NEW YORK — September 28, 2026 — unspun, the company behind OneWeave™ 3D weaving technology, today announced two additions to its leadership team: Deborah Palmer Keiser as Chief Operating Officer and Michael Rabin as Chief Commercial Officer.
Keiser brings more than three decades of operational and supply-chain leadership across some of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands, including Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Williams-Sonoma, AllSaints, Yeezy and Boardriders. At Williams-Sonoma, she helped establish the company’s brands in 16 countries. Later, as Global Chief Operating Officer of Boardriders, she oversaw end-to-end planning, sourcing, logistics and distribution, with a focus on supply-chain transformation and speed to market. At unspun, she will lead operations as the company moves OneWeave™ into commercial deployment.
Rabin brings 15 years of experience at the intersection of textile machinery, automation and apparel production. He has represented Morgan Tecnica as Sales Director of the Americas and President of its Americas business, working closely with manufacturers on cutting-room technology and production workflows. A regular industry speaker, he has advocated for more localized, on-demand manufacturing and the integration of technology across the production process. As Chief Commercial Officer, he will build unspun’s commercial organization and support the adoption of OneWeave™ by manufacturers and brands worldwide.
“Joining unspun is an exciting opportunity to help evolve how textiles and clothing are manufactured. For generations we have replicated and scaled the same methodologies exacerbating issues of waste across supply chains. OneWeave™ has the potential to fundamentally challenge our beliefs and practices around responsiveness, end-to-end cost, and systemic waste, and I’m thrilled to contribute my experience in scaling operations as the company moves this technology into commercial deployment,” said Deborah Palmer Keiser, COO
“After more than 30 years as a manufacturer and solution provider, I’ve never seen anything like what Unspun is doing with OneWeave™. It’s a genuinely differentiated technology tackling one of the apparel industry’s biggest challenges, with a clear path to commercial impact. I’m grateful and excited to be part of it, and to help bring OneWeave™ to brands and manufacturers around the world by building the partnerships that will take it to scale,” said Michael Rabin, CCO
The appointments strengthen unspun’s operational and commercial capabilities at a key stage in the company’s growth, bringing together apparel supply chain leadership and textile machinery expertise.
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — September 21, 2026 — The winners of The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Start-up Awards 2026 will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2026 which will be held from 14 – 15 October 2026 in Fortaleza, Brazil and will be co-hosted by ABIT (Brazilian Textile & Apparel Industry Association).
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 2026 are (in alphabetical order):
Matereal, Switzerland: www.matereal.co/
Business Concept: Charting the New Frontier – Biobased Polymers and AI for Textile Manufacturing
no.wasTee Soluções em Confecções Sustentáveis, Brazil: nowastee.com/
Business Concept: Zero-Waste Design for a Low-CO₂ Textile Industry
REMSCHEID, Germany— September 24, 2026 — Maintenance and service processes in chemical fiber spinning plants have a significant impact on product quality, equipment availability, and workplace safety.
With three new retrofittable solutions, Barmag helps producers make manual work processes more efficient, safer, and more reproducible.
Maintenance as a competitive advantage
The portfolio includes the automatic knife sharpening machine, the wiping robot for automated spinneret cleaning both in filament spinning and in the staple fiber process, and the electric Spinpack changer for motor-assisted replacement of spinning packages. Together, these solutions aim to standardize maintenance processes and sustainably improve the performance of existing production facilities.
Automated cleaning for stable processes
The automatic knife sharpening machine ensures consistently high cleaning quality for spinnerets and helps producers increase the performance of their spinning systems. Standardized grinding results reduce process fluctuations, increase cleaning efficiency, and extend the service life of key components.
Barmag’s automatic knife sharpening machine ensures consistently high-quality grinding results, thereby helping to reduce process fluctuations.
This leads to reduced maintenance requirements, higher equipment availability, and improved productivity. Customer experience shows increases in the full-bobbin rate of up to 12 percent, in take-up efficiency of up to 28 percent, and an extension of spinneret service life of up to 51 percent. At the same time, cleaning cycles can be reduced by up to 53 percent.
The wiping robot performs spinneret cleaning fully automatically both in filament spinning and in the staple fiber process. Its integrated rotating scraper blades are automatically resharpened in the parking station, ensuring consistently high-quality cleaning results over the long term.
Barmag’s wiping robot contributes to greater process stability with its fully automatic spinneret cleaning.
In addition to greater process stability, automated cleaning also contributes to an improved working environment: Silicon oil consumption is reduced, as is exposure to oil-containing aerosols in the production area.
Greater safety and ergonomics in maintenance
The electric Spinpack changer specifically addresses the issues of workplace safety and ergonomics.
The electric Spinpack changer assists operators in replacing heavy spindle nozzles, improves workplace safety, and reduces downtime for the spinning line.
The mobile, electrically powered system facilitates the replacement of heavy and hot spinnerets, reduces physical strain, and enables precise installation with a defined torque. This minimizes safety risks and shortens downtime.
Retrofit automation for existing systems
A common feature of all three solutions is their nearly universal retrofit capability. Operators can modernize their production facilities in a targeted manner without significant modifications to existing lines. This provides a cost-effective entry point into the automation of maintenance and service processes, with measurable benefits for quality, efficiency, and workplace safety.
“There is significant potential for optimization not only in the production process itself, but also in the supporting maintenance and service tasks. Automating these tasks helps make existing plants more productive, safer, and more cost-effective to operate,” explains Stefan Heesen, Senior Manager of Customer Services at Barmag.
SHANGHAI — September 24, 2026 — Asia’s premier trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens delivered a vibrant and productive edition this year, bringing together key players from around the world. Featuring over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions across 32,000 sqm, the platform drew nearly 19,000 visits from an increasingly diverse international audience spanning 86 represented markets.
Industry players praised the fair’s effectiveness in facilitating targeted business connections across all product categories. (Photo: Messe Frankfurt)
As the industry continues to adjust to a complex economic climate, Cinte Techtextil China 2026 curated chances for high-growth sectors, including automotive, medical & protective and industrial, while fostering sustainability and innovation to drive long-term resilience. The fair bridged expertise from East and West through cutting-edge showcases and a targeted fringe programme, building a solid foundation for advancement and growth.
“Unlocking growth in today’s evolving market requires connecting with the right chances at the right time,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “We intentionally designed this edition to mirror actual demand, from featuring high-growth applications and trends to optimising global matchmaking. The positive momentum seen over the three days proved this strategy is paying off, and Cinte Techtextil China remains an essential engine for industry advancement and business expansion in Asia.”
Underscoring the fair’s expanding international reach, this edition welcomed a range of debut exhibitors, and suppliers from new exhibiting countries including Bangladesh, India, Singapore, Thailand, and Türkiye, adding to a strong lineup from across Asia, Europe and North America.
At the centre of this global showcase were the European and German Zones, featuring industry leaders such as Graf + Cie (Switzerland; Medtech, Geotech), Ibena (Germany; Protech), Mahlo (Germany; all applications), Monosuisse Group (Switzerland; Indutech, Mobiltech), and the Reifenhauser Group (Germany; all applications). Meanwhile, first-time participant Tepar Tekstil (Türkiye; Sporttech) displayed its high-performance DURAFIL™ fabric. Other major European players including A.CELLI (Italy), Andritz (France), Groz-Beckert (Germany), and Picanol (Belgium), presented advanced machinery, digital innovations, and sustainable nonwoven production solutions. Their comprehensive, cross-application offerings drew foot traffic and underscored the platform’s strong international appeal.
Product innovation was equally prominent across the broader international showcase. Nippon Paper Industries from Japan highlighted Cu-TOP, a paper textile material combining pulp technology with copper functionality, while US-based Wintriss Engineering demonstrated its Web Ranger online, AI-incorporated surface defect inspection system. Adding to the fair’s technical diversity were Korea’s JR Ltd with its deodorant fibre, alongside new participants Care Holdings (Singapore; Geotech, Buildtech), IMAE Industries (Japan; Indutech), and Texbond Nonwovens (India; Buildtech, Packtech), as well as exhibitors from the Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone.
China’s expertise was also well represented, especially within the Mobiltech Zone, domestic pavilions, and by key exhibitors such as Shanghai Shenda and Tiandingfeng Nonwovens. To facilitate cross-border networking and market expertise, the fair’s Association Village included four organisations from India, Thailand and the UK. Members cited the platform as a highly effective channel for building international trade connections at the show.
Exhibitors’ feedback
“We showcased our latest nonwovens and knitting solutions at the fair – a crucial platform to connect directly with key players across the value chain in one of the most important textile markets. Exchanging insights across key growing sectors like Indutech, Medtech, Protech, and Mobiltech, plus joining the fringe events which complemented booth discussions, helped us better understand where the industry is heading, identify emerging customer needs and consider how to create value beyond our existing product portfolio.”
Mr Kabilen Sornum, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Marketing & Digital, Groz-Beckert East Asia, Singapore
“Exhibiting overseas for the first time, we chose this fair to connect with new customers and suppliers, and engagement far surpassed our expectations with non-stop visitor traffic. Buyers are mostly from Mainland China, as well as Korea and India. The exhibition has proved to be an excellent window to quickly grasp China’s demand patterns and effectively communicate our product strengths. This debut has provided valuable visibility and laid a solid foundation to expand our market presence and network moving forward.”
Mr Justin Lund, Overseas Sales Representative, IMAE Industries Ltd, Japan
“Our company’s PVC coated fabrics are widely used across the automotive, medical, and construction sectors. This edition has attracted significant interest from Middle Eastern clients, alongside prospective leads from Europe and the US, and a dominant Chinese buyer base. With a high concentration of upstream and downstream companies, the fair enables efficient exchange that boosts trade matchmaking.”
Ms Maggie Zhang, Sales Manager, Zhejiang Hontex New Materials Co Ltd, China
Expanded international reach and targeted delegations elevated global trade
Strong demand across core application areas drove an impressive overseas visitor turnout, anchored by key buyer delegation representatives from Bangladesh, Colombia, Cuba, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, and beyond.
In addition, over 80 VIP buyers from 27 countries and regions and high-profile domestic buyers sourced at the fair, with some utilising its business matching services to focus on high-performance offerings for various end uses. Leading brands included:
Mobiltech: Changan Ford Automobile, Hyundai Motor, Nexform, NEXTEV, SAIC Volkswagen New Energy Vehicle Branch, ZF Asia Pacific Automotive Safety Systems (Shanghai)
Medtech: Hengan International Group, Kimberly-Clark (China), Meditec Japan, Unicharm, Winner Medical, Yunnan Baiyao Group Wuxi Pharmaceutical
Protech: Dumit (Shanghai) Protection Technology, Honeywell Safety Products (Shanghai), JUTEC Hitzeschutz und Isoliertechnik, LAKELAND (BEIJING) SAFETY PRODUCTS, SEES GLOBAL
Buildtech/Indutech: China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Shanghai, Deltamove Engineering, Nolan Group, Shanghai Building Decoration Engineering Group, Sinochem International
Sporttech: NIKE, Under Armour
Others: MayAir Technology (China), Vinda Paper (China)
Across all categories, sourcing reflected an industry-wide shift toward sustainability and high-level functional protection.
Visitors’ feedback
“I travelled here to source garment production equipment, fabrics, and accessories, while exploring medical product partnerships. I’ve collected several samples and detailed price quotes for further discussions. I’m particularly interested in the new nonwoven machinery on display – overall, the quality is high. The fair has provided concrete matchmaking for overseas buyers like us, enabling focused, highly efficient discussions tailored to our needs.”
Mr Jiraphat Punyachodtumrong, Procurement Manager, Silver Sport International Co Ltd, Thailand
“I focus on flame-retardant fibre breakthroughs for firefighting and industrial protection. Many exhibitors are making progress in technologies and high-temperature modification. I am truly impressed by the display zone dedicated to Industrial Textiles in the 15th Five-Year Plan. Cinte Techtextil China has incredibly diverse offerings and rich exchange opportunities – it is irreplaceable for staying on top of technology and market evolution, and every edition delivers new takeaways.”
Mr Xia Yanmao, Market Development Department Deputy Minister, Jiangsu Aoshen Hi-tech Material Co LTD, China
Value-added fringe programme offered crucial industry directions
The fair featured various high-calibre panels, conferences, guided tours, display areas and more to target crucial development sectors and trends. Key experts addressed pivotal shifts in nonwovens and technical textiles, including smart, sustainable solutions and innovations, equipping attendees with actionable market insights to navigate the evolving global supply chain. Major sessions, including the Asia International Hemp Federation and automotive textile panels, as well as the 2026 Nonwovens Industry High-Quality Development Conference, reported strong engagement and meaningful exchange.
At the nonwovens conference, Ms Li Guimei, Chairperson of the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association, outlined several critical nonwovens development drivers: technological innovation for high-end breakthroughs; green transformation; AI to cultivate new operating models; deeper application integration; and optimised industrial structures for high-value growth. These strategic pathways apply similarly to technical textiles – with some organisations notably looking to heritage materials for sustainable innovation.
“Industrial hemp has much to offer society, and is a key material for the future. Cinte Techtextil China is a good platform for us to communicate with the world, as it focuses on the technical side and sustainability. Our panel discussion audience responded very well and our display area received great feedback. These both gave us more exposure and drove diverse global traffic to our booth at the Association Village, a feature which facilitated international collaboration.”
Ms Sharon Deidre Leyson, Secretary-General, Asia International Hemp Federation, Thailand (moderator of Panel Discussion: Industrial Hemp Fibre – Building the Future of Sustainable Materials, exhibitor at the Association Village)
To access more feedback from the show’s participants, Visit:
The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.
The next edition of Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 31 August to 2 September 2027.
The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — September 25, 2026 — Microban International, a global supplier of product protection technologies, has partnered with mountain sports specialist ORTOVOX to incorporate Microban odor-capture technology into its debut mountain bike collection, the Sequence Series.
ORTOVOX designed the Sequence Trail Line using 100% textile-to-textile recycled polyester, achieving a lightweight, fully synthetic construction built on a closed-loop recycling concept that turns used textiles into new apparel. Because synthetic fibers tend to trap sweat-induced odor molecules, odor neutralization became critical to the line’s success.
“Because this new collection features our first synthetic T-shirts made entirely without wool, finding a reliable, high-performance odor control solution was critical,” said Christian Morgenroth, senior product manager at ORTOVOX. “We selected Microban because its technology integrates seamlessly into our overall product concept, allowing riders to keep their gear fresher for longer.”
ORTOVOX integrated Microban’s Scentry Revive® odor-capture technology directly into the fabric during manufacturing. The technology improves the demanding singletrack and all-day riding experience by actively capturing and neutralizing odor molecules before they settle into the fabric, providing riders with lasting freshness for up to 50 home launderings.
Scentry Revive’s smart formulation delivers a host of advantages, including:
Product protection from persistent, sweat-induced odors that often cling to synthetic materials
Reduced need for frequent washing, helping to extend product lifespan
Enhanced user experience, especially in high-output activities
Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex® and bluesign® certifications, showcasing commitment to sustainability
Naturally occurring technology that does not require biocidal registration, making it ideal for sustainable fashion development projects
“At the core of our partnership with ORTOVOX is our mutual commitment to advancing innovation in mountain biking apparel,” said Shermon McMillan, president at Microban International. “We are proud to partner with ORTOVOX to give mountain bikers the freedom to worry less, explore more and rely on gear that lasts.”
This partnership directly supports ORTOVOX’s ProtACT sustainability strategy and brand values. By utilizing Scentry Revive to reduce the need for frequent washing, the Trail line enables a more sustainable consumer lifecycle and extends the lifespan of premium gear. For the ORTOVOX consumer, this means a superior experience where premium mountain performance meets environmental responsibility.
To learn more about Microban and ORTOVOX’s partnership, visit www.microban.com/ortovox.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — September 22, 2026 — eVent® Fabrics, a global supplier of waterproof/breathable and windproof fabric laminates, is expanding its partnership with HLINC Golf, (pronounced “LINK,”) the premium golf apparel brand bringing technical outdoor performance to the links.
Founded in Ireland and launched in 2025, HLINC was created around the simple idea that golf apparel doesn’t have to look or perform the way it always has. Disrupting the status quo and drawing inspiration from Ireland and Scotland’s famously unpredictable links conditions, HLINC combines golf’s traditional aesthetic with the performance technologies more commonly found in technical outdoor apparel.
“HLINC is doing something pretty different in golf,” said Chad Kelly, Vice President of eVent Fabrics. “They’re taking the performance expectations we’ve seen for years in outdoor apparel and bringing them to a sport where tradition still plays a huge role. That makes them a great partner for eVent, and we’re excited to see how quickly the brand is growing.”
That approach is gaining traction. HLINC apparel featuring eVent’s plant-based stormST waterproof/breathable laminate is now available at 45 links courses and 10 non-links courses, including Royal County Down, currently ranked the No. 1 golf course in the world. The partnership also gained a high-profile showcase during the recent Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club, where all of the caddies wore HLINC apparel.
HLINC has also found an unexpected ambassador in actor and avid golfer Bill Murray, who has been spotted wearing the brand.
At the heart of the partnership is eVent stormST, a plant-derived waterproof/breathable laminate designed to deliver the combination of waterproof protection, breathability, stretch and quiet performance needed on the golf course.
“Golfers don’t stop playing because the weather changes,” said Ian Forrester, Founder of HLINC Golf. “Especially in Ireland and Scotland, you need apparel that can handle whatever the day throws at you. We wanted to build golfwear that performs like technical outdoor gear, but still feels right on the course. eVent is proving to be a perfect partner.”
HLINC’s eVent stormST collection includes waterproof jackets, trousers, gilets, bucket hats and caps. The collection is designed for golfers who want protection from the elements without the noise, restriction or bulk often associated with traditional waterproof golf apparel.
The growing presence of HLINC on links courses reflects the brand’s focus on the environments that inspired it. Rather than building a conventional golf apparel line and adding technical features, HLINC started with the demands of links golf and worked backward to create apparel capable of meeting them.
BRUSSELS — September 24, 2026 — CEMATEX has selected 20 emerging start-ups from nine countries to receive the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant and showcase their innovations at Start-Up Valley during ITMA 2027 in Hanover.
Their participation will be fully funded by CEMATEX, giving promising early-stage companies access to the world’s leading textile and garment technology platform.
The selected start-ups span six product areas: Colourants & Chemicals, Fibres, Yarns & Fabrics, Garment Making, Recycling, Software & Automation, and Testing. While they address different challenges across the value chain, they share a common focus on sustainability and circularity.
Across their technologies, sustainability is increasingly embedded in the way new materials, processes and production systems are being developed, rather than treated as a standalone consideration. The innovations address challenges ranging from chemistry and resource consumption to textile recycling, traceability, and production efficiency.
Meet the 20 start-ups
The 20 recipients of the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant are: Amphico, BioFluff, Eeden, EverDye, Fibarcode, Gemell Technology, Innovo Fiber, NunoX, Re.Solution, Recyc’Elit, Refiberd, ReSpin, Revoltech, RubyLab, Sages, Silana, Solena Materials, Sparxell, SwitchDye and Tintte.
Their innovations can be seen in solutions addressing some of the textile and garment industry’s persistent sustainability challenges.
Amphico is developing alternatives to substances the industry has long relied upon. Its PFAS-free membrane is designed to keep performance fabrics waterproof and breathable, while its colour platform introduces colour through weaving rather than dyeing. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals”, do not readily break down in the environment or the body, and restrictions covering a widely used PFAS sub-group in clothing take effect under EU rules from October 2026.¹
Others address the processing stages that consume the most water, heat and chemistry. Textile production accounts for around 20% of the world’s clean water pollution, mostly from dyeing², much of it from the processing chemicals a conventional dyebath depends on. SwitchDye’s CO₂-switchable dyes reduce chemical use as well as water and energy demand while working with existing dyeing equipment.
Textile-to-textile recycling is another area attracting innovation. Recyc’Elit addresses the challenge of separating³ blended fabrics by turning them back into pure monomers for new recycled polyester, while recovering co-materials such as elastane and cotton. Refiberd, meanwhile, combines software and hyperspectral imaging to identify fabric composition, helping recyclers determine the materials they are handling.
Sustainability and circularity are common threads connecting the 20 companies, regardless of where they operate across the value chain. Many of their innovations also intersect with ITMA 2027’s other focus areas: Advanced Materials, Automation & Digital Future, and Human-Centric Manufacturing.
Alessandro Zucchi
Mr Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, said: “What strikes me about this group is not simply that they are working on sustainability, but that many cannot imagine innovating any other way. That tells us where the industry is heading. Through the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant, we are giving these companies the opportunity to bring their technologies directly to the manufacturers, brands and investors who can help take promising ideas towards industrial adoption and scale.”
Dr. Christian Schindler
Dr Christian P. Schindler, Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), a member of the Start-Up Valley selection panel, said: “The quality of the submissions reflected both the pace and breadth of innovation emerging across the sector. We saw solutions with strong potential for industrial application, scalability and measurable impact across different parts of the textile value chain. Selecting just 20 companies from such a diverse application pool was a highly competitive process.”
Supporting emerging innovation
The CEMATEX Start-Up Grant fully funds the recipients’ participation in Start-Up Valley, including a purpose-built exhibition stand and supporting services, together with promotion through ITMA’s global marketing and PR channels. Selected companies may also be considered for speaking and profiling opportunities at the Innovator Xchange.
At ITMA 2027, the 20 start-ups will showcase their innovations alongside established technology manufacturers from across the textile and garment manufacturing value chain. This creates opportunities for direct engagement with manufacturers, brands, investors, research organisations and technology partners who can move their technologies into commercial use.
Posted: September 25, 2026
Source: CEMATEX (The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) / ITMA Services
MIDLOTHIAN, VA — September 24, 2026 — Fi-Tech is excited to announce the addition of Roy Smith to our sales team as Sales and Market Development Manager. In this role, Roy will be responsible for market development and customer management in our nonwoven and synthetic fiber portfolios in addition to other duties on our sales team.
Roy Smith II
Roy brings over 25 years of manufacturing and sales, business development and project execution in the N. American nonwoven and textile industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome Roy to our team,” said Managing Director, Jeffrey G. Bassett. “His vast experience and expertise in sales and market development will enhance Fi-Tech’s service to our customers and European principals. Roy has a tremendous work ethic, an established reputation, and strong communication skills, allowing him to connect with and to serve our growing customer base.”
Roy Smith also expressed excitement about joining Fi-Tech, saying, “Joining Fi-Tech is an incredible opportunity, and I am excited to be part of such a dynamic and welcoming team. The company culture here is truly unique, and I look forward to collaborating with this exceptional group. My focus will be on building upon the strong foundation already established, ensuring we continue to drive meaningful value for our trusted partners and clients.”
As Fi-Tech continues to expand, the addition of Roy to the team reinforces the commitment to providing excellent service to our global customers.
For more information, please contact Jeffrey Bassett, Managing Director, jbassett@fi-tech.com
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — September 22, 2026 — The winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2026 will present their project at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2026 which will be held from 14 – 15 October 2026 in Fortaleza, Brazil and will be co-hosted by ABIT (Brazilian Textile & Industry Industry Association).
The objectives of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Awards are to recognize sustainable and innovative achievements in the textile industry with focus on innovation, design, development, and production under the strictest standards of sustainability and respect for the environment.
The 3 winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026 are (in alphabetical order):
Epoch Biodesign, UK: epochbiodesign.com/
Project: Scaling AI-driven enzymatic depolymerization to turn textile waste into fibergrade nylon 6,6
Huvis, Korea: huvis.com/eng/
Project: Polyester Chemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Automotive Textiles
Simabo Technology Co., Ltd and Wuhan Textile University, China: wtu.edu.cn/
CARY, N.C. — September 23, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News, has announced the finalists for the FiltXPO™ 2026 Innovation Awards. The awards recognize innovative new products introduced to the filtration industry since the last FiltXPO event in 2025.
The FiltXPO Innovation Awards celebrate advancements in filtration technology for air and gas and water and liquid applications. Entries are evaluated on creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication.
The winners will be announced during FiltXPO 2026, the premier global event for the filtration industry, Oct. 28-29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.
The FiltXPO 2026 Innovation Award finalists are:
FiltXPO Innovation in Air/Gas Filtration Award
Hifyber: CombiNano
Leanfil Oy: Leanfil®
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc.: Fully Automated Liquid Management System
FiltXPO Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award
Acuriant Technologies Inc.: CUF Flow – More Water, Same Footprint
Ahlstrom: Ahlstrom OptiPad™
Gessner, a Mativ Brand: GESSNER PFAS Filter Media
Voting for the winner in each category is open on the International Filtration News website. Winners will be announced Oct. 28 at FiltXPO 2026.
To vote, visit: https://www.filtnews.com/filtxpo-innovation-awards/
For more information about the Finalists, visit: https://www.filtxpo.com/awards
To register for FiltXPO 2026, visit: https://www.filtxpo.com/
Posted: September 23, 2026
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
NEW YORK — September 28, 2026 — unspun, the company behind OneWeave™ 3D weaving technology, today announced two additions to its leadership team: Deborah Palmer Keiser as Chief Operating Officer and Michael Rabin as Chief Commercial Officer.
