BENGALURU, India — March 30, 2026 — As the excitement of the Indian Premier League sweeps across the country, TechnoSport, India’s largest activewear brand, has unveiled its brand film, centered on the idea of ‘Real Movement’. This launch comes right after the brand announced its refreshed identity marking a new milestone in its journey as the company accelerates expansion across retail, digital and marketplace channels.
Designed to capture authentic, everyday motion across India, the film showcases real people engaging in diverse activities across varying intensities, reinforcing the brand’s core belief: enabling and supporting every kind of movement.
At its core, the campaign reflects a powerful consumer truth, while only a small percentage of Indians engage in structured fitness, over 400 million Indians are physically active in their daily lives. Yet, much of the activewear category continues to speak to gym-centric audiences. TechnoSport’s latest campaign aims to bridge this gap by shifting the narrative from performance perfection to real, relatable movement, positioning itself as a brand built for how India truly moves.
Speaking on the campaign, Patralika Agrawal, Head of Marketing, TechnoSport, said, “As India’s largest activewear brand, closing this year at more than 25 million apparel units sold, our vision goes beyond performance wear, we exist to enable and support all kinds of movement. This film reflects the reality of how India stays active today, unfiltered, diverse, and deeply personal. It also marks a significant step in our growth journey as we continue to build a brand that is both accessible and rooted in real consumer behaviour.”
About the Film
Conceptualised as a multi-discipline brand film, the narrative captures real individuals across diverse forms of movement, spanning sports, fitness, and everyday activity. Instead of focusing on elite athleticism or leading with models, the film highlights authentic effort, natural expressions, and lived experiences.
Structured with a rhythmic, almost music-video-like flow, the film alternates between high-energy sequences and slower, introspective moments, mirroring the natural cadence of movement itself. The visual storytelling stays intimate, focusing on breath, sweat, fabric, and motion to ground performance in human reality.
Bringing this vision to life, the campaign was conceptualised in-house by the TechnoSport marketing team and executed in collaboration with Nirvana, combining strategic clarity with high-quality visual craft.
Link to the Film: https://youtu.be/bqrEZuRrabY?si=jj8AGidKkHuTulzg
Production House: Nirvana Films
Producer: Nandini Gowda
Director: Swaroop Kumar
DOP: Vikas Vasudevan
Editor: Pradeep Gopal
Music: Deepak Alexander
Timed strategically with the IPL season, the campaign aims to build strong brand salience during one of India’s most culturally significant sporting moments. It also supports TechnoSport’s rapid expansion across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets by speaking to a broader, more inclusive audience base beyond traditional fitness consumers.
The campaign will roll out as a 360-degree activation across platforms including CTV, digital and transit, along with activations across Spotify using progressive audio content with context, Influencer story telling, branded content featuring cricketers like Ravichandran Ashwin, cinema integrations and contextual commerce touchpoints.
PHOENIX — March 30, 2026 — Purecare has promoted Kelly Crenshaw and Danny Ramos, two key players in its strategic plans for brand growth, development and innovation.
Kelly Crenshaw
Crenshaw joined Purecare in 2021 as vice president of product development and merchandising. She is now senior vice president and will continue to lead the product development team in every stage of the process and coordinate cross-departmentally to direct the launch and vision of new products. Crenshaw has played an integral role in developing new global sourcing partnerships for the company’s core product categories as well as launching a collaborative natural bedding collection with Dr. Andrew Weil.
“Kelly’s many contributions to our business are as difficult to measure as they are impossible to ignore,” said Sarah Bergman, chief marketing officer for Purecare. “She is a true powerhouse combination of talent, drive and smarts. But above all, I think her curiosity is her superpower. She is a consummate student of what drives successful products in the specialty sleep retail space.”
Danny Ramos
Purecare has also promoted Danny Ramos to director of sales. Ramos has been with Purecare for nine years, climbing the ranks from regional training specialist to his most recent role as director of training and development. During his tenure, Ramos has also emerged as a key educator and well-recognized spokesperson for the brand.
His new role includes creating high-level strategies and providing new analytical perspectives on key accounts for the company. He will create efficient strategies to train RSAs as well as forecast how current and new product offerings can benefit partners’ businesses.
“Dan has always jumped into the deep end with our team to accomplish anything that needs to be done with excellence,” said Anthony Petrucci, Purecare’s senior vice president of domestic sales. “I am incredibly proud of Dan and his new role as director of sales. He’s already doing a great job.”
Purecare leadership believes continual investment in its team enables each member to strive for and achieve greater success for the benefit of the brand and its retail partners.
ANN ARBOR, Michigan — March 30, 2026 — The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a global advocate for robotics and automation technologies, today announced the launch of its new Introduction to Industrial Robotics course. The on-demand program is designed to help professionals across industries build a foundational understanding of robotics as automation adoption continues to accelerate.
As robotics becomes an increasingly integral part of modern manufacturing and operations, the need for accessible, practical education is growing. This course provides a structured introduction to industrial robotics, helping learners understand how robots work, where they deliver value, and how they are used in real-world environments.
Delivered in a flexible, on-demand format, the 2.5-hour course is designed for a broad audience, including individuals entering the robotics field, operational professionals overseeing automated systems, and business leaders evaluating automation strategies. No prior experience is required.
Unlike academic programs or fragmented online content, this course offers:
A vendor-neutral, system-level perspective grounded in real-world applications
A blend of business and technical perspectives designed for a range of roles
Standards-aligned, structured learning
Completion in just 2.5 hours
“The rate of automation adoption is accelerating, driving the need for individuals across organizations to understand how these systems work and where they deliver value,” said Christelle Keefer, director of training and certifications for A3. “Whether you’re new to robotics, transitioning into an automation-focused role, or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course provides a practical starting point grounded in real-world applications.”
The course marks the second in a planned series of online learning offerings from A3, part of a broader effort to expand education and workforce development resources for the automation industry.
Introductory pricing (through June 30, 2026):
A3 Members: $50 per person
Non-members: $75 per person
The Introduction to Industrial Robotics course is available now. To register or learn more, visit https://www.automate.org/robotics/introduction-to-industrial-robotics.
Posted: March 30, 2026
Source: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
PORTLAND, OR.— March 26, 2026 — The Portland, OR-based North American Linen Association (NALA) today released the “Status of Flax Fiber in North America” report marking the first step in documenting the history, current state, and future of the flax fiber industry in the US and Canada. It was created to provide insight into the industry and support NALA’s mission of revitalizing North American flax fiber and linen production.
Flax and linen were once widely produced in North America, and today there is a resurgence in interest in bringing flax and linen back. From square-yard plots and 50-acre trials, and from small- to large-scale processing facilities, individuals, universities, companies, brands, and more are reinventing the flax-to-linen supply chain in the US and Canada.
“Through the research, survey, data analysis, and interviews, it’s clear that there is a keen interest in not only resurrecting the ‘flax-to-linen’ industry, but seeing it surpass what it once was,” says Annette Herboth, NALA Board President.
Key findings of this report include:
Production of fiber flax is very limited, with less than 200 acres (~80 hectares) of fiber flax grown in the US and Canada in 2024, according to a 2025 NALA survey.
To scale flax fiber production and processing in North America, the necessary infrastructure needs to be rebuilt for each stage, from field to manufacturing. Virtually all flax fiber production and processing equipment must be replaced or reinvented.
Researchers at several US universities are conducting variety trials to test and develop production practices as well as the viability and quality of the resulting fiber.
Standards are in place or being developed that address chain of custody as well as environmentally responsible production and processing practices.
Key challenges to fiber flax production include lack of available seed; agricultural research into both appropriate varieties and production practices; harvesting, breaking/scutching/hackling and spinning equipment; skilled labor and expertise; transportation and logistics; and private and public investment.
There is no framework at the federal or state level to support fiber flax production, marketing, or infrastructure development.
These findings reflect an urgent opportunity for North America to lead the renaissance of fiber flax production. With coordinated support, flax fiber can offer a natural alternative to synthetic fibers while creating jobs and building resilient local economies.
While the industry is in its nascent stages in North America, several new companies are joining the effort at an increasing pace, with a small but expanding number of companies in North America developing both small- and commercial-scale processing capacity suitable for long-line fiber flax.
“The time is right to set the seed for this industry in North America,” notes Herboth. “Consumers are asking for low-impact and durable natural fiber options. Brands and manufacturers increasingly seek resilient supply chains that minimize risk by incorporating reliable local and domestic sourcing and production options. Farmers are looking for rotational or alternative crops to mitigate financial risks, and are interested in augmenting their crop rotations with a plant that can provide both fiber and seed. The flax fiber industry needs more diversity in production regions to reduce overall market volatility when the primary production region is impacted.”
Posted: March 30, 2026
Source: The North American Linen Association (NALA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 27, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the winners of its inaugural Legislative Champion and Industry Advocate of the Year Awards, recognizing policymakers and industry members for their support of the nonwovens industry’s advocacy agenda.
Legislative champion award winners were Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), recognized for their support of the WIPPES Act, which would enact national Do Not Flush labeling standards for non-flushable wipes. Senator Merkley accepted his award in person at INDA’s third annual Washington D.C. Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, held in conjunction with ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Association’s Clean Advocacy Summit.
Senator Merkley was able to share the news with the group that the WIPPES Act, S. 1092, had been passed by the United States Senate the day prior with unanimous consent.
Industry Advocate of the Year awards were given to Martyn Davis, President of Sellars Nonwovens, and Sam Nebel, co-founder of Goodwipes, in recognition for their support of the nonwoven industry and INDA’s wipes advocacy.
“INDA would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all awardees,” noted INDA government affairs director Wes Fisher, “It was a great moment for Senator Merkley to join us in person to share the news of the Senate passage of the WIPPES Act, he and Representative McClain have been instrumental in moving this key legislation. Additionally, we would like to thank and recognize Sam and Martyn for their steadfast support of the nonwovens industry’s advocacy agenda.”
Posted: March 27, 2026
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
MEDINA, Ohio— March 25, 2026 — Fire-Dex, North America’s fastest-growing manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex® turnout system under UL Verification 1641. The verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.
“Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability,” said Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex. “AeroFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.
“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble. This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”
The evaluated configuration included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants equipped with the optional particulate-blocking barrier. Results are published by UL Solutions at verify.ul.com/verifications/1641.
Testing used a controlled particulate chamber where a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes, then researchers assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed. UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat. The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.
Revolutionizing Firefighter Safety
The AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability. It places VaporLite® breathable composite panels where heat and sweat concentrate—side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees—then integrates AeroVent® Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.
Adding a particulate barrier layer in a structural coat can improve contaminant blocking, but it can also restrict moisture vapor transport through the garment. When that pathway is choked, heat and humidity are more likely to build inside the coat which can increase heat burden during work.
AeroFlex was engineered for that exact challenge—as the wearer moves, airflow inside the garment increases and cooling improves.
To learn more about how AeroFlex combines breathability and particulate-blocking protection, visit firedex.com/aeroflex.
SHANGHAI — March 25, 2026 — Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed over 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair spotlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future.
More than 25,000 visitors attended the fair – a 7% increase overall compared to the previous Spring Edition Photo: Messe Frankfurt
Exhibitors showcased eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, plus innovative options like sweat-resistant and high-performance fibres. Beyond the show floor, a strong fringe programme added depth to the experience, giving fairgoers practical market insights and fresh opportunities to build quality business connections.
Speaking at the fair’s close, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “This year’s Yarn Expo Spring grew in scale and relevance, achieving its highest exhibitor numbers to date, and a wider array of innovative, responsible yarn and fibre solutions.
Strong turnout on both the exhibitor and visitor sides reflects market confidence in the platform, and the feedback from participants has been highly encouraging. The fringe programme featured a range of upcoming textile trends and new-to-market yarns and fibres, empowering buyers to turn ideas into business opportunities.”
Global reach and diverse industry participation
The visitor figures – up by 7% compared to the previous edition – underscore the fair’s role as a key sourcing hub in Asia, with top visiting countries and regions including Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Türkiye, US and the Vietnam. Meanwhile, exhibitors from China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan and other markets represented a balanced mix of established and emerging suppliers, with a rising focus on recycled, regenerated and next-generation fibres.
Across the International Zone and seven product-focused zones – Cashmere Yarn, Cotton Yarn, Chemical Fibre, Fancy Yarn, Linen Yarn, Silk Yarn and Wool Yarn – the fair presented a broad spectrum of conventional and specialty solutions. Products with certifications including BCI, GOTS and GRS were prominent, including recycled polyester for activewear and organic cotton for low-impact apparel. New exhibitors like Toray Industries Inc (Japan), debuting its Premium GOUSEN select high-function fibres overseas, and Circ Inc (USA), with its polycotton-to-polyester/lyocell recycling, drew strong interest among domestic buyers. Various Indian exhibitors presented water-saving Kasturi Cotton, while NORGIIS GROUP (UK) offered premium air-jet and ring-spun cottons from Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Turkmenistan, further expanding the sustainable offerings.
Complementing the exhibitor displays, a series of innovation-focused fringe events – such as Tongkun China Fibres Fashion Trends 2026/2027 Show and From Textile to Textile, Powered by Enzymatic Renewal – spotlighted forward-looking applications, trends and circular textile strategies, with the presentations and displays equipping buyers with insights into market directions and sustainable material integration.
Exhibitors’ experiences
“Yarn Expo is a vital platform drawing strong interest from Korean, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese buyers alike. We specialise in value-added blended yarns for high-end knitting and weaving. Sustainability is embedded in our DNA, we target premium manufacturers seeking innovative developments and R&D. China’s market is highly competitive, but this fair is helping us connect with the right local agents and partners. Feedback has been positive, delivering real potential for our business growth here.”
Mr Sm Irfan Muneer, Director, Din Industries, Pakistan
“We’re a US textile-to-textile recycler turning polycotton waste into polyester chips and lyocell/viscose pulp, targeting downstream spinners. This is our first time exhibiting at Yarn Expo. It’s a very good platform to enter the Chinese market. We’re pleased with China’s strong sustainability focus, with high T-to-T awareness, rapid recycling plant scale-ups, abundant bio-based solutions, and open business mindset. The fair’s scale and key players make it ideal for connections.”
Ms Kathleen Rademan, Vice President of Commercial Strategy, Circ Inc, United States
“This is Toray’s first time at Yarn Expo Spring, showcasing chemical fibre highlights like GIGADULL and NANODESIGN® for world-leading UV protection and invisible sweat stains, perfect for sportswear and daily use. Sustainability focuses include recycled PET and acrylic from waste, keeping top quality. The fair draws mostly Chinese buyers, plus those from Italy, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, India, Europe, and the US. We’ve made many contacts with positive responses and feel optimistic about China’s yarn and fibre potential. We’ll definitely return next year.”
Mr Hiroki Shimada, Filament Department Manager, Toray Industries Inc, Japan
“We’ve been part of this fair since 2005, as China is a vital market for Indian cotton. This year, our pavilion features around 30 Indian companies, with strong interest in cotton yarn and fabric. Sustainability is a key focus, through initiatives like Kasturi Cotton, our premium Indian cotton branding programme with traceability and farmer training. Yarn Expo remains an important platform for connecting Indian exporters with Chinese buyers and driving long-term business growth.”
Mr Murali Balkrishna, Joint Director, Texprocil, India
“This fair is a key showcase and industry trendsetter. This time, we brought ready-stock yarns for sweaters, knit blankets, and functional products, covering wool blends, cashmere, and more than 20 self-developed styles in semi-worsted and coarse wool. We offer responsibly certified wool and recycled polyester materials, stable partnerships with brands like Zara, and full supply chain traceability. This platform stands out with high footfall and diverse visitors, helping us connect with potential clients in circular knitting and weaving to expand our business horizons.”
Mr Rex Lao, Sales Manager Trade Department VI, Tongxiang Hengqi Textile Co Ltd, China
“We brought together four of our subsidiaries to exhibit at Yarn Expo Spring 2026, debuting three themed zones for sustainability, functionality, and heat-management, to showcase nearly 60 innovative chemical fibre products and our full industry chain. We aim to reshape our brand and empower the textile sector toward green, low-carbon transformation. The booth attracted strong visitor interest focused on new products and trends, including overseas buyers from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Europe. This platform’s maturity and strong organisation provide vital support for our market expansion.”
Mr Wu Haipeng, Customer Manager, Nanjing Representative Office, East China, China Petrochemical Corporation, China
Visitors’ comments
“We are a young Thai fashion brand specialising in unique, one-of-a-kind clothing. This is my first time at Yarn Expo; I’m here to source special fabrics, yarns, and accessories that reflect our creative style. We’ve found inspiring raw materials and potential partners that we don’t have in Thailand, sparking new ideas for our collections. It’s impressive to see China’s strong production capabilities and creative energy all in one place.”
Mr Andrey Belkn, Owner, Unihorse, Thailand
“We’re an Australian mid-to-premium brand focusing on sustainable apparel made from bamboo viscose, lyocell, and hemp. We’re sourcing ethical and eco-friendly fibres, especially lyocell from bamboo, and are impressed by China’s progress in closed-loop viscose innovation. This fair exceeds expectations – it is much larger and more diverse than imagined, with an amazing range of sustainable materials that truly open our minds to new possibilities. It’s been an inspiring and eye-opening experience for our brand.”
Ms Pixie Rose, Managing Director, Bodypeace Bamboo Clothing, Australia
“I focus on sourcing materials that balance comfort, quality, and sustainability. At this fair, it’s impressive to see how far suppliers have advanced in eco-friendly yarns. Recycled polyester and bio-based fibres now meet high standards, aligning with our sustainability goals. The fair also introduced functional yarns such as anti-pilling and UV-resistant types, which spark fresh ideas for our home textile collections.”
Mr Chen Bo, Purchasing Manager, NITORI, China
“Yarn Expo Spring 2026 has been very rewarding for us, offering fresh ideas for developing fabrics for pet products. We discovered high-quality recycled and organic-certified yarns, as well as functional varieties with softness, durability, and antibacterial properties – exactly what we need for pet beds and apparel. The fair’s broad supplier base and efficient networking helped us identify reliable partners and new material directions that support our eco-friendly product goals.”
Ms Shi Huizhen, Sales Director, Maoxin Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, China
Yarn Expo Spring was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. The fair was held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.
For further information, please visit: www.yarn-expo-spring.com
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — March 25, 2026 — In response to growing demand for its full textile and finished product line automation services, ACG Kinna – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has inaugurated a 1,000-square-metre expansion at its headquarters in Skene, Sweden.
The new plant and inauguration.
“Following a number of acquisitions in recent years, we needed to either relocate or expand, and opted to remain here in Skene,” explains Sales and Marketing Manager Tomas Aspenskog. “The expansion is directly connected to our existing headquarters and is enabling us to relocate some staff to this centralised location, as well as providing plenty of additional specialised assembly space. It will improve logistics for us and simplify and speed up operations for the company, our suppliers and our customers.”
Automation benefits
ACG Kinna had a record year in 2025 as manufacturers of pillows and duvets for the home furnishings sector are increasingly recognising the benefits of full automation.
Under its trademarked slogan ‘Complete Process – One Supplier’, the company has pioneered the development of complete robotic pillow lines from the handling and opening of filling material to sewing, digital quality control and packaging.
In parallel, ACG Kinna is also now making further inroads into the finished filter bag market and will be demonstrating its latest advances in this field at the forthcoming Filtech 2026 exhibition in Cologne, Germany from June 30th to July 2nd.
“Our modular solutions enable customers to be more flexible and faster in adapting specific parts of a production line to meet new demands, and also to grow over time,” says Aspenskog. “There are also many benefits for manufacturers in dealing with only one project leader, contact person, supplier, freight handler and installation team. Despite all that’s happening in the world, the market for our services is buzzing and we are seeing a lot of activity, especially across Europe and in North America.”
Acquisitions growth
Part of the highly diversified and still family owned ACG Group since 2013, ACG Kinna significantly expanded its services five years ago, with the acquisition of Finland-based Nowo Machinery, the long-established specialist in technologies for fibre and raw material processing and manufacturer of the highly successful Nowo pillow filling system and ball fibre machines.
More recently, the acquisitions of two other Swedish companies, EyeTech, a developer of machine vision solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and factory automation, and Styrteknik Europe, a manufacturer of industrial sewing machines for home furnishings, has further expanded ACG Kinna’s scope of offered services.
“Automation has become a must for a number of reasons,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Product traceability, flexibility and local production, in addition to new trade regulations, are now driving the market and given the challenge of finding skilled operators and constantly increasing costs, manufacturers are looking for simpler systems that will save on resources and boost productivity wherever possible. ACG’s latest expansion follows those made by other TMAS members operating in similar fields and providing the tools for highly sophisticated 21st Century production.”
Posted: March 25, 2026
Source: TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association / ACG Kinna Automatic AB
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
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.
BENGALURU, India — March 30, 2026 — As the excitement of the Indian Premier League sweeps across the country, TechnoSport, India’s largest activewear brand, has unveiled its brand film, centered on the idea of ‘Real Movement’. This launch comes right after the brand announced its refreshed identity marking a new milestone in its journey as the company accelerates expansion across retail, digital and marketplace channels.
