ATLANTA — May 15, 2025 — As part of its global expansion strategy, PLAN-B NET ZERO AG announces the formation of its U.S. subsidiary, PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc., marking the company’s official entry into the North American market. The new entity will spearhead business development and forge strategic partnerships across the United States and Canada — driving growth that delivers both economic returns and measurable environmental and social impact.
“With the establishment of our U.S. subsidiary, we’ve reached a major milestone,” said Bradley Mundt, president and CEO of PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc. and founder and CEO of the PLAN-B Group. “Especially in these turbulent times, we see immense opportunities to advance sustainable energy solutions in America. Our buy-and-build approach will enable rapid scale-up and synergistic alliances, while direct access to U.S. capital markets offers exciting financial prospects.”
Promising Partner Engagements
Early discussions with potential partners have already generated strong momentum for joint project development. Several preliminary agreements are in place, laying the groundwork for collaborative ventures that will accelerate PLAN-B NET ZERO´s footprint and impact in North America.
Atlanta as Strategic Hub
Atlanta was chosen as the headquarters for its dynamic business climate and connectivity. From this central hub, PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc. will coordinate market entry activities, strategic acquisitions, operational setup, and investor relations with North American capital markets.
PLAN-B NET ZERO
PLAN-B NET ZERO is a Green Tech startup headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Founded in April 2023 by Bradley Mundt, the company is dedicated to driving significant CO2 reduction. PLAN-B NET ZERO offers sustainable, comprehensive energy solutions for industrial and private customers, covering all strategic parts of the green energy value chain—including direct sales, planning, and construction of renewable energy systems, system operation, and its own energy supply and trading company.
WASHINGTON — May 15, 2025 — Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows shoppers remained engaged in April amid continued concern over tariffs on imported merchandise, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
“Consumers are still spending despite widespread pessimism fueled by rising tariffs,” Kleinhenz said. “While tariffs may have weighed on spending decisions, growth is coming at a moderate pace and consumer spending remains steady, reflecting a resilient economy. The momentum and willingness to spend is being supported by positive data on jobs and wages along with lower energy prices.”
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in April were up 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.2 percent unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 1.7 percent month over month and 5.2 percent year over year in March.
April’s core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were down 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month over month but up 5.1 percent unadjusted year over year. Core sales were up 3.4 percent year over year on a three-month moving average and up 3.8 percent for the first four months of the year.
Last week, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, reported that core retail sales were up 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted month over month in April and were up 7.11 percent unadjusted year over year. That compared with a increases of 0.4 percent month over month and 5.07 percent year over year in March.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.
SHANGHAI — May 15, 2025 — The 2024 edition saw an increase in visits and a 92 percent visitor satisfaction rate, with 84 percent of those surveyed intending to return to future editions. Leveraging this momentum, the show will roll out several upgrades in 2025.
In addition to two other inaugural zones (for medical & protective, and automotive products), the debut Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone will spotlight the show’s newest product category. In addition, Cinte Techtextil China’s Sustainability Guided Tours will rebrand into the Econogy Tour, highlighting several exhibitors who have passed the independently-verified Econogy Check.
The International Hall at Cinte Techtextil China 2024, set to be upgraded in 2025. Photo — Messe Frankfurt
Meanwhile, including supplementary forums for protective and automotive textiles, a broadened fringe programme will complement the new features onsite.
With a projected CAGR of 4.5 percent from 2024 to 2030, technical textile chemicals is a burgeoning avenue which offers emerging opportunities and advanced applications globally. In light of its enduring value, Cinte Techtextil China is expanding its scope this year, with the new chemicals and dyes category set to include additives for chemical recycling, fibre production, finishing & coating, pre-treatment, and weaving & knitting preparation; chemical dyes and pigments; and more. The dedicated Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone aims to foster more dynamic, centralised business, where highlighted exhibitors include:
CHT Germany GmbH (Germany)
The CHT Group is a global leader for specialty chemicals, focusing on sustainable products and process solutions. It offers tailor-made solutions for nonwovens such as diapers, wipes, filters, surgical gowns, and more. The company’s modern processing auxiliaries also provide process safety and a large range of functionalities.
Michelman Inc (USA) Michelman develops new materials and coatings with a “sustainability first” approach, providing binders used in the processing of nonwoven rolled goods. The company offers PFAS-free solutions, including water-based coatings, and eco-friendly barrier coatings. Its Unyte® products are used in textile market applications such as ballistics, healthcare, unbonded glass insulation and more.
In addition to the three new product zones, fair participants can look forward to more engaging exchanges in the International Hall, where the European Zone will once again showcase industry excellence with an array of in-demand exhibitors, including EMS-GRILTECH (Switzerland), Lindauer Dornier (Germany) and Serel Industrie (Belgium). Across the hall, the Innovation Space will spark meaningful conversations by ushering in cutting-edge technical textile and nonwoven technologies. Key stakeholders from various universities and institutions will exhibit in the area and present their innovations on stage.
Econogy and enhanced fringe program to unlock greater value
Committed to the cause of sustainable business development, Messe Frankfurt is actively implementing the “Econogy” initiative across its Texpertise Network. As such, sustainable exhibitors at Cinte Techtextil China are encouraged to get added visibility by utilizing the Econogy Check — an independent eco-certification tool.
This year, the fair’s well-received eco-focused tours will become the Econogy Tour, leading buyers and media to discover a curated list of exhibitors who have passed the Econogy Check. Industry players are also invited to uncover insights and opportunities at the diverse Econogy Talks seminars, in order to help navigate their sustainable transitions.
Supporting the debut zones, two forums dedicated to Mobiltech and Protech will also be held onsite, fostering collaboration and discussion on the latest advancements in these sub-sectors. More fringe events, covering several aspects of sustainability, innovation, and more, will be announced in due course.
The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.
Cinte Techtextil China will be held from September 3-5, 2025.
The fair is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).
Other upcoming shows:
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
September 2 – 4, 2025, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
MEDINA, Ohio — May 15, 2025 — Fire-Dex, supplier of PPE for first responders, is gearing up for its next chapter, announcing a leadership succession as CEO Steve Allison looks toward retirement in early 2027. Effective at the start of 2026, Lauren Burke DeVere, Fire-Dex’s current president, will move into the CEO position, sharing duties with Allison for 15 months as part of a phased transition. In a parallel move, John Karban, current vice president of Operations, will assume the title of president.
True to its roots, Fire-Dex is once again leaning into its core values by keeping its family-first culture front and center.
“It’s been the honor of my career to lead this incredible team,” said Allison, who has been with Fire-Dex since 2014. “We’ve built something really special here that’s driven by innovation, fueled by passion and always anchored by a deep respect for the fire service. Lauren and John are not only exceptional leaders but also deeply understand what makes Fire-Dex … Fire-Dex. I have full confidence they’ll take us to new heights while staying true to what sets us apart.”
Lauren Burke DeVere
Climbing the Ladder
Burke DeVere’s rise through Fire-Dex has been both dynamic and personal. Joining the company in 2019 as a Metro Sales Manager, she quickly made her mark by earning the promotion to president in 2021. Since that time, she has guided the company through transformative growth, the complexities of COVID, and major strides in innovation that include gear that caters to all body types — helping a new generation of female firefighters find their fit. As the daughter of Fire-Dex chairman and owner Bill Burke, Lauren brings a unique mix of fresh vision and deep personal investment in the company’s legacy.
“Fire-Dex is part of who I am,” Burke DeVere said. “It’s humbling and exciting to step into the CEO role, especially following in Steve’s footsteps. We have an incredible team. I care for our people more than anything, and I’m laser-focused on keeping our culture strong, our people supported and our mission front and center — delivering the best protective gear to the world’s bravest. We’re growing again, and I won’t stop until Fire-Dex is number one.”
John Karban
One Unified Vision
Stepping into the president’s seat is John Karban who has been at the heart of the company’s efforts for over 20 years, advancing from plant manager to tackling a wide scope of operational, engineering and logistics challenges as vice president of Operations. Whether ramping up output, leading supply chain efforts or driving lean transformations, he has been a key player throughout.
“I’ve worn a lot of hats here,” said Karban. “From running machines to running meetings, and all the tasks in between. What’s never changed is the heart of this company: our people and our purpose. I’m excited to take on the role of president and work alongside Lauren and our team to keep building on what makes Fire-Dex special. Protecting our culture is job one; pushing the company forward is job two.”
Looking Ahead
Fire-Dex’s succession plan reflects its deep bench of homegrown leadership and ongoing dedication to its people-first, customer-centric ethos. More than 500 associates, multiple facilities — and Fire-Dex isn’t slowing down. From AeroFlex® turnouts that are a breakthrough in breathability, to the first AI tool to size firefighters, to expanded Gear Wash clean and repair services, to new manufacturing capabilities, the mission stays clear: serving those who serve.
“This is an exciting time,” Allison added. “We’re not slowing down. And I’m thrilled to support Lauren and John through this transition as they shape the future of Fire-Dex together.”
MILAN — May 15, 2025 — In the first quarter of 2025, orders for textile machinery recorded by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a sharp decline compared to the same period in 2024, down 29 percent. The index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021=100).
The negative result reflects both a significant contraction in the domestic market and a pronounced slowdown abroad. In Italy, orders dropped by 57 percent, while foreign orders fell by 25 percent. The index for foreign markets stood at 43.3 points, while the domestic figure dropped to 30.5 points. The order backlog at the end of the quarter ensured 3.6 months of production.
The downturn also continues when compared to the previous quarter (October-December 2024), with overall orders decreasing by 15 percent.
Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented: “The sector started 2025 on an even weaker footing than it ended 2024. On international markets, the deep uncertainty triggered by last year’s geopolitical tensions has been further worsened by the tariff decisions implemented by the Trump administration. In the US, orders remain at a standstill as the market awaits the next steps from the President. Some glimmers of hope come from the estimates of global export data for textile machinery in the first quarter: China, India, and Pakistan — key markets for technology suppliers — show signs of recovery compared to the same period in 2024.”
In Italy, the situation is even more critical, with the orders index at its lowest level, even surpassing the slump of 2020. “We need to look beyond 2025 and call on the Government to implement targeted, structural incentives for investments in capital goods, with simple procedures that allow companies to access them quickly,” Salvadè noted
Posted: May 15, 2025
Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)
HONG KONG — May 15, 2025 — TradeBeyond, retail’s leading provider of supply chain solutions, has announced a partnership with Carrefour Global Sourcing, part of Carrefour S.A. Group, a global retail leader with more than 14,000 hypermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. To support its responsible sourcing initiatives, Carrefour Global Sourcing will leverage TradeBeyond’s CBX platform to strengthen supplier management and improve risk assessment and auditing, ensuring sustainability and compliance with a multitude of European sustainability laws.
Carrefour Global Sourcing will implement TradeBeyond’s supplier management and compliance solutions to manage its wide supplier base covering non-food products, ensuring full transparency. TradeBeyond’s supplier portal and supply chain mapping tools will allow Carrefour to onboard new vendors efficiently, conduct in-depth supplier screenings, digitize contracts, manage all compliance documents, and monitor adherence to key ESG and social compliance standards. The platform integrates with amfori BSCI to provide real-time sustainability data, ensuring Carrefour’s suppliers meet ethical labor standards and regulatory obligations.
“Carrefour is deeply committed to sustainability, and partnering with TradeBeyond allows us to take that commitment even further by introducing advanced digital oversight into all tiers of our supply chain,” said Jean-Daniel Gatignol, Managing Director at Carrefour Global Sourcing. “With TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform, we can reduce compliance risks while ensuring our sourcing operations align with consumer expectations.”
Using TradeBeyond’s robust sustainability tools such as lifecycle assessment (LCA) solutions, Carrefour will gain deeper insights into product specification and bill of materials used.
The partnership will streamline critical processes for Carrefour, while ensuring its global operations remain compliant, ethical, and environmentally responsible.
“Retailers today must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while delivering on their sustainability promises,” said Michael Hung, CEO of TradeBeyond. “Carrefour Global Sourcing’s implementation of TradeBeyond demonstrates its leadership in responsible sourcing, and we’re proud to support their efforts in enhancing supply chain transparency and sustainability while introducing critical efficiencies.”
Carrefour Global Sourcing’s implementation of TradeBeyond’s platform is part of a long-term strategy to digitally transform its global sourcing processes.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — May 15, 2025 — X-Rite Inc. today announced the launch of the CiF3200 imaging spectrophotometer, designed for color measurement of small, odd-shaped, multi-colored, and highly reflective items. With a minimum measurement area of just 2 millimeters (mm), the CiF3200 allows manufacturers to set and communicate digital color standards for small components, improving quality control and reducing rework. It’s ideal for applications where detail, consistency, and accuracy are essential, such as luxury goods, consumer electronics, and plastic components.
The CiF3200 combines advanced features such as virtual apertures ranging from 2 to 12 mm, on-screen targeting for precise sample alignment, and automatic multi-color extraction to deliver fast, repeatable color measurements and support objective, data-driven evaluation. The CiF3200 sphere benchtop spectrophotometer offers simultaneous SPIN / SPEX capability. It enables brilliance measurement, which is critical for quality control on metals and materials that may exhibit visual variation due to surface finishing and metallic reflection. Whether maintaining color harmony for luxury watches or verifying part-to-part consistency on small, molded goods, the CiF3200 helps manufacturers elevate quality assurance with confidence and efficiency.
“With the CiF3200, we’re addressing a unique need in the industry — how to consistently measure color on small or oddly shaped parts,” said Dave Visnovsky, product manager, X-Rite. “By combining advanced targeting and imaging with sphere measurement technology and an aperture as small as 2mm, the CiF3200 allows customers to digitize their standards and streamline quality control in ways that simply weren’t possible before.”
The CiF3200 enables users to:
Set and communicate digital color standards for small or complex components.
Verify each measurement spot with live on-screen targeting.
Capture and store measurement images for traceability.
Extract multiple colors from a single sample for comprehensive analysis.
The CiF3200 integrates with Color iQC software for a complete quality control solution and streamlined workflow. For more information about the CiF3200, visit https://www.xrite.com/categories/benchtop-spectrophotometers/cif3200
See CiF3200 at EPHJ 2025
X-Rite will demonstrate the CiF3200 at Booth Q03 during EPHJ 2025, taking place June 3–6, 2025, at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brings together professionals from high-precision industries, including watchmaking, jewelry, microtechnologies, and medtech.
USTER, Switzerland — May 15, 2025 — Fiber quality measurement in spinning preparation is crucial for optimizing waste and meeting yarn quality specifications. The brand-new Uster AFIS 6 — the next-generation laboratory instrument from Uster Technologies — uniquely tests man-made fiber properties in addition to cotton. It provides critical data to optimize fiber process control for cotton, man-made fibers, and blended yarns.
Uster AFIS 6
Spinners always strive to preserve the quality of valuable incoming fiber throughout the manufacturing process. Uster AFIS 6 achieves this by testing the material at each stage of preparation, from bale to roving. And, in its latest version, AFIS can now measure 100-percent synthetic fibers and fiber blends commonly used in short-staple spinning, in the same unit as cotton.
Ongoing fiber quality monitoring
Several different fiber characteristics affect quality and performance through pre-spinning operations — opening, cleaning, carding, combing, roving — so testing needs to take account of the impact of each. AFIS (short for Advanced Fiber Information System) achieves this by measuring the various parameters for the length, fineness, maturity, neps, seed coat neps, trash, and dust in a particular test specimen of fiber.
This intensive monitoring is the only way to detect fiber quality issues before they get into the yarn and lead to a quality claim from the customer. Only industry-leading Uster AFIS 6 can deliver these advantages to give mills better overall control of costs, reduced raw material waste and less off-quality yarn.
AFIS 6 also makes things easier for the spinner, applying the same intuitive new user interface as the famous Uster Tester 6 and other Uster yarn testing instruments, featuring 11 languages. The improved reporting package simplifies data analysis.
What spinners need to know
Neps in yarn can be seriously disturbing if they show up in finished fabrics and garments. Uster AFIS 6 makes the important distinction between fiber neps and seed coat neps — important because seed coat neps are more difficult to remove. In addition to the number of neps, the size of the neps is measured. With the critical neps size report, spinners get an estimate of how many neps are in the yarn.
For the spinning process, it is essential to know about fiber length and short fiber content. AFIS 6 measures the single fiber length, per number and per weight. Next to the length, the maturity and immature fiber count are measured. With its advanced opto-electronic sensors to measure single fiber quality, AFIS 6 proves it can optimize short staple spinning.
An optional sensor also measures dust and trash particles, which can cause serious problems in subsequent fabric manufacturing processes. Knowing the number of trash and dust particles helps the spinner and results in less downtime in weaving, while knitting needles last longer, and cleaning efficiency in the open-end spin box is enhanced.
Managing synthetics the same way
Synthetic fibers are growing in importance, so it’s essential to measure them. The cut length and fiber fineness are particularly relevant, as both are crucial for the spinning process. Uster AFIS 6 can measure the synthetic fibers most commonly used in short staple spinning. As well as length and fineness, fiber neps are determined. New test parameters are also introduced, such as cut length and denier. They are critical for incoming raw material inspection and selection.
Short-staple yarns today include more and more cotton/synthetic blends and 100-percent synthetics. Cotton can be blended with fibers such as polyester, micro-polyester, viscose, modal, micro-modal, lyocell, micro-lyocell, and acrylic.
Quality and profitability in control
Carding and combing are the two fiber processes in the spinning mill which most influence yarn quality. The carding process is the heart of every spinning mill. Poor performance here cannot be recovered in subsequent processes. The combing process reduces the short fiber content and is the last removal stage for neps, trash and dust. Only with Uster AFIS 6 measurements can spinners optimize these processes and save money.
Uster AFIS 6 can be connected to Quality Expert, hosted in Uster Tester 6. Full control from fiber to yarn in a single inline system illustrates the entire mill operation, with key quality parameters in the right format at the right time. Mill analyses with meaningful quality comparisons, integrated application knowledge and focused management reports are leveraged for even more profound and informed decision-making.
Last but not least, Uster Statistics is already integrated within AFIS 6, making global benchmark comparisons quick and easy. The new AFIS provides two Uster Statistics interactions: one for the whole process and one for each process step. Comparisons to Uster Statistics throughout the process show any unexpected spinning faults.
Spinners have it in their own hands! The latest Uster fiber process control system puts them in control of spinning preparation — and the end-product’s success.
LONDON — May 15, 2025 — Coats Group plc, a global manufacturer of thread and structural components for apparel and footwear, is proud to announce the publication of a whitepaper in partnership with Great Place To Work®, the number one authority on workplace culture. “Weaving Global Patterns of Wellbeing” explores the comprehensive strategies and initiatives that Coats has implemented to enhance employee well-being across its global operations.
Coats factory (China)
The whitepaper provides insights into Coats’ flagship Energy4Performance (E4P) program, which supports employees and is grounded in the belief that employees perform their best when they feel their best. The E4P program has been instrumental in rolling out over 500 initiatives with more than 54,000 hours of employee activity globally, including yoga classes, mental health training, and community service activities, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of Coats’ workforce in 55 markets where it operates, from Vietnam and China to Europe and the U.S.
Coats has seen tangible benefits from the E4P program, which has led to a 6 percent increase in employee engagement and 5 percent increase in well-being since its launch. Coats’ culture first approach is supported by the fact that 92 percent of Coats employees want to stay compared to 61 percent at a typical global workplace.
Coats’ commitment to supporting its people is challenging industry norms and changing the lives of workers all over the world in many of the developing countries in which Coats operates. The whitepaper highlights several key initiatives and their positive impact on employee well-being, including:
Mental Energy: Training managers to provide ‘first aid’ for mental health and establishing counseling rooms and activity spaces in Coats Shenzhen, China.
Physical Energy: Launching the Clear Vision Workplace Programme in Coats Bangladesh, providing on-site eye screenings and eyeglasses at no cost to employees.
Social Energy: Opening a nursery for employees in Ambas, India, to support working parents and boost social community.
Emotional Energy: Providing clean drinking water to the community in Pleret, Indonesia, and supporting local volunteer programs.
David Paja
David Paja, Group CEO, said: “Coats takes immense pride in the positive impact we have on our workers and their families all over the world. Our E4P program is a testament to our dedication to fostering a culture of care and innovation. The passion of our people is a vital competitive advantage for our business, investing in people to produce the best long-term results. Partnering with Great Place To Work allows us to continue fostering an ethical environment where every employee feels valued and supported.”
Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to partner with Coats, recognized by Great Place To Work and Fortune Media as one of the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, and help them expand the reach and impact of their wellness initiatives. Coats’ commitment to employee well-being sets a new industry standard, and its efforts are creating better outcomes for the business and its employees all around the world.”
The research partnership with Great Place To Work supports Coats in collecting data and conducting a series of analyses to further strengthen the company’s inclusive, supportive, and unique culture. The E4P programme stands as Coats’ flagship initiative in its well-being strategy, guiding countries to tailor their well-being efforts based on specific local needs while adhering to a unified vision.
For more information and to access the full whitepaper, please see:
EDMONTON, AB — May 14, 2025 — Plantae Technologies Inc. a Canadian sustainable fiber products company, and Zylotex Inc., a cellulosic fiber from hemp bast fibers producer, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutually exclusive joint development agreement to commercialize hemp-fiber-based lyocell production. The agreement calls for the companies to develop from pilot plant to commercial volumes, hemp bast fibers provided by PTI, for pulping and lyocell production utilizing Zylotex’s proprietary technologies in these fields.
PTI exclusively uses a proprietary technology that releases the potential in natural fibers for the widest possible applications, its technical superiority exploits the fracture points inherent in all natural materials to refine the feedstocks into carefully defined dimensions. This approach, which does not require water or chemicals and uses minimal energy compared to traditional refining methods, is a zero-waste manufacturing model. Zylotex is leading the world in regenerated cellulose from hemp. This innovation aims to establish a Canadian supply of regenerated cellulose fibers using local sources of hemp and the environmentally friendly lyocell process.
In a joint statement, Denis Taschuk, CEO of Plantae Technologies, and Ken Barker, CEO of Zylotex, said: “This is a milestone for both companies as we secure a technological advancement in the regenerated fiber sector. Plantae’s unique refining process, combined with Zylotex’s innovative pulping and lyocell extrusion processes of hemp bast fibers, creates sustainable, renewable yarns in geotextiles, composites, nonwovens and spun yarn industries. We believe that we will play a significant role in filling a cotton shortage of 35 million tons by 2050, while displacing synthetic fibers and the threat of micro plastics in the environment”.
ATLANTA — May 15, 2025 — As part of its global expansion strategy, PLAN-B NET ZERO AG announces the formation of its U.S. subsidiary, PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc., marking the company’s official entry into the North American market. The new entity will spearhead business development and forge strategic partnerships across the United States and Canada — driving growth that delivers both economic returns and measurable environmental and social impact.
