Aduro Clean Technologies Appoints Marie Grönborg To Board Of Directors

SARNIA, Ontario — November 8, 2023 — Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. (“Aduro” or the “Company”), a Canadian developer of patented water-based technologies to chemically recycle plastics, and to transform heavy crude and renewable oils into feedstocks and higher-value fuels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie Grönborg as a director of the Company.

Marie Grönborg holds an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and has almost 30 years of global experience in the chemical and clean-tech industries. Ms. Grönborg was the CEO of the Swedish-based company TreeToTextile, a tex-tech company headquartered in Stockholm, jointly owned by H&M, Stora Enso, IKEA and LSCS Invest, which has developed a new sustainable and cost-efficient technology to produce manmade cellulosic fiber for the textile industry. Before joining TreeToTextile, Ms. Grönborg was the CEO of Purac, a provider of turn-key solutions for water treatment and biogas production. Ms. Grönborg was also an Executive Vice President and a part of the Group Management Team of Perstorp, a specialty chemicals company with a focus on the global resins and coatings, engineered fluids and animal nutrition markets.

In addition to her operational roles, Ms. Grönborg currently holds board positions with the Swedish steel company, SSAB, the producer of the world´s first fossil-free steel to customers, with Permascand, a provider of electrochemical solutions for global green transition and with Eolus, an international company with a main business to design and construct facilities for renewable energy and energy storage, focusing mainly on wind power, solar power and battery storage.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join Aduro as a director of the board and genuinely look forward to contributing to realizing the potential of Aduro and its groundbreaking Hydrochemolytic technology,” commented Ms. Grönborg. “It’s a privilege to be part of a journey focusing on bringing new solutions to improve sustainability and enable circular economy in the chemical industry, which is where I have my roots.”

“We are excited to welcome Marie Grönborg to Aduro’s board. Her extensive experience in the chemical and clean-tech industries makes her an invaluable addition,” said Ofer Vicus, CEO of Aduro. “We look forward to working with her as our company continues to evolve and to advance our Hydrochemolytic™ technology.”

Ms. Grönborg replaces Chris Parr, who has resigned as a director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Parr for his services as a director, including his leadership in the acquisition of Aduro Energy Inc. completed in 2021. Despite his resignation from the board, Mr. Parr has agreed to continue as a consultant to the Company, providing corporate advisory, corporate finance, and related advisory services, as required.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Source: Aduro Clean Technologies

JEC And EuCIA Partner To Develop New Initiatives To Promote The Composites Industry

PARIS — November 8, 2023 — On November 8th, JEC Group and the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) signed a three-year agreement to join forces in Europe to further promote the benefits of composite materials and their role in realising a net-zero future.

From left to right: Thomas Lepretre, Eric Pierrejean, Roberto Frassine, Raphaël Pleynet

This partnership strengthens the existing collaboration between the two organisations and will strategically support the composites ecosystem with new services and initiatives. JEC and EuCIA have committed to work at both institutional and industry level to create networking, market intelligence, communications, and other activities in Europe to promote the applications of composites across all industries.

“I am very proud to announce this partnership and to support EuCIA initiatives as I strongly believe that joining common efforts and strategies will benefit to the overall composites industry in Europe,” stated Eric PIERREJEAN, JEC President

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with JEC Group. This cooperation is an important milestone in raising awareness of EuCIA‘s initiatives to support the sustainable growth of the European composites industry, and will enable new activities to promote composites solutions to an even wider audience,” stated Roberto FRASSINE, President of EuCIA

The first result of the partnership is the co-production of the 2023 JEC Composites Sustainability Report, scheduled for publication in November. JEC and EuCIA collaborated with composites associations around the world to highlight how the industries in their regions are working to reduce their environmental impacts and those of their customers.

EuCIA will also support JEC Group with the introduction of new initiatives at JEC World 2024. More details will be announced in December.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Source: JEC Group

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2023 Exhibitor Preview: ITEMA GROUP Exhibits In China Together For The First Time

COLZATE, Italy — November 8, 2023 — Itema, the global provider of advanced weaving solutions, participates at ITMA Asia + CITME (Hall 3 – D08) in Shanghai presenting for the first time together in China the two newest ranges in its rapier weaving machines portfolio, the Itema R9500EVO and the Itema GalileoRX.

China is without doubt the main market for the whole textile machinery industry, and Itema makes no exception. For this reason, Itema has been present in China since 2002 with its local branch Itema Weaving Machinery China – today a top-notch organization counting more than 160 employees making up an extensive team of experts from different fields, including sales, after-sales, and spare parts services, along with a local team for operations, product and quality engineers. Skills, experience, and passion for textiles are the common denominators of Itema employees all over the world and the key factor to ensure precise production processes and textile expertise.

Thanks to this Customer-oriented approach, Itema is today the European weaving machinery manufacturer with the highest market share for rapier weaving machines produced and sold locally. Itema participates at ITMA Asia + CITME to present its technological offer, able to provide Asian weavers with the technology they need to weave any kind of fabric.

13 Itema Weaving Machines on show at ITMA Asia + CITME

Visitors to ITMA Asia + CITME will have multiple chances to learn more about the Itema weaving portfolio, with a total of 13 Itema weaving machines on display, of which 3 in the Itema booth (Hall 3 Booth D08) and the rest in Partner booths across Hall 3.

Itema booth will feature the following machines line-up:

  • The new Itema rapier weaving machine R9500EVO: the latest Itema weaving machine range gained a lot of interest from all over the world after the market launch at ITMA 2023 in Milan thanks to its significant innovations designed to raise the bar in terms of textile mastery, eco- efficiency, performance, and easy weaving. The R9500EVO on show (2200mm) will be weaving Wool fabric and will feature the iSAVER®fancy – one of the new versions of the iSAVER® range, now available in up to 6 colors and for many more applications, including luxurious fabrics such as wool, cashmere and wool blends, thus significantly increasing the contribution to sustainable weaving.
  • The first Itema GalileoRX rapier weaving machines on display at the Itema Group booth will be weaving Denim Double Stretch (2300mm). The machine will be equipped with iSAVER®eco, the iSAVER® model fine-tuned to weave denim
  • And the second Itema GalileoRX on show, in 2300mm weaving width, will be running an Apparel style. On its first appearance at ITMA Asia, the Itema rapier weaving machine GalileoRX has been launched in December 2022 and was specifically designed to combine the most innovative weaving technology with the unique advantages of accurate manufacturing in China. Born on the heritage of the most successful high-end rapier weaving machine assembled in China, the Itema R9000 and later R90002, GalileoRX features further technological and design advancements to fully meet the needs of the Chinese and Asian markets – a totally open platform configurable to meet exactly the weaver’s requirements.

Itema® Weaving Machines on show in partners’ booths

Itema weaving technology is traditionally recognized to be the preferred choice of textile machinery producers due to its superior versatility and textile mastery. Here lies the reason why a number of 10 Itema weaving machines will be exhibited in partner booths, encompassing Jacquard shedding machines manufacturers and label looms providers. In detail:

  • Itema R90002, 1900 mm and 2300 mm for Label, and Itema GalileoRX, 1900mm for Shoes, will be on display at Huzhou Hyundai (Julibao) booth (Hall 3 – C02)
  • Itema R90002, 1900mm, for Shoe fabrics will be present in the Tongxiang stand (Hall 3 – E04)
  • Saree fabrics will be on show in four different partner booths, including the Itema GalileoRX, 3800mm at the Song&Song booth (Hall 3 – A23), the Itema GalileoRX, 3800 mm, at the Qihui stand (Hall 3 – C23), the Itema GalileoRX, 3800 mm at Huiling booth, the Itema R90002, 3800 mm, at Jiabao stand (Hall 3 – D22)*
  • tema GalileoRX, 3400 mm, weaving Apparel fabric in WuMu booth (H3 – D28)
  • 
The Itema GalileoRX, 2400 mm featured at the Lilai booth will produce Label fabrics.

*Final style may vary according to partner choice

Itema Group: a complete offer for Asian markets

In addition to Itema’s weaving machines line-up, visitors can take advantage of the Group presence to discover the additional and valuable offerings that only Itema guarantees, including the new Itema Customer Portal HelloItema, OEM Spare Parts and After-Sales Support.

The company spare parts and after-sales teams will be on site to present fast and reliable service when it comes to offering Customers peace of mind through high-quality replacement parts, customized upgrade kits to optimize machine performance and retrofit latest Itema innovations on existing looms, electric, electronic and mechanic repairs to give new life to looms, as well as training to ensure Itema weavers get the most out of their weaving machines thanks to the ItemaCampus trainings available in 7 worldwide locations.

Lamiflex®, the leading supplier of technical composite products which entered Itema Group in 2017 – will be present at ITMA Asia in the Itema Group Booth (Hall 3 – D08) with its ample catalogue of key rapier weft transfer components such as flexible rapier tapes and sprocket wheels available for any weaving machines brand, with the guarantee of the best European quality and sector know-how and the advantage of a competitive offering.

Itema Group and its companies will welcome visitors in Hall 3 – Booth D08 with a product line-up designed to confirm and demonstrate its dedication to innovation and the Made in Italy excellence in the weaving sector and with many chances to deepen the Itema Group world and news.

Itema Technical Fabrics Open House in Itema Weaving Machinery China premises

Itema will take advantage of ITMA Asia to open the doors of its premises in Shanghai to host an Open House entirely dedicated to the world of technical textiles. The event will take place every day from November, 20th till November 22nd – and represents an unmissable occasion to deepen industry trends and discover more about the most complete weaving machine portfolio on the market to weave technical fabrics, ranging from Negative and Positive Rapier, to Monorapier for carbon fiber and fancy styles, Airjet and the legendary Projectile.

On show during the open house:

  • the Itematech monorapier Unirap weaving carbon tape fabric
  • the Itematech rapier Hercules weaving heavy filter fabric
  • the Itema rapier GalileoRX weaving fiberglass

The Itema Technical Fabrics open house in Itema Weaving Machinery China is an invitation-only event, but visitors of ITMA Asia exhibition can ask at the main Itema booth reception and profit of the daily shuttle bus to visit the event.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Source: Itema Group

Milliken & Company Named A Best Employer For Veterans

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 7, 2023 — Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company was recognized as one of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023, a list compiled by Forbes and Statista. Milliken, included on the list for the first time this year, is one of seven manufacturers recognized.

“Our veterans come to work each day demonstrating their commitment to our values and to our people,” shares Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “We’re proud of their contributions, and we’re grateful for the skills they bring to the table as part of Team Milliken.”

Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company was recognized as one of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023, a list compiled by Forbes and Statista.

The cohort of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023 all exemplify company cultures that are welcoming and supportive of veterans. Nearly 8,500 U.S. veterans, all of whom work at companies employing at least 1,000 people, were surveyed by Statista, and both their direct and indirect recommendations informed the rankings.

One of Milliken’s six affinity networks—inclusive groups that associates can join to learn from, engage with and support other associates—focuses on veterans across service branches and nationalities. Milliken’s Veterans Group provides camaraderie and service outlets, networking opportunities, and resources and development to its members. This group is one of many ways Milliken builds a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work each day.

“Milliken touches the lives of many veterans and service men and women—through product innovations and employment opportunities—and that made Milliken a natural fit for me,” shares Brad Johnson, senior director of benefits and retirement and a U.S. Army veteran. “Working for a company with purpose and integrity like Milliken aligns with what I was hoping for in an employer.”

The complete list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023 can be found here — https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-for-veterans/?sh=28e19213606f.

For more information about career opportunities at Milliken, visit careers.milliken.com.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: Milliken & Company

Charger Investment Partners Expands Its Composites Platform With The Acquisition Of Unitech Composites

LOS ANGELES — November 7, 2023 — Charger Investment Partners, a renowned private equity firm specializing in investments within the industrial, services and consumer industries, recently acquired Unitech Composites.

Unitech has a rich history in aerospace and defense and was the original composite supplier to NASA’s Space Shuttle program. With a strong focus on the fixed wing and rotary aircraft for the defense sector, Unitech has excelled in complex composite lamination and machining to extremely tight tolerances.

Unitech joins two of Charger’s recent acquisitions, Advanced Composite Products & Technology and All American Racers, to form APEX Space & Defense Systems. APEX and its three unique business units delivers innovative, lightweight and durable material manufacturing solutions for the space, defense and mission-critical infrastructure sectors.

“Collectively, we now have access to a much larger group of engineering, quality and manufacturing resources,” said Tracy Glende, APEX CEO. “We will be working in core teams across the organization to leverage the broad capabilities, strengths, and experience of each business unit. We look forward to enhancing the services and solutions we can offer APEX customers.”

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Unitech and the launch of the APEX brand,” said Aaron Perlmutter, co-founder and Partner at Charger. “With the additional resources and capabilities of Unitech, APEX is incredibly well positioned to support the growth of its blue-chip customer base. APEX will continue to benefit from tailwinds in the composites industry, and we are very excited to continue investing in the Company under Tracy’s leadership.”

Each of the APEX business units brings more than 40 years of experience in composite and lightweight material manufacturing. Together, they comprise more than 400 highly skilled team members and 300,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities with capabilities across advanced hand layup, filament winding and complex machining/fabrication.

Winston & Strawn LLP acted as legal advisor and KAL Capital Markets served as the investment banking advisor to Charger.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: Charger Investment Partners

MagnaReady® And Brooks Brothers Debut First Adaptive Button-Down Shirt

NEW YORK — November 7, 2023 — MagnaReady®, the original magnetic apparel company and Brooks Brothers, America’s longest-established apparel brand, today announced the first adaptive shirt in the brand’s history. The Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady® shirt infuses the Brooks Brothers iconic Button Down Collar Shirt with stretch with MagnaReady’s® patented adaptive technology with magnetized closures for stress-free dressing. The debut of the Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady® shirt launches in time for holiday gatherings and gifting, delivering an easier way to dress in a classic look that has been present at holiday get-togethers for generations.

“There are millions of adults with disabilities, medical conditions, and other physical factors that limit mobility and make dressing a daily obstacle,” said Maura Horton, MagnaReady Inventor and Founder. “This collaboration was inspired years ago when the Museum of Modern Art curated an exhibit titled ‘Items: Is Fashion Modern?’. MagnaReady was displayed next to a Brooks Brothers shirt, as a modern take on a classic silhouette worn by countless celebrities, presidents, and notable personalities. The Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady shirt isn’t just a shirt; it’s a statement to the disability community that inclusivity and accessibility matter and are a priority for brands that are a foundation of the American fashion industry.”

The Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady® shirt is woven in Oxford cloth combined with stretch, paired with the Original Polo® Button-Down collar that Brooks Brothers invented almost 125 years ago. The Traditional fit is more relaxed through the body and sleeve, maximizing comfort, ease and classic style. The brand’s signature non-iron finish keeps wearers looking polished and virtually wrinkle-free all day. The Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady® shirt also features a rounded breast pocket, magnetized barrel cuffs and a pieced magnetic placket. The 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex, easy-care shirt can be machine washed according to care instructions for best performance.

“Nearly 125 years ago, Brooks Brothers revolutionized menswear with the innovative button-down collar shirt. Today, the brand proudly continues its longstanding tradition of innovation with our collaboration with MagnaReady,” said Naushaba Moeen, Executive Vice President – Lifestyle at Authentic, owner of Brooks Brothers. “Collaborating with MagnaReady® to create this adaptive shirt allows us to extend our tradition of excellence to a wider audience.”

MagnaReady® shirts simplify the dressing process by eliminating the need to maneuver buttons through buttonholes. A patented magnetic closure system securely holds the shirt front closed. “Buttoning” up only requires overlapping the two sides of the shirt front and the magnets click together.

The Brooks Brothers x MagnaReady® shirt is available in white, classic blue and white stripe in sizes small through extra-large for $119.00 at www.magnaready.com.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: MagnaReady®

Trelleborg Launches Dartex® MicroClimate EcoPlus: The Ultimate Combination Of Breathable And Durable Polyurethane Coated Fabric

TRELLEBORG, Sweden — November 7, 2023 — Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, a global supplier of engineered polymer solutions, proudly introduces Dartex® Microclimate EcoPlus, a groundbreaking polyurethane coated fabric poised to redefine the standards of excellence in the medical device and mattress cover industries. This innovative fabric combines exceptional chemical resistance with unparalleled breathability, setting a new benchmark for performance, comfort, and sustainability.

Polyurethane fabrics have long been recognized for their superior qualities, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. When it comes to mattress covers, polyurethane fabric offers several key advantages. It provides a robust barrier against liquids, dust mites, and allergens, ensuring the longevity and hygiene of the mattress. Moreover, its remarkable breathability enhances user comfort, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining an optimal microclimate for protecting vulnerable skin.

Dartex Microclimate EcoPlus takes these benefits to a whole new level. Its cutting-edge polyurethane coating boasts outstanding chemical resistance, effectively guarding against a wide array of chemicals and cleaning agents commonly used in healthcare settings. This makes it a game changer for medical device manufacturers seeking materials that not only meet stringent safety and hygiene standards but also enhance the user experience.

Richard Haxby, technical director at Trelleborg, expressed his enthusiasm for this revolutionary fabric, stating, “Dartex Microclimate EcoPlus represents a major breakthrough for medical device manufacturers. Its exceptional chemical resistance and breathability make it a game-changing material in our industry. We’re proud to offer a product that not only elevates performance but also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Manufactured using 100-percent recycled polyester yarn, which is certified to Global Recycled Standard, Dartex Microclimate EcoPlus not only delivers exceptional performance but also contributes to Trelleborg and its customers’ carbon reduction targets.

Some 61 percent of the finished coated textile by weight is recycled, demonstrating a reduced carbon footprint This environmentally responsible fabric showcases Trelleborg’s commitment to sustainability through its eco-friendly production methods and materials, aligning with the company’s mission to create innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact.

For more information about Dartex Microclimate EcoPlus and Trelleborg’s extensive range of engineered polymer solutions, please visit www.trelleborgECF.com.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: Trelleborg AB

Texworld Evolution Paris Is Set To Return Full Force To Paris Expo Porte De Versailles From February 5th To 7th, 2024

PARIS — November 7, 2023 — Exhibitors at Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris have rapidly responded, with a remarkable 75 percent of exhibition space already booked by September. This surge in enthusiasm clearly underlines the truly international aspect of this edition as well as the Asian textile industry’s keen interest in strengthening its connections with European markets. For buyers, this event gains even more strategic importance as it offers a valuable opportunity for contact and exchange with international suppliers of fabrics, materials, and finished products. This interaction is pivotal for shaping and creating their Spring-Summer 2025 collections. The trends presentation and the international conference program are a real asset for a complete experience.

Leading fashion sourcing nations will converge in Paris As they do every year, China, India, Türkiye, Korea, along with Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand, will all be represented. Major national pavilions, such as the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) for Turkish manufacturers and the Korean Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI), have confirmed their participation. Additionally, Apparel Sourcing Paris will see a growing number of Hong Kong manufacturers, with six already confirming their attendance. At Texworld Paris, which expects over 700 exhibitors, we’ll witness representation across 13 sectors, with a noticeable increase in knitwear, primarily due to the rise of casual wear in recent years. The same goes for activewear performance textiles, which are now part of fashion collections alongside sportswear.

A new hall layout

A notable feature of this February 2024 session is the consolidation of both fairs on two levels in Hall 7 (7.2 and 7.3) at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This configuration makes it easier for visitors to locate the specific expertise and product types they seek. The central area will host cross-disciplinary activities and offerings, including the Denim Village and the Elite sector. Trend forums will be distributed across the two levels, showcasing top proposals by sector. The T-Club area will facilitate business exchanges at Messe Frankfurt France events. Last but not least, the convenient proximity to the heart of the French capital ensures easy access for European and international buyers to these textile industry events.

Sustainable Development: Guiding Visitors with Econogy

For the past 15 years, the international Messe Frankfurt Group has championed sustainability, guiding trade fair visitors toward manufacturers offering sustainable solutions, and is now focusing on Econogy. This concept, that combines ecology and economic development, has become the framework for the Texpertise Network. Econogy will also play a pivotal role in guiding Texworld Evolution Paris towards sustainable development and structuring the sourcing methods of its sourcing platform.

The Econogy Finder, for instance, will allow visitors to access an online directory of suppliers who produce textiles sustainably. Exhibitor stands that meet these criteria will be clearly marked with visible Econogy symbols. The event will feature several conferences on sustainability, giving the floor to certifiers, industry experts, and NGOs to raise awareness of sustainability challenges, present solutions, and share innovative experiences in production and distribution sectors.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Functional Fabric Fair Wraps Up Successful Fall Edition In Portland With Increased Attendee And Exhibitor Participation

NORWALK, CT — November 7, 2023 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, the premier trade-exclusive sourcing event in the US dedicated the high performance functional fabrics and the latest textile development trends for the apparel industry, successfully concluded its fall edition from November 1-2, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland with increased attendee and exhibitor participation. This edition featured over 265 highly vetted suppliers, marking the largest in its history, and it unveiled groundbreaking trends and innovations in textile development for the Autumn/Winter 2025 seasons.

The event welcomed more than 2,000 industry professionals, alongside an array of the top textile suppliers, providing them with a platform to present their latest product offerings and advancements, ultimately fostering valuable connections and collaborations. “Functional Fabric Fair gives us a great opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the next generation of people who will be making the decisions that are going to effect the environment—having students here and new designers, that’s who we have to have!” – Chad Doub, Naia from Eastman

Under the overarching theme of “Evolution and Revolution: From Membranes to the Carbon Story,” Functional Fabric Fair’s Fall 2023 edition delivered cutting-edge insights. Two notable new additions to the event were the Innovation Sphere and the Footwear Forum, accompanied by a robust conference program featuring distinguished experts and networking opportunities.

Innovation Sphere (NEW)

This section, drawing substantial foot traffic, served as a dynamic hub where the previously unseen became evident. Renowned industry players such as Bemis Associates, Beyond Surface Technologies, Concept III, Dimension-Polyant, Dyntex GmBH, Fibe Limited, Grandetex Development, HOYU TEXTILE, HWA Fune Industry, Imbotex, Mitsui & Co. Italia S.p.A., Monarch Flyway, Modern Meadow, Nyguard, OceanSafe, Phoenix Innovative Materials Inc., Polycore, LLC., Rheon Labs, Teo Sports SRL, and Taiwan Axroma showcased their innovations.

Footwear Forum (NEW)

A brand-new addition to the show highlighted leading footwear suppliers and showcased top-performing footwear textiles and accessories. Products were carefully selected covering essential areas in the industry.

Performance Forum

The Performance Forum made its well-known appearance on the show floor, showcasing the top performing fabrics and textiles in the active and outdoor apparel industry hand selected for our 13 categories by our jury. Participants had the opportunity to sample these products and request swatches by scanning a QR code through the digital platform, the Loop.

Struktur Lounge: Struktur Lounge by the Struktur Society provided a collaborative and safe space for creative minds in attendance to share forward-thinking ideas. Struktur’s mission is to elevate, nurture, and connect those who are shaping the future of design, art, music and innovation.

Outdoor Innovators Spotlight: Functional Fabric Fair’s Outdoor Innovators Spotlight celebrated decades of innovation in the outdoor industry, exploring the evolution of waterproofing and membranes for outdoor clothing and gear. The spotlight featured the transformation from early animal fur to modern solutions pioneered by companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, GORE-TEX, Marmot and more.

The educational conference programming included 17 expert-led sessions from topics ranging on trends in colors and materials to sustainability, business development and much more. Some notable sessions included   Sustainable Myths and Realities: Making Sense from a Whole Lot of Noise presented by Kevin Myette of Bluesign Technologies AG, Unseen: Discover What Lies Beneath to Emerge Colorfully Optimistic for AW 2024/2025 presented by Tannese Williams of Pantone, and a panel with brand and legal leaders discussing Waterproofing – Development Claims and Legal Issues.

“The quality and curation of our conference program are unmatched, bringing the textile community together at the only North American fabric-focused event, where industry professionals gather to advance their knowledge,” stated Steve McCullough, the Event Director of Functional Fabric Fair. “Our events stand out as a meticulously curated trade show, where exhibitors undergo stringent vetting to ensure the highest quality resources for our attendees. We were very proud to introduce more top exhibiting companies into the Functional Fabric Fair ecosystem. Our event embodies the principles of sustainability and community collaboration, making it the go-to sourcing fair for functional fabrics, accessories and so much more.”

As the global hub for textile innovation and sustainability, Functional Fabric Fair remains dedicated to environmentally conscious practices partnering with meeting centers that are dedicated to minimaxing waste and boosting efficiencies. In a significant stride towards a greener future, all exhibitor booths and other elements of the fair were constructed from 100% recycled materials, resulting in a 0% carbon footprint for the show floor. This commitment to eco-friendly initiatives exemplifies a resounding call to action for the entire industry.

Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, continues to be a driving force in the textile industry, connecting visionaries, brands, and suppliers to pave the way for a sustainable and innovative future. Upcoming US Functional Fabric Fair events include:

Functional Fabric Fair Spring: April 17-18, 2024, in Portland

Functional Fabric Fair Summer: July 16-17, 2024, in New York

Functional Fabric Fair Fall: November 20-21 2024, in Portland

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: RX (Reed Exhibitions)

Highlights Of DOMOTEX — Home Of Flooring

HANNOVER, Germany — November 7, 2023 — The global trade fair for carpets and floor coverings will once again open its doors in Hannover from January 11-14, 2024. During the annual DOMOTEX Preview , Saskia Krolop, DOMOTEX spokeswoman, and Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX events worldwide, revealed which highlights are in store for visitors during the 34th edition. Other speakers included interior designer and trend expert Holly Becker, Managing Director of Kronoflooring GmbH Markus Oberbauer, Managing Partner and Shareholder of Paulig Teppichweberei Theresa Paulig and Chairman of the Board of the MEGA-Gruppe Volker König.

Roundabout 1,000 exhibitors from 130 nations will participate in January – including many market leaders such as Tisca Austria, ABC Italia, Javi Home, Rezas, Oriental Weavers, Merinos, Otto Golze, Lalee, Amorim, SwissKrono, MeisterWerke, Design Parquet, Republic, mFLor, Neuhofer, SELIT, Välinge and many more. In addition, DOMOTEX offers a variety of inspiring and informative special displays, which provide important stimuli for the day-to-day business of all participants. These include THE GREEN COLLECTION , the RETAILERS’ PARK and the Mood Spaces designed by Holly Becker . A particular highlight of the upcoming event will be Insight Italy. For the first time, DOMOTEX – Home of Flooring will present a dedicated country focus, providing insights into the trends, designs and innovations of the Italian carpet and flooring industry.

Insight Italy: Experience Italian trends up close at DOMOTEX 2024

In January 2024, visitors can look forward to the premiere of the new Insight concept. “Have you ever wondered why a material, a design or a specific product is well received in one country but doesn’t really appeal in another? Our Insight concept gets to the bottom of these questions by getting to know a country in detail,” explains Sonia Wedell-Castellano, emphasizing the intended ambition of the new special display: “We want to provide exclusive insights into the individual markets to help our visitors to better understand them and find their way around in these markets. In addition, the special display serves as a source of inspiration and is intended to promote exchange within the community.”

What’s Insight Italy?

With a total of 600 m² in the halls 2 and 22, design-oriented and creative Italy will kick the new concept off. With extraordinary trend presentations by Italian designer Camilla Bellini and interior designer Gaia Miacola, an exhibition by materials expert Materially, collaborations with interior and industry media, a cozy networking area and inspiring contributions in the DOMOTEX on Stage conference program, architects, interior designers and buyers in particular will have to use all their senses to grasp Insight Italy.

“At Insight Italy, we are focusing on the importance of materials in interior design. Through contributions from designers and material experts such as Materially, we want to provide new perspectives and ideas and show the contribution of Italy in the field of sustainable carpets and floor coverings,” explains Andreas Züge, General Manager Hannover Fairs International GmbH. The latter is the focus of the exhibition “Il cielo in una stanza” (“The sky in a room”), in which Materially takes participants on a journey through Italian research on sustainable flooring solutions.

Nonstop from Milan to Hannover & back: Exclusive charter flights during DOMOTEX

For visitors from Italy, DOMOTEX 2024 is offering direct flights from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Hannover (HAJ) every morning and evening from 10 to 13 January 2024. The flights can be booked as a one-way trip or including a return flight for 270 euros each way via the following platforms:

  • www.skyalps.com/it/
  • www.skyscanner.it
  • www.momondo.it
  • www.opodo.it
  • www.booking.com/
  • www.flug.check24.de/

The global flooring community meets in January

For decades, DOMOTEX in Hannover has been the meeting point and platform for the entire global flooring industry and is the only event worldwide to successfully unite the worlds of carpets and floor coverings in one place. With 1,000 international exhibitors and inspiring special displays, the event in January 2024 will once again offer all trade fair participants not only a comprehensive and unique market overview of all product segments, but will also prove once again that it continues to be the industry’s most important trade, innovation and trend platform.

Sonia Wedell-Castellano concluded her contribution to the DOMOTEX Preview with an invitation to all visitors: “Join us at DOMOTEX! Come to Hannover – find out about the latest trends and new products and exchange ideas with exhibitors and participants. It’s definitely worth it!”

DOMOTEX | Home of Flooring

DOMOTEX 2024 will take place from January 11 to 14 at the Hannover exhibition center.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Source: Deutsche Messe AG

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