Custom Apparel Pioneer Accelerates Growth With Kornit Atlas MAX POLY To Replace Screen Printing In Sportswear

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel — October 6, 2025 — Kornit Digital LTD. (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, announced today that Printeez, Inc. is the latest custom apparel leader to transition production volumes from screen printing to high-quality, on-demand digital production with Kornit Atlas MAX POLY systems.

Printeez, headquartered in Quebec, service brands, creators, franchises, and sports teams across North America. Specializing in polyester and blended blanks, the company delivers vibrant apparel for professional sports, nonprofits, and top eCommerce sites without minimum order constraints. Its on-demand infrastructure enables rapid order-to-delivery, scalability, and retail-grade quality at speed.

Following its initial investment in two Atlas MAX POLY systems earlier this year, Printeez has now expanded to four – virtually eliminating reliance on traditional screen printing. With Kornit at the center of its production, Printeez is cutting labor costs, reducing manual steps, and accelerating turnaround for customers.

“Printeez was born out of a passion to disrupt and transform the future of the apparel industry,” said Shawn Sckoropad, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Printeez. “Our mission is to build a true retail-grade print-on-demand solution for individuals and major brands alike. Kornit gives us the technology to realize this vision. Together, we’re building our US-based production facility and scaling our platform to serve more than 10,000 users.”

“The sports and apparel industry is under tremendous pressure to deliver rapid turnaround with a retail-like experience,” said Ilan Elad, President of the Americas at Kornit Digital. “Too often, they remain tied to outdated screen technology. With Kornit, companies like Printeez are meeting demand with the speed, customization, and quality today’s market requires – especially in the growing sportswear segment where polyester dominates.”

He continued, “We’re proud to support young entrepreneurs and family-based businesses like Printeez focusing on quality and quick turnaround. Together we’re streamlining labor costs and more quickly achieving their vision of becoming THE premium platform for modern brands.”

Discover how Kornit Atlas MAX POLY is helping businesses like Printeez, Inc. transform their apparel production capabilities. Please visit www.kornit.com to learn more.

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: Kornit Digital

ITMF Announces Winners Of The ITMF Start-Up Award 2025

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 8, 2025 — The winners of the ITMF Start-up Awards 2025 will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2025 which will be held from 24 – 25 October in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and will be co-hosted by the Indonesia Textile Industry Association (API).

The objectives of the ITMF Start-up Awards are to provide start-ups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and to offer them the possibility to meet in-person with well-established companies from the entire textile value chain.

The 5 winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2025 are (in alphabetical order):

  • Ambercycle, USA: https://www.ambercycle.com/
    • A Bridge to the Future – Building Circularity at Scale
  • aweXome Ray (Korea): https://awexomeray.com/
    • CNT Fiber Innovation – From Dream Material to Industrial Reality
  • BYBORRE (Netherlands): https://byborre.com/
    • The Last Industry to be Digitized
  • Silana (Austria): https://www.silana.com/
    • From Offshor to On-Demand – How Robotics is Reshaping Fashion Manufacturing
  • ZymoChem (USA): https://www.zymochem.com/
    • Commercialization of Biobased Nylon 66

Posted: October 8, 2025

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Monthly Imports Expected To Drop Below 2 Million TEU As Tariffs Continue To Rise

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 8, 2025 — With most holiday merchandise already on hand and tariffs continuing to rise, monthly import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to fall below the 2 million TEU mark for the remainder of the year, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This year’s peak season has come and gone, largely due to retailers frontloading imports ahead of reciprocal tariffs taking effect,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “New sectoral tariffs continue to be announced, but most retailers are well-stocked for the holiday season and doing as much as they can to shield their customers from the costs of tariffs for as long as they can.”

The latest tariffs — 25% on upholstered furniture regardless of country and the same rate on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities — are set to take effect next week and increase in January. And a tariff increase on imports from China that was delayed by 90 days in August is scheduled to go into effect Nov. 10, unless a deal is reached or President Donald Trump decides on another delay.

“Ongoing volatility in U.S. tariff policy is creating significant economic uncertainty, with trade volumes expected to see unpredictable shifts over the next four to six months,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “Many large companies preemptively imported goods to build up inventories, but as those stockpiles are depleted, the full inflationary impact of the tariffs will become apparent.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.32 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in August. That was down 2.9% from July’s 2.39 million TEU — the peak month for the year — but up 0.1% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for September, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.12 million TEU, down 6.8% year over year.

October is forecast at 1.97 million TEU, down 12.3% year over year, and November at 1.75 million TEU, down 19.2%. December is forecast at 1.72 million TEU, down 19.4% year over year for the slowest month since 1.62 million TEU in March 2023.

While the falling monthly totals are related to tariffs, the year-over-year percentage declines are both because of this year’s early peak season and because imports in late 2024 were elevated by concerns over port strikes.

The first half of 2025 totaled 12.53 million TEU, up 3.7% year over year. The full year is forecast at 24.79 million TEU, down 2.9% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

January 2026 is forecast at 1.87 million TEU, down 16.1% year over year, and February 2026 is forecast at 1.77 million TEU, down 12.8%.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: October 8, 2025

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Phifer Announces The Acquisition Of Indiana Coated Fabrics Located In Warsaw, Ind.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — October 7, 2025 — Phifer Inc. —a manufacturer of precision-engineered textiles and wire products based in Tuscaloosa, Ala. — is pleased to announce the acquisition of all of the assets of Indiana Coated Fabrics (ICF), headquartered in Warsaw, Ind. The acquisition strengthens Phifer’s position in the coated and laminated fabrics market while expanding its portfolio and manufacturing capabilities.

Indiana Coated Fabrics will continue to operate independently under its current name and management team. All existing operations and customer relationships will remain in place, ensuring continuity and stability for customers, employees, and partners.

“ICF has built a strong reputation in the industry for quality and innovation in coated and laminated fabrics. Our teams are working closely to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the positive, productive experience you have come to rely on,” said Reese Brooks, CEO at Phifer. “We appreciate your continued trust and support and look forward to serving you in new and exciting ways as we embark on this next chapter together.”

“There is no company I would trust more to carry forward Indiana Coated Fabrics’ legacy of quality, attentive service, and dedication to our employees,” said Tim Foster, president of Indiana Coated Fabrics. “Phifer is a respected global leader in our industry, and we are deeply honored to become part of their exceptional team. We look forward with optimism to a bright and successful future together.”

The acquisition brings together Phifer’s manufacturing excellence and global infrastructure with ICF’s technical focus and product customization strengths. Both companies are deeply committed to U.S.-based manufacturing and share a culture of innovation, quality, and customer focus. Together, they are poised to accelerate product development, enhance service capabilities, and expand into new markets.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Phifer Incorporated

Standard Textile And Accor Announce Launch Of Mascioni Hotel Collection At Luxury Properties Worldwide

CINCINNATI — October 7, 2025 — Luxury hospitatlity brand Accor and Standard Textile Co. Inc. today announced a strategic partnership to provide Mascioni Hotel Collection as the preferred luxury linen provider for a selection of Accor’s luxury brands: Fairmont, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, and MGallery Collection. This exciting partnership will encompass over 350 properties worldwide.

The Mascioni Hotel Collection is a hallmark of elegance, offering bespoke linens for the finest hotels worldwide.

Accor and Mascioni Hotel Collection have collaborated to craft an exclusive collection of bed and bath linens, meticulously designed to significantly enhance the luxury experience for hotel guests by enveloping them in unparalleled comfort and refined elegance. The bedding collection features products made with premium cotton, offering superior softness and durability. Each Accor luxury brand featuring Mascioni Hotel Collection linens will tailor the collaboration to its unique identity: Sofitel and Sofitel Legend will reflect classic French elegance, MGallery Collection will offer modern twist design, and Fairmont will showcase refined luxury.

“Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are always welcoming, approachable and authentic, creating a space where guests feel at home while experiencing something extraordinary,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont. “Our collaboration with Mascioni Hotel Collection is a true testament to our shared commitment of excellence.”

Accor and Mascioni Hotel Collection have collaborated to craft an exclusive collection of bed and bath linens, meticulously designed to significantly enhance the luxury experience for hotel guests.

“Sofitel and MGallery are very proud to partner with Mascioni Hotel Collection, integrating our luxury offerings with the pinnacle of Italian textile artistry,” said Maud Bailly, CEO, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “This strategic collaboration redefines in room elegance and comfort, delivering a truly exceptional guest experience globally.”

The Mascioni Hotel Collection is a linen brand exclusively dedicated to the hospitality market. With Italian origins dating back to 1957, the brand was acquired by Standard Textile, a global leader in hospitality, in 2018. Today, Mascioni Hotel Collection is a hallmark of elegance, offering bespoke linens for the finest hotels worldwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with Accor,” said Gary Heiman, CEO of Standard Textile. “Accor’s luxury portfolio epitomizes sophistication, innovation, and personalized experiences, which aligns perfectly with the brand values of Mascioni Hotel Collection. This partnership allows us to create something truly special, setting a new standard in luxury.”

As part of Standard Textile’s and Accor’s commitment to sustainability and guest well-being, the Mascioni Hotel Collection proudly carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. This certification ensures that every product in the collection is free from harmful chemicals and is safe for both guests and the environment.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Standard Textile

Milliken & Company Launches Millad ClearX™ 9000: The Clear Choice For Polypropylene

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 7, 2025 — Milliken & Company proudly announced the launch of Millad ClearX™ 9000, the next generation clarifying technology for polypropylene (PP) developed to deliver ultra-clear transparency at reduced additive loading levels.

Millad ClearX™ 9000, Milliken’s next generation clarifying technology for polypropylene (PP), delivers ultra-clear transparency at reduced additive loading levels.

Ideal for food packaging, home storage, and medical applications, Millad ClearX 9000 sets a new standard for value, aesthetics, and operational efficiency in transparent PP applications.

Building on the proven Millad® platform, Millad ClearX 9000 provides manufacturers with an advanced solution that:

  • Achieves ultra-clear PP using more efficient loading levels, reducing the amount of clarifying additives needed.
  • Lowers extraction and migration rates in PP packaging and parts—critical for food-contact and medical applications.
  • Improves processing compatibility compared to prior generations, supporting enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Eliminates the need for segregated virgin and PCR resin streams, enabling greater composition flexibility.

“Millad ClearX 9000 is a breakthrough for the polypropylene industry, delivering ultra-clear transparency with less clarifying additive and greater flexibility for our customers,” said Wim Van De Velde, senior vice president and managing director of Milliken’s plastic additives business. “This launch reflects Milliken’s ongoing commitment to advancing material science and helping our partners meet evolving market demands.”

Millad ClearX 9000 has broad FDA conditions of use approval (A-J), opening doors for its use across a wide spectrum of food-contact applications. By enhancing additive compatibility, it helps resin producers and converters experience less downtime, less waste, and quicker changeovers—delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing efficiency. The technology also allows for improved compatibility with other Millad clarifying agents, giving producers the flexibility to optimize formulations for both virgin and post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP, supporting sustainability initiatives.

“Our team developed Millad ClearX 9000 to address the growing need for clarity and efficiency in polypropylene applications,” said Bhavesh Gandhi, Global Product Line manager of Milliken’s plastic additives business. “By reducing additive loading and migration rates, we’re helping our customers create products that are not only visually appealing but also meet the highest standards for food and medical use.”

Milliken, through its Millad platform, pioneered the application of clarifying agents to create transparent PP parts and packaging incorporating PCR content, and the company’s latest clarifying technology builds on that legacy. To learn more about Millad ClearX™ 9000, visit milliken.com.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company

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)

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