AGY And SAERTEX Announce Development Of Advanced S-2 Glass® Non-Crimp Fabrics For High-Performance Composite Applications

AIKEN, S.C. & SAERBECK, Germany — April 8, 2026 — AGY, a global supplier of specialty glass fiber reinforcements, and SAERTEX, manufacturer of multiaxial non-crimp fabrics (NCF), today announced a joint development focused on the use of AGY’s high-strength S-2 Glass® fiber in SAERTEX engineered non-crimp fabric architectures.

AGY S-2 Glass Non-crimp Fabric Using SAERTEX USA Production Process

This collaboration combines AGY’s next-generation S-2 Glass reinforcement with SAERTEX’s tailored multiaxial NCF technology to deliver lightweight, high-strength composite solutions for aerospace, defense, industrial, and advanced mobility applications.

SAERTEX non-crimp fabrics are designed with precisely aligned fiber orientations and optimized surface weights to maximize load performance while reducing component weight and layer count, enabling improved mechanical efficiency and lower manufacturing cost.

By integrating AGY’s S-2 Glass® fiber, known for its exceptional tensile strength, impact resistance, and fatigue performance, the companies are developing reinforcement systems that provide:

  • Higher specific strength and stiffness for weight-critical structures
  • Improved impact and damage tolerance compared to conventional glass systems
  • Optimized multiaxial load paths through tailored NCF architectures
  • Compatibility with infusion, RTM, prepreg, compression, and pultrusion processes

“This development represents a significant step forward in expanding the performance envelope of glass-fiber-based composites,” said Patrick Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer & President of AGY. “Combining S-2 Glass with SAERTEX’s advanced multiaxial fabric design enables lightweight solutions that can compete in applications traditionally reserved for higher-cost materials.”

“SAERTEX is committed to delivering tailor-made reinforcement systems that maximize structural efficiency and manufacturability,” said Christian Beckmann, CEO, SAERTEX. “The integration of AGY’s S-2 Glass fiber allows us to offer customers enhanced mechanical performance while maintaining the processing advantages of non-crimp fabrics.”

The jointly developed S-2 Glass NCF materials are being targeted for structural composite applications requiring high strength, impact resistance, and fatigue durability, including aerospace structures, defense systems, pressure vessels, and industrial components.

SAERTEX USA Production Process

The companies are currently qualifying multiple multiaxial constructions, including unidirectional, biaxial, and quadriaxial formats, with customized fiber orientations to meet specific load-case requirements and manufacturing methods.

This collaboration reinforces both companies’ commitment to advancing cost-effective, high-performance composite materials and expanding the role of glass fiber in next-generation lightweight structures.

Posted: April 13, 2026

Source: AGY

RISE® Conference To Be Held In Conjunction With IDEA®27

CARY, N.C. — April 13, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced today that its annual RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) will not be held in August 2026 and will instead be presented in conjunction with IDEA®27, March 23–25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

RISE at IDEA27 will enhance accessibility and deliver added value for technical professionals looking to incorporate emerging technologies and innovations in their processes and products. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive experience that combines world-class technical content with exposure to the latest commercial technologies and industry developments.

“Presenting RISE at IDEA27 allows us to deliver greater value to a broader, global audience,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “By aligning with IDEA, we’re making it easier for technical professionals to access critical insights, connect with industry leaders, and engage with the innovations shaping the future of engineered fabrics.”

The reformatted RISE program will highlight innovation across the full spectrum of development, including fundamental and corporate research, upstream innovation, and performance-driven applications. The technical content—designed to be universally applicable—will provide actionable insights for professionals across the global nonwovens value chain.

“RISE has always served as a hub for breakthrough thinking in nonwovens and engineered fabrics,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “By expanding the format and presenting it at IDEA27, we are making cutting-edge research and innovation more accessible for a broader audience.”

RISE at IDEA27 will create a unique environment for:

  • Technology scouts seeking emerging innovations and technologies
  • R&D leaders, scientists, and engineers exploring next-generation materials and processes
  • Business and product management professionals identifying scalable opportunities within the nonwovens value chain

Additional details on the RISE program, including themes and speakers, will be announced in the coming months at ideashow.org.

Posted: April 13, 2026

Source: INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Next Generation BLUESIL™ TCS 7544 Textile Coating Solution Raises The Bar For Fire Safety With Euroclass A1/A2 Compliance

LYON, France — April 9, 2026 — Elkem Silicones introduces BLUESIL™ TCS 7544, a new silicone solution for coated textiles requiring compliance with EN 13501‑1 Euroclass A1/A2. The new material delivers high performance for advanced architectural textiles requiring enhanced fire safety, supported by long term durability, resistance to UV and weather exposure, mechanical stability at high temperatures, and reduced smoke emission.

“BLUESIL™ TCS 7544 sets a new benchmark for fire performance in silicone-coated textiles,” said Claire Lacroix, business development manager for Textile Coating. “It combines enhanced fire safety with durability and processing ease, giving manufacturers a reliable path to meet increasing regulatory expectations while supporting long term performance in advanced textile applications.”

The innovation comes at a time when silicone‑coated textiles are increasingly required in construction and public‑infrastructure projects to meet EN 13501‑1 Euroclass A1/A2, the highest fire‑performance classifications for non‑combustible or very low‑combustible products.

The material is formulated to deliver low combustibility and minimize heat release, with performance verified through EN 1716 PCS calorimetric analysis. Testing shows that the material reduces heat release by approximately 20 percent compared with standard fire‑resistant silicone coatings, demonstrating its ability to lower the calorific contribution of the coating layer—often the primary source of combustibility within textile composite systems.

BLUESIL™ TCS 7544 is an off white, pigment addable coating based on a two-component polyaddition system. It features a 10:1 mixing ratio, ensuring easy mixing, straightforward handling, and adjustable curing speed. Its long pot life (>24 hours at 23°C) offers strong process flexibility, while an optimized 45,000 mPa·s viscosity enables easy pumping and low coat weights. Fast cure in around 3 minutes at 150°C supports fast and efficient crosslinking for high‑throughput, consistent manufacturing.

BLUESIL™ TCS 7544 is now available for sampling, to allow coated textiles manufacturers to address current and emerging fire safety expectations with greater consistency.

Elkem will participate in the Techtextil Expo in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 21 to 24. Visitors are invited to meet our experts in Hall 11, Stand E70, and discover Elkem’s wide range of silicone coatings and ongoing developments in high performance textile materials.

Posted: April 12, 2026

Source: Elkem Silicones, the silicone-manufacturing division of Elkem ASA

 

44west Collaborates With SGS To Verify UV-Protective Apparel For Atlantic Rowing Challenge

BAAR, Switzerland — April 8, 2026 — The Swiss rowing team 44west collaborated with SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, to verify the performance of UV‑protective apparel used during the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2026.


Independent verification gave the 44west crew confidence that their apparel would provide dependable protection throughout the crossing.

Facing relentless sunlight and extreme marine conditions over the 4,800 km crossing, the crew depended on high-performance clothing to safeguard their health, sustain comfort, and support endurance throughout the journey.

During the 31‑day unsupported journey from La Gomera to Antigua, the four‑person crew faced persistent UV radiation, salt spray, humidity, strong winds and variable temperatures. In this environment, technical garments function as protective equipment rather than standard sportswear. To reduce uncertainty ahead of the race, 44west turned to SGS to independently assess whether its long‑sleeved apparel could maintain UV protection and durability under continuous use.

The selected garments were required to deliver UPF 50+ protection while remaining breathable, lightweight and capable of supporting thermoregulation during prolonged physical exertion. Performance also needed to remain stable when wet from seawater or perspiration, and fabrics had to retain strength despite abrasion, repetitive movement and limited washing opportunities. SGS also evaluated dermatological safety and microfiber release during laundering.

SGS conducted laboratory testing aligned with recognized textile and UV protection standards. Ultraviolet transmission testing according to AATCC TM183 and ASTM D6544 confirmed that the apparel met UPF 50+ claims. Samples underwent repeated washing cycles and simulated solar exposure to verify that UV protection remained effective after extended wear.

To reflect real race conditions, additional fabric specimens were treated with artificial seawater and synthetic perspiration before further testing. Results showed that UV protection remained stable under marine exposure with no reduction in shielding capability. Durability assessments, including mechanical strength, colorfastness, moisture management and drying efficiency, supported overall performance expectations. Chemical screening confirmed compliance with restricted substance requirements for prolonged skin contact.

Independent verification gave the 44west crew confidence that their apparel would provide dependable protection throughout the crossing, allowing them to focus on navigation and performance rather than equipment concerns. In extreme endurance environments, validated performance helps convert product claims into measurable assurance.

As outdoor and technical clothing is increasingly used in harsher environments, third‑party testing plays an important role in confirming safety, comfort and durability. Rigorous assessment supports both consumer trust and responsible product development.

Through its global network of laboratories and textile specialists, SGS offers comprehensive apparel testing solutions, including UV protection measurement, durability evaluation, chemical compliance assessment and sustainability analysis. These services help organizations substantiate claims, enhance product reliability and bring high‑performance garments to market with confidence.

To find out more, visit: ‘Ensuring UV-Protective Clothing Delivers in Extreme Conditions’:

https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2026/03/cc-2026-q1-ensuring-uv-protective-clothing-delivers-in-extreme-conditions

Posted: April 12, 2026

Source: SGS

Spinnova Begins Trial Runs At Woodspin Demo Factory And Prepares To Restart Production

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — April 9, 2026 — Spinnova’s plans to restart production at Woodspin’s demo factory are progressing. Trial runs will be started at the demo factory, with a particular focus on improving production efficiency. Most of the technological solutions to be tested during the trial runs have already been proven to work at a smaller pilot scale. Based on the results achieved in the trial runs, the company’s goal is to restart production on a larger scale during 2026.

“Our aim is to proceed with the ramp-up of the demo facility step by step, and the upcoming trial runs are an important step towards starting actual production. With the trial runs now starting, we aim to validate the technological solutions tested at a smaller pilot scale to improve production efficiency and fibre quality. This is a key phase in delivering SPINNOVA® fibre to customers and scaling our technology to an industrial level, which is the direction we are heading”, says Spinnova’s CEO Janne Poranen.

In October 2025, Spinnova acquired full ownership of the demo factories of Woodspin Oy and Suzano Finland Oy (currently Spinnova Refining Oy), which together form the infrastructure and equipment for producing SPINNOVA® fibre and preparing its raw material (MFC, microfibrillated cellulose).

Posted: April 12, 2026

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

RE&UP Partners With Madewell And ISKO On Textile-To-Textile Denim Capsule

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands — April 8, 2026 — RE&UP Recycling Technologies is accelerating the shift toward a closed-loop textile economy through a strategic collaboration with American denim brand Madewell and global fabric manufacturer ISKO. By transforming approximately 20,000 pairs of post-consumer jeans into high-quality recycled feedstock for a textile-to-textile recycled denim capsule, RE&UP is demonstrating the commercial readiness of circular systems for the denim sector.

Next-Gen Cotton Photo – RE&UP

Launched in 2006, Madewell is known for its premium denim and commitment to responsibly sourced materials and sustainable practices. As the first brand to offer year-round denim recycling through Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program, Madewell has operated its denim trade-in initiative for more than a decade, giving worn denim a new life and collecting and recycling over two million pairs of jeans.

This partnership marks a technical evolution: RE&UP’s advanced recycling technology allows these pre-loved garments to be deconstructed and re-engineered into Next-Gen Cotton and Polyester fibers that meet the durability and aesthetic requirements of the premium denim market.

The challenge of post-consumer denim lies in its complexity and varied mechanical history. RE&UP’s proprietary process solves this by providing a feedstock-agnostic capacity, capable of handling diverse polycotton blends and turning them into a “raw canvas” for new production. The resulting fibers were provided to ISKO, where they were engineered into Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified fabrics that maintain the stretch, strength, and comfort required by modern consumers.

The collection launches on Wednesday, April 8 and will be available to shop on Madewell.com.

“Closing the loop on post-consumer denim requires industrial precision,” said Marco Lucietti, Head of Global Marketing&Communications of RE&UP. “Our collaboration with Madewell and ISKO demonstrates that we can deconstruct complex, worn garments and re-integrate them into the supply chain as high-quality Next-Gen Cotton and Polyester. This is a blueprint for how brands can utilize their own take-back streams to create a repeatable, closed-loop production cycle.”

Posted: April 12, 2026

Source: RE&UP

NRF: Import Cargo Volumes Face Headwinds From Tariffs and Increasing Fuel Prices

WASHINGTON — April 8, 2026 — Import volume at major U.S. container ports is not being significantly affected by the conflict in Iran but ocean carriers are seeing a related increase in fuel costs that could eventually affect retailers and their customers, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Just because retailers don’t import a lot of merchandise from the Middle East doesn’t mean the U.S. supply chain isn’t affected by the turmoil there,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “The supply chain is global and disruptions anywhere along it can have ripple effects whether it’s rerouting of vessels, equipment out of position, higher fuel costs for shippers or rising gas prices that leave less money in consumers’ pockets. Retailers are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and working with their transportation partners to minimize any impact. In the meantime, retailers continue to face rising tariffs and continued trade policy uncertainty that put downward pressure on imports and upward pressure on prices.”

President Donald Trump last month announced a temporary 10% global tariff under the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court ruled that the use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was illegal. Last week, he adjusted Section 232 tariffs that were imposed last year on imported steel, aluminum and copper and announced new Section 232 tariffs on pharmaceutical products and ingredients..

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said volume at U.S. container imports has been slowed by tariffs but is not being significantly affected by the situation in Iran because little U.S. container cargo comes from the region. Nonetheless, the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz is driving up the price of fuel for container ships worldwide at the same time consumers are paying more for gasoline, he said. In addition, ports in Asia depend on fuel from the Persian Gulf and could see shortages if the conflict is not resolved soon. It is too soon to assess the impact of the two-week ceasefire announced on Tuesday, he said.

“The United States is less impacted operationally as there is no shortage of fuel at U.S. ports, but the price of fuel here is based on international pricing,” Hackett said. “Higher fuel costs drive up the price of shipping a container for either import or export and ultimately have an inflationary impact on consumers and other end users.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.95 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in February, although the Port of New York/New Jersey has not yet reported its data. That was down 7.5% from January and down 4.2% year over year. February is traditionally the slowest month of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia.

Ports have not reported March numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.97 million TEU, down 8.3% year over year. April is forecast at 2.08 million TEU, down 5.6 year over year; May at 2.09 million TEU, up 7.3%; June at 2.1 million TEU, up 6.9%; July at 2.2 million TEU, down 8%, and August at 2.18 million TEU, down 6%.

Those numbers would bring the first half of 2026 to 12.3 million TEU, down 1.8% from 12.53 million TEU during the same period in 2025. The year-over-year increases in May and June are largely because of the sharp drop-off in imports during those months last year after “Liberation Day” tariffs were announced in April 2025.

Imports totaled 25.4 million TEU in 2025, down 0.3% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

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

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

Posted: April 12, 2026

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Leading Apparel Brands Back unspun’s Plans To Build Domestic Manufacturing Hubs For Automated Apparel Production In The U.S.

SAN FRANCISCO — April 6, 2026 — Leading brands, including Walmart, have signed letters of support for unspun’s plan to build domestic manufacturing capacity in the U.S. using an AI-enabled 3D weaving technology designed to bring apparel manufacturing closer to consumers at a commercial scale.

unspun’s 3D weaving facility in California

Supply chain partners Bethel Industries, Peckham, and PDS Ltd / GSC Link are also participating to help establish automated domestic production hubs, with initial production on the near-term horizon.

With more than $50M in VC funding, unspun is advancing its proprietary 3D weaving technology — an AI-enabled system that produces garments directly from yarn via a highly automated process. REI has also signed a letter of support for the initiative, reinforcing broad industry demand for reshored, next-generation apparel manufacturing. unspun has equipment ready for deployment and is currently evaluating sites across multiple states.

“We are not exploring whether domestic apparel manufacturing can work. We are building it,” said Arne Arens, CEO of unspun and former Global Brand President of The North Face. “Our clients are looking for a new production model because they see the economics: manufacturing closer to the customer, responding to demand within the same season, and creating skilled American jobs in the process.”

unspun’s 3D technology weaves semi-finished garments directly from yarn in minutes, transforming dozens of traditional cut-and-sew steps into a single, automated process. The platform enables brands to produce closer to demand, reorder within the same season, and significantly reduce excess inventory — an issue that costs the industry billions each year. By shortening production timelines from months to days, 3D weaving can improve gross margins by 400–500 basis points through fewer markdowns and write-offs, while also supporting the creation of skilled manufacturing jobs in the U.S. This approach is designed to unlock domestic, demand-driven production at commercial scale as the apparel industry shifts toward next-generation manufacturing systems.

Avisnash Bhasker, Vice President, Apparel Production Development at Walmart, said, “Our customers are proud to buy apparel made in America, and the demand keeps growing. We are excited about unspun’s commitment and effort in helping rebuild domestic manufacturing capability that is faster, smarter, and designed for how customers actually shop.”

unspun is currently evaluating potential locations, infrastructure requirements, and workforce training programs as it moves toward establishing the first automated apparel manufacturing hubs in the United States powered by 3D weaving technology. The initiative represents one of the first examples of AI-enabled automation being deployed to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity at scale.

Arens was appointed CEO in March 2026, bringing decades of experience leading global consumer brands, including The North Face and Boardriders, the parent company of Quicksilver and Billabong. His appointment signaled unspun’s shift from technology development to industrial-scale deployment.

Posted: April 7, 2026

Source: unspun

UNIFI®, Makers of REPREVE®, Celebrates Recycled And Circular Innovation With Ninth Annual REPREVE® Champions Of Sustainability Awards

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 7, 2026 — Unifi, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced the winners of its ninth annual REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards, recognizing brands and mills that are advancing circularity and responsible manufacturing across the global textile industry.

UNIFI®, Makers of REPREVE®, Celebrates Recycled and Circular Innovation with Ninth Annual REPREVE® Champions of Sustainability Awards

Together with its brand partners, UNIFI® has helped recycle more than 46 billion plastic bottles and transform the equivalent of one billion T-shirts’ worth of textile and yarn waste into high-quality recycled fibers. The annual awards celebrate companies that are leading the way in sustainable innovation, material transformation, and circular design through their use of REPREVE.

Introducing New Textile Waste Awards

This year’s program expanded to include new Textile Waste Awards, recognizing companies that are helping accelerate circular solutions by incorporating textile waste into their products.

  • Game Changer Award (High-volume textile waste utilization):
    • Texollini – Swim USA® (Vitamin A) – REPREVE Nylon
  • Trailblazer Award (First to market in their category):
    • Walmart® – Joyspun® socks featuring REPREVE Takeback™
  • Accelerator Award (Adoption across multiple products):
    • Marmot® – ThermaLoop™ Insulation and REPREVE
  • Change Maker Award (Conversion from recycled polyester to textile waste inputs):
    • Save the Duck® – ThermaLoop
    • Lafuma® – ThermaLoop

UNIFI also recognized brand partners across additional sustainability-focused categories:

  • Sustainable Fabric Innovation: Swisstex – REPREVE ReCirculate™
  • Commitment to Circularity: Dagne Dover® – REPREVE
  • Newcomer Award: Me by Jennie Garth™, QVC® – REPREVE Our Ocean®
  • Made in USA Award: Walmart Valley Forge Flags – Produced with REPREVE by Cotswold Industries

“These awards celebrate the brands and partners who are not only setting ambitious sustainability goals, but actively delivering measurable impact through innovation and collaboration,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI. “Their leadership demonstrates how recycled and circular materials can scale across categories while maintaining performance and quality.”

The REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards underscore UNIFI’s commitment to enabling scalable, traceable, and high-performance recycled solutions that help transform waste into value across the global supply chain.

To see the full list of brand partner and mill winners, please visit https://repreve.com/champions-of-sustainability.

Posted: April 7, 2026

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Results Of The 37th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — April 7, 2026 — The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) released findings from its 37th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted in March sharing how regions and segments are impacted by the latest geopolitical disruptions.

Source: 8th-37th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (37th: 10-19.03.2026) – last data point = March 2026

The 37th GTIS shows a deteriorating global business climate, with the global business situation balance falling to -25 percentage points as the US/Israel-Iran war disrupted energy markets.

Africa was the only region posting a positive business situation and North & Central America recorded the steepest decline, while garment producers fared best among segments with textile machinery manufacturers remaining deeply negative.

The global business expectations balance collapsed from over +23pp to +5pp – the lowest since November 2022 – as stagflation risks comparable to the post-Ukraine invasion shock of 2022 are reviving.

South America led regional optimism while South-East Asia was the most pessimistic. Brands & retailers were the most upbeat segment against a deeply negative outlook for weavers/knitters.

Geopolitics overtakes weak demand as the industry’s top concern

For the first time, geopolitics topped industry concerns at 50%, edging out weak demand at 49%, driven by the war in Iran and surging energy prices, higher raw material costs, and logistics disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Notably, tariffs dropped sharply as a concern from 31% to 13%. In response, firms intensify efforts towards market diversification away from the US and internal cost absorption, while relocation of productions and other capital-intensive strategies remain low.

For more information, please see www.itmf.org or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

Posted: April 7, 2026

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

123...2,623Page 2 of 2,623

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.