GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 6, 2025 — Unifi, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today launched Fortisyn™, an abrasion-resistant yarn engineered for ultimate durability in tactical applications. This innovative yarn provides fabrics with enhanced tear and tensile strength, offering a robust solution for military and first responder uniforms and tactical gear. Fortisyn is available made-in-USA for Berry Amendment compliant applications.
Fabrics containing Fortisyn can withstand exposure to harsh elements and rough handling while maintaining their form, function, and appearance over time. Fortisyn is available in nylon 6,6 and REPREVE® Nylon, a recycled type 6, circular nylon made from post-industrial yarn waste.
“In collaboration with mills and strategic partners, Fortisyn has undergone rigorous fabric testing to validate its exceptional performance. The launch marks a step forward in the scaling of recycled, circular technology yarns into the most durable applications.” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI.
About Fortisyn:
Engineered for inherent durability and abrasion resistance.
Solution-dyed capability for enhanced colorfastness.
Fortisyn, made with REPREVE Nylon, is fully traceable with FiberPrint® U-TRUST®, along with Oeko-Tex®, GRS, and SCS certifications for recycled content.
Available globally and in combination with other UNIFI yarn technologies.
UNIFI will showcase Fortisyn at Booth 4241 at Techtextil North America held on May 6-8, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.repreve.com.
NORTHFIELD, VT— May 1, 2025 — In an exciting move to enhance its marketing efforts and align with future growth goals, Darn Tough Vermont® has appointed its first-ever Vice President of Marketing, Emily Corley. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, as Darn Tough continues to prioritize and grow the brand’s marketing initiatives.
Emily Corley
Emily has been with Darn Tough for over six years and before becoming Vice President, Emily held a position as the brand’s Senior Director of Marketing where she led comprehensive marketing strategies to drive the alignment with the brand’s overall business goals.
“As we continue to grow and evolve, creating the VP of Marketing position reflects a strategic decision to strengthen the leadership team and drive more innovative marketing strategies,” said Ric Cabot, President and CEO of Darn Tough Vermont. “Darn Tough is at a pivotal moment and having Emily spearhead our teams marketing initiatives will help us elevate our brand, enhance customer engagement, and position us for future success.”
Emily holds her bachelor’s degree in business management from Cazenovia College in New York and holds a master’s degree in business management from Regis University. In Emily’s free time she loves to be outside, whether that be hiking, snowboarding, or riding horses at her local stable.
GRAZ, Austria — May 5, 2025 — International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully started up a complete neXline spunlace line for International Paper LLC Uzbek at its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
neXline spunlace line by ANDRITZ Nonwoven in International Paper LLC Uzbek’s plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan Photo — ANDRITZ
The new production line enables International Paper LLC to produce high-quality spunlace wipes, both under its own brand and for other converters. This expansion opens new market opportunities, addressing the growing demand for spunlace wipes in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. Additionally, the project aligns with the company’s sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint through minimized intercontinental shipments and boosting local employment in the Tashkent area.
The state-of-the-art neXline spunlace line features advanced technology, including TT cards, making it the most powerful equipment of its kind in Central Asia. With a production capacity exceeding 10,000 tons annually, it is capable of processing both viscose and polyester fibers. The fully integrated line allows International Paper LLC to vertically integrate its spunlace roll goods production with its existing wipes converting capacity.
ANDRITZ has also supported International Paper LLC by providing access to financing solutions, establishing an unprecedented partnership with BPI France, the French public investment bank. This collaboration has enabled International Paper LLC to secure attractive financing through a buyer’s credit under the French export promotion scheme, as well as an advantageous financing contract with Uzbek Leasing JV.
Zakirov Sanjar, one of the founders of International Paper LLC, says: “This new equipment will help us scale our business. ANDRITZ has supported us at every stage of this ambitious project, enabling us to maintain our leading position in the regional market while ensuring excellent product quality.”
Operating under the ELMA brand since 2003, International Paper LLC is one of the largest producers of sanitary and hygienic papers in Uzbekistan, as well as in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — May 5, 2025 — Trützschler India proudly celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Sanand, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This strategic relocation from the previous Ahmedabad site to the new facility is set to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
Celebrating the inauguration of the new Trützschler manufacturing facility in Sanand, India. From left to right: Edda Schürenkrämer, Shareholder, Alexander Stampfer, CSO, Caroline Lange, Shareholder, Florian Rück, CFO, Charlotte Fontaine, Shareholder and member of the Supervisory Board, Florian Schürenkrämer, Shareholder and member of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Michael Schürenkrämer, Shareholder, Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Heinrich Trützschler, Shareholder, Shri Parshottam Ji Rupala, Member of Parliament, Shri Kanubhai Patel, Member of Gujrat Legislative Assembly, Heinrich Krull, COO, and Joseph Thomson, CEO Trützschler India.
The Trützschler and Schürenkrämer families and the Trützschler Group management team, alongside Trützschler India CEO Joseph Thomson, warmly welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Achim Fabig, Consulate General of Germany in India and Shri Parshottam Ji Rupala, Member of Parliament. In addition, many of Trützschler’s valued customers, long-time partners and dedicated colleagues joined the celebration for a day of inspiring speeches, networking and a lively cultural program.
The new Sanand facility spans 164,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 72,000 square meters, and employs over 1,000 people. This pioneering plant is designed to serve both Indian and global markets, driving continued growth and innovation in the production of spinning preparation machines, card clothing, and nonwoven equipment. Built with a focus on sustainability, the facility adheres to high environmental standards, including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 50001:2018 certifications. It also aims to achieve a gold rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Key features of the plant include solar energy systems, rainwater collection, electric vehicle charging points, and AI-powered process optimization.
Additionally, the new facility houses a modern Customer Training Center and an expanded Trützschler Training Academy, supporting knowledge sharing and skill development in alignment with the Skill India Mission.
Joseph Thomson, CEO of Trützschler India, remarked, “The new Sanand plant strengthens our ability to meet the rising demand from India and global markets with technologies, processes, and sustainable standards that truly set us apart. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to realizing this vision and to all those who joined us in celebrating this milestone.”
Posted: May 5, 2025
Source: The Trützschler Group SE / Trützschler India
SEATTLE, WA — May 5, 2025 — After launching late last year in the US, British rain gear manufacturer Páramo is adding its popular Halkon jacket to its US collection. Praised by wildlife photographers and birding enthusiasts, the Halkon provides waterproof protection with rustle-free fabrics, along with multiple, easy-to-access storage pockets. Superior breathability, sustainability and responsible manufacturing come standard with Halkon and each Páramo jacket.
Páramo Halkon Jacket
Men’s and Women’s Halkon Jacket
Rustle-free Nikwax Analogy fabric provides waterproof protection without the noise from traditional membranes.
Fully adjustable hood with wired peak provides excellent field of vision and fit, and rolls away into a warm, fleece-lined collar.
Upper arm vents ensure quick, easy temperature control.
Adjustable cuffs with hook and loop closures can be firmly secured or easily pushed or rolled up for extra cooling.
Reinforced shoulder and center back construction provides increased comfort when load-carrying.
Waist and hem drawcords offer additional temperature control and fit adjustment.
Two external secure chest pockets are big enough for field guides and OS maps.
Large and secure internal mesh breast pocket.
Two large bellows pockets with secure fold-over snap closures provide dry storage for larger items like lenses or binoculars.
Two zipped and fleece-lined hand warming pockets are located behind bellows pockets.
Two lower inner mesh drop pockets provide further storage.
For those who need to stay warm and dry outdoors in stop and go activities, efficient moisture management is critical to prevent chilling. Using Nikwax Analogy’s PFAS-free breathable fabrics and strategic venting, Halkon is more than just breathable, it moves liquid water and water vapor away from the body while reducing the need to change layers.
All Páramo apparel is PFAS-free, easily repaired with needle and thread, and fully recyclable at the end of its life. Made in a Fair Trade Certified facility that helps women in desperate situations by providing training and employment, customers can feel good knowing their investment supports fair trade and working conditions.
ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel — May 5, 2025 — Kornit Digital LTD. (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, today announced that Gooten, a leading print-on-demand fulfillment and technology company, has integrated with Kornit’s Global Fulfillment Network (GFN). The collaboration further expands brand access to Kornit’s unmatched production capabilities at over 250 locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, transforming how brands of all sizes manage, scale, and grow their businesses globally.
Through this integration, brands using the Gooten platform can now tap into Kornit’s trusted network of on-demand production partners—already utilized by several leading marketplaces and platforms—to deliver high-quality printed textile products with agility, speed, and local fulfillment alongside Gooten’s extended product catalog.
“Our partnership with Gooten is another step in expanding access to Kornit’s on-demand global infrastructure,” said Ronen Samuel, Chief Executive Officer at Kornit Digital. “Gooten joins a growing list of e-commerce and enablement platforms that connect to our network, enabling their customers to deliver quality, speed, and sustainable production at scale—all while maintaining the agility needed to win in today’s market.”
Key benefits of the solution for brands include:
Expertise and Quality at Scale: Kornit and Gooten combine deep expertise in textile printing, production excellence, and e-commerce connectivity, providing brands with retail quality across a wide range of products.
Global Reach, Local Production: Gooten users gain access to Kornit’s 250+ production locations worldwide—delivering consistent quality with fast, local fulfillment.
Simple, Seamless Connectivity: Integration between platforms means brands can onboard in just minutes, accessing a combined global catalog backed by expert guidance to activate on-demand operations without needing to manage complex logistics.
Sustainable Growth: As long-standing, sustainability-driven companies, Kornit and Gooten are empowering brands to embrace a more responsible on-demand production model that reduces waste and inventory risks while meeting demand.
Increased Revenues: Enabling brands to unlock new apparel revenue streams, expand into new markets, and leverage Kornit’s exceptional production capacity to fuel growth at every stage of their business.
“Kornit has always been a leader in the print-on-demand industry, and it’s an honor to collaborate with their team to provide a unique solution to global e-commerce brands,” said Maddy Alcala, President of Gooten. “By partnering with Kornit, the Gooten catalog, and global production reach expands significantly — empowering brands to create and sell anywhere backed by a single platform that delivers at scale”
This announcement reflects Kornit’s continued commitment to powering the digital transformation of fashion and lifestyle products, providing the world’s most reliable, agile, and sustainable fulfillment infrastructure to partners, platforms, and brands around the globe.
“Consumer expectations on choice, quality, and delivery times have never been greater; Kornit satisfies these needs by expediting the delivery of printed textiles and apparel with consistent quality from the most optimal local production facility in our Global Fulfillment Network,” said Chris Govier, Executive Vice President Strategic Growth and Marketing at Kornit Digital. “This agreement allows the brands on the Gooten platform to accelerate their time to market with zero inventory costs, that’s a huge win for brands, no matter what their growth stage.”
ATLANTA, GA — May 5, 2025 — Over the past five years, Clearbuilt, a web application developer for over 30 years, has worked with Beverly to develop a new Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Software, designed specifically for the textile manufacturing industry. Beverly is a 45-year-old American textile manufacturer that includes knitting, dyeing, finishing, cutting and sewing operations. The companies are proud to announce the soft launch of their software to the textile industry.
The software streamlines key processes in textile manufacturing, from production to inventory management to sales support. Staying relevant in the textile industry requires flexibility and innovation. The software was developed with this fact in mind. It is supported by highly skilled U.S.-based engineers that are experienced with the challenges within the industry.
Neal Berry, Clearbuilt CEO
“We’re excited to offer this comprehensive MRP solution to textile manufacturers,” said Neal Berry, CEO at Clearbuilt. “Having collaborated closely with Beverly, we’ve built a software package that not only addresses day-to-day manufacturing needs but is also customizable to grow alongside the needs of businesses in this dynamic industry.”
Key Features of the MRP Software:
Real-time Inventory Management: Keep track of raw materials and finished goods for better decision-making.
Raw Material Management: Track waste, project material needs, and place timely supply orders.
Customizable Dashboards: Tailor reports and AI-driven insights to meet your business’s unique needs.
Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with existing systems and workflows for minimal disruption.
Comprehensive Support: Dedicated, U.S.-based engineering support with deep knowledge of textile manufacturing challenges.
WILMINGTON, Del. — May 1, 2025 — The LYCRA Company, a global developer of sustainable and innovative fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, today announced that Melissa Riggs, director of marketing, North America, has been promoted to the role of chief marketing officer (CMO).
The LYCRA Company has promoted Melissa Riggs, director of marketing, North America, to the role of chief marketing officer.
Riggs brings more than two decades of brand-building experience in consumer packaged goods and the apparel and footwear industries to her new role, including experience with the GORE-TEX brand. Before joining The LYCRA Company in 2022, Riggs spent 11 years at Molson Coors Beverage Company, specializing in partnership marketing and distributor go-to-market planning.
“I am pleased to recognize exceptional talent from within our organization,” said Gary Smith, The LYCRA Company’s CEO. “Melissa’s promotion reflects the importance we place on building upon our company’s unique marketing capability and the value it brings to our customers.”
As CMO of The LYCRA Company, Riggs oversees the planning, development, and execution of brand and marketing initiatives supporting the company’s business objectives and growth strategies.
“I am honored and excited to lead The LYCRA Company’s marketing organization and work with the global leadership team to help the company achieve its goals,” said Riggs. “For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an incredibly skilled team. Stepping into the CMO role, I look forward to unlocking new ways to invigorate our ingredient brands, elevate our partners, and make our impact felt throughout the value chain.”
Riggs has a master’s degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. She is based out of The LYCRA Company’s headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, reporting directly to Smith.
LOS ANGELES — May 1, 2025 — True Classic, the apparel brand transforming everyday basics into better-fitting, better-feeling essentials, announced today a growth investment from 1686 Partners, the Luxembourg-based firm known for backing purpose-driven lifestyle brands. The investment marks the company’s first institutional funding round.
True Classic Pima Cotton Tee
This milestone positions True Classic to accelerate its evolution from a breakout menswear success into a global, omnichannel brand serving the entire family—expanding into new categories, markets, and retail experiences.
“This is more than a capital raise—it’s rocket fuel for our mission,” said Ben Yahalom, CEO of True Classic. “We started True Classic to solve a simple problem —better basics at a better price—but it’s grown into something much bigger. With 1686 Partners, we’re scaling with purpose and aiming to redefine how apparel brands connect with people around the world.”
Since launching in 2019, True Classic has served over 5 million customers across 190+ countries, becoming one of the fastest-growing apparel brands in the U.S. The brand’s rise has been fueled by a relentless focus on fit, value, and story, blending digital-first performance with community-driven storytelling. This year, True Classic will expand its product offering beyond menswear by launching women’s and kids’ products in H2—meeting the entire family where they live, work, and play. To date, True Classic has donated over $10 million to causes supporting veterans, homelessness, and underserved communities—underscoring its commitment to impact beyond the bottom line.
Beyond capital, 1686 Partners brings a hands-on partnership model and deep operational expertise across supply chain, logistics, and omnichannel retail—key pillars to support True Classic’s continued growth and international expansion.
This investment underscores True Classic’s commitment to meeting customers wherever they are—online, in-store, and globally—while continuing to elevate the standard for modern wardrobe staples.
Moelis & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to True Classic in connection with the transaction.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 1, 2025 — The U.S. economy slowed in the first quarter. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ advance estimate, real GDP growth declined by 0.3% on an annualized basis.
Perc Pineda, Chief Economist, PLASTICS
Imports—which subtract from GDP—increased sharply by 50.9%, as businesses front-loaded purchases from foreign suppliers in anticipation of potential tariff hikes. Government spending also declined by 1.4%—the first decrease since Q2 2022. At the federal level, spending fell by 5.1%, with defense and non-defense outlays dropping by 8.0% and 1.0%, respectively.
Consumers hold the key
Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) growth moderated to 1.8% in the first quarter. Durable goods consumption declined by 3.4%, reversing the 12.4% gain seen in the fourth quarter of last year. Nondurable goods consumption grew by 2.7%, slightly below the previous quarter’s 3.1% growth. Services consumption rose by 2.4%, down from 3.0% in the preceding quarter. Altogether, a combination of factors—including a prolonged high-interest-rate environment affecting durable goods and the wealth effects of equity market volatility—contributed to more cautious household spending. Whether this trend continues into the second quarter will largely depend on the labor market and inflation outlook. The first quarter ended with a 4.2% unemployment rate and a 2.4% headline CPI inflation rate in March. Real personal disposable income rose 1.7% year-over-year in March.
Output gap remains positive
While first-quarter GDP data supports expectations for moderate economic growth in 2025, it also suggests the economy is gradually reverting to its long-term growth trend. The U.S. output gap—the difference between real GDP and the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of potential GDP, defined as the maximum sustainable output when resources are used at normal rates—has remained positive since the third quarter of 2021, indicating the economy has been operating above capacity. In Q1 2025, the output gap was 1.2% of potential GDP, down from 1.8% and 1.7% in the third and fourth quarters of last year, respectively.
Sectoral imbalance continued in the first quarter
Despite economic growth last year and in prior years, sectoral imbalances persisted. Finance and technology sectors expanded while manufacturing and housing sectors experienced interest-rate-driven slumps. Equipment investment rebounded sharply, rising by 69.2% after a 30.6% decline in the previous quarter. However, the gains were uneven. Investment in information processing equipment surged by 73.6%, driven by continued growth in the information technology sector. By contrast, investment in industrial equipment declined by 0.9%, marking a second consecutive quarterly drop and underscoring continued weakness in manufacturing activity.
Untapped domestic capacity
A portion of the first-quarter GDP downtick was due to a spike in imports, highlighting underutilized capacity in domestic manufacturing. At the end of the quarter, the U.S. manufacturing capacity utilization rate was 77.2%, while plastics and rubber products manufacturing operated at 71.0%. These figures reflect the ongoing weakness in manufacturing activity, which could benefit from stronger domestic demand. Not knowing whether imports went into consumption—unlikely, given the weaker change in personal consumption expenditures (PCE)—it is likely that imports will be reflected in the change in inventory. An increase in inventory typically increases GDP in the short term. If the rush to import goods—perhaps in anticipation of escalating tariff tensions—is driven by expected future demand, then it is a strong positive signal for the economy. However, if inventories rise because of weak sales, it signals slowing demand.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of the U.S. economy will hinge on evolving conditions in inflation, interest rates, and the labor market. While pockets of strength remain, particularly in technology investment, the slowdown in consumption and persistent sectoral imbalances point to a fragile path forward—one that will require careful navigation by both policymakers and businesses.
Posted: May 2, 2025
Source: Perc Pineda, PhD – Chief Economist, The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 6, 2025 — Unifi, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today launched Fortisyn™, an abrasion-resistant yarn engineered for ultimate durability in tactical applications. This innovative yarn provides fabrics with enhanced tear and tensile strength, offering a robust solution for military and first responder uniforms and tactical gear. Fortisyn is available made-in-USA for Berry Amendment compliant applications.
Fabrics containing Fortisyn can withstand exposure to harsh elements and rough handling while maintaining their form, function, and appearance over time. Fortisyn is available in nylon 6,6 and REPREVE® Nylon, a recycled type 6, circular nylon made from post-industrial yarn waste.
About Fortisyn:
