ANDRITZ At Techtextil 2026: Sustainability And Advanced Technologies

GRAZ, Austria — March 5, 2026 — International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 21 to 24, 2026 (Hall 12, B95). ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for durable and technical nonwovens, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services.

SPOT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULARITY

ANDRITZ reXline tearing line for recycling of textile waste

ANDRITZ continues to advance industrially viable solutions for sustainable nonwoven and textile production.

Key topics at Techtextil include textile sorting and recycling, natural fiber processing for durable nonwovens, and complete man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) production plants. All innovations aim to support circularity and long-term value creation.

Complete MMCF production solutions for lyocell

ANDRITZ introduces its competences in production plants for MMCF, namely lyocell – a rapidly growing market driven by demand for sustainable materials. The solutions cover the full scope, from engineering to specialized equipment like flash dryers and pulp preparation systems. With decades of expertise in pulp and paper, ANDRITZ also provides audits and upgrades for existing plants. The lyocell process stands out for its environmental benefits and high-quality output, making it a key technology for the future of textiles and nonwovens.

Natural fibers for durable nonwoven

ANDRITZ highlights the growing potential of bast fibers such as hemp, flax, jute, and kenaf. These fibers offer a strong potential across industries including automotive, insulation, geotextiles, construction, and technical textiles. With their low environmental footprint, local sourcing potential, and zero-waste characteristics, bast fibers support the shift toward circular, climate-friendly production models. ANDRITZ offers complete solutions, including dry cleaning, decortication and refining systems enabling energy-efficient processing and high-quality fiber production. This process can be perfectly combined with neXline airlay technology resulting in sustainable durable nonwovens.

Textile sorting and recycling: one century of heritage

With over a century of expertise, ANDRITZ Laroche provides solutions covering the entire textile recycling chain – from automated textile sorting and advanced fiber preparation to mechanical and chemical recycling, as well as integrated process combinations.

At Techtextil, ANDRITZ places a strong focus on predictive and automated textile sorting – key elements in closing the gap toward true circularity in the textile industry. The AI-based ANDRITZ teXscan unit evaluates fabric quality prior to recycling, enabling efficient material routing for chemical recycling, nonwoven or spinning. Complementing this, the automated sorting system classifies garments by composition and color, removes hard components such as buttons and zippers, and prepares materials for further fiber processing.

Together, these technologies create an efficient pathway for transforming post-consumer and post-industrial textile waste into fibers suitable for spinning, nonwovens, and composite applications.

PRODUCT INNOVATION: HIGH-SPEED PRODUCTION WITH THE ANDRITZ X-PRO™ CROSSLAPPER

ANDRITZ X-Pro crosslapper for high-speed production for needlepunch and spunlace lines

ANDRITZ introduces the new X-Pro™ crosslapper, a groundbreaking innovation in the crosslapping process for needlepunch and spunlace lines. This new machine sets unrivalled standards in speed, productivity, and quality, overcoming traditional limitations. Its unique “X-path” design ensures precise fiber control, eliminating distortion and enabling flawless overlap regardless of web characteristics. The system maximizes throughput and fabric homogeneity while maintaining superior quality. Additionally, it is fully compatible with ANDRITZ’s ProWin™ profile correction system, enhancing performance and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR TECHNICAL FIBERS

ANDRITZ will also present its technologies for processing technical fibers such as carbon, aramid, glass, and ceramic fibers. Its complete needlepunch and wetlaid lines enable precise fiber control and consistent quality for demanding end uses, including filtration, composites, construction, and industrial materials.

LIFE-CYCLE MANAGEMENT: ANDRITZ SYNERGY SERVICE CONTRACTS

ANDRITZ SYNERGY™service agreements provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to ensure uninterrupted productivity by complementing customers’ in-house capabilities with customized service packages. These agreements are designed to match the life-cycle of the equipment, including regular expert visits, preventive maintenance, retrofits, and upgrades to keep your operations running smoothly and reliably. Discover more at Techtextil.

The entire ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile team is looking forward to welcoming customers and partners at booth B95 in hall 12.

Posted: March 7, 2026

Source:  International technology Group ANDRITZ

The AATCC Stain Release Replica — Now Made More Sustainably

DURHAM, N.C. — March 5, 2026 — The AATCC Stain Release Replica is the essential tool to evaluates a fabric’s ability to release stains from corn oil (AATCC TM130) and household soils (AATCC TM215). We’re excited to announce advancements that make it more sustainably manufactured.

Oils and Soils: An everyday laundry problem

One of common challenges that everyday consumers and laundry professionals alike face is removal of oily stains. To evaluate this, testing labs have depended on AATCC Test Method 130: Test Method for Soil Release: Oily Stain Release for nearly 60 years. Now, a newer test method, AATCC TM215: Test Method for Soil Release: Household Soils, developed in 2023, also utilizes the AATCC Stain Release Replica. AATCC Research Committee RA56: Stain Resistance Test Methods, developed both of these essential test methods.

The AATCC Stain Release Replica is the essential tool to evaluates a fabric’s ability to:

  • release an oily stain after home laundering, or
  • release household soils during home laundering

Today we highlight the advancements of this essential evaluation tool.

Functions of the AATCC Stain Release Replica

The AATCC Stain Release Replica is a dependable tool to evaluate oil release and household soil release in textiles, using two AATCC Test Methods, AATCC TM130 and TM215.

The principle of AATCC Test Method 130: Test Method for Soil Release: Oily Stain Release, is that an oil stain is applied to fabric specimen, weight is applied to the stain, and the fabric is washed using standardized home laundering conditions. To make this repeatable, the standardized laundering conditions are followed including standardized laundry detergent, AATCC Standard Reference Powder Detergent.

Similar concepts are applied in AATCC TM 215, in which the testing operator applies household stains (including red wine, ketchup, mustard, coffee, grape juice) to fabric, Next, standard weight is applied to each stain, and the operator conducts a standard laundering procedure.

To evaluate the ability of the fabric to release the oil stain (AATCC TM130) or the household stain (AATCC TM214), the stain on the washed fabric is compared to the AATCC Stain Release Replica.

Improvements to the AATCC Stain Release Replica

Recent advancements for this product have allowed AATCC to reduce some of the adhesives and paper used in its manufacture. This benefits customers with a way of continuing this essential testing with less impact on the environment.

Features:

  • The trusted 5 rating scale provides for clear assessment and grading
  • Can be used in both AATCC TM130 and TM215
  • Used alongside the AATCC Standard Reference Detergent, Glassine Paper, and 5 Lb Stainless Steel, and AATCC Blotting Paper
  • An authentic AATCC Testing Product used for conducting AATCC Test Methods.

Benefits:

  • Enables visual assessment with the human observer in a standard viewing environment.
  • Labs: enhance your offerings, allowing for conducting of two popular test methods, AATCC TM130 and AATCC TM215.
  • Companies: Evaluate the performance of your textile products, using stain standardized stain release test methods to aid in their acceptance testing of fabrics.

What’s New in the AATCC Stain Release Replica

  • Improved Sustainability Manufacturing: Produced using a direct printing method, reducing paper and adhesive materials
  • Same consistent rating system

Highlights:

The AATCC Stain Release Replica is the essential tool to evaluate how well a fabric releases an oily stain after home laundering.

It’s used in two global test methods:

  • AATCC Test Method 130: Test Method for Soil Release: Oily Stain Release
  • AATCC TM215: Test Method for Soil Release: Household Soils

AATCC Stain Release Replica now features an improved manufacturing processes, reducing paper, adhesives, and improving sustainability

To place an order visit: https://members.aatcc.org/store/stain/

Posted: March 7, 2026

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

American Medical Manufacturers Association Announces New Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC — March 5, 2026 — The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA), the only national voice for U.S.-based medical product manufacturers and suppliers, today announced the election of its 2026 Board of Directors.

Tom Allen

Tom Allen, President of New York-based PPE manufacturer Altor Safety, has been elected President of AMMA.

Tom is a longtime entrepreneur and his efforts to grow a domestic manufacturing operation have been featured in national and local media.

Altor is located in Valley Cottage, NY.

Allen is joined on the board by:

  • Vice President Donny Chan, who serves in a leadership role at Maxter Healthcare Inc. As the flagship American manufacturing hub for the global Supermax Corporation, this Texas-based facility is in active production, delivering high-quality, domestically made medical nitrile gloves through large-scale, high-volume manufacturing.
  • Treasurer Doug Wynalda leads Wynalda Packaging, a long-standing provider of premium packaging solutions including FDA-sensitive pharmaceutical and medical packaging.
  • Secretary Alan Rust represents SafeSource Direct, a Louisiana-based American manufacturer of nitrile exam gloves and other personal protective equipment.

“These leaders represent the best of American manufacturing. They are innovative operators who invested in U.S. production when it mattered most and who understand what it will take to keep critical medical products made here at home,” said Eric Axel, Executive Director of AMMA.

AMMA also announced that Michelle Feinberg from the New York Embroidery Studio and Dan Adams from American Armor will also join the AMMA Board.

Axel added, “These individuals and the companies they represent have proven that U.S. manufacturers can compete on quality, reliability, and scale. Their experience will be invaluable as AMMA builds a durable, pro-American manufacturing agenda.”

New President Tom Allen said, “In the months ahead, AMMA will deepen our engagement with Congress and the Administration to advance targeted tariffs, smart procurement rules, and other pro-American policies that reward resilient domestic supply chains.

Allen continued, “Our new board is committed to working with policymakers from both parties to ensure that the next generation of gloves, masks, syringes, supplies, and packaging is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States.”

The new board will guide AMMA’s advocacy on federal and state policy, promote long-term contracting and strategic purchasing for the U.S.-made products, and support workforce and innovation initiatives that strengthen America’s medical industrial base.

Posted: March 7, 2026

Source: The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA)

Innovation Meets Scale: 600+ Exhibitors In Global Sourcing Spotlight At Next Week’s Yarn Expo Spring 2026

SHANGHAI — March 6, 2026 — Spanning 27,000 sqm, over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions – including new exhibiting countries from Bangladesh, Egypt, Japan and the US – are set to showcase a comprehensive array of products at Asia’s leading yarn and fibre trade fair.

Other exhibitors at the fair, opening 11 – 13 March 2026 in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), hail from, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Taiwan, the UK and Vietnam. This year’s edition will deliver greater international appeal, with suppliers presenting eco-friendly cotton yarns, recycled and regenerated fibres, and much more through the International Zone plus seven dedicated product zones. Buyers can explore the full spectrum of sourcing options, complemented by a dynamic fringe programme featuring fashion trend showcases and forums for industry exchange.

Prior to the fair, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “We are very pleased to see stronger exhibitor participation at Yarn Expo Spring 2026 compared to last year, supporting one of our most comprehensive Spring Editions to date. As the industry continues to transform, we anticipate the fair will further strengthen global sourcing collaboration and highlight the innovation driving the yarn and fibre sector. Sustainability and high-performance fibres remain in the spotlight, and we believe the fair will inspire the market with forward-looking solutions for the seasons ahead.”

Zone-by-zone sourcing preview

With most exhibition space categorised according to products, the platform is tailored for buyers to efficiently allocate their sourcing needs across distinct zones, ensuring seamless navigation from high-volume chemical fibres to premium natural yarns and region-specific specialties.

  • International Zone: gathers over 70 exhibitors offering high-quality products from global suppliers. Renowned participants include Cotton Council International (USA), NORGIIS Group LLC (UK), Toray Industries Inc (Japan), and XDD Textile Company Limited (Vietnam).

    Within this zone, the India Pavilion – organised by the Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) – features nearly 30 dynamic exhibitors showcasing pure cotton carding, combed and compact spinning, viscose, synthetic options, recycled and organic/BCI yarns, spandex, and various blended yarns like polyester-cotton. This enhances buyers’ access to numerous Indian products for efficient sourcing diversification and innovation.

  • Cashmere Yarn Zone: focuses on pure cashmere, cashmere-blend yarns, and new developments in this premium natural fibre category. The zone supports buyers seeking high-quality yarns for knitwear and apparel applications, including sweaters and fashion knit pieces. Featured exhibitors include Shandong Dashing Cashmere Products and Zhejiang Sunyouo Industrial.
  • Chemical Fibre Zone: offers a direct showcase of productivity improvements and quality advancement. Over 230 Chinese fibre manufacturers, such as Fujian Cyclone Technology, Shenghong Group and Sinopec Group, will present the latest developments. Notably, Anhui Xinyuan Biotechnology will spotlight bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) fibres, a fully biodegradable option with a low carbon footprint and performance benefits such as antibacterial properties, moisture-wicking comfort, low static, and UV resistance.
  • Fancy Yarn Zone: over 150 top-tier enterprises are set to unveil their most stylish seasonal yarns. Key players include Ease Loong Tech and Jiangsu New Victor Industrial, and Yulin Yuefang Bleaching and Dyeing, a specialist in yarn dyeing and bleaching with a focus on cylinder dyeing and dyed yarns for fancy-yarn applications.
  • Green Linen Yarn, Silk Yarn and Quality Wool Yarn Zones: fuses cutting-edge technology with timeless fashion. More than 30 leading companies will showcase their newest breakthroughs in wool, silk, linen, and linen-blended yarns, featuring Zhejiang Tongwei Textile, Hubei Jinghua Textile Group, Shengzhou Dingshun Silk, and many more driving the next wave of natural textile quality.
  • Natural Cotton Yarn Zone: emphasises environmental stewardship, technology and fashion. Over 80 spinners, including Linqing Sanhe Textiles Group, Shandong Weiqiao Textile Technology, Wuhu Fuchun Dye and Weave will demonstrate their cotton products, with a wide range of weights and various spinning methods.

Together, these zones will equip international and domestic buyers with a wealth of yarn and fibre options to meet diverse, country-to-country needs, from high-volume production to specialised applications.

Cutting-edge fibre trends and company showcases
Visitors can look forward to a fringe programme featuring new products and technologies, offering early access to new industry developments straight from the source. This lineup of trend showcases and forums will highlight emerging innovations, empowering upstream and downstream players to play a leading role in shaping future opportunities.

  • China Yarns Fashion Trends: presents future yarn fashion trends, providing textile enterprises with inspiration and market direction.
  • Enterprise Product Launch: unites distinctive companies and industry associations – with Sateri Group a key highlight – to release new products and lead fashion trends.
  • New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Forum: gathers acadamics, corporate executives, and industry experts to interpret selected products from the China Fibre Fashion Trend, green sustainable fibres, as well as high-end fashionable and functional fibres.
  • Tongkun · China Fibre Fashion Trend 2026/2027: visitors can explore the innovative achievements in domestic high-tech fibres – including the dedicated Tongkun · China Fibre Fashion Trend 2026/2027 Show – connecting cutting-edge materials, applications, and future directions with downstream markets.

Yarn Expo Spring is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. The fair will be 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.

Yarn Expo Spring will be held from March 11 – 13, 2026

Posted: March 6, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Worn Again Technologies Unveils The Accelerator, The Next Major Step Towards Commercializing The Textile-To-Fibre Recycling Of Polycotton

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — March 6, 2026 — A Textile-to-Fibre Accelerator plant – which the company has started up in Winterthur, Switzerland – showcases Worn Again’s proprietary chemical recycling technology at scale, providing a real-world validation of a process that recovers and regenerates polyester and cellulose from end-of-life textiles. This marks a significant milestone in Worn Again’s journey to transform textile waste into circular fibres.

The Accelerator marks a significant milestone in Worn Again’s journey to transform textile waste into circular fibres.

Less than 1% of clothes are recycled. Meanwhile, textile production already exceeds a staggering 120 million tonnes per annum, a figure that continues to grow, exacerbated by consumer demand for fast fashion. The time is now to scale solutions designed to tackle the textile waste crisis.

“The fashion industry is at a pivotal point,” said Michael Weiss, CEO of Worn Again Technologies. “Blended polycottons, once nearly impossible to recycle efficiently, are now being reimagined through our groundbreaking process. This technology maintains material value, minimises waste, and unlocks significant economic opportunities.”

From Laboratory to Scaled Application

The Accelerator represents the evolution from laboratory innovation to industrial demonstration. In recent years, Worn Again has refined the process chemistry and engineering design – optimising solvent systems and separation techniques – to enable efficient, high-purity recovery of polyester and cellulose fibres. Crucially, the process recovers over 95% of solvents used, reinforcing environmental responsibility.

The technology’s multi-solvent approach allows effective separation of complex materials, including dyes and elastane, which are major challenges for traditional recycling methods. Since 2024, the company achieved breakthroughs by successfully spinning fibres from recovered outputs, reaching new heights in product purity and quality – critical milestones underpinning the deployment of larger-scale operations.

Ongoing scale-up engineering activities continue to enable process efficiencies that weren’t feasible in the laboratory – enhancing the value proposition of the recycling technology as it scales.

The Accelerator plant is being delivered in modules. The first module is to recover spinnable polyester from waste textiles, including post-consumer polycotton blends sourced from Switzerland, the EU & UK. The recovered, Circular Polyester, will soon be available for downstream piloting & product application testing. The next module (which has entered detailed engineering) will produce Next-Gen Cellulosic Fibres and other advanced cellulosic materials.

Advancing Towards Commercial Deployment

The Accelerator provides a platform for testing the technology’s real-world applications. Partner companies will be able to evaluate their feedstocks and validate the process across diverse textile streams, generating critical data to refine and scale operations.

Worn Again is progressing towards a full-scale manufacturing facility designed to process significant volumes of textile waste and produce high-value circular products. “The Accelerator is a critical asset for building towards our first commercial plant.” said Toby Moss, Chief Commercial Officer, “Testing at this scale will expand our solutions to a broader range of feedstocks, ensuring that we stay ahead by valorising more material streams and creating a growing portfolio of high-value, downstream product applications.”

Worn Again has gathered a growing network of strategic partners who will now receive priority access the Accelerator plant and its circular products. As production capacities continue to grow , it will further develop these partnerships and new ones to deliver binding commitments for supply and offtakes of a planned first commercial scale production plant. With the Accelerator now operational, Worn Again is open for business and ready to work with brands, manufacturers and waste handlers to “clean up fashion”.

Interested parties can contact Toby Moss, Chief Commercial Officer by completing the contact form on the company website, https://www.wornagain.co.uk/contact/

Posted: March 6, 2026

Source:  Worn Again Technologies / Toby Moss, Chief Commercial Officer

UGA Research: Futuristic Fabric Could Make Your Clothes Smarter Than You

ATHENS, Ga. — March 6, 2026 — Researchers at the University of Georgia are exploring how the clothes people wear can potentially track and protect their health.

Smart textiles are fabrics that can monitor the body’s vitals and movement in real time. They’re flexible and lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear while moving.

The present publication focuses on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional, microscopic materials made from metals that can be coated or printed onto fabrics. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of hundreds of published studies to examine the different properties of MXenes and how they could be used in smart textiles.

Unlike most smartwatches, smart textiles gain power through the sun. Although the materials become less effective when exposed to oxygen or water, this solar power could not only help the sensors work but also be used as a built-in power bank, the researchers said.

Not only can they detect body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, he said, but they also help regulate body temperature and fend off bacteria. making them ideal for hospital settings. Wearers can not only track their health, but doctors and other health professionals could monitor a patient’s vitals and get alerts if the fabric detected irregularities.

“These MXene-based smart textiles can help prevent bacterial growth,” said Joyjit Ghosh, corresponding author of the study and a doctoral student in UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “There is always a possibility of bacterial contamination with medical textiles. But if we use MXene-coated textile materials, we will get those antimicrobial properties, which are needed in hospitals.”

Posted: March 6, 2026

Source University of Georgia

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Announces Board Of Directors Leadership Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C.— March 6, 2026 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the renewal of its Board leadership and welcomed new and re-elected members to its Board of Directors during the 2026 AAFA Annual Executive Summit held this week in Washington, D.C.

The following individuals were confirmed to serve as AAFA’s Board leadership for the 2026–2027 term:

  • Joe Preston, New Balance Athletics, Inc. – Chair
  • Danilo Amoretty, Carhartt, Inc. – Vice Chair
  • Chris Volpe, United Legwear & Apparel Co. – Treasurer
  • Sally Gilligan, Gap Inc. – Secretary
  • Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corporation – Past Chair

The following individuals were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors for a three year term beginning April 1, 2026:

Newly elected:

  • Meera Bhatia, Fabletics
  • Jeffrey Goldfarb, G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.
  • Raj Palakshappa, Oxford Industries
  • Stuart Pond, VF Corporation
  • Lisa Williams, Eileen Fisher

Re-elected:

  • Chris Alt, Elevate Textiles
  • Danilo Amoretty, Carhartt, Inc.
  • Oscar Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis International, Inc.
  • Mark Gitomer, Production Department
  • Lydia Ke, Luen Thai USA
  • Jason Kra, Li & Fung Ltd.
  • Alan Luchette, Marc Fisher Footwear
  • David Savman, PVH Corp
  • Chris Volpe, United Legwear & Apparel Co.

“I’m excited to work alongside the AAFA team to chart a clear, harmonized path toward a stronger and more resilient apparel and footwear industry. Throughout my career, AAFA has been an invaluable resource and steady advocate for our community. I look forward to building on that foundation and helping advance the positive, impactful work the team continues to deliver,” said Joe Preston, president and CEO of New Balance, Athletics, Inc.

“For years, Joe Preston has challenged the AAFA team to strive for excellence while serving as a driving force in strengthening the entire apparel and footwear industry. As we prepare to navigate another year of twists and turns, we are fortunate to have his steady leadership guiding the way,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “At the same time, we would not be where we are today without the exceptional leadership of Halide Alagöz. Her voice helped steer our industry through unforeseen challenges this year with trust and transparency. Her enduring legacy as a leader continues to shape our strategic direction and position us to achieve our goals for the future.”

AAFA also delivered a Lifetime Achievement Award to industry veteran Jerry Cook on March 5. The award acknowledges his outstanding contributions, mentorship, and lasting commitment to the industry.

Posted: March 6, 2026

Source The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Ascendium Education Group Awards $2.45 Million Grant To Polaris MEP To Expand Equitable Career Pathways In Advanced Manufacturing

PROVIDENCE, RI — March 5, 2026 — Ascendium Education Group has awarded $2,455,100 to Polaris MEP to expand equitable career pathways into advanced manufacturing for justice-impacted and underserved Rhode Islanders.

The three-year initiative, “Expanding Career Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing for Justice-Impacted and Underserved Rhode Islanders,” will run from March 2026 through February 2029 and aligns with Ascendium’s Expand Opportunity strategy, which focuses on increasing access to high-quality career pathways training and supporting justice-impacted and underserved learners.

The project responds to Rhode Island’s acute manufacturing workforce shortage by strengthening the talent pipeline while opening access to high-wage, high-demand careers for individuals who have been historically excluded from opportunity.

Grant funding will support the launch of new Registered Apprenticeships in Machine Operator, Tool Maker, and CNC Machinist roles—expanding apprenticeship utilization in a sector where it has been historically underused. Polaris MEP will also work with their partners to register JARC RI’s Careers in Manufacturing programs and CCRI’s Fast Track to Manufacturing (FTM) as Pre-Apprenticeships, creating a direct and supported pathway into Registered Apprenticeships for program graduates, in partnership with Apprenticeship RI.

In addition, the initiative will expand and sustain advanced manufacturing training pathways in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), CCRI and New England Institute of Technology. For those trainees in the RIDOC program, they will also receive support from Phoenix Odyssey and the Reentry Campus Program, which help recently incarcerated individuals continue their education and strengthen their role in the community.

Participants in the program will earn industry-recognized credentials and receive continuous case management, job placement support, and barrier-reduction assistance, including transportation support, housing stabilization, and stipends. Polaris MEP will also deepen employer engagement through fair-chance hiring initiatives, supporting manufacturers in adopting inclusive hiring practices and improving employee retention.

The project strengthens collaboration among Rhode Island manufacturers, RIDOC, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the Rhode Island Office of Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC), and community-based organizations, positioning Polaris MEP as a statewide intermediary for equitable manufacturing workforce development.

“This grant allows us to significantly scale workforce pathways that connect Rhode Islanders—including justice-impacted learners—to in-demand advanced manufacturing careers. Through apprenticeships, employer partnerships, and barrier-reduction supports, we are strengthening both individual economic mobility and the state’s manufacturing sector,” said Lindsey Brickle, Director, Workforce and Communication Partnerships, Polaris MEP.

“Apprenticeships have the potential to open doors to high-quality careers, but too often those pathways remain out of reach for the learners who could benefit most,” says Brittany Corde, Senior Program Officer at Ascendium. “This partnership with Polaris MEP demonstrates how employer engagement, fair-chance hiring, and structured apprenticeship pathways can work together to create real economic mobility for justice-impacted learners while meeting urgent workforce needs. By aligning pre-apprenticeships, employer partnerships, and comprehensive supports, Polaris MEP is building a coordinated system that expands access, strengthens retention, and strengthens Rhode Island’s advanced manufacturing workforce.”

Posted: March 6, 2026

Source: Polaris MEP

INDA Announces Transition Of Chief Market And Industry Analyst Mark Snider

CARY, N.C.— March 4, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces that Mark Snider, Chief Market & Industry Analyst, will be transitioning from his role as he prepares for a move to France.

Mark Snider

Since joining INDA, Snider has served as a leading voice on market and industry dynamics, delivering data-driven insights and strategic analysis to support member decision-making and strengthen the association’s advocacy efforts. With more than 35 years of experience in nonwovens and engineered materials, he brought deep macroeconomic, industry, and segment-level expertise to the role, further enhancing INDA’s market intelligence capabilities.

“Mark has made a significant and lasting contribution to INDA and to the broader nonwovens industry,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “His analytical rigor, global perspective, and thoughtful interpretation of market forces have elevated the quality and relevance of the insights we provide to our members. Beyond his expertise, Mark has been a trusted colleague and valued member of our leadership team. We are deeply grateful for his impact and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”

Snider will continue to support the engineered fibers and fabrics sectors as a Technical Consultant, remaining actively engaged in the industry.

“While I am transitioning from my formal role at INDA, I am not stepping away from the industry that has been central to my professional life,” said Snider. “It has been a privilege to contribute to INDA’s mission and to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated community of professionals. I look forward to continuing to support industry growth and innovation in new capacities and to remaining connected with colleagues and partners around the world.”

Mark Snider can be reached at, marksnider@mindspring.com.

All INDA-related market research inquiries should be directed to Cindy Garcia, Sr. Market Research Analyst, cgarcia@inda.org

For more information about INDA and its market research initiatives, visit www.inda.org.

Posted: March 4, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Jockey Celebrates 150 Years Of Crafting Comfort

Jockey Celebrates 150 Years of Crafting Comfort

KENOSHA, Wis. — March 2, 2026 — In 1876, a small company, S.T. Cooper & Sons, set out with an ambitious mission: to “Satisfy the Human Need for Comfort.” One hundred fifty years later, Jockey International, Inc. (Jockey), the omnipresent brand synonymous with comfort, quality, innovation and trust, continues to deliver on that promise as one of America’s most enduring family owned innerwear and apparel brands.

Jockey Celebrates 150 Years of Crafting Comfort

Founded by Reverend Samuel T. Cooper, Jockey transformed the modern underwear category, reshaping how it is designed, manufactured and delivered. What began as a passion for crafting high-quality wool socks has evolved into a global brand sold in more than 120 countries. From American households to global markets, and the Hollywood big screen to world-class athletes, the Jockey brand has remained woven into daily life for generations.

Today, that innovative spirit is reflected in an impressive global patent and trademark portfolio, including the iconic men’s Y-Front® brief, Staycool+® technology, and women’s Skimmies® slipshorts and Seamfree® underwear. Across decades, the company has continued to advance fabric technologies, fit innovation and product design, reinforcing its role in shaping the category it helped establish.

“For 150 years, families have trusted Jockey to deliver comfort and quality they can depend on,” said Debra S. Waller, chairman and chief executive officer, Jockey. “As a family owned company shaped by generations of leadership — from Rev. Cooper to my grandfather, Harry H. Wolf Sr., and my mother, Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt — we approach this milestone with responsibility. Our focus has always been to deliver comfort and quality, serve families and communities, and design for the next generation.”

A Year of Celebration, Style and Cultural Relevance
To honor the brand’s 150-year legacy and set the foundation for its next era, Jockey is launching a yearlong anniversary celebration anchored by the limited-edition Jockey 1876 Collection, expanded brand media investment, experiential events and strategic partnerships with America250, Trackhouse Racing, Folds of Honor and New Zealand Rugby’s All Blacks, engaging consumers where sport, culture and community converge.

The limited-edition Jockey 1876 Collection draws inspiration from the brand’s vault, reviving signature silhouettes, craftsmanship details and archival design elements. Heritage inspiration has been thoughtfully reengineered using modern materials, refined fits and contemporary features for today’s consumer. Limited-edition drops will begin in March and continue throughout the year, with products available at Jockey.com, Jockey retail stores and the company’s flagship retail experience, Coopers 12South, located in the iconic 12South neighborhood of Nashville.

“Reaching 150 years is a remarkable achievement and one we do not take lightly,” said Mark Fedyk, president and chief operating officer, Jockey. “This milestone is about honoring the people and the passionate work that brought us here, celebrating something few organizations ever achieve, and introducing new audiences to who Jockey is today. As we celebrate our legacy, we are equally focused on building the next era of innovation and relationships.”

Impact extends beyond product into families and communities through longstanding philanthropic efforts and a culture rooted in serving others. Across generations, associates have carried forward a shared sense of responsibility, integrity and care.  As Jockey enters its next chapter, the brand honors its legacy while moving confidently forward with an unwavering commitment to earning the trust of generations to come.

To explore the 150th anniversary and experience comfort that endures, visit Jockey.com/ourstory.

Posted: March 3, 2026

Source: Jockey

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2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

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