DUESSELDORF, Germany — October 12, 2025 — At K 2025 in Duesseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines, as well as particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design award during the trade fair.
Credit: HMI Project
In times of a growing global shortage of skilled workers, the simple and intuitive operation of production equipment is a decisive success factor. That is why Reifenhäuser has completely redesigned its human-machine interface (HMI) and introduced a completely new, visually appealing, and responsive solution. It combines the highly complex and heterogeneous requirements of different extrusion machines in a flexible and scalable system. Reifenhäuser will be showcasing the new HMI at its open house during the K trade fair on its new EVO GEN3 and EVEREX blown film and flat film lines.
The operator can access every setting with a maximum of two clicks and, thanks to customizable dashboards and a clearly laid out start-up page, retains control over the entire extrusion process at all times. The intelligent color concept and the intuitive, responsive touch interface significantly speed up operation.
The new development was carried out in collaboration with HMI Project, a renowned agency specializing in human-machine interfaces (HMI). The new HMI was developed with a focus on people in order to simplify everyday operation of complex machines. In a user-centered process, real-life usage scenarios were analyzed and validated through usability tests. The result is a modular, scalable, and extremely flexible interface that combines technical complexity and user-friendliness at the highest level. Assistance systems, informative illustrations, and a clear visual hierarchy support the operator in setting up, monitoring, and optimizing sensitive production processes.
The German Design Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape. Since 2012, the award has identified significant design trends, made them visible, and honored them. Every year, outstanding work in the fields of product design, communication design, and architecture is recognized.
With the new HMI, the operator can access any setting with a maximum of two clicks. The intelligent color concept and the intuitive, responsive touch interface significantly speed up operation.
NEW YORK, NY — October 14, 2025 — Created to address the design industry’s growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials, Hyphyn™ — a breakthrough biodegradable vinyl – marks the next evolution of coated upholstery fabrics for healthcare spaces and beyond.
Hyphyn™ x Arc-Com proprietary prints. Photo credits: Hyphyn™
Debuting this October at the Healthcare Design Conference & Expo, in Kansas City, MO (booth #408), Hyphyn™, like its namesake, bridges lasting performance with a more responsible future. This innovative, stain-resistant, and bleach-cleanable material not only withstands the rigors of healthcare environments, but offers a human-centric and third-party verified end-of-life solution: it biodegrades over 90% within two years in landfill conditions, leaving behind no chemicals of concern or toxic residues.
“Hyphyn™ is more than a product; it’s a commitment to the health of people and the planet,” says Iwan Nassimi, Executive Vice President of Nassimi, makers of Hyphyn™. “With Hyphyn™ we’ve reimaged vinyl’s entire lifecycle to close the loop on sustainable design, underscoring that where a material’s journey ends is just as important as where it begins and how it performs.”
Designed for Healing Environments
Hyphyn™ changes the equation for designers, specifiers, and businesses prioritizing wellness and sustainability by reducing long-term waste and improving indoor quality, without compromising the durability, cleanability, or versatility of conventional vinyl. A true worry-free, regenerative alternative, Hyphyn™ is free of lead, heavy metals, PFAS, and formaldehyde, and meets Prop 65, RoHS, and REACH compliance standards, making it ideal for healthcare facilities focused on patient health and safety, material transparency, and environmental stewardship.
Offered in an array of soothing colorways—from airy neutrals to soft teals, blues, and greens— Hyphyn™’s biophilic-inspired healthcare palette embraces the transformative healing power of color and texture. Blending contract-grade capabilities with holistic design, these calming hues promote well-being and peace of mind in patient rooms and waiting areas alike.
A Breakthrough in Material Innovation
What sets Hyphyn™ apart is its ability to disappear responsibly. At its core is a patented enzyme system embedded in both the PVC and polyester backing, ensuring the entire material is biodegradable. Once in a landfill, the enzyme activates in response to naturally occurring microorganisms, accelerating microbial breakdown into inert gases without releasing microplastics or toxic residues. These gases are captured and converted into energy, creating a closed-loop solution that benefits the environment. Outside of a landfill environment, Hyphyn™ also enables safe disposal through incineration without emitting harmful dioxins—another significant advantage over conventional vinyl.
Tested & Proven for Environmental Safety & Durability
Beyond landfill degradation and safe disposal, Hyphyn™’s performance and environmental integrity have been verified by a series of third-party tests, including:
Biodegradation – In a controlled lab study, Hyphyn™ was proven to biodegrade over 90% within 24 months in landfill conditions.
Post-Biodegradation Safety – Post-degradation soil was tested for over 1,000 potentially toxic chemicals; no harmful chemicals were detected. A side-by-side germination study with traditional vinyl further validated its environmental safety and healthy, toxin-free composition, with Hyphyn™ -treated soil achieving a 100% seed germination rate.
Indoor Air Quality – Hyphyn™ was also tested for VOC emissions, confirming it offers safe indoor air emissions and is compliant with the CDPH Standard Method (Section 01350) for indoor air quality.
Flame Retardant Free – Hyphyn™ passes Cal TB 117-2013 flammability testing, ensuring safety without the need for added flame retardant chemicals.
Superior Colorfastness – Hyphyn™ resists fading from light exposure, ensuring its color remains vibrant throughout its useful life.
Abrasion Resistance – Hypyhyn™ is engineered to meet or exceed all ACT performance guidelines, achieving 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs, making it ideal for heavy-use seating applications.
PFAS-Free Stain Resistance – Hyphyn™ is protected with a superior PFAS-free stain-resistant treatment, making it easy to clean with soap and water.
Bleach Cleanable & Disinfection Resistance – Hyphyn™ has been tested to withstand a wide range of industrial cleaners and disinfectants, including diluted bleach.
“We spent over six years consciously developing and testing Hyphyn™ to ensure it delivered the performance designers rely on from traditional vinyl, without the environmental burden of persisting in landfills or contributing to microplastic pollution,” concludes Nassimi. “Hyphyn™ is proof that durability, high design, environmental responsibility, and human safety can, and should, coexist.”
A curated selection of the new Hyphyn™ healthcare designs will be on view in the brand’s Healthcare Design Conference booth (#408) from October 25-28, alongside proprietary Hyphyn™ designs from the following distributors: Mayer Fabrics (#627), Arc-Com/Stinson (#813), KI/Pallas Textiles (#427), and Wolf Gordon (#2229). The product is available exclusively through these premier fabric companies and others, including Burch Fabrics, Fabricut Contract, Justin David, KB Contract, Kravet Contract, Momentum, Reliatex, and Workshop Twenty One.
BRIDGWATER, England — October 14, 2025 — Nonwovenn, a nonwoven fabric-tech company, has announced its 19th consecutive year of profitable growth, marking another milestone in the company’s journey of investment, innovation and global expansion.
ProTech
For the 2024/25 financial year, Nonwovenn delivered revenues of £45 million, which represented a 25% increase in sales year-on-year. The strong performance has been driven in part by double digit growth in its PouchTech and ProTech business units. Alongside this growth, the business has welcomed over 50 new members of staff, reflecting the level of investment and scale of expansion.
The record year comes off the back of Nonwovenn’s extensive three-year transformation programme, which has seen more than £10 million investment into a new ‘operational excellence model’ including investment in manufacturing equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability. The past few months have also seen the conversion of existing chemical bond lines and the purchase of a further new line. A further £4 million of investment has been committed to support further growth, with an ambitious target to grow revenues in this financial year to £60 million.
Prabhat receiving the Green Apple Environment Awards certificate of achievement
As part of the innovation and growth strategy, Nonwovenn has also launched a brand-new business unit, CarbonTech. This is focused on activated carbon technology, which compliments the existing capabilities across as ProTech, MediTech, InduTech and PouchTech. This diversification reinforces the businesses position as an industry leader.
With sustainability high on the sector agenda, Nonwovenn is leading the industry having been awarded the gold medal by EcoVadis, at first attempt, in March 2025. This means it is ranked in the top 5% globally across over 130,000 companies. Nonwovenn is also recognised for excellence in environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Nonwovenn’s Commercial Director, Silke Brand added: “To have delivered 24% sales growth this year is something we are incredibly proud of. It is a testament to the innovation, investment and talent that runs through Nonwovenn. We are continuing to invest in our facilities, technology and people in the coming years and hope to continue this sustained growth. We have strong momentum across all our sectors and markets, and further growth is planned across the board in people, performance and investment.”
Nonwovenn at the CBRNe Protection Symposium (L-R Andrew Fisher, Emily Essex and Silke Brand)
“The past year has been transformational for Nonwovenn, especially with the levels of investment and growth we have secured. The launch of the new CarbonTech business unit will also open up some new and exciting opportunities. Pair this with the internationalisation strategy and we are in a very strong position to continue leading the industry and being the partner of choice for businesses across the world.”
Nonwovenn is continuing to focus on the high-value, high growth segments, with future expansion plans targeting the Middle East, Far East and India, in addition to furthering the presence across all current areas.
MANCHESTER, UK — October 14, 2025 — Fresh from its highly successful 63rd conference held in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10, The Textile Institute (TI) will celebrate a major milestone at the ITMA Asia+CITME textile machinery exhibition in Singapore later this month.
One hundred years ago, in 1925, TI was granted its Royal Charter by King George V, transforming it from a professional association into a globally recognised chartered body, and in Singapore from October 28-31, is seeking to strengthen its international partnerships while welcoming new Corporate Members to its expanding global network.
Shared growth
New TI Commercial Vice President Jason Kent with CEO Stephanie Dick and President Charles Wood at the association’s 2025 conference in Porto.
At Stand B105 in Hall 8, TI will exhibit as a reciprocal member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), showcasing the power of collaboration and shared growth. The long-standing partnership between the two organisations has been further strengthened by the appointment of BTMA CEO Jason Kent as TI’s new Commercial Vice President, bringing fresh industry insight and influence to the role.
“Our joint presence in Singapore underlines how enduring partnerships strengthen the entire industry,” Kent says. “Corporate Membership of The Textile Institute gives organisations access to an international network of professionals, cutting-edge research and strategic benefits valued at over £10,000 a year.”
Advantages
Membership unlocks a host of advantages, including global promotion and visibility, invitations to high-level networking events and training, collaboration on industry-led research, professional recognition through chartered qualifications and access to TI’s publications, data and R&D resources.
“As the only global professional body in this sector with a Royal Charter, we are driving the industry forward through high-quality events and training courses that equip professionals for the future,” says TI CEO Stephanie Dick. “Together with our Corporate Members, we’re tackling skills gaps, developing practical training solutions and reaching international audiences.”
New industries
“This is an exciting time for the industry, especially with the major opportunities being opened up in new technical textiles for rising industries such as energy and data storage, future mobility and advanced infrastructure,” adds TI President Charles Wood. “Whether you’re a multinational manufacturer or a fast-growing SME, TI offers a neutral, not-for-profit platform where your voice is heard and your ambitions are supported. As we expand our influence across Asia and beyond, we’re inviting new Corporate Members to join us, benefit from our resources and help shape the Institute with their expertise.”
The Textile Institute is ideally positioned to help organisations stay competitive, connected and compliant. From its first foundation in Manchester in 1910, its approach has always been to be “not of Manchester, but international”, and with sections and special interest groups active across the globe, it now serves members in over 60 countries, empowering professionals across every link in the textile supply chain.
“We are looking forward to exploring new possibilities with as many forward-looking companies as possible at this year’s ITMA Asia+CITME,” concludes Jason Kent.
WEINHEIM, Germany — October 14, 2025 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) celebrates the grand opening of a major expansion at its manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, on October 14, adding 20,000 square feet of production space and introducing new production lines tailored to the Indian apparel market.
This strategic investment is aimed at significantly reducing lead times and enhancing the availability of high-quality, locally produced interlinings for the fast-evolving apparel sector in India and South Asia.
The expansion increases the facility’s manufacturing area from 40,000 to 60,000 square feet and introduces specialized production lines for 100% cotton interlinings and 100% polyester interlinings. These new lines especially enable local production of Chinese-equivalent polyester bi-elastic shirt and polyester woven interlinings, meeting rising demand for innovative, premium materials with faster delivery.
Significantly shorter lead times
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the extended facility enhances quality assurance and accelerates production processes. Lead times for Indian manufacturers will be reduced from the 6–8 weeks needed for China imports to just 1–2 weeks with local production. Additionally, customers can expect a cost advantage compared to duty-paid imported goods.
“This expansion marks a milestone in our 27-year journey in India and in our role as a trusted partner in our customers’ growth. When our customers gain speed and margin, we all succeed”, says CEO Dr. Andreas Raps. “This investment reflects our deep commitment to India’s apparel industry. By localizing production of our advanced bi-elastic shirt and polyester woven interlinings, we’re not only improving speed-to-market but also empowering Indian apparel manufacturers to compete more effectively on the global stage”, adds Jonathan Oh, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Global Apparel Division, Freudenberg Performance Materials.
Support network for Indian textile industry
Since the company expanded into India in 1998, Freudenberg Apparel has developed a support network for the Indian textile industry, including technical solution studios in Chennai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon. These studios provide technical consultations, solution services, technical seminars, trend collection and mockups, interlining recommendation reports, and fusing press audits – services that complement the expanded manufacturing capabilities.
The new production lines join existing paste dot, 3P printing, and powder dot printing capabilities at the Chennai facility, broadening the range of products that can be produced locally.
STOCKHOLM — October 14, 2025 — TrusTrace, an AI-powered supply chain traceability and compliance supplier, announced it has been named a Representative Provider in the Gartner® report Innovation Insight: Digital Product Passport — Unlocking Value Beyond Compliance (Kevin Lawrence, July 2025).
According to the research, “Instigated through sustainability regulations, digital product passports create a rich digital identity for products throughout their life cycle.” Gartner expected that, “the DPP market is anticipated to grow at a 24.43% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2034.” Far from a one-size-fits-all tool, DPPs will evolve across industries to enable not only compliance but also richer consumer experiences, improved supply chain transparency, and new business value.
For companies operating in the EU fashion or battery markets, compliance regulations and deadlines are approaching fast, yet many still underestimate the scope of the challenge. “DPPs are not a project, they represent a permanent operational shift,” said Shameek Ghosh, CEO at TrusTrace. “We are proud of our inclusion in Gartner’s research, as we believe it underscores our commitment to enabling DPP adoption and value creation. Brands piloting full readiness today will gain early advantage through stronger infrastructure, sharper insights, and more credible consumer engagement.”
DPP Readiness: Infrastructure, Not Just Interfaces
Much of the current industry conversation around DPPs focuses on consumer-facing pilots. But true readiness goes far deeper. DPPs will be required at the individual product level, with accurate, auditable data on origin, production, and impact. Managing this at scale demands robust backend systems for data integration, governance, and interoperability. Without that foundation, consumer-facing efforts fall flat.
Customers Leading the Way
Forward-looking brands are already piloting with TrusTrace to gain early insights and an operational edge. One such pilot is a two-year project with The Swedish School of Textiles.
Three of the participating brands elaborated on the benefits:
“Our collaboration with TrusTrace in the System Demonstrator project has been an important step in preparing for the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) implementation,” said Lina Ödeen, Head of Sustainability at ETON. “Testing their solution has given us valuable insights and practical experience that will not only help us meet future requirements but also strengthen our ability to reduce our climate impact while driving even greater transparency and traceability throughout our value chain.”
“Many of the new legal requirements under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles have been quite theoretical and vague,” explained Sandra Roos, VP Sustainability at Kappahl. “Creating a DPP ‘for real’, so we could attach a unique QR code to each garment, scan with a mobile phone, and access the interface created by TrusTrace – and see what all the collected data looked like in this context – gave us a tangible example and increased the organization’s understanding of what the DPP will be.”
“TrusTrace’s DPP solution allows us to test relevant processes and visualize potential outcomes, supporting our preparation for upcoming compliance requirements and driving future product transparency,” said Julia Persson, Sustainability Coordinator at Gina Tricot.
TrusTrace: Powering the Future of Supply Chains
Last year, TrusTrace launched Unlocking DPP, a playbook with everything brands need to prepare for DPPs and capture value beyond compliance, including a proposed data protocol for expected requirements in the delegated acts.
TrusTrace’s AI-enabled platform delivers an end-to-end solution for DPP readiness, streamlining traceability, automating compliance workflows, and consolidating product-level data across regulations. By connecting brands, suppliers, solution partners, and industry stakeholders, TrusTrace ensures companies are ready for compliance and equipped to leverage DPPs to improve operations, impact, and consumer engagement.
MELBOURNE, Australia — October 14, 2025 — Rivertex Australia Pty. Ltd. has announced a new Sales Agreement with Wes Lofts Australia, forming a strategic partnership that enhances Rivertex’s reach and customer support across the Australian technical textiles market.
Adam Capps, Director Wes Lofts Australia, General Manager Ashley Ruhle, Wes Lofts Australia, and Gavin Hodgins, Rivertex Australia
Complementing Rivertex’s existing national sales and distribution network while reinforcing the company’s direct presence in Australia, the newly signed agreement positions Wes Lofts Australia as an authorized sole third-party reseller of selected Rivertex collections. This partnership expands access to Rivertex’s innovative technical fabrics and films across key industries, combining local insight with the strength of Rivertex’s global technical expertise.
“This partnership with Wes Lofts Australia allows Rivertex to strengthen its national footprint while maintaining the high standards and responsiveness our customers rely on,” said Gavin Hodgins, managing director of Rivertex Australia.
“This agreement reflects our continued investment in Australia and our goal to lead the industry in sustainable, high-performance textiles designed to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
Adam Capps, managing director of Wes Lofts Australia, added: “We’re excited to partner with Rivertex and help bring their premium and environmentally responsible fabric collections to more Australian customers. This agreement supports our goal of providing high quality, sustainable solutions to the markets we serve.”
The partnership, effective 1 October 2025, represents a shared commitment to sustainability, transparency, and customer service excellence.
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 14, 2025 — The winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2025 will present their projects at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2025 which will be held October 24-25, 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and will be co-hosted by Indonesia Textile Industry Association (API).
The objectives of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards are to recognize progress in the area of international collaboration in the textile industry according to the values of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 4 winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2025 are (in alphabetical order):
CARY, N.C. — October 13, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces that exhibit space reservations are now open for IDEA®27, the world’s premier nonwovens and engineered materials event.
INDA’s flagship international conference and exhibition will take place March 23-25, 2027 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
As the largest and most influential event in 2027, IDEA27 will connect thousands of professionals across the global nonwovens value chain, with exhibitors and attendees representing major market sectors in disposable and durable applications.
Introducing the Durables District
New for 2027, INDA will debut the Durables District on the IDEA27 exhibition floor. This specialized showcase will highlight companies serving the long-life nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry, as well as market sectors that integrate durable components or machinery. Exhibitors in automotive, building and construction, geotextiles, and related fields will gain a dedicated space to spotlight innovations and connect with decision makers seeking durable solutions.
Strong Demand, Limited Space
Exhibit pre-sales have been brisk, with 50,000 square feet of the exhibit hall reserved to date. While prime locations remain, companies interested in exhibiting are strongly encouraged to secure their space promptly before the floor sells out.
“IDEA® is where business gets done,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president and CEO. “We are proud to bring this global event to Kansas City in 2027 — a location chosen because we listened to our customers. Exhibitors and attendees asked for a more budget-friendly location, and Kansas City delivers. IDEA27 will be a world-class event in a world-class city.”
“Interest in IDEA27 has been fantastic,” said Dan Noonan, INDA director of Business Development & Membership. “With 50,000 square feet already sold, companies see the value in being part of IDEA. We encourage exhibitors to act quickly to secure the best locations.”
Why Kansas City?
For 2027, IDEA is heading to Kansas City, Missouri — a move driven by INDA’s commitment to listening to customers and delivering value. Attendees and exhibitors asked for a more affordable, accessible location, and Kansas City delivers:
Cost-Effective: Lower rates for labor, hotels, and restaurants compared to previous event destinations.
Culinary Excellence: Recognized by Forbes for its vibrant food scene.
Walkability: Hotels, restaurants, and the convention center are all within easy walking distance — no need for taxis, Ubers or Lyfts.
World-Class Host City: By 2027, Kansas City will showcase modernized parks and infrastructure, having served as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8.
Sports & Entertainment Hub: Home to major teams including the NFL Kansas City Chiefs, the NBA Kansas City Jazz, and the MLB Kansas City Royals.
Building on Past Success
IDEA25, held in Miami Beach, Florida, attracted more than 550 exhibitors and 5,300 participants from around the globe. Exhibitors praised the show for providing direct access to senior-level decision makers and the opportunity to showcase innovations to a highly qualified audience.
INDA expects IDEA27 to deliver even greater value, with the new Kansas City location, the addition of the Durables District, and a strong pipeline of exhibitors and attendees eager to connect, collaborate, and drive the industry forward.
Secure Your Space Today
Exhibit reservations for IDEA27 are now open. To reserve your booth and secure a prime location, visit https://ideashow.org/
Posted: October 13, 2025
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
BANGKOK, Thailand — October 9, 2025 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global sustainable chemical company, launches a new skin-friendly range of PET fibers and filament yarns for apparel, tested against 17 harmful chemicals and certified to standards like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, DIN EN 71-3, and ISO 17294-2.
Under the product brand deja™ Care, the company uses more environmentally friendly chemicals during the PET polymerization process. That enables customers and brand owners offer skin-sensitive solutions like certified maternity wear, underwear, infant and children’s wear, school uniforms, or simply essential fashion that touches consumers’ skin every day.
All deja Care fibers and yarns are manufactured in fully integrated, in-house facilities in Asia, ensuring end-to-end control and traceability. Having already proven their performance in hygiene applications like baby wipes & diapers, these products now offer apparel brands a clear path towards responsible fashion. Fabric makers also benefit from cleaner, thus less polluting wastewater and lower sludge generation and disposal during fabric manufacturing. That supports more eco-friendly production practices.
DUESSELDORF, Germany — October 12, 2025 — At K 2025 in Duesseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines, as well as particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design award during the trade fair.
