CapEx Finance Index April 2026: Demand Eased, But Is Still On Pace For A Record Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 26, 2026 —  The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), shows that while new deal growth edged down again in April, activity is still on pace for its best year on record. Financial conditions strengthened in the latest data, bolstering balance sheet resilience. That should help dampen any headwinds that may arise from continued conflict in the Middle East or changing monetary policy dynamics.

  • Total new business volume (NBV) among surveyed ELFA member companies was $10.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis.
  • Year-to-date NBV rose by 15.0% relative to the same period in 2025.
  • Year-over-year, NBV increased by 9.6% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.

“The April CFI data showed some cooling in equipment demand, but conditions in the sector remain strong, ” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “New business volume growth slowed a tad, but demand is still above what we saw for most of last year. The surge in demand from AI-related deals appears to be outweighing geopolitical tensions at the moment, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on the May report for signs of further easing. Financial conditions remain healthy, and I don’t expect higher treasury rates or Fed policy to change that anytime soon.”

Demand is cooling from a high level. Total NBV was $10.6 billion in April, a contraction of 1.1% from the previous month. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity added by banks, independents, and captives in a given month. While the total new volume series declined for a third consecutive month, April activity was still above the average monthly pace of $10.3 billion in the second half of last year. Equipment demand is still on pace for its strongest year ever in 2026.

Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $3.6 billion, up 8.7% from March. Year to date, small ticket deal activity is up 39.8% from the same period in 2025.

Activity at banks rose by $5.4 billion, one of the highest single months on record. Activity at captives and independents were up 5.3% and 5.9%, respectively.

Credit approvals remained healthy. The industry-wide average edged down to 77.1% in April, a 0.1 percentage-point decline. The average small ticket approval rate rose by 1.3 percentage points to 81.1%. The cumulative increase in small ticket approvals over the last two months offset a sharp February decline. The rate at banks and independents dropped by 0.2 and 2.7 percentage points, respectively, while the rate at captives rose 2.7 percentage points.

Overall delinquency and loss rates fell. The overall delinquency rate dropped to 1.8% in April, matching its low over the last two years. The rate at banks dropped by 0.54 percentage points, while the rate at captives and independents both rose.

The overall loss rate decreased by 0.09 percentage points to 0.54%. The average loss rate for small ticket deals also dropped by the same amount to 0.84%. The rate at banks and independents both dropped, while the rate at captives edged up modestly.

Industry Confidence

The Monthly Confidence Index tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index in May is 59.9, an increase from 54.6 in April.

“This past quarter, we’ve seen a clear shift: global economic changes and changing expectations mean businesses and municipalities are being incredibly deliberate with their capital,” said Dominic Janney, President of Canon Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “They’re cautious, and rightly so. But postponing critical equipment upgrades poses a massive risk to staying competitive. As financing partners, we must step up. That means deepening our client relationships, staying agile on pricing, and building customized, flexible solutions. If we can remove capital as a barrier, we empower our clients to navigate these external pressures and confidently invest in their future.”

Technical Note

New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.

Posted: May 26, 2026

Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)

Cotton And LoveShackFancy Reveal Third Installment Of The ‘American Icons’ Campaign: American Road Trip Starring Country Music Artist Carter Faith For The Cotton Collection

Cotton x LoveShackFancy x Carter Faith

NEW YORK — May 19, 2026 —  Fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brand LoveShackFancy today announced its third annual collaboration with Cotton Incorporated bringing to life the ‘American Icons’ campaign, captured through a dreamy visual story starring rising country music artist Carter Faith.

Cotton Incorporated x LoveShackFancy ‘American Icons’ Campaign: American Road Trip starring Carter Faith

The Cotton x LoveShackFancy campaign unfolds as a romantic American pop star fantasy, where soft vintage femininity meets Western Americana and melodic storytelling. The cinematic visual world, scored by Faith’s single “Betty,” sees Nashville through a pink lens: vintage dressing rooms filled with roses and rhinestone microphones, open road escapes glowing at golden hour, and festival stages bathed in rose-colored light. Whether writing lyrics backstage or performing under falling petals and confetti, Faith moves through the world of The Cotton Collection with effortless style, reflecting her dreamy, indie cowgirl spirit.

The campaign stars singer-songwriter Carter Faith on the heels of her debut album Cherry Valley (October 2025) and a first-ever ACM nomination for Album of the Year. Faith embodies the balance of bohemian freedom and timeless femininity at the heart of the collaboration. Her musical storytelling parallels the natural versatility of cotton, a fabric that seamlessly fits into any moment of her life. The comfort, breathability, and versatility of cotton blends with the vibrancy of LoveShackFancy to create a charming assortment of elevated summer pieces, designed to inspire confidence and individual beauty, on and off the stage.

“I was so excited when LoveShackFancy and Cotton asked me to star in their campaign,” says Carter Faith. “The mood is so cinematic and wild, and wearing cotton fabrics allows me to stay cool and comfortable while performing or traveling on tour. These styles are the perfect mix of vintage Western and romantic nostalgia for the summer.”

“With the third chapter of American Icons, we’re demonstrating how cotton brings together culture, creativity, and performance in a way few materials can,” said William Kimbrell, President and CEO of Cotton Incorporated. “This collaboration with LoveShackFancy and Carter Faith highlights cotton’s enduring relevance—rooted in comfort, versatility, and authenticity—while connecting with a new generation through storytelling that feels both nostalgic and distinctly modern.”

The Cotton Collection features LoveShackFancy’s best-selling heritage styles, including two custom-designed looks created exclusively for Faith, alongside flowing chiffon lace dresses, patchwork minis, and playful cherry prints. Every piece is crafted in ultra-soft, natural cotton that feels as beautiful as it is breathable, making it the ideal fabric for the season. The collection is available online and in-store at loveshackfancy.com from May 19 through July 2026.

To celebrate the launch, LoveShackFancy will host exclusive event appearances at select stops along Faith’s tour with Post Malone and Jelly Roll. A custom-wrapped tour vehicle will bring the campaign to life on the road, creating an immersive Cotton x LoveShackFancy experience. Celebrations will kick off on May 19 with the official collection launch, marked by intimate in-store moments and a special gift with purchase at select boutiques. On June 6, during CMA Fest weekend in Nashville, Carter Faith will join LoveShackFancy and Cotton for an in-store meet and greet featuring exclusive surprises for an afternoon to remember. The partnership will culminate on July 15 in Kansas City, celebrating the final stretch of Carter’s tour in true LoveShackFancy fashion. Further details on event locations, RSVP information, and more will be announced soon; stay tuned.

“This partnership is so special because it honors the fabric that is core to LoveShackFancy’s heritage. Cotton has been essential in building the ease and comfort that makes our pieces so timeless and wearable,” says Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Creative Director and Founder of LoveShackFancy. “Creating this campaign with Carter Faith has been a dream. She is the perfect modern heroine, part Nancy Sinatra and part vintage Dolly, to represent our third year of American Icons.”

Posted: May 25, 2026

Source Cotton Incorporated

BioFleax® Enters A Global Fashion Context Through The Stella Mccartney H&M Spring 2026 Collection

LONDON and PARIS and AMSTERDAM — May 22, 2026 —  100% Plant-based performance material BioFleax® has entered the global fashion stage through the Stella McCartney H&M Spring 2026 collection, appearing in a snakeskin-print bomber jacket released as part of the collaboration.

Plant-based performance material BioFleax featured in the Stella McCartney H&M collection

More than 20 years after the first Stella McCartney H&M collaboration, the partnership returns at a moment when lower-impact design, material innovation, supply chain transparency, and circularity are becoming increasingly important to the future of fashion.

Within this context, BioFleax becomes more than a material name in the product composition. It represents one of the ways next-generation plant-based materials are beginning to enter mainstream fashion products — not as a concept, but as part of a finished garment made for consumers.

BioFleax is a proprietary technology platform for next-generation plant-based performance materials, designed to combine the comfort associated with natural fibers with the functional qualities of synthetics. Built on renewable biomass resources, molecular design, and process innovation, BioFleax enables high-performance materials for modern textile applications.

In the collection, BioFleax moves from material development into a finished fashion product made for consumers. Its use in the snakeskin-print bomber jacket demonstrates how plant-based performance materials can support design expression while entering real product development, supply chains, retail, and consumer-facing applications.

For the fashion industry, this is significant because next-generation materials must prove more than environmental intent. They must work within product design, manufacturing processes, and market-ready applications. BioFleax’s role in the Stella McCartney H&M collection provides a concrete example of how plant-based material innovation can move beyond concept-stage experimentation and into global fashion products.

As brands increasingly look beyond surface design to the materials behind a product, BioFleax offers a new pathway for material innovation: one that begins with renewable biomass, is engineered for performance, and is developed with future circularity in mind.

Posted: May 25, 2026

Source: Leaf Bio

Visitor Registration Now Open For ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026

SHANGHAI, China — May 25, 2026 —  ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 will be held from 20 to 24 November 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai).

As of 24 March, both the number of exhibiting companies and the exhibition space have surpassed all previous editions of the combined exhibition, demonstrating strong confidence in the textile machinery industry within the Chinese market and in Asia as manufacturing hubs.

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 will showcase the entire textile value chain, spanning spinning, man-made fibres, weaving, knitting, printing, dyeing and finishing, nonwovens, embroidery, garment, braiding, recycling, testing and packaging machinery, components and textile chemicals.

Visitors can expect to meet leading textile machinery manufacturers such as Atexco, Barmag, Beijing Chonglee, BEST, BZS, CHTC, Cixing, Dornier, Epson, Fongs, Hicorp, Hongyuan, Itema, Karl Mayer, Konica Minolta, LMW, Murata, Picanol, Rieter, Rifa, Santoni, Saurer, Shima Seiki, Staubli, Taitan, Texpro, TMT, Truetzschler, Vandewiele, Yoantion, and Yingyang. Industry leaders will showcase the latest developments in digitalisation, intelligent manufacturing and green production on-site.

Visitor Pre-registration Launches in May — Early Bird and Group Benefits Offered

To enhance the visiting experience and sourcing efficiency, the pre-registration system will officially open on 25 May 2026 and remain available until 19 November. International trade visitors can complete registration via the official exhibition websites (www.itmaasia.com or www.citme.com.cn).

Participants who complete pre-registration before 19 November will enjoy a 40% early-bird discount on admission tickets. In addition, industry organisations arranging group visits consisting of six or more participants may apply for further preferential benefits.

Intensive Roadshows Launched

The organisers have launched an intensive visitor promotion campaign that combines online and offline strategies, focusing on key industrial clusters. A series of international roadshows will support this effort through a dual approach of attracting buyers to the event while expanding global outreach across major textile markets.

Delegation and Overseas Buyer Groups Expected to Visit at the Combined Exhibition

Leveraging the exhibition’s strong industry influence, group invitations have been extended to more than 100 overseas trade associations, industry organisations and key enterprises.

Within China, promotional activities will target both established coastal textile hubs such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong and Guangdong, as well as emerging industrial clusters in Xinjiang, Hubei and Henan. ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 in Shanghai will showcase leading textile machinery technologies while serving as a business platform for collaboration and industry exchange.

Posted: May 25, 2026

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT TEX, CTMA & CIEC

PLASTICS And ANIPAC Call For Renewal Of USMCA/T-MEC As Negotiations Begin

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 25, 2026 — Ahead of this week’s first official USMCA/T-MEC Review bilateral negotiating meeting in Mexico City, Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), and Benjamín del Arco, President of National Association of Plastics Industry (ANIPAC), issued the following statement:

“PLASTICS and ANIPAC welcome the ongoing dialogue between the governments of the United States and Mexico as part of the USMCA/T-MEC review. This engagement is essential to strengthening North America’s competitiveness. The plastics industry plays a vital role in supporting key sectors of both economies, including automotive, construction, medical and healthcare, packaging, electronics, agriculture, and consumer goods.

USMCA/T-MEC has been instrumental in fostering integrated supply chains, economic growth and competitiveness in the plastics industries of the three trading partners. In 2025, plastics trade volume totaled $117.6 billion and supported millions of jobs across the region. A reliable and stable regional resin supply chain is critical to continued growth of the industry.

We support expanding the agreement’s agricultural provisions, closing loopholes that allow non-member countries market access by reinforcing regional content requirements to support North American manufacturing and jobs. We also call for strong enforcement standards and modernized customs procedures to promote fair competition and strengthen regional supply chains.

PLASTICS and ANIPAC remain committed to working with policymakers in the U.S. and Mexico to renew USMCA/T-MEC for the benefit of our industries, workers, and the North American economy.”

Posted: May 25, 2026

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Itema To Showcase Weaving Excellence At ITM 2026

COLZATE, Italy and ISTANBUL, Türkiye  — May 21, 2026 — From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain.

For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

At the heart of the stand, the textile gallery will present a curated selection of fabrics woven on Itema machines, offering visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand the versatility, quality, and textile capabilities of the Itema weaving machines, achievable across a wide range of applications and market segments. The fabrics on display come from collections that our customers have presented to international brands, and feature particularly refined textile characteristics, such as complex constructions and the use of delicate, precious, or recycled yarns.

Alongside the fabric exhibition, the weaving solutions area will spotlight some of Itema’s latest innovations, including the MEC-T mechanical tuckers and the iSAVER® waste selvedge removal system available up to 6 colors.

Developed to support more sustainable weaving processes, iSAVER® contributes to optimized resource usage and improved operational efficiency.

Special focus will also be dedicated to Itema’s OEM spare parts offering – including components for legacy Itema brands – underlining the importance of genuine parts in ensuring long-term machine performance, reliability, and productivity. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the HelloItema customer portal and discover the advantages of Itema’s integrated spare parts ecosystem.

Türkiye has long represented a strategic market for Itema, with strong partnerships across key textile segments including curtains, home textiles, apparel, denim, and technical fabrics. Through continuous technological innovation and customer support, Itema remains committed to helping Turkish manufacturers achieve high-quality weaving performance and production efficiency. Supported by the strong local organization of Itema Türkiye, Customers benefit from responsive technical assistance, frequent on-site service visits, and rapid OEM spare parts availability, helping reduce unplanned downtime and support safe, reliable, and continuous mill operations.

Pamir Özaltan, Itema Türkiye Managing Director commented: “ITM represents an important opportunity to meet with our Customers and partners and strengthen the relationships we have built over the years. The exhibition concept we are presenting reflects the close collaboration between Itema and the Turkish textile industry, as well as the weaving excellence that this partnership continues to generate.”

Matteo Mutti, Itema Group Chief Sales & Service Officer and Itemalab Head of Textile Innovation added: “With this year’s presence at ITM, we want to emphasize the tangible results our technology enables and the value we create throughout the weaving process – from machine performance to the final fabric.”

Visitors are invited to discover Itema’s textile gallery and weaving solutions at Hall 8 – Stand 806D.

Posted: May 21, 2026

Source: ITEMA S.p.A.

 

Panda Biotech And Culturewell Hemp Establish India’s First Integrated Hemp Fiber-To-Yarn Supply Chain

DALLAS, TEXAS — May 21, 2026 — Panda Biotech, America’s leading zero-waste industrial hemp processor and operator of the largest hemp decortication facility in the Western Hemisphere, today announced the launch of India’s first fully integrated hemp fiber-to-yarn supply chain ecosystem in partnership with Culturewell Trading LLP and its subsidiary, Culturewell Hemp Pvt. Ltd. Together, the companies have established the infrastructure needed to transform certified U.S.-grown hemp from mechanically-cottonized fiber into finished yarn, including degumming and spinning capabilities that were previously unavailable in India.

The partnership positions both companies at the center of one of the most significant growth opportunities in the global textile supply chain. India is home to some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated textile manufacturing systems, supplying yarns, fabrics, denim, garments, technical textiles, and home furnishings to leading global brands. As demand accelerates for traceable, sustainable raw materials, Indian mills are increasingly seeking reliable hemp fiber partners capable of delivering at scale with consistent quality.

Dixie Carter

“India represents one of the most strategically important textile markets in the world,” said Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter. “The country’s mills and manufacturers are searching for high-quality natural fibers that can compete globally on consistency, performance, traceability, and price. Through our partnership with Culturewell, we now have a trusted, experienced partner on the ground to accelerate adoption of American-grown hemp across India.”

By combining Panda Biotech’s premium, mechanically-processed hemp fiber with Culturewell’s market expertise and established distribution network, the companies aim to drive adoption of high-performance hemp materials across India’s textile sector. Every shipment is backed by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and USDA BioPreferred® certifications, reinforcing the partnership’s focus on traceability, quality standards, and sustainability.

“What we have built with Panda Biotech is not simply a supply agreement, it is the foundation of an entirely new industrial framework for hemp in India,” said Culturewell CEO Rajesh Raizada. “Indian customers have been asking for hemp yarn, not just fiber. For the first time, we can deliver it—certified American-grown hemp, degummed, spun, and ready for the mills. We are proud to bring the highest-quality, traceable U.S.-grown hemp products to India and to help build the sustainable hemp supply chain this market deserves.”

Products available through the Panda Biotech and Culturewell partnership include:

Textile-Grade Mechanically Cottonized Fiber sustainably processed using mechanical cottonization without scouring or bleaching. This fiber is ready to be blended with cotton or other cellulosic fibers and spun into coarse count yarns. Mills have successfully spun from 6s to 30s yarns for knitting with this fiber. In addition, it has non-woven applications such as thermal and acoustic insulation, vacuum insulated panels, carpet backing, mattress ticking, and much more.

Degummed Fiber has been scoured and either bleached or semi-bleached for knits and lightweight fabrics that require medium and fine count yarn. This fiber can be blended with cotton, viscose, lyocell, and other cellulosic fibers to spin yarns for ring spinning 20s and 30s yarn counts for textiles or absorbent hygiene, filtration, wipes, and medical product industries.

Yarn has been produced by Culturewell and is available in hemp blends that range from 20–100%.

The partnership builds on strong early momentum. Panda Biotech recently made its India market debut at the Yarns & Fibers Expo in Mumbai, where its mechanically processed hemp fiber products drew significant interest from textile manufacturers, fiber processors, and apparel brands across the region. Demand was especially strong for degummed hemp fiber and hemp yarn, particularly 20s and 30s single-count yarns in hemp blends ranging from 30–100%.

Panda Biotech’s hemp fiber enters the Indian market with three distinct advantages over over established suppliers:

Pricing advantage: US-grown hemp fiber processed in India may qualify for duty benefits on exports to the U.S.market, creating a meaningful cost edge over competing sources.

Quality, consistency and scale: Panda Biotech’s mechanically cottonized fiber delivers traceable, high-performance fiber at commercial scale that Indian textile mills need to compete globally.

Sustainability credentials: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and USDA BioPreferred® certifications provide a verifiable sustainability story that supports the sourcing and compliance expectations of export-focused global brands.

Culturewell Hemp and Panda Biotech welcome inquiries from textile mills, yarn spinners, denim and apparel manufacturers, fashion brands, and non-woven companies seeking premium, sustainable hemp fiber solutions. To explore distribution, partnership, or supply opportunities, contact Culturewell Hemp Pvt.Ltd. at info@culturewellhemp.com.

Posted: May 21, 2026

Source: Panda Biotech, LLC

Monforts Sees Growing Potential For Technical Textiles In Türkiye

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — May 19, 2026 — For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts.

At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.

Industry standard

Monforts Montex stenters are still the industry standard for the fabric finishing industry.

Monforts Montex stenters – for processes such as drying, stretching, heat-setting and coating – are still the industry standard for the fabric finishing industry, not only in the sectors of denim and home textiles, but also in the field of technical textiles, with a number of advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in energy efficiency and savings.

Thermex continuous dyeing ranges are meanwhile recognised for their ability to deliver high productivity, excellent dyeing quality and significant energy savings. The Thermex system combines precise application technology with advanced process control to ensure highly uniform dye penetration and outstanding colour reproducibility across long production runs.

With the trend towards smaller lot sizes per colour in continuous dyeing and the requirement for simple processes, Thermex ranges often exploit the benefits of the proven Econtrol®* process for reactive dyestuffs developed by Monforts together with Dystar. This is a simple, quick and economical one-pass pad-dry-wash off continuous dyeing process with drying in the hotflue at 120-130°C and controlled humidity of 25-30% by volume, to obtain fixation in two-to-three minutes.

The other key technologies in the Monforts standard range include DynAir relaxation dryers and Monfortex compressive shrinking ranges and recent complete line installations in Türkiye include those at Altoteks, Altun, İlay Textile, Kücüker, Kipas Denim, Palmiye, Seher and Rose Fabric among many others.

Retrofits

Because Monforts machines are known for their robustness and long service life, Monforts is increasingly called upon to carry out the retrofitting of specific modules with new control and drive technology which go far beyond the basic replacement of spare parts and can have a significant impact on the performance of an existing line.

The Matex Eco Applicator is one of a number of energy and resource saving modules available for retrofitting.

Options here include universal Energy Tower– a flexible, free-standing air/air heat exchanger for recovering the heat from the exhaust air flow of thermal processes – the Eco Booster, which can be completely integrated into the chamber design of existing Montex stenters, as a single state-of-the-art heat recovery system with automatic cleaning, and the Matex Eco Applicator, an alternative to the conventional padding process for energy-conscious finishing.

Technical textiles

Monforts will also be highlighting its technologies for coating following the successive introductions of the MontexCoat, coaTTex and VertiDry systems.

For the region’s textile mills, a wide range of new opportunities are being opened up in new technical end-use markets via adding functionality and performance to basic textile substrates. The markets range from tents, awnings, sailcloth and blackout blinds to automotive interiors , filter media, flame-retardant barrier fabrics and those for composite parts reinforcement

Monforts Area Sales Manager Thomas Päffgen

“In Türkiye we are very strongly supported by our representative Neotek, our solution partner on the ground for service, installation and commissioning, providing specialised and rapid help to all of our customers,” says Monforts Area Sales Manager Thomas Päffgen. “ITM is always one of the most important exhibitions for Monforts, for meeting customers not just from Türkiye, but across the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, and Istanbul’s centralised position makes it accessible to the majority of the major textile manufacturing hubs, providing us with the ideal platform for a fruitful five days.”

*Econtrol® is a registered trademark of Dystar.

Posted: May 19, 2026

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

N.C. State Wilson College Of Textiles And Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center Launch TextileREADY Education And Training Program

RALEIGH & BELMONT, N.C. — May 19, 2026 — A new workforce development initiative, the TextileREADY Education and Training Program, is now available to support the evolving needs of the textile industry by building a pipeline of skilled, industry‑ready professionals.

Powered by TextilesUSA, a collaborative digital platform hosted by the N.C. State University Wilson College of Textiles, designed to connect education and industry, the TextileREADY learning management system is a joint collaboration between the Wilson College of Textiles and Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center. The program delivers a flexible, on‑demand digital training platform that equips workers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s textile and advanced materials sector.

TextileREADY builds on the long-standing history of both the Gaston College Textile Technology Center and N.C. State’s Zeis Textiles Extension in supporting industry through textile testing, product development, and prototyping services. This foundation of applied, industry-facing expertise ensures the training platform is grounded in real-world manufacturing needs and current industry practices.

In addition, the program leverages Gaston College’s established pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs, which support advanced manufacturing workforce development, as well as dual enrollment opportunities and K–12 outreach initiatives led by both institutions. Together, these efforts create a comprehensive talent pipeline—from early exposure and education through career entry and advancement aligned with industry demand.

The program emphasizes rapid skill acquisition, providing a direct and accessible pathway into the industry through high‑quality training aligned with workforce demands. Designed to complement company onboarding processes, TextileREADY supports both new employees and individuals transitioning into careers in textiles and advanced materials, while helping employers strengthen and sustain their talent pipelines.

The platform includes 21 industry‑informed training modules, offered as individual courses, guided learning pathways, or fully customizable training tracks tailored to specific company needs. Developed in direct response to industry feedback, course offerings span professional development and soft skills, foundational technical topics such as textile and knitting fundamentals, and essential areas including industrial safety.

Participants earn industry‑aligned credentials that reflect current manufacturing and textile standards, ensuring immediate applicability in the workplace. TextileREADY is also in the process of applying for a nationally recognized designation training program, further enhancing its value for both employers and participants.

While current offerings focus on foundational and intermediate skills, future modules will expand to include advanced textile topics, including advanced materials and emerging technologies, with planned collaboration from additional academic and research institutions. TextileREADY is currently available in Spanish and can be adapted to support additional languages.

“Gaston College is proud to partner with N.C. State’s Wilson College of Textiles through the TextileREADY program to help strengthen and grow the advanced fibers and textile workforce,” said Dr. John Hauser, President of Gaston College. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, and creating meaningful pathways for students into high-demand, high-impact careers. Together, we are not only preparing students for the future, we are helping shape the future of this industry in North Carolina and beyond.”

“The TextileREADY partnership will power advanced manufacturing and produce innovative, career-ready technical textile workers – future managers and leaders for our state and world,” said David Hinks, Dean of N.C. State Wilson College of Textiles. “It is a brilliant example of the transformative impact academic-industry partnerships can have on students’ lives through flexible, applied learning and lifetime career support.”

“The TextileREADY platform represents a major step forward in addressing workforce needs by making industry‑relevant training more accessible than ever,” said Davis Warlick, COO, Parkdale Mills. “By combining academic expertise with hands-on industry insight, TextileREADY is helping prepare a stronger, more future‑ready manufacturing workforce.”

TextilesUSA collaborators will continue to expand nationwide through partnerships with academic, research, industry, trade, and private-sector textile training organizations to further develop and enhance the TextileREADY program course offerings. The TextileREADY Digital Training Platform is available now, offering immediate access to courses designed to enhance technical knowledge, safety preparedness, and professional growth across the textile industry.

For a full listing of courses and to register, visit: https://www.textilesusa.org

Posted: May 19, 2026

Source: Gaston College

Novonesis Becomes A Bluesign System Partner, Reinforcing Sustainable Innovation In Textiles And Leather

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  — May 11, 2026 — Novonesis becomes a bluesign System Partner, reinforcing sustainable innovation in textiles and leather. Bluesign is a sustainability solutions provider for the textile industry, aiming to ensure that materials, chemicals, and manufacturing processes meet the highest environmental and safety standards.

By becoming a bluesign System Partner, Novonesis commits to working within the system on input assessment, transparency, and continuous improvement—reinforcing our role as a provider of biosolutions designed to support more responsible production.

“Becoming a bluesign System Partner is a strong validation of our approach to innovation. Our biosolutions are designed to help the textile and leather industries move away from resource-intensive and hazardous processes. This partnership reflects our commitment to engage with rigorous standards for environmental and chemical management across the textile and leather value chain,” said Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President of Global Marketing for Household & Industrial Biosolutions at Novonesis.

The bluesign System is built on science-driven criteria and primary data verified by bluesign experts. It connects chemical suppliers, manufacturers, and brands within a single system covering chemical management, resource use, and worker and consumer safety.

“We are pleased to welcome Novonesis as a bluesign System Partner. Their focus on biosolutions and enzyme-based technologies supports the industry’s transition toward safer and more responsible production processes across textiles and leather,” said Barbara Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at bluesign.

As part of its portfolio, Novonesis offers biology-based enzymatic solutions designed with both performance and responsible handling in mind.

One example is DeniBrite™, Novonesis’ biological denim bleaching solution platform. DeniBrite™ solutions enable the replacement of conventional bleaching agents such as chlorine and potassium permanganate. This allows laundries to achieve desired finishes while reducing the use of harmful chemicals, water consumption, and overall environmental impact.

The bluesign System Partnership reinforces Novonesis’ commitment to advancing responsible production in the textile and leather industries.

With growing demand for transparency and accountability in textiles and leather, Novonesis continues to focus on delivering innovations that enable measurable impact—from input chemistry to finished product.

“Solutions like DeniBrite™ show the potential of biosolutions to transform traditional processes in textiles and leather. By replacing harsh chemicals with enzymes, manufacturers can improve worker safety, reduce chemical use and lower their environmental footprint, helping them meet increasing regulatory, brand, and customer demands,” added Hans Ole Klingenberg.

To learn more, visit https://www.novonesis.com/en/biosolutions/industrial-bioprocessing/textile/bluesign

Posted: May 15, 2026

Source: Novonesis

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