Outerknown: Minds Forever On The Sea

Surfer and Outerknown Co-Founder Kelly Slater testing the Apex Evolution Trunks.

Outerknown partnered with Bureo to develop its Apex Evolution Trunks, transforming ocean waste into next-level surf apparel.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Perhaps there is no one more suited than an 11-time world champion surfer — someone with an intimate relationship with the oceans and great outdoors — to establish a sustainable apparel brand. Pro surfer Kelly Slater along with Creative Director John Moore founded the Outerknown brand in 2015 with a goal to design and sell wardrobe staples that protect natural resources and focus on responsible sourcing practices, among other commitments.

“Everything we make is designed with great intent and purpose, and we’ll always make the most responsible design and development choices as it relates to our materials and the suppliers who share our values and take care of their workers,” Moore noted.

According to the company, Outerknown’s current collections are made using 99 percent preferred fibers —which includes organic, Regenerative Organic Certified®, recycled, regenerated and biobased materials.

Apex Evolution Trunks

Outerknown’s recent introduction— the Apex Evolution Trunks — feature NetPlus® fiber created from 100-percent-post-consumer recycled fishing nets. The fiber, produced by Bureo, also is 100-percent traceable. The woven fabric is 90-percent NetPlus/10-percent spandex. According to Outerknown, the trunks — three years in the making — represent the first four-way stretch boardshorts made using post-consumer recycled fishing nets.

“Continual progression is in our brand’s lifeblood, so it’s only natural that we were inspired to take the highest performance trunk ever made [first-generation Apex trunks] and make it even better,” Moore said. “With our minds forever on the sea, we teamed up with our friends at Bureo to utilize their unmatched NetPlus material made from recycled fishing nets. This yielded a truly responsibly made trunk with a little more substance than the first Apex without compromising any performance qualities.”

Washed and sorted fishing nylon fishing nets are shredded and prepped for depolymerization. (Image courtesy of Bureo)

Bureo’s NetPlus®

Bureo, a certified B-Corporation, developed NetPlus to reduce the harmful impacts of fishing waste on the oceans. Discarded fishing nets are collected directly from fishing communities via Bureo’s incentivized NetPlus recycling program. This prevents the old nets from ending up in the environment.

Bureo then sorts, cleans, shreds and packs the collected nets before sending them to Bureo’s recycling partners. There, the nylon nets undergo a depolymerization process where they are broken down into their chemical building blocks. This process also removes any dyes and impurities from the nylon. The building blocks are then used to construct 100-percent NetPlus nylon pellets that can be extruded into high-quality yarns.

The depolymerized material is turned into NetPlus nylon pellets. (Image courtesy of Bureo)

“The entire process, from collection through recycling, is third-party audited and certified for material traceability,” said David Stover, CEO and co-founder, Bureo. “Utilizing NetPlus material empowers fishing communities around the world by providing waste management infrastructure, employment opportunities, and non-profit funding. Bureo continues to scale NetPlus material to provide a preferred recycled input for performance fabrics, lowering emissions and reducing reliance on virgin materials.”

Fabric Development

For the Apex Trunk, Bureo worked with Outerknown to develop the fabric construction to ensure the performance characteristics were achieved. “This was an iterative process that incorporated significant field testing and adjustments to stretch and finishing to meet the performance and hand feel requirements,” Stover said. “The yarn texture and weaving of the fabric being the main contributors to the desired functionality. We were focused on building a more durable boardshort material with structure, while not compromising performance.”

“Developing a boardshort material for Kelly has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the entire Bureo team,” said Bureo Co-Founder and CTO Kevin Ahearn. “We were able to work closely with the Outerknown team to perfect the fabric blend to ensure it’s durable enough for the demanding spots Kelly surfs, but still super lightweight, with the right amount of stretch to be comfortable for long days in the ocean; we’re thrilled to now share it with the industry.”

Apex Evolution Trunk

Construction Details

The fiber composition and fabric design were not the only details considered when creating the Apex Evolution Trunks. Construction details were thoughtfully planned and designed to meet Slater’s design requests, which included an improved no-slip drawcord; a waistband that cinched without bunching; and thread-free, ultrasonically bonded seams that are more comfortable and prevent chafing.

“We envision and design everything in-house and develop in close partnerships with our global supplier partners who share our responsible mission,” Moore emphasized. “All our suppliers are thoroughly vetted and approved.”

Once designs are conceptualized and produced using computer-aided design software in-house, Outer-known builds tech packs that it sends to supplier partners. Next, all material selections are made and developed with mill partners, making sure the products meet Outerknown’s preferred fiber guidelines. Prototypes are refined for fit over multiple rounds to ensure garment comfort and sizing before samples are wear-tested by a team of brand ambassadors. Using feedback from the wear-tests, Outerknown finalizes all manufacturing details before moving the garment into production. “Our responsible buying practices dictate the flow of our calendar all the way through delivery,” Moore said.

“When designing, every decision we make is deliberate and extremely considered down to the smallest details and trims,” Moore Said. “Nothing is overlooked. This takes time as exemplified by the three-plus years of R&D to find the right Net-Plus weight and construction for the performance standards of the APEX Evolution launch, and the end result is always something we stand by — the best we can do right now, and we’ll always strive to be better with every new product.”

Future Use Of NetPlus

Outerknown has a long-standing partnership with Bureo for incorporating NetPlus. The brand first used NetPlus in hat brims in 2021 and continues to use the material in its headwear. NetPlus also is currently featured in puffers and jackets sold by Outerknown. Moore noted that it will be featured in some lifestyle bot-toms the brand plans to introduce next year. “We will continuously look for more product to incorporate NetPlus and also have some accessories in the works,” he said.

Slater’s Verdict

According to Outerknown, the APEX Evolution Trunk is one of the most successful launches in the brand’s history.

“After three years of dialing in the details, these trunks are really impressive,” Slater said. “Big improvements. Better fit, better length, a great scallop on the side for room in the leg. The materials hold up better too, and the string tie holds up great and doesn’t come undone. I’m confident these are the best trunks ever made.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

All-In-One Textile Sourcing Platform

Collocated events — Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing NYC, Home Textiles Sourcing NYC and Printsource — will bring the best in fabric, apparel, home textiles and design to the Javits Center this July.

TW Special Report

Texworld New York City (NYC) will return to the Javits Center in New York City July 23-25, 2025. The global textile and fabric sourcing event, held biannually in New York City and organized by Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Ltd., will be collocated with sister shows Apparel Sourcing New York City and Home Textiles Sourcing New York City, forming a comprehensive shopping platform for those looking for fabrics, apparel and home and other soft goods. As an additional draw for visitors, Printsource @ Texworld, a surface and textile design show, will run concurrently at the Javits Center in partnership with Texworld NYC.

Texworld NYC exhibitors showcase the latest in fabrics from basics up to unique fiber blends, innovative fabric structures and on-trend color palettes.

Apparel Sourcing NYC, a joint venture between Messe Frankfurt and China-based Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-Tex), focuses on finished apparel, contract manufacturing and private label development. Suppliers specializing in ready-to-wear collections for men, women and children will exhibit their latest apparel and accessories.

Home Textiles Sourcing NYC highlights new fabrics and products for home collections to manufacturers, retailers, jobbers, converters, contract specifiers and designers.

Trend forecasts also are at the heart of Texworld NYC. This year’s Trend Theme showcase and presentation is curated by New York City-based trend agency DONEGAR |TOBE. A deep dive into the emerging trends and innovative fabrics will be presented during a Textile Talk. Participants may also take the guided Explore the Floor Tour to view up close the curated trend segments on the exhibit floor.

Texworld NYC also offers seminars, panel discussions and workshops for attendees. Led by industry experts, topics will cover sustainable fabric sourcing and emerging trends as well as innovations in the textile industry.

As with other Messe Frankfurt trade shows, the NYC events will explore sustainability under the “Econogy” label. Accordingly, a new feature at the summer edition is Dead-stock, an area dedicated to showcasing upcycled materials and circular fashion solutions. According to Messe Frankfurt, deadstock fabrics currently are one of the most in-demand fabric categories for U.S. buyers.

The shows are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, July 23-24; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 25.

For those interested in sourcing on the West Coast this summer, Messe Frankfurt also will present Texworld Los Angeles and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles at the California Market Center, Los Angeles, July 29-31, 2025. Printsource @ Texworld LA will also collocate in partnership with Texworld LA.

For more information about the shows and to register, visit texworld-usa.us.messefrankfurt.com, home-textiles-sourcing.us.messefrankfurt.com, printsourcenewyork.com and texworld-la.us.messefrankfurt.com.

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Exposition Takes Center Stage In Shanghai

A founding member and official representative of the OEKO-TEX® organization, Switzerland-based
TESTEX® showcased the latest policies and tailor-made services for the textile industry at Intertextile.

Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center hosted more than 4,030 exhibitors across three Messe Frankfurt collocated textile expositions — Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles and Yarn Expo.

TW Special Report

Three Messe Frankfurt collocated textile expositions — Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles and Yarn Expo — recently gave more than 4,030 exhibitors the opportunity to connect with visitors from more than 131 countries and regions.

The sheer enormity of the of the concurrent show’s footprint was still dwarfed by the size of the venue — the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) (Shanghai) — which at 15.8 million square feet is the largest convention center of its kind in the world.

Taking place in early spring, the shows occurred prior to U.S. tariff announcements and had the air of the established international trading history of the past.

Intertextile support staff, who were a great help in navigating the shows, were difficult to miss in their colorful uniforms.

Rooted In Commerce

Exposition organizer Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. is owned by Germany-based Messe Frankfurt GmbH, which is one of the largest fair organizers in the world with its huge global footprint and 800 years of history.

The first Frankfurt, Germany-based fair was initiated by Royal Charter in 1240 by Emperor Fredrick II supporting the welfare of traveling merchants, providing a safe environment for business and promoting trade. In 1330, Emperor Louis IV continued the support of the event and as the city of Frankfurt grew through the years, so did its influence in commerce.

After World War II, the fair entered the modern era with its first post-war show in 1948, which gave rise to Messe Frankfurt. From there the company’s list of shows grew to include Heimtextil and Interstoff with an evolving international presence. Today, Messe Frankfurt is a leader in international trade fairs and exhibitions across a variety of industries including textiles.

In 2022, Wendy Wen assumed new responsibilities as the managing director and chairperson of the Board of Management, Messe Frank-furt (HK) Ltd. to manage most commercial concerns for the subsidiary. Utilizing her expertise in operations and sponsorship marketing, Wen also has continued to manage the company’s trade fairs for consumer goods, textiles & textile technolo-gies in Greater China.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics

Wendy Wen, managing director, Messe Frankfurt (HK) characterized the recent Shanghai events by saying: “We were pleased with the high visitor flow at all three shows, as well as the positive exhibitor feedback overall and for new elements such as Econogy Hub. Across numerous platforms, Messe Frankfurt’s global Texpertise Network of 500,000 participants puts us in a great position to observe the market and seize new opportunities when they emerge.”

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics was first launched in 1995. Formerly known as Intertextile Shanghai Fair, it was established in cooperation with the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX); and China Textile Information Centre.

The spring 2025 iteration offered 3,100 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions the opportunity to engage with a near record setting number of visitors.

Aisles upon aisles of exhibitors — large and small, as well as well-known and unfamiliar — drew nearly 95,000 attendees from 131 countries and regions.

Rinoa Zong, marketing manager of TESTEX (Shanghai) Textile Testing Co. Ltd.

Concurrent Shows

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics was conveniently located adjacent to the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Spring Edition and Yarn Expo at the NECC. This made exploring the three events more manageable, but a deeper dive would take considerable time.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Spring Edition

Organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK), CCPIT TEX and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA), Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Spring Edition featured more than 370 exhibitors engaged with some 25,000 visitors from 85 countries and regions. Visitor numbers increased 8 percent; and organizers noted that the number of international visitors was more than double that of the previous spring edition.

Chad Doub, Global Segment marketing manager for Fibers-Textiles-Casual & Home at Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman poses with articles made using Eastman’s Naia™ cellulosic fiber —a fiber focused on everyday comfort as well as technical performance.

The show focuses on bedding, toweling, curtains, carpets, rugs, upholstery and more. There were a full range of brands and suppliers present with eight major Chinese home textile pavilions.

Chu Yajun, sales manager, Shanghai Ruiping Trading Co. Ltd. — which is the global authorized dealers of St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M™’s Thinsulate™ insulation — stated: “We are promoting four Thinsulate models for home textiles, along with various functional options like anti-allergy and antibacterial products. This show is well regarded, attracting both domestic and international customers. Foreign brands are increasingly interested in eco-friendly features, a trend that local customers are also adopting. Thus, we prioritize environmental protection, innovation, and functionality in our product development.”

Peter Seah, vice president, Asia Global for Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies presented interlinings and components from the Lainiere Paris and the Fusion lines.

Spring edition visitor Shirley Xu, merchandise manager, Americana International (Shanghai) Ltd., USA reported to the organizer: “Specializing in home textiles like bedding sets and cushions, we’re seeking exhibitors who prioritize patterns and functionality, especially fashionable prints. The fringe events are beneficial for keeping us updated on popular market trends. I’ve noticed the Chinese market aligning more with international standards, and this show features a diverse range of both local and foreign exhibitors.”

Fringe Speakers’ Insight

Designed to share the latest textile knowledge and development, the Intertextile Apparel Fringe Program covered four core themes — on-trend fashion, functionality, sustainability and digitalization. Panel discussion topics included Econogy Talks, Technology and Solutions, and Design and Trends. During the Econogy Talks segment, certifiers, producers, industry experts, among others spoke about solutions, best practices and challenges related to sustainability in the apparel sector.

Cellulose fiber producer Sateri (Fujian) Fibre Co Ltd., an ever-present exhibitor at Yarn Expo, organized a pavilion featuring 15 of its downstream yarn partners.

“Our decision to participate in this seminar stems from our long-standing involvement with Intertextile,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute, Carlstadt, N.J., who participated in the Fringe Speakers Program. “We’ve been attending for many years because it serves as a vital platform in the home textiles and fashion industries. This year, we had the opportunity to present trends specifically for home textiles, which is particularly exciting as we’ve been forecasting colors for the home furnishings market for over two decades. Conducting seminars like this allows us to share our color intelligence, helping manufacturers understand which colors consumers’ desire.”

Cotton USA was active with a prominent location on the show floor of the Yarn Expo.

Yarn Expo Spring 2025

Yarn Expo also set a record with 562 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions — an exhibitor increase of 6 percent from the previous edition. China, Germany, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan China, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam were all represented.

Nearly 24,000 visitors networked with suppliers presenting their latest collections of natural, regenerated, and man-made fibers and yarns, as well as specialty products including elastic, and fancy and blended yarns.

The 27,000 square meter show floor was arranged into six zones including Cashmere Yarn, Fancy Yarn, Chemical Fiber, Green Linen & Quality Wool Yarn, Cotton Yarn, and International Yarn, and also included Pakistan and India pavilions.

Hong Kong China-based Consulting Service International Ltd.’s Managing Director Karl Borgschulze presented several sustain-ability focused presentations.

One of the biggest exhibition stands housed man-made cellulose fiber producer Sateri (Fujian) Fibre Co. Ltd. The company is one of world’s largest producers of viscose fiber, which is often used in traditional textiles, wet wipes and hygiene products. With five mills in China, the company is reported to collectively produce approximately 1.8 million tons of viscose fiber annually.

Notably there were 90 exhibitors in the cotton zone of Yarn Expo, and exhibitors also included those show-casing new materials and high-performance fibers.

A major, consistent theme among exhibitors was “green” products, a focus on sustainability and a call out to circularity in the textile supply chain.

Looking Forward

In the face of turbulence in international trade, the current environment casts shade on what was a well-attended — based on both exhibitor and visitor numbers — triumvirate of textile exhibitions.

That said, if history informs us, Messe Frankfurt has more than weathered such storms in its past and regardless of the form the business landscape takes going forward, supporting the welfare of traveling merchants, providing a safe environment for business, and promoting trade will continue as it started more than 800 years ago.

As Wen stated, “With economic challenges and evolving industries to navigate, trade fairs will be as important as ever, and we look forward to facilitating good business in the years to come.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

A New Gear Oil: The Simplest Route To Sustainability In Textile Production

Lubricants can be a powerful resource when it comes to energy savings in textile manufacturing operations.

By Max Jaworski

In an economic climate where manufacturers are eager to reduce their carbon footprint and cut costs, increasing sustainability has become a central focus. The textile industry is no exception. In fact, textile manufacturers are up against a unique set of challenges when it comes to efficiency including high energy consumption, constant machine stress, and the need for reliable, long-term performance.

While traditional methods like upgrading equipment, eliminating hazardous raw materials, and recycling scrap materials can be effective ways to save energy, these options tend to be complex, expensive and time-consuming. There is another, much simpler — and cost-effective — route to saving energy in textile operations: lubricants.

Rather than looking at machine component factors such as hardness of gears, bearing selection, materials and geometry, lubricants may be the best place to start when seeking ways to increase efficiency. The right gear oil, hydraulic oil, or compressor oil can revolutionize textile production, leading to benefits such as lower wear rates, reduced operating temperatures, and, most importantly, increased energy efficiency.

Challenges In Textile Machinery

It’s no secret that textile manufacturing environments are particularly rigorous on machine components. Machines operate under extreme stress because of:

  • Continuous operation — textile machines often run 24/7, making any downtime costly;
  • High loads — machines must handle significant mechanical stress, leading to wear and tear;
  • Varying operating conditions —variables like speed, vibration and contaminants cause each component to have its own set of challenges; and
  • Temperature variations and humidity — heat buildup and high humidity can accelerate oil degradation and component wear, requiring lubricants to have superior water resistance and oxidation stability.

Maintenance is an arduous task and is thus carried out only at long intervals in many cases. Therefore, selecting the right lubricant is critical — both for the initial lubrication of a component and relubrication during operation. By investing in high-quality lubricants, manufacturers not only extend the lifespan of their equipment but also enjoy reduced maintenance and labor costs, longer oil change intervals, and increased overall profitability.

Where Are Lubricants Used In The Textile Industry?

Germany-based Klüber Lubrication — a business division of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities SE & Co. KG — sees lubricants as a fundamental design element of textile machines. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) have to match the individual component requirements to ensure optimal performance is achieved as efficiently as possible.

Klüber’s specialty lubricants cover the entire production process in the textile industry, including:

  • Spinning machines where the lubricants impart excellent corrosion protection for bearings, spinning turbines, opening rollers, spinning pumps and spinnerets;
  • Knitting machines for long service life with minimum maintenance requirements for needles and sinkers, slide rails and guide bars;
  • Weaving machines offering longer intervals between maintenance operations because of minimum-quantity lubrication for gears, gripper looms and chains;
  • Finishing machines and tenter frames whereby the lubricants con-fer resistance to water and steam as well as acidic and alkaline solutions for steamers, rolling bearings, compensators and rollers; and
  • Nonwoven machines where they offer high load carrying capacity and good pressure absorption for needlepunch, spunlace and spunbond operations.

Proven Efficiency Gains In Textile Production

Klüber Lubrication has studied how synthetic lubricants perform in textile manufacturing and found clear improvements over traditional oils including lower energy use, better equipment performance and faster return on investment.

Across sectors, manufacturers who switch to specialty synthetic lubricants may experience:

  • An average of 2- to 5-percent energy savings;
  • An average needle temperature reduction of 3.5°C; and
  • An average payback period of less than a year.

In knitting machines, Klüber Lubrication customers have achieved:

  • 4.8-percent energy savings;
  • A seven-month payback period; and
  • Carbon dioxide savings of 3.8 tons.

In weaving machines, Klüber Lubrication customers have achieved:

  • $68,000 annual cost savings;
  • 4-percent energy savings;
  • A two-month payback period; and
  • Carbon dioxide savings of 272 tons.
By investing in high-quality lubricants, manufacturers can extend the lifespan of their equipment.

The Right Oil Makes All The Difference

In any textile operation, lubrication plays a vital role in production — and in efficiency. To make an operation run as efficiently as possible, manufacturers must select the right oil for applications such as gearboxes, hydraulic systems and air compressors. The right oil comes down to the base oil and additives. Essential requirements for textile lubricants are described by leading manufacturers in international standards and specifications. They include:

  • Operating temperature range;
  • Viscosity;
  • Aging behavior;
  • Low-temperature behavior;
  • Corrosion protection on steel and nonferrous metal;
  • Foam behavior;
  • Elastomer compatibility;
  • Compatibility with interior coat-ings; and
  • Wear protection against fretting or micropitting.

When it comes to energy efficiency, not all oils are created equal. In fact, oils with a synthetic base have significantly longer lifespans than those with a mineral base. Polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), for example, absolutely shine as the most efficient and lowest-wear type of oils, particularly in high-sliding applications such as worm and hypoid gears. In these applications, PAGs offer a lower coefficient of friction within the gearbox, resulting in a reduction in power loss. While a standard mineral oil may require replacement every 5,000 hours, synthetic hydrocarbon oils such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs) — which offer stability, but are less resistant to thermal degradation and sliding friction than PAGs — can last approximately 15,000 hours, and PAGs can reach 25,000 hours at the same temperature. This translates to fewer oil changes, lower maintenance downtime, and increased production uptime.

Additionally, oxidation is one of the common factors leading to oil degradation, affecting its performance and requiring frequent replenishment. High-performance synthetic lubricants slow this process, maintaining oil integrity, which reduces the frequency of oil changes.

Proven Efficiency Gains In Gearboxes

When it comes to gears, the most significant energy savings are seen in gear types with inherently lower efficiencies, such as worm drives. For example, tests performed by Klüber Lubrication show that a worm gear running with a conventional mineral oil operates at around 60 percent efficiency. When switched to a synthetic PAO lubricant, efficiency increases to 70 percent; and with a PAG lubricant, it jumps to 78 percent.

For textile plants with hundreds of gear-driven machines, these efficiency gains compound, leading to substantial energy savings and lower operational costs. The up-front cost of a high-quality synthetic lubricant is quickly offset by long-term reductions in energy consumption and maintenance expenses.

Applications In Textile Machinery

To operate at peak efficiency, different types of textile machinery require their own specialized lubrication solution. For special applications, such as those in which very long service intervals are to be expected or where operating conditions are very unique, the team at Klüber Lubrication is always avail-able to help select the correct solution for a plant’s equipment. When selecting the right oil for a particular machine, parameters such as performance, speed, environmental influences, and special operating conditions need to be taken into consideration.

Based on this information, it is possible to select the oil type, wear protection, and viscosity that enable the oil to optimally perform its tasks, which include:

  • Absorbing forces;
  • Reducing friction;
  • Minimizing wear;
  • Dissipating heat; and
  • Absorbing wear and contamination.

Even within the same operation, experts understand that each element of the equipment has a different need. That’s why the team of experts at Klüber Lubrication partner with OEMs to understand the unique needs of the machinery and provide lubricant recommendations, as well as technical support.

Figure 1: A spunbond polymer extrusion system where each part requires a different lubricant to operate at maximum efficiency.

As an example, consider the spun-bond polymer extrusion system shown in Figure 1. Each part requires a different lubrication solution to perform its individual function and keep the system working efficiently as a whole.

By partnering with lubrication experts, a textile manufacturer can select the correct viscosity and additive package to optimize performance and reliability while reducing maintenance-related downtime. Don’t settle for the wrong lubricants when it’s simple to find the right ones with a reliable partner by your side.

Klüber Lubrication: Committed To Efficiency And Sustainability

To further its commitment to saving time, energy, and money, Klüber Lubrication has developed Klüber Energy Efficiency, an innovative pro-gram that verifies energy savings. This solution includes certified measurements, comprehensive analyses, and recommendations for the optimal lubricant solution.

Klüber Lubrication is also a globally recognized leader in specialty lubricants, earning an EcoVadis Gold rating for sustainability four years in a row, placing the company in the top 5 percent of sustainability-focused companies worldwide.

The EcoVadis Gold status reflects Klüber’s commitment to:

  • Reducing environmental impact;
  • Extending machine lifespan; and
  • Lowering energy consumption.

By partnering with Klüber Lubrication, manufacturers not only enhance machine efficiency but also contribute to sustainable industrial practices.

The Smartest Investment For A Textile Plant

Switching to a high-quality synthetic gear oil is one of the simplest and most effective ways for textile manufacturers to reduce energy consumption.

The key benefits include:

  • Lower operating temperatures, which result in reduced thermal degradation;
  • Longer oil change intervals, which result in less downtime and maintenance;
  • Reduced wear, which results in extended equipment life; and
  • Increased energy efficiency, which results in substantial cost savings.

Access to expert lubricant recommendations tailored to your specific needs can unlock sustainability and revolutionize efficiency like never before.

Editor’s Note: Max Jaworski is an engineer – Textile Global Industry Team, Klüber Lubrication. He can be reached at max.jaworski@klueber.com.

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Textiles Monterey Group Acquires Patrick Yarns, Launches FilSpec USA

Sherbrooke, Quebec-based Textiles Monterey Group has acquired Patrick Yarns from the Coats Group and will integrate the Kings Mountain, N.C. facility into its operations under the new name FilSpec USA.The acquisition expands the company’s North American footprint and supports its commitment to high-quality specialty spun yarns for technical applications across North America and Europe. FilSpec USA will work in tandem with the company’s Sherbrooke facility, reinforcing its production capabilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome FilSpec USA to our family,” said Gilles Desmarais, president of Textiles Monterey Group. “This strategic growth enhances our ability to serve our customers with innovative solutions and premium yarn products across multiple markets.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Barnet Europe Breaks Ground On New Headquarters In Germany

Barnet Europe recently broke ground on a new Germany-based headquarters location.

Barnet Europe, a Spartanburg, S.C.-based Barnet group company, has begun construction on its new European headquarters in Eschweiler, Germany. The 21,000-square-meter facility — housing office, production and warehouse space — is expected to open in early 2026.

“This sustainably designed new building will replace our existing sites in Aachen and Raeren (Belgium), significantly increasing the efficiency of our production and logistics processes while laying a strong foundation for expanding our product portfolio,”said Bernd Lenzen, managing director of Barnet Europe.“The new site is designed with growth in mind and will enable us to create additional jobs. In a first phase, we will relocate operations with around 100 employees, offering them a modern, future-oriented work environment.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Renaissance Fiber Secures Investment To Expand Hemp Fiber Refining In North Carolina

Renaissance Fiber (RF), Winston-Salem, N.C., has received a $75,000 investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures to support the launch of its hemp fiber refining facility in Mocksville, N.C. The funding will enable RF to scale its clean, proprietary process for “cottonizing” U.S.-grown hemp, making it compatible with existing textile machinery and enhancing fiber performance. The project aims to build a transparent, sustainable farm-to-fabric supply chain while creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers and manufacturers.

“This investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures is crucial for launching the initial phase of our infrastructure buildout in Mocksville,” said Daniel Yohannes, CEO and co-founder of Renaissance Fiber. “For the first time, we can scale our process to integrate degummed hemp as a versatile fiber into U.S. and global textile production. By building this advanced refining capacity here in North Carolina, we are not just enabling sustainable, domestic fiber production — we are creating vital new opportunities for American farmers and manufacturers to lead the global shift towards eco-friendly textiles.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Champion Thread Acquires Carolina Sales Thread

Champion Thread Company (CTC), Gastonia, N.C., has acquired Carolina Sales Thread Inc., a regional distributor serving the needle trades. The acquisition aligns with CTC’s strategic growth plan and expands its customer base.

“This is a significant step in our strategic growth plan that will allow us to deliver greater value to all current and future customers,” said CTC President and CEO Matt Poovey. “Former Carolina Sales customers will significantly benefit from our responsive U.S.-based manufacturing, broad product range, and enhanced service capabilities.”

Retiring Carolina Sales Owner David Hall stated: “Our shared commitment to customer service and the USA textile industry makes this a perfect fit. It will positively impact our customers and help ensure their continued success.”

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Bondcote Acquires Graniteville Specialty Fabrics

Bondcote Performance Textiles (BPT), a subsidiary of XFS Global LLC, has acquired Graniteville Specialty Fabrics (GSF), an innovator in high-performance coated textiles.The move strengthens BPT’s role in the U.S. defense and industrial textile markets while expanding its capabilities and customer partnerships. GSF will continue operating from its Graniteville, S.C., facility, with its team and product lines integrating into BPT.

“This acquisition is more than combining product lines — it strengthens our shared future as a trusted partner to the defense and industrial textile markets,” said Jacob Furbee, CEO of XFS Global and BPT.

“We are proud of our 70-year legacy, and the Graniteville Specialty Fabrics team is excited about our future as part of Bondcote Performance Textiles,” added Doug Johnson, COO, GSF.

Hamilton International Forms Strategic Partnership With Warp Development

Atlanta-based Hamilton International has announced a strategic equity investment in Monroe, N.C.-based Warp Development, forming an equal partnership to accelerate growth, and enhance capabilities and customer value. Chad Clay will remain CEO of Warp Development, ensuring leadership continuity as the company expands.

“This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer success,”said Art Hamilton, president and CEO of Hamilton International.“… investing in Chad and his team is an investment in the future of our industry.”

Warp Development gains access to expanded resources through the partnership.“Partnering with Hamilton gives us the operational and strategic support we need to expand faster and serve our customers even better,”Clay noted.

The collaboration aims to deliver enhanced responsiveness, broader service offerings, and a more streamlined supply chain for customers.

2025 Quarterly Issue II

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