LOS ANGELES — June 29, 2026 — BELLA+CANVAS today announced the completion of its transition to new ownership by SanMar Corporation, marking an important milestone in the brand’s next chapter. BELLA+CANVAS will continue as an independent brand headquartered in Los Angeles under the leadership of Executive Vice President Megan Spire, whose nearly 15-year tenure with the brand reflects the continuity, expertise, and deep knowledge guiding BELLA+CANVAS forward.
The acquisition strengthens BELLA+CANVAS’s position in the marketplace and provides additional resources to accelerate the innovation, product development, quality, and customer experience while preserving the identity and creative vision that have defined the brand for nearly three decades.
With new ownership in place, BELLA+CANVAS remains firmly rooted in the creative vision, product philosophy, and customer-first approach that have made it one of the most recognized and preferred names in the print wear and decorated apparel industry.
The path to purchase remains straightforward. Products will continue to be available directly at bellacanvas.com, through BELLA+CANVAS’s network of long-standing local and regional distributor partners listed below, and through SanMar who will serve as the exclusive national wholesale distributor of BELLA+CANVAS products moving forward. Customers may continue to purchase through other national wholesale distributors while inventory remains available.
Local & regional distributor partners include Atlantic Coast Cotton, Carolina Made, McCreary’s Tees, Mission Imprintables, One Stop, SLC Activewear, and Staton.
As a family-owned company with a long-term perspective, SanMar recognizes the unique strengths of BELLA+CANVAS and the opportunity to invest in its future. The acquisition provides the support and scale to help fuel continued growth while preserving the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and distinctive point of view that have always set BELLA+CANVAS apart.
“The brand, the team, and the creative vision that built BELLA+CANVAS remain exactly where they belong, at the center of everything we do,” said Megan Spire, Executive Vice President of BELLA+CANVAS. “For our customers and partners, the message is simple: the people, products, and brand they trust remain firmly in place. We’re excited about what lies ahead and focused on continuing to deliver the premium quality, product innovation, and design leadership that have defined BELLA+CANVAS from the beginning.
Supporting Spire is a talented organization of industry veterans whose decades of experience and passion across sales, marketing, creative, and design continue to drive the brand forward.
“Creativity and great design have always been part of our DNA here at BELLA+CANVAS,” said Michelle Yu, Vice President of Creative & Design at BELLA+CANVAS. “Our approach to product design, trend-forward thinking, attention to detail, and premium quality remains unchanged. We will continue to create products that inspire our customers while building on the artistic foundation that has made BELLA+CANVAS an influential and trusted leader in the industry.”
Looking ahead, BELLA+CANVAS plans to introduce over 20 new styles for 2027, expanding its product portfolio with the elevated design, exceptional fit and premium quality that continue to inspire creativity and shape culture. To locate an authorized BELLA+CANVAS distributor, visit: https://www.bellacanvas.com/distributor-locator.
BEDFORD, Mass. — June 25, 2026 — AFFOA (Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc.) announced today that The Lycra Company, Gentex Corporation, Ecotune and MacroCycle Technologies have been selected as awardees in the third round of its Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF 3.0) program. The goal of the PAFF 3.0 program is to address critical technical and manufacturing challenges by providing no-cost access to AFFOA’s engineering experts, prototyping and testing facilities, manufacturing scale-up capabilities and domestic supply chain network to improve manufacturability and accelerate time to market.
“The caliber of proposals we received for this round of PAFF was remarkable, and selecting just four awardees was no easy task,” said AFFOA CEO Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D. “What stood out about The Lycra Company, Gentex Corporation, Ecotune, and MacroCycle was their shared commitment to solving real manufacturing challenges — faster development cycles, improving production efficiency and quality, and scaling more sustainable, high-performance materials. Bridging that gap between innovation and real-world manufacturing is at the heart of what AFFOA does, and we are excited to bring our technical expertise to bear on each of these projects.”
The Lycra Company, a global leader in fiber innovation, will partner with AFFOA to integrate virtual garment prototyping into its product development process. In the realms of activewear, athleisure, and performance apparel, physical fit trials traditionally drive validation and are often accompanied by two to three months of lead time. Through PAFF 3.0, The Lycra Company will leverage AFFOA’s digital engineering expertise to evaluate and validate three-dimensional garment simulation software for close-to-body applications such as leggings and sports bras. This initiative will supplement live wear trials and accelerate product development and reduce time to market by enabling more rapid, accurate virtual fit and performance assessments. “This partnership with AFFOA connects what we engineer at the fiber level with what consumers experience at the garment level,” said Molly Fulin, Product Category Director – Knits, The LYCRA Company. “By exploring how advanced digital prototyping can reflect the stretch and recovery of materials, we have the opportunity to enhance how we develop, validate, and bring high-performance solutions to market.”
Gentex Corporation, a longtime leader in protective helmet manufacturing for the U.S. Department of War, will receive AFFOA’s assistance in maturing an automation solution for sewing operations. Currently, Gentex produces thousands of helmets per month across its US facilities. Each helmet requires products sewn individually by an operator — a process that is both repetitive and time consuming. Through PAFF 3.0, AFFOA will help advance prototype solutions through larger scale implementations for application across all Gentex sewing cells, driving efficiency, consistency, and worker safety. “The PAFF program is more than a path to automation for Gentex, it is an opportunity to improve safety, efficiency, and consistency across our manufacturing operations. By advancing this technology with AFFOA, we can better support our workforce while maintaining the uncompromising quality and reliability that the U.S. warfighter expects from every Gentex helmet.” Mike Turek, Chief Operating Officer, Gentex Corporation.
Ecotune, a material innovation startup, will leverage AFFOA’s expertise to accelerate the commercialization of its fully bio-based, plastic-free textile coatings designed to replace high-carbon footprint materials like polyurethane and PVC. Backed by five years of NSF- and EPA-supported research, Ecotune has created a USDA-certified, 100% bio-based coating technology that meets or exceeds key performance metrics — including tensile strength, flex resistance, and abrasion resistance — while achieving projected price parity with conventional coatings. Through PAFF 3.0, Ecotune will draw on AFFOA’s knowledge in manufacturing scale-up, process development and the textile supply chain to assess the technology’s drop-in compatibility with existing textile manufacturing infrastructure and conduct roll-to-roll pilot scale trials. The project is expected to validate a scalable pathway to commercialization and enable broader adoption of an innovative bio-based coating technology. “Scaling up is vital to bringing innovation to the market and Ecotune having access to the resources of AFFOA will get us there faster and more economically.” said Ella Csuka, Founder of Ecotune.
MacroCycle Technologies, a hard tech startup developing a breakthrough textile-to-textile recycling platform, will collaborate with AFFOA to accelerate the commercial readiness of its SolvoGenesis™ platform, which converts post-consumer polyester waste into virgin-quality recycled polyester resin using over 80% less energy than conventional PET production. With global polyester fiber production exceeding 70 million tons annually and less than one percent currently recycled, MacroCycle’s breakthrough chemistry purifies and upgrades polyester without degrading performance. Through PAFF 3.0, AFFOA will apply its expertise in textile manufacturing, testing and evaluation, and domestic supply chain development to produce commercial-grade fabric swatches from recycled PET, validate textile-level performance, and connect MacroCycle with domestic supply chain partners, ultimately accelerating market adoption of textile-to-textile recycling technologies and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. “We’re excited to partner with AFFOA and leverage their deep expertise in knitting and weaving to take our MacroTEX resin + yarns to the next level by crafting fabrics for our customers – a critical step in our scaling journey to bring energy- and cost-efficient T2T textiles to major domestic and global markets.” Jan-Georg Rosenboom, Ph.D., MacroCycle Co-founder & CTO.
PAFF 3.0 advances AFFOA’s mission of accelerating technology maturation and strengthening domestic supply chain resilience by helping companies overcome barriers to commercialization through access to world-class technical expertise and manufacturing resources. Collectively, these awardees reflect the breadth and ambition of what is possible when industry expertise meets AFFOA’s hands-on support — and the critical role advanced textiles will play in the future of U.S manufacturing.
Posted: June 29, 2026
Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — June 25, 2026 — Milliken & Company, a global leader in materials science, is delivering next-generation fabric whitening performance with Millibrite® technology, designed to meet the demands of modern laundry care formulations.
Milliken is delivering next-generation fabric whitening performance with Millibrite® technology, designed to meet the demands of modern laundry care formulations.
As consumer habits, lighting environments, and sustainability expectations evolve, traditional whitening systems have struggled to keep pace. Many conventional optical brighteners rely on ultraviolet (UV) light, which is increasingly limited in modern indoor environments dominated by LED lighting.
Millibrite addresses this challenge through proprietary polymer-based chemistry that deposits controlled amounts of blue-violet color onto fabric surfaces. This process helps neutralize yellowing that naturally develops over time, delivering a cleaner, brighter appearance across wash cycles without the drawbacks associated with harsher chemistries.
“Whiteness remains one of the most important signals of cleanliness, but the way consumers experience it has changed,” said Dirk Vanhee, Sales and Marketing Director for Milliken’s polymer solutions business in Europe. “Millibrite is designed to deliver consistent, visible results across real-world conditions, from LED-lit homes to natural daylight.”
Millibrite delivers visible whitening performance under a range of lighting conditions, including environments with minimal UV exposure. The technology is engineered to provide consistent brightness indoors and outdoors while helping reduce over-bluing and uneven results.
In addition to improved visual performance, Millibrite supports formulation flexibility and compatibility across detergent systems. It integrates into both liquid and powder formulations and performs effectively on a variety of fiber types, including natural and synthetic fabrics.
The technology also aligns with broader sustainability trends in home care. Millibrite enables strong performance in cold and low-temperature wash programs and helps extend garment life by reducing reliance on harsh bleaching agents.
By combining visible performance, formulation versatility, and responsible design, Millibrite offers formulators a modern approach to achieving brighter, longer-lasting results in laundry care applications.
For more information about Millibrite and other polymer solutions innovations from Milliken, visit milliken.com.
NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — June 25, 2026 — In a joint project with Object Carpet GmbH, Denkendorf; the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA), Augsburg; and Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH (NGR), Feldkirchen, Austria, Barmag investigated the processing of recycled polyester for BCF yarn. The goal was to evaluate the fundamental suitability of 100% recycled carpet material for reuse in carpet yarn production to create a closed-loop system in carpet manufacturing. To date, commercial rPET BCF processes have been based solely on rPET from bottle pellets.
Object Carpet tests production of rPET BCF yarn on Neumag BCF line
From carpet to carpet: Flexible process control on Neumag BCF systems enables the targeted processing of recycled polymers and lays the foundation for closed-loop material cycles in carpet production.
The tests were conducted on the Neumag BCF line at the R&D center in Neumünster. Thanks to its flexible process control and targeted parameterization, the line enables the processing of even challenging materials and is therefore well-suited for development and test runs.
As part of the investigations, recycled PET from 100% polyester NEOO carpet material supplied by Object Carpet was processed without the addition of virgin polymer. The trials, conducted on a practical production scale, demonstrated that it is possible to feed the material back into the spinning process. Dr. Kirsten Prehn, who is responsible for the Neumag BCF processes, summarizes: “During the trials, we observed that, as expected, material quality — particularly viscosity and purity — significantly influences process stability and yarn quality. Using the Neumag BCF system, we were able to adapt the process control specifically and flexibly to the particular requirements of the recycled polymer and thus produce BCF yarn.”
Part of the recycled yarn was subsequently used to produce a carpet sample. The results show that a closed-loop system in the BCF sector is not merely a theoretical concept: a mono-material carpet product can deliver a genuine recycling loop in practice — without the addition of virgin polymer. Neumag BCF systems can play a key role in the evaluation and further development of recycling processes. At the same time, the trials have identified areas where approaches for stable industrial implementation and further optimizations in material design and process control are possible. The flexibility of process control on Neumag BCF systems is an essential prerequisite for this.
BRUSSELS — June 23, 2026 — In line with the theme “Co-creating the future of textiles”, ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.
“Start-ups are an essential part of co-creating the future of textiles,” said Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX. “By bringing together innovators and industry leaders, ITMA provides the environment and opportunities needed to accelerate innovation and help promising ideas evolve into viable business ventures.”
Since its debut at ITMA 2023, the Start-Up Valley has attracted growing interest from entrepreneurial ventures worldwide. Applications for ITMA 2027 have nearly doubled compared with the previous edition, reflecting strong demand and reinforcing ITMA’s position as the world’s leading marketplace for textile and garment technologies.
As preparations progress, sector planning will move into the next phase following the close of stand space applications on 8 July 2026. Companies which submit their applications early will have greater assurance of securing exhibiting space within their relevant product sector before detailed planning gets underway.
Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, organiser of ITMA said: “In an era of rapid technological change, sustainability imperatives and increasing market volatility, no single organisation can shape the future alone. Industry leaders, innovators, researchers and manufacturers must come together in Hanover to collaborate, share expertise and develop solutions that will drive the next chapter of sustainable textile manufacturing. Such collective action is particularly important as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties continue to challenge global trade and investment.”
Regular ITMA participant Woolmark sees ITMA as an important platform that aligns with its focus on innovation, sustainability and collaboration.
“ITMA brings together the full textile value chain. For Woolmark, it’s a significant industry event that connects us with technology leaders, manufacturers and innovators shaping high-performance natural fibre production, and an opportunity to showcase the possibilities of Merino wool innovation as solutions for the journey towards a nature-positive future,” said Julie Davies, General Manager, Industry Development, Woolmark.
Visitor interest is also expected to be strong, as textile and garment manufacturers look to ITMA 2027 to discover technologies, exchange ideas and identify solutions that can support their future business priorities.
“ITMA is where we can see the direction of the textile industry first-hand. We look forward to visiting ITMA 2027 in Hanover, where industry and textile research come together. In doing so, the trade fair creates the conditions for translating new ideas into practical applications more quickly. For Europe – and Germany in particular – as a textile hub, ITMA serves as a key driver for the transformation of the entire value chain,” said Johannes Diebel, Managing Director Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V..
Taking place from 16 to 22 September 2027 at Messegelände Hannover, Germany, ITMA 2027 will continue to spotlight innovation across the entire textile and garment manufacturing value chain, with a focus on advanced materials, automation and the digital future, sustainability and circularity, and human-centric manufacturing.
The last ITMA exhibition was held in Milan in 2023. It featured the participation of 1,709 exhibitors from 47 countries, and visitorship of over 111,000 from 143 countries.
With demand building across sectors, interested companies are encouraged to submit their stand applications by 8 July 2026 at: https://exh.itma.com/ITMA2027/ExhibitorCentre/Login.aspx
Posted: June 29, 2026
Source: The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) & ITMA Services
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 25, 2026 — The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential.
Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy
In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.
To succeed in the footwear market, you need technology
The footwear sector is one of the most demanding areas of the textile and apparel industry. Today’s modern athletic shoes must meet a wide range of requirements simultaneously: they need to be lightweight and durable, offer optimal comfort, stabilize the foot, be breathable, and be produced sustainably.
“From a technical standpoint, a modern athletic shoe is like a mini-car packed into a tiny space,” explained Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy in his presentation. In fact, a single shoe often contains up to 30 individual components that must work together perfectly to achieve the desired performance.
At the same time, pressure on manufacturers is growing. Development cycles are expected to become shorter, production more resource-efficient, and processes less complex. This is precisely where warp knitting technology offers new perspectives. It transforms textile manufacturers into far more than mere material suppliers: they become development partners and co-creators of the product.
“All the products we develop today are designed with a specific supplier and a specific material in mind,” says Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy.
For brands like New Balance, innovative textile solutions are thus becoming a decisive competitive factor – and warp knitting technology is becoming a key technology for the next generation of shoes.
Less complexity, more speed
Traditional athletic shoes consist of a multitude of individual components: upper parts, overlays, reinforcements, and appliqués are cut to size, glued together, and assembled in several steps. This makes production time-consuming, increases the shoe’s weight, results in material waste, and lengthens development cycles.
Warp knitting technology takes a different approach: functions such as breathability or support, as well as aesthetic elements, are integrated directly into the textile structure rather than added later. This creates an integrated system instead of a collection of individual components.
“It’s not just about simplification and greater speed. By reducing complexity, we also improve the product’s performance,” emphasized Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy.
For brands like New Balance, this is a decisive advantage. At the same time, warp knitted fabrics offer technical properties that are particularly in demand in performance footwear – including high dimensional stability, controlled stretch, and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Multiple functions and designs in a single piece of fabric
New Balance sees particularly great potential in what is known as “Zonal Engineering.” On warp knitting machines, stitch density can be precisely controlled, and yarns can be placed with pinpoint accuracy using Jacquard technology. This allows different functional zones, textures, and designs to be specifically tailored within a single upper material to meet the shoe’s requirements.
The result is breathable zones exactly where ventilation is needed. Reinforcements and varying levels of elasticity provide additional support in the midfoot area and greater stability at the heel. Around the lacing area, extra-strong sections prevent the fabric from tearing, while integrated graphic elements, patterns, and logos add a stylish touch to the look.
All these features are created in a single production step directly on the machine. Additional printing, laminating, or application processes are eliminated. This saves time and resources while enhancing the product’s durability.
The enormous time savings achieved with design updates are particularly relevant for international footwear brands. Design adjustments can be made digitally and transferred directly to the production machines. Here, new patterns can be implemented in a matter of seconds using the EN pattern drive – without additional tools. At the same time, the product can be validated even during production.
This speed and flexibility are decisive advantages for New Balance in the race against time.
“We only have seven days to switch from Design A to Design B. Thanks to the EN function, we can seamlessly transfer the pattern without any new pattern discs or additional tools,” explains Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy.
The new material must be evaluated within 14 days, and the shoe must be manufactured from it within 45 days. There is no room for wasting time here!
Greater Sustainability
In addition to performance and speed, warp knitting technology also excels in terms of sustainability.
“For us, warp knitting is at the top of the list of technologies we use to integrate sustainability into our products,” confirms Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy.
A key advantage lies in what is known as near-net-shape production. In this process, textile components are manufactured in a form that is nearly identical to their final shape. Compared to traditional cut-and-sew processes, there is significantly less waste, which allows for more efficient use of materials and reduces waste.
At the same time, the entire value chain is simplified. Multiple components of a shoe – such as the upper, tongue, and collar – do not need to be manufactured separately and then assembled; instead, they can be produced as a single piece of fabric. Additional processing steps are eliminated, which reduces labor and energy costs and streamlines production processes.
Durability also benefits from this approach. Constructions made from a single piece are less prone to wear and tear, while mono-material solutions made from recycled or bio-based yarns facilitate the subsequent recycling of used shoes.
Added to this is the technology’s high energy efficiency. Thanks to the high production speed of modern warp knitting machines, warp knitting ranks among the most efficient textile manufacturing methods in terms of energy consumption per kilogram of fabric produced, according to Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy.
Material savings of up to 28 percent
Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy illustrated just how significant these savings can be in practice using a recent development project as an example. By optimizing the layout of the cut pieces within the material, the yield was increased from four to five pairs of shoes per yard of fabric.
The result is remarkable: material costs fell by up to 28 percent, while at the same time there was virtually no waste.
The basis for this efficiency is high-precision manufacturing. Thanks to Jacquard technology and “zonal engineering,” upper material can be placed on the fabric with a precision of plus or minus 2 mm.
The Next Step: From 2D to 3D
Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy envisions a complete shift in the future from traditional two-dimensional design and manufacturing processes to three-dimensional, biomechanically optimized structures.
Since the human foot itself has a three-dimensional structure, shoe production must also be thought of in 3D in the future. Textile structures should be able to respond directly to movements, stresses, and pressure points by being tailored to real human biomechanical data
“Warp knitting allows you to conceptually shift from 2D patterning to 3D structural engineering. Your machine should be capable of producing textiles in 3D form,” Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy advised the audience.
For brands, this approach opens up entirely new possibilities for performance optimization, differentiation, and a competitive edge in the race for the world’s best shoe. In this field, every thousandth of a second and every gram counts: In a 100-meter dash, as little as 0.09 milliseconds can decide the winner. If a shoe is just two grams lighter, that can be the decisive factor
Conclusion
The future of the footwear industry lies in intelligent, functionally integrated, and three-dimensionally designed textile structures. Warp knitting technology is set to become one of the key technologies of the next generation.
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — June 25, 2026 — Nester Hosiery, a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance Merino wool socks, announced today that it has been awarded contracts supporting both the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program following the successful novation of the programs from Fox River.
These awards reinforce Nester Hosiery’s position as a leading provider of Berry Amendment compliant cold weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military, delivering mission-critical products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the United States.
Under the awards:
Nester Hosiery will serve as the provider of record for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year contract structure.
Nester Hosiery was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year term.
“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our longstanding commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery.
With manufacturing operations rooted in North Carolina and a decades-long legacy of domestic sock manufacturing expertise, Nester Hosiery continues to invest in its U.S.-based workforce, product innovation, and resilient supply chain capable of supporting both military and commercial markets.
The company’s military programs are supported through advanced knitting technology, technical product development expertise, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality and performance in the most demanding of operational environments.
To learn more about Nester Hosiery’s support with the Military community, please visit https://nesterhosiery.com/military/
SHENZHEN, China — June 26, 2026 — Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics concluded on 11 June, showcasing not only the solutions at the cutting-edge of the fashion industry, but also the quality suppliers and products that have stood the test of time. Hailed by many as a key avenue for textile business in South China, the fair, together with concurrent shows Yarn Expo Shenzhen and PH Value, drew over 20,000 visits from 74 represented markets – a notable internationality increase compared to the previous editions, with the city’s technological advantage and regional collaboration potential cited as key reasons for the growth.
Buyers at Intertextile Shenzhen were welcomed by nearly 620 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, and across the three days enjoyed access to a fringe programme that put sustainability and innovation first, most notably at the successful debuts of the Future Horizons Forum and Innovation Studio.
Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, gave her perspective on this edition’s accomplishments: “Shenzhen is the focal point of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which, per Bloomberg, is being positioned as China’s first USD 2 trillion megaregion – pair that with regional industry strength, fairground accessibility, and China’s visa-free initiatives, and it becomes clear why this platform is ideal for business. This has been amplified by the strategic repositioning of Intertextile Shenzhen to better align with the innovation-focused market. The impact has been felt at our fringe programme and by exhibitors across the show floor, and we are incredibly grateful for the key collaborations which have truly helped elevate this edition.”
Themed ‘textile innovation’, the fair introduced the Future Horizons Forum, which covered sustainability, cutting-edge materials, and industry AI applications, with sessions moderated by academics from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), and Wuyi University. Guest speakers included key stakeholders from Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), LIVVIUM, niisham.liimbu, Panther Textile Group, Shift Fashion Group, and Sunday Square. Not far away was the debut Innovation Studio, a collective display area created in coordination with AIHF, School of Fashion and Textiles (PolyU), THEi, and Wuyi University.
Dr Eve Nwaogu Chan, Programme Leader of Fashion Design at THEi, who was integral to both initiatives, praised their impact: “Intertextile Shenzhen is strengthening its identity by leaning into textile innovation – smart materials, functional finishes, sustainable chemistry, and digital manufacturing. It firmly imprints our fashion degree upon domestic stakeholders and international partners, attracting premium buyers and exhibitors who are planning for the next five to ten years, not just the next season. This fair is focused, dynamic, and strategically smart, understanding that textiles in the region are part of a broader innovation ecosystem. The GBA’s future competitiveness is powered by collaboration, and I see this as a significant platform for building the region’s fashion and textile industry.”
With its new positioning, the fair reinforced its role as an important avenue for international textile business in South China – for exhibitors and buyers alike. VIP buyers included international companies like Adidas, American Eagle, Lululemon, and SIDEFAME, and domestic players such as Annakiki, CHLOSIO, and Ellassay. The fair also welcomed 65 buyers from four overseas buyer delegations – three of which were from Southeast Asia, including Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) and Thailand Textile Institute. Exhibitors hailed from China, France, Italy, Korea, Peru, the US, Vietnam, and more, with 16 companies showcasing in the Japan Zone. It was the unique blend of next-gen solutions and heritage suppliers that stood out to many buyers as a key differentiator of Intertextile Shenzhen 2026.
A VIP buyer from the Netherlands, Mr Malique Mohamud, CEO of The Niteshop / Concrete Blossom, said: “As a research and design-based consultancy, we are prototyping an initiative – in close collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam, who have big circular economy policy goals – to develop an ecosystem of local tailors where clothes are manufactured in the city itself on an artisanal scale. We’re at Intertextile Shenzhen sourcing sustainable and regenerative-fibre fabrics. The fair’s business matching programme has been extremely valuable. In just two hours we’ve made three high-potential connections, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we left with ten valuable contacts – which is remarkable.”
Exhibitors’ feedback
“We have witnessed Intertextile grow into a globally renowned exhibition in both Shanghai and Shenzhen. Intertextile Shenzhen is a refined, smaller-scale platform with a more targeted reach. Yet on both days so far, we have been busy with buyers non-stop, and the number of visitors has exceeded our expectations. The needs of South China and East China are very different: Shenzhen customers have higher raw material requirements, with a particular preference for natural fibres. This is likely because the Greater Bay Area is at the forefront of fashion in the country.”
– Mr Peng Xiao, Sales Director, Shanghai Cavallo 1886 Ltd. (agent of Incalpaca TPX SA), Peru
“We have three digitalisation tools currently being made – a traceability tool, a fibre data tracker, and an impact data tool for brands and retailers. My seminar undoubtedly drove audience members to our booth. In addition to standards trends, I have recently been introducing the concept of using kapok fibres – and found that kapok has been a particularly hot topic at Intertextile Shenzhen 2026. In fact, I just had an in-depth discussion about kapok with a regional fabric company, and hope after I feed back to our standard-setting department we can implement it in our future standards updates.”
– Ms Felicia Shi, Representative in APAC, Global Standard gemeinnutzige GmbH, Germany
“As the Japan Zone’s only company that stocks full-range products in China, we can meet customer needs faster than anyone. The GBA market leans toward the mid-to-high end, which aligns well with our positioning, while our model of rolling stock with no MOQ fits local needs perfectly. Visitor traffic has been slightly above expectations, and customers’ product choices matched our predictions and our strength: small trial orders requiring in-stock availability, and repeat orders needing real-time replenishment. Therefore, even though the overall market outlook is not optimistic, we are confident in our continued growth.”
– Mr Simon Xu, Manager, Kirari Textile (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Japan
“This fair mainly draws visitors from the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, with Koreans prominent among its international visitors. At this edition, the number of fairgoers has grown significantly compared to the previous two years. I believe Intertextile Shenzhen is gradually gaining momentum and participation will continue to increase. Some buyers visit us because of our reputation, while others come with products in hand with a very clear purpose. We have many long-standing regional customers, and this show provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with them.”
– Ms Daisy Cha, Business Unit Manager, Henglun Textile (Vietnam) Co Ltd, Vietnam
Visitor’s comment
“Our company mainly focuses on women’s apparel, and we came to the fair primarily to look for embroidered fabrics. We have found many of our regular suppliers here, and the show offers a diverse range of fabrics in different styles, giving us different options and enabling us to achieve our sourcing goals. For example, it also brings together exhibitors from India, which is not commonly seen at other fairs. In addition, our company is close to Shenzhen, so it is very convenient for us to visit. We will continue to attend every year.”
– Ms Zongying Lin, Purchasing Manager, Guangdong Bincai Textile Co Ltd, China
Speaker’s insight
“AIHF works closely with organisations across Asia, North America, and Europe. Intertextile Shenzhen 2026 is a great, internationally connected platform for us to be the hemp industry’s voice, allowing us to meet numerous stakeholders from China and around the world. Hemp needs the full supply chain, and with many industrial uses beyond apparel, such as auto composites and bioplastics, the Innovation Studio is ideal to showcase its applications. Advanced products are driven by new technology and tweaks to conventions, and hemp is a prime example of coming from heritage – a traditional, handcrafted material, where innovation is necessary to uplift and upscale the sector.”
– Ms Sharon Diedre Leyson, Secretary-General, Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), Thailand
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is a business-friendly platform for unveiling new trends, innovative models, and dynamic forces shaping the industry. By showcasing pioneering case studies and comprehensive solutions for industry advancement, the fair enables stakeholders to discover and adopt successful new models and technologies through engaging displays, seminars, and themed forums.
Held concurrently with Yarn Expo Shenzhen and PH Value, the fair was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center.
PEORIA, IL — June 30, 2026 — Maynards Group of Companies, a global leader in industrial asset auctions and advisory services, has announced two webcast auctions featuring surplus manufacturing and laboratory assets from Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), an internationally recognized innovator in sustainable materials technology.
IPCO double belt press
The first webcast auction will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. CT, and will feature a broad range of advanced manufacturing, converting, laboratory and facility equipment. A second webcast auction, scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, will offer the company’s flagship 2022 IPCO CombiPress CB 1800 Double Belt Press as a standalone sale.
The July auction provides manufacturers, research institutions, converters, technical textile producers, engineered materials companies and laboratory operators worldwide the opportunity to acquire late-model production equipment and analytical instruments previously used in the development and manufacture of next-generation natural fiber materials.
Menzel 36 Inch Kiss Coating Line
Featured assets include a 2021 Menzel 36-inch kiss coating line complete with web handling components, MAHAN curing oven, Coating Tech slot die station and Mahlo beta gauge; Jiangsu Tangshi TS008 high-speed winding machines; 2021 GMI 450-ton hydraulic presses; MXI 50-liter mixing systems; Mahlo Qualiscan quality control scanners; ISRA Surface Vision SMASH inspection systems; Eastman cloth cutting equipment; Zund digital cutting systems; and an extensive selection of laboratory, testing and quality assurance equipment.
Laboratory highlights include a 2022 Phenom XL G2 scanning electron microscope, Shimadzu Prominence liquid chromatography system, TA Instruments Discovery Series hybrid rheometer, Thermo Scientific Nicolet FT-IR spectrometer, Magritek Spinsolve spectrometer, 2024 MonTech MV2000 rubber testing analyzer, environmental test chambers, yarn and material testing systems, and additional analytical instruments. The auction also includes compressed air and nitrogen generation systems, forklifts, stainless steel workstations, Allen-Bradley drives and other production support equipment.
The second auction will feature the 2022 IPCO CombiPress CB 1800 Double Belt Press, a high-performance continuous double-belt press engineered for advanced composites, laminates, sustainable materials and technical textile production. The system features an 1800 mm press width, 1600 mm process width, servo-synchronized drive, five heating and pressure modules, Siemens controls, and thermal oil heating to 300°C. A short- or long-term facility lease opportunity is also available for buyers interested in operating the line in place.
“These two auctions present an exceptional opportunity for manufacturers and research organizations to acquire world-class production and laboratory equipment without the long lead times associated with new machinery,” said Robert Levy, President, Global Strategies, Maynards Group of Companies. “The July sale offers a comprehensive collection of converting, testing and manufacturing assets, while the October auction showcases one of the industry’s premier continuous double-belt press systems.”
Natural Fiber Welding has earned international recognition for developing technologies that transform natural fibers into high-performance materials for applications including textiles, footwear, automotive, consumer products and industrial markets. The equipment reflects the company’s significant investment in advanced manufacturing and research and is ideally suited for companies involved in technical textiles, nonwovens, engineered materials, composites, specialty chemicals, packaging and product development.
Asset inspections will be held on Monday, July 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT, or by appointment, at 2323 Pioneer Parkway and 801 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, Illinois.
Complete catalogs, registration information and bidding details are available at:
July 21 Auction: https://maynards.com/collections/current-auctions/products/nfw-natural-fiber-welding-inc-day-1
October 15 Auction: https://maynards.com/collections/current-auctions/products/nfw-natural-fiber-welding-inc-day-2
SHENZHEN, China— June 29, 2026 — Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 served as a strategically positioned mid-year sourcing platform for the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Shenzhen’s role in connecting regional demand, supply and innovation exchange across the textile value chain. During the three-day fair, over 20,000 visits were drawn from 74 countries and regions, as exhibitors and buyers engaged with new developments in greener, performance-led, and value-added yarn and fibre solutions. Held in conjunction with Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and PH Value, the fair underscored the benefits of closer synergy and new materials across yarn, fabric and apparel platforms for the South China market.
Yarn Expo Shenzhen brought together a diverse line-up of yarn and fibre suppliers, supported by fringe forums and display areas that enriched the fair’s sourcing and innovation focus. (Photo: Messe Frankfurt)
“The strong participation seen at Yarn Expo Shenzhen this year showcased the fair’s growing role as a key meeting point for the Greater Bay Area’s textile industry,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “By bringing sourcing and knowledge exchange together, the fair helped exhibitors and buyers respond more directly to evolving industry needs, while the fringe programme offered insights into the future of yarn and fibre innovation. We are encouraged to see the platform strengthen its relevance in the Greater Bay Area and support the industry in ways that are commercially meaningful and forward-looking.”
Gathering nearly 100 exhibitors, the fair recorded a marked increase in participation compared with the previous edition, signalling the demand for emerging yarn and fibre products. Buyers were drawn to the broad offering across five key categories, spanning chemical fibre, cotton yarn, fancy yarn, regenerated yarn and wool yarn, giving them a targeted view of current material directions. Among the featured exhibitors, Better International was a particular highlight, showcasing Tempsense® bio-based, temperature-regulating fibres and Collaskin® collagen fibres, while Jingyi Group spotlighted Lyocell blended yarns. Both garnered strong attention, reinforcing the fair’s emphasis on lower-impact and performance-driven yarn development.
Beyond the exchange on the show floor, this edition’s fringe programme added further perspective through a mix of display areas and focused seminar content. The Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends Display Zone and the Green Fibre Certification Display highlighted creative direction, market-ready applications and pathways for greener fibre development. Meanwhile, the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Forum and Green Fibre Eco-Forum offered forward-looking discussions on certification, recycling technologies and bio-based materials, giving participants added reference points for future material selection and product development.
Alongside Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics’ innovation and sustainability features, including the Innovation Studio and Future Horizons Forum, these elements provided participants with a wider industry perspective, reinforcing synergy among the concurrent shows.
Exhibitors’ feedback
“Our company focuses on plant-based functional yarns, with patented products such as thermoregulating, ginger and herbal cotton fibres that offer versatile performance benefits. At this edition, buyers were particularly interested in the functionality and green certifications of our products, and we met many new contacts from Southeast Asia and across the Greater Bay Area. The sustainability-focused forums also played an important role, helping buyers understand the latest eco-trends and then experience these materials firsthand at our booth.”
– Ms Amy Dong, Marketing Manager, Better International Holding (HK) Limited, Hong Kong
“We specialise in high-end cashmere yarns and fabrics made primarily from biodegradable protein fibres, targeting the mid- to high-end market and working closely with designers and brands. The visitor profile at Yarn Expo Shenzhen aligns well with this positioning, as we met buyers from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas who are actively looking for premium, sustainable materials. As sustainability becomes a global priority, we believe premium and green products will drive future demand. This edition met our expectations, and we will continue to participate next year.”
– Ms Mary Xu, Vice President, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Top Line (Ningbo) Textile Co Ltd, China
“As a leading enterprise in vortex-spun yarns and the president enterprise for the vortex yarn branch of China Cotton Textile Association, we continue to align with brands’ sustainability goals by developing and promoting sustainable Lyocell blended yarns. The mid-year timing helps us avoid peak overseas exhibition periods while reaching key customers in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Basin, two core textile technology regions. The concurrently held Intertextile Shenzhen is highly relevant to our business, and many exhibitors are already our customers, creating valuable cross-market exchange.”
– Ms Vivi Hu, Vice General Manager of Sales, Jingyi Group, China
Visitors’ comments
“We provide sourcing services for local weaving mills and fabric wholesalers, helping them connect with yarn and fabric suppliers in China. We visited to look for functional and distinctive yarn products, and have already found a supplier with excellent quality. Their protein-based yarns offer both great texture and fabric performance, making them well suited to the Korean market’s demand for functionality and comfort. Overall, this trip met our expectations, and Shenzhen’s efficient transport links and visa arrangements also encouraged our participation.”
– Ms Kuem Ryun An, President, Nice Vesta Co Ltd, Korea
“This is our first time at Yarn Expo Shenzhen. We are a dealer and importer from India, supplying yarns to local manufacturers. We mainly work with fully drawn yarns (FDY) and draw textured yarns (DTY), and we came here to explore new opportunities, with a particular focus on functionality. We found the product range here comprehensive, and travelling from India to Shenzhen is very convenient. Having both raw materials and apparel under one roof is a great advantage, and I plan to visit the apparel section as well.
– Mr Jay Munjani, Director, Sagar Texoline, India
“We came to this fair to expand our customer base and find products with stronger functionality and sustainability. The products on display matched what we were looking for, and the range of categories was very broad. On the first day, we already identified several potential partners. We also attended the concurrent fairs’ forums, which gave us a clearer sense of industry directions and helped us identify the products we need. The fair’s timing fills the gap between the spring and autumn seasons. We plan to return next year.”
– Mr Pengcheng Song, Phase Change Energy Storage (Beijing) Technology Co Ltd, China
Yarn Expo Shenzhen is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; and China Chemical Fibers Association. For more details on the fair, please visit: http://www.yarnexpo-shenzhen.com.
LOS ANGELES — June 29, 2026 — BELLA+CANVAS today announced the completion of its transition to new ownership by SanMar Corporation, marking an important milestone in the brand’s next chapter. BELLA+CANVAS will continue as an independent brand headquartered in Los Angeles under the leadership of Executive Vice President Megan Spire, whose nearly 15-year tenure with the brand reflects the continuity, expertise, and deep knowledge guiding BELLA+CANVAS forward.
