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.
DANVILLE, VA — February 18, 2026 — Circ® , a global textile‑to‑textile recycler, announced the scaling of its Fiber Club initiative. Building on the success of the inaugural program, Circ is bringing together a new group of brand partners: the lifestyle brand Madewell (under J.Crew Group), sustainable fashion brand Reformation, and European retailer C&A, alongside supply chain partners Lenzing and Linz Textil.
First launched in January 2025 with Bestseller, Eileen Fisher, Everlane, and Zalando, alongside supply partners Arvind, Birla Cellulose, and Foshan Chicley, Fiber Club is addressing minimum order quantities and pricing challenges that have historically limited the adoption of new materials. By aggregating demand across pulp, fiber, and yarn stages, this first-of-its-kind roadmap for scaling next-gen materials is helping brands move from pilot testing to commercial product launches and long-term material commitments.
Each brand within this cohort is developing collections using TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology, made with 30% Circ pulp sourced from recycled polycotton textile waste. Circ provides the recycled pulp, which Lenzing converts into TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ lyocell fibers. Linz Textil spins the fibers into yarn, and each brand nominates its own fabric and garment manufacturers to ensure smooth integration into existing supply chains. This model allows brands already working with Lenzing fibers to adopt Circ materials easily while expanding Circ’s network of manufacturers capable of producing circular textiles at scale.
Fiber Club supports brands as regulatory pressure, commercial requirements, and consumer expectations are accelerating the circular transition. In the US and Europe, proposed extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies are an early sign that brands will need to begin taking greater responsibility for textile waste and invest in recovery and recycling systems. Collectively, these shifts are reinforcing recycled materials as an increasingly important business priority, driving demand for scalable, commercially viable solutions that can be easily integrated into existing supply chains.
“With Circ’s technology proven, the next phase of scaling is to lower the barriers to commercialization, ” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. “Brands are increasingly facing pressure from the market to reduce waste and use better materials, and there’s a shared understanding across the industry that the status quo can’t continue. The Fiber Club model operates within existing manufacturing systems to address the costs and complexity that have held brands back, making circular materials viable today.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 18, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, applauded the launch of the House Berry Amendment Caucus.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas
Statement from National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas:
“On behalf of the U.S textile industry, NCTO sincerely thanks Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) for their leadership in co-chairing the new bipartisan House Berry Amendment Caucus, aimed at strengthening national security and the U.S. defense industrial supply chain through the federal procurement of American-made mission critical clothing, textiles and gear.
“NCTO strongly supports this new caucus to promote and expand the Berry Amendment, a law requiring the Department of War (DOW) to buy textile and clothing products made with virtually 100% U.S. content and labor to support our U.S. warm industrial base.
“The U.S. textile industry provides $1.8 billion of high-tech and functional components for vital uniforms and equipment for our armed forces each year. The Department of War estimates that over 8,000 different textile items are purchased for use by the U.S. military—and over 30,000 line items when individual sizes are considered.
“It is vital to America’s national security that the U.S. military maintain the ability to source high-quality, innovative textile materials, apparel, and personal equipment from a vibrant U.S. textile industrial base and key to this goal is defending and strengthening the Berry Amendment.
“We look forward to working with the new caucus’ leadership and our industry partners to focus congressional efforts on preserving the Berry Amendment and expanding opportunities for U.S. textile manufacturers, safeguarding domestic supply chains, and ensuring our troops continue to receive innovative, high-quality American-made products.”
Posted: February 18, 2026
Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
PHOENIX — February 17, 2026 — Purecare announced the addition of Ken McAlpine and promotion of Luzanne Burt to key senior management roles, as the industry leader in premium bedding and protection prepares for future growth opportunities.
Ken McAlpine
McAlpine joined Purecare at the start of the year as vice president of operations to lead all operations of the company, including manufacturing, distribution and logistics. This new role was created to provide high-quality operations and ensure better service to customers for on-time delivery, product offering growth, enhanced private labeling abilities, manufacturing capability improvements, aggressive pricing and value to retailers. It will also enhance the focus of safety as a culture throughout the company.
“We’re very lucky to have Ken. He has had an incredibly successful career, and we’re very fortunate to have someone with so much experience and expertise join our team,” said Sean Bergman, president and CEO. “Additionally, as Purecare continues to grow, Ken will help us create the environment necessary to achieve our growth goals by ensuring we continue to provide our customers with exceptional service and manage operations efficiently.”
McAlpine brings 25 years of operations and logistics expertise in quality manufacturing standards, continuous improvement and organizational transformation. He was most recently vice president of operations with Saxco International.
“I was drawn to Purecare specifically because of the energy, enthusiasm and support shown by the company’s leadership,” said McAlpine. “I look forward to supporting the Purecare team to deliver world-class service and products to promote health and wellness through sleep to its customers.”
Luzanne Burt
Additionally, Purecare has promoted Luzanne Burt to the new role of vice president and chief of staff. Burt will lead cross-functional teams to provide Purecare’s largest customers with the expert support they need while coordinating initiatives and high-level strategies from the executive team to all departments throughout the company, including sales, operations, product development, marketing and finance.
“Luzanne has taken complicated directives thrown to her in the past and exceeded expectations,” said Bergman. “Her role is a new position that really puts her at the center of the core goals and directives of the entire organization. She is fiercely talented, and we are extremely proud of what she has and will accomplish in the future.”
Burt was previously vice president of sales operations and has served Purecare in various sales and management roles since 2020. With more than 25 years in the furniture, bedding and retail industry, Burt has held various management roles, most recently at an Ashley Furniture Home Goods licensee. Throughout her time at Purecare, she has showcased exemplary success in sales, data analysis, process refinement, operations, management and personnel development.
Bergman added, “Purecare continues to invest in its team and its future, reinforcing a strategic focus on quality and service. We are grateful for these two talented individuals and look forward to the impact they will have in the future.”
COLUMBIA, S.C. — February 10, 2026 — Hydrite Chemical Co. (Hydrite), a chemical solutions manufacturer and distributor, today announced it is expanding its operations in Laurens County. The company’s $63 million investment will create 13 new jobs.
Founded in 1929, Hydrite offers a wide range of sustainable solutions that keep food safe, water clean and plants thriving through its three distinct business units: Food & Beverage Solutions, Manufactured Solutions, and Agriculture & Sulfur Solutions. In addition to the Laurens County plant, the company operates a network of manufacturing facilities, warehouses and laboratories located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Texas.
Located in the Hunter Industrial Park in Laurens, the 43-acre greenfield site will serve as the future hub of Hydrite operations in the Southeast region, which includes the recently acquired operations of Enterprise Specialty Products, Inc. At the greenfield site, Hydrite will build a 50,000-square-foot facility with offices, laboratories, warehouses, and operations and logistics spaces to be used for chemical manufacturing and distribution.
Operations are expected to be online in 2028. Individuals interested in joining the Hydrite team should visit the company’s careers page: https://www.hydrite.com/careers.htm
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to Laurens County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
“Building on our recent acquisition of Enterprise Specialty Products, Inc. in Laurens County, we’re proud to deepen our roots in South Carolina with a new greenfield facility. The state’s exceptional business climate and talented workforce make it the right place to invest, create quality jobs and better serve customers across the Southeast and beyond. We are grateful for the support from South Carolina and look forward to being a long-term partner in the Laurens County community’s growth.” -Hydrite CEO Kevin Honkamp
“Thanks to South Carolina’s strong business environment, companies like Hydrite Chemical Co. continue to find success in our state. We congratulate Hydrite on this expansion and look forward to the new opportunities this investment will create in Laurens County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Congratulations to Hydrite on expanding operations in Upstate South Carolina. The company’s $63 million investment in Laurens County demonstrates the Palmetto State’s continuing economic growth and development.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Laurens County would like to thank Hydrite for expanding operations in our county. Their investment and job creation will have a tremendous impact on our community. We wish them much success and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.” -Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll
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.
