CPM|Crown To Open New State-Of-The-Art European Operations Hub At Citivale Site

BROUGH, East Yorkshire, UK — February11, 2026 — CPM Crown, a global supplier of process solutions and engineered equipment, will officially relocate its European operations to a new, state-of-the-art facility at a Citivale-managed site in April, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth.

Citivale Brough

The move brings CPM Crown Europe together under one roof for the first time, creating a centralized hub designed to support collaboration and long-term expansion.

“Crown Europe has been based at our previous site since the 1990s, but our business has changed dramatically in recent years,” said Chris Fisher, Director of Operations, EMEA at CPM Crown. “We’ve evolved from operating as individual geographic business units to becoming a centralized, global functional organization. With that shift has come growth—our team has nearly doubled—and we needed a space that enables the way we work today.”

Previously spread across three aging buildings, the CPM Crown team will now operate from a single, modern facility designed to improve efficiency and integration.

“This new building also gives us the flexibility to grow in the future, including the potential to add a pilot plant where customers can see our innovations in action,” Fisher added.

The newly refurbished space offers a blank canvas that is being thoughtfully designed to support collaboration. It blends open-plan office areas with dedicated rooms for meetings, training, customer engagement and product showcases—brought to life through CPM Crown branding and design elements that reflect the company’s role as a global process solutions provider.

“Whenever I come to our European office, I’m really proud of the culture they’ve developed,” said Alexander Danelich, Global VP of Sales-Specialty Segment. “The new office will only make the  cohesiveness of the team stronger, allowing them to operate as a full-service hub for the region and mirror nearly all the functions of our U.S. headquarters.”

Citivale, the property management company behind the site, welcomed CPM Crown as the latest addition to a growing roster of leading regional and international businesses.

“Citivale has been brilliant to work with,” Fisher said. “They’re very accommodating, responsive and genuinely excited to have us join the community of businesses at the site. We’ve signed a 15-year lease with a clear view toward the future, which speaks volumes about our partnership.”

Posted: February 11, 2026

Source: CPM Holdings, Inc.

Hohenstein: New DIN SPEC Standardizes Method To Assess Environmental Impact Of Textile Fragments In Soil

BOENNIGHEIM, Germany — February11, 2026 — With the publication of DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has made its test method publicly available as a standard for evaluating how textile fragments behave in soil under realistic conditions. Textile products made from synthetic fibers, as well as other finished or dyed materials, release fiber fragments into the environment throughout their life cycle.

The respirometer system measures how much oxygen soil microorganisms consume during material degradation, determining the rate and extent of biological breakdown.
Photo: Hohenstein

The DIN SPEC allows results to be compared across products by providing a common reference for assessing biodegradability and potential ecological effects in soil.

Testing under standardized soil conditions

DIN SPEC 19296 focuses on textile products and the fragments released during use, abrasion or disposal. Testing is conducted in standardized soil under defined climatic conditions for up to 180 days.

The method assesses both biodegradability and ecotoxicological effects. A respirometer system measures oxygen consumption by soil microorganisms during degradation to quantify biodegradability. Plant growth tests using cress seeds evaluate potential effects on vegetation after degradation. Earthworms serve as sensitive bioindicators, with survival rates and changes in body mass used to assess potential toxic effects.

These parameters assess whether textile fragments degrade in soil and whether residues affect soil health or biological function.

Relevance for product comparison and environmental claims

“Textile fibers and fragments are released into the environment, not only during washing, but also during everyday use. Making this testing approach publicly available as a DIN SPEC provides a common reference for comparing how different textile materials behave in soil,” said Juliane Alberts, project manager at Hohenstein. “That consistency is critical when companies evaluate materials or substantiate environmental claims, such as ‘compostable’.”

Publicly available specification

DIN SPEC 19296 was developed by Hohenstein in cooperation with Goldeck Textil GmbH and Oceansafe AG and is publicly available. By combining biodegradability and ecotoxicological testing, the specification helps determine whether soil continues to function as a habitat for plants and organisms after textile fragments degrade.

For more information, visit: Hohenstein.US/Biodegradation

Posted: February 11, 2026

Source: Hohenstein

Shawmut Corporation Joins U.S. Department Of Energy’s Better Buildings & Better Plants Program

WEST BRIDGEWATER, MA — February11, 2026 — Shawmut Corporation, a global supplier of advanced materials and sustainable engineered textile solutions, has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings & Better Plants program, committing to ambitious energy and emissions goals that underscore its leadership in sustainable manufacturing.

Shawmut Corporation’s Park Avenue Technical Center helps translate sustainability commitments into measurable manufacturing and energy performance improvements.

As a new partner in the DOE initiative, Shawmut has pledged to improve energy intensity usage by 25% across its U.S. operations within 10 years, using 2023 as the baseline year. These goals align with the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible manufacturing.

“Joining the Better Buildings, Better Plants program reinforces our commitment to building a lower-carbon future for our customers and our industry,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut Corporation. “Through data-driven insights and continuous innovation, we’re advancing the sustainability of both our processes and the products that power critical markets from automotive to medical and defense.”

A Strategic Path Toward Decarbonization

Shawmut’s strategy for meeting its DOE commitments will focus first on its most energy-intensive operations: textile dyeing and finishing. The company plans to deploy a comprehensive mix of process optimization, equipment modernization, renewable energy sourcing, and heat recovery systems across its manufacturing network.

Five of Shawmut’s facilities in the United States will be enrolled in the program, where teams will benchmark current performance, conduct energy audits, and implement continuous improvement plans to drive measurable reductions in thermal energy use and overall emissions.

Building on a Legacy of Sustainability Innovation

Founded in 1916, Shawmut Corporation has grown into a leading global provider of high-performance textiles and composite materials serving the automotive, medical, filtration, military/tactical, and industrial markets. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations to the materials it engineers.

In 2025, Shawmut launched Shawmut Insights™, a proprietary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) system that enables cradle-to-grave evaluation of environmental impacts for its products. This system helps customers in the automotive and industrial sectors make more informed, lower-carbon material choices.

Shawmut’s commitment to reducing energy consumption across its plants will also impact LCA results, benefiting customers even further.

“Reducing energy and emissions is not just an operational priority—it’s a core part of how we design our materials and processes for a sustainable future,” added Wyner.

Looking Ahead

As Shawmut advances toward its 2033 sustainability goals, the company will share progress through the DOE’s Better Plants partner network, collaborating with other U.S. manufacturers to accelerate innovation in energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

For more information about Shawmut Corporation’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.shawmutcorporation.com/sustainability.

Posted: February 11, 2026

Source: Shawmut Corporation

NCTO: U.S. Textile Industry Applauds Legislation Aimed At Ending Harmful Customs Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C.— February11, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which represents the full U.S. textile supply chain from fiber and yarn to fabrics and finished sewn products, lauds a bill introduced today aimed at ending the U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s (CBP) “first sale” rule.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas stated: “NCTO and the U.S. textile industry strongly support the Last Sale Valuation Act, a bill that would eliminate a harmful CBP rule that significantly lowers duties paid by importers on textile and apparel goods and disadvantages U.S. textile manufacturers in favor of countries that often employ predatory trade practices and fail to provide reciprocal market access.

“We sincerely thank Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for their leadership on this bill. Closing this loophole will help level the playing field, bolster the U.S. textile industry, and spur more onshoring and investment here and in our Western Hemisphere.”

Posted: February 11, 2026

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Itema America Acquires Palmetto Loom Reed

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — February 10, 2026 — Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Colzate (Bergamo), Italy, based Itema Group, has acquired Greenville, S.C.-based Palmetto Loom Reed, one of the nation’s last remaining domestic reed manufacturers. The move expands Itema’s capabilities and signals a long-term commitment to localized service and manufacturing support for North American textile producers.

(left to right): Itema America CFO Stephanie Ort, Itema America Area Sales Manager Doug Merritt, Itema America President Scott Malcolm, Itema Group Chief Sales and Service Officer Matteo Mutti, Palmetto Loom Reed President and Owner Gladys Richardson, Palmetto Loom Reed Sales Manager Ron Lemonds, and Palmetto Loom Reed Business Development Phillip Gilliland cut the ribbon celebrating Itema America’s acquisition of Palmetto Loom Reed.
Photo — Devin Steele, eTextileCommunucations.com

Palmetto Loom Reed, founded 113 years ago by William Jefferson Richardson, has remained family-owned for four generations. The company supplies custom reeds — precision components that separate and guide yarns during weaving — to diverse customers across the United States and select export markets.

“This is the best outcome I could imagine,” said Palmetto President Gladys Richardson. “Itema shares our customer-first values and our approach to treating employees like family. They respect their people — and we do that, too.”

Richardson, who has led Palmetto since 1994, will continue with the company to ensure continuity for employees and customers.

Scott Malcolm, president of Itema America, described the acquisition as a strategic move toward becoming a full-service domestic partner for the weaving industry. “We want to take care of our customers from top to bottom any way we can — and we’re going to be doing more of that, not less,” Malcolm said.

The acquisition follows years of discussion between the companies. “We actually started talking five or six years ago,” Richardson said. “I was in my 50s and thinking about the future. My children went on to do other things, so it was always in the back of my mind — but I just wasn’t ready.”

Once she decided to move forward, Malcolm said Itema Group’s board and CEO Ugo Ghilardi “believed in the transaction and supported every phase of the agreement.”

Itema Group Chief Sales and Service Officer Matteo Mutti said the move enhances customer service and responsiveness in the Americas. “What we are providing with this acquisition is further service,” Mutti said. “The idea behind Itema America is to become the company every textile producer in the United States looks for when they are in trouble. You need something — Itema can provide it.”

Palmetto’s domestic base offers logistical and cost advantages, Mutti added. “There are many advantages to producing reeds on American soil — they’re made in dollars, not euros. There are no tariffs, no shipping costs, and we’re much quicker with deliveries.”

Both companies emphasized operational stability. Palmetto’s 18-person team will continue to operate at its existing Greenville facility. “This is a successful, profitable company with a respected brand, and we don’t want to change anything,” Malcolm said. “We love it.”

For Richardson, the decision reflects stewardship rather than sentiment. “My father always said, ‘Keep it in the family,’” she said. “But if it doesn’t make sense anymore, he wouldn’t want me to collapse on top of myself. It’s time to pass it on.”

Mutti called the combination a “good piece of the big puzzle,” adding that integrating Palmetto’s reed, beam-refurbishing and spare-parts capabilities strengthens Itema’s support network across the hemisphere.

“At a time when others are retrenching, this investment shows confidence in U.S. manufacturing,” Malcolm said. “Itema America is stronger because we’re doing this.”

Posted: February 10, 2026

Source: Itema America

Cabot Hosiery Mills Promotes Angelica Taylor To President

NORTHFIELD, VT — February 9, 2026 — Cabot Hosiery Mills, powerhouse American manufacturer of performance outdoor and lifestyle socks, is pleased to announce the promotion of Angelica Taylor to President of Cabot Hosiery Mills.

Angelica Taylor

Hired in 2021 as the Vice President of Finance moving into the role of Chief Operations Officer in 2022, Taylor has shown her prowess and ability to hit targets and aim big for the Cabot Hosiery Mills family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons.

The promotion of Taylor to President comes as the first non-family member to hold the title. “She has earned it” says Ric Cabot, former President and current CEO of Cabot Hosiery Mills “Angelicas leaderships has been proven time and time again here in Vermont she’s going to do big things in our industry”.

As President, Taylor will manage the overall performance at Cabot Hosiery Mills in this new role.

“Cabot Hosiery Mills and our family of brands continue to grow” explains Angelica Taylor. “With our industry landscape continuously changing and evolving, I am excited for the road ahead and to lead the charge on showcasing rich history while pushing the boundaries for an underdog company nestled in the Green Mountains in of Vermont.”

Taylor holds a degree from Campbell University (BS), as well as obtained certifications in Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA). She is a wife and mother of two who relocated to Vermont several years ago. From hitting the trails on foot or horseback or attending local sporting events with the kids, Taylor continues to live and breathe the Vermont lifestyle.

Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit. With a family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons, our mission is to make the world’s best socks, in Vermont, USA, and back them with our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. We are family owned, generations strong, and have yet to produce our best sock.

Posted: February 9, 2026

Source: Cabot Hosiery Mills

Ibex Taps Nuyarn® For Next-Generation 3D Knit Sweaters High-Performance Merino Technology Meets Zero-Waste 3D Construction

New Zealand — February 9, 2026 — In a move that merges advanced textile engineering with domestic 3D knitting, Ibex has integrated Nuyarn® performance yarn into its new Nautilus Fisherman Sweater.

While Nuyarn® is the established technical standard for outdoor baselayers, this product demonstrates the yarn’s versatility in high-end lifestyle applications.

The Nautilus Fisherman sweater merges a classic 8-gauge, 2×2 rib knit aesthetic with the modern precision of bespoke 3D knitting in Brooklyn, NY. The sweater is made with Nuyarn® technology, utilizing a 70% merino wool and 30% nylon blend. Unlike conventional spinning, Nuyarn® drafts fibers onto a high-performance filament without a traditional twist. This proprietary structure allows the wool to perform at its peak, resulting in a resilient, 3D knit garment that offers:

  • Superior Thermal Efficiency: 35% increased thermal retention with higher loft and air permeability for superior temperature regulation.
  • Unrivaled Durability: 8.8x higher durability and significantly higher burst strength and abrasion resistance than conventional ring-spun merino.
  • Enhanced Comfort: 5x faster drying times and 85% more elasticity than standard merino, achieved without the use of spandex.
  • Environmental Benefit of the 3D knitting process: 3D knitting creates garments in their final shape directly on the machine. This dramatically reduces material waste since there are no fabric offcuts, leaving little to no waste.

“This partnership with Ibex is a perfect example of how Nuyarn technology can be applied to redefine classic silhouettes,” said Monica Ebert, Nuyarn VP of Sales. “By integrating our twist-free yarn into a bespoke 3D knitting process, Ibex is demonstrating our technology isn’t just for performance layers.”

“We’re seeing incredible opportunities in outdoor luxury—athleisure, sweaters, and accessories where performance meets everyday style,” said Andy Wynne, CEO of Nuyarn. “The technology we’ve developed doesn’t have to be confined to technical baselayers. Merino, when spun correctly, belongs everywhere—from trail runners, hikers, cyclists, and skiers to staple everyday pieces that are comfortable, breathable, and durable.”

Crafted with precision, the Nautilus Fisherman sweater blends tradition with innovation. Featuring 3D knitted construction and specialized underarm venting for superior breathability and movement, each piece is made to order in men’s or women’s sizes at ibex.com with a fast 6–9 day turnaround.

Posted: February 9, 2026

Source: Nuyarn®

NRF: Import Cargo Volume Expected To See Year-Over-Year Drop During First Half Of 2026

WASHINGTON — February 9, 2026 — Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a significant year-over-year decline during the first half of 2026 as the impact of tariffs continues, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“With tariffs still a matter of debate in the courts and in Congress, their effect on imports is being clearly seen,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “The situation underscores the need for clear and predictable trade policies that support supply chain certainty and reliability, business planning and consumer affordability. Tariffs are a tax on U.S. businesses that is ultimately paid by consumers through higher prices.”

A Supreme Court decision could come at any time on the legality of the administration’s use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. However, if the court strikes down the IEEPA tariffs, there are concerns that the administration could implement tariffs under other trade authorities, creating further challenges and uncertainty.

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said tariffs have brought “a global change in trade relations” that is affecting import volumes.

“The continuing use of tariffs against friend and foe alike combined with the uncertainty of when or if they will be implemented makes trade forecasting very difficult,” Hackett said, adding that last year’s government shutdown is still making up-to-date government data difficult to come by. “Following essentially flat container import volumes in 2025 compared with 2024, we expect a decline during the first half of 2026 and likely longer.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.99 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in December, although the Ports of Houston and Charleston have not yet reported their data. That was down 1.7% from November and down 6.6% year over year. Imports for the full year in 2026 totaled 25.4 million TEU, down 0.4% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for January, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.11 million TEU, which would be up from December ahead of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia but down 5.2% year over year. February is forecast at 1.97 million TEU, down 3.1% year over year; March at 1.89 million TEU, down 12%; April at 2.05 million TEU, down 7.1%; May at 2.13 million TEU, up 9.3%, and June at 2.12 million TEU, up 8%.

Those numbers would bring the first half of 2026 to 12.27 million TEU, down 2% from 12.53 million TEU during the same period in 2025. The May and June results show a year over year increase largely because of the sharp drop-off in imports during those months last year after “Liberation Day” tariffs announced in April 2025.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker  Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

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

Posted: February 9, 2026

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Carrington Textiles And Pincroft Unite Defence Expertise At Enforce Tac

ADLINGTON, UK — February 9, 2026 — Carrington Textiles and Pincroft return to Enforce Tac for the third time, presenting a co-branded stand that brings together textile manufacturing and specialist finishing under one roof.

Pincroft’s new Rotascreen TG by Austrian manufacturer Zimmer, with 12 printheads and a magnet system to ensure greater precision, faster reorders and uniform coverage.
Photo — Pincroft Dyeing & Printing

Carrington Textiles will showcase its capability as a global manufacturer of performance and protective fabrics for defence and security markets. The collection spans proven military constructions alongside developments including the Defence Stock Range and the expanded military portfolio featuring ProTact by Haartz?. Together, these fabrics demonstrate a focus on durability, comfort and consistent performance for demanding operational environments.

Pincroft complements this with a service-led offer as a commission dyer, printer and finisher, supporting a wide range of defence, workwear and technical textile programmes. Key capabilities include in-house permethrin application for insect repellent finishes, precision rotary screen engraving and fully managed end to end processing. From artwork development and digital file preparation through screen engraving to final printing, Pincroft controls the entire process, delivering speed, security and repeatable quality.

Paul Farrell, Sales Director, said, “Having Carrington Textiles and Pincroft side by side is incredibly powerful for customers. It allows us to discuss fabric engineering, specialist finishes and print execution in one joined-up conversation, reducing complexity and strengthening confidence in the supply chain.”

Visitors can find both brands in Hall 8, Stand 116.

Posted: February 9, 2026

Source: Carrington Textiles

Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp Expands Bio-Materials Presence at JEC World 2026

PARIS — February 2, 2026 — The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is pleased to announce its participation at JEC World 2026, featuring a significantly expanded presence and an enhanced offering for the global composites industry.

Building on previous successes, the Alliance members will be at the core of a newly renamed and enlarged Bio-Materials Village in Hall 5. The village has grown by more than 30%, expanding from 250m² to 333m², and will feature 14 Alliance members and partners representing the full natural fibre composite value chain from fibre cultivation and processing through to semi-finished materials, resins, and industrial applications.

This year’s village welcomes several new members, including Norafin, which brings advanced technical nonwoven expertise using flax and hemp fibres, and innovative start-up Biofibix developing next-generation bio-based composite solutions. Another new participant is GreenPoxy by Sicomin, a leading supplier of bio-based epoxy resins that complement natural fibre reinforcement systems and enable lower-impact composite structures.

Innovations Showcase

The Bio-Materials Village will highlight several award-winning and shortlisted developments, including exhibits from JEC Innovation Award winners and finalists.

Bcomp has received the Automotive & Road Transportation Parts Award for its series-production exterior flax composite components developed for BMW, demonstrating the scalability and performance of flax reinforcements in demanding automotive applications.

Safilin will also present its collaboration with Stratiforme on the Ecotrain project, showcasing the successful integration of natural fibre composites into rail interiors, delivering weight reduction, improved environmental performance, and industrial feasibility.

Biofibix, shortlisted among the 20 finalists of the 2026 JEC Startup Booster, will present its proprietary reinforcement technology designed to overcome one of the key challenges of natural fibre composites : structural consistency. Biofibix develops flax-based reinforcement systems that combine controlled fibre orientation with thermoplastic and thermoset compatibility, enabling improved mechanical performance and process reliability.

Visitors will also discover the Ssuchy-Next project, an initiative focused on wind energy applications. The project explores the use of hemp-based composite solutions for a 12.6m wind turbine blade, combining optimized fibre architecture, bio-sourced materials, and industrial manufacturing processes. Ssuchy-Next demonstrates how natural fibres can contribute to reduced carbon footprint, improved vibration damping, and end-of-life advantages, while meeting the mechanical and durability requirements of the wind energy sector.

Additional cutting-edge innovations on display will be showcased by other Alliance members and partners that include BComp, Circular Structures, DEMGY, Depestele, Ecotechnilin, Emanuel Lang Flax Composites, Flaxco, Libeco, Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, Norafin, Safilin, Terre de Lin Technique, and many more.

Industry Conference

As part of the JEC Composite Exchange programme, Alliance experts will organize a round-table discussion on Wednesday 11 March at 2:00 pm Agora 5, titled:

“From Data to Applications: How Environmental and Technical Flax-Linen & Hemp Data Help Build Industrial Solutions.” The discussion will highlight how environmental metrics and technical performance data are essential tools for designers, engineers, and manufacturers in accelerating the adoption of natural fibre composites, while exploring the latest technical advances in flax-linen and hemp composites, their environmental performance, and the strategic pathways supporting the industrial deployment of bio-based composites in Europe.

“We are very excited to welcome visitors to our expanded Bio-Materials Village at JEC World 2026, which brings together an extended natural fibre composite value chain under one roof,” said Bruno Pech, Innovation Project Manager at the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp. “With 14 members and partners from raw materials to finished applications, this showcase demonstrates the maturity, credibility, and innovation capacity of the European flax and hemp composites sector.”

Posted: February 9, 2026

Source: The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp

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