INDA Applauds the U.S. Senate for Passage of the WIPPES Act (S. 1092)

WASHINGTON, DC — March 25, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (S. 1092).

The WIPPES Act, which creates national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes, cleared the Senate floor on March 22, 2026. The House version of the bill, H.R. 2269, previously passed the U.S. House on a voice vote in June 2025. The Senate version will now move back to the House for consideration.

This bipartisan legislation is intended to address the growing problem of sewer system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes that are not intended to be disposed of in toilets. This federal solution is the result of a years-long industry collaboration with wastewater operators, which has resulted in the passage of similar legislation in seven states. The WIPPES Act will create a national standard based on existing state laws to ensure non-flushable wipes will carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging.

“INDA has championed this legislation for the past several years, and we are encouraged to see it pass out of the Senate. With the House having passed its version of the bill last year, we now have more momentum behind this legislation than ever. We extend our thanks to the bill sponsors, our industry and wastewater partners, and INDA members as we take another step forward to make “Do Not Flush” labeling nationwide,” said Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs.

The WIPPES Act lead sponsors in the Senate are Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and the companion bill was introduced in the House by Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA).

Posted: March 25, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Techtextil (Germany) 2026 Showcases Market-Ready Defense Textiles

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — March 24, 2026 — EU defense spending reached a record level of around €381 billion in 2025. The importance of textile innovation in this context is underscored by the European Defence Fund’s 2026 Work Programme, which identifies “smart and multifunctional textiles” as a dedicated priority area. Techtextil translates this demand into industrial practice. From 21 to 24 April 2026, more than 10 per cent of over 1,500 exhibitors in Frankfurt am Main will present material innovations for protective textiles.

For product developers and OEM manufacturers, the performance of personal protective equipment is determined deep within the textile value chain. Materials are required that deliver ballistic protection, flame resistance and exceptional durability – without compromising on comfort and ergonomics. At the same time, regulations such as PFAS restrictions are increasing demand for alternatives to water-, oil- and dirt-repellent finishes.

For procurement managers, buyers and technical leads at system providers, industrial feasibility is coming into sharper focus. They need market-ready materials and textile components that can be processed in compliance with standards, reproducibly and at reliable volumes – for example in ballistic protection systems or CBRN protective clothing.

Techtextil offers decision-makers from the defence sector the market overview they need to position themselves strategically in the growing market for protective textiles. More than 150 specialised exhibitors form the technological backbone: from fibre innovations for developers and manufacturers to finished materials for procurement. The Lenzing Group, for example, presents inherently flame-retardant cellulose fibres that embed heat and flame protection directly into the fibre. Another example is HS Hyosung Advanced Materials, showcasing high-performance yarns made from synthetic polymers.

At the same time, Texprocess, with around 200 exhibitors in Hall 8.0, bridges the gap to finishing and industrial processing. Together, the two events bring together more than 1,700 exhibitors at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds.

“Requirements for protective fabrics are becoming increasingly similar across many fields of application: low weight, high durability, thermal comfort, and reproducible processing,” explains Lotje Oosterlinck, Product Manager Workwear at Concordia Textiles. “What is becoming decisive, therefore, is the ability to develop material solutions across different protection domains and to transfer them into industrial processes tailored to specific applications.”

Industrial Scalability: From Fiber To Protective Systems

In the “Performance Apparel Textiles” area (Hall 9.0), around 150 exhibitors bring together concrete applications for protective clothing – showcased in the live format “Performance Apparels on Stage”. The foundation is provided by the new “Textile Chemicals & Dyes” segment: more than 30 exhibitors connect chemical processes directly with textile applications.

Key mechanical components for these protective solutions are also supplied by specialists such as Güth & Wolf GmbH, JUMBO-Textil GmbH & Co. KG, and Otto Stockmayer & Sohn GmbH, offering high-performance narrow textiles, webbings and knitted fabrics.

“In protective textiles, market relevance is not determined by a new fibre or finish alone. Particularly in demanding applications, testability, reproducibility and the reliable transfer into industrial processes are becoming the true benchmarks of innovation,” says Dr. Heike Illing-Günther, Managing Director of the Saxon Textile Research Institute.

The Techtextil Forum provides the technological framework for this industrial scaling. Featuring practical insights from NASA experts and focusing on topics such as “Textile Intelligence” and “Resilient Textiles”, the platform addresses the industry’s operational needs: smart functionalities, material resilience and the rapid transition from concept to scalable application.

Techtextil and Texprocess will take place from April 21 to 24, 2026.

Posted: March 24, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Countdown To Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2026: Industry Leaders, Innovation And Networking

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — March 24, 2026 — With just over five weeks remaining, anticipation is building for Textiles Recycling Expo USA, taking place April 29–30, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

As North America’s first dedicated exhibition and conference focused exclusively on textile recycling, the event is set to bring together the full value chain at a pivotal moment for the industry. Registration is free, and available for attendees here.

Now entering its final countdown phase, the Expo has confirmed over 85 exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of solutions across sorting, shredding, mechanical and chemical recycling, and advanced material processing. Confirmed exhibitors include: Valvan, PICVISA, SSI Shredding, Looptworks, Gneuss, Recover, Supercircle, Matoha, Margasa, Texpin Makine, Unifi, Allertex of America, Senseneo Inc., Upcycle Fiber, Cycla LLC, Konica Minolta, Reju, Debrand, Pierret, Circ, Syre, Valerius, Antex, Bank & Vogue, and many more.

The conference program is now live, featuring a strong line-up of speakers from leading global brands and organisations. Attendees can expect insights from representatives of New Balance, lululemon, Eileen Fisher, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, WM, Goodwill Industries International, The Footwear Collective, Matoha, Unifi, Textile Exchange, University of Delaware, Reju, Samsara Eco, National Safety Apparel, Filogic and many more. Covering critical topics including policy, infrastructure, innovation, scalable circular solutions, key themes of 2026 include:

  • Policy, Regulation & Governance
  • Collection, Sorting & Infrastructure at Scale
  • Technology, Innovation & Textile-to-Textile Recycling
  • Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Across two days, the event will provide a unique platform for industry professionals to explore the latest technologies, engage in high-level discussions, and build meaningful connections across textiles, recycling, sustainability, manufacturing, retail, and policy sectors.

As momentum continues to build, industry professionals are encouraged to secure their place and be part of the conversation shaping the future of textile recycling in North America.

Registration is free and now open.

To register and find out more, visit: www.textilesrecyclingexpo.com/usa

Posted: March 24, 2026

Source: Applied Market Information Ltd (AMI)

United Composite Materials, LLC Selects Greenville County For First South Carolina Operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March 19, 2026 — United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials), an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer, today announced it selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation. The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

The company’s new site is located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer. United Composite Materials will use the property’s existing two facilities as specialized manufacturing plants to supply the North American sports and leisure composite markets with advanced carbon composite material.

Operations are expected to be online in July 2026. Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are excited to establish our first South Carolina manufacturing facility in Greenville County. This strategic investment allows us to be closer to our North American customers and leverage the region’s exceptional workforce. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Greer community.” -United Composite Materials, LLC CEO Yunho Cho

“From its site availability to its skilled workforce, South Carolina leads the way in advanced manufacturing. United Composite Materials’ $17.5 million investment in Greenville County reflects the business-friendly environment found in the Palmetto State.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“With the creation of 50 new jobs, United Composite Materials’ decision to establish operations in Greenville County is a win for our state. Economic development in key industries like advanced manufacturing supports South Carolina’s continued growth and success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are excited to welcome United Composite Materials, LLC to Greenville County and the city of Greer. This investment highlights the collaborative environment we have built to support business growth and reinforces Greenville County’s importance to South Carolina’s economy. We look forward to partnering with United Composite Materials as they grow and succeed here.” -Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • United Composite Materials, LLC (United Composite Materials) selects Greenville County for its first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $17.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
  • United Composite Materials is an advanced carbon composite materials manufacturer.
  • The company will be located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the United Composite Materials team should visit readySC’s recruitment website.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Techtextil (Germany) 2026

WAKAYAMA, Japan — March 23, 2026 — Textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

The SWG®-XR WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles with higher productivity and wider range of patterning. There is great potential for WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in the field of technical textiles, where most items are produced by woven or circular- and warp-knitted textiles using specialized industrial materials that are in many instances very costly.

Textile production usually involves knitting or weaving a square sheet from which 2D shaped patterns are cut and sewn together to make the final product, during which precious material is wasted. In sharp contrast, the WHOLEGARMENT® knitting process can produce a complete item in 3D without the need for sewing or linking, and no material wasted. Through WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology, SHIMA SEIKI therefore offers a sustainable, economical and smarter alternative to current manufacturing processes for technical textiles. In addition,

WHOLEGARMENT® knitting can create partial compression and special shaping, and since it produces one product at a time, on-demand production for customized items such as for patient care in the medical field is possible. Furthermore, WHOLEGARMENT® has no seams, providing excellent fit, comfort and stretch characteristics that support a wide range of medical applications.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SES® -R next-generation shaping machine features an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system which expands its product range even further with unprecedented three-dimensional shaping capability. Combined with loop pressers and auto yarn carriers, it enhances performance in both inverse plating and inlay knitting for efficient knitting of diverse patterns that support various industries besides apparel, such as sports, automotive, and industrial materials.

SES®-R will be shown at Techtextil in 14 gauge with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to support production of larger items. Also on display will be examples of technical textiles using industrial materials produced with SWG®-XR, SES®-R and other SHIMA SEIKI technology.

In addition to machine technology, presentations will be made on SDS® KnitPaint-Online knit software, the proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Also demonstrated will be APEXFiz® subscription design software that supports the creative side from planning and design to realistic textile simulation and 3D virtual sampling of products.

Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be easily transferred to SDS® KnitPaint-Online for converting into machine data, digitally bridging the gap between design and production. APEXFiz® and SDS® KnitPaint-Online therefore help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the supply chain.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.

India’s Expanding Garment And Apparel Manufacturing Ecosystem To Come Together At Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, India — March 23, 2026 — As India’s textile and apparel industry continues to expand its global footprint while adapting to evolving manufacturing technologies and sustainability priorities, Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai incorporating the Denim Show will bring together the apparel and garment manufacturing value chain from 9 – 11 April 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for the machinery manufacturers, technology providers, fabric suppliers, textile printers and accessories suppliers to connect, explore innovations and strengthen business collaborations across the textile and garment manufacturing ecosystem.

*India’s textile and apparel sector – valued at nearly USD 179 billion, remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing around 2% to the GDP nearly 11% to manufacturing GVA and over 8% to exports while supporting the livelihoods of 45 million people across the value chain. Besides being the largest cultivator of cotton and producer of jute and silk, backed by rich legacy of India’s timeless textile designs, the country has set a precedent in also in manufacturing of manmade textile ecosystem. These reflect the scale, diversity and potential of India’s textile ecosystem.

Amidst this evolving industry backdrop Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai will bring together more than 125 companies participating at the show presenting solutions across apparel and garment manufacturing technologies, denim manufacturers, fabrics, trims, accessories and textile printing solutions. The event will feature participation from companies representing key textile technology markets including Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Visitors will have access to over 500 products and 300 brands along with some new participants at the show. The fair will see new products launches, expected during the show.

Exhibitor showcase will cover a wide range of technologies and solutions including garment and apparel machinery, textile processing machinery, textile printing machinery, digital printing technologies, yarn and knitting machinery, printing and dyeing equipment, automation and software, testing equipment, packaging and labelling solutions as well as fabrics, trims and accessories.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd expressed: “India’s textile industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by technological advancement, global sourcing opportunities and increasing emphasis on sustainability. Platforms such as Gartex Texprocess India play an important role in bringing together industry stakeholders to explore innovations, share knowledge and build partnerships that support the sector’s next phase of growth.”

Likewise, Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, shared: “The garment and textile manufacturing sector continues to evolve with growing demand for advanced machinery, efficient processing technologies and integrated supply chains. Through Gartex Texprocess India and it’s co-located shows, we aim to provide a focused platform for technology providers manufacturers and suppliers to engage with industry professionals and explore new business opportunities.”

Reflecting evolving manufacturing needs, this edition will also see expanded product categories such as knitting machinery and fusing technologies supporting efficiency and precision in garment production. The co-located shows will further highlight specialised industry segments. The Denim Show supported by the Denim Manufacturers Association will present innovations from denim mills, fabric producers, finishing and washing technology providers, dyes and chemicals suppliers and denim garment manufacturing machinery companies.

As sustainability and circularity become increasingly important across the global textile supply chains, exhibitors are also expected to highlight technologies aimed at improving resource efficiency, reducing water, energy consumption, enabling recycling and supporting environmentally responsible production processes. The trade fair will see participation from Indian brands like: Balaji Sewing Machine, Bekah, Benz Embroidery, Brother, DCC, Dollar, Epson, Fynd, HSW, Jack, Jaysynth, Lordi Mehala Machines, Mexum, National Fabricator, Om Satya, Optitex, Siruba, Stampit Robotai, V Design and many more prestigious brands. The Denim show in association with the Denim Manufacturers Association will showcase brands like: Ginni International, LNJ Denim, Oswal Denim, Siyaram’s, Syama Denims and many more.

In addition to the exhibition, the event will also feature knowledge-sharing sessions and industry discussions, bringing together experts and stakeholders to exchange insights across Gartex Talks and Denim Talks. The topics** will be around: From Data to Design: Turning Consumer Insights into Winning Products, Culture to Commerce, How Global Cultural Shifts Are Shaping the Next Fashion Trends, AI in Apparel Manufacturing: From Prediction to Production, Athleisure Evolution: When Performance Fabrics Go Mainstream, The Future of Garment Machinery: Speed, Precision & Sustainability, Towards Zero-Waste Textile Production: Innovations in Machinery & Technology, Digital Textile Printing: The Next Frontier of Customization and more.

The expo is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd.

*Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2222927&utm_source=chatgpt.com&reg=3&lang=2

**Please visit the show website for updates on the agenda. The topics &/ speakers are subject to change without prior notice

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India

Europe Must Reach A Tipping Point To Scale Textile-To-Textile Recycling, New BCG And Rehubs Report Finds

BRUSSELS — March 23, 2026 — A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and ReHubs, titled “Advancing Textile Circularity – Europe’s textile waste challenge: Scaling Textile-to-Textile requires enabling mechanisms”, highlights the urgent need for systemic action to tackle Europe’s growing textile waste and scale a circular textile economy.

The report establishes the first harmonized fact base on textile waste in Europe. It finds that Europe generates around 15.2 million tonnes of textile waste every year, including 13.3 million tonnes of post-consumer waste. However, only a small share of this waste is collected and sorted for recycling, leaving most textile waste outside recycling systems.

As a result, textile-to-textile recycling currently represents less than 1% of post-consumer textile waste in Europe. At the same time, waste volumes continue to rise rapidly. Without decisive action, Europe’s textile waste could reach the equivalent of around 80 football stadiums filled with discarded textiles every year by 2035.

The report shows that scaling textile-to-textile recycling is technically possible but requires reaching a critical tipping point of c. 2.7 million tonnes of recycling annually by 2035 to unlock economies of scale and make the ecosystem viable.

Reaching this milestone will require €8-11 billion in capital investment and €5-6.5 billion in recurring annual operating costs, as well as coordinated supply- and demand-side measures across the value chain.

The analysis also underlines that textile-to-textile recycled fibers represent a new product category with structurally higher processing costs. Under current market conditions, they cannot compete directly with incumbent recycled materials or virgin fibers without targeted enabling mechanisms and coordinated policy support.

Scaling textile circularity will therefore require coordinated collaboration across the entire value chain, from improved collection and sorting infrastructure to demand signals from brands and clear policy frameworks that support investment and innovation.

Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO at ReHubs commented:

“Europe has the opportunity to build a truly circular textile ecosystem, but it will require systemic change across the entire value chain. Textile-to-textile recycling is technically possible today, but scaling it requires coordinated action from industry, policymakers, and investors. Through collaboration across the value chain, ReHubs is helping to drive the transformation needed to build a circular textile economy in Europe.”

Nicolas Manuelli, Managing Director & Partner at BCG commented:

“This report shows that scaling textile-to-textile recycling in Europe is achievable, but it requires the right economic conditions. Textile-to-textile recycled fibers are a new product category with higher processing costs, meaning they will not scale without enabling mechanisms. Supply-side and demand-side measures, combined with appropriate financing tools and supportive trade and industrial policies, will be essential to unlock investment and accelerate the transition to a circular textile system.”

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: ReHubs / Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Trützschler At Techtextil (Germany) 2026: Future Ready Nonwovens And Fiber Processing Solutions

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — MARCH 19, 2026 — From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its future‑ready solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany.

At Booth C61 in Hall 12.0, Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase its latest developments for efficient nonwovens production, including comprehensive service and consulting solutions.

Highlights include the fully upgraded X‑Series nonwoven cards suitable for spunlace, needle‑punching and air‑through bonding (ATB) processes, as well as the T‑ONE digital working environment enhanced with new features.

Trützschler Card Clothing will complement the presentation with a new card wire designed with a specially engineered surface for high‑performance nonwoven applications. Visitors can also take a closer look at Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste, TRUECYCLED.

Trützschler Nonwovens: Shaping the future of nonwovens

T SUPREMA needle punching line in operation: Proven, flexible, efficient

The T-SUPREMA needle punching line has proven its performance in the market, with lines successfully operating at two customer sites since early this year. It demonstrates the exceptional versatility of needle-punched nonwovens, covering basis weights from below 50 gsm to above 2,000 gsm. New streamlined configurations featuring the compact NC-Xe card further reduce the footprint while ensuring high process stability and consistent product quality.

NC-X carding machinery in operation on a T-SUPREMA needle-punching line at a customer site—proven performance under real-world production conditions.

Beyond complete line solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase upgrades to its single machine portfolio, including the X-Series nonwovens cards (the high-speed card NCT-X, the versatile NC-X and the compact NC-Xe), the MPD high-performance dryer and the new compact AquaJet-X. These developments are designed to combine compact machine concepts with high operational reliability and outstanding performance.

At Techtextil 2026, Trützschler Nonwovens will also highlight its advanced ATB technology for hygiene applications. The process enables the reliable processing of ultra fine fibers down to 0.4 dtex, producing exceptionally soft nonwovens that meet the highest requirements for softness and performance in baby diaper applications.

T‑ONE, Trützschler Nonwovens’ digital working environment, serves as a powerful digital backbone for any nonwoven line. New enhancements include an energy management function for real‑time monitoring of electricity and gas consumption and CO₂ footprint calculation per time unit, roll or order, as well as camera‑based anomaly detection that identifies fiber migration and accumulations at an early stage. This helps to prevent unplanned downtime while improving process stability and production transparency.

With tailored modernization and development solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens supports manufacturers in optimizing existing installations and translating new product ideas into stable, industrial scale production. Application-specific consulting enables higher efficiency, increased output and longer service life – without compromising quality.

Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC): Next‑generation card clothing for demanding nonwovens applications

Visitors can experience top nonwovens performance with our high-efficiency card clothing. Our TCC experts will present our latest innovation: a new wire with special surface designed for Hygiene, Spunlace and ATB applications. It ensures cleaner operation, less contamination and reduced downtime – delivering maximum productivity for your line. More details will be revealed at the exhibition – don’t miss this opportunity to see it first hand.

Trützschler Spinning: TRUECYCLED – the complete solution for textile recycling

Visitors can also learn more about TRUECYCLED, Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste. It covers the complete process: from cutting and tearing textile waste to carding and drawing secondary fibers. Based on Trützschler’s technological recommendations and a Trützschler machinery line-up, it ensures the best possible quality of the end product.

Meet us in Frankfurt

Techtextil 2026 provides an ideal platform to exchange ideas with industry experts and explore practical solutions for today’s challenges in nonwovens manufacturing.

Our teams look forward to welcoming visitors at Hall 12.0, Booth C61 in Frankfurt 

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: The Trützschler Group SE

Former ASOS CEO Nick Beighton Joins Kornit Digital To Help Shape The Future Of On-Demand Fashion

ROSH-HA’AYIN, Israel — MARCH 19, 2026 — Kornit Digital LTD. (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global supplier of sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, today announced it has appointed Nick Beighton, former Chief Executive Officer of ASOS, as a strategic advisor to the Company and its Board of Directors.

His appointment reflects Kornit’s continued focus on strengthening its connection to global brands, retailers, and digital commerce platforms as the industry transitions toward on-demand production. The Company plans to nominate Mr. Beighton for election to the Board at Kornit’s 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting.

Nick Beighton

“Nick’s experience leading a digitally native global fashion platform gives him a powerful perspective on the realities brands and retailers face today around speed, agility, and capital efficiency,” said Ronen Samuel, Chief Executive Officer of Kornit Digital. “As the fashion industry moves toward more demand-driven production models, his insight will help Kornit strengthen its role in enabling the next generation of global supply chains.”

Nick Beighton commented, “Kornit sits at the center of one of the most important shifts happening in fashion today. The industry is moving from inventory-heavy supply chains toward more agile, demand-driven production models. The convergence of retail, manufacturing, and on-demand fulfillment is accelerating, and Kornit is uniquely positioned to enable this transformation.”

Having led ASOS through one of the most significant digital transformations in modern fashion retail, Mr. Beighton brings an exceptional track record in global fashion and e-commerce. Over a 12-year tenure with ASOS, he helped scale the business into a multi-billion-dollar global platform, navigating hyper-growth, supply chain complexity, omnichannel evolution, and the industry shift from inventory-based models toward more agile, demand-driven operations. His experience spans global fashion and apparel dynamics, digitally native supply‑chain innovation, and the convergence of retail and manufacturing, with a proven ability to lead organizations through structural change and disruption.

Mr. Beighton’s perspective comes from the demand side of the industry, shaped by decades leading retail and consumer-focused organizations. This experience complements Kornit’s existing Board composition and adds a valuable perspective on how global brands and digital platforms are rethinking supply chains, capital efficiency, and speed to market.

Mr. Beighton’s engagement will commence on April 1, 2026. Mr. Beighton will also participate in Kornit’s upcoming Konnections 2026 industry event, where global brands, manufacturers, and technology leaders will discuss the future of fashion production.

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Kornit Digital LTD.

WACKER Expands Production Of Silicone Emulsions In India

MUNICH, Germany — MARCH 23, 2026 — WACKER has achieved yet another milestone in the expansion of its silicone capacities in India. A new production complex for manufacturing silicone emulsions went into operation at WACKER’s Panagarh site. The facility produces GMP-certified silicones for the cosmetics and personal care industries. The new plant will increase the Group’s silicone emulsion production capacities in India significantly. The expansion will create 60 new jobs at the site.

WACKER has successfully completed the second expansion phase at its production site in Panagarh, India. In addition to silicone rubber, the site now also operates a production complex (left) for silicone emulsions.

The goods manufactured at the 15,000-square-meter complex fully comply with the good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines of the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients EFfCI. “Our facilities in Panagarh are truly world-class and will produce top-quality, high-purity products which are in great demand, in particular in the cosmetics and personal care industries,” announced WACKER Executive Board member Christian Kirsten at the commissioning ceremony.

For WACKER, the personal care industry is one of the main pillars of its silicone business in India. WACKER’s fully consolidated joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC) is a leading supplier of silicone raw materials for cosmetic products, shampoos, and personal-care applications. In addition to local manufacturers, the company’s customer base also includes international consumer goods companies. “The demand for our silicone products remains unabated, and we expect to see further significant growth in India,” said Tom Koini, head of WACKER’s Silicones division. “By expanding our production in Panagarh, we are ideally positioned to meet this rising demand and to support the growth of our customers.”

WACKER began its silicones production in India in 1999. At the Amtala site near Kolkata, the company has been manufacturing silicone fluids, emulsions, and silicone rubber compounds among other silicone products. In 2022, WACKER began operations at its 165,000 square meter site in Panagarh. Here, the company has been producing silicone rubber and ready-to-use silicone compounds for the electromobility, medical technology, and electrical power supply industries.

Following the commissioning of the second expansion phase, WACKER’s Panagarh site now represents a second mainstay for producing silicone emulsions in India. Through further expansion measures, WACKER aims at making the site assume a leading role in the regional silicones supply chain. In future, Amtala – hitherto the hub of silicone fluids and emulsion production in India – will increasingly focus on product and process development. “The successful completion of the expansion work in Panagarh is key to our future success in India,” declared Sascha Büchel, Managing Director Wacker Metroark during the opening ceremony. “Our main site in Amtala has played an outstanding role. But Amtala is increasingly being stretched to its limits. Panagarh provides us the space, infrastructure, and flexibility we need to continue our success story in India.”

Posted: March 23, 2026

Source: Wacker Chemie AG

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