David Tingue, CEO Of Tingue, Brown & Co. Of Peachtree City, GA To Receive TRSA Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 18, 2025 — TRSA is pleased to announce that David Tingue, CEO of Tingue, Brown & Co. of Peachtree City, Ga., will be honored with the TRSA Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award at the 112th TRSA Annual Conference taking place May 13-15 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas in Indian Wells, Calif. Tingue will receive the award during a special dinner on May 15 in recognition of his exceptional leadership, industry contributions, and commitment to excellence.

David Tingue

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the TRSA Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award,” Tingue said. “I feel a bit overwhelmed by this honor, as it has me reflecting on the many individual mentors and influencers in my life. Above all is my father, Bill Tingue, who was a recipient of this award in 2003. Dad showed me that you can come out on top while acting like a gentleman. The names of past recipients are truly humbling — these are my idols, and they always will be. Thanks to all of them for setting such a great example.”

A stalwart of the commercial laundry industry, Tingue has been instrumental in building his company’s global presence. He has strengthened its supply chain, ensuring resilience through financial crises and pandemics so that customers were never without their necessary consumables, spare parts and local service. Under his leadership, Tingue has expanded into Hong Kong, Canada, the Caribbean and Ireland. He is also a visionary in digitizing the company’s operations, launching an e-commerce platform in 2023 that has been widely adopted by laundry operators worldwide, including more than 100 TRSA members.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Tingue has dedicated significant time and expertise to TRSA, serving on multiple committees, including Healthcare, Marketing, Strategic Management and Strategic Planning, as well as his personal favorite, the Government Relations Committee. He also served on TRSA’s Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004, is a graduate of TRSA’s Sales and Marketing Institute (SMI) and is a consistent supporter of TRSAPAC. As a constant cheerleader for TRSA programs, he has sent dozens of Tingue employees to EMI, MMI, PMI, and other TRSA-sponsored events.

A fourth-generation leader, Tingue took the helm of his family’s business in 1992 after earning an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. He held various management positions in the Tingue division, becoming president in 2000. In January 2007, he succeeded his father, William J. Tingue, as CEO of the parent company. Under his leadership, the business has closed 18 acquisitions, three business divestitures and six real estate deals.

David resides in Tampa, Fla., with his wife, Andrea. The next generation of the Tingue family remains active in the business, with David’s son John representing the fifth generation.

“We recently launched a new mission statement at Tingue: Fostering a benevolent culture that drives us to be the familiar, friendly and trusted solution for our laundry partners,” Tingue said. “This Lifetime Achievement Award suggests that we are on the right path. While this award marks a significant milestone, I believe there is still more to contribute. I look forward to continuing to support and advance the industry, ensuring that the next generation can build on the strong foundation we’ve all worked so hard to establish. Thank you to my friends of the TRSA.”

For more information and to register for the TRSA Annual Conference, visit www.trsa.org/annualconference.

Posted: March 19, 2025

Source: TRSA

Yeadon Fabric Domes To Invest $4.6 Million in Fayetteville, N.C., For Manufacturing Facility

RALEIGH, N.C. — March 18, 2025 — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced Yeadon Fabric Domes LLC, a manufacturer of air supported structures, will create 72 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest $4.6 million to build a manufacturing facility in Fayetteville.

“We are delighted to welcome Yeadon Fabric Domes to Cumberland County,” said Governor Stein. “Our manufacturing leadership and textile legacy woven with our strategic location and excellent quality of life will continue to attract innovative, global companies to our great state.”

Yeadon Fabric Domes is a designer and manufacturer of climate-controlled domed structures. From professional sports to swimming pools, the company’s air-supported facilities provide large, open spaces for a variety of sporting venues and applications. Yeadon Fabric Domes have been installed in more than 30 countries for customers including several professional football teams, University of Pennsylvania and Marquette University. Headquartered in Minnesota, Yeadon will build its own 72-foot-tall domed structure in a 50,000-square-foot space production site at the Fayetteville Regional Airport, adding more manufacturing capacity and service space for its operations.

“Yeadon Domes is thrilled to be expanding our operations to Fayetteville,” said Matt Mejia, CEO of Yeadon Fabric Domes. “Throughout the process, it has become clear that Fayetteville is the perfect place to build our manufacturing facility, and to continue producing world-class air-supported domes. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Stein, and our many partners throughout North Carolina. We look forward to joining the community and expanding Yeadon’s 55-year legacy in Cumberland County.”

“North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation as it continues to be recognized as the top state to do business in America,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Yeadon Fabric Domes will benefit from a friendly business environment, a world-class workforce, and a rewarding lifestyle in Cumberland County, and we believe they will find great success here.”

While salaries for the new positions will vary, the average annual salary will be $47,734, exceeding the Cumberland County average of $47,175. These new jobs could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $3.4 million.

A performance-based grant of $225,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate to Cumberland County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“We welcome Yeadon Fabric Domes and its investment to our region,” said N.C. Senator Val Applewhite. “They will greatly benefit from our transitioning military families which offer a uniquely skilled and prepared workforce that a company of this impact will need.”

“This is a great win for Cumberland County and the entire state,” said N.C. Representative Diane Wheatley. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the partnership of state and local officials and the economic development professionals that supported Yeadon Fabric Domes in making its next home in Fayetteville.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Cumberland County, the City of Fayetteville, and the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation.

Posted: March 19, 2025

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

Driving Fashion, Innovation And Sustainability: VIATT 2025 Solidifies Its Role As ASEAN’s Premier International Textile Platform

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — March 19, 2025 — At its second edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) has once again proven a vital trade platform for the global textile value chain. Taking place from February 26-28, 2025, the show concluded with resounding success, after attracting over 19,000 visits (more than 10-percent increase) from over 70 countries and regions (2024: 55 countries and regions). The fair also welcomed 463 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, marking a nearly 13 percent growth compared to the previous year, while adding several new zones and a pavilion that offered potential for Vietnam’s development towards textile innovation and sustainability, and further integration with the global supply chain.

Serving as a catalyst to connect the local market with the global stage, the fair was once again hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). “Among all the current industrial export products of Vietnam, the textile and garment industry accounts for 12 to 16 percent of the country’s total export turnover,” said Phan Thi Thang, deputy minister of Industry and Trade at the fair’s opening ceremony. “Facing favourable trends, along with 17 new generation free trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has signed that have taken effect, the country’s textile and garment industry targets export turnover of $48 billion by 2025, continuing to affirm Vietnam’s solid position in the global supply chain.”

Speaking at the fair’s close, Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., remarked: “VIATT 2025 exceeded expectations with its remarkable participation from key international players, particularly through the introduction of the European Zone and India Pavilion. The show has made significant progress compared to its inaugural edition, with growth in internationality, exhibitor and visitor numbers, and fringe event offerings. These advancements further cemented VIATT’s role as a gateway to increase business in ASEAN’s dynamic textile market, providing unparalleled opportunities for fairgoers to forge global partnerships, upgrade their supply chains and explore new markets.”

New offerings underscore Vietnam’s rising potential in design, technology and sustainability

Aligned with global trends, VIATT 2025 placed a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, reflecting the industry’s shift towards eco-conscious practices and cutting-edge technologies, and the growing demand for these in Southeast Asia. The debut Innovation and Digital Solutions Zone and Econogy Hub — the centralised zones for cutting-edge technologies and sustainable products and solutions — emerged as major highlights, underscoring the industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future, across the apparel, home, and technical sectors.

Exhibiting in Econogy Hub, Nguyen Tri Duc, Overseas Sales Department, Toyo Orimono, Japan, commented: “Econogy Hub has been an excellent platform for networking. It allows us to connect with potential clients and showcase our offerings. Over the past two days, we’ve seen a significant increase in customer interest in recycled fibers, and various eco-friendly products, with many proposing new design requirements to cater to market demands in Japan and Europe. Compared to last year, this edition has attracted a larger, more professional crowd, and the booths have been more captivating than ever.”

In addition to the numerous fabrics being showcased, more inspiration was on display at the inaugural European Zone, which showcased top-tier French fashion designs, the finest home textiles from Portugal, sustainable textiles from the UK, and more. By organizing a new display zone, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) highlighted the craftsmanship of several premium British fabric mills.

“Vietnam’s consumer class is growing rapidly, and there’s a very strong manufacturing sector with sustainable, ethical facilities, with huge investments in technology and quality,” explained Daniel Connolly, senior executive, UKFT. “The UK has now got a free trade agreement with Vietnam, and has recently become part of CPTPP. Lots of British textiles are being turned into finished goods here. We’re very happy to partner with VIATT, and visitors have been pleasantly surprised that we’re exhibiting at just its second edition. The UK industry is also really happy that UKFT is here because Vietnam and Southeast Asia represent such an exciting, relatively new market.”

Exhibitors’ feedback

“We have brought fashion embroidery fabrics and polyester embroidery yarns, predominantly for stylish women’s wear. Our goal is to engage with garment manufacturers, brand customers, and local agents,” said Bao Jia Cheng, representative of Shaoxing Sunsmile Textile Co Ltd., China (Apparel Fabrics & Fashion). “Southeast Asia is undoubtedly a key focal point for the future evolution of Asia-Pacific’s economy, and I regard this exhibition as a crucial avenue for penetrating the Southeast Asian market. I’ve seen a promising visitor flow and good quality customers, and notably met interested parties from Vietnam, Thailand, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia.”

“We established a factory in Vietnam at the beginning of the year, due to its more favorable market environment and more developed supply chain than other Southeast Asian nations,” said Zhang Jian, Muye Home Fashion Vietnam Co Ltd., Vietnam (Home & Contract Textiles). “At VIATT, we’ve had considerable demand from local stores and wholesalers. I believe that Vietnam has significant consumer purchasing power as our prices have been well-received here, and our booth, which promotes finished products, has attracted a significant amount of foot traffic, indicating a good number of targeted customers.”

“Utilised by most global brands with mass-produced T-shirts or underwear, our tagless line is an alternative to heat transfer labels or sewn-in labels,” said Matthew Yates, Global Tagless director, Inkcups, USA (Technical Textiles & Textile Technologies). “It saves water and trees, with no carbon emissions. This is our first time exhibiting at VIATT, we’ve been very busy and absolutely made some promising leads. Our main customers are apparel, but we’re also in medical, furniture, jeans, and such. This kind of exhibition gathering different sub-sectors increases possibilities, because visitors say they can apply tagless to products I’d never really considered.”

Drawn by VIATT’s diverse and extensive offerings, nine buyer delegations from Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the US sourced at the fair. Meanwhile, VIP buyers from renowned brands, including Adidas, Aeon, American Eagle, Club Monaco, IKEA, J Crew, Nike, MFG Sourcing, Muji, Lululemon, Welspun, and ZARA also met with exhibitors to further promote business exchange during the show.

Buyers’ experiences

“As a textile producer and retailer from Mexico, we’re primarily seeking garment suppliers,” said Eduardo Hernández Castillo, International Purchasing Manager, Avante Textil, Mexico. “I saw one of the fashion parades and for me it’s quite unique and fascinating. We also discovered innovative technologies, particularly in mélange yarns, as well as impressive advancements from Korea and Japan. We plan to return to VIATT next year to further develop our supplier network.”

“We are a home textiles company managing American clients’ orders in China,” said Dennis Macharia, Sourcing – Home Textiles China, Maaron International Procurements, China. “I’m planning to do all three days at this show, because I prefer sitting down with suppliers and having good conversations. There have been promising leads, especially Chinese suppliers who have already opened a good number of factories in Vietnam, and in India, Myanmar, and Indonesia. I have already found OEKO-TEX and BSCI certified suppliers at VIATT 2025, which are very important for our clients.”

“We focus on the markets of Vietnam, China, Korea and Europe, especially textile, handbag and footwear businesses — areas with high demand for zippers and copper metal accessories,” noted Chen Shen Hua, director, Kingly Copper, Vietnam. “Our main goal at VIATT is to find partners, learn new technologies, and expand our market presence. The fair has helped us connect with many potential partners, and open up opportunities for long-term collaborations. We look forward to returning next year to further expand our market reach or to showcase our new product lines.”

“I own Jossi, a fashion brand in Vietnam,” said Tran Thanh Tam, director, Thinh Phuc Development Co Ltd., Vietnam. “These seminars gave me more specific, in-depth knowledge in my field. They far exceeded my expectations in terms of the valuable insights into the prospects of Vietnamese textile businesses. In both domestic and international markets, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion and eco-friendly materials. At the fair, I networked with domestic and international partners. For instance, I met the CEO of ECOSOI, the enterprise specializing in 100-perce t pineapple fibre.”

Beyond business interactions, VIATT 2025 offered a comprehensive fringe program designed to share trends, insights, and strategies with global industry players. Notable events included VIATT’s first-ever Interior Design Roundtable and Networking: Sustainable Interiors with Smart Textiles. The panel discussion was led by VDAS Design Association, highlighting the latest fabric, technology, and sustainability initiatives in the interiors sector. Another addition, the inaugural 2025 VCICS – Vietnam Investment Summit, aimed to unlock new business opportunities between China and Vietnam. Meanwhile, The Future of Sustainability in Vietnam’s Fashion Industry explored Vietnam’s design and sustainability, in collaboration with Redress, and including insights from leading enterprises such as ECOSOI, Passi, and sustainable phygital fashion brand KHAAR.

In total, 11 seminars took place during the fair, covering the themes of Design & Trends, Market Information & Business Strategies, Innovation/Technology & Solutions, and Econogy Talks, bringing international perspectives to educate and inspire the local market, as well as spotlighting Vietnam’s fashion and interior design landscape.

As for the highlights at the end of the value chain, two well-attended, eye-catching fashion shows from Vietnamese designer Vu Viet Ha and French designer Manix Wong, along with two fashion parades by designers from Thailand and Taiwan, also attracted the attention of global visitors. Meanwhile, three garment display zones highlighted the prevailing potential of functional and sustainable fashion, while a well-attended macramé weaving workshop enabled fairgoers to craft their own coasters.

Speakers’ insights

“Currently, the Vietnamese fashion industry is on the rise and pays a lot of attention to sustainability” said Ngoc Thu Le, Representative of Redress, Hong Kong. “During our panel discussion today, a common challenge that I noticed is educating the customers and shifting their buying behaviors. That’s why fairs like VIATT are important because they provide brands with a platform to reach out directly with customers and communicate the value of sustainable fashion.”

“My presentation was about applying AI in fabric inspection, the challenges and also the opportunities, while the panel discussion was more about sustainability,” said Professor Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre director, Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab), Hong Kong. “The industry is eager for innovations, particularly for AI. Our inspection system especially has attracted very strong interest as there are many textile mills and garment manufacturers in Vietnam. I’m so satisfied with the number of visitors at our booth, we have met quite a few potential business partners, and of course we plan to come back next year!”

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE). For more details on this fair, please visit or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT 2026 will be held from February 26 – 28, 2026

Other upcoming shows:

  • Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen
    • June 11 – 13, 2025, Shenzhen (Futian)
  • Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition
    • August 20 – 22, 2025, Shanghai
  • Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
    • September 2 – 4, 2025, Shanghai
  • Cinte Techtextil China
    • September 3 – 5, 2025, Shanghai

Posted: March 19, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

UNIFI®, Maker Of REPREVE®, Named To Fast Company’s Annual List Of The World’s Most Innovative Companies Of 2025 For Fashion And Apparel

GREENSBORO, N.C. — March 18, 2025 — UNIFI Inc., the maker of REPREVE®, is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 in the Fashion and Apparel category. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

“Being recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies is a great honor,” said Eddie Ingle, UNIFI CEO. “Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world, and industries need a sustainable solution that can be adopted into supply chains to reduce reliance on virgin production. Our goal at UNIFI® is to use our industry leading REPREVE brand to mainstream recycled and circular products, which will help build a more sustainable future.”

UNIFI is establishing global standards in recycling technology with its innovative Textile Takeback™ process. This process produces circular polyester and insulation, ThermaLoop™, at commercial scale. Textile Takeback products are created using post-industrial and post-consumer fabric waste, allowing global brands to find new life for their waste and extend the lifecycle of these materials.

UNIFI monitors its progress using third-party, peer-reviewed LCA data and bold target setting. To date, UNIFI has recycled the equivalent of 950 million T-shirts’ worth of textile and yarn waste, placing the Company more than halfway toward its goal of recycling the equivalent of 1.5 billion T-shirts’ worth of waste by fiscal year 2030. Additionally, UNIFI aims to divert 50 billion plastic bottles from landfills by the end of 2025 and is on pace to cut GHG emissions intensity 30% by fiscal year 2030.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company Editor-In-Chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by over delivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.

*100% recycled materials refers to the base polymer excluding colorants and/or additive packages

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: UNIFI, Inc.

QTI Fibers Announces Abhi Agrawal As New CEO To Drive Strategic Growth

GREENSBORO, N.C. — March 18, 2025 — QTI Fibers is proud to announce the appointment of Abhi Agrawal as CEO. This strategic leadership move is a part of QTI’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its position in the market as a leading supplier of advanced materials and innovative technical solutions. The QTI Fibers portfolio of companies includes Quantum Materials, Twitchell Technical Products, and Infinity Woven Products.

Abhi Agrawal

Effective immediately, Agrawal will oversee QTI’s businesses located in North Carolina and Alabama, with a focus on bringing together the collaborative strengths of Quantum Materials, Twitchell, and Infinity. QTI Fibers has been a Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) portfolio company since 2022.

“It is an honor to join QTI and the NEP family of companies. Our focus and commitment at QTI Fibers are to deliver industry-leading quality by investing in our people, advanced materials, and robust manufacturing processes. We prioritize customer-driven innovation through tailored solutions and remain dedicated to Made-in-America manufacturing, ensuring a reliable and responsive supply chain for our customers,” Agrawal said.

Agrawal brings extensive leadership experience to QTI Fibers having served as president and CEO of multiple manufacturing businesses throughout his career. He spent the first nine years of his professional career in strategy and operations consulting at Mitchell Madison Group and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he honed expertise in business strategy and operational improvements

Following his time at BCG, Agrawal spent six years at Dover Corp., where he led the Dover Digital Printing business, specializing in textiles and managing multiple global business units. His leadership in this role helped drive growth and operational excellence across the organization. Before joining QTI Fibers, Abhi served as CEO of SCRAM Systems, a private equity-backed public safety solutions company. Additionally, he served as president at Banjo Corp., a manufacturing business unit of IDEX Corp. (NYSE IEX) that serves the agricultural machinery industry.

“We are confident that Abhi’s leadership will strengthen our foundation and drive innovation, quality, and growth. With Abhi at the helm, we are well positioned to take QTI Fibers to the next level of success,” shared Jason Sondell, managing director at NEP on behalf of QTI Board of Directors.

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: QTI Fibers (QTI)

Archroma, Gradiant Partner To Advance Water Circularity With Innovative ZLD Technology In Thailand

PRATTELN, Switzerland — March 18, 2025 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, has successfully implemented a state-of-the-art Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand. The ZLD solution was designed and built by Gradiant, a global supplier of advanced water and wastewater treatment. This milestone project marks a major leap forward in water circularity, enabling the recovery of 90 to 95 percent of wastewater for reuse and the extraction of valuable minerals for industrial applications.

Archroma partnered with Gradiant to deploy a high-efficiency, membrane- and oxidation-based ZLD solution, reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management in the textile industry. Located in a water-stressed region near Bangkok, the Mahachai plant now serves as a model for sustainable textile dye production, significantly reducing reliance on local water supplies while improving environmental resilience.

As part of its broader sustainability endeavor, Archroma addresses critical challenges within the apparel and textile industry, particularly water consumption. “We believe in reducing water use in production and home laundering. We innovate to remove toxins and contaminants from our products, making wastewater treatment easier for our plants and customers,” said Dhirendra Gautam, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma. “Our goal is to require our plants to have effective water conservation facilities with special focus on water stressed areas, contributing to water conservation and helping to combat acute water scarcity worldwide.”

Since 2019, Archroma has evaluated various ZLD solutions to address growing water challenges in Thailand. Gradiant’s Counterflow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) was selected as the preferred technology for its ability to treat diverse wastewater compositions with superior efficiency and minimal energy consumption. The modular system seamlessly integrates with the plant’s existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, maximizing desalination capacity and water recovery while reducing the plant’s environmental footprint.

In addition to CFRO, Gradiant’s Free Radical Oxidation (FRO) technology has been deployed to remove color and organics from the RO concentrate, ensuring safe discharge and meeting stringent environmental regulations. The system also enables the recovery of concentrated brine, which Archroma repurposes within the dyeing process or supplies to industry partners for applications such as resin regeneration and chlorine production, further promoting a circular economy in water and resource management.

“Water-intensive industries are under increasing pressure to adopt responsible solutions, and this partnership with Archroma demonstrates how advanced water treatment can drive sustainability without compromising operational efficiency,” said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. “Our ZLD solution at Mahachai leverages innovative membrane and oxidation technologies to maximize water recovery, reduce environmental impact, and create valuable resource streams. We are proud to support Archroma’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and water stewardship.”

Thailand faces mounting water stress due to climate change, extreme droughts, and aging infrastructure, making sustainable water management an urgent priority. By implementing Gradiant’s ZLD solution, Archroma significantly reduces its dependence on freshwater sources, ensuring long-term operational resilience in a resource-constrained environment.

This multi-million-dollar investment underscores Archroma’s dedication to water conservation and its broader mission to transform the textile industry through sustainable innovation. Beyond Thailand, Archroma continues to expand its ZLD initiatives globally, including its Sustainable Effluent Treatment (SET) plant in Jamshoro, Pakistan, which has been providing irrigation water to surrounding communities.

By partnering with Gradiant, Archroma reaffirms its commitment to employing innovative solutions that drive economic, environmental, and industrial sustainability on a global scale.

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: Archroma

Global Recycling Foundation Announces 2025 Recycling Heroes  

LONDON — March 18, 2025 — The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) has announced the winners of its Recycling Heroes Competition 2025.

Entrants were invited to submit a 60 to 90 second video demonstrating innovative ideas to promote recycling, sustainability, educational awareness or waste reduction in their community, school or business.

Videos were judged on creativity and clarity of message illustrating success stories and educational outreach.

The 20 winning entries have won $500 plus inclusion in a press release shared through our global channels.

Additionally, the first 50 winning entries will be shared on all our global channels over the following 12 months.

Marking Global Recycling Day, Ranjit Baxi, founding president of the GRF, said: “On this Global Recycling Day let us all pledge to share and promote recycling as an integral part of the Global Circular Economy.

“The danger is that the circular economy becomes regionalized by overarching regulatory controls and increasing protectionism, instead we must work together to allow free and fair global trade as we are contributing to global environmental benefits.

“We need to promote the three Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle — as our fundamental drivers. I am heartened by the number of entries in our Recycling Heroes competition which have focused on the use of plastic. They all recognize that we must eradicate single use plastic.

“Recycling saves over a billion tons of Carbon Emissions each year and these savings need to be translated into easily tradeable Carbon or Plastic Credits. We need to agree on harmonized Carbon Credit methodologies that can be easily applied across all recyclables — plastic, paper, metals, tires and textiles.”

‘It is high time that world leaders recognize recycling and place it high on the agenda at the COP30 in Brazil as part of Article 6 discussions.”

The winning entries are:

Lennart Osthoff | Repartly / Gütersloh, Germany

Repartly repairs and refurbishes PCBs for household appliances (washing machines, dishwasher, dryers…) with the help of ABB cobots. Repartly is an initial treatment facility for preparation for reuse. They work with Recycling companies all around Europe in order to harvest parts from the e-waste stream and bring the back into the cycle.

Toys up, Netherlands

This group started by Nanda Slikkerveer and four other entrepreneurs, believe that used toys should be the new standard, not only for people who want better for the environment, but for everybody. Simply because it is an attractive product. We offer sustainable and high-quality toys that are affordable and contribute to a better future through our circular approach by carefully cleaning and repairing them.

GreenLite Solutions, Nigeria

Sayyedi Umar of GreenLite Solutions, through its flagship project Sustainphere, is committed to addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: Plastic waste pollution. By converting discarded plastic materials into value-added products like eco-friendly school bags, shopping bags, and storage solutions, they tackle two critical issues: waste management and affordability for low-income families.

Clean Circle Ltd., Cameroon

Clean Circle Plastic Money Community is a project to clean up the mountains of plastic waste in Cameroon where millions of tons are being discarded every year of which about 80 perent of the waste ends up on the streets, rivers and drains, 15 percent is buried in landfills and only 5 percent is recycled.

Going green Dubai, UAE

Going Green Dubai is a platform to inspire communities and youth to join the cause for recycling and work towards sustainability, focusing on E- Waste, plastic bottles and paper. E Waste being their primary focus. Going Green Dubai’s mission is to increase youth participation to preserve our planet as we are the future. They have been successful in collecting and recycling 4,208 kgs of electronic waste, 12,805 plastic bottles and 687 Kgs of paper to date.

Evan J Schwartz of AMCS Group, North Carolina

Evan J. Schwartz leads the AMCS Group, a market leader in performance sustainability, provides SaaS vertical ERP end-to-end software for the waste, recycling, and commodity management industries and enabling resource-intensive Industries to enhance both sustainability and profitability.
He also is the CEO of Noble House of Schwartz, drives strategic leadership and innovation in technology and business in the Recycling Industry. He also heads the  Enterprise Foundation where he leads global engineering teams & is also adjunct Professor at Jacksonville University where he works with next generation IT professionals helping equip future leaders to tackle challenges of the rapidly growing digital AI world. His focus is on advancing AI, data science, and sustainable technology solutions.

Project Kaagaz, promoting Paper recycling by Learning Paths School, Mohali, Punjab, India

Kaagaz, a Community Service initiative by Learning Paths School, Sector-67, Mohali, Punjab to promote the importance of Recycling of Paper. Their video showed the importance of sustainable practices and how Kaagaz is contributing to the recycling movement within the community. The school project makes recycled paper for use as Book Markers by the school students.

Mosquito-Shield Potpourri, Uganda

Mosquito-Shield Potpourri – A Sustainable Solution for Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Waste Reduction. We’ve developed an innovative, eco-friendly potpourri that repels mosquitoes and other insects, promoting a healthier environment while reducing waste. Using repurposed flower waste, used tea bags, pine cones and used maize cobs, orange peels and plastic bottles they have produced Mosquito-Shield Potpourri .

Chelmsford College, England

Chelmsford College consistently show their dedication to pioneering a greener future. With a commitment to reaching net zero by 2040, they run various recycling initiatives to help achieve this, including The Pringles Tube Recycling Programme, collecting, and recycling many other items, including plastic tubs, magazines, newspapers, and wood offcuts, as well as creating their own app, Nexus, designed to lead a greener community. The college runs its own recycling bins and manages a renewable sustainable shop on the campus

Ittisha Sarah, Founder of Northeast Waste Collective and Director of Azure Lotus Foundation, Assam, India 

Our community-led waste management project in Sangti Valley segregates village waste into wet and dry recyclables. The wet waste is composted and fed to animals while the dry waste is sorted and taken to local recycling companies. The profits are used for local community projects.

Sarah was also recognized for her recycling services by Hon’ble PM of India, Mr Narendra Modi, in his Maan ki Baat broadcast on the 24th of November 2024.

Mercy Amarachukwu Abayomi of Ama Shop It, Nigeria

Ama Shop It, sustainability is at the heart of everything they do to reduce plastic waste and foster cleaner, healthier environment. As an e-commerce platform committed to transforming African commerce, they recognize the need and community responsibility to protect the planet while supporting businesses and consumers. In 2024, they partnered with ROTB Foundation to reduce plastic waste and foster a cleaner, healthier environment.

Torre Plstik, Portugal

TORRE PLSTIK is a project created in 2022 that consists of collecting and transforming plastic packaging into skateboards primarily focusing on plastic grades 2 and 5. For each skateboard about 1.5 kg of plastic is recycled. The pieces produced can be used freely by the community and regulars of Torre’s skate park. The aim is to democratize sport and generate a positive impact by raising awareness in the neighborhood community about the problem of incorrect disposal of plastic material.

Sabine Janneck of Circle Cook Island

Sabine Yanneck is a dedicated recycling champion in the Cook Islands, committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Through Circle Cook Islands, she has been instrumental in educating communities about responsible waste management, driving innovative recycling initiatives, and inspiring positive change.

Robinsons Malls, Philippines

Robinsons Malls launched the, Everyday for a Greener Future, Sustainability initiative to integrate sustainability into daily life, encouraging consumers to adopt ecofriendly habits whilst shopping, dining, and entertainment by addressing key environmental concerns such as waste management, climate action, and community engagement.

Safisana, Ghana/Tema

The core of our business is Upcycling Waste for Good. They collect organic and faecal waste daily and turn it into renewable natural gas that can be used for green electricity, and locally-made organic fertilizers for farmers and home gardeners to grow organic food while creating a circular economy, impacting 80,000 people yearly.

Princes Town West Secondary School, Trinidad and Tobago

Save The Earth Project. The small island developing state of Trinidad and Tobago is  very much affected by a number of environmental issues. One problem identified by the school is a high level of land pollution. To tackle this they shared awareness by  engaging the pupils to learn the benefits of recycling and promoted the collection of things as plastic bottles as fun by earning rewards for the classes and promoting Recycling on the Island. A very innovative approach.

Cartridge Depot, South Africa

Cartridge Depot has been a pioneer in promoting recycling and sustainability in South Africa since 2015. The organization collects and recycles printer cartridges, reducing waste and minimizing environmental harm. They also empower local communities by providing a sustainable income for waste collectors.

Ecoact, Tanzania

ECOACT Tanzania is a social enterprise that has developed a chemical free technology to transform ocean plastic waste, packaging materials and electronic waste to manufacture durable and affordable plastic timbers used for building, construction as well as furniture making. Through their work, they are able to mitigate environmental challenges through reduction in waste plastic creation and meet social challenges through delivering means of sustainable living in affordable housing.

The Koru Foundation, India

Our Recycle Station initiative provides a structured system for waste segregation and encourages responsible recycling within the communities. Through this project, we aim to create awareness, make recycling more accessible, and inspire individuals to take action in waste management.

Erni Suhaina Fadzry of Indonesian Islamic Propagation Council, Indonesia

Suhaina Fadzry believes “Waste is a problem caused by the living activities of the people, as the waste producers. Therefore, the waste problem should be their responsibility, and they should be more responsible by getting involved in waste management and utilization, starting from homes, schools, and mosques.”

She has been working since 2005 and has established Bu Nandang training centre in Bahasa focusing on waste management and educational awareness. She has succeeded in mobilizing public awareness and speaks at larger public schools, universities and NGO.

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) 

Microban Launches AkoTech Umbrella Of Advanced Multifunctional Coating Technologies

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — March 18, 2025 — Microban International, the leader in antimicrobial solutions, announced the launch of AkoTech, an advanced platform of multifunctional coating technologies that enhance and protect a broad spectrum of products. Easy to use and customizable for various manufacturing processes and end-use applications, AkoTech formulations can provide benefits such as excellent hardness, adhesion, water and oil repellency and chemical resistance. AkoTech’s multifunctional capabilities make it an ideal solution for flooring, exterior finish systems, touchscreens, countertops, furniture, and more. By integrating AkoTech, these surfaces benefit from enhanced durability, improved cleanliness, and long-lasting freshness, helping to maintain their appearance and performance over time.

AkoTech is an umbrella of formulations that includes water-based and solvent-based solutions. The formulations can also use heavy metal–free antimicrobial technologies to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold and mildew growth, leading to longer-lasting and more sustainable products. Backed by the power of Microban, AkoTech delivers cutting-edge performance that is bolstered by the suite of services that comes with the Microban brand, including formulation, sales, marketing and regulatory support.

“There are multifunctional capabilities under the AkoTech umbrella, with each iteration of the technology providing crucial versatility and functionality to different types of products,” said James Rapley, liquid formulations manager at Microban. “Customers have been asking for multifunctional coatings for years, and now this umbrella allows Microban and our partners to work together in delivering new and exciting technologies.”

To make AkoTech easy to use for all kinds of applications, the technology is available as a starting-point formulation (used as is or customized if desired), a ready-to-use formulation or a liquid concentrate (requiring the addition of water). AkoTech is integrated into products during manufacturing using a coating application process such as roll coating or spray coating.

“As the global leader in antimicrobial and odor control technologies, we are committed to the development of solutions that support product sustainability by extending their useful lifetimes,” said Microban President Michael Ruby. “We’re proud to launch a system of technologies that aids in this mission while making the integration as seamless as possible for our manufacturing partners.”

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: Microban International — Part of Barr Brands International

Outerknown Releases Apex Evolution Trunks By Kelly Slater, Made With First-Of-Its-Kind Netplus® Material

CULVER CITY & OXNARD, Calif. — March 18, 2025 — Today, Outerknown launches the Apex Evolution Trunks by Kelly Slater, the first four-way stretch boardshorts made from NetPlus® material crafted from post-consumer recycled fishing nets. Furthering Outerknown’s commitment to making the highest quality products using the most sustainable materials available, these are the brand’s highest-performing boardshorts yet and represent the second generation of this style.

Outerknown, founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore, is celebrated for creating elevated, lasting wardrobe staples from superior quality, responsibly sourced materials. As the first apparel brand founded on a total commitment to sustainability, Outerknown’s current collections are crafted using 99 percent preferred fibers — including organic, Regenerative Organic Certified®, recycled, regenerated, and bio-based materials. By prioritizing innovation over trends, Outerknown continues to lead the industry in sustainable design and alternative fiber solutions.

“Continual progression is in our brand’s lifeblood, so it’s only natural that we were inspired to take the highest performance trunk ever made — and make it even better,” said Outerknown creative director John Moore. “We delivered on all of Kelly’s precise design requests: better no-slip braided drawcords, an enhanced waistband that cinches without bunching, and reinforced ultrasonic-welded seams where it matters most. With our minds forever on the sea, we teamed up with our friends at Bureo to utilize their unmatched NetPlus® material made from recycled fishing nets. This yielded a truly responsibly-made trunk with a little more substance than the first Apex — without compromising any performance qualities.”

NetPlus material is made from 100-perce t recycled fishing nets, reducing the harmful impacts of fishing net waste on our ocean, and is 100-percent post-consumer recycled and 100-percent traceable. Through the NetPlus recycling program, discarded nets are sourced directly from fishing communities before they can end up in the environment. The entire process, from collection through recycling, is third-party audited and certified for material traceability. Utilizing NetPlus material empowers fishing communities around the world by providing waste management infrastructure, employment opportunities, and non-profit funding. Bureo continues to scale NetPlus material to provide a preferred recycled input for performance fabrics, lowering emissions and reducing reliance on virgin materials.

“Developing a boardshort material for Kelly has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the entire Bureo team,” said Bureo co-founder and CTO Kevin Ahearn. “We were able to work closely with the Outerknown team to perfect the fabric blend to ensure it’s durable enough for the demanding spots Kelly surfs, but still super lightweight, with the right amount of stretch to be comfortable for long days in the ocean; we’re thrilled to now share it with the industry. Having Kelly lead this development is a dream come true for a group of surfers and ocean advocates like us and we can’t wait to see this partnership evolve.”

The Apex Evolution boardshorts are available in 17” and 19” outseams, with Outerknown planning to integrate NetPlus into future products and collaborations. This is the second collaborative product for the two brands. In winter 2024, Outerknown launched the Puffer jacket with a shell made of 100 percent NetPlus material.

“After three years of dialing in the details, these trunks are really impressive,” Slater said. “Big improvements. Better fit, better length, a great scallop on the side for room in the leg. The materials hold up better too, and the string tie holds up great and doesn’t come undone. I’m confident these are the best trunks ever made.”

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: Outerknown / Bureo

JEC World 2025: A Record-Breaking 60th Edition Driven By Innovation And Circularity

PARIS — March 18, 2025 — After three dynamic days of intense business interactions, expertise sharing, and knowledge exchange, the 60th edition of JEC World 2025 has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the composites industry in building  a more sustainable future. Under the unifying theme “Pushing the Limits,” the event showcased the extraordinary versatility and innovation of composite materials that continue to redefine lightweighting, performance, and design possibilities for an increasing number of applications.

This edition marked a new milestone as the largest JEC World ever, attracting more than 45,000 professional visits from 94 countries, 29 percent coming from France, with 27 regional and national pavilions and hosting more than 1,350 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and a very strong increase in business relationships as part of the JEC Business Meetings program.

JEC World, the industry Think Tank

During the three days of the show, public authorities, industry leaders and visionaries contributed to make JEC World the composites industry Think Tank, where circular economy principles were raised by all participants, starting by the launch of the European Composites Circular Alliance on March 4th with the European Commission support.

Many strategic partnerships were signed at the show among which Fraunhofer and the ICC Japan, Orbital and Aditya Birla, Vartega and Syensqo, the creation of the Composites TP Team,  with Coriolis, Pinette, l’Institut de Soudure, Loiretech and CETIM, the partnership of Beneteau, Veolia, Composites Recycling, Arkema, Chomarat and Owens Corning for the first circular leisure boats, etc… At JEC World, the converging efforts of all stakeholders, heading towards a sustainable future, created a global statement and a tangible source of inspiration.

JEC World, the must-attend business platform of the composites’ worldwide community

The whole value chain gathered in Paris for this “festival of composites”: gathering as many global companies as SMEs under one roof, the event also presented 50+ start-ups resulting, in a lively environment for networking and business opportunities. Powered by a dedicated business meetings platform developed and optimized for the composites industry, the JEC Business Meetings Program enabled 13,500+ face-to-face pre-arranged meetings during the three days — an increase of 68 percent over 2024, demonstrating the dynamism of the industry.

Many countries also participated in the event: Foreign Ministers, French President of the MEDEF (French Business Confederation), Ambassadors and official representatives from 16 countries visited the show as part of official delegation tours. Among them: Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United States.

JEC World: Connecting Innovation and Industry

With more than 600 new products and innovations launched during this year’s show, JEC World remains the best place to introduce new developments to the global market. The JEC Composites Innovation Awards recognized 11 collaborative achievements, reflecting the industry’s dedication to providing new solutions for all application sectors of composites.

For its 8th edition, the JEC Composites Startup Booster competition, now firmly established as the leading competition for startups in the advanced materials sector, rewarded three companies from Netherlands, Spain and the United States for their impressive market potential.

The Live Demo zone was particularly visible on the show floor and well attended over the three days. This feature, highlighting automated and robotized processes, including large-scale additive manufacturing technologies, together with more than 100 machines available on exhibitors’ booths, made the JEC World experience unique.

The strengthening of the partnership with Sampe and the introduction of an exhibition space and conferences dedicated to the many Research and Innovation Projects have allowed JEC World to reach a new dimension in terms of advanced themes.

JEC World 2025 was, all in all, the place where innovation is ubiquitous, and the future of composites is shaping. With confidence, 59 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked for the next edition, which will take place March 10-12, 2026. Exhibitors and attendees have shared very positive feedback about the quality of the exhibition and the resounding success of this flagship event for the industry once again.

Posted: March 18, 2025

Source: JEC Group

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