MILAN — February 17, 2026 — With the arrival of the first sunny days, the desire to get back on the bike and enjoy outdoor walks and trekking grows stronger. XTech, a Brescia-based company and leader in the production of Made in Italy technical sports socks and apparel, presents a selection of garments made with Q-SKIN®, the innovative yarn developed by Fulgar, specifically designed to support cyclists, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts during the first activities of the warm season.
The collection includes highly high-performance garments for both cycling and outdoor sports: technical socks, four-season tops with either a soft or close fit, jackets and bib shorts, all designed to adapt perfectly to the changing weather conditions typical of early-season outings. These garments are the ideal solution for those returning to outdoor training after the winter break—whether cycling, trekking or simply walking in nature—ensuring optimal performance and maximum comfort.
Q-SKIN® is Fulgar’s polyamide 6.6 fiber that incorporates silver ions directly into the yarn during the spinning process. Thanks to their unique chemical and physical properties, these ions help regulate bacterial proliferation. Bacteria have a negative charge, while the silver ions contained in Q-SKIN® have a positive charge; this mechanism allows the silver ions to reduce excess bacterial flora.
The bacteriostatic effectiveness and resistance to repeated washing of Q-SKIN® by Fulgar® have been tested, confirming its effectiveness against the main Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacterial groups.
Q-SKIN® by Fulgar therefore becomes the perfect ingredient for early outdoor activities: during physical exercise, it helps reduce the development of unpleasant odors and bacterial growth, while delivering key benefits such as breathability, freshness and comfort, fully respecting the skin. This is a key advantage when starting to cycle or walk again in milder temperatures and wanting to fully enjoy the warm season.
“The arrival of spring brings enthusiasm for the first outdoor outings, whether by bike or on foot, and our collection was also designed with this time of year in mind. We chose Fulgar’s Q-SKIN® because we know how important it is for outdoor sports enthusiasts to rely on garments that guarantee maximum performance and comfort, especially when resuming regular training after winter. Whether professionals, cycling enthusiasts or trekking lovers, being able to count on cutting-edge materials means enjoying every moment of the warm season to the fullest,” says Samuele Ragnoli, owner of XTech.
“Spring is when many athletes return to outdoor training, and we know how crucial it is to choose the right apparel to fully enjoy this experience. Our Q-SKIN® yarn represents real added value for those seeking performance and well-being during the first outings of the warm season, both by bike and on foot. We are pleased that an Italian company like XTech has chosen to integrate this innovation into its spring collection, offering athletes a superior outdoor experience from the very first sunny days,” comments Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar.
VALENCIA, Spain — February 17, 2026 — Potassium Permanganate (PP) has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.
For years, Jeanologia has called for the elimination of PP spray, warning about its impact on worker health, operational safety and the environment. Now, the industry is formally acknowledging what has been evident on factory floors worldwide.
PP spray is commonly used to create localized vintage effects in denim, but it exposes operators to chemical micro-particles and presents serious occupational risks. Despite growing awareness and available alternatives, this practice continues to be used in parts of the industry. According to Jeanologia, millions of workers globally are still affected by this process.
Jeanologia eliminated the need for PP spray in 2015, becoming the first technology provider to offer a scalable industrial alternative through laser-based finishing. Today, the company replaces PP spray through its laser technology with Light Bright tool and combined with G2 Ozone technology, delivering authentic vintage effects without chemical spraying. The solution offers full digital control, safer working conditions and reliable industrial performance.
This approach is reinforced by Jeanologia’s Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) platform. In its Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing 2024 Report, EIM identifies potassium permanganate as one of the remaining high-risk processes in garment finishing and highlights the urgent need for safer technologies, reinforcing laser-based solutions as a low-impact alternative.
“PP spray belongs to the past. This is not about compliance; it’s about protecting people and transforming the way denim is made. The tools to eliminate PP already exist and are fully scalable. What the industry needs now is courage to move forward. It’s time to BAN PP SPRAY and embrace a cleaner, safer future for denim.” claims Jeanologia’s Global Marketing Director Carmen Silla.
Over the past decade, Jeanologia has progressively replaced the most hazardous denim finishing processes with eco-efficient technologies, becoming the first company to eliminate sandblasting and to advance alternatives to stone washing, manual scraping and PP spray. Today, its laser and G2 Ozone technologies are implemented worldwide, enabling denim brands to achieve the same aesthetic results while improving worker safety, reducing chemical use and lowering water consumption, with measurable impact across global production.
As transparency requirements, ESG reporting frameworks and chemical management standards continue to evolve, early adoption of safer technologies is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Jeanologia calls on brands, laundries and manufacturers to accelerate the transition toward chemical-free finishing. The technology exists. The transition is achievable. The time to act is now. BAN PP SPRAY is no longer a vision. It is already an industrial reality.
LEWISVILLE, N.C. — February 17, 2026 — Applications will be accepted between March 1 and March 31, 2026 for not nine, but now 10 student scholarships from the Educational Foundation (EF) of The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA), the International Furnishings and Design Association. The new scholarship is funded by Avalon Flooring. This year that brings the total of scholarships to 10, available for a total of $27,500.
“We are pleased to announce this new Avalon Flooring scholarship for design students – the future of our industry,” said Karen Dzendolet, Chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “We would also like to extend our wholehearted thanks to Avalon Flooring for their support.”
Applicants must be currently enrolled, and scholarships are paid to the school for the 2026 fall semester tuition. Applicants are not eligible to apply if their graduation date is either the spring or summer semester of 2026.Scholarships are for undergraduate and graduate students attending U.S. institutions and all applications must be in English. IFDA membership is not required to apply (with the exception of the IFDA Student Member Scholarship).
The new scholarship is as follows:
Avalon Flooring – NEW – $2,000. This scholarship is open to students residing in or attending school in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware who are enrolled in an accredited interior design or design-related program of any length. This scholarship is designed to engage students in the community surrounding Avalon Flooring locations, helping to build student networks and continue to develop generations of designers. This scholarship also includes an optional paid internship for the awarded winner. It is focused on a kitchen or bath design project.
Information about it and other IFDA student scholarships and the scholarship application forms may be found on the website at www.ifdaef.org.
The other nine scholarships are:
Tony Fusco Scholarship – NEW – $6,000. The Tony Fusco Scholarship was established by the New England Chapter to honor the late Tony Fusco, an active and committed IFDA New England member. pen to New England residents currently enrolled in interior design or related programs, full-time undergraduate or graduate student.
FBN Leaders Commemorative Scholarship — $3,000. Open to currently enrolled interior design or related program, full-time undergraduate students; extra credit for volunteer work/leadership.
Part-Time Student Scholarship — $1,500. Open to currently enrolled interior design or related program, part-time students.
IFDA Student Member Scholarship — $2,000. Open to currently enrolled interior design or related program, full-time undergraduate IFDA student members. Link to join IFDA: https://ifda.com/join-ifda/.
Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship — $2,000. Open to currently enrolled interior design or related program, full- or part-time graduate students.
Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship — $4,000. Open to currently enrolled, full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students with a course emphasis on Furniture Design.
Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship — $3,000. Open to currently enrolled full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate students with course emphasis on Textile or related design.
IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship — $2,500. Open to currently enrolled, two-, three- or four-year interior design or related program students. Focus rotates annually between design in (2026) Graphic, Furniture, Interior and Textile Design. This year’s focus is Graphic Design.
Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship — $1,500. Open to currently enrolled interior design or related program, full- or part-time undergraduate students.
As stated, applications for all 2026 IFDA EF scholarships will only be accepted during the month of March, with winners promised notification in July. Winners of a certain scholarship cannot reapply to that particular scholarship. For details, please consult the Educational Foundation website www.ifdaef.org. Or for answers to specific questions about these or any of EF’s other scholarships and grants, contact Earline Feldman, Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org
Posted: February 22, 2026
Source: The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA)
BURLINGTON, N.C. — February 5, 2026 — Sunbrella®, the industry leader in performance fabrics, will host the Sunbrella Sun Deck in Pride Park at the 2026 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®, taking place February 11-15.
Designed as a sun-soaked retreat, the Sunbrella Sun Deck will blend comfort, durability, and elevated design, creating an inviting, playful setting for relaxation, connection, and fun. The activation will offer marine professionals, designers, manufacturers, and boating enthusiasts an immersive look at how Sunbrella’s specialty fabrics, including the newly expanded Horizon® Marine Vinyl Collection, perform across marine and outdoor environments without compromising aesthetics.
At the center of the space, guests can unwind with premium seating from Tuuci, a leading manufacturer that partners with Sunbrella. The lounge will highlight the worry-free comfort Sunbrella brings to marine, residential and commercial settings, demonstrating how its performance fabrics deliver durability without sacrificing design.
Sunbrella Sun Deck programming will include:
Ice cream (served daily from 2–5 p.m.) and live demonstrations of Sunbrella Cleaning Products that prove how easy it is to tackle spills and everyday messes
Product displays with the latest launches, including Horizon® Marine Vinyl and Sunbrella Signature Indoor/Outdoor Throws
Games like cornhole and comfortable lounge seating that create an inviting environment for relaxed connection and conversation
“The Sunbrella Sun Deck invites visitors to experience the world of Sunbrella,” says Suzie Roberts, Vice President, Global Sunbrella Business. “Sunbrella fabrics are built to foster comfort and connection in the most demanding environments, and the Sun Deck gives people a chance to discover that confidence firsthand.”
Attendees are invited to visit Sunbrella in Pride Park (Booth PPB1) throughout the show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to experience the Sunbrella Sun Deck and learn more about the brand’s performance and latest offerings.
ZURICH, Switzerland — February 18, 2026 — Haelixa, the Swiss-based deeptech provider of DNA-based product traceability, has launched a pioneering new DNA-based Authenticity Service that gives luxury brands physical, product-level proof against counterfeits, fraudulent returns and high-fidelity replicas.
Counterfeit goods now move through legitimate channels including returns, repairs, resale and after-sales. For brands, the risk is operational as much as reputational. When authenticity cannot be verified quickly, margins erode, disputes increase and trust weakens.
Brands lack proof of material integrity across their production and distribution channels. According to OECD analysis, counterfeiting drives an estimated $250 billion in annual losses across the global luxury sector. In Switzerland alone, the watch industry is thought to lose $1.88 billion each year to counterfeit activity.
Haelixa embeds proof directly into the product itself. A nano-sized, brand-unique DNA marker is integrated at material level. It is invisible, permanent and designed to resist removal, copying or substitution. The marker remains with the product across resale, repair and returns .
A simple swab and qPCR test delivers a clear, binary result within 30 minutes, enabling retailers, service centres and brand protection teams to verify products directly on site. Compact, customised devices enable global deployment without specialist training, making authentication fast, repeatable and operationally simple. Swab, run, confirm.
The service is built for high-value goods including watches, jewellery and leather accessories.
The marking process integrates into existing processes, leaves no visible residue and does not affect quality. Each physical marker can complement Digital Product Passports and NFC systems, combining physical and digital verification.
What this enables
Faster authentication across returns, repair and resale
Reduced fraud and counterfeit returns
Stronger resale and buy-back programmes
Long-term protection of brand equity
Control the integrity of the production sites and distribution channels.
Patrick, CEO of Haelixa, said: “Luxury is built on trust. Today authenticity must be proven repeatedly. By embedding DNA directly into the product, we provide brands with scientific proof they can trust throughout the entire product lifecycle and beyond.”
Klemens Link, Haelixa’s Director of Anti-counterfeiting and Brand Protection, added: “Counterfeiting is no longer peripheral. It enters through everyday operations. A simple test gives brands, and their customers, a definitive answer in minutes and restores control at scale.”
Positioned as infrastructure rather than a label, Haelixa’s embedded markers provide durable, forensic proof where paperwork and external tags fall short.
AMSTERDAM — February 18, 2026 — Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting systems, has supported renowned Italian sportswear brand, Erreà in upgrading its digital textile printing operations with the installation of seven high-performance Mimaki systems. The new installation includes three Tiger600-1800TS industrial dye-sublimation printers and four TS330-1600 solutions, replacing a previous fleet of 28 digital printers. This major upgrade marks a significant step forward in Erreà’s production strategy, enabling the company to streamline its printing infrastructure while improving efficiency, colour consistency and overall production control.
By combining the industrial productivity of the Tiger600-1800TS with the agility of the TS330-1600, Erreà can switch seamlessly between volume-driven production and customized jobs, making mass customization fully integrated into daily operations as an efficient, repeatable process.
Operating in a sportswear market increasingly driven by mass customization, shorter lead times and high expectations for color accuracy, Erreà undertook a comprehensive review of its printing setup to support the next phase of its industrial development. “Quality and innovation have always been a core value for Erreà since the company was founded,” says Angelo Gandolfi, Founder and CEO of Erreà. “This is why we decided to take a decisive step forward and rethink our printing operations. After carefully analysing the solutions available on the market, we identified Mimaki as the partner best able to meet our needs – not only in terms of technology, but also for its ability to support us throughout this transformation.”
The new Mimaki configuration enables Erreà to manage a wide variety of orders – from large volumes for clubs and federations to highly personalised, small-batch runs – within a single, streamlined production environment.
By combining the industrial productivity of the Tiger600-1800TS with the agility of the TS330-1600, Erreà can switch seamlessly between volume-driven production and customised jobs, while ensuring stable colour reproduction and consistent print quality across machines and production sites. One TS330-1600 unit supports creativity, design development and sampling at Erreà’s creative headquarters in Italy, while the remaining systems operate at the company’s production facility in Romania. As a result, mass customisation is fully integrated into daily operations as an efficient, repeatable process, rather than an exception.
The consolidated Mimaki setup also simplifies machine management and maintenance, optimizes production space and ensures reliable, repeatable results across different production locations. “With the new installation in place and fully operational and Mimaki as a reliable technology partner, we strongly believe that we will be able to continue our path of industrial evolution with confidence”, add Angelo Gandolfi.
Commenting on the installation, Marco Vanzini, Sales Manager at Mimaki Bompan Textile, says: “This installation reflects Erreà’s clear strategic vision: simplifying production while increasing performance, flexibility and colour consistency. By combining industrial productivity with digital agility, the Tiger600-1800TS and TS330-1600 systems provide a solid, future-ready platform
PHOENIX, Ariz. — February 18, 2026 — Helix Sleep, a direct-to-consumer sleep brand, announced today its newest partnership with Urban Mattress, a specialty sleep retailer serving the Front Range area of Colorado.
Starting this month, Helix mattresses will be available in all three of Urban Mattress’s locations across the state. The assortment includes some of Helix’s most popular models, including Midnight Luxe, Twilight Luxe, Midnight Elite, and Twilight Elite—along with the retail-exclusive Helix Premier in two firmness levels. Each model offers premium comfort, science-backed support, and a range of firmness options to suit different sleep preferences.
HELIX Lifestyle Elite
“Partnering with Urban Mattress is another exciting step for Helix’s retail program,” said Jerry Lin, Co-Founder of Helix Sleep. “Urban Mattress has built a trusted reputation by offering premium products, offering a generous in-store experience, and treating customers like family. Their focus on honest guidance, sustainability, and long-lasting comfort aligns closely with our values. Together, we are expanding access to high-quality, science-backed sleep products for the communities they serve.”
Helix’s latest innovations, including zoned lumbar support, GlacioTex™ cooling covers, and premium hybrid construction, are now available to experience in person in all of Urban Mattress’s showrooms across the state. Each mattress is crafted with high-quality, pressure-relieving foams that contour to the body for balanced comfort across all sleep styles. All Helix models are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified and free from harmful chemicals and fiberglass, offering customers a safe, comfortable, and restorative sleep experience.
“We are proud to partner with Helix Sleep,” said Billy Williams, Founder of Urban Mattress. “Helix shares our commitment to offering the highest quality mattresses possible. This partnership allows us to expand access to mattresses that deliver consistent performance, are built with care, and are designed and constructed here in the United States for the customers and communities we serve.”
Urban Mattress is a family-owned mattress retailer with three locations across Colorado, serving the Front Range for nearly two decades. The company has built a strong regional presence through a carefully curated, premium product assortment and highly trained consultants who deliver a personalized, comfort-driven shopping experience focused on sustainability, durability, and sleep health. Known for its service-first approach and deep community ties, Urban Mattress has earned a reputation as a trusted destination for high-quality sleep solutions across Colorado.
Originally launched as a DTC brand in 2015, Helix Sleep has grown into a category leader through its commitment to personalized sleep solutions and product innovation. For more information on Helix Sleep, visit www.helixsleep.com.
ATLANTA — February 18, 2026 — Registration is now open for Techtextil North America 2026, being held August 4-6, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Techtextil North America serves as the premier North American stage for the technical textiles and nonwovens sector. The event offers a 360-degree view of the supply chain—spanning high-level R&D and sustainable raw material sourcing to advanced production, conversion, and circular recycling solutions. Attendees will walk away with the strategic insights needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving market.
“Businesses and attendees gain a significant competitive edge by experiencing live innovations and joining the industry’s most critical educational sessions,” says Alexis Sivcovich, Show Manager of Techtextil North America at Messe Frankfurt North America. “Our advanced registration allows attendees to secure their place at this highly anticipated event while taking advantage of substantial savings.”
The Techtextil North America Symposium delivers expert-led sessions on smart fabrics and AI-driven supply chains. Complementing these are the on-floor Tech Talks, offering quick, actionable insights into new technology, and the Student Research Poster Program, highlighting the next generation of textile innovation.
With over 175 international exhibitors, the show floor spans 12 application areas, from Mobiltech (aerospace/automotive) to Medtech (healthcare). A dedicated focus on Sustainability & Recycling showcases the circular economy, while the Innovation Awards honor the year’s most groundbreaking developments.
Techtextil North America’s tiered pricing structure provides significant savings to those who register in advance. All Symposium registrations include three days of exhibit hall access. Advanced pricing ends on June 30th, so be sure to take advantage of the savings below before it’s too late!
$750 for 2 Day Symposium (Tuesday + Wednesday) & Show Floor Experience
$450 for 1 Day Symposium (Tuesday or Wednesday) & Show Floor Experience
$150 for Econogy Sustainability Forum (Thursday Only) & Show Floor Experience
$85 for Show Floor Experience Only
Onsite pricing will run from July 1st through the first day of the show. Full pricing details can be found on the show’s website: https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en.html
Additional discounts are available for students and military, for discount inquiries, contact: ttnainfo@usa.messefrankfurt.com
For more information, please visit: www.techtextilna.com.
Techtextil North America will be held from August 4-6, 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — February 17, 2026 — Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company transforming post-consumer textiles into new materials, and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes gathered with dignitaries today to celebrate Rochester’s growing leadership in textile circularity highlighting how local partnerships are helping keep textiles in use, reduce waste, and create long-term economic and environmental value.
Leaders celebrate a textile recycling partnership at Goodwill’s Rochester facility. Pictured (L-R): Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Monroe County; Robert Scott, Technip Energies; Jen Lunsford, NYS Assembly 135th District; Ian Harper, Goodwill Finger Lakes Board Chair; Congressman Joe Morelle; Alain Poincheval, Reju CFO; Patrik Frisk, Reju CEO; Jennifer Lake, Goodwill Finger Lakes CEO; Sarah Clark, NYS Assembly 136th District; Mayor Malik Evans; Steve Preston, Goodwill Industries International CEO; Vinnie Esposito, Empire State Development; Matt Hurlbutt, Greater Rochester Enterprise President; and Bob Duffy, Greater Rochester Chamber President
The gathering brings together Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, Jennifer Lake, President & CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, United States Congressman Joe Morelle, New York State Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Steven Preston, and other regional leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a circular textile system rooted in community impact, innovation, and sustained investment in the Rochester region.
Together, Reju and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes are strengthening efforts to keep more textiles in productive use, prioritizing donation and reuse, improving diversion of nonwearable textiles, and enabling next-generation textile-to-textile regeneration as the system scales. Their collaboration builds on a multi-year initiative launched in 2024 alongside WM advancing textile circularity across North America.
Patrik Frisk
“Rochester isn’t just where we’re building infrastructure, it’s where circularity becomes real,” said Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju. “By working alongside trusted local partners like Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, the business community, and our government partners, we’re connecting community-based reuse with advanced regeneration technology to keep textiles out of landfills and create lasting value for this community.”
Reju recently selected Rochester as the site of its first U.S. industrial-scale Regeneration Hub, planned for Eastman Business Park. The future facility will take textiles that are heading for the waste stream and recycle them to produce rBHET that can be repolymerized into high-quality polyester for new textile applications. The project remains subject to a final investment decision by the board of Technip Energies, Reju’s parent company.
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes plays a critical role at the front end of the circular system, leveraging decades of experience in donation-driven reuse, resale and responsible end-of-life pathways for textiles.
“We are thrilled with Reju’s decision to locate their first U.S. regeneration hub in Rochester, New York, underscoring the city’s enduring role as a center of innovation. From Eastman Kodak to Bausch & Lomb, Rochester has shaped industries—and now Reju is helping to build the future of circular textiles here,” said Jennifer Lake, President & CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. “Reju will address one of the fastest-growing yet least understood waste streams in the United States: post-use textiles. Their breakthrough approach will divert discarded materials from landfills and transform them into valuable, sustainable resources, giving them new life. We are excited to announce that the Northeast Goodwill Circularity Hub, a collective of eleven Goodwills, led by Goodwill Finger Lakes, has signed an agreement with Reju to supply polyester-rich materials to the Regeneration Hub. We welcome the opportunity to partner more with Reju in the future.”
Congressman Joe Morelle said, “Reju’s investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Rochester and our ability to lead in the industries of the future. This project shows that sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand, creating good-paying jobs while tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. I’m proud that this next chapter of innovation is happening right here in our community.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Reju’s innovative project and crucial partnerships further bolster Governor Hochul’s focused efforts to promote a circular economy. We have to continue to move away from the single-use, disposable model, and support projects that are working to reduce overall pollution, keeping resources out of landfills, boosting sustainability and generating economic growth and top-quality jobs.”
NYS Assemblywoman Sarah Clark said, “Today is an exciting day as the Rochester area becomes a leader in environmentally friendly textile regeneration. The partnership between Reju and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes shows how smart sustainability can also be smart economic development. This forward-thinking partnership will work to position Rochester as a hub in the clothing industry for waste reduction, circular manufacturing, and next generation sustainability innovation while creating good jobs and strengthening our local economy. I am grateful to all the leaders from across sectors who came together to make this project a reality and so excited to see Reju become a part of the incredible redevelopment at Eastman Business Park.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Reju’s expansion and new partnership with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes shows that Monroe County and the City of Rochester are leading the way in attracting innovative, sustainable businesses to our community. This project will generate quality jobs, strengthen our economy, and establish Rochester as a premier circular textile hub. I thank Mayor Evans and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes for their partnership, and Reju for their commitment to our community.”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “I am proud of the City’s Business Development team’s role in bringing Reju to Rochester, which will create good paying jobs for our residents, power the growth of Eastman Business Park as an international employment center and strengthen our economy’s position as an innovation hub in the growing waste reduction market. I look forward to welcoming the Reju team to Rochester and seeking opportunities to expand their local presence even further.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce CEO and Co-Chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Bob Duffy said, “On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber and its 1,300 members, we are proud to help welcome Reju to our Greater Rochester community! This significant investment from CEO Patrik Frisk and the Reju team will have a transformative effect on the historic Eastman Business Park, and signals a broader evolution of our community. Innovative technologies like those pioneered by Reju create meaningful jobs, sustainable solutions, and critical partnerships. We appreciate their investment in our region, and offer additional thanks to Jen Lake and the Goodwill of the Finger Lakes team for their partnership with Reju, helping to secure this investment, and for their continued leadership throughout our region.”
Greater Rochester Enterprise CEO Matt Hurlbutt said, “We are pleased that Reju chose Rochester, NY, for its first North American operation, drawn by the region’s exceptional assets and advantages, particularly the opportunity to partner with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. Rochester delivered a winning combination of an innovation-driven workforce and the unique infrastructure assets at Eastman Business Park to support Reju’s strategic goals for building a textile regeneration hub. GRE is proud to help Reju connect to regional partners and assets to accelerate the company’s growth plans.”
Goodwill Industries International President & CEO Steven Preston said, ““For nearly 125 years, local Goodwill organizations across the country have been leaders in unlocking the value stored in used goods for the benefit of their communities. When Goodwill Industries International formed a partnership with Reju and WM in 2024, we saw a pioneering new opportunity to continue that longstanding tradition by leveraging textile recycling to support local Goodwill community programs. Today marks a key milestone in achieving that vision, as Reju and a collective of 11 Goodwill organizations across the northeastern U.S. announce a program to supply Reju’s first-ever industrial textile Regeneration Hub in the U.S. with materials for recycling.”
Reju’s regeneration technology, developed with IBM Research, transforms post-consumer textile waste, starting with polyester, into high-quality regenerated materials. Reju’s regenerated polyester is expected to have a 50% lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester and is engineered to be recyclable multiple times.
By aligning community-based reuse with industrial-scale regeneration, Reju and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes are helping position Rochester as a cornerstone of the emerging circular textile economy in the United States.
SEOUL, South Korea — February 18, 2026 — Positioning material innovation at the center of future -forward apparel design, Hyosung TNC’s Fashion Design Center (FDC), which is an interactive fashion studio that spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia renowned for analyzing progressive brands and retailers while researching consumer insights, has unveiled its forecasted FW 27/28 Textile Trend report.
The report embraces three major macro trends – Corps-Core, Quiet Consumption, and Circular Fashion.
Corps – core
Consumers are embracing a boundaryless lifestyle where work, social time, and light outdoor activity blend seamlessly, driving demand for wardrobes that transition effortlessly from commute to evening and beyond. As a result, Corps-Core has evolved from classic office tailoring into a versatile FW 27/28 trend, merging clean, tailored aesthetics with performance-driven functionality for everyday mobility and outdoor engagement.
Quiet Consumption
Amid inflation and economic uncertainty, consumers are shifting toward value-driven spending, prioritizing affordability, and cutting back on unnecessary purchases. In fashion, this has fueled the rise of discount, resale, and ultra low-cost online brands. Style conscious shoppers are seeking trend-forward looks at lower prices rather than splurging on status-driven consumption.
Circular Fashion
Circular fashion applies closed-loop principles to the industry by designing out waste, extending garment life through reuse and repair, and recycling materials back into new products. As environmental concerns grow, consumers are increasingly embracing resale, rental, and recycled materials—prompting brands to expand circular-focused collections and systems.
With these insights in mind, FDC predicts the four following themes and sub-themes for apparel brands, which highlight Hyosung’s broad range of CREORA® multi-functional, and certified sustainable regen™ brands of spandex, nylon and polyester yarns.
Winter Essential – Core winter activewear for functional mindset
Office Ready Tech – Versatility to office daily wear
Relaxed Outdoor – Built for comfort, ready for active
All – Round Recovery – Single fabric, infinite intimates
More detailed information on Hyosung FDC’s FW 27/28 Textile Trends will be presented in a weekly Trend Byte series featured on the Hyosung Performance Textiles blog beginning February 23, 2026. These textile trends will also be presented at Performance Days Munich, March 18-19 and Functional Fabric Fair, Portland, OR, April 7-9, 2026.
MILAN — February 17, 2026 — With the arrival of the first sunny days, the desire to get back on the bike and enjoy outdoor walks and trekking grows stronger. XTech, a Brescia-based company and leader in the production of Made in Italy technical sports socks and apparel, presents a selection of garments made with Q-SKIN®, the innovative yarn developed by Fulgar, specifically designed to support cyclists, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts during the first activities of the warm season.
The collection includes highly high-performance garments for both cycling and outdoor sports: technical socks, four-season tops with either a soft or close fit, jackets and bib shorts, all designed to adapt perfectly to the changing weather conditions typical of early-season outings. These garments are the ideal solution for those returning to outdoor training after the winter break—whether cycling, trekking or simply walking in nature—ensuring optimal performance and maximum comfort.
“Spring is when many athletes return to outdoor training, and we know how crucial it is to choose the right apparel to fully enjoy this experience. Our Q-SKIN® yarn represents real added value for those seeking performance and well-being during the first outings of the warm season, both by bike and on foot. We are pleased that an Italian company like XTech has chosen to integrate this innovation into its spring collection, offering athletes a superior outdoor experience from the very first sunny days,” comments Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar.
