Gastonia, N.C.-based Intrinsic Advanced Materials announced expanded adoption of CiCLO technology across performance apparel, outdoor and protective workwear as brands address microplastic fiber pollution.
CiCLO technology is embedded in polyester and nylon fibers during production, enabling the material to biodegrade at rates comparable to wool when exposed to seawater, soil or wastewater. According to the company, third-party lab studies show CiCLO fibers fully biodegrade in under four years compared to conventional fibers that remain intact.
New product launches include Fruit of the Loom’s Iconic Premium and Iconic 250 Sweats collections in Europe, ROFA’s MOVE EASY Workwear line and Black Diamond Equipment’s Rift Fleece collection in the United States.
“Integrating CiCLO technology into these collections allows us to introduce an ingredient innovation directly into core apparel categories,” said Christian Lanvermann, senior marketing manager for Fruit of the Loom Europe.
CiCLO fibers are available from certified manufacturers globally.
Spartanburg, S.C.-based Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, introduced Standard Issue, a unified pre-dyed option available in black on its fleece fabric platform. The technology will be rolled out across the Polartec portfolio and expanded based on market demand.
According to the company, brands independently order thousands of rolls of fleece in nearly identical black shades annually. Each variation requires its own dye batch, minimum order quantity and production setup, adding time and complexity without meaningful differentiation.
“Standard Issue invites the industry to consider a shared alternative to producing countless variations of a visually identical color like black,” said Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president at Milliken & Company and business leader for Polartec.
“By providing brands with a consistent, ready-to-use color option, we are helping design teams move from concept to production more efficiently,” added Karen Beattie, director of product management at Polartec.
Trevose, Pa.-based Penn Emblem Company received the 2026 Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Innovation Award for its glow-in-the-dark silicone emblem technology.
The award-winning design, the Centurion FR Silicone on Glow-in-the-Dark, combined advanced silicone molding, intricate detail and functional low-light visibility. According to NAUMD, the emblem “pushes the frontier of emblem design” by combining “detailed FR logo artistry with a functional glow-in-the-dark silicone backing.”
“Silicone has been dominating the emblem market for the past few years, so our goal was to take it to the next level,” said Rich Hirsh while accepting the award on behalf of Penn Emblem. “Seeing it go from concept to a finished product and now to this stage is incredibly rewarding for our whole team.”
The company’s silicone emblems feature embossed 3D dimension, waterproof flexibility and wear resistance for uniforms, promotional products and branded apparel.
LYCRA® VintageFX delivers the authentic look of heritage denim with the comfort and fit that customers expect from stretch denim.Wilmington, Del.-based LYCRA Company announced the global launch of LYCRA VintageFX fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam, April 15-16. The fiber delivers the look of vintage denim in modern silhouettes while providing comfort, fit and shape retention.
Designed for denim and woven fabrics, LYCRA VintageFX fiber enables brands and mills to recreate rigid, heritage-inspired looks without sacrificing recovery, durability or comfort. The fiber addresses challenges in wide-leg, flares, boyfriend and mom jeans, particularly in the waist, hips and crotch.
“For brands and garment makers, its dual-core yarn construction, low growth and high recovery open new design possibilities,” said Ebru Ozaydin, product category director for denim and ready-to-wear at LYCRA Company.
Engineered with a proprietary fabric application, LYCRA VintageFX fiber works with LYCRA fiber in a dual-core structure. During finishing, the fiber shrinks under heat, controlling elastic extension and delivering enhanced shape retention.
Tokyo-based Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. announced it has developed a stretch polyester yarn offering compatibility with high-performance polyester materials for sports and outdoor wear.
According to the company, its proprietary polymer design and spinning technology impart elasticity to the yarn, adding stretchability and recovery to high-performance polyester materials. The yarn’s elasticity derives from polymer design and spinning control technology rather than yarn structure, providing soft stretchability and shape stability with recovery comparable to polyurethane-based elastic fibers.
The yarn enables development of 100% polyester textiles that maintain advanced functions including moisture absorption, quick drying and durable water repellency. The all-polyester composition also simplifies recycling.
Teijin Frontier plans to combine the yarn with high-performance polyester materials in textiles for sportswear, casual wear and innerwear. The company will begin selling to domestic and overseas markets in 2027, targeting annual sales of 100,000 meters in fiscal 2027 and 500,000 meters in fiscal 2029.
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio-based Americhem Inc. announced the launch of nDryve, a PFAS-free, in-melt surface-modifying technology platform designed to deliver durable multi-fluid repellency against alcohol and other low-surface-energy fluids in fiber systems.
As global regulations accelerate the phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), manufacturers face pressure to maintain barrier performance without fluorinated chemistries. nDryve integrates directly into the polymer during melt processing, embedding surface-modifying functionality within the fiber matrix rather than relying on removable finishes.
“Evolving global PFAS regulations are reshaping how manufacturers evaluate barrier and surface performance technologies,” said Matt Miklos, vice president of corporate strategy and marketing at Americhem. “nDryve provides a PFAS-free pathway that aligns performance with emerging regulatory expectations.”
The technology is optimized for polyolefin and engineering fiber systems including PP, PET and PA6 for applications such as medical fibers, apparel, hygiene materials and industrial protective fabrics.
Remscheid, Germany/ Yangzhou, China-based Barmag Huitong (Yangzhou) Engineering Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Barmag, commissioned the first continuous polymerization plant for polyamide 6 in China’s Zhejiang province.
Following a construction and commissioning phase, the plant began production at the end of 2025. According to the company, 20 metric tons of high-quality polyamide 6 are produced daily with significantly reduced energy consumption. The material is processed into filament yarn for textile applications via a direct spinning facility.
The joint venture between German chemical fiber plant manufacturer Barmag and Chinese chemical plant specialist Huitong has further developed the classic two-reactor technology, making it competitive and establishing the concept as an option for future PA6 direct spinning. Barmag Huitong Engineering is working on process and equipment innovations to increase plant efficiency while promoting sustainable development of the nylon industry chain.
UNIFI®, Makers of REPREVE®, introduces Luxel™: a linen-inspired, easy-care performance yarnGreensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc., maker of REPREVE recycled yarn, announced the launch of Luxel, a yarn technology that combines the look and feel of linen with performance features and recycled materials.
Luxel captures the natural look and feel of linen while offering moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistance and odor control. The technology is built into the yarn and is suited for apparel, footwear, home furnishings, workwear and accessories.
Luxel is made with REPREVE recycled polyester yarn, including 30% REPREVE Takeback, which incorporates textile waste.
“We developed this yarn to provide designers and manufacturers with a product that delivers the premium look and tactile appeal of linen but delivering on enhanced benefits of easy care, durability and sustainability,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI.
Dr. Andreas RapsCEO Dr. Andreas Raps outlines growth strategy, portfolio management and sustainability initiatives shaping Freudenberg Performance Materials.
By James M. Borneman, Editor In Chief
Weinheim, Germany-based Freudenberg Group is a family-owned company operating in 60 countries, with more than 51,000 employees and 2025 sales of more than 11.7 billion euros, roughly $13.9 billion.
Freudenberg Group’s portfolio includes seals, filtration, technical textiles, specialty chemicals, medical products and cleaning technologies, among others. Freudenberg & Co. KG is Freudenberg Group’s strategic parent company and Freudenberg SE serves as the corporate parent overseeing business operations.
Freudenberg Performance Materials is Freudenberg Group’s specialist in nonwovens and technical textiles. The company reports that it operates 35 locations in 14 countries.
Widely known for Evolon, its proprietary microfilament textile platform used in technical and industrial applications, as well as other branded technical textile platforms such as Colback, Dripstop, Enka Solutions and Lutradur, Freudenberg Performance Materials develops and manufactures nonwovens and technical textiles for markets including apparel, automotive, building materials, energy, filtration, health care, footwear and specialty applications.
Dr. Andreas Raps was appointed CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials on Jan. 1, 2024. He previously held several executive positions at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, starting in 2004 and most recently as CEO of the global Special Sealing Division, which has 17 manufacturing sites worldwide.
From 2016 to 2024, Dr. Raps was CEO of EagleBurgmann, a joint venture between the EKK Group of Japan and the Freudenberg Group.
Before joining Freudenberg, Dr. Raps worked for management consulting firms in Boston, Munich and Zurich. He holds an MBA from the University of Passau and earned a PhD in business administration with a thesis on strategy implementation. Dr. Raps has also been a member of the Freudenberg SE Executive Council since 2020.
Recently, Dr. Raps sat down with the editors of Textile World to discuss his vision of Freudenberg Performance Materials’ many innovations, the management of a complex product portfolio and the company’s commitment to future-oriented, sustainable technical textiles.
Textile World: Dr Raps, Freudenberg Performance Materials’ size, complexity and international footprint must present significant demands, what do you perceive as the most challenging aspect?
Dr. Andreas Raps: The biggest challenge is finding the right balance between global consistency and local responsibility. At Freudenberg Performance Materials, we operate worldwide, but our customers and markets are very specific. That’s why we set clear global standards for aspects like quality, safety and performance, while empowering our regional teams to adapt solutions locally.
Secondly, collaboration is critical. We actively connect customers, R&D and Operations early on. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Cross-functional teams and standardized development processes help us turn ideas into reliable solutions.
Finally, our Guiding Principles give us orientation. Principles like Customer Value, Innovation, Responsibility and Long-term Orientation are deeply rooted at Freudenberg and actively lived today. They help us stay stable, adaptable and trusted – by our customers and by our people.
TW: How do you prioritize opportunities across people, products and markets?
Dr. Raps: For us, it always starts with people. We invest strongly in developing our employees and in creating a culture where responsibility, collaboration and entrepreneurship are encouraged.
Our global talent management is very systematic because opportunities only become reality when people are empowered to act.
On the product side, close collaboration with customers is key. Innovation happens when we combine material science expertise with deep application and market understanding. International and cross-functional teamwork ensures that good ideas move quickly from concept to real impact.
In terms of markets, we continuously observe regional trends and emerging applications. Market responsibility is largely decentralized, which allows us to respond fast to local opportunities, while still leveraging the strength and scale of our global network.
TW: Many people speak about innovation, but how do you create and propagate a culture of innovation? How do you support it? What barriers impede it?
Some of the many technical textile solutions by Freudenberg Performance Materials include (clockwise from upper left) Evolon® packing; Tacnera® silicone foam dressings; Dripstop® condensation control; and Filtura® air filtration.Dr. Raps: Innovation at Freudenberg Performance Materials is not a buzzword — it’s anchored in our Guiding Principles and starts with real customer needs. We empower teams, encourage local decision making, and at the same time connect people globally through ONE FPM. ONE FPM is our shared way of working that breaks down silos and connects people, functions and regions worldwide to focus consistently on customer value and long-term success.
Leadership plays a central role. We lead based on trust, responsibility and clear direction. Cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration is actively supported and manufacturing expertise is an integral part of innovation, from the first idea all the way to industrial scale.
Of course, there are barriers. Our size and complexity can slow things down, so we work continuously on simplifying structures.
Risk aversion can also be an obstacle. We address this by encouraging learning, experimentation and — maybe most importantly — trust. And regarding silo thinking, ONE FPM helps us overcome it.
TW: How do you understand such a diverse product portfolio? How do you manage it and keep each product responsive, or even leading in its respective market segment?
Dr. Raps: We organize our portfolio around customer applications, not around internal technologies. That keeps us close to real market needs.
Every three years, we run a structured strategic planning process, including technology roadmaps. Each product area has clear ownership, a defined strategy and a clear customer value proposition.
Application expertise is crucial here. It keeps us connected to the realities of each segment. At the same time, our matrix organization and corporate functions ensure coordination and alignment across the company.
TW: With such a large footprint and capabilities, how do you drive synergies across products and processes within the company?
Dr. Raps: ONE FPM is the central enabler. Shared technology platforms allow us to reuse solutions and accelerate development.
Global manufacturing and process standards help ensure consistent quality and scalability. In addition, joint development projects across sites and structured knowledge transfer are part of our daily work.
Corporate functions support this coordination, but real synergies come from people collaborating openly across functions and regions.
TW: How do you stay on top of the future opportunities these products serve and beyond current markets?
Dr. Raps: Our sales teams continuously analyze how customer requirements, applications, and technologies are evolving. We look at new growth markets, strengthen local for local approaches, and advance circular economy concepts.
At the same time, we are very disciplined in focusing our resources on healthy and promising areas. This means avoiding tying up capacity in markets with declining demand, and freeing up investment for future-oriented solutions.
TW: The manufacture of nonwovens and technical textiles is an intensely technical business. How do developments, refinement of processes and innovation proliferate among Freudenberg’s divisions, sites and members?
Dr. Raps: International collaboration is part of our daily routine. Development expertise is bundled in global development teams, and production sites continuously share best practices under unified quality standards.
Dedicated process engineers run both local and global projects to improve our assets. This ensures that improvements and innovations are spread across the entire organization.
TW: Dr. Raps, how do you combine the company’s overarching goals with developing a product from concept to market?
Dr. Raps: Sustainability is a good example, and currently a challenging one.
That’s why we focus on applications where sustainability delivers a clear functional and economic benefit. One example is plant propagation systems.
Our nonwoven paper pots are designed to remain in the soil, eliminating removal and disposal steps. They are made from 100% bio-based PLA and wood pulp, without chemical binders, combining functionality, ease-of-use and environmental benefits.
TW: How do you balance internal process innovation with customerdriven innovation? Does innovation take many different paths?
Dr. Raps: We aim for a healthy and balanced innovation portfolio.
As said, we develop solutions that are clearly market driven, where we see a concrete customer need and strong long-term potential. At the same time, we are deliberately pursuing technology push approaches, which usually take more time and involve higher risks. They can also lead to strong differentiation.
Our Evolon is a good example of that. It’s a unique microfilament textile that combines extremely fine fibers into a strong, breathable and versatile material for demanding industrial and consumer applications.
Both paths are important.
TW: As a global manufacturer, what challenges lay ahead and how do you strategically prepare for them?
Dr. Raps: Sustainability is a major challenge. Our goal is CO2 neutrality by 2045, which requires further development of our energy-intensive processes, reducing energy consumption and transitioning to green energy.
Digitalization and automation are another key area. We focus on replacing safety-critical and ergonomically-demanding tasks, scaling successful solutions globally.
For example, at our Emmen site in the Netherlands, automated guided vehicles and robotics now handle heavy, repetitive tasks. This improves safety, productivity and product quality, giving people more time for quality critical work.
Overall, we aim to actively shape the market, guided by a strong customer perspective and long-term orientation.
TW: The topic of AI seems to enter every conversation. How will AI impact Freudenberg Performance Materials?
Dr. Raps: I see AI as a strategic enabler. It can make processes more efficient, sharpen demand analysis and accelerate innovation. But AI must be implemented responsibly. People development is at the core. We qualify our employees to use new technologies effectively.
TW: How do you foster the company’s commitment to future-oriented, sustainable technical textiles?
Dr. Raps: Sustainability is deeply rooted in our values and history. Today, it is firmly embedded in our strategy and increasingly demanded by our customers. Dedicated structures like our sustainability governance ensure that this commitment is translated into concrete action across the organization.
Our goal is to enable our customers to meet their own sustainability responsibilities through high-performance materials.
Malmö, Sweden-based Polygiene announced the launch of Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0, a next-generation odor capture technology designed to reduce odors in apparel and textiles through a non-metal capture mechanism.
Building on the original Polygiene OdorCrunch technology, OdorCrunch2.0 delivers enhanced odor absorption performance across a wider range of fabrics, including lightweight 100% polyester, blended constructions and natural fibers. The technology captures environmental odor molecules within the textile structure, preventing them from being released during wear.
Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 is heavy-metal free and uses an odor capture mechanism that retains odor molecules without compromising fabric comfort, breathability, appearance, or performance. The technology can be integrated into existing finishing processes, including padding and exhaust application methods.
According to the company, OdorCrunch2.0 provides high odor reduction in accordance with ISO 17299-3. The technology is suited to textile items that are not easily or frequently washed, such as garments requiring dry cleaning or specialist care. The technology contains no heavy metals, no PFAS and its biodegradability properties are under testing.
