark peer-driven program honoring the brands, products, professionals and innovations shaping the future of the window coverings industry,” according to Window Fashion VISION.
Industry professionals could vote for a wide range of categories, including textiles, hardware, machinery, supplies, and more. Over 21,000 votes were cast in a one-month period, underscoring the enthusiasm to champion excellence in the industry.
Trivantage provides its customers hassle-free ordering, fast shipping, and tailored customer service. A one-stop shop for designers and workrooms, their 9,000+ products include fabrics, essential notions, tools, tapes, and more from industry-leading brands. To learn more, visit https://www.trivantage.com/designers-workrooms.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 10, 2025 — Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand and the premium creator of innovative, more sustainable textile solutions, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious ISPO Award 2025 for Montura’s FW26 apparel featuring Polartec® AirCore™, the first truly air-permeable laminate engineered to keep users dry from the inside out.
Now in its fifteenth year, the globally respected ISPO Awards program honors the world’s most groundbreaking innovations across ten distinct categories, with winners selected by an international jury of esteemed industry experts. In addition to receiving the ISPO Award 2025, Polartec has also been named a Top 5 Winner in the Mixed category – a distinction that underscores the transformative potential of AirCore™. As the industry first non-PFAS proprietary hydrophobic polymer used to create a nanofiber membrane, AirCore™ stood out among hundreds of entries, reaffirming Polartec’s leadership in sustainable, high-performance weather-protection technologies.
Unlike conventional weather-protection solutions that trap heat and moisture to block the elements, Polartec® AirCore™ actively vents to keep users dry from the inside out, representing a true paradigm shift in breathable weather protection. AirCore™ delivers real air permeability (0.4–1.0 CFM*), an MVTR above 25,000 g/m²/24 h**, and full water repellency***. Combined with exceptional stretch, reduced noise, and unmatched ventilation, AirCore™ is perfectly suited for high-output activities. Its selection as an ISPO Award 2025 winner marks a defining moment in the evolution of breathable, sustainable shell technologies.
The Ritmo PTC AirCore Hooded Anorak by Montura, available in FW26, marks the debut of Polartec® AirCore™ in the outdoor world. Engineered for performance-oriented outdoor athletes, mountaineers, trail runners, its wind and water-resistant breathable design is also ideal for ski touring and intense outdoor activities. The ultrasonically welded seams reduce bulk and chafing and ensure high flexibility, while 2-way stretch fleece inserts on the back, neck, sleeves, and hips improve flexibility and ventilation. Functional details include a fitted hood, multiple mesh pocket system, a half-length front zipper, chest pockets, and an elastic hem. Montura has also developed the Ritmo PTC AirCore pants for ski touring, which were designed as a fast and versatile alternative to alpine one-piece suits.
“We are honored to receive such meaningful recognition from ISPO,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President of Milliken & Company and Business Leader at Polartec. “Polartec® AirCore™ marks a redefining moment in weather protection and signals a reset for the entire industry — shifting the focus back to what truly matters: delivering superior performance for the end consumer. By uniting advanced polymer design with next-generation nanofiber engineering, we’ve created a laminate that fundamentally elevates true air permeability, moisture vapor transport, and overall comfort. This award validates a new direction for weather protection — one where engineering precision meets real-world user needs.”
“The real power behind Polartec® AirCore™ is that it advances the way we think about weather protection with no intentionally added PFAS,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “This membrane technology breathes with the user, enabling continuous moisture release even during peak output. It’s a powerful example of how we design every fabric to perform beautifully while honoring our responsibility to the planet and all the people who wear Polartec.”
Key Polartec® AirCore™ Features:
Air Permeable:Harnesses the power of air to keep you dry from the inside out
Water Repellency:Minimum 4 spray rating (as is), per GB/T 4745-2012 (ISO 4920-2012, MOD)
Functionally Windproof:Zero windchill
High Breathability:Industry-leading MVTR and air permeability allow moisture and vapor to escape faster than traditional vapor breathable solutions
Stretch for Comfort:Resilient stretch for a high range of motion during demanding activities
Thoughtful Construction:Made with recycled materials and non-PFAS layers, membrane and DWR
* Air permeability (CFM) measured according to ASTM D737 at 125Pa.
** MVTR measured according to JIS L1099, B1.
*** Water Repellent – Minimum 4 spray rating as is, per GB/T 4745-2012 (ISO 4920-2012, MOD).
LONGKOU (Shandong Province China) / REMSCHEID, Germany — December 11, 2025 — With the successful commissioning of a multi-digit PA66 spinning line for microfiber yarns, Chinese textile company Shandong Nanshan Fashion Technology Co., Ltd. has added yarn production to its textile value chain.
Growing Interest in polyamide yarn systems
The EvoQuench radial quenching system enables efficient production of microfiber yarns for both PA6 and PA66.
The world’s first PA66 spinning plant in combination with an EvoQuench radial quenching system achieved excellent yarn data right from the start with high plant efficiency. The new plant produces high-quality microfiber yarns for its own downstream production stages. In its first year of operation, the yarn produced on the Barmag plant has already established itself as a first-class product in terms of quality and price. This provides the company with the best conditions for the internationalization of its fashion brands.
The large-scale polyamide 66 project reflects the current market demand for polyamide yarns as a whole. “We are seeing increased interest in polyamide yarn plants. PA66 is a particular focus,” notes Barmag Sales Director Jens Schumacher. “We have recently signed contracts for two more similar projects in East Asia.” The more comfortable wearing properties of polyamide compared to polyester justify the higher yarn price and thus make polyamide yarn production profitable; EvoQuench radial quenching also enables the efficient production of microfiber yarns.
Strategic partnership for PA6 and PA6.6 solutions
At the end of 2023, Barmag and Nanshan Fashion signed a strategic cooperation agreement for polyamide POY and DTY. This laid the foundation for chemical fiber production at Nanshan Fashion. The company is part of the publicly traded Nanshan Group and is one of the top 500 companies in China.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — December 17, 2025 — Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving environmental legislation, the EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 concluded the past week in Brussels, marking a step forward in the dialogue between the nonwovens industry and European policymakers. Held from 9-10 December at the historic Residence Palace, the two-day event successfully brought together business leaders, sustainability experts, and EU officials to address the dual challenges of circularity and industrial competitiveness.
Designed to foster strategic alignment, the Forum moved beyond standard information-sharing to encourage deep, cross-sector debate. With the European regulatory landscape shifting—spanning chemicals, product design, waste, and climate due diligence—the event provided a timely platform for the industry to move from reactive responses to collective reflection.
The Forum’s primary objective was to facilitate high-level exchange free from day- to-day regulatory pressures.
Murat Dogru
“From EDANA’s side, the primary goal of the Sustainability & Policy Forum is to create a dedicated space where industry, policymakers, experts and stakeholders can step back from day-to-day regulatory pressure and engage in more strategic, forward-looking discussions,” said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. “The level of participation, the diversity of viewpoints and the quality of exchanges — particularly around regulation, circularity and the evolving policy landscape during our dedicated advocacy workshops — confirmed the relevance of the Forum as a platform for constructive debate and co-development”.
The Forum opened with a powerful keynote address by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-Founder & Chair of the Systems Transformation Hub. Addressing the theme “Social & Environmental Tipping Points,” she challenged attendees to unpack the reality of today’s geopolitical situation and identified the “elephants in the room” regarding current sustainability strategies. Her presentation underscored the urgent need to “hack humanity and values back into our policy and economic activities” to navigate the systemic challenges of the 21st century.
Following the keynote, the conversation turned to the practicalities of business leadership under regulatory pressure. Ulrika Kolsrud, President & CEO of Essity, led a pivotal session on “Sustainability priorities in the age of simplification and competitiveness”. Joined by Murat Dogru, Kolsrud explored how the European industry can maintain its ambitious sustainability goals while simplifying regulations to foster investment and innovation. The session highlighted that while sustainability expectations are rising globally, legislation must remain proportionate to ensure the continued competitiveness of essential European industries.
The programme featured intensive sessions tackling the industry’s operational challenges, featuring a diverse roster of experts:
Moving beyond compliance was a key theme. Krishna Manda (Lenzing) and Anna- Stina Reuter (Sphera) discussed how sustainability reporting can drive business value and resilience. They were joined by Pia Hildén (Suominen), who encouraged companies to use the CSRD as a strategic tool rather than a mere obligation, and Ralf Weis (Freudenberg Performance Materials), who highlighted the importance of providing clear, relevant data to customers in the durable nonwovens market.
A panel featuring Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Mireille Kong – Van Rekum (Indorama Ventures), and Christian-Yves Crépet (PETCORE Europe) debated the intersection of textiles and nonwovens. Their consensus was clear: circularity in Europe cannot be achieved in silos and requires shared infrastructure and aligned policy frameworks.
The afternoon sessions explored specific technical frontiers. Dominic Byrne (Plastics Europe) and Thorsten Bies (Schlegel und Partner) examined the future of chemical recycling policy and technology. Meanwhile, Tatiana Dias, PhD (DuPont), addressed the healthcare sector, advocating for the legal recognition of mass balance methodologies to unlock circularity in medical packaging
Day 1 concluded with an exclusive networking dinner at the prestigious Musée BELvue. Surrounded by Belgium’s rich history and elegant architecture, participants utilized the evening to unwind and connect, reinforcing the relationships that are vital for cross-industry collaboration.
The second day shifted focus directly to advocacy and policy implementation. Hugo Maria Schally, a former EU official, provided an insider’s perspective on the “EU Toolbox,” explaining how product policies are drafted within DG ENV and how the industry can engage effectively without compromising safety or performance.
A highlight of the event was the interactive EU Advocacy Workshop. Attendees split into smaller groups to dissect EDANA’s current policy files, fostering an open exchange on issues ranging from the Waste Framework Directive to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
One participant noted the value of this hands-on approach:
“The advocacy workshop was an eye-opener. Instead of just listening to updates, we were able to actively debate the implications of the legislation with peers. It clarified exactly where the industry needs to present a united front to be heard in Brussels.”
In a move to bridge the gap between legislation and industry, the Forum concluded with a visit to the European Commission at the Conference Centre Albert Borschette. Participants engaged directly with Commission representatives, including Vincenzo Gente (DG Environment) on the Waste Framework Directive and Ewa Malz (DG Environment) on environmental policy simplification.
Reflecting on the visit, another attendee shared:
“Walking into the Commission and hearing directly from the people drafting the Green Deal policies was invaluable. It demystified the process and showed us that there is a genuine willingness to listen to technical realities if we present them with credible data.”
The EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 has set a clear trajectory for the coming year. As the industry faces the release of new legislative packages from the Commission, EDANA remains committed to helping members anticipate developments and align on credible, science-based approaches to climate and circularity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 17, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis examining how recent trade data and shifting tariff policies are redrawing the map for U.S. plastics imports in 2025, with impacts varying widely by product category and global supplier.
Perc Pineda, Chief Economist, PLASTICS
Dr. Pineda explains, “Taken together, the trade developments of 2025 underscore a central reality for the U.S. plastics industry: tariff impacts are uneven, highly product-specific, and deeply influenced by evolving bilateral negotiations. While higher tariffs have constrained imports from some key partners, others have seen stable or even rising trade flows as rates were revised or exemptions applied. For an industry that relies on globally integrated supply chains, understanding where tariff pressures are binding remains essential. As negotiations continue and policies continue to evolve, firms will continue to be challenged to maintain competitiveness in an uncertain global trade environment. Still, businesses can find comfort in the fact that cost-prohibitive import rates cannot sustain economic growth—hence, the resolution of tariff issues may ultimately emerge.”
To read the full analysis visit: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/blog/reciprocal-tariffs-in-2025-where-the-us-plastics-industrys-imports-stand/
Posted: December 19, 2025
Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
STOCKHOLM — December 18, 2025 — Circulose, a producer of recycled textile pulp for the fashion and textile industry, and Birla Cellulose, a global leader in sustainable viscose fiber, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly accelerate textile recycling.
This partnership supports Circulose’s renewed strategy, which focuses on deeper brand collaborations and providing end-to-end solutions across the value chain. Under the agreement, Circulose will supply pulp made with 100% recycled textile waste to Birla Cellulose, and Birla will produce viscose staple fiber made with CIRCULOSE® pulp and make it available to Circulose’s brand partners.
“Over the past year, we’ve refined our approach to put brands at the center, with a clear focus on creating offerings that enable mainstream adoption. Achieving this requires closer collaboration with key partners across the value chain. Our partnership with Birla Cellulose is a cornerstone of our strategy, and we’re very excited to have them onboard,” says Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose.
Recognized as a top-tier company in Canopy’s Hot Button Report, Birla Cellulose has earned international recognition for its sustainability and circularity achievements. Circulose and Birla Cellulose have collaborated since the founding of Renewcell and today, Birla Cellulose continues to lead in advancing large-scale circularity, setting benchmarks in India and across the global textile industry.
“Our partnership with Circulose marks a significant step forward in advancing sustainable and responsible sourcing. Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainability-conscious fiber solutions that empower our customers and contribute to a circular future” says Vadiraj Kulkarni, Business Head, Birla Cellulose.
This agreement reflects a shared vision to help drive meaningful progress toward a circular textile value chain designed for the long term.
PFAEFFIKON, Switzerland — December 19, 2025 — Oerlikon has received all regulatory clearances for the divestment of its Barmag business to Rieter. Closing of the transaction is scheduled for the beginning of February 2026. The transaction, announced on May 6, 2025, values Barmag at CHF 850 million enterprise value (excluding a potential earn-out of up to CHF 100 million). Closing will mark the final step in Oerlikon’s strategic transformation into a pure-play company that is a global market and technology leader for surface solutions. The proceeds from the sale will be used to repay debt and for general corporate purposes. Financial details and impacts related to the closing will be disclosed in Oerlikon’s full-year financial announcement on February 24, 2026.
As previously announced, Georg Stausberg, CEO Oerlikon Barmag, will step down from the Executive Committee at closing to join the Executive Committee of Rieter AG.
Michael Suess, Executive Chairman of Oerlikon, stated: “With the Barmag transaction, we have successfully completed our pure-play process. Oerlikon now stands for a high-tech leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With our strong brands, leading technology toolbox and strong financial foundation, we are well positioned for the future.”
Georg Stausberg
“I am convinced that the combination with Rieter is the right setup for the positive development of Barmag and I would like to thank the entire Barmag team and especially Georg Stausberg for his outstanding contributions and loyalty. Georg has been a highly respected and trusted member of the Executive Committee and a driving force behind Barmag’s positive development over the past decade. He will always remain a valued friend of Oerlikon. On behalf of the Board and the Executive Committee, I wish him all the best for his professional and personal future”, Suess continued.
With the closing, Oerlikon becomes a pure-play surface technology company with a clear brand and positioning towards its stakeholders. Oerlikon serves a broad base of customers in demanding industries – from automotive, aerospace, tooling and energy to luxury, medical and semiconductors – with a comprehensive toolbox of high-tech surface technologies. The company delivers innovative technologies that help customers achieve greater efficiency, performance and productivity while improving sustainability. Oerlikon will continue to leverage its core competencies to grow in its end markets with new applications and expand its regional presence, especially in Asia and the Americas.
DUNCAN, S.C. — December 16, 2025 — Stäubli, a global supplier of industrial and mechatronic solutions, announced today that it will merge Stäubli Electrical Connectors in Windsor, California, and Stäubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina, into one legal entity named Stäubli Corporation, effective January 1, 2026. The move strengthens Stäubli’s presence in North America, brings clarity, and supports growth in one of its key focus regions.
Stäubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina – the main location for U.S. operations.
The consolidation brings together two major U.S. operations under a single structure, enabling Stäubli to streamline processes and expand capabilities. In North America, Stäubli currently employs 350 people across five legal entities, offering engineering, manufacturing, assembly, customer support, service, sales, and training.
Stäubli Windsor will become a multi-division site as part of the U.S. merger.
For the Windsor site, the merger creates an opportunity to evolve from a dedicated Electrical Connectors location into a multi-division site, including Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile. This expansion will provide a stronger presence on the West Coast and improve service for customers in the region.
Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Stäubli group
“Our goal is to accelerate growth and strengthen our business in North America, spanning all Stäubli divisions,” said Gerald Vogt, group CEO of Stäubli. “By bringing Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile together under one integrated organization, we can serve our customers more effectively and foster innovation across every area of expertise.”
François Masbou, Managing Director for North America, added: “Combining these operations under one legal entity allows us to leverage resources and expertise across divisions. It positions us to deliver more value and support to our customers in the U.S. and beyond.”
Stäubli Electrical Connectors originally joined the Stäubli group through the acquisition of Multi-Contact in 2002 and has since developed into a major pillar for the company. This merger marks a strategic step in consolidating operations under one organization in the U.S, with its main location in Duncan, South Carolina, a factory and R&D center in Windsor, California, complemented by offices in Querétaro, Mexico, and Novi, Michigan.
SARASOTA, FL. — December 22, 2025 — MoistTech Corp., a global supplier of moisture measurement and control, highlights the long-standing sustainability benefits of its advanced IR-3000 Series Moisture Sensor. Built on precision Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, the IR-3000 enables manufacturers to dramatically reduce material waste, energy consumption, and process inefficiencies to deliver measurable sustainability benefits across multiple industries, from textiles and packaging to food processing and recycling.
