SEOUL, South Korea — August 27, 2025 — Hyosung TNC, the largest manufacturer of spandex by market share, returns to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Show (Sept. 2–4) to spotlight its latest CREORA® and regen™ Spandex innovations and trend-forward textile offerings for the entire value chain.
With 4,000 exhibitors from 25 countries, Intertextile Shanghai is considered one of the most significant exhibitions in the textile industry — serving as a key platform for global brands and buyers to explore new trends and functional materials.
“At this year’s show, we are looking forward to having a presence with two booths,” said Scott Park, Hyosung TNC Marketing director, China. “The first, located at Hall 4.1H, we will exhibit alongside 20 of our Chinese mill partners focusing on our differentiated spandex solutions. We will also have a smaller exhibit in the Underwear Zone at Hall 5:1 located within the Economy Hub.”
At its major stand in Hall 4.1H, Hyosung will present the following stretch innovations:
CREORA® Fresh Spandex features odor-neutralizing functionality with high elasticity. Using a chemical neutralization method, CREORA® Fresh can efficiently and permanently neutralize odor components like ammonia, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid, maintaining freshness and comfort.
CREORA® Highclo Spandex offers greater durability than conventional elastane commonly used in swimwear. Its superior compression preserves the garment’s shape and fit, even in high heat, prolonging the life of swimwear for every adventure in the water.
CREORA® Power Fit Spandex provides high power and excellent heat resistance engineered to maintain fabric’s high stretch and recovery even setting at high temperature or re-dyeing. It delivers outstanding deeper color and excellent fastness even after washing, when dyed with disperse dye stuff.
CREORA® EasyFlex Spandex provides a luxurious soft feel, maintains a long-lasting comfortable fit, and allows for size inclusivity where one size can fit various body types. It also offers higher elongation with lower power and better retention rate for extra comfort.
regen™ Spandex is RCS-certified, 100% recycled spandex made from the reclaimed waste that occurs from Hyosung’s manufacturing process.
regen™ Bio Spandex is made with renewable resources instead of petroleum-based materials, reducing carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable resources. The regen™ BIO Spandex offering includes three yarn offerings yarns made with varying amounts of content made from renewable resources: regen™ BIO, regen™ BIO+, and regen™ BIO Max.
These innovations will be showcased in harmony with garments and fabrics developed in collaboration with Hyosung TNC’s Fashion Design Center (FDC), aligned with the latest trend directions.
The company’s exhibit at Hall 5.1H will mark its first participation in the Underwear Zone. Hyosung TNC will showcase solutions tailored for innerwear and strengthen ties with underwear and intimate apparel brands by expanding its reach to a broader network of global and domestic customers.”
NEUMÜNSTER/REMSCHEID, Germany — August 28, 2025 — With its product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven, Barmag is presenting itself at this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME with innovations in yarn production that are above all one thing: productive and sustainable. October 28-31 this year, Switerland-based Oerlikon Group company will be showcasing its technologies for the future of yarn production in Singapore in Hall 4, booth C 204.
Barmag and Neumag showcase innovations at ITMA Asia
The increasingly complex world of textiles demands individual solutions that can be flexibly adapted to constantly changing market conditions. Barmag supports its customers with appropriate plant concepts and complete solution packages. Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of this world.
Bringing atmos.io to the networked factory
atmos.io is the operating system for intelligent yarn production. Every machine — whether a pilot plant or large-scale production with hundreds of positions — comes with the digital core. This makes atmos.io the basis for the smart factory. In the integrated app store, yarn manufacturers can put together exactly what they really need. atmos.io provides data-based decision-making criteria — objectively, efficiently and with a focus on quality. It digitizes the entire material flow: every bobbin carries its own data, from the melt to the warehouse.
This allows yarn manufacturers to intervene in production at any time — quickly, precisely and profitably. The advantages: less waste, higher yarn quality, less effort for shop floor employees. The system integrates seamlessly into existing production and IT infrastructures. atmos.io relies on an intelligent data infrastructure that meets the highest standards of cyber security while providing consistent, trustworthy data for secure and efficient process control.
The future of filament spinning
With Bico yarns, rPET, Full Dull and Semi Dull, Cationic Dyable and dope dyed, as well as other specialty products, the range of Oerlikon Barmag’s WINGS FDY FLEX is unique in the WINGS family.
Flexibility is the core competence of WINGS FDY FLEX, the latest winding concept for the FDY process. With an enormously wide production window, WINGS FDY FLEX is the perfect solution for short-term product changes and a wide range of yarn products. It can even process recycled polyester. This makes the FDY process with WINGS FLEX future-proof and sustainable.
What does the future hold for the POY process? Yarn manufacturers can also find out at the Barmag booth. The Barmag experts will be presenting the next generation of POY production to selected visitors – and will also be offering a captivating insight into the future of textiles.
eFK EvoSmart – innovation meets efficiency in yarn texturing
With the new eFK EvoSmart texturing machine, Barmag presents a machine concept based on the globally proven manual eFK that meets the highest quality requirements and sets new standards in operational efficiency. With a focus on energy-efficient yarn production, the eFK EvoSmart offers technological features that sustainably reduce both energy consumption and operating costs — with-out compromising on quality and process reliability. By combining energy-optimized process control with innovative components such as EvoHeater and Smart Godets, the eFK EvoSmart achieves a significant reduction in specific energy consumption — with potential savings of 25 percent per kilogram of yarn.
The simple replacement of the heater inserts eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical and chemical heater cleaning inside the machine. The system consisting of EvoHeater and adapted suction not only saves energy but also doubles the maintenance intervals. This reduces the maintenance requirements of the eFK EvoSmart by 50%. Shorter and less frequent downtimes increase productivity and ensure higher plant availability. Whether in weaving, knitting or finishing, consistent performance ensures smooth processes and the best results.
Concentrated innovative strength for staple fiber production
The EvoSteam process for manufacturing synthetic staple fibers is superior to conventional processes in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and performance, while delivering significantly higher fiber quality.
Oerlikon Neumag is setting new standards in the production of synthetic staple fibers with several technological innovations. At the heart of these innovations is the state-of-the-art EvoSteam process, which not only offers significant energy savings but also raises fiber quality to a new level. The ad-vantages over conventional processes are clear: more efficient, more sustainable and more powerful.
The EvoSteam concept is complemented by EvoDuct and EvE-2, two further pioneering developments for staple fiber spinning. EvoDuct optimizes the air flow distribution in the air supply. The result: lower pressure drop, less energy consumption and a more uniform air flow, which has a positive effect on fiber quality and fiber uniformity. EvE-2 revolutionizes monomer and hot air extraction. The newly designed extraction nozzles minimize air turbulence and improve the uniformity of the air supply. The external monomer extraction facilitates maintenance work and significantly increases spinning performance.
Another highlight: the automated spin pack wiping robot, already used in filament spinning by Oerlikon Barmag, now also cleans the spinning packages in the staple fiber process. The advantages are the same: consistent, excellent wiping quality, extended cleaning intervals, reduced personnel costs, savings in consumables, environmentally friendly and healthy, controlled silicone spray consumption and synchronization of cleaning cycles with can change and splice management.
New standards in BCF yarn production
With the new BICO BCF technology, Oerlikon Neumag is launching a completely new type of yarn that takes carpet performance to a new level: higher pile strength, improved recovery properties and approx. 20 percent less face fiber consumption — without compromising the brand’s renowned high quality. The result: lighter carpets with the familiar high-quality characteristics of Oerlikon Neumag yarns.
Also new to the portfolio: FiberGuard BCF — an intelligent system consisting of sensors and software that measures the yarn tension between twisting and winding in real time. The software reacts automatically to deviations and adjusts the process independently. This means less waste, higher efficiency and greater sustainability. And best of all, FiberGuard is compatible with all current BCF machines, or can be retrofitted.
Highly efficient nonwovens technologies
With Oerlikon Neumag’s hycuTEC hydrocharging technology for the production of highly efficient electret filter media, the pressure loss of a typical FFP2 filter medium can be reduced to less than a quarter.
At the heart of this is Oerlikon Nonwoven’s patented hycuTEC unit — a real revolution for the filtration industry. Using osmosis-treated water, the system enables a high electrostatic charge to be applied to polypropylene meltblown nonwovens — with an impressive efficiency of 99.99 percent.
The brand also impresses in the Spunbond sector with high-performance production lines. Its potential is particularly evident in water filtration, for example through the implementation of a BiCo process utilizing polyester and co-polyester polymers.
WASHINGTON — August 28, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, issued the following statement from President and CEO Kim Glas voicing strong support for the end of de minimis on August 29 and seamless U.S. processing.
Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas
“The Trump administration has taken decisive action to close the de minimis loophole, a trade measure long exploited by Chinese e-commerce giants and other foreign shippers to circumvent U.S. trade laws. For years, companies have used this loophole to avoid tariffs and customs reporting requirements on shipments valued at $800 or less, devastating U.S. manufacturers, undercutting American jobs, and opening the floodgates to unsafe and counterfeit products and goods made with forced labor. The administration’s executive action closes this channel and delivers long overdue relief to the U.S. textile industry and its workers, while strengthening America’s economic and national security.
“Effective Friday, August 29, all commercial shipments must follow the same rules—customs documentation on the origin of goods and their classification and payment of all applicable duties and fees. This reform brings critical accountability back into the trade system and restores confidence for American manufacturers who have been competing on an uneven and destructive playing field.
“Those addicted to the profits of de minimis have been raising alarms about the change to the status quo perpetuating false information, but the fact remains that consumers will still receive their online orders. These packages — over 90 percent of which enter the United States as express shipments — will now come in under a system that is fair, transparent, and enforceable. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is equipped to handle this change and has the systems in place. The U.S. Postal Service is ready and has the systems in place. The U.S. is not stopping international mail.
“This action expands the president’s suspension of de minimis treatment for low-value commercial shipments from China and Hong Kong, which already covers the majority of de minimis packages and has been in effect since May 2. It ensures all small package shipments — regardless of delivery method — have the necessary inspection, information, and duty collection. Packages are arriving every day into the United States. Tomorrow will be no different.
“With this action, the Trump administration has delivered an historic win for U.S. industry, American workers, and the integrity of our trade system.”
Posted: August 29, 2025
Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
Despite the chaotic winds encircling U.S. textile Manufacturing, for staunchly committed producers, one can’t help but sense opportunity brewing. Lurking beneath the surface of the divisive tariff uncertainties, a once in a lifetime realignment of the United States’ role in international trade is taking place.
There is ample opportunity for argument, objection and outrage — but one can’t escape the fact that the U.S. position in global production and consumption of goods is changing.
As pundits dissect and prognosticate, real companies, with long track records of innovation and transformation, are on deck adjusting to the opportunities at hand.
For the first time in a very long time, there is a palpable pro-manufacturing environment that is like an exhausted sailor suddenly finding the high winds at their back.
U.S. tax policy and regulatory environments seem to be growing more reasonable, rather than serving as a disincentive to putting capital at risk.
Restoring full expensing of investments— 100-percent depreciation — can offer capital-intensive businesses significant support for investing.
For many who haven’t been able to invest, the dramatic advancements in equipment and technology may have been worth the wait.
By many accounts productivity is poised to skyrocket. Expensive labor has always been an issue in U.S. manufacturing competing in a global market. But most technology has labor cost reduction built in and cost structures seem to be favoring proximity to raw materials, lower energy costs and speed-to-market advantages.
This just may be a recipe for success in the United States and nearshoring manufacturing.
Even for non-yarn spinners, the views of Rieter’s CEO Thomas Oetterli are worth a read (See “Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli Talks The Future Of Textile Spinning,” TW, this issue). As the leader of one of the most significant suppliers to the global textile industry, Rieter is a barometer on what the future holds in manufacturing.
Oetterli’s takeaways — look for “auto-mated, digital and smart” to lead developments, and labor reduction is baked in.
Oetterli said: “We are stepping up research and development activities to fully automate the value stream by 2027 through autonomous transport systems and collaborative robotics. Rieter’s digital spinning suite ESSENTIAL will be the command-and-control center of smart and high-performing mills that lower cost and maximize returns.”
There are no simple solutions, but one can’t miss the fact that core U.S. textile manufacturers who have made very challenging markets work, will see a favorable shift in competitiveness; an opportunity to meet and exceed their customer’s and consumers’ needs, wants and desires; and an opportunity to establish a new presence in the domestic consumption of U.S. textiles.
Investing in the future of U.S. textiles has never been for the faint of heart — but the business case of capital expenditure has positive support, and for the persistent, there may be no time like the present.
Montréal-based Gildan Activewear Inc. and Hanes-Brands Inc.,Winston-Salem, N.C., have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Gildan will acquire HanesBrands. The transaction implies a value of approximately $2.2 billion in equity and $4.4 billion in enterprise value for HanesBrands.The deal will double Gildan’s revenues and strengthen its positioning in activewear and retail channels, while enhancing efficiency and innovation through Gildan’s vertically integrated platform.
“Today is a historic moment in Gildan’s journey as we look to join forces with HanesBrands,” said Glenn J. Chamandy, Gildan’s president and CEO.“With this transaction, our revenues will double and we achieve a scale that distinctly sets us apart.The combination with HanesBrands strengthens our positioning with an opportunity to expand the heritage
‘Hanes’ brand presence in activewear across channels, while enhancing Gildan’s retail reach for its portfolio of brands.”
Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands, added:“This transaction represents a powerful alignment of HanesBrands’ and Gildan’s shared commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence. We have great respect for Gildan’s manufacturing strength and long track record of success.”
PureCycle Technologies, Orlando, Fla., and trade show carpet producer Emerald Carpets, Dalton, Ga., have formed a partnership to advance circularity in the trade show carpet industry. Under a supply agreement, Emerald Carpets will purchase about 5 million pounds of PureFive™ resin annually for fiber production, enabling them to exceed California’s current recycled content requirements. The companies also are testing closed-loop recycling by processing used carpets into purified recycled polypropylene pellets, which could then be remade into new carpets.
“We are thrilled to partner with PureCycle,”said Tom Boykin, president, Emerald Carpets.“Our commitment to circularity in our material procurement and use aligns perfectly with PureCycle’s mission, as well as our customers’ expectations. We believe using recycled polypropylene will help us create carpets that not only perform exceptionally well on the conference circuit, but also contribute positively to resource efficiency and waste reduction.”
The initiative includes collaboration at facilities in Georgia and Ohio to scale production, with the aim of delivering circular trade show carpets to the market by 2028.
Indo Count Global, the New York City-based subsidiary of India-based Indo Count Industries Ltd., has relaunched Wamsutta as a direct-to-consumer brand, now available exclusively at wamsutta.com in the United States. Acquired in 2024, the brand is being reintroduced with updated product assortments to strengthen Indo Count’s presence in the premium U.S. home textiles market.
“Wamsutta has always stood for quality and comfort that endures,” said Mohit Jain, executive vice chairman of Indo Count Industries. “Now, with a refreshed brand, premium positioning, and the direct-to-consumer channel, we are connecting with a new generation of consumers while honoring the brand’s legacy.”
The relaunch includes a curated range of bedding and bath products emphasizing quality, simplicity and design. Indo Count’s DTC model enables closer consumer engagement, real-time insights, and long-term brand building while continuing Wamsutta’s mission of bringing comfort and thoughtful design to homes.
Elevate Textiles, Charlotte, N.C., announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The company — along with its brands American & Efird, Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann, and Safety Components — is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2 percent and scope 3 emissions by the same percentage by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Elevate’s targets were assessed and approved under SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard and Near-Term Target Criteria.
“As we continue our decarbonization journey, we are proud to announce the validation of our 2050 net-zero targets,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer, Elevate Textiles. “Concurrently, we received a revalidation of our 2030 near-term science-based targets, which we are on track to meet. These steps mark an important milestone in an increasingly difficult decarbonization challenge.”
The company said these commitments align its climate strategy with global efforts to achieve net-zero by 2050.
World Emblem broke ground on its new facility in the Dominican Republic.
World Emblem, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has announced plans to move production in Houston from a 35,000-square-foot (ft2) facility to a larger 72,000 ft2 manufacturing facility where it can produce up to 500,000 emblems and patches each week. The company will employ around 140 employees initially and plans to reshore jobs and add staff as U.S. production grows.
“We are committed to continue growing our U.S. manufacturing base, which will not only help us reduce tariff costs and improve supply chain efficiency, but also enhance our ability to provide same-day production and delivery to clients,” said Randy Carr,World Emblem CEO.
In addition, World Emblem has broken ground on a new 100,000-square-foot factory in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Construction is expected to finish in early 2026, creating 100 jobs initially and up to 500 over time.
“After a thorough search, we selected the Dominican Republic for its business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to our clients in the United States,” Carr said. “As we look to further expand the range of products and services we provide to new and existing customers, this factory will enable us to strengthen our supply chain, enhance efficiency, and continue to grow the company.”
World Emblem manufactures customized emblems and patches at facilities in Georgia, Texas, California, Mexico, and Canada, serving North American clients with short lead times (See “World Emblem: Embracing AI,” TW, 2024 Quarterly Issue IV).
Birch Biosciences, Portland, Ore., has signed a global patent license agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to commercialize a new enzymatic deconstruction process for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The technology enables the efficient recovery of PET monomers that can be remanufactured into virgin-quality PET that can be used to make recycled content products.
“This licensing agreement represents a significant step forward in our mission to enable a circular plastic economy using biological solutions,” said Dr. Johan Kers, co-founder and CEO of Birch Biosciences.“NREL’s process complements our enzymatic recycling platform perfectly and will help us achieve scalable, low-cost plastic recycling.”
“NREL is pleased to partner with Birch Bio-sciences to bring this technology to market,” added Dr. Gregg Beckham, senior research fellow at NREL. “This is a great example of how national laboratories and industry can collaborate to address plastics recycling challenges with real-world impact.”
SEOUL, South Korea — August 27, 2025 — Hyosung TNC, the largest manufacturer of spandex by market share, returns to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Show (Sept. 2–4) to spotlight its latest CREORA® and regen™ Spandex innovations and trend-forward textile offerings for the entire value chain.
With 4,000 exhibitors from 25 countries, Intertextile Shanghai is considered one of the most significant exhibitions in the textile industry — serving as a key platform for global brands and buyers to explore new trends and functional materials.
