BRUSSELS — May 13, 2025 — Screen printing has evolved far beyond its graphic origins, now powering innovation in industries as diverse as automotive, medical, security, energy, packaging, and even gourmet food. This expansive versatility will be on full display at Screen Printing Innovation (SPI) 2025, taking place June 3–5, 2025, at Messe Essen, Germany.
From backlit automotive dashboards to anti-microbial hospital devices, smart surfaces, color-shifting security features, and edible branding on chocolates, screen printing is redefining what’s possible — with unmatched precision, durability, and design freedom.
An Industrial Renaissance
“Screen printing today enables high-value, functional, and often mission-critical applications,” says Peter Buttiens, CEO of ESMA. “At SPI 2025, we will show that this technology is not just relevant — it’s essential for those seeking innovation, customization, and performance in manufacturing and product design.”
Attendees will see how screen printing delivers results across:
Automotive: Smart surfaces, capacitive controls, and premium design elements.
Medical: Anti-microbial touch interfaces and durable diagnostics.
Security: Color-shifting inks and micro-prints for authentication.
Photovoltaics: Screen-printed solar cell components for sustainable energy.
Packaging: Tactile finishes and visual effects for powerful branding.
Food Decoration: Intricate, food-safe graphics printed directly on confectionery.
A Sweet Surprise: Edible Branding
One of the event’s standout themes is edible printing — a growing trend that enables personalization and luxury branding on chocolates and sweets. With food-grade inks and precision techniques, screen printing brings marketing directly to the palate.
Join the Future of Screen Printing at SPI Essen
The groundbreaking advancements presented at the SPI Innovation Theatre highlight the transformative potential of screen printing across multiple industries. Industry professionals, researchers, and innovators are encouraged to attend these sessions to gain valuable insights into the latest technological trends. Registrations are free for all visitors.
Event Details:
Date: 3-5 June 2025
Location: Messe Essen, Germany
Posted: May 13, 2025
Source: EMSA – The European Association For Printing Manufacturers In Screen And Digital Printing
NUREMBERG, Germany — May 13, 2025 — As part of its Suedwebs Innovation Hub, Suedwolle Group presents a new collection of down jackets that redefines how natural fibers can be used in outerwear. This initiative in collaboration with Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 and Omar Bertona brings together advanced textile engineering and visual expression, resulting in garments that combine comfort, technical function, and a distinctive design language.
Made from warp-knitted wool and noble fibers like mohair, cashmere, and silk, the jackets combine a soft feel with visual depth. 3D pigment printing — rarely used on wool — adds sculptural texture. Inside, 100-percent recycled wool padding offers a fresh alternative to conventional fill, providing natural insulation, breathability and texture. A sophisticated, multi-stage process ensures clarity of print, durability of yarn and confidence in fiber sourcing.
The development of the collection was supported by close collaboration with Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, whose technical expertise in dyeing, printing, and finishing ensured high quality results. Creative direction was provided by Omar Bertona, who brought a design approach that balanced expressive visuals with real-world wearability.
This project demonstrates the great potential of wool to support both creative exploration and functional innovation. It opens up new possibilities for outerwear where material performance and expressive design evolve together.
GENEVA — May 13, 2025 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has joined the Policy Hub, a Brussels-based coalition, to contribute to key EU policy discussions.
Launched in 2019, the Policy Hub fosters technical debates on emerging regulations and convenes its network to develop collaborative, consensus-based positions to influence and align on key EU policies such as the Empowering Consumers and Green Claims Directives, the Omnibus proposal, and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation.
Photo – Better Cotton
Hélène Bohyn, Policy & Advocacy manager at Better Cotton, said: “Amidst the current deregulation trend, the Policy Hub is a great vehicle for industry stakeholders to come together to demonstrate and keep the momentum of all the efforts that are being invested in driving the sector towards sustainability.”
As part of the coalition, Better Cotton will offer its perspective on farm-level realities, enhancing the recognition of cotton and the role of standards in supporting the transition of the textile industry towards sustainability and circularity.
Marina Prados Espínola and Antoine Demarche, co-directors at the Policy Hub, said: “We are delighted to start a new chapter of collaboration with Better Cotton, whose broad expertise in agricultural practices and on-the-ground farm realities will strengthen our policy efforts at the European level.”
By adding its voice to this coalition of 40+ members, Better Cotton aims to support the representation of the broader spectrum of the textile supply chain, bringing context-specific realities to the table of EU policy discussions, whilst promoting the environmental and social sustainability attributes of cotton as a natural fibre.
As part of the Policy Hub’s Advisory Group, Better Cotton will work alongside other members such as Textile Exchange, Fashion for Good, the Social and Labor Convergence Program, the Organic Cotton Accelerator and Fair Labor Association.
WASHINGTON — May 13, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, issued the following statement from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding the House Ways and Means Committee’s budget reconciliation bill, which includes a provision that would permanently end de minimis for commercial shipments from all countries by 2027.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas
Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:
“On behalf of the U.S. textile industry, we would like to commend the House Ways and Means Committee for including an important and critical provision in the broader budget reconciliation bill that would permanently end de minimis access for commercial shipments from all countries, effective July 1, 2027.
“The committee is slated to consider and mark up this legislation today. This significant step by Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), and the entire committee validates that the destructive de minimis loophole has harmed U.S. textile manufacturing and impeded the fight against illicit fentanyl trafficking and must be permanently closed.
“NCTO has long advocated for an end to the de minimis loophole, which facilitates four million shipments a day — often found to contain illicit and dangerous products and narcotics — duty free and virtually uninspected to the U.S. market.
“As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, we strongly support a more aggressive timeline to implement a permanent ban on de minimis globally given its significant harm to manufacturers, retailers, and the fight against fentanyl and other illegal products. Express shippers have already transitioned to processing all Chinese imports through sophisticated logistics systems, demonstrating their ability to comply with the president’s executive orders and pivot quickly.
“We recognize the committee’s leadership in moving forward with a permanent global solution that will help restore a level playing field for U.S. manufacturers and spur more investment and job growth.
“We are also grateful that the Trump administration has already used executive authorities to end de minimis access for Chinese goods — which represent approximately two-thirds of all de minimis shipments — while also laying the groundwork to close de minimis to commercial shipments from all countries. We request that the administration utilize its executive authorities to immediately close this damaging loophole once and for all as Congress considers a legislative solution.”
Posted: May 13, 2025
Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
The textile industry, historically rooted in labor-intensive processes, is undergoing a significant transformation as automation technologies gain traction across the supply chain. Among the most impacted areas is warehouse management — a critical node in ensuring timely production, distribution, and customer satisfaction. Automation in textile warehouses offers a range of opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance accuracy, but it also comes with unique challenges that require careful consideration by stakeholders.
One of the primary opportunities brought by warehouse automation is improved operational efficiency. Automated systems, such as robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and conveyor systems, can handle repetitive and laborious tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and storing textile goods. This speeds up order processing and minimizes human error, which is particularly crucial in textile warehousing where managing large volumes of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), varying fabric types, and color shades requires precision. With the integration of warehouse management systems (WMS) and real-time inventory tracking, textile businesses can achieve better visibility over their stock, reducing the risks of overstocking or stockouts and optimizing the use of warehouse space.
Labor cost reduction is another significant benefit. As wages rise and labor shortages become more pronounced — especially in developed economies — automated solutions present a long-term strategy to reduce dependency on manual labor. This is particularly relevant in textile hubs where warehouse operations can be seasonal and require quick ramp-ups in manpower, such as during festive seasons or fashion cycles. Automation helps maintain consistent productivity levels regardless of labor market fluctuations.
In addition to efficiency and cost savings, automation also enhances workplace safety. Warehouses often involve heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and long shifts — factors that contribute to worker fatigue and injuries. Automated systems reduce the exposure of workers to hazardous tasks, allowing them to focus on supervision, system monitoring, and quality control. This shift not only improves safety outcomes but also enables upskilling of the workforce towards higher-value roles.
Moreover, automation aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the textile sector. Automated systems can be programmed to reduce energy consumption by optimizing lighting and HVAC usage based on activity levels. Efficient routing and smart inventory placement can reduce movement within the warehouse, cutting down on energy use and emissions. By improving overall supply chain responsiveness, automation also helps in reducing wastage caused by overproduction or delays.
Despite these advantages, the path to automation in textile warehouses is not without challenges. One major hurdle is the high capital investment required. Implementing robotics, AI-powered systems, and infrastructure changes can be prohibitively expensive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the textile sector in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. These businesses often operate on tight margins and may find it difficult to justify the upfront costs, even if the long-term gains are promising.
Integration of automation with existing systems also poses a challenge. Many textile warehouses still operate with legacy systems or manual processes. Bridging the gap between traditional setups and new-age technologies requires not only financial investment but also technical expertise and change management. Without a clear roadmap, businesses may face disruptions during the transition phase.
Another concern is workforce displacement. While automation can create new types of jobs, it also risks displacing a significant number of warehouse workers, especially those with limited digital or technical skills. This is a particularly sensitive issue in labor-intensive economies where textile jobs provide livelihoods to millions. To address this, companies must invest in reskilling and training programs to help workers transition to roles in system monitoring, maintenance, and data analysis.
Data security and technological reliability are also crucial issues. As warehouses become more reliant on digital systems and interconnected devices, the risk of cyberattacks and system failures increases. A glitch in the system can paralyze warehouse operations, leading to delays and revenue losses. Therefore, ensuring cybersecurity and maintaining system redundancies become essential parts of automation strategies.
Finally, one must consider the nature of textile products themselves. Unlike rigid products, textiles are soft, variable in shape and texture, and often require careful handling to avoid damage or creasing. This makes robotic automation in textiles more complex than in industries like electronics or packaged foods. Advanced machine vision and AI are needed to identify, sort, and handle different textile materials without compromising their quality.
In conclusion, automation in textile warehouses holds immense promise for transforming the industry by enhancing productivity, accuracy, and sustainability. However, the adoption of such technologies must be balanced with careful planning, inclusive workforce strategies, and appropriate investment to ensure a smooth and equitable transition. For the textile sector to fully capitalize on the benefits of automation, a collaborative approach involving manufacturers, technology providers, policymakers, and labor organizations will be key.
Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director at India-based ColossusTex
By Dr. Virgilio L. González, Textiles Panamericanos Correspondent
After the success achieved last year, Colombiamoda returns to Miami, making Swim Week 2025 part of its internationalization strategy. The objective is to present Colombian Fashion Week as a platform, connecting the region’s fashion ecosystem through experiences of relationship, business and lifestyle.
May 29- 31, 2025, in a curated space named Casa Colombiamoda, buyers and other visitors will be able to connect with 20 Colombia-based brands. This event consolidates the country’s presence in the highly competitive U.S. market with an offer based on a differentiated DNA, global mindset global and sustainable designs. The event, organized by Inexmoda, reinforces the international positioning of Colombian fashion manufacturing, and is a platform for designers and brands to connect with strategic buyers, in order to expand a global position.
The United States, Colombia’s main trading partner, continues to see great market opportunities for Colombian brands. According to Inexmoda´s Fashion Observatory, during 2024, Colombia exported more than $223 million in textiles and apparel to the United States with 333 tariff items to 1,009 customers. This represented 31 percent of Colombian textile exports. Moreover, in 2024, fashion and textile imports reached a total value of approximately $107 billion. This represents an increase of 2.66 percent compared to $104.93 billion registered in 2023.
“Our Fashion System crosses borders to show the world its creative power, its vibrant identity and its capacity to create effective networking through its brands,” said Manuela Cómez, head of Internationalization, Inexmoda. “With the Opening of Colombiamoda Miami, we restate our commitment of boosting the Colombian designers and brands on international markets, connecting them with new business opportunities and highlighting their differential value characterizing our industry. When talent meets opportunities, the outcome is transformation.”
Sebastian Diez (left), executive president of the Colombia-based Inexmoda at the 2024 event in Miami.
Miami: The “Bridge” Of Colombian Design Worldwide
Miami has become a strategic location for fashion because of its geographical advantages between Latin America and key markets including New York, Paris and Milan. With its vibrant ecosystem of buyers and consumers, the city offers an ideal platform for Colombian brands seeking international recognition and expansion.
Statistics platform Statistica estimated that Florida clothing and accessory brands generated income of $25 billion in 2024. In addition, Business Insurance USA determined that sales of resort apparel increased 25 percent last year, reflecting a growing preference of styles related to the climate and lifestyle in Florida.
Colombiamoda – Colombian Fashion Week – chose Miami for the second time as an international destination to highlight the capabilities of the national Fashion System, reaffirming the rise of Colombian design in markets where fashion brands show special leadership. Its presence in Swim Week responds to the growth of the national industry, where a seal unites sustainability and innovation, in order to offer unique products in the global market.
Opening Colombiamoda: The Showcase Of Colombian Design In Miami
In this edition, 20 Colombian brands will make their debut at Casa Colombiamoda. Among the brands are: Anthias, Antoine Atelier, Bamboleira ,Bless HS, Cambil, Celestino, Clea, Gracies, Infinita Es Infinita, Matilda, Mayorga, Mia Mulatta, Plisse, Relicario, Simona, Tinta Latina and Toscano.
In addition, brands such as GoRigoGo and Action Black, will participate representing the connection between fashion and sports, cultural and entertainment experiences.
It is worth mentioning that Fedex is supporting three participating brands, reaffirming its commitment to the internationalization of Colombian talent and its ability to conquer global consumers.
The opening show will be led by Colombian designer Andrés Otálora, and the Bless brand will have a leading role in the runway program. Both brands will highlight identity and sophistication of Colombian design in the Opening of Colombiamoda in Miami.
With the initiatives and the leadership of Inexmoda, the show has become not only a commercial event but an ecosystem strategic system for business, training and expansion. As part of this vision, in 2024, 300 Colombia-based brands went through specialized training with Inquire Studios, which is focused on export strategies and international marketing. The brands participating in the Showroom of the Opening of Colombiamoda Miami will also receive the training, which reinforces Inexmoda’s commitment to exhibiting brands.
With this second edition in Miami, Colombiamoda – Colombian Fashion Week – is growing as an expansion platform for Colombian design. More than a fair, it is a bridge to internationalization, where brands of Colombia with their authenticity and unique seal, can affirm their role in the global fashion industry.
For more information, please visit colombiamoda.com/en/colombiamoda-international.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — May 12, 2025 — Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand renowned for pioneering sustainable and innovative textile solutions, honors the evolution of Polartec® Alpha™, a unique collection of active insulation fabrics that have revolutionized thermal regulation. The new Alpha Rewind campaign retraces the material’s remarkable journey, from when it was first commissioned to ensure dynamic warmth in start-stop conditions to becoming one of the most influential fabrics in outdoor and sports apparel design. Celebrating the material that has redefined performance with its quick-drying, durable, ultralight, and multifunctional properties, this campaign invites the world to rediscover the original active insulation that rewrote the rules.
From the very beginning Polartec Alpha was engineered to handle extreme environments, rigorous activities, and rapid shifts in temperature. The result was a fabric unlike anything before it. Polartec Alpha has since transformed the way the world thinks about warmth, breathability, and lightweight comfort. Since its debut thirteen years ago and the launch of what the world now knows as “active insulation”, Polartec Alpha remains an undeniable benchmark for advanced thermal regulation technology.
Contrary to traditional insulation, which is prone to trapping heat and humidity, Polartec Alpha delivers dynamic temperature regulation, keeping heat in when you need it and letting it out when you don’t. Its lofted fibers and mesh core create an ultra-breathable structure that actively resists moisture, dries rapidly, and delivers warmth without the weight. Available in a wide range of versions and varieties, Polartec Alpha offers the perfect balance of performance, versatility and aesthetic appeal for highly technical outdoor gear and moisture-wicking midlayers for cutting-edge streetwear and technical fashion.
The incredible adaptability of Polartec Alpha makes it a favorite among mountaineers, hikers, trail runners, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. First, it comes in multiple weights, allowing you to select the appropriate insulation level for each specific need. It also comes in different configurations — with or without a backing fabric and with or without the addition of natural wool. In this latter case, the fabric composition combines the thermoregulation and comfort of wool with the insulative performance of the synthetic fibers. As a result, Polartec Alpha can be used to add an insulative layer to jackets, midlayers, and hybrid garments, or it can be worn as a single layer within soft, next-to-skin apparel.
Key Polartec Alpha Features:
Thermodynamic performance: Active heat regulation for changing conditions and unpredictable environments
High Breathability: Moisture resistant and fast drying to keep up with high output activities
Fully Compressible: Soft to the touch and made to layer comfortably with other fabrics
Lightweight Construction: Optimal warmth-to-weight ratio that packs down small when needed
Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president at Milliken & Company and business manager at Polartec, emphasized, “For more than a decade, Polartec Alpha has exceeded every expectation, revolutionizing the concept of insulation by providing consistent warmth without overheating, even during high-intensity activities. In addition to redefining what’s possible in outdoor, military, and fashion applications, Polartec Alpha proves that true thermodynamic comfort comes from a fabric’s ability to breathe, adapt, and move with you.”
HIGH POINT, N.C. — May 12, 2025 — Culp Inc., a provider of fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, today announced the completion of the sale of its mattress fabric manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada. The transaction occurred in the first week of the company’s new fiscal year and marks the completion of the restructuring plan announced approximately one year ago.
The purchase price for the facility was CA$8.6 million (USD$6.2 million), with CA$2.0 million (USD$1.4 million) received at closing and the balance to be paid with interest over the course of six to 12 months. The company currently expects to realize approximately $3.0 to $3.5 million in cash proceeds net of all taxes and commissions, which it intends to use to reduce outstanding debt and enhance financial flexibility.
Iv Culp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Culp, Inc.
Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp Inc., commented: “I’d like to thank our team for their efficiency in executing on our restructuring plan. Our ability to reshape the cost structure of our mattress fabric business and complete the final step of selling our facility in Canada within a year is a testament to their focus and dedication. We were pleased to monetize the facility in what ultimately proved to be a softer local industrial market than originally anticipated that was made more challenging by some rezoning and utility service issues impacting the property. Exiting the facility also allows us to avoid monthly carrying costs in the six figures for insurance, maintenance and the like going forward, and the cash proceeds from the sale further strengthen our balance sheet and liquidity as we enter our new fiscal year.”
Culp continued: “I’d also like to thank all of our former associates and the community in Quebec for their contributions to the long run of success we enjoyed there. Consolidating our Canada operations into our U.S. platform was a difficult decision, but we never hesitate to make changes when in the best interests of our customers and shareholders. Our new streamlined operating model, along with an expanded U.S. manufacturing capacity and nearshore and offshore options in Haiti/Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Turkey and China, offers customers a uniquely flexible and cost-effective supply chain to bring their products to market in the current trade environment.”
HOUSTON — May 12, 2025 — Ascend Performance Materials announced today the production of high-purity acrylonitrile at its Chocolate Bayou plant in Alvin, Texas, after the installation and commissioning of new purification equipment.
“We’re excited to provide our high-purity acrylonitrile into new end-markets and support technologies that drive innovation and sustainability,” said Alex Mihut, vice president of performance chemicals at Ascend. “This advancement not only strengthens our product portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to delivering essential materials that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.”
Acrylonitrile is used to make a variety of polymers and synthetic rubbers. High-purity acrylonitrile has applications in aerospace, renewable energy technologies and healthcare. Ascend’s equipment was funded in part through a contract with the U.S. government to ensure the supply of vital raw materials for the domestic production of nitrile rubber gloves.
“This is a significant milestone in this site’s 63-year history,” said Scott Van Wagener, senior site director of the Chocolate Bayou plant. “We continue to invest in technologies that grow our site and support our customers’ growth.”
Besides high-purity acrylonitrile, Ascend will further expand capabilities in Chocolate Bayou to include acetonitrile production. Acetonitrile is primarily used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
WASHINGTON — May 12, 2025 — The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that it will reduce tariffs on imports from China for 90 days to continue trade negotiations.
“We applaud the U.S. and China for agreeing to a 90-day pause on the 125 percent reciprocal and retaliatory tariffs. We are encouraged by these constructive negotiations, which provide for a significant de-escalation in the current trade relationship.
“This temporary pause is a critical first step to provide some short-term relief for retailers and other businesses that are in the midst of ordering merchandise for the winter holiday season. And over the long term, this lays the foundation for substantial progress in achieving truly fair and balanced trade relationships with both China and our other trade partners around the world.
“We urge the administration and our Chinese trade partners to continue discussions to address the ongoing issues, work to remove the remaining national security tariffs, and provide long-term stability between the two largest global economies.”
BRUSSELS — May 13, 2025 — Screen printing has evolved far beyond its graphic origins, now powering innovation in industries as diverse as automotive, medical, security, energy, packaging, and even gourmet food. This expansive versatility will be on full display at Screen Printing Innovation (SPI) 2025, taking place June 3–5, 2025, at Messe Essen, Germany.
