Orion S.A. Publishes Current, Comprehensive Carbon Black Article

HOUSTON — May 23, 2025 — Carbon black has been used since ancient times in China and Egypt, yet today it remains a high-tech material worthy of scientific interest. This is due to the numerous ways it can be engineered to serve as an essential component in a variety of everyday products — from paint and textiles to tires, power cables and batteries.

The authors of “Carbon Black” from left to right: Werner Niedermeier, Arndt-Peter Schinkel, Hauke Westenberg and Ricardo Chavez.

To explore both the fundamentals and the latest innovations, Orion S.A. scientists have authored a new resource: “Carbon Black” in the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology Online, available via the Wiley Online Library.

The 104-page article is the most current and comprehensive reference about carbon black. It covers the material’s history, morphology and production processes. It also presents recent technical findings on sustainability, rubber reinforcement, coloristic properties, electrical conductivity and structure breakdown. (For more details, see a summary on Orion’s website here: https://orioncarbons.com/technical-highlights-from-orion-s-a-s-new-carbon-black-paper/

“Many of the products we take for granted would not be possible without carbon black — one of the most ubiquitous materials in modern life,” said Natalia Scherbakoff, chief technology officer at Orion. “We continue to discover new ways to use carbon black to improve the products we rely upon every day.”

The article’s authors include:

  • Werner Niedermeier, vice president of Innovation, Polymer Systems
  • Ricardo Chavez, innovation manager for Thermoplastics
  • Hauke Westenberg, innovation manager for Rubber
  • Arndt-Peter Schinkel, vice president Innovation, head of Modelling

Posted: May 23, 2025

Source: Orion S.A.

Empowering Progress In Textiles At Techtextil North America And Texprocess Americas 2025

ATLANTA — May 22, 2025 — May 6–8, thousands of industry professionals met in Atlanta for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2025, bringing momentum, global participation, and powerful conversations to the Georgia World Congress Center. With nearly 400 exhibitors from 28 countries, the collocated events delivered three energized days full of forward-thinking solutions, cross-sector connections, and the latest innovations.

More than just a trade show, this year’s edition was a launchpad for progress, featuring the acclaimed Symposium, engaging Tech Talks, the Innovation Awards, and much more. The exhibit hall buzzed with product debuts, technical demos, and the unmistakable sound of business being done.

“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse, dynamic community coming together under one roof,” said Sarah Hatcher, Group Show Director for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas. “This event is about more than what’s on display. It’s about the energy of discovery, the exchange of ideas, and the relationships that drive this industry forward.”

A Showfloor that Worked Overtime

Across both shows, attendees experienced the full scope of the supply chain, from fiber and machinery to finished goods and cutting-edge software. With a unified exhibit floor, the events fostered organic networking, industry collaboration, and an outlet for decision-makers sourcing everything from raw materials to automation tools.

Dozens of educational sessions ran alongside the exhibition, giving professionals a chance to deepen their understanding of industry challenges and opportunities, from circularity and workforce evolution to reshoring and next-gen manufacturing.

“So far, this has been a great show. It’s been well attended, the number of customers has been great — great people to talk to. Being able to see everyone in three days is very valuable to us. It comes back to that opportunity to meet with the customer and figure out what their needs are, talk to them face to face … what can we improve, get feedback on [our] products… you always have to be pushing the envelope,” said Ernest Sumner with A.B. Carter Inc.

Kicking Off in Style

The opening night reception at Der Biergarten, co-hosted by SPESA, was a sold-out celebration where hundreds of attendees gathered to reconnect, meet new partners, and enjoy a night of networking in a festive setting. The high energy and strong turnout sparked meaningful conversations and set a positive, forward-looking tone that carried through the rest of the event.

Deep Dives That Delivered: The Symposium

Away from the bustle of the show floor, the Symposium sessions offered attendees an in-depth look at some of the most pressing issues shaping the industry. Led by thought leaders and technical experts, the sessions blended strategy with application, providing practical takeaways on innovation, policy, and market dynamics across textiles, nonwovens, and sewn products.

“I really liked the Symposium… it [had] a wide variety of [people] and speakers and I think it was great [to have] options of what might be interesting, and also [to learn] more about what other parts of the industry are doing… there was a [session] about recycled materials that I thought was amazing,” said Stephanie Minite from Under Armour.

Tech Talks: Real-Time Trends, Right on the Floor

On the show floor, the Tech Talks stage became a hotspot for quick-hit insights, panel discussions, and real-world applications. Covering everything from smart textiles and workforce challenges to sustainable sourcing and reshoring, these bite-sized sessions made industry trends accessible and actionable.

This year’s curated lineup was made possible by Casey Strauch (Hohenstein Institute America), Melissa Sharp (Zeis Textiles Extension), Xochil Herrera Scheer (The Chicago Pattern Maker), and Jasmine Cox-Wade (Gaston College)—who brought diverse expertise and fresh perspectives to the program.

“TTNA continues to be a valuable networking opportunity for us. The engaging discussions we had throughout the show highlighted just how important in-person education and events are for fostering meaningful industry connections and innovation,” Strauch said.

The Innovation Awards returned to honor the companies, technologies, and minds that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technical textiles and sewn products. From groundbreaking materials to intelligent manufacturing, this year’s winners represented the very best in creativity, sustainability, and commercial viability.

“The Innovation Awards continue to be a highlight of the show,” said Alexis Sivcovich, Show manager for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas. “This year’s winners proved that the future of our industry is not only bright — it’s already here.”

This years winners included:

Techtextil North America

  • Best New Technology: UNIFI – REPREVE Takeback™

Texprocess Americas

  • Best New Technology & Digitalization: Automatex – Automated Fitted Sheet Sewing and Folding Line
  • Best New Technology: JUKI – JUKI DX-01
  • Best New Concept: Aptean – Aptean Shop Floor Control

“Receiving this award means a lot to us having been in the industry for many years. Increasing the efficiencies in productivity is just more important than ever right now. We really appreciate the recognition for the tools that we have developed to help manufacturers automate, shrink costs, and become more efficient. Bringing these technologies to the table to keep the margins intact and create greater throughput is needed now more than ever,” said Per Bringle, Senior Manager at Aptean.

The next edition of Techtextil North America will be located at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., August 4-6, 2026. Texprocess Americas will return to Atlanta in 2027, May 11-13, once again collocated with Techtextil North America at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Posted: May 23, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

U.S. Senators Whitehouse, Graham Introduce Bipartisan Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act: NCTO Comment

WASHINGTON — May 22, 2025 — U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced the Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act, bipartisan legislation to end the “de minimis” exemption, which allows packages valued at less than $800 to be imported to the United States without facing any tariffs or inspection.

“Given the explosion of e-commerce and increasingly complex global supply chains, we need to modernize our customs laws to better stop cartels and international criminals from slipping deadly fentanyl into our communities.  Closing the de minimis loophole will also protect Rhode Island workers and manufacturers, while punishing shady foreign companies for skirting our trade laws to undercut domestic companies,” said Whitehouse, who helped convene the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and has for years championed the state’s textile industry.

“This legislation closes a loophole in order to protect Americans from fentanyl and other illicit drugs that are flowing into our country. It also safeguards South Carolina manufacturers, ensuring they can remain competitive in the global market. I’m glad to work with my colleagues on this important effort,” Graham said.

Chinese e-commerce giants as well as criminals and cartels abuse gaps in U.S. customs law and the law’s implementation to move their illicit or illegally produced products into the United States. These foreign bad actors are exploiting a customs process known as “de minimis” entry, which allows packages valued under $800 to enter the country without tariffs and through a simplified process. As the number of these shipments has surged in recent years, Customs and Border Protection has struggled to identify and block packages containing illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals, counterfeit goods, items produced with forced labor and other illegal products.

The Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act would:

  • Immediately end de minimis treatment for packages from China and phases out de minimis for all other countries after a four-month transition period.
  • Direct the Treasury Secretary to oversee a rulemaking process during the four-month transition, ensuring that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the necessary tools and procedures to implement the termination of de minimis for all countries smoothly and efficiently.
  • Direct the Treasury Secretary to consult with the Postmaster General to establish appropriate fees and entry procedures, aiming for consistency between postal and other shipments wherever feasible.

The Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act was previously introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA).  The legislation is endorsed by the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the United Steelworkers (USW), National Association of Police Organizations, Facing Fentanyl, Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network, and Alliance for American Manufacturing.

“By terminating the abuse of de minimis by overseas manufacturers — particularly those from China – Senator Whitehouse’s bill will help ensure that Rhode Island’s textile manufacturers of finished products — and manufacturers of end products in other industries — are protected from predatory competition. As chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and on behalf of our textile companies, I applaud Senator Whitehouse’s national leadership on this issue,” said Michael Woody, chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network.

“We commend Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Lindsey Graham for their leadership and support of this important bipartisan legislation that would codify and permanently end de minimis treatment for China immediately, while phasing out de minimis for all other countries after a four-month transition period,” said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas. “This bill, a companion to legislation in the House, is the strongest and most comprehensive legislative solution to closing the destructive de minimis loophole once and for all. De minimis has become a gateway facilitating four million packages a day valued at $800 or less, often containing illegal, unsafe and unethical products made with forced labor to the U.S. market, duty free and virtually unchecked. The legislation will help level the playing field for the domestic textile industry, which has lost 28 textile plants over the past 22 months. We strongly support this legislation and look forward to working with Senators Whitehouse and Graham to advance it.”

“Trade cheaters too often skirt U.S. trade law, bringing in unfairly traded, low-priced goods through the de minimis loophole. We commend Sens. Whitehouse and Graham for their efforts to cut off this back-door access to our markets and protect U.S. workers and industries,” said United Steelworkers President Dave McCall.

“Law enforcement is battling the trafficking of illegal narcotics on multiple fronts, including the international mail system. The de minimis loophole is severely exacerbating the opioid crisis by allowing fentanyl and other deadly opioids to enter our country largely uninspected. The closure of this trade loophole is vital to removing significant fentanyl trafficking routes into this country and is essential to any national strategy to end the fentanyl crisis,” said Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “NAPO supports the Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act and the efforts of Senators Whitehouse and Graham to ensure the de minimis trade exemption will no longer be a gateway for illicit drugs and goods to cross our borders.”

“Facing Fentanyl applauds Senators Whitehouse and Graham for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act in the Senate,” said Andrea Thomas, founder of Facing Fentanyl. “This critical bill targets a major weakness in our trade enforcement system that has allowed deadly fentanyl precursors — many shipped from China—to pour into the United States unchecked.”

The U.S. textiles industry employs nearly 471,000 workers and produces almost $64 billion in output annually.  Last August, Whitehouse and Graham introduced the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, legislation to strengthen the Department of Justice’s ability to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes.

Whitehouse and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) previously introduced the bipartisan Customs Modernization Act of 2023, legislation to increase U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s visibility into international supply chains to resolve data collection constraints, expand the legal use of trade data, increase supply chain accountability, improve enforcement effectiveness, and bolster information sharing among government agencies.

The full bill text is available here.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Office of U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Trivantage® Launches Revamped GORE® TENARA® Thread For High-Speed Sewing

BURLINGTON, N.C. — May 22, 2025 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for marine trim and hardware, has introduced a new version of GORE TENARA sewing thread which is optimized for high-speed sewing. The 3-ply, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) thread offers a simple switch from polyester or competitive PTFE threads, requiring little to no machine adjustments.

“The unique construction of GORE TENARA sewing thread extends the life of seams and ultimately the products in which it is used,” said Keith Purves, Business Development and Product manager at Trivantage. “Plus, it’s easy to work with — simply put it on your machine and you’re ready to sew!”

Designed for marine applications, this thread offers excellent UV and weather resistance and will not lose strength when wet or deteriorate in sun, salt water, or wind. Its durability and non-wicking properties make it an ideal choice for sails, covers, cushions, upholstery, heavy clear vinyl, zippers, and more.

GORE TENARA thread is made with thermoplastic polymers which provide the break strength of 2000-denier threads while yielding 7 percent more thread per spool. With high elongation and improved stretch characteristics, this thread sews like polyester with a soft and flexible feel.

Other notable attributes include:

  • Strong colorfastness;
  • Hydrophobic and non-wicking;
  • Outstanding loop strength;
  • Chemical- and temperature-resistant; and
  • Limited lifetime warranty, including labor.

While many threads are sold by the pound, GORE TENARA thread is sold by the spool, and it can take 1.2 to 1.3 pounds of other threads to achieve the same yield as a 1-pound spool of GORE TENARA thread. Color options include black, natural white, and clear in half-pound and 1-pound quantities. To learn more about GORE TENARA sewing thread, visit:

https://www.trivantage.com/trim-cord-thread-bobbins-gore-tenara.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Trivantage

YKK Makes The Switch To 100-Percent Low-Carbon Aluminum For Use In Aluminum Alloy Zippers

TOKYO — May 22, 2025 — YKK Corp. will begin using only low-carbon aluminum (*1) as the source for all aluminum alloy wire procured for zippers, as part of its initiative to convert all aluminum alloy zipper items to sustainable products.

YZiP® with Silver Anodized Aluminum Elements

YKK, together with aluminum material manufacturers Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co. Ltd., both based in Japan, agreed to a contract pertaining to the use of low-carbon aluminum. Beginning in FY2024, YKK began purchasing low-carbon aluminum alloy wires for use as materials in aluminum alloy zippers and gradually expanded their application.

YKK has adopted the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, which sets the sustainability goals for realizing climate neutrality by 2050. The company has established targets in connection to five themes — climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect people — and is working on initiatives to achieve 10 SDGs related to each of these themes.

Aluminum Alloy Zipper with Recycled Tape

In the key area of climate change, YKK is promoting initiatives to slash its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the company and throughout its supply chain — by 90% for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and by 90% for Scope 3 emissions, compared to FY2018 levels — by 2050, based on the net-zero target outlined by the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative (*2). Adopting low-carbon aluminum as material for zippers is one of YKK’s initiatives to achieve the reduction target for Scope 3 emissions.

YKK will continue to work with its customers and suppliers to accelerate efforts to reduce GHG emissions by developing and expanding sales of sustainable products and technologies, thereby contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

“YKK has been promoting efforts to use recycled materials and plant-based materials in textile materials for zippers and to increase the ratio of such materials,” said Terry Tsukumo, vice president, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corp. “In addition to these efforts, we will promote the use of low-carbon aluminum made from renewable energy sources, such as hydropower. Through these efforts, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation by revamping our product lineup, while taking advantage of aluminum’s features—its light weight and silver color that is nickel-free and plating-free—and focus on developing products which can be widely used in apparel and luggage applications.”

*1: The aluminum smelting process requires a large quantity of electricity and emits different amounts of carbon dioxide depending on the power source used. The emissions of the low-carbon aluminum to be used for this initiative will be less than 4 metric tons of CO₂ per ton of aluminum ingots produced, as it uses renewable energy as the power source. This significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to using electricity generated from fossil fuels such as thermal power.

*2: The remaining 10% of emissions in the net-zero target must be reduced to zero through carbon absorption and removal, etc.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: YKK Corporation

Teijin Frontier Develops A New High-Performance Polyester Fabric With A Natural Fiber-Like Texture And Appearance

TOKYO — May 19, 2025 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., announced today that it has developed a new high-performance polyester fabric, which combines the elegant appearance and texture of natural fibers made of yarns of random thickness with advanced functionalities such as cool touch, anti-stickiness, quick dry, opacity and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

The newly developed fabric is produced from a unique, four-lobed, flat cross-section yarn with random thicknesses, achieved through Teijin Frontier’s proprietary spinning technology. These thickness variations create pleasing irregularities in appearance and a dense texture similar to those of natural fibers. To support circularity, The newly developed fabric is made with 100 percent recycled polyester.

Teijin Frontier plans to make this fabric available to customers for use in casual and fashion apparel for the spring/summer 2026 season.

Combining Aesthetics and Functionality

There is strong demand for textiles that offer a natural and elegant appearance for casual and fashion apparel. At the same time, consumers are looking for value-added comfort features like those found in high-performance sportswear. Until now, it has been difficult to combine these high-performance features with a natural fiber-like appearance and texture.

To solve this issue, Teijin Frontier has created a fabric that offers both the appearance and texture of natural fibers and the comfort of high-performance materials. Using proprietary technology, this fabric is woven or knitted from a four-lobed, flat cross-section full dull yarn with random thicknesses in both the longitudinal and cross-sectional directions. Moreover, to achieve the combination of natural fiber like texture and advanced functionalities, Teijin Frontier also adopts special dyeing and finishing technology and post-processing techniques.

Delivering High Performance

The newly developed fabric delivers the following performance properties to enhance comfort and wearability:

  • Quick dry: Capillary action wicks away perspiration via grooves on the fiber surface.
  • Cool touch: Full dull yarn contains titanium oxide promotes a cooling sensation as heat is transferred from the skin to the fiber, flat cross-sectional shape increases the skin contact area.
  • Anti-stickiness: Random thicknesses of the yarn forms irregularities on the surface of the fabric and prevents its adherence to the skin.
  • Anti-transparency and UV protection: Full dull yarn and the four-lobed flat cross-sectional structure produce a light-scattering effect that creates opacity and helps to block UV radiation.

Teijin Frontier plans to begin sales of this fabric from fiscal year 2025 and aims to sell 250,000 meters by fiscal year 2027.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. / Teijin Group

Navis TubeTex Partners With Pluvia To Deliver Expanded Sales And Support For Continuous Washing And Bleaching Applications

LEXINGTON, N.C. — May 22, 2025 — Navis TubeTex is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Pluvia, a European-based innovator in sustainable textile machinery. Through this collaboration, Navis will support the sales and service of Pluvia’s continuous ranges for washing and bleaching in the North American market.

This partnership brings together two companies known for performance, innovation, and customer commitment. Pluvia’s cutting-edge technology is recognized globally for its efficiency and sustainability in wet finishing processes. By aligning with Navis’ established sales and service infrastructure, this partnership ensures North American customers will now have local access to Pluvia’s advanced continuous ranges, along with expert support for installation, operation, and maintenance.

“Pluvia has developed an impressive suite of technologies that are efficient and aligned with Navis in our drive for more sustainable, high-performance solutions,” said Will Motchar, president and CEO of Navis TubeTex. “We’re proud to bring these systems into our offering and confident this partnership will deliver added value to a broader customer base”.

“Partnering with Navis TubeTex allows us to serve our North American customers with the responsiveness and technical expertise Navis has provided its customers in the U.S. market,” said Murat Agagunduz, CEO of Pluvia, “We’re excited to work with a company that shares our values in innovation, quality, and sustainability.”

Effective immediately, U.S.-based customers can reach out to Navis for sales inquiries, technical support, spare parts, and service related to Pluvia continuous ranges completing a full range of finishing technologies to serve the textiles, nonwovens, and other finished goods markets.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Navis TubeTex

Trützschler’s TRUECYCLED Yarn Is Driving Sustainability In Lotus Cars

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — May 22, 2025 — Thanks to Trützschler’s advanced TRUECYCLED process, high-quality recycling yarn has now entered Lotus electric cars. Together with the German company Brain of Materials, Trützschler played a crucial role in ensuring that the so-called WYRON truecycled® yarn meets the strict requirements of the automotive sector. Featured in the Lotus Eletre and Emeya models, this innovative material proves that sustainability and top performance can go hand in hand.

The yarn’s premium haptics, lightweight properties, and sustainability attributes perfectly suit the spirit of Lotus’
Emeya and Eletre models. Copyright — Lotus Cars

Brain of Materials, located in Mönchengladbach, Germany, produces the WYRON truecycled yarn for Lotus, using state-of-the-art Trützschler technology. The open-end yarn consists of 50-percent post-consumer textile waste and 50-percent recycled polyester, Nm 15. It is used for the back sections of car seats, providing a sustainable solution without compromising the standards expected by Lotus, a prestigious car brand known for its high-performance sports cars and electric vehicles.

According to Lotus, the yarn’s premium haptics, lightweight properties, and sustainability attributes perfectly suit the spirit of its Emeya and Eletre models. Adding to its sustainability credentials, the production process — from collecting post-consumer waste to spinning the yarn — takes place entirely in Western Europe.

“At Lotus, we take a holistic design approach, with a commitment to true innovation and sustainability, whilst maintaining a luxury look and feel. WYRON truecycled yarn demonstrates that dedication, and we’re thrilled to be the first automotive brand to bring the material to life in our cars” said Marie-Camille Lecoq, head of CMF Sustainability at Lotus.

The heart of this success: Trützschler’s recycling expertise

Achieving such a breakthrough requires cutting-edge recycling technology and deep expertise. “At Trützschler, we are proud to contribute our decades of know-how in textile recycling and innovative machinery solutions to this pioneering project,” says Christian Franke, head of the Project Department at Trützschler. “By working closely with Brain of Materials for many years, we’ve ensured that the WYRON truecycled yarn meets the demanding standards of the automotive industry, while offering high quality and durability.”

This is made possible by the comprehensive TRUECYCLED process, which provides a system solution for textile recycling. Covering every step from cutting and tearing textile waste to carding and drawing secondary fibers, TRUECYCLED enables the efficient production of sustainable, reliable yarns that serve as a premium alternative to conventional materials.

Driving sustainability forward

The integration of WYRON truecycled yarn into Lotus vehicles marks a milestone in both the textile and automotive sectors. It proves that (textile) recycling can produce high-quality materials suited for the most demanding applications — showcasing its potential to shape the future of mobility and beyond.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Trützschler – Maren Schubert

Better Sleep Starts With Smarter Materials: Precision Textiles Keith Martin Discusses Supply Chain Integrity In Magazine Feature

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — May 22, 2025 — In recognition of Better Sleep Month, Precision Textiles, an award-winning supplier of mattress components for the bedding sector, is highlighting the often-unseen components that help create a healthier, more restorative sleep experience — and encouraging the industry to think beyond surface comfort. Recently featured in Specialty Fabrics Review Magazine, Keith Martin, vice president of Precision Textiles, is shining a light on the often-overlooked role of supply chain integrity in achieving more sustainable sleep.

In the article, Martin explains how the wool supply chain is evolving to meet rising expectations around sustainability, animal welfare, and regenerative farming. From responsibly sourced materials to streamlined production practices, Martin emphasizes the growing importance of transparency, ethical sourcing, and component innovation. The company’s long-term use of GOTS-certified wool and other natural fibers in its flame barrier solutions demonstrates its ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and supply chain accountability in mattress production. It also reflects a broader commitment to supporting mattress manufacturers with components that perform reliably, reduce environmental impact, and build consumer confidence.

Keith Martin, vice president of Precision Textiles

“The emphasis on integrity and environmental responsibility reflects a growing understanding that the path to better sleep starts long before the mattress reaches the bedroom,” Martin said. “As more brands look to align with evolving consumer values, materials like certified wool offer a dual benefit — natural performance with a verifiable story behind it.”

As the article mentions, Precision Textiles has used certified wool in its products since 2016, including PurLoft and PurLoft Organic, which are both GOTS-certified and made using wool fibers that are naturally flame-resistant. “Used as a barrier placed directly beneath the mattress cover, these products also offer loft for enhanced comfort — demonstrating how sustainability, and innovation can work together,” Martin explained.

As consumers become more intentional about what’s in their mattresses — and manufacturers seek trusted partners to meet those expectations, Precision Textiles continues to lead with materials that deliver performance, sustainability and purpose. The company has long been committed to developing innovative solutions that not only meet the highest standards of safety and quality but also contribute to a healthier planet.

During Better Sleep Month and beyond, Precision Textiles remains focused on advancing sustainable solutions that elevate sleep quality, support ethical sourcing, and quietly redefine what it means to sleep better.

Posted: May 22, 2025

Source: Precision Textiles

Textiles Monterey Group Expands Operations With Acquisition Of Patrick Yarns

SHERBROOKE, Quebec & KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — May 2, 2025 — Textiles Monterey Group is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Patrick Yarns, previously a part of the Coats Group. Located in Kings Mountain, N.C., this facility will now operate under the name FilSpec USA, marking a new era of innovation and excellence in specialty yarn production.

This acquisition strengthens FilSpec commitment to delivering high-quality technical specialty spun yarns to customers across North America and Europe. FilSpec USA will join forces with FilSpec’s existing operations in Sherbrooke, Quebec, expanding production capabilities and reinforcing the company’s industry leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome FilSpec USA to our family,” said Gilles Desmarais, president of Textiles Monterey Group. “This strategic growth enhances our ability to serve our customers with innovative solutions and premium yarn products across multiple markets.”

Both facilities will continue to uphold the company’s legacy of craftsmanship, technological advancement, and dedication to customer success.

Posted May 20, 2025

Source: FilSpec

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