Atlas Introduces Next-Gen Ci3000 Weather-Ometer®

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — October 8, 2025 — Atlas has officially launched the next-generation Ci3000 Weather-Ometer®, featuring nearly double the sample capacity, enhanced irradiance and temperature uniformity, a redesigned NextGen Ci user interface, and a sleek new exterior finish with integrated chamber lighting — all engineered to deliver more consistent and efficient testing across global labs. The upgraded system streamlines test setup, method selection, and day-to-day operation while building on the performance that has made the Ci-Series a trusted tool for plastics, coatings, and automotive OEMs.

Ci3000 Weather-Ometer®

A benchmark instrument for accelerated weathering and lightfastness testing, the Ci3000 is the most compact and cost-effective rotating-rack xenon arc unit in Atlas’s Weather-Ometer lineup (alongside Ci4400 and Ci5000). It reproduces years of outdoor exposure in weeks through controlled cycles of xenon light, heat, moisture, and spray.

“The Ci3000 has earned its place in labs worldwide by producing accurate, repeatable weathering data,” said Chelsea Todd, Product Marketing Manager at Atlas. “With these updates, customers gain higher throughput, wider test coverage, and improved stability – without losing the dependability they trust.”

Expanded sample capacity with improved uniformity

A new two-tier rotating rack nearly doubles sample capacity (from 20 to 38). Its redesigned airflow system delivers best-in-class, tier-to-tier uniformity across test parameters — an advantage for comparative and multi-client programs.

Wider irradiance range and stability

The next-gen Ci3000 introduces a widened irradiance range, enabling both high- and low-level test methods to be run directly, without additional modification. Controlled irradiance technology provides greater precision and repeatability, while advanced algorithms hold irradiance and temperature steady across varying lab conditions. These updates expand the instrument’s testing capabilities and improve reproducibility.

Simplified control and connectivity

The updated NextGen Ci user interface features a larger, high-contrast touchscreen for direct control of irradiance, temperature, humidity, and spray. Built-in notifications and multi-language support streamline daily operation. With WXView® II software, users can remotely monitor instruments, compare results across sites, archive data, and standardize workflows across facilities.

Automated environmental stability

SmartDamper™ technology provides advanced control of black panel temperatures (BPT/BST) and chamber temperature. This helps maintain tight, repeatable conditions and compensates for ambient fluctuations, supporting more reliable results across extended test runs.

Smarter, more efficient operation

A newly designed DI water cooling system improves lamp safety, efficiency, and reliability. The optional LiquiAir™ recirculating DI system can reduce tap-water use by up to 100%. A stacked indicator light clarifies test status at a glance.

Refreshed industrial design

The Ci3000 introduces a new exterior design in line with Atlas’s new design direction. A built-in chamber light makes lamp changes, cleaning, and maintenance easier.

Comprehensive standards coverage

The Ci3000 provides 14 factory pre-programmed methods, with space for 12 custom programs and sub-cycle capability. Its broadened irradiance range supports a wider range of test methods, and it conforms to current ISO, ASTM, SAE, Ford, GM, JASO, and other major global standards for weathering and lightfastness.

The Ci3000 will be on display at K-2025 in Düsseldorf, October 8–15, Hall 10 / D27.

For more information, visit atlas-mts.com

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: Atlas Material Testing Technology – Atlas MTS

Lenzing, Mill Partners Introduce Next-Gen Denim Possibilities With New TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 Fiber Innovation At Kingpins

LENZING, Austria — October 9, 2025 — When Kingpins Amsterdam opens its doors next week, the global denim community will witness Lenzing unveil a special denim showcase featuring a curated selection of key pieces made with TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 fibers in collaboration with various leading mill partners.

Featuring a wide range of denim styles from bottoms to tops in light and dark washes, the collection shows how this collaborative fiber innovation brings versatility to both everyday staples and elevated statement pieces.

Engineering authenticity through innovation

The challenge seemed paradoxical: how to engineer imperfection that looks natural? With Variocut technology, the fibers create natural irregularities and a matte finish, paired with a soft hand feel and reduced drape fluidity, delivering the authentic, premium look designers and brands seek while opening new creative and functional possibilities for denim:

  • Textured look — authentic denim wash down performance with a soft, natural hand feel;
  • Matte finishing and opaque aesthetic; and
  • Natural softness paired with a reduced drape fluidity.

“With the introduction of TENCEL Lyocell – HV100, we are reaching a new milestone in denim innovation. This new development delivers the authentic wash-down performance and opaque, matte aesthetics of a genuine denim, while maintaining the sustainability advantages of TENCEL fibers¹,². TENCEL Lyocell – HV100 also enables new design expressions with textured surfaces and a natural, comforting softness — opening fresh possibilities for denim creators worldwide,” explained Tuncay Kılıçkan, head of Global Business Development, Denim at Lenzing.

Adriano Goldschmied, the industry known “Godfather of Denim”, shared his vision on why authentic texture and new fiber solutions are vital for the future of denim: “I was truly excited to see how Lenzing’s new TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 expands the creative horizon for TENCEL™. Its evolution brings the fiber closer to the essence of heritage denim, with a richer, more intense uptake of indigo dye – deep, soulful, and beautifully authentic. All of this, while preserving the signature softness and drape we love in TENCEL™. In my view, it bridges the core denim look with the elevated hand feel that defines modern comfort.”

Amy Wang, general manager, Advance Denim: “Driven by the passion for Lenzing’s products, I often incorporate TENCEL fibers across our denim fabric designs. I have long sought a fiber that combines all the benefits of TENCEL with the natural feel of cotton – previously a major challenge for Lenzing. Now, they have delivered TENCEL Lyocell – HV100, which perfectly achieves the effect I envisioned.”

Hasan Javed, executive director, AGI Denim: “For us, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 means striking the right balance between authenticity, comfort and sustainability; it’s helping us meet the evolving customer needs, whilst pushing the boundaries of conscious fashion.”

Oktay Okuroglu, head of Sales, Marketing and Product Development Director, ORTA: “When I saw the TENCEL Lyocell – HV100 results, I said ‘we did it’ – It wasn’t grey, it wasn’t shiny, and it reacted to the indigo dyeing and washing exactly like cotton. To the eye, you cannot tell the difference; to the touch, you feel the softness and the comfort which you cannot get from a 14 oz cotton fabric.”

Juan Pares, President of Textil Santanderina Group: “At Santanderina Group, we’ve been working side by side with Lenzing for over 35 years, together with developing textile solutions that push boundaries and set new standards. That is why we are proud to be part of this new launch. TENCEL Lyocell – HV100 is more than a fiber; it is a step forward in performance, sustainability, and innovation. At Santanderina Group we are excited for what’s next, because it’s the future of textiles we’ll build together. Thanks, Lenzing, for giving us possibilities for the future with new innovations and new fibers.”

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: The Lenzing Group

CEP Running Appoints Marc Sylvester As National Specialty Sales Manager

DURHAM, N.C. — October 8, 2025 — CEP Running, the performance compression brand built on medical-grade compression technology, today announces the appointment of Marc Sylvester as National Specialty sales manager. Sylvester will lead CEP Running’s U.S. sales strategy, across run specialty and strategic retail partners, with the mission to support the brand’s growth in compression socks, sleeves, performance apparel and footwear.

Marc Sylvester

As part of CEP Running’s ongoing commitment to the specialty channel, the brand continues to invest in the people and resources that fuel growth and strengthen retail partnerships. In this role, Sylvester will build on that commitment by driving sell-through through best-in-class education, enhancing category storytelling at retail, and deepening CEP Running’s relationships with leading run-specialty accounts.

Sylvester brings more than a decade of run-specialty, brand, and channel leadership experience, paired with an extensive background as a competitive runner, coach, and community builder. A fixture in the running community, Sylvester has served runners from every facet of running — starting as a collegiate runner to becoming a fitter and gait-analysis specialist, then advancing into territory sales, retail marketing, and brand-side leadership roles. He has built programs for sell-in and sell-through, led product education clinics, and partnered with high school, collegiate, and club teams to elevate performance and recovery. His background includes work with leading performance brands and specialty retailers, spanning route-to-market strategy, account service, and event activation.

“Marc is a runner’s runner who speaks the language of performance and understands the heartbeat of the run-specialty channel,” said Torrie Jackson, vice president of CEP Running. “His track record in footwear and performance retail, combined with authentic
credibility among athletes, coaches, and store teams, makes him the ideal leader to scale CEP Running’s next phase of growth.”

Sylvester will lead a close-knit team of both internal and independent sales reps nationwide to support run specialty with new product introductions, as well as retail and consumer education around the performance benefits of medical-grade compression, including improved circulation, reduced muscle vibration, and accelerated recovery. In addition, he will expand strategic partnerships across teams, coaches, and race organizations to connect CEP’s product benefits directly to athlete outcomes.

“Compression is a competitive advantage when it’s done right—grounded in science, proven in training, and trusted on race day,” Sylvester explained. “I’m excited to expand CEP’s footprint with dealers who value education, measurable performance, and a closer connection to their running communities.”

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: CEP Running

Haelixa Adds Physical Proof To Digital Supply Chain Data With TextileGenesis

ZURICH/PARIS — October 8, 2025 — In a significant advancement for supply chain transparency, TextileGenesis has introduced a new feature in its advanced digital traceability solution, the Fiber-to-Retail (FTR) module, enabling suppliers to upload Haelixa DNA/Forensic Traceability Certificates via a dedicated dropdown menu: ‘DNA/Forensic Traceability Certificate’. This integration bridges the gap between physical and digital traceability, offering brands and suppliers a unified platform to verify material authenticity from source to retail.

The textile industry continues to face growing risks of fiber adulteration, blending, and fraudulent claims, particularly when it comes to premium materials such as organic cotton, recycled fibers, cashmere and other high-value fibers. By combining Haelixa’s forensic DNA markers, which are embedded directly into the fiber, with TextileGenesis’ blockchain-inspired digital chain of custody, this integration enables a multi-layered traceability system, providing irrefutable scientific evidence alongside transparent, tamper-proof digital records.

“Traceability must go beyond trust — it must be verifiable,” said Gediminas Mikutis, founder and CTO of Haelixa. “By embedding natural DNA markers at the fiber level, we offer forensic proof of origin. When paired with TextileGenesis’ digital platform, brands gain unprecedented visibility and assurance over the authenticity of their materials throughout the supply chain.”

“Supply chain transparency demands both depth and integrity,” adds Amit Gautam, Founder & CEO of TextileGenesis. “This integration with Haelixa is a powerful example of how digital and physical traceability methods can complement one another. It allows brands to consolidate all traceability data, transactional, certified, and forensic, into a single, trusted system of record.”

As global regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize evidence-based sustainability claims, this collaboration supports brands and suppliers in strengthening their traceability infrastructure, reducing compliance risks, and reinforcing consumer trust through authenticated data and science-backed proof of origin.

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: Haelixa / TextileGenesis, A Lectra Company

Custom Apparel Pioneer Accelerates Growth With Kornit Atlas MAX POLY To Replace Screen Printing In Sportswear

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel — October 6, 2025 — Kornit Digital Ltd. announced today that Printeez, Inc. is the latest custom apparel leader to transition production volumes from screen printing to high-quality, on-demand digital production with Kornit Atlas MAX POLY systems.

Printeez, headquartered in Quebec, service brands, creators, franchises, and sports teams across North America. Specializing in polyester and blended blanks, the company delivers vibrant apparel for professional sports, nonprofits, and top eCommerce sites without minimum order constraints. Its on-demand infrastructure enables rapid order-to-delivery, scalability, and retail-grade quality at speed.

Following its initial investment in two Atlas MAX POLY systems earlier this year, Printeez has now expanded to four — virtually eliminating reliance on traditional screen printing. With Kornit at the center of its production, Printeez is cutting labor costs, reducing manual steps, and accelerating turnaround for customers.

“Printeez was born out of a passion to disrupt and transform the future of the apparel industry,” said Shawn Sckoropad, founder and CEO at Printeez. “Our mission is to build a true retail-grade print-on-demand solution for individuals and major brands alike. Kornit gives us the technology to realize this vision. Together, we’re building our U.S.-based production facility and scaling our platform to serve more than 10,000 users.”

“The sports and apparel industry is under tremendous pressure to deliver rapid turnaround with a retail-like experience,” said Ilan Elad, president of the Americas at Kornit Digital. “Too often, they remain tied to outdated screen technology. With Kornit, companies like Printeez are meeting demand with the speed, customization, and quality today’s market requires — especially in the growing sportswear segment where polyester dominates.”

He continued, “We’re proud to support young entrepreneurs and family-based businesses like Printeez focusing on quality and quick turnaround. Together we’re streamlining labor costs and more quickly achieving their vision of becoming THE premium platform for modern brands.”

Posted: October 9, 2025

Source: Kornit Digital

ITMF Announces Winners Of The ITMF Start-Up Award 2025

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 8, 2025 — The winners of the ITMF Start-up Awards 2025 will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2025 which will be held October 24-25 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and will be co-hosted by the Indonesia Textile Industry Association (API).

The objectives of the ITMF Start-up Awards are to provide start-ups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and to offer them the possibility to meet in-person with well-established companies from the entire textile value chain.

The 5 winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2025 are (in alphabetical order):

  • Ambercycle, USA: https://www.ambercycle.com/
    • A Bridge to the Future – Building Circularity at Scale
  • aweXome Ray (Korea): https://awexomeray.com/
    • CNT Fiber Innovation – From Dream Material to Industrial Reality
  • BYBORRE (Netherlands): https://byborre.com/
    • The Last Industry to be Digitized
  • Silana (Austria): https://www.silana.com/
    • From Offshor to On-Demand – How Robotics is Reshaping Fashion Manufacturing
  • ZymoChem (USA): https://www.zymochem.com/
    • Commercialization of Biobased Nylon 66

Posted: October 8, 2025

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

NRF: Monthly Imports Expected To Drop Below 2 Million TEU As Tariffs Continue To Rise

WASHINGTON — October 8, 2025 — With most holiday merchandise already on hand and tariffs continuing to rise, monthly import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to fall below the 2 million TEU mark for the remainder of the year, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This year’s peak season has come and gone, largely due to retailers frontloading imports ahead of reciprocal tariffs taking effect,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “New sectoral tariffs continue to be announced, but most retailers are well-stocked for the holiday season and doing as much as they can to shield their customers from the costs of tariffs for as long as they can.”

The latest tariffs — 25 percent on upholstered furniture regardless of country and the same rate on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities — are set to take effect next week and increase in January. And a tariff increase on imports from China that was delayed by 90 days in August is scheduled to go into effect November 10, unless a deal is reached or President Donald Trump decides on another delay.

“Ongoing volatility in U.S. tariff policy is creating significant economic uncertainty, with trade volumes expected to see unpredictable shifts over the next four to six months,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “Many large companies preemptively imported goods to build up inventories, but as those stockpiles are depleted, the full inflationary impact of the tariffs will become apparent.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.32 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in August. That was down 2.9 percent from July’s 2.39 million TEU — the peak month for the year — but up 0.1 percent year over year.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for September, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.12 million TEU, down 6.8 percent year over year.

October is forecast at 1.97 million TEU, down 12.3 percent year over year, and November at 1.75 million TEU, down 19.2 percent. December is forecast at 1.72 million TEU, down 19.4 percent year over year for the slowest month since 1.62 million TEU in March 2023.

While the falling monthly totals are related to tariffs, the year-over-year percentage declines are both because of this year’s early peak season and because imports in late 2024 were elevated by concerns over port strikes.

The first half of 2025 totaled 12.53 million TEU, up 3.7 percent year over year. The full year is forecast at 24.79 million TEU, down 2.9 percent from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

January 2026 is forecast at 1.87 million TEU, down 16.1 percent year over year, and February 2026 is forecast at 1.77 million TEU, down 12.8 percent.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: October 8, 2025

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Phifer Announces The Acquisition Of Indiana Coated Fabrics Located In Warsaw, Ind.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — October 7, 2025 — Phifer Inc. —a manufacturer of precision-engineered textiles and wire products based in Tuscaloosa, Ala. — is pleased to announce the acquisition of all of the assets of Indiana Coated Fabrics (ICF), headquartered in Warsaw, Ind. The acquisition strengthens Phifer’s position in the coated and laminated fabrics market while expanding its portfolio and manufacturing capabilities.

Indiana Coated Fabrics will continue to operate independently under its current name and management team. All existing operations and customer relationships will remain in place, ensuring continuity and stability for customers, employees, and partners.

“ICF has built a strong reputation in the industry for quality and innovation in coated and laminated fabrics. Our teams are working closely to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the positive, productive experience you have come to rely on,” said Reese Brooks, CEO at Phifer. “We appreciate your continued trust and support and look forward to serving you in new and exciting ways as we embark on this next chapter together.”

“There is no company I would trust more to carry forward Indiana Coated Fabrics’ legacy of quality, attentive service, and dedication to our employees,” said Tim Foster, president of Indiana Coated Fabrics. “Phifer is a respected global leader in our industry, and we are deeply honored to become part of their exceptional team. We look forward with optimism to a bright and successful future together.”

The acquisition brings together Phifer’s manufacturing excellence and global infrastructure with ICF’s technical focus and product customization strengths. Both companies are deeply committed to U.S.-based manufacturing and share a culture of innovation, quality, and customer focus. Together, they are poised to accelerate product development, enhance service capabilities, and expand into new markets.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Phifer Incorporated

Standard Textile And Accor Announce Launch Of Mascioni Hotel Collection At Luxury Properties Worldwide

CINCINNATI — October 7, 2025 — Luxury hospitatlity brand Accor and Standard Textile Co. Inc. today announced a strategic partnership to provide Mascioni Hotel Collection as the preferred luxury linen provider for a selection of Accor’s luxury brands: Fairmont, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, and MGallery Collection. This exciting partnership will encompass over 350 properties worldwide.

The Mascioni Hotel Collection is a hallmark of elegance, offering bespoke linens for the finest hotels worldwide.

Accor and Mascioni Hotel Collection have collaborated to craft an exclusive collection of bed and bath linens, meticulously designed to significantly enhance the luxury experience for hotel guests by enveloping them in unparalleled comfort and refined elegance. The bedding collection features products made with premium cotton, offering superior softness and durability. Each Accor luxury brand featuring Mascioni Hotel Collection linens will tailor the collaboration to its unique identity: Sofitel and Sofitel Legend will reflect classic French elegance, MGallery Collection will offer modern twist design, and Fairmont will showcase refined luxury.

“Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are always welcoming, approachable and authentic, creating a space where guests feel at home while experiencing something extraordinary,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont. “Our collaboration with Mascioni Hotel Collection is a true testament to our shared commitment of excellence.”

Accor and Mascioni Hotel Collection have collaborated to craft an exclusive collection of bed and bath linens, meticulously designed to significantly enhance the luxury experience for hotel guests.

“Sofitel and MGallery are very proud to partner with Mascioni Hotel Collection, integrating our luxury offerings with the pinnacle of Italian textile artistry,” said Maud Bailly, CEO, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “This strategic collaboration redefines in room elegance and comfort, delivering a truly exceptional guest experience globally.”

The Mascioni Hotel Collection is a linen brand exclusively dedicated to the hospitality market. With Italian origins dating back to 1957, the brand was acquired by Standard Textile, a global leader in hospitality, in 2018. Today, Mascioni Hotel Collection is a hallmark of elegance, offering bespoke linens for the finest hotels worldwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with Accor,” said Gary Heiman, CEO of Standard Textile. “Accor’s luxury portfolio epitomizes sophistication, innovation, and personalized experiences, which aligns perfectly with the brand values of Mascioni Hotel Collection. This partnership allows us to create something truly special, setting a new standard in luxury.”

As part of Standard Textile’s and Accor’s commitment to sustainability and guest well-being, the Mascioni Hotel Collection proudly carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. This certification ensures that every product in the collection is free from harmful chemicals and is safe for both guests and the environment.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Standard Textile

Milliken & Company Launches Millad ClearX™ 9000: The Clear Choice For Polypropylene

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 7, 2025 — Milliken & Company proudly announced the launch of Millad ClearX™ 9000, the next generation clarifying technology for polypropylene (PP) developed to deliver ultra-clear transparency at reduced additive loading levels.

Millad ClearX™ 9000, Milliken’s next generation clarifying technology for polypropylene (PP), delivers ultra-clear transparency at reduced additive loading levels.

Ideal for food packaging, home storage, and medical applications, Millad ClearX 9000 sets a new standard for value, aesthetics, and operational efficiency in transparent PP applications.

Building on the proven Millad® platform, Millad ClearX 9000 provides manufacturers with an advanced solution that:

  • Achieves ultra-clear PP using more efficient loading levels, reducing the amount of clarifying additives needed.
  • Lowers extraction and migration rates in PP packaging and parts—critical for food-contact and medical applications.
  • Improves processing compatibility compared to prior generations, supporting enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Eliminates the need for segregated virgin and PCR resin streams, enabling greater composition flexibility.

“Millad ClearX 9000 is a breakthrough for the polypropylene industry, delivering ultra-clear transparency with less clarifying additive and greater flexibility for our customers,” said Wim Van De Velde, senior vice president and managing director of Milliken’s plastic additives business. “This launch reflects Milliken’s ongoing commitment to advancing material science and helping our partners meet evolving market demands.”

Millad ClearX 9000 has broad FDA conditions of use approval (A-J), opening doors for its use across a wide spectrum of food-contact applications. By enhancing additive compatibility, it helps resin producers and converters experience less downtime, less waste, and quicker changeovers—delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing efficiency. The technology also allows for improved compatibility with other Millad clarifying agents, giving producers the flexibility to optimize formulations for both virgin and post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP, supporting sustainability initiatives.

“Our team developed Millad ClearX 9000 to address the growing need for clarity and efficiency in polypropylene applications,” said Bhavesh Gandhi, Global Product Line manager of Milliken’s plastic additives business. “By reducing additive loading and migration rates, we’re helping our customers create products that are not only visually appealing but also meet the highest standards for food and medical use.”

Milliken, through its Millad platform, pioneered the application of clarifying agents to create transparent PP parts and packaging incorporating PCR content, and the company’s latest clarifying technology builds on that legacy. To learn more about Millad ClearX™ 9000, visit milliken.com.

Posted: October 7, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company

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