Industry Horizon Report Shows Equipment Finance Industry Expanded to $1.5 Trillion

WASHINGTON, DC — October 26, 2026 — The equipment finance industry expanded to an estimated $1.51 trillion in 2025—a new all-time high—with 87% of end-users using some form of financing to fund their equipment and software (E&S) acquisitions, according to a survey from the Industry Horizon Report: A Market Sizing Study 2026-2027. The report, which was released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association, also reveals that approximately 55.2% of the $2.7 trillion (nominal) invested in E&S, and 61.2% of private sector E&S investment, was financed in 2025.

The Industry Horizon Report focuses on ELFA’s biennial survey of equipment end-users, which was conducted in summer 2026. Using data collected through the survey, ELFA estimates the current size of the equipment finance industry, assesses the propensity to finance private sector equipment investment for key equipment verticals, and forecasts end-user plans to acquire and finance equipment in 2027.The Industry Horizon Report focuses on ELFA’s biennial survey of equipment end-users, which was conducted in summer 2026. Using data collected through the survey, ELFA estimates the current size of the equipment finance industry, assesses the propensity to finance private sector equipment investment for key equipment verticals, and forecasts end-user plans to acquire and finance equipment in 2027.

“Equipment and software investment continued to expand in 2025, contributing to solid U.S. economic growth despite tariff impacts, and the trillion-dollar-plus equipment finance industry contributed significantly by supporting these acquisitions,” said ELFA Acting President & CEO James Cress. “Despite a shift in investment toward AI-related technology, much of which is funded by large firms with ample internal cash flow rather than reliance on financing, the share of end-users using at least one form of financing rose. The industry’s footprint is 2.5 times larger than it was at the time of the industry’s first end-user survey in 2007, and it is projected to continue expanding in the years ahead. This report delivers must-have insights that will give business leaders and decision makers a competitive edge in driving that growth.”

ELFA - The Industry Horizon Report GraphicHighlights from the Industry Horizon Report include:

  • Equipment finance industry grew 8.7% since 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, E&S investment (both financed and not financed) expanded by 10% in 2025 to $2.7 trillion (nominal). ELFA estimates that approximately 55.2% of this investment was financed, leading to an estimated industry size of $1.51 trillion. This figure represents 8.7% nominal growth for the equipment finance industry compared to 2024.
  • More end-users are relying on financing. The end-user survey revealed that 87% of respondents who acquired equipment or software in 2025 used at least one form of financing to do so. This represents an increase from 82% in the 2024 survey.
  • 2027 will likely see acquisitions continue to increase. End-users were twice as likely to believe their E&S acquisitions will increase in 2027 (35%) versus decrease (17%). The most commonly selected verticals among end-users who plan to boost acquisitions were software, computers, office equipment, and communications equipment, reflecting the importance of online sales channels, AI, and other new technology tools critical to business operations.
  • Top methods of payment to acquire equipment and software. In 2025, 23% of total E&S acquisitions were leased, followed by lines of credit (14%), secured loans (13%), and unsecured loans (8%). Among non-financed acquisitions, paid-in-full credit card purchases were the most prevalent payment method (20%), followed by cash (17%).
  • Optimizing cash flow is the primary reason to use financing. The top reasons end-users chose to finance their E&S acquisitions in 2025 were “optimization of cash flow” (72%), “tax advantages” (55%), and “protection from equipment obsolescence” (54%). Going into 2027, users cited “technology advancements and/or obsolescence” (37%), “general economic conditions” (34%), “interest rates/Federal Reserve policy” (34%), and “inflation” (31%) as reasons for financing E&S acquisitions.
  • Medical equipment tops list of most financed equipment types. Medical equipment was the most likely equipment type to be financed (82% of acquisitions) followed by automobiles (77%), agricultural (73%), and construction (70%). Furniture (41%), computers (47%), and other industrial equipment (50%) were the least likely equipment verticals to be financed. Because computers were both among the least-financed verticals and the fastest-growing category of investment amid the AI buildout, the shift toward investment in computers contributed to the modest decline in the overall propensity to finance, even as the share of firms using financing increased.
  • Health care tops list of industries most likely to finance equipment. End-users in the health care industry were the most likely to use financing (80%), followed by finance & insurance (74%), construction (71%), and information businesses (62%).
  • AI adoption is growing rapidly. Per the end-user survey, 74% of respondents currently use generative AI in their businesses (up from 42% in 2024), and an additional 19% intend to do so over the next two years. Businesses use generative AI primarily to analyze data (54%), automate workflows (44%), and generate content (43%). Notably, the lowest-ranked reason for harnessing generative AI was to identify/mitigate fraud (20%), despite the rapid increase in AI-enabled fraud.
  • Companies want digital financing experience. An overwhelming majority of end-user survey respondents (82%) say they would use a free, fully digital online platform to manage the equipment acquisition process, if available. The digital features that would have the greatest positive impact on the financing experience for end-users include real-time tracking of application status (44%), online document upload and verification (43%), and electronic signatures (43%). Currently only 5% of respondents primarily interact with their equipment financing provider via a mobile app.

About the study

The Industry Horizon Report: A Market Sizing Study 2026-2027 is one of several ELFA research publications that contain industry-relevant economic insights to help industry leaders make more informed business decisions. Specifically, the end-user survey offers a detailed look at equipment acquisition and financing decisions for specific equipment verticals and industries, the key factors influencing the decision to use financing (e.g., a business’s industry, size, and profitability; economic conditions; and policy developments), and how financing decisions are likely to evolve over the next year. The report was prepared by Keybridge.

Posted: November 3, 2026

Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)

Gartex Texprocess India Expands East: Kolkata To Host The Textile Technology Platform In January 2027

Gartex Texprocess India squareKOLKATA, India— October 27, 2026 — Building on nearly a decade of industry engagement and successful editions in Delhi and Mumbai, Gartex Texprocess India is set to expand its footprint to Eastern India with the launch of its Kolkata edition from 22–24 January 2027 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the Kolkata edition marks the next phase in the show’s growth journey, taking its established platform for textile and garment manufacturing to a region deeply rooted in India’s textile heritage and increasingly positioned for future manufacturing growth.

Texprocess India imageWest Bengal has long held a distinctive place in India’s textile landscape, with its rich handloom traditions, jute industry and established hosiery and garment manufacturing base. The state’s renowned weaving and craft clusters, including Fulia, Santipur, Bishnupur and Murshidabad, reflect a textile heritage that continues to shape the region’s identity. Kolkata and its surrounding districts are also regarded as the historical home of India’s hosiery industry, with a cluster that has grown over more than a century.

The city is also a major centre for ethnic wear, kidswear, zari and embroidery work, while the Hooghly belt remains the heartland of India’s jute industry, now moving into bags, home textiles, geotextiles and composites. As the garment sector grows, so does the need for woven fabric, and the state has been encouraging powerloom and processing investment, among them the integrated textile park at Ashoknagar–Banipur. At the same time, manufacturers across Eastern India are increasingly looking towards modernisation, advanced machinery, technology adoption, capacity expansion and wider market access.

Since its inception, Gartex Texprocess India has evolved into an established platform serving India’s garment and textile manufacturing ecosystem. With editions in Delhi and Mumbai, the show has developed strong engagement among garment manufacturers, fabric suppliers, technology providers and buyers. The addition of Kolkata comes at this intersection of heritage and opportunity and expands the show’s geographical presence across North, West and East India, taking its annual calendar to three editions.

The Kolkata edition is designed to strengthen connections between the region’s manufacturing community and technology and machinery providers from across India and international markets, supporting a garment and apparel sector that is ready to scale up, adopt newer technologies and compete more widely. For exhibitors, the new edition provides an opportunity to access a market where many have traditionally had limited physical presence.

For Eastern India-based companies, it creates a home platform through which they can showcase their capabilities to a wider national audience. For visitors, the exhibition will bring machinery, technology, fabrics, trims and allied solutions closer to their market. Kolkata’s strategic location also provides access to a wider economic region encompassing Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and the North-East, from Bhagalpur’s silk base and emerging garment units in Bihar to new apparel and technical textile investments in Odisha and the handloom and Muga and Eri silk economy of the North-East, while its connectivity with neighbouring markets such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan adds a cross-border dimension for fabric, trim and technology interest.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said: “Over nearly a decade, Gartex Texprocess India has evolved alongside India’s textile and garment manufacturing industry, building strong industry engagement through our editions in Delhi and Mumbai. Our expansion to Kolkata is a natural next step in that journey. Eastern India combines a remarkable textile and handloom heritage with an increasingly ambitious manufacturing community that is looking towards technology, modernisation and new markets. We want Gartex Texprocess India to be part of that future growth, connecting the strengths of this region with technology providers, manufacturers and buyers from across India and international markets.”

Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, added: “Eastern India’s textile and garment industry presents significant opportunities, particularly as manufacturers look towards capacity expansion, modernisation and wider market access. Gartex Texprocess India in Kolkata will provide the industry with a platform where manufacturers and buyers can see, compare and source technologies and solutions in one place. For exhibitors, it opens access to a new and important market, while for visitors it brings a comprehensive textile technology platform closer to their doorstep. Kolkata is a market we have been evaluating closely, and we believe the time is right to be here.”

The Kolkata edition is expected to bring together companies across the textile and garment manufacturing chain, weighted to the strengths of this belt. These include circular knitting, hosiery and knitwear machinery; spinning, sewing, embroidery and garment-making technology; digital textile printing, dyeing and finishing equipment; power looms, weaving, sizing and woven processing, in step with growing demand for woven fabric in the state; and jute processing and technology for diversified jute products, along with fabrics, trims, accessories and allied solutions.

For a region where centuries-old textile traditions coexist with a growing appetite for modern manufacturing technologies, Kolkata provides Gartex Texprocess India with an opportunity to connect India’s textile heritage with its next generation of growth.

Posted: November 3, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd

The CHT Group Is Expanding Its Dyes Portfolio: BEMACID Brilliant Blue F-WN And BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE

TÜBINGEN, Germany — October 28, 2026 — With BEMACID Brilliant Blue F-WN, the CHT Group is expanding its BEMACID F portfolio with a highly brilliant blue dye for polyamide and wool applications. The dye combines high color brilliance with excellent wet fastness properties, supporting high-quality dyeing results for a wide range of end applications. In addition, BEMACID Brilliant Blue F-WN is metal- free and AOX-free, providing important formulation properties for modern textile processing.

For dyers and textile manufacturers processing polyamide and wool, color intensity, fastness properties, and process reliability are key factors in the development of competitive textile products. With BEMACID Brilliant Blue F-WN, the CHT Group is adding another versatile blue component to its dyes portfolio.

BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE for flexible dyeing processes

With BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE, the CHT Group is enhancing its high- performance reactive dyes portfolio with a lightfast, non-photochromic golden yellow dye. It enables reliable and uniform dyeing results across a broad range of color depths, from light to darker shades.

BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE also offers very good wash-off properties and is suitable for both exhaust dyeing and continuous dyeing processes.

The dye can also be effectively used in trichromatic dyeing in combination with BEZAKTIV Coral Red ONE and BEZAKTIV Aquamarine ONE. It thus supports flexible shade development while meeting high-performance requirements.

For textile manufacturers, color consistency and process efficiency are key factors. With BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE, the CHT Group is adding another component for sophisticated yellow shades to its dyes portfolio while providing the application flexibility required by modern dyehouses.

Posted: November 3, 2026

Source: The CHT Group

Americhem Acquires Noble Biomaterials, Expanding Its Global Footprint In Functional Additives And Advanced Materials

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — October 27, 2026 — Americhem, a global designer and manufacturer of custom polymer solutions, today announced the acquisition of Noble Biomaterials, an advanced materials company that specializes in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft surface applications. The acquisition adds Noble Biomaterials’ differentiated technologies and deep specialization to Americhem’s broader global platform, strengthening Americhem’s ability to support customers from concept through scalable commercial production.

Noble Biomaterials provides proprietary materials technology for mission-critical applications across high-growth markets including apparel & textiles, healthcare, and aerospace & defense. Its flagship platforms, IONIC+®, X-STATIC®, and CIRCUITEX®, deliver advanced functional capabilities backed by U.S. manufacturing and a robust IP portfolio built over two decades. Noble Biomaterials’ antimicrobial, odor control, and conductive technologies strengthen Americhem’s position in fiber and polymer solutions to capture significant growth across healthcare and other high-demand markets.

“This is an exciting step forward for Americhem as we continue to invest in high-growth, high-demand markets,” said John Richard, Chief Executive Officer of Americhem. “Noble Biomaterials brings exceptional capabilities in antimicrobial solutions, strong commercial relationships and a reputation for quality that aligns with our values. We will be better positioned to deliver specialized solutions at a global scale as we make strategic investments to grow in healthcare and aerospace and defense. We are excited about what we can achieve with Noble Biomaterials for our customers around the world.”

“Americhem is the right partner for Noble Biomaterials’ next chapter, bringing complementary capabilities, global reach, scalable resources, and a customer-first culture that will drive lasting value,” said Joel Furey, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Noble Biomaterials. “Our proprietary materials and brands, such as IONIC+®, X-STATIC®, and CIRCUITEX®, will benefit from Americhem’s global scale and deep knowledge of polymer and fiber applications. I am proud of our team and excited about what Noble and Americhem will accomplish together.”

“We believe Noble Biomaterials is an exciting addition, and its technology and market focus align well with Americhem’s strategic direction,” said Kaitlyn Desai, Principal at PPC. “This acquisition reinforces our conviction in Americhem’s growth strategy and the strength of its capabilities, and we look forward to continuing to support Americhem’s ambition to be a global leader in specialized polymer and advanced materials solutions.”

Posted: October 27, 2026

Source: Americhem

Albany Engineered Composites Expands Hypersonic, Solid Rocket Motor And Space Manufacturing Capabilities With Dedicated AEC Advanced Programs Business And Rochester Facility

NEW Albany Engineered Composites logoROCHESTER, N.H.— October 22, 2026 — Albany Engineered Composites, a segment of Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), today announced the expansion of its hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space capabilities through AEC Advanced Programs, Inc. (AEC-AP), a wholly owned subsidiary established in 2021 to develop the carbon-carbon manufacturing capabilities required for advanced high temperature, extreme environment applications. The AEC-AP facility is located in Rochester, New Hampshire, adjacent to the Albany Engineered Composites’ headquarters and research and development (R&D) operations.

Since establishing AEC-AP, Albany has invested more than $36 million in dedicated facilities, equipment and independent research and development (IRAD) to build vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities for advanced composite thermal protection systems (TPS) and other hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space hardware. This investment is complemented by a $21.2 million, 30-month U.S. government Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) contract awarded in September to advance carbon-carbon composite TPS for hypersonic vehicles and solid rocket motors. The funding will also support a recently announced teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin to pursue scalable production of next-generation U.S. hypersonic systems, including hypersonic glide body applications.

“Hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space systems require advanced materials and the ability to manufacture complex hardware at scale,” said Chris Stone, president of Albany Engineered Composites. “Building on the investments we have already made, our industry-leading LEAP program industrialization experience and both our recent IBAS contract award and Lockheed Martin partnership, AEC Advanced Programs provides vertically integrated, scalable capabilities for high-temperature composites for our customers and the U.S. industrial base.”

The approximately 70,000-square-foot AEC-AP facility supports full-scale hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space hardware production, including carbon-carbon composites. Purpose-built equipment and planned densification, machining and inspection capabilities will enable expansion as program requirements and production volumes grow.

“Building this capability has been a deliberate, long-term investment,” said Brent Stevenson, vice president, emerging markets and technology at Albany Engineered Composites. “The combination of our industry leading near net shape 3D-woven technology, associated design and simulation capabilities, our Rochester infrastructure, new IBAS programs and our Lockheed Martin collaboration gives us a strong foundation to support the transition of hypersonic, solid rocket motor and space technologies into production.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Albany Engineered Composites

Audi AG Selects Georgia To Invest $4 Billion In First US Manufacturing Facility

Georgia_state_sealATLANTA— October 24, 2026 — Governor Brian P. Kemp and Gernot Döllner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that Audi will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. Headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi plans to invest approximately $4 billion in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite, delivering approximately 4,500 new jobs to middle Georgia.

“We are proud that Audi has selected Georgia as the home of their first U.S. manufacturing facility, delivering truly historic investment and jobs to middle Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Following the success we’ve enjoyed with other megasites, we purchased and made more improvements to the Middle Georgia Megasite for just this purpose: to bring a job-creating, high-caliber automotive manufacturer to this region. I want to thank the countless professionals from Peach, Macon-Bibb, and Houston counties in the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA who helped make this happen. We are excited for hardworking Georgians in Peach County and the entire middle Georgia region to benefit from this project for decades to come. On behalf of the State of Georgia, we are honored to welcome Audi to our state!”

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America, and Georgia will play a central role in making them a reality. With its strong business environment, skilled workforce, and shared ambition, the state is an ideal partner for Audi,” said CEO Döllner. “We are proud to bring our engineering excellence and pioneering spirit to Georgia. Together, we want to create something that goes far beyond a manufacturing plant: a new home for Audi in America, opportunities for thousands of people and a strong foundation for long-term growth. This investment will bring us closer to our customers and strengthen Audi’s competitiveness around the world.”

With cutting-edge premium SUVs tailored to North American customers and manufactured locally, Audi aims to unlock significant growth potential in one of the world’s most important premium markets. Audi expects to begin grading in 2027 and construction on the new facility in 2028. Full production is expected in 2031 at an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

The facility will be designed around Audi’s future manufacturing requirements, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to respond to evolving customer needs and market demand.

The company is known for its sporty vehicles, progressive design, high build quality, and the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology). The Audi Group also includes the brands Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati.

“We invest in our workforce programs to create opportunities for Georgians,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Governor Kemp’s leadership has positioned Georgia as the home for world-class companies. Congratulations to Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for the future they are building together. Projects like these help small businesses, school systems, and local governments provide more services to local residents, and we look forward to seeing them working within their communities to capitalize on this opportunity.”

“Georgia has a strong commitment to managing our resources wisely and planning responsibly for the future as we work to bring good-paying jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I applaud Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for upholding that commitment and working together to lay the foundation for future generations of Georgians to build careers, raise their families, and succeed in the communities they call home.”

In choosing Georgia, Audi cited speed-to-market, workforce, access to consumer markets, and proximity to an established automotive supply chain.

Developed and marketed by the Development Authority of Peach County in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, comprised of Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties, over the last several years alongside the state, the Middle Georgia Megasite offers the speed-to-market requirements for Audi AG’s goals. Industrial utilities are adjacent to the site, and extensive due diligence reports have been completed, enabling the company to construct its brand-new facility on a rapid timeline.

“The decision by Audi realizes the vision we had for the Middle Georgia Megasite – an innovative, global automotive OEM that will position the region as a premier hub for innovation and industry,” said Roy Lewis, Chairman of the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA and the Peach County Board of Commissioners. “When we formed the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, we set out to build a more resilient regional economy and secure major projects that will benefit our families and our workforce for decades. We are excited to continue conversations with Audi, the State of Georgia, and countless regional and state partners to build out programs that will prepare Georgians for the high-skill jobs of the future.”

Georgia Quick Start will work with Audi to develop a customized training curricula and design a designated training facility. It will also partner with local campuses in the Technical College System of Georgia to begin employee instruction on tailored curriculum as the training facility is constructed. Competitive wages for all roles will be well-paying in the local market.

The Middle Georgia Megasite is well-positioned for connectivity to domestic and international markets. Both the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick can easily be reached by rail in less than 5 hours. The site has access to Norfolk Southern Class I rail.  The busiest and most efficient passenger airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is a 90-minute drive, and two regional airports are within 25 minutes of the Middle Georgia Megasite.

“We are excited to welcome Audi as a neighbor,” said Mark Sanchez, CEO of Southern Orchard Management. “We are so proud to work with Peach County, the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, and the State of Georgia on the Middle Georgia Megasite, because it has given us an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for the very community that has supported our own growth and success over the years. We hope that in the future, when people think of Audi, they think of Georgia peaches, too!”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented by Global Commerce Assistant Director Virginia Sengewald; in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, which includes Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties; the Technical College System of Georgia; Georgia Quick Start; University System of Georgia; Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia Ports Authority; Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Norfolk Southern; Georgia’s Germany-based Europe Office; and Georgia Power.

“Audi’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgia is a historic milestone for our state and a transformational opportunity for Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s success is built on long-term investments, trusted international relationships, and partnerships that bring communities together around a shared vision for the future. The relationships we began building decades ago, combined with the work our state and local partners have done to prepare this site, have positioned the region to compete for a project of this scale. Ultimately, this is why we do what we do, particularly in rural communities. Economic development is about more than the jobs and investment announced today. It is about strengthening communities, creating opportunities for families, and ensuring that future generations can build their lives and their futures close to home. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Audi and the communities of Middle Georgia.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Georgia – Office of the Governor

Man-Made Fibers As A Platform For Innovation: Stephan Sielaff Takes The Helm Of The Schill+Seilacher Group

ZURICH — October 7, 2026 — Stephan Sielaff took over as Chief Executive Officer of the Schill+Seilacher Group on October 1. A chemical engineer by training, he brings around 30 years of experience in specialty chemicals and related industries. His career includes senior roles at Unilever and Lenzing AG, and most recently at SSI SCHÄFER Plastics. At Schill+Seilacher, Sielaff will lead the next phase of development for the internationally active specialty chemicals Group.

Schill+Seilacher Group - Stephan Sielaff (2)
Stephan Sielaff

For manufacturers and processors of man-made fibers, the Group offers high-performance process auxiliaries for staple fibers and continuous filaments, as well as solutions for the targeted functionalization of nonwovens.

Tailored spinning finishes support reliable, efficient processing while giving fibers the specific properties required for their end use – from a pleasantly soft handle to controlled water absorption or repellency.

The result is a broad range of solutions designed for diverse requirements and applications, from apparel and hygiene products to technical uses in mobility, construction and infrastructure.

For Sielaff, this business exemplifies one of the key strengths of successful specialty chemicals companies: combining decades of experience with the ability to keep adapting to new requirements. “Tradition becomes a competitive advantage in specialty chemicals when experience is continuously translated into new solutions. Schill+Seilacher has extensive application expertise across the production and further processing of man-made fibers. The key is to turn that knowledge into tailored solutions together with our customers.”

Customer proximity will therefore be a key priority for Sielaff. He intends to sharpen the organization’s focus on markets, customers and partners while strengthening international collaboration across the Group. “We already have an international footprint. Now we want to make better use of the strength of our Group – thinking globally, acting together and staying closer to our customers,” says Sielaff.

Sielaff began his career at Unilever, where he held roles spanning operations, innovation and product development, culminating in the position of Innovation and Engineering Director for Home and Personal Care Europe. After further roles at Symrise, he became Chief Operating Officer of Swiss specialty chemicals company Archroma. He subsequently served as CEO of Austria-based Lenzing AG and, most recently, as CEO of SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

Dr Peter Dürolf, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Schill+Seilacher Group, says: “The world will not wait for us. In our markets, speed, international reach and the ability to turn good ideas into real business are becoming increasingly important. In Stephan Sielaff, we have appointed a CEO who has successfully navigated precisely these kinds of challenges and developed companies in demanding international markets. Together, we want to take the Group forward – with entrepreneurial courage, commercial discipline and a clear focus on our customers.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: The Schill+Seilacher Group

LX Hausys America Highlights Carbon Reduction and Sustainable Product Innovation

LX Hausys logoALPHARETTA, Ga. — October 21, 2026 — LX Hausys America Inc., an innovative manufacturer of building and decorative materials, today highlighted key findings from the 2026 Sustainability Report published by its parent company LX Hausys Co., Ltd. The report outlines the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, goals and performance, primarily covering 2025 activities and results, with select activities from the first half of 2026.

A key highlight is the company’s continued implementation of its 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap. Across the 15 Korean business sites included in its greenhouse gas inventory, LX Hausys achieved a 9.5% year-over-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. The company also fully incorporated Safety and Environment key performance indicators into business division performance measures in 2025 to strengthen its emissions management system.

In the U.S., LX Hausys operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Adairsville, Ga., and produces VIATERA quartz, HIMACS solid surface materials and automotive fabrics. The report lists LX Hausys America as holding ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety certifications. For 2025, LX Hausys reported 159 environmental certifications and labels across its products, supporting transparency and informed product selection. The report also details responsible business practices, including a new Supply Chain ESG Management Policy, ESG risk assessments for 372 suppliers and the company’s first human rights impact assessment in 2025.

The company continues to incorporate bio-based and recycled materials into product innovation while supporting resource circulation. In April 2026, LX Hausys launched Bio SMR Furniture Film, which applies a plant-derived bio-carbon coating to PET film using its SMR (SuperMatte Resist) matte coating technology. The product was verified as containing bio-based carbon by Beta Analytic and passed a U.S. Food and Drug Administration food-contact safety assessment.

Separately, LX Hausys has supplied furniture films made from recycled PET bottles to global markets, including Europe and North America, since first developing the material in 2018. A 2025 application at a large-scale apartment complex in Busan, South Korea, is expected to have the effect of recycling approximately 1.2 million waste PET bottles. In June 2025, LX Z:IN Interior Film Flame-retardant received Korea Eco-Label Certification after LX Hausys changed its release paper from a polyethylene coating to a clay-based material, enabling the paper to be recycled after use.

“Creating social value, building a sustainable ecosystem for shared growth, and driving innovation toward decarbonization are ongoing ESG activities that will continue to serve as the core values of LX Hausys’ management,” said Roh JinSeo, CEO of LX Hausys, in the report. “We will realize responsible growth in line with the global movement toward sustainability.”

LX Hausys was selected for the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the second consecutive year, ranking among the top 8% of companies in the building materials industry and as the only Korean building materials company included in the Yearbook. The company also maintained an overall A rating from the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability for the 10th consecutive year and was included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Korea Index for the 11th consecutive year.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: LX Hausys America Inc.

First Ever Launch Of Atomic-6 Space Armor Takes Aim At Growing Threat Of Space Debris

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — October 21, 2026 — Atomic-6, a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, today announced the first-ever launch of its Space Armor® technology into orbit aboard Portal Space Systems’ Starburst-1 spacecraft, carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Bandwagon-5 dedicated rideshare mission. The launch marks a significant milestone for Atomic-6, moving Space Armor® tiles from ground-based hypervelocity testing to its first operational deployment in space.

The composite shielding technology will help protect critical spacecraft systems against potentially catastrophic impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD), addressing concerns related to the “Kessler Syndrome,” a cascading effect of space debris collisions that could make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable for satellites or space missions.

Atomic-6 - Trevor Smith
Trevor Smith

Built with a proprietary fiber-to-resin manufacturing method, Space Armor® tiles also create the first composite radome, a structural enclosure that protects communication equipment, that offers both communications transparency and impact resilience.

“We’ve proven Space Armor® tiles can withstand debris traveling at extraordinary speeds without generating harmful secondary fragments,” said Trevor Smith, CEO, Atomic-6. “Now, we’re putting that technology to work aboard Portal’s Starburst-1, taking an important step toward scaling its deployment and making space safer and more sustainable.”

Protecting a New Generation of Spacecraft

Space Armor® technology’s combination of impact resistance, reduced mass, and RF permeability offers spacecraft manufacturers a new approach to protecting high-value orbital assets, including satellites, communications systems, and future crewed platforms. Unlike traditional metallic Whipple shields, Space Armor® tiles are lighter, thinner and engineered to resist fragmentation upon impact, reducing the risk of generating additional hazardous debris in orbit.

In ground-based hypervelocity testing, Space Armor® composite tiles successfully stopped projectiles traveling faster than 7 kilometers per second, or approximately 16,000 miles per hour, while producing no harmful secondary debris. In comparative testing, conventional aluminum shielding generated a multitude of fragments, some larger than the original projectile.

Portal’s Starburst-1 installed Space Armor® tiles on its first free-flying spacecraft mission carrying live payloads. Designed for rapid maneuvering within an orbital regime , Starburst-1 will demonstrate capabilities that support rendezvous and proximity operations, rapid retasking, and significant orbital changes during its planned one-year primary mission.

“Protecting spacecraft from orbital debris matters to us and our customers, and we’re excited by Atomic-6’s approach to that challenge,” said Jeff Thornburg, co-founder and CEO of Portal Space Systems. “Space Armor has the potential to add valuable protection to spacecraft while not affecting or hindering the performance our missions demand. Seeing the first tile reach orbit is a milestone deserving of celebration, and we’re proud to have been the vehicle to get them there.”

Portal and Atomic-6 will use experience from integrating Space Armor® tiles onto Starburst-1 to validate installation procedures and develop best practices for incorporating the tiles into future spacecraft designs.

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Atomic-6

Italian Textile Machinery Orders In Q3 2026

acimit-logoMILAN— October 23, 2026 — Order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers increased by 7% in the third quarter of 2026, compared with the same period of 2025. Growth was driven by demand from international markets, where orders rose by 8%, while the domestic market remained weak, posting a 4% decline.

Compared with the previous quarter, overall order intake decreased by 4%, reflecting the uncertainty that continues to affect investment decisions across the global textile sector. The textile machinery orders index for the July-September period reached 44.6 points (base year 2021 = 100).

Italian manufacturers reported an average order backlog equivalent to 3.5 months of production, while capacity utilisation stood at 72.4%.

Sector-by-sector data show that order trends were generally stable or declining during the quarter, both in the domestic and export markets. Expectations for the final quarter of 2026 remain cautious, with most companies anticipating either stable or lower levels of order intake.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, commented:

Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President
Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President

“Despite the widespread caution among manufacturers, fuelled by international uncertainty and rising energy costs, foreign markets continue to provide positive signals. This is particularly encouraging, as exports account for around 80% of the order intake of Italian textile machinery manufacturers.”

“The domestic market, however, remains subdued. The industry is looking for stronger investment momentum from Italian companies, supported by the incentives available under the Transition 5.0 scheme, which offers improved planning opportunities for industrial investments.”

Posted: October 26, 2026

Source: Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT )

1234...2,674Page 3 of 2,674

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.