COOLMAX CloakFX™ Fiber Makes Official Global Debut aA Performance Days Munich

WILMINGTON, Del. — MARCH 12, 2026 — The LYCRA Company will officially launch COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber globally at Performance Days Munich, Europe’s leading functional fabric fair, March 18–19. This innovation is designed to help garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks while delivering moisture management and cooling comfort.

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, the latest innovation from The LYCRA Company, helps garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks and delivering moisture-wicking, cooling performance. Photo: The LYCRA Company

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber is for brands, mills, and garment makers creating performance-driven activewear, workwear, and everyday apparel. The technology diffuses light at the fiber level using optical “masking” that reduces the visual appearance of moisture, helping to make sweat marks less noticeable. Because the technology is built into the durable fiber, its benefits last wear after wear and wash after wash.

“Visible sweat on apparel is the leading pain point for consumers across demographics, often forcing them to compromise between performance, comfort, and appearance,” said Tara Maurer-Mackay, product category director, branded specialty products, The LYCRA Company. “Consumers want one fabric that does it all, and COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber helps garments look drier while keeping them cool and dry.”

In addition to sweat-masking performance, COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber can provide higher UPF protection than conventional polyester fibers due to its unique structure and composition. Ninety-three percent of the polyester in this GRS-certified fiber is recycled, helping support sustainability goals without requiring changes to manufacturing processes.

Following extensive validation through the company’s innovation and testing processes, development of COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber continues across knit, woven, and seamless applications. The innovation pipeline is also expanding into additional wearing occasions and select non-apparel markets, underscoring its broader potential.

The LYCRA Company will also be showcasing elastane fabrics and garments made with renewable LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at the textile trade show. Made from 70 percent plant-based resources, this bio-derived solution reduces the carbon footprint of apparel while delivering the same trusted performance as traditional LYCRA® fiber.

To see sample commercial fabrics developed by leading mills that feature COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, visit The LYCRA Company’s stand C09-C10 at Performance Days Munich.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

UTulsa Receives $12.6M In Appropriations For AI, Cyber, Extreme Materials, Energy Research

TULSA, Okla. — MARCH 13, 2026 — The University of Tulsa has received four federal appropriations supporting major research initiatives that will strengthen the nation’s energy resilience, advance next-generation materials and manufacturing and position Oklahoma as a hub for secure autonomous-systems innovation. These funds will expand UTulsa’s pilot-scale research infrastructure, deepen industry and community partnerships and create new pathways for student engagement in cutting-edge discovery.

“From providing novel energy systems to securing physical artificial intelligence systems, these investments reaffirm UTulsa’s role as a national leader in applied research that delivers real-world impact,” said Rose Gamble, vice president for research. “We are excited to broaden and enhance UTulsa’s expertise, facilities and industry collaborations.”

These federally funded initiatives will:

  • Grow Oklahoma’s workforce in materials science, energy systems, autonomy and cybersecurity through faculty-led research, student participation and industry involvement
  • Support area manufacturers and energy firms with fabrication partnerships, prototype testing and data-driven insights
  • Expand UTulsa’s pilot-scale research facilities

“UTulsa’s partnerships with industry and community stakeholders ensure these breakthroughs translate into economic and societal benefits,” said Interim President Rick Dickson. “We are grateful to our state’s congressional delegation whose commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s research capacity and economic future is critical.”

Advanced, Low-Cost, Grid-Scale Energy Storage

UTulsa researchers will develop pilot-scale zinc-sulfur batteries as a safer, lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion technology for utility-scale battery energy storage systems. The project combines new battery-manufacturing capability, industrial-grade characterization equipment, grid-simulation systems and GPU-based artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) modeling to evaluate performance, safety and reliability under real-world grid conditions.

Resilient and Safe Energy Transportation

Building on UTulsa’s pilot-scale pipeline facilities, researchers will analyze multifuel flow behavior, corrosion risks and leak-detection challenges using advanced distributed sensor networks and machine-learning models.

Extreme Materials

This project focuses on materials capable of withstanding extreme environments, including temperatures above 600 degrees and corrosive or high-velocity conditions relevant to deep-well drilling, hypersonics and spacecraft reentry. UTulsa is one of the few U.S. universities able to manufacture carbon-carbon composites through chemical vapor infiltration and perform pilot-scale performance testing.

Cooperative and Secure Physical AI Systems

UTulsa will advance the next generation of physical AI systems in the form of autonomous robots that interact with the world through real-time sensing, adaptation and decision-making. The initiative integrates robotics, AI/ML, kinesiology, user-experience research and cybersecurity toward assistive robotics for home services and health care.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The University of Tulsa

Surforce Technology Group Achieves Major Breakthrough In Functional Nanofiber Nonwoven Materials

QINGDAO, China — MARCH 12, 2026 — A news report from iQingdao: Recently, the “Low-Carbon Industrialized Complete Technology and Equipment for Functional Nanofiber Nonwoven Materials” independently developed by Surforce (Qingdao) Technology Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Surforce Technology Group”) has passed authoritative appraisal, with the overall technology reaching internationally advanced levels.

This breakthrough not only resolves the worldwide challenge of electrospinning industrialization but also provides the global market with a fluorine-free, environmentally friendly PTFE alternative solution, leveraging the cost advantages brought by mass production.

Since its establishment in 2003, Surforce Technology Group has remained dedicated to the R&D and industrial application of advanced materials. Through years of technological accumulation, the company has built China’s first ten-million-meter-scale nanofiber factory, with an annual production capacity of 20 to 30 million meters.

In 2025, the Group received high-level national and industry recognition in this field: Won Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the China National Textile and Apparel Council; Awarded the “Top Ten Textile Technologies in China” achievement title; Selected for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s 2025 Key Products and Processes “End-to-End” Application Plan and the Qingdao Municipal Science and Technology Bureau’s Key Technology Research Projects.

The Group’s core product, “Surforce Nanofiber Membrane,” features extremely large specific surface area, excellent mechanical properties, composite structural performance, and special physical and chemical characteristics. It can be produced using various raw materials and is widely applied in new energy, high-end filtration, consumer electronics, and textile sectors.

The product serves as a separator material for semi-solid-state batteries, high-end filtration (high-temperature gas dust collection) material, and waterproof breathable material for consumer electronics. In the textile field, this product overcomes the limitations of traditional PTFE and TPU membranes in terms of breathability and elasticity, driving the extension of protective clothing into daily functional apparel. The company has already established partnerships with renowned domestic and international brands.

The Group places strong emphasis on R&D investment and intellectual property system development. It currently holds 25 authorized patents at home and abroad, has passed TÜV Rheinland certification, and obtained internationally authoritative certifications including ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX, and GRS.

In response to global opportunities in the new materials industry, the Group will continue to deepen its full-chain innovation system and promote the large-scale application of high-performance nanofiber materials. “We will remain technology-driven, committed to bringing Chinese nanomaterials to the world and providing global customers with cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions,” said a senior executive of Surforce Technology Group.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: Surforce Technology Group / IQINGDAO

Azerbaijan Textile Association (ATA)  Becomes Member Of ITMF

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — MARCH 16, 2026 — The Azerbaijan Textile Association (ATA) has officially become a Member Association of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), further strengthening Azerbaijan’s integration into the global textile value chain.

Founded to represent and promote the interests of Azerbaijan’s textile and apparel industry, ATA plays a key role in sector development, policy dialogue, capacity building, and international cooperation. By joining ITMF, ATA reinforces its commitment to fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness within the national textile ecosystem.

Dr. Christian Schindler

ITMF members are responsible for approximately 90% of global textile and apparel production and represent the entire textile manufacturing value chain. Through its membership, ATA and its member companies gain access to a unique global platform for information exchange, dialogue, and industry networking.

Mr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, stated: “Welcoming the Azerbaijan Textile Association as a new Member Association further strengthens ITMF’s global network. Azerbaijan’s textile sector has significant development potential, and ATA’s participation in ITMF will contribute to deeper international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and integration into the global textile value chain.”

Through ITMF membership, ATA members will benefit from exclusive access to global statistics, reports, surveys, webinars, and industry insights. In addition, ITMF conferences, workshops, and networking events provide valuable opportunities for Azerbaijani textile companies to expand their international partnerships, enhance export potential, and adapt best global practices.

Ms. Farida Akhundova, Executive Director of ATA, stated: “Joining ITMF marks an important milestone for Azerbaijan’s textile industry. It is a strategic step toward deeper integration into global markets and the adoption of international standards and innovations. ITMF membership opens new opportunities for our member companies to strengthen their competitiveness, expand exports, and build long-term international partnerships.”

This membership represents a significant achievement for Azerbaijan’s textile sector and reflects ATA’s strategic vision to position the country as an increasingly competitive and reliable partner in global textile trade.

For more information about ATA, please visit: www.textile.az

For more information about ITMF, please visit: www.itmf.org

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Lenzing Introduces TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 To China Market At Intertextile Shanghai, Advancing Denim Innovation Through Mill Partnerships

LENZING, Austria — MARCH 17, 2026 — The Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulosic fibers, shared the China market debut of its latest fiber innovation, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100, at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition.

Originally developed for denim constructions and first introduced at Kingpins Amsterdam in September 2025, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 is now advancing beyond denim applications into broader woven apparel categories. The fiber is a key component of Lenzing’s strategy to offer premium fibers that serve growing global consumer demand for alternative, more responsible fabrics¹ ² ³.

The promising launch of HV100 is being propelled by Lenzing’s partnerships with mills and their trust in the TENCEL™ brand. With initial traction in denim, development has now expanded into bottom-weight fabrics like chinos and shirting. Chinese mill partners are at the forefront of bringing these next-phase applications to market.

“China is one of the world’s leading markets for innovation and we are committed to strengthening our partnerships with brands, retailers and fabric mills across the country,” said Yann Lepage, Executive Vice President, Commercial Textiles at Lenzing AG. “The new TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 fiber reflects our collaborative approach to innovation, acting on client insight with our R&D expertise to deliver a differentiated solution to the market. We very much look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners here in China. Together we are driving product innovation and supporting the evolving needs of this important market.”

Demand driven by consumer trust

The growing momentum behind TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 reflects the value and trust consumers, mills and brands place in the TENCEL™ brand, particularly in China.

According to a NielsenIQ study¹, TENCEL™ is the fiber brand that consumers in China are most aware of for the fifth consecutive year, with purchase intent reaching 92% for apparel. Globally, among consumers familiar with the TENCEL™ brand, 85% express intent to purchase garments made with its fibers, while 88% report satisfaction with products they have purchased containing TENCEL™ fibers.

Engineering texture, expanding applications

TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100, while serving a market need, carries the same strong environmental credentials as the broader LENZING™ Lyocell fiber portfolio² ³ ⁴. The fiber was engineered to create fabrics that look and feel close to natural fibers while retaining the soft hand-feel and environmental profile TENCEL™ fibers are known for.  Through the Variocut technology, Lenzing creates controlled variation in the TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 fibers staple lengths which produces subtle surface irregularities and a matte finish to give fabrics an organic, less uniform appearance.

“TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 is a unique offering for the apparel market. While standard TENCEL™ Lyocell is known and loved for creating smooth and even fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 provides a look and feel that is more reminiscent of naturally grown fibers. TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 thus opens up new possibilities in segments where a more matte and irregular fabric surface is desired,” said Julia Ulrich, Head of Product Management Textiles, Lenzing.

China mills as catalysts for global innovation

Chinese textile manufacturers play a pivotal role in scaling new fiber concepts for the global textile market. These mills serve not only domestic demand but also act as R&D partners and production engines for international and Chinese brands alike. Their technical sophistication and established relationships with brands and retailers worldwide make them essential partners in bringing innovations like TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 from concept to commercial scale.

“For the Chinese market, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 bridges the gap between technology and nature, especially in denim, delivering a rugged and matte texture, injecting new momentum into the high-end fabric market. Partners like Advance Denim have demonstrated how their craftsmanship turns TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 into a unique semi-matte handfeel, demonstrating distinctive technique in the high-end denim sector,” said Vincent Hu, Senior Commercial Director, Textiles China, Lenzing.

Mills currently testing TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 report predictable processing across standard spinning and weaving equipment. Texture intensity can be adjusted through blend composition, giving designers flexibility from warp to weft constructions.

Wang Zongwen, Managing Director of Advance Denim shared, “Having partnered with Lenzing for over two decades, we have always been dedicated to tackling industry pain points and meeting consumers’ demand for comfort. This collaboration is especially exciting, we have jointly tackled a ‘seemingly impossible’ challenge, building on the exceptional drape, strength, and environmental advantages of TENCEL™ Lyocell, and endowing it with a cotton-like natural luster. This product is a significant breakthrough in advancing the denim category and a testament to Lenzing’s technical prowess.”

“Through the blending of long and short fibers, TENCEL™ Lyocell-HV100 delivers an unprecedented texture of natural fibers, with production results achieving an exceptionally high first-pass quality that far exceeded expectations. I believe that this ‘cotton-like’ new style not only injects vitality into denim but also holds the potential to extend into areas like knitwear and sweaters in the future, with the long-term promise of reshaping the landscape of niche markets,” added Wang Gang, Sales Director of Denim Yarn at Texhong International Group.

Enabling the next chapter of innovation together

The China debut of TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 marks the next phase of innovation and will support higher-value product development, broader applications and deeper cross-value-chain collaboration. Lenzing invites industry partners to explore TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 and the broader fiber portfolio.

Detailed fiber specifications, application guidelines and certification information are available through Lenzing Pro (lenzingpro.com), Lenzing’s digital platform built for supply chain partners.

Fiber characteristics

  • Linear density: 1.7 dtex
  • Luster: Semi-dull (matte aesthetic)
  • Staple length: High variation (Variocut technology)
  • Blending flexibility: Variable ratios with TENCEL™ Lyocell Standard or cotton

Environmental profile² ³ ⁴

  • Carbon footprint: ≥50% reduction vs. generic lyocell
  • Water consumption: ≥50% reduction vs. generic lyocell
  • Sourcing: FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC-certified/controlled wood
  • Manufacturing: Closed-loop process with >99.8% solvent recovery

Current applications

  • Denim (including warp constructions)
  • Woven apparel (bottom-weight fabrics, shirting)

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: The Lenzing Group

Where Performance Becomes Product Strategy: Techtextil (Frankfurt) 2026 Puts Functional Apparel In The Spotlight

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany  — MARCH 17, 2026 — The demand for high-performance textile solutions for the apparel industry increases – and with it the sector’s innovative strength.

Techtextil 2026 addresses these developments: The Performance Apparel Textiles area (Hall 9.0) presents around 130 exhibitors from 13 countries showcasing innovative materials for workwear, protective clothing, smart fashion, outdoor and sports.

Global key players such as Concordia Textiles, Getzner, Kermel, Klopman International and YKK Europe are among the participants. The live show “Performance Apparels on Stage” brings forward-looking wearables on stage and demonstrates textile innovations where they matter most: in action.

Whether protecting, cooling, regulating or measuring: functional textiles perform in extreme situations. For brands, this opens up innovative product concepts, higher value creation and new opportunities for differentiation in the market.

  • But which features are embedded in these wearables?
  • How can performance, comfort and sustainability be combined?
  • And where do textile solutions unlock new application potential for outdoor, smart fashion or personal protective equipment?

Techtextil reflects this dynamic – and offers with the growing segment Performance Apparel Textiles a global hub for decision-makers in sourcing, product development and design across the apparel industry. With the curated live show “Performance Apparels on Stage”, the leading trade fair translates material innovation into market-ready applications and presents smart wearables on stage several times a day.

An independent expert jury consisting of Hendrik Beier (Saxon Textile Research Institute), Judith Bosch (ETP), Nora Kühner (fashion.design.consulting) and Wolfgang Quednau (BTTA) selected the exhibits. Each outfit demonstrates a specific application – ranging from UV protection, heat and flame protection to circular materials, thermoregulation and integrated lighting technology.

Visitors can explore the exhibited products throughout the day in the dedicated area, build new connections and initiate ordering and cooperation discussions directly with suppliers of functional textiles. Techtextil thus brings together innovation, sourcing and business decision-making for the global apparel industry on one platform.

“Techtextil is the international leading trade fair for the industry. For anyone active in the market for technical textiles and functional apparel, it is an essential platform for orientation, innovation and networking. Particularly in the performance apparel segment, we see dynamic growth, as sustainability, functionality, comfort and fashion requirements increasingly converge,” says jury member Wolfgang Quednau (BTTA).

“What impressed me most about the submitted products was how consistently new functionalities are linked with a more holistic understanding of sustainability – taking into account aspects such as wearing comfort, durability, repairability and easy-care properties.”

Highly protective, thermoregulating, circular: Performance Apparels on Stage

The selected exhibits reflect the wide range of innovation in modern performance apparel textiles. BASF and Fulgar, for example, present loopamid, a GRS-certified polyamide made from textile waste for closed material cycles.

ECOlastic Workwear stands for recyclable, stretchable high-visibility fabrics with high shape stability and wash resistance. For extreme operating conditions, RWTH Aachen developed the Molotov Cocktail Protective Suit featuring a lightweight, breathable yarn structure.

Karl Mayer’s Warp Knitted UV Protection Jacket achieves SPF 50+ without chemical finishing, while the 3D-Knitted Illuminated Backpack integrates light fibres into a knit-to-shape structure produced with almost no waste.

For active heat management, Freeze Tech Alpha combines cooling print technology with temperature-regulating fibres and heat-reflective components. Royotec presents recycled multi-risk fabrics with certified performance. COOL.SKIN with Outlast ensures a stable microclimate through encapsulated phase-change materials, while PBI GOLD SHIELD introduces a lightweight, highly durable PBI aramid fabric for demanding industrial applications.

The right processing determines how functional textiles can fully realise their specific properties in practice. Complementing Techtextil, the adjacent Texprocess (Hall 8.0) serves as a platform for textile processing technologies and demonstrates how textile innovations can be efficiently transferred into production at scale – from automated processes to AI-supported manufacturing.

Posted: March 17, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

MISSION Introduces The Cool Compression Collection: A Second-Skin Feel Powered By Dry-To-Cool Technology 

NEW YORK — MARCH 16, 2026 — MISSION, a supplier of wearable cooling solutions and sun-safe performance accessories, announces the launch of its newest innovative collection: the Cool Compression Collection. Designed to support movement, recovery, and comfort across seasons, the collection includes arm, leg, and knee sleeves as well as a back wrap engineered for active lifestyles and high-heat environments.

Designed for athletes, runners, workers, and everyday movers, these lightweight compression sleeves deliver a second-skin fit while featuring MISSION’s dry-to-cool fabric—engineered to feel cool to the touch for sustained cooling throughout wear. The collection enhances circulation, supports recovery, and provides adaptable comfort without restricting movement.

Notable product features across the collection include:

  • Mild Compression: Comfort and support with compression benefits
  • Moisture-Wicking: Keep You Dry and Comfortable
  • Easy Maintenance: Machine washable for convenience
  • Odor-Free: Resists unwanted odors for lasting freshness
  • Cooling Relief: Features cool compress elements to help soothe discomfort
  • Enhanced Recovery Comfort: Designed to aid your comfort during post-activity recovery
  • Lightweight and Breathable: Ensures maximum ventilation and freedom of movement for all-day wear

A hero product of the collection, the Compression Arm Sleeve, launched March 15, 2026, retailing for $24.99. Designed for both athletes and workers, the Cool Compression Arm Sleeve provides targeted compression to support circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, speed recovery, and help the wearer stay on the move. The quick-dry, cooling fabric converts sweat into a refreshing sensation, while built-in UPF protection helps shield skin from the sun. Its low-profile, secure fit stays in place and layers comfortably under clothing for all-day support.

Posted: March 16, 2026

Source: MISSION

Ultraleather By Ultrafabrics Appoints Diane Pressler As Residential Sales Director

NEW YORK — February 25,2026 — Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics, the residential brand by Ultrafabrics, a global spplier of high-performance coated fabrics and leather alternatives, is pleased to announce the appointment of Diane Pressler as Residential Sales Director.

Diane Pressler, Residential Sales Director at Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics

In this role, Pressler will lead the brand’s residential growth strategy, strengthening its presence across OEM and retail, expanding distribution, and aligning cross-functional teams to support scalable, long-term momentum.

Pressler joins Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing go-to-market strategies, and accelerating revenue growth within design-led consumer and trade businesses. Most recently, she served as Regional Director at The Rug Company, supporting sustained growth and market expansion. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Global Trade Sales at Perennials and Sutherland, where she helped lead global trade and customer service strategies across trade and hospitality channels, supporting significant growth and international expansion.

Her earlier leadership includes senior roles spanning luxury and retail operations, including Vice President of Retail, US at NYX Professional Makeup (L’Oréal), Vice President of Retail Stores, Operations, L&D and Visual Merchandising at Intermix (Gap Inc.), Senior Vice President, Head of Global Retail at Marc Jacobs International (LVMH), and Vice President of Retail Stores, North America at Tory Burch. Pressler began her career with a long tenure at Ralph Lauren, helping drive strategy and execution across the brand’s home and apparel divisions.

“I’ve always been drawn to brands that sit at the intersection of design, innovation, and performance, and Ultrafabrics does that beautifully,” says Pressler. “I really resonate with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, while still being deeply design-driven. It feels modern, forward-thinking, and aligned with where the residential and hospitality markets are headed. I’m excited to bring my retail and trade experience to a brand that has strong foundations, with tremendous runway for growth in the residential space.”

In her new role, Pressler will focus on clarifying Ultraleather’s residential positioning, deepening relationships within the design community, and ensuring partners across the channel feel supported with the tools, programs, and alignment needed to win. She will work closely with internal stakeholders to define success metrics, strengthen the go-to-market roadmap, and build a foundation for profitable, sustainable growth.

“Diane’s background scaling premium brands across retail, trade, and global markets makes her an exceptional addition to our team,” says Sergio Prosperino, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Brand at Ultrafabrics. “Her ability to translate strategy into execution, and to build the relationships and infrastructure that drive long-term growth, will be instrumental as we continue expanding Ultraleather’s presence in the residential space.”

To learn more about Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics, visit ultraleather.com. For additional information on Ultrafabrics, visit ultrafabricsinc.com.

Posted: March 16, 2026

Source: Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics

Thermore Introduces Ecodown Fibers T2T: The Thermal Insulation That Transforms Textile Waste Into Warmth

MILAN — March 11, 2026 — Thermore, a company in the thermal insulation sector for clothing, proudly announces the launch of Ecodown Fibers T2T, a free fiber insulation made from recycled polyester waste from the textile supply chain. For over 50 years, the Italy-based company has embedded environmental responsibility into every operational decision, directing its research toward recycled materials and solutions designed for greater efficiency and long-lasting performance.

Thermore® Ecodown Fibers T2T

With Thermore® Ecodown Fibers T2T, Thermore marks a major leap forward, reinforcing its leadership and unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future. This innovative free fiber allows for the recovery of textile polyester waste and its transformation into warm, high-performance insulation. Made from 100% recycled polyester fibers, this clever blend is a combination of 80% post-industrial textile waste and 20% post-consumer PET bottles. Unlike the downcycling that typically characterizes textile recovery, Ecodown Fibers T2T stands apart by delivering the same high quality of other Thermore products.

“I have personally coordinated the Thermore research group for years, and the theme of circularity and textile-to-textile has long been the subject of study by our team,” says Patrizio Siniscalchi, Managing Director of Thermore. “In fact, just as we pioneered the use of recycled fibers from PET bottles over 40 years ago, in recent years we have worked on the revaluation of textile waste. Ecodown Fibers T2T is already the second generation of padding we have produced using these important  resources.”

But sustainability is not the only strong point of this product. Ecodown Fibers T2T stands out for its high lofting and softness, guaranteeing optimal comfort. It’s also highly versatile and can be blown into baffles, placed inside panels, or applied by hand. Its structure is engineered to stay stable over time, minimizing clumping.

Ecodown Fibers T2T is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified, a standard that verifies the content of recycled materials and traceability along the production chain. It also holds Bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications, related to the control of chemical substances and compliance with rigorous criteria for product safety and health protection.

With this new product, Thermore once again wants to redefine the concept of responsible thermal insulation – no longer a simple technical element, but an integral part of a system where durability, performance, and resource efficiency become central design factors. Ecodown Fibers T2T represents an evolution for the world of fashion and sports, towards solutions where responsibility, performance, and style find a concrete balance.

Posted: March 16, 2026

Source: Thermore Group

KARL MAYER Believes In The Value Of Textiles And Is Opening A Textile Innovation Center

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — March 9, 2026 — KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry.

Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world. Its size, equipment and offerings are unique worldwide. With a floor space of 5,000 m², the TIC provides everything that makes development processes faster, more efficient and more successful.

TIC Showroom: Textiles & Applications

A spacious showroom brings textile visions to life. Its curated presentation of textile materials and applications opens up space for inspiration, encourages out-of-the-box thinking and fuels new ideas – bridging the gap between the conceivable, the possible and the feasible. Whether you are searching for initial ideas or have a specific development goal in mind, innovation starts here innovation starts here with fresh perspectives.

There is much to discover:

  • The latest samples from KARL MAYER’s textile product development range
  • Concept textiles and applications with real market potential
  • Trend collections straight from market scouting.

Everything is clearly structured into tried-and-tested textile categories: Fashion & Apparel, Sports Textiles, Footwear, Home Textiles and Technical Textiles.

At the opening, TIC visitors will be able to discover innovative solutions for the growing workwear sector – from protective clothing to stylish items for the office.

Inspirationhub: 90 Years of Textile Expertise

Why start from scratch when there is already a treasure trove to draw from? With its unique collection of patterns, KARL MAYER opens the doors to almost nine decades of textile development. The INSPIRATIONHUB is thus a creative catalyst – a place where the past becomes the foundation for the new.

Textile Machines: Customer Trials & New Developments

The TIC supports customers, brands and other textile players throughout their entire innovation process – from the initial idea to the near-series prototype.

A range of innovative machines for knitting, warp preparation and technical textiles is available to put ideas into practice.

This is where testing, trialing and further development take place, because ‘Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration’ means not just thinking up ideas, but making them possible, through:

  • Processing tests under real conditions
  • Production simulations with genuine practical relevance
  • Experiments to create new textile constructions and push technological boundaries

Machine equipment highlights include:

  • A small three-bar high-performance warp knitting machine with PLUS configuration and gauge E 14  that produces completely new warp knitted fabrics, including trendy shoe fabrics at HKS speed
  • A next-generation Raschel machine for the highly efficient production of shade netting
  • A modular fibre spreading set-up for new lightweight construction applications and solutions for the protection sector
  • A warp knitting machine with weft insertion that excels at high-precision and gentle hollow fibre processing
  • A high-performance machine for the sectional warping of performance materials

Top Experts: Expertise, Networks and a Genuine Spirit of Innovation

At the TIC, customers work side by side with KARL MAYER’s textile experts – and benefit from an extraordinary pool of experience, openness and innovativeness. As a team, the experts have decades of practical experience in a wide range of market segments – from Fashion & Apparel to Sports Textiles and highly specialised technical applications.

What sets them apart? They don’t think in terms of standards, but in terms of possibilities. With an open mindset, a strong focus on solutions and genuine enthusiasm for textile innovation, the experts at KARL MAYER support TIC partners in all their individual objectives.

They contribute not only in-depth material, process and machine expertise, but also a strong international network of fibre manufacturers, technology partners, institutes and brands. The experts are the heart and soul of the TIC.

Academy: Expertise for Professionals

The KARL MAYER Academy, which is well established in the market, has become part of the TIC and continues to offer a unique training programme. The training courses stand for sound expertise, the very highest quality and a clear focus on the requirements of everyday production. They are aimed at customer technicians, brand employees, in-house service technicians and students of textile-related subjects – and are characterised by their exceptionally high practical relevance. Here, theory is not just taught, but directly applied.

The combination of know-how, machine access and an innovative environment makes the Academy even more attractive.

KARL MAYER looks forward to presenting all these possibilities to customers, partners and the international trade press at the Textile Innovation Center in Obertshausen during the opening event week.

Save the date: 21 to 24 April 2026, Obertshausen – in parallel to Techtextil Frankfurt.

Pre-Registration at:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wN-xQvoWVUme0yq53uw9Hp6EVE41oPtGtA5BADYEQ1BUME1NQlczNDNSUVBOR0wxRTdBUkc1RDA0UC4u&route=shorturl

Posted: March 16, 2026

Source: KARL MAYER

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