SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 17, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and creator of the world’s first synthetic fleece, and Vibram®, a global leader in high-performance rubber soles, are two of the world’s leading ingredient brands for technical innovation and performance.
Together, they have teamed up with Crocs to launch the new Tembo II RO, a fall/winter-ready shoe designed for everyday exploration. The new model builds on the Tembo silhouette by combining Crocs’ unmistakable design language and its iconic Crocs Comfort™ construction with a Vibram® rubber outsole and a fleece bootie powered by Polartec® Micro Series. The result is a warmer, more rugged take on the Tembo, with a slimmer profile that brings the silhouette closer to that of a traditional sneaker.
By bringing Polartec’s proven Micro Series fleece technology into the new silhouette, Crocs ensures lightweight warmth and soft comfort in colder weather without compromising the distinctive look and feel of the Tembo.
The Vibram® rubber outsole delivers excellent grip and durability, with Vibram® XS TREK EVO providing a versatile technical compound engineered for stability, comfort, and reliable multi-surface traction in a range of conditions. Furthermore, the Polartec® bootie can be removed for easy cleaning and secured back into place with a nylon ladder system. The result is a winter-ready evolution that takes the archival silhouette into new territory while maintaining the comfort and versatility Crocs is known for.
Behind Crocs’ innovative approach to off-road footwear is its trust in Vibram to create a custom outsole designed for premium traction and durability, and in Polartec to deliver proven fleece performance that extends well beyond traditional apparel. Together, Crocs, Polartec and Vibram bring three distinct areas of expertise to the Tembo II RO: an iconic and unconventional design, trusted warmth and breathability, and dependable grip underfoot. The combination nets a versatile product designed to deliver all-day comfort and performance both inside and out.
The partnership also reflects an opportunity to extend the role of the Crocs and Vibram alliance beyond traditional outdoor applications. Building on the performance and versatility of the current product portfolio, the two brands see potential to serve additional environments, including the hospitality business, where comfort, durability, easy cleaning and reliable traction are increasingly important.
“Crocs has always approached design in its own unmistakable way, and that makes this partnership particularly exciting for Polartec,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “The Tembo II RO shows how trusted fleece performance can take on a completely different role when it is placed in the hands of a creative partner. We’re proud that Crocs chose Polartec® Micro Series to bring warmth and comfort to this new silhouette.”
CARLSTADT, N.J. — September 16, 2026 — Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, today introduced 224 new colors to the Pantone Matching System™ (PMS), expanding the library to nearly 9000 colors. The additions arrive at a turning point in design; as stark minimalism gives way to bold, unapologetic self-expression, the new colors answer a creative community hungry for more range, more saturation, and more feeling to bring to their designs.
The shift is already visible across the landscape. Designers and consumers alike are embracing emotion-driven color, bold pattern, and personality, a movement reflected in surging interest in maximalism and in the rise of joyful, mood-boosting color across fashion, interiors, product, and graphic design. Today’s interpretation of maximalism and the feeling of “more” is intentional. Rather than a chaotic mix of colors, designers are carefully curating every color for the feeling and world it creates for their audience. As a result, color consistency and accuracy has never been more important to properly display that intention.
Built to serve graphic and product designers, brands, printers, converters, and ink manufacturers, the new colors are engineered for real-world production. Available in both coated and uncoated paper stock, they deliver the stability, consistency, and reproducibility that allow a color to travel accurately from the screen to a shelf, bridging physical and digital mediums so teams can specify with confidence across today’s product and packaging needs and ensuring the final product is as intended. Reflecting these evolving design trends, the additions help designers stay ahead of the curve while producing more relevant, reproducible options for today’s modern workflows and consumer trends.
To develop the collection, the Pantone Color Institute™ and Pantone’s group of color scientists worked together to leverage their respective cultural forecasting and technical color science expertise to identify, curate and integrate the new colors into the PMS. The resulting additions complement the current system with more range while simultaneously tapping into the future of trend and color.
The 224 new colors are available now across the iconic Pantone Formula Guide, Color Bridge, and Solid Chips Set, with the new colors also offered as a supplement for the Pantone Formula Guide, Color Bridge and Solid Chips Pages for a limited time so existing customers can refresh their collections. The range is also available digitally through Pantone Connect and the Pantone Connect Extension for Adobe Creative Cloud, supporting faster exploration, sharing, and specifying directly within designers’ existing workflows.
A Fuller Spectrum of Dynamic Color
The new colors were curated to further deepen every family in the system. The reds are augmented with full-bodied, pink-infused tones that add potency and strength, while the pinks range from tender, romantic rose to the playful and capricious. New oranges spring from three different worlds: the vibrant and floral, the organic and fruity, and the earth-inspired; and the yellows move from earthy and musky to peppery and citrusy, a flavorful, culinary range made to tempt the senses.
On the cooler and deeper end, the new greens are fresh, functional, and restorative, reflecting a desire for harmony with the natural world; the blues expand into the pure, expansive, and meditative, bridging nature and technological innovation; and the purples answer a growing appetite for glamour, from muted and dusky to moody and magnetic. Grounding the collection, new browns, taupes, and neutrals feel natural and honest, while chameleon-like grays lend a quiet, versatile power that supports and contrasts in equal measure.
Four Palettes to Inspire
Beyond the individual colors, Pantone has translated their trend research into four ready-made palettes that show how the new shades come together. Each is a starting point designed to direct and inspire, showcasing how this bold color trend is manifesting into distinct color stories.
Desire for Pleasure: Sickly sweet colors as a playful indulgence, evoking flavors of ripe fruit and spun sugar. A pair of playful pinks is elevated by the freshness of aquatic blue and pistachio green, each hue enhancing the other’s charm to create a dream-like, uplifting experience. (PANTONE 6288 C, PANTONE 6261 C, PANTONE 6206 C, PANTONE 6375 C, PANTONE 6414 C)
Desire for Exquisite: Inspired by opulent blooms and ripened fruits, a sophisticated palette of saturated color that celebrates the elaborate and the elegant. Chocolate and grape are energized and warmed by a nurturing peach and a pair of hot hues—a deep red and a vibrant orange—creating a rich contrast of light and dark. (PANTONE 6259 C, PANTONE 6322 C, PANTONE 6441 C, PANTONE 6294 C, PANTONE 6268 C)
Oxygenating: A vibrant palette drawn from nature’s most brilliant hues—golden amber, neon citrus green, and lush botanical greens. Rooted in organic materials and living ecosystems, these colors embody energy, oxygenation, and transformation, reflecting the restorative power of the natural world. (PANTONE 6406 C, PANTONE 6427 C, PANTONE 6225 C, PANTONE 6421 C, PANTONE 6402 C)
Beyond Boundaries: A family of color that has escaped the rules—buoyant aqua, powdery lavender, magical purple, lime green, and creamy beige. At once nostalgic and forward-looking, playful and scientific, these retro-yet-futuristic hues give designers free rein for creativity and fun. (PANTONE 6373 C, PANTONE 6309 C, PANTONE 6327 C, PANTONE 6423 C, PANTONE 6428 C)
“Designers and brands are embracing color as a form of confidence and bold expression, focusing on the way it makes their audiences feel. The new colors expand the expressive range of the entire system, adding to this trend of bold feeling and excitement. We hope this serves as a tool of inspiration and helps designers find even more range in the Pantone Matching System to bring their ideas to life,” said Cindy Cooperman, General Manager & Vice President, Pantone.
Real-World Workflows with Draplin Design Co.
That combination of expression and precision is exactly what drew renowned graphic designer Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co. to being the first designer to put the new palettes to work. Oregon-based Draplin, whose work spans brands and artists from Nike, Hot Wheels, and Patagonia to Pearl Jam, Tenacious D, and Chris Stapleton, has built a career on his bold, fearless use of color.
“It’s great to step out of your comfort zone. I’m still trying new things every day, chasing new techniques, typefaces and, lately, exploring new colors in my work,“ says Aaron. “Working with Pantone’s new colors really pushed me to flip the script and discover combinations that I just hadn’t arrived at on my own. And once you let go, everything loosens up and that’s where the fun begins—I’m roaming around in fresh, new territory and loving it!”
For more information, to see how Draplin integrates the new colors into his workflow or see the behind-the-scenes journey from first inspiration to finished, reproducible work, visit Pantone online at pantone.com.
SHANGHAI — September 18, 2026 — Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 concluded with approximately 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, connecting with nearly 22,000 visitors from 110 represented markets, bringing the textile industry’s evolving material agenda into sharper focus.
Nearly 22,000 visitors gathered at Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 to explore global yarn and fibre innovations. (Photo: Messe Frankfurt)
Held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC and PH Value, the fair connected upstream fibre and yarn innovation with fabric development, garment production and fashion-market demand.
Its broad product offering enabled buyers to assess recycled, bio-based and regenerated fibres alongside performance-led solutions, demonstrating how responsible choices can meet practical requirements across textile applications. Industry players from across the textile spectrum made new business connections, supporting cross-border sourcing dialogue and the commercialisation of innovation.
Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “This edition showed that sustainability and performance are no longer separate product categories; buyers increasingly expect credible solutions that deliver both. By bringing material innovators, processors, spinners, brands and downstream buyers together face to face, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 has turned shared priorities into practical discussions and tangible business outcomes. We are pleased that through this exchange, our platform is helping to create new commercial partnerships across a more responsive textile value chain.”
Where circularity, bio-based inputs and performance converge
From plant-based polyester to recycled PET and regenerated fibres, exhibitors showed that lower-impact solutions can still deliver performance, aesthetics and traceability. Notable displays included the 100% recycled PET deja™ range (Indorama Ventures – Thailand), plant-based polyester and NANODESIGN® technology (Toray Industries – Japan), and traceable recycled metallic yarns (The Lurex Company – UK). Complementing these international offerings, domestic exhibitor Hangzhou Benma Chemfibre and Spinning presented regenerated polyester made from PET bottles and textile scrap, widening recycled materials options for fashion, activewear, home textiles and nonwovens.
The returning Uzbekistan Pavilion, comprising eight exhibitors, highlighted the country’s vertically integrated cotton-textile sector, from domestic cultivation to weaving and garment production. Elsewhere, exhibitors illustrated the cross-border networks behind today’s supply chains: Vietnam’s Importeer International supplied imported cotton from Australia, Brazil, India and the US alongside virgin and recycled synthetics, while Egyptian Co For Flax And Its Products showcased local flax processed into fibres and yarns for export.
Together, the wide range on offer enabled buyers to evaluate origin, processing capabilities and sustainability credentials directly, supporting more informed sourcing decisions – as did the fair’s fringe programme. Organised by the China Chemical Fibre Association, the Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends Display Zone presented more than 300 new fibre and yarn samples. Meanwhile, the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Activities explored four themes, including temperature-regulating fibre innovation and resource recycling and reuse, highlighting sustainable material development, greener production and next-generation applications.
Exhibitors’ experiences
“It is very good to be back at this show. Lurex is a globally registered brand, and we are presenting our range of metallic and special-effect yarns, including 100% recycled Lurex yarns. We have already met potential new customers here, as well as existing customers from various markets. The fair allows buyers to experience the handle and softness of our specialised yarns directly, which is particularly important. It has been a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the industry and introduce our products to the market.” – Ms Sally Bugg, Commercial Director, Lurex Company, UK
“This is our first time exhibiting at Yarn Expo Autumn. We are a flax manufacturer offering a range of 100% flax products, from flax planting through to spinning materials. The fair has presented an efficient opportunity to meet buyers and industry contacts from China and other international markets in one place. In particular, we have met many visitors from Pakistan, a market where we had not previously had many opportunities to connect. Participating also gives us useful feedback on what buyers are looking for, including certification requirements and market trends.” – Ms Rania El Nouehi, Export manager, Egyptian Co For Flax And Its Products, Egypt
“This is one of the yarn industry’s largest and most important fairs, and particularly valuable to us as China is one of our key markets. We are seeing growing interest from buyers in our sustainable products, including recycled polyester, regenerative cotton and organic cotton yarns, and they are excited to explore these newer developments. The fair gives us a valuable platform to present these products, understand changing market needs and develop new potential business relationships. We are always happy with the results and look forward to returning next year.” – Mr Neeraj Gupta, Head of Exports, PT. Indo-Rama Synthetics Tbk, Indonesia
Visitors’ comments
“I return to Yarn Expo Autumn every year because I consistently find the products I need. Our company sources products such as DTY, nylon, polyester fibre, cotton yarn and other textile products for markets including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Peru. More than 50 of our suppliers exhibit here, making it an important annual opportunity to meet them face to face, maintain our business relationships and review products directly. I consider this the most organised exhibition I have visited. This is why it remains an essential sourcing platform for our business each year.” – Mr Adrian Rios, Owner, Rios Trading Import and Export Co Ltd, Brazil
“Our trading company sources TC yarns, 100% cotton yarns and more for the Pakistani and Canadian markets. The fair offers a very wide selection, with exhibitors from different countries, and I have met many good suppliers here. Sustainability is also an important part of our sourcing, and we have found recycled-polyester yarn suppliers with GRS certification at the fair. This gives us access to both the conventional and recycled yarn products we are looking for. I believe there are opportunities to develop business with the suppliers we have met, and we would definitely consider returning.” – Mr Ebrahim Shakoor, Sales Manager, Peachbelt International, Pakistan
“As a garments manufacturer with knitting, dyeing and garment facilities, we consume mainly cotton yarn, with 95% of our consumption already in sustainable products such as BCI, organic, recycled and other certified fibres. The fair showcases a very good selection of eco-friendly products and sustainability trends. Our R&D and fabric development teams are visiting different booths to search for new products and innovations, which we can develop for future collections. We have learned new things about the industry and found valuable suppliers here.” – Mr Mahedi Hassan, Deputy Manager (Sourcing & Material Sustainability), MASCO, Bangladesh
Yarn Expo Autumn was held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. The four fairs brought the fibre and yarn, apparel fabrics and accessories, fashion, and knitted garments industries together under one roof, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.
Yarn Expo Autumn is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. For further information, please visit: www.yarn-expo-autumn.com.
The upcoming edition of Yarn Expo Spring will be held from 10 – 12 March 2027.
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — September 18, 2026 — The winners of the ITMF International Collaboration 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 & Apparel Industry Association).
The objectives of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards are to recognize progress in the area of international collaboration in the textile industry according to the values of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2 winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Award 2026 are (in alphabetical order):
HeiQ & Archroma: www.heiq.com/ and www.archroma.com/
Project: Alone we Innovate. Together we Scale
Lenzing & Armedangels: www.lenzing.com/ and www.armedangels.com/en-eu
Project: The Power of Collaboration: Driving Innovation for a More Sustainable Textile Industry
For more information about ITMF click HERE or contact secretariat@itmf.org.
Posted: September 19, 2026
Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 18, 2026 — Following the Sacramento Superior Court’s denial of its motion for a preliminary injunction, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is announcing that it will continue to pursue its complaint in American Apparel & Footwear Association, Inc. v. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, to ensure the statutory requirements of California SB-707 are met.
A statement from AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar:
Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
“We are disappointed by the court’s decision to deny our motion for a preliminary injunction, allowing the producer responsibility program to proceed through critical early implementation steps without first meeting the statutory requirements established in law. AAFA invested significant time and expertise in helping shape SB-707 into a practical and implementable framework designed to accelerate the development of a circular textile system in California through a cost-effective and collaborative approach.
That goal remains our priority. To that end, we will continue to pursue our complaint and advocate for a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that complies with the law and reflects the full breadth of the industry it serves. Specifically, the law requires a PRO that is: (1) formed and governed by producers, (2) led by a diverse Board of Directors that represents the full scale and scope of the textile and apparel industry, (3) organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit without profit motivation, and (4) supported by strong financial oversight and controls.
California’s textile circularity goals can only be achieved through a program that is both effective and legally compliant. Regrettably, what we have today is nowhere near that. Instead, CalRecycle chose a for-profit company, which has been allowed to operate under the guise of a 501(c)(3), setting its own budget, setting its own fees, and running a program with unclear industry input or financial oversight. If we get this wrong, not only do we jeopardize the success of California’s textile EPR program; we jeopardize the future of sustainable fashion everywhere. Therefore, we will continue to pursue all efforts, including this litigation to put California’s textile EPR program back on the track it deserves, and which was statutorily required, to achieve success. ”
Posted: September 19, 2026
Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)
BALLY, Pa. — September 10, 2026 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, will showcase its high-quality, high-performance products at CAMX 2026, that will take place on September 21–24, 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. BRM experts were on hand in booth K46 to discuss the company’s 3-D woven joints, thermal protection systems (TPS), and other 3-D structures.
BRM was named a 2016 JEC Innovation Award winner in the Space category, recognizing the company’s contributions to advanced composite technology for space-related applications. The award underscores BRM’s longstanding expertise in developing engineered woven solutions that help meet critical performance requirements while supporting lightweight, efficient composite structures.
Using 3-D continuous weaving, BRM creates new joint structures and improves existing designs. The company’s 3-D woven joints are available in Pi (π), double-T, H, and other complex net shapes. Designed to deliver strength, durability, and structural integrity, these woven shapes can help reduce component weight and cost without sacrificing performance.
Because reinforcement is integrated throughout all three dimensions of the weave, BRM’s 3-D woven structures support load paths across joined substructures. The architecture of each woven shape can be tailored to the needs of the overall structure and its individual components.
BRM’s 3D woven composites are also well suited for aerospace thermal protection systems. These mission-critical components are used in demanding heat-shield applications, including space exploration vehicles. By varying yarn types, density, thickness, width, and resin systems, BRM can develop customizable woven composite solutions for specific thermal and structural requirements.
In partnership with NASA, BRM developed 3D Orthogonally woven 3DMAT Quartz Material for Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle compression pads. The material was named the 2023 NASA Government Invention of the Year. BRM’s work with NASA demonstrates the value of collaboration between the agency and American small businesses with specialized technical capabilities that support current and future exploration efforts.
Beyond thermal protection applications, BRM’s 3-D woven components can support aircraft engine and other structural applications. Replacing traditional metallic parts with woven carbon fiber composite structures can reduce weight and lifecycle costs while meeting stringent manufacturing and performance requirements.
Visit Bally Ribbon Mills in booth K46 at CAMX 2026 to learn more about its 3-D woven composite capabilities and award-winning solutions for aerospace, defense, and other advanced applications.
PRATTELN, Switzerland — September 14, 2026 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, and Lameirinho, a leading home textiles manufacturer based in Portugal, are collaborating to bring InOneGO by Archroma, a new single-step dyeing process, into commercial production. Lameirinho’s first InOneGo bedlinens collection is now available worldwide.
Archroma and Lameirinho partner in pioneering deployment of InOneGO single-step dyeing. (Photo: Archroma)
InOneGO by Archroma is an innovative continuous dyeing process that combines coloration, fixation and softening into a single pad-dry application step.
“This new InOneGO by Archroma process enables Lameirinho to achieve a wide range of shades and effects – including authentic indigo denim looks, wash-down effects and vintage-inspired finishes – bringing depth, character and a contemporary aesthetic to home textiles. At the same time, it simplifies the dyeing process by reducing the number of processing steps, and decreases resource consumption,” said Jorge Leitão, Innovation and Development Manager at Lameirinho.
Developed for woven cellulosic textiles, including denim and fashion wear, as well as home textiles, InOneGO is compatible with Archroma’s advanced sulfur dyestuffs: the DIRESUL® RDT range of pre-reduced low-sulfur liquid dyes, and the EarthColors® and FiberColors® biomass-based sulfur dyes. This gives mills and brands a lower-impact way to produce wash-down effects, without compromising on fastness or shade range across earthy tones, deep blues and dark blacks.
“Achieving the washed-down look conventionally requires multiple washes, with extra water and energy needed at each stage. InOneGO is a genuine structural innovation. It delivers that same distressed character in a single step, with no trade-off in fastness – even after wash-down,” Julio Perales, Technical & Product Segment Manager, Archroma Textile Effects, said.
Impact assessments using Archroma’s ONE WAY Impact Calculator show substantial environmental benefits when using InOneGO by Archroma with DIRESUL® RDT for woven fabrics, including denim and jacquard. The tests included the addition of easy wash-down effect finishing, benchmarked against conventional cold pad-batch reactive dyeing with pigment top-dye finish. Key results include up to:
81% less process time
97% less water consumption
65% less energy consumption
75% less CO2 emissions
The InOneGO by Archroma process runs on Stenter and Thermosol lines, and performance finishes can be applied in a second step.
BRIDGWATER, England — September 15, 2026 — Nonwovenn and CorpAcq have announced the formation of a corporate vehicle, named Technical Materials Group (TMG), to spearhead an ambitious growth and acquisition strategy. Experienced M&A practitioner, Keith Pickering, has also been appointed as Head of Acquisitions to lead the initiative
Following the partnership transaction completed between Nonwovenn and CorpAcq (a TDR Capital portfolio company) in December 2025, the businesses have established TMG as the corporate vehicle to create an international specialist materials business.
Keith Pickering
TMG will focus on acquiring businesses in the UK, Europe and North America manufacturing IP rich products and specialist materials, such as highly engineered textiles, films, composites, ceramics and laminated products.
Keith joins the business as a highly experienced M&A practitioner, having completed over 120 transactions in a 30-year advisory career. This included jointly founding Catalyst Corporate Finance in 1998, subsequently selling the business to Alantra Partners SA in 2017. Keith retired from the Alantra partnership at the end of 2025.
Commenting on the new role, Keith Pickering said: “I am very enthused about the opportunity of working with the Nonwovenn and CorpAcq teams to build out a dedicated technical materials vertical within the CorpAcq portfolio. We already have a number of live discussions with potential acquisition targets and I am confident that, with the highly experienced Nonwovenn management team, the significant financial backing of TDR Capital and the competitive and flexible deal structures we can offer company owners, we can build a highly strategic group achieving revenues of £300m plus over the next three years.”
David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn Picture by Roger Moody / Guzelian
David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn, added: “We are experiencing an incredibly exciting time at Nonwovenn, achieving record organic growth and profitability. Using this as the platform to acquire a broader range of specialist materials businesses has long been my plan and the transaction with CorpAcq and TDR allows me to bring this to fruition. To be able to welcome someone with Keith’s calibre to the team just shows how high our aspirations are.”
Technical Materials Group is focused on the acquisition of niche, high margin technical material businesses, especially those with a broad international sales footprint, manufacturing critical material and components, and with a culture of innovation and investment in research and development. Materials and component manufacturing aligned to power and thermal management, filtration, electrification, weight reduction, activated carbon solutions and PFAS alternatives are of particular interest. It is likely target businesses will operate in sectors such as military, aerospace, medical, water industry, data centres and other regulated markets.
Further information can soon be found on the new TMG website, which is due to be launched in the coming weeks.
CARY, N.C. — September 15, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced today that Ben Muller has joined the association as executive director. Mr. Muller brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience spanning nonprofit organizations, corporations and trade associations.
Ben Muller
Most recently, Mr. Muller served on the senior executive team of the High Point Market Authority, where he led marketing, public relations and educational programming for one of the world’s largest trade shows. Previously, he held senior brand and marketing leadership positions with Hanesbrands and Kayser-Roth, gaining extensive experience in textile and apparel supply chains. He began his career serving mission-driven organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Tony Fragnito, INDA’s current president and CEO, will transition to an executive consultant role in January 2027 to support the leadership transition and focus on projects and initiatives designed to expand the reach and participation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA). His planned retirement will occur in December 2027.
The creation of the executive director position follows the formation of the GNA by INDA and EDANA and represents the next step in the evolution of INDA’s staff leadership to support the alliance. Mr. Muller’s broad leadership experience, strategic marketing expertise and deep understanding of member and industry engagement will be valuable as he leads INDA’s strategic initiatives, oversees operations and represents the interests of the nonwovens industry across the Americas.
“I am honored to join INDA at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Mr. Muller. “The formation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration and expand the value we provide to members. I look forward to listening to our members, learning from their expertise and ensuring INDA continues to be a strong advocate and resource for the industry throughout the Americas.”
“Tony has provided outstanding leadership to INDA during a transformational period for both the association and the global nonwovens industry,” said Mark A. Thornton, chair of the INDA Board of Directors and vice president, Baby Care, Fem Care and Family Care Quality Assurance, The Procter & Gamble Company. “The Board is deeply appreciative of his leadership, commitment to our members and role in helping establish the Global Nonwovens Alliance. As we look ahead, we are confident Ben brings the strategic thinking, industry experience and collaborative leadership needed to build on that strong foundation and guide INDA into its next chapter.”
“Ben’s appointment represents an important step in bringing the vision of the Global Nonwovens Alliance to life,” said Murat Dogru, CEO, GNA. “The strength of the Alliance will depend on combining a truly global perspective with strong regional leadership that understands the priorities of its members. I am very pleased to welcome him and look forward to working closely together as we build the next chapter of the Alliance.”
“Leading INDA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated staff, Board, and membership,” said Fragnito. “It has been a meaningful way to cap off my career, and I look forward to working closely with Ben to ensure a seamless transition of INDA’s business operations and member relationships. I am excited to support him as he helps lead INDA and a partner with Murat as he leads the Global Nonwovens Alliance.”
Posted: September 15, 2026
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — September 1, 2026 — Americhem, a global supplier of custom polymer solutions, today announced the launch of nPure™ and nZorb™, two complementary PFAS-free functional additive technologies designed to engineer performance within the polymer matrix. Developed for fiber and nonwoven applications, the technologies help manufacturers address two critical performance requirements: durable odor control and moisture management.
As manufacturers continue to seek more durable, material-level solutions, functional additive technologies are gaining traction for their ability to deliver consistent performance while simplifying manufacturing by reducing reliance on separate topical treatment steps. By incorporating functionality within the polymer matrix, nPure™ and nZorb™ help customers engineer odor control and moisture management into fiber and nonwoven products while supporting processing efficiency and scalable commercial manufacturing.
nPure™ transforms odor control from a temporary surface treatment into an engineered material property. The PFAS-free, fragrance-free, and non-biocidal technology captures and reduces malodors without relying on topical finishes or antimicrobial chemistries, helping manufacturers improve freshness and consumer comfort. Independent testing demonstrates adsorption of sweat, body odor, and selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the technology is compatible with PP, PE, PET, and bicomponent fiber systems. Designed for scalable commercial manufacturing, nPure™ supports hygiene, medical, fibers, nonwovens, textiles, automotive interiors, packaging, and recycled polymer applications.
nZorb™ transforms hydrophilic performance from a temporary surface effect into a PFAS-free, engineered material property. Incorporated within the polymer matrix, the technology improves wetting, wicking, absorbency, strike-through, rewet, and liquid transport while maintaining processing efficiency and end-product performance. Designed for polypropylene-based fiber and nonwoven systems, nZorb™ supports hygiene, medical, wipes, filtration, and specialty nonwoven applications through application-specific optimization.
“Manufacturers are increasingly looking for material solutions that solve multiple performance challenges without adding manufacturing complexity,” said Parminder Agarwal, Chief Technology Officer at Americhem. “nPure™ and nZorb™ demonstrate how masterbatch formulation, polymer compatibility, and fiber processing work together to deliver application-specific functionality within the polymer matrix.”
Because odor management and hydrophilic performance depend on polymer chemistry, fiber architecture, processing conditions, and end-use requirements, Americhem works closely with customers to optimize formulations for specific applications. The company’s expertise in functional additive masterbatch, formulation, process optimization, and global manufacturing helps customers move from concept through scalable commercial production with confidence.
“Americhem is focused on building a portfolio of functional technologies that helps customers create differentiated value through their materials,” said Matt Miklos, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Marketing at Americhem. “With nPure™ and nZorb™, we are expanding the range of functional solutions we can bring to market as customers look for more durable performance, simplified manufacturing, and new ways to differentiate their products.”
The launch of nPure™ and nZorb™ reflects Americhem’s continued investment in functional additive technologies designed to help manufacturers address evolving application requirements through performance engineered within the polymer matrix.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 17, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and creator of the world’s first synthetic fleece, and Vibram®, a global leader in high-performance rubber soles, are two of the world’s leading ingredient brands for technical innovation and performance.
Together, they have teamed up with Crocs to launch the new Tembo II RO, a fall/winter-ready shoe designed for everyday exploration. The new model builds on the Tembo silhouette by combining Crocs’ unmistakable design language and its iconic Crocs Comfort™ construction with a Vibram® rubber outsole and a fleece bootie powered by Polartec® Micro Series. The result is a warmer, more rugged take on the Tembo, with a slimmer profile that brings the silhouette closer to that of a traditional sneaker.
