U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Appoints Daren Abney As Executive Director

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — July 26, 2023 — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol today announced the appointment of Daren Abney as executive director. A sustainability veteran, Abney brings 15 years of international experience garnered in organizations across the apparel and fashion industry such as Better Cotton, Textile Exchange, and most recently Lenzing Group.

As executive director, Abney will guide the strategic vision and operation of the Trust Protocol. His focus will be on supporting farmers in combating climate change through evolving agricultural innovation, textile brands and retailers in their drive to deliver more sustainably produced garments, as well as NGOs and other sustainability initiatives to determine areas of potential collaboration.

Commenting on Abney’s appointment, Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, said: “We are pleased to welcome Daren as our Executive Director, an industry professional with talent and vision. His cotton and textile supply chain sector knowledge, combined with an unparalleled understanding of sustainability initiatives and a strong track record of building relationships with diverse stakeholders, will be hugely beneficial as the program charts its path forward.”

Additionally, Abney will oversee activities of the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, a five-year pilot announced as part of the USDA’s Climate Smart initiative where the Trust Protocol serves as the lead.

On the occasion of his appointment, Abney said: “The Trust Protocol has made impressive growth and progress since its launch only three years ago; there is still much work to be done as the industry faces continued high levels of scrutiny. I fully support the program’s mission to provide unparalleled data and measurement in key sustainability metrics in addition to transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. I’m honored to step into this role during such a unique time.”

The Trust Protocol is the only system that provides quantifiable, verifiable goals and measurement and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability metrics: land use; soil carbon; water management; soil loss; greenhouse gas emissions, and energy efficiency.

The program captures key environmental and social data under a farm-level, science-based system, and reports these annually on an aggregated basis.

It is also the world’s first sustainable cotton fiber initiative to offer article-level supply chain transparency for members.

Since launch in 2020 the Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 1,600 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members, including Levi Strauss & Co., Old Navy, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., and J.Crew.

Posted: July 26, 2023

Source: The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City, And Home Textiles Sourcing Wrap Up A Prosperous Summer Edition, Inspiring The Future Of Fashion And Textiles

NEW YORK CITY — July 26, 2023 — Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City, and Home Textiles Sourcing — the fashion, apparel, and home textile sourcing tradeshow organized by Messe Frankfurt Inc. — concluded yet another successful event. The expansive collocated event welcomed thousands of attendees and 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world, uniting designers, buyers, industry professionals, global manufacturers, and suppliers under one roof, fostering invaluable connections and collaborations.

The highly anticipated educational program including Textile Talks and the Lenzing Seminar Series provided visitors with valuable insights into the industry’s future. Key topics focused on innovation and sustainability, reflecting the event’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility. Participants had the opportunity to learn from and network with leading professionals to further enhance their knowledge in the ever-evolving world of fashion and textiles.

Among the standout highlights were the vibrant and diverse country pavilions, which showcased the textile prowess and creativity of different regions. Pavilions from India, Korea, Turkey, and Uzbekistan offered unique insights into their respective markets and provided attendees with an opportunity to explore a rich array of textiles, fashion, and home offerings. In addition, attendees were able to explore and source from a diverse selection of sustainable materials and products from both Lenzing’s pavilion and the Lenzing Innovation Center, empowering them to make conscious choices for a greener fashion future.

In addition to the country pavilions, Texworld New York City was proud to collaborate with esteemed show partners, including Printsource, Global Footwear Sourcing, and CCPIT-TEX. These valued partners played a vital role in enhancing the scope and offerings of the event, providing attendees with a comprehensive sourcing experience across multiple segments of the fashion and textile industry.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of Texworld New York City’s summer edition,” said Jennifer Bacon, vice president, Fashion + Apparel, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “The event has once again proven to be a pivotal platform for the textile and apparel sourcing community, offering opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, exhibitors, and attendees for making this event  remarkable experience.”

Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City will return for the Winter 2024 Edition, scheduled for January 23-25 at the Javits Center. Home Textiles Sourcing will return Summer 2024. Stay tuned for the announcement of summer dates.

Posted: July 26, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Filo Reaches An Important Milestone: The 60th Edition Filo60 September 20-21

BIELLA, Italy — July 26, 2023 — On September 20 and 21, 2023, at Allianz MiCo – Milan, Filo reaches an important milestone: the 60th edition, thirty years of activity of the yarn and fiber exhibition.

In its thirty years of activity, Filo has gone through significant challenges and market breakthroughs, having as its beacon the quality, creativity, collaboration along the supply chain, to which sustainability has been added over the years. These are the same concepts that we are finding today in the textile proposals of the companies participating in the Exhibition and which are designing textile’s future.

Paolo Monfermoso, responsible for Filo, explained: “The best way to celebrate the 60th edition of Filo and its thirty years of activity is making the Exhibition even more efficient and in line with the needs of the companies which take part in it. For this reason, we have extended the exhibition area, also considering the growth in exhibitors’ number, and we have changed the layout of it. Concerning the contents, we would like to give more importance and visibility to sustainability and sustainable creativity, meaning high-quality production, developed for being long-lasting and produced respecting the environment and human beings. Only by visiting Filo on 20 and 21 September visitors and buyers will be able to discover and “touch” the excellence of the yarns and materials offered by the exhibiting companies, and fully understand their potential textile developments.”

The catalog of exhibitors for the 60th edition of Filo is online on the Filo website (www.filo.it). From Filo website, visitors can request an entrance badge, which is essential for access to the exhibition space.

The appointment with the 60th edition of Filo is set for 20 and 21 September 2023 at Allianz MiCo – Milan (via Gattamelata 5)

Posted: July 26, 2023

Source: Filo

Italian Textile Machinery: 2023 Second Quarter Confirms Drop In Order Intake

MILAN, Italy — July 26, 2023 — During the second quarter of 2023, the orders index for textile machinery, as compiled by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, dropped significantly compared to 2022 April to June 2022 period (-30 percent). In absolute terms, the index stood at 85.1 points (basis 2015=100).

This drop is the result of a reduction in the collection of new orders recorded by manufacturers both domestically and on foreign markets. The decrease in orders in Italy amounted to 21 percent, whereas a 31 percent downtrend was observed abroad. The absolute value of the index on foreign markets settled at 81.9 points, while in Italy it stands at 117.2 points. New orders for the second quarter amounted to 4.1 months of guaranteed production. ACIMIT’s data also shows that the use of production capacity by Italian manufacturers was 70 percent for the first half of 2023. This percentage is expected to remain stable for the second half of the year.

ACIMIT president Marco Salvadè stated: “The orders index for the second quarter elaborated by our Economics Department clearly shows a decline in new orders both in Italy and abroad compared to the previous year. The decline that usually precedes an event such as ITMA, the international textile machinery exhibition held last June in Milan, however, is part of a negative trend that has been going on for several quarters”.

Uncertainty appears to be weighing heavily especially on markets abroad, where foreign trade statistics updated to the first quarter of 2023 are marked by a slackening in Italian sales in some important reference markets, such as Turkey, China, the United States and Pakistan.

“Feedback from over 400 Italian companies that took part in ITMA is positive,” Salvadè added. “It’s now necessary for the many contacts made during the event to materialize and for the demand for machinery in the main textile machinery markets to resume a path towards growth.”

Posted: July 26, 2023

Source: Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

Better Cotton And Cotton Egypt Association Forge New Strategic Partnership In Egypt

LONDON — July 24, 2023 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, and Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), the organization responsible for promoting and protecting Egyptian cotton worldwide, have announced a new strategic partnership to expand the Better Cotton program in Egypt.

The program was first launched in 2020 by the Egyptian Cotton Project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and International Islamic Trade Finance Corp. (ITFC). This collaboration aims to further enhance the sustainability and quality of Egyptian cotton production while ensuring fair working conditions for farmers.

Egyptian cotton is renowned globally for its exceptional quality, softness, and durability. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, it has become a symbol of luxury and excellence in the textile industry. However, in recent years, challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and fluctuating market demands have posed significant threats to the sustainability of Egyptian cotton farming.

Recognizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard the future of Egyptian cotton, CEA has joined forces with Better Cotton in Egypt. Through this renewed strategic partnership, both parties will work together to expand the implementation of sustainable farming techniques, provide further training and support to farmers, and ensure compliance with rigorous environmental and social standards. By adopting these practices, Egyptian cotton farmers will be supported in reducing water consumption, decreasing chemical pesticide usage, and improving soil health, ultimately leading to more sustainable and resilient cotton production.

Furthermore, this partnership will enable CEA to leverage Better Cotton’s extensive network of industry stakeholders, including brands, retailers, and textile mills committed to sourcing sustainable cotton. This collaboration will further facilitate increased market access for Egyptian cotton products, ensuring a fair return for farmers and supporting the growth of the Egyptian textile industry.

“We are excited about this strategic partnership with Better Cotton in Egypt,” said Khaled Schuman, CEA’s executive director. “By combining our expertise and resources, we can drive positive change in Egyptian cotton farming practices and secure a sustainable future for our industry. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to globally authenticate the legacy of Egyptian cotton.”

Alan McClay, CEO of Better Cotton, commented: “Egypt’s cotton is globally renowned, and our renewed strategic partnership with Cotton Egypt Association will allow us to build on our work to make cotton farming in the country a more climate resilient, environmentally friendly and responsible activity. We look forward to working with CEA to help Egyptian cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.”

Better Cotton and Cotton Egypt Association are confident that this strategic partnership will contribute to the long-term viability and competitiveness of Egyptian cotton, while also addressing the growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced textiles.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: Better Cotton

Crystal International Steps Up Circularity With Renewcell CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network

HONG KONG — July 5, 2023 — Crystal International Group Ltd. has been putting emphasis on circularity. Crystal International became one of the members of the newly launched CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network (CSN) established by Renewcell, a Sweden-based textile recycling company. By joining the CSN together with more than 40 industry peers, including fabric suppliers and brands, the Group will step up the continuous development of circular solutions to help make fashion circular and to advocate textile circularity via global engagement within the industry.

Being a member of CSN, Crystal International plays a vital role in driving sustainable textile supply chain. The Group can explore the potential opportunity to provide textile waste for circularity and access the supply of CIRCULOSE, which is certified with Recycled Claim Standard.

Circular economy contributes to a resilient and thriving fashion industry. “We always strive to bring more innovative, sustainable textiles and garments with low environmental impact to our customers. With the network in place, we are delighted to join the CSN, being part of the movement ramping up circular development. Together, we join hands to make fashion circular,” said Catherine Chiu, vice president of Global Sustainability.

Through the partnership, Crystal aims to boost recycling efforts and explore the use of sustainable materials. CIRCULOSE is a Next Generation raw material by Renewcell derived from cellulose found in discarded textiles, and transformed into a dissolving pulp made from 100-percent recycled textiles. The pulp serves as the foundation for different regenerated fibers, including viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and other man-made cellulosic fibers. In the recycling process, the discarded textiles are shredded, de-buttoned, de-zipped, de-colored and turned into a slurry that is dried to pure CIRCULOSE sheets. Renewcell aims to use 100-percent renewable energy in the production process, which received various sustainability certifications with good traceability.

The joining of CSN denotes Crystal’s dedication in advancing circular economy for the fashion supply chain. Circularity will continue to remain as one of the group’s integral sustainability foci.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: Crystal

Cooperation To Unlock The Potential Of Merino Wool For Knitwear

OBERTSHAUSEN — July 25, 2023 — The KARL MAYER GROUP, the Südwolle Group and another player in the natural fibres sector have joined forces in a project to explore the exciting possibilities of merino wool for warp knitting technology. The project was triggered by the increasing market demand for textiles made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. The cooperation was to develop innovative fabrics from renewable raw materials for use in underwear and functional sportswear. The focus of the work was on the use of wool as a material with excellent comfort properties and the look and feel of lightweight single jersey goods. The natural fiber fabric qualities are not typical for warp knitting processing, so the challenges during the project work were diverse.

Merino wool yarns with good running properties

Regarding the choice of material, the product development team of Südwolle Group recommended the Hidalgo yarn from their product portfolio. The yarn was created using the in-house developed Betaspun technology, in which a filament was twisted around a merino core. When natural fibres such as wool, cotton or silk are combined with sustainable fibres such as biodegradable polyamide as the filament, the spinning process can create durable, lightweight yarns that disintegrate completely without residue after use. The yarns made from the two components also have good running properties for use in warp knitting. “The polyamide content of the yarn increases its tenacity, reduces hairiness and makes it an excellent choice for warp knitting technology,” confirmed Gabriela Schellner from KARL MAYER’s Textile Product Development Department.

Shape stability paired with single jersey “look and feel”

The Hidalgo yarn, which is made from merino wool, was processed on a warp knitting machine using a carefully thought-out lapping selection to produce a light, soft fabric which, above all, retains its shape. The textile specialists at KARL MAYER had experimented with two different single bar fabric qualities beforehand and had thus adopted a new approach for jersey machines.

The foundation stone is laid

The first results are promising. “The best thing about the project was the positive surprise of our experts about the good running properties and the excellent fabric quality,” confirmed a member of Gabriela Schellner’s team. Now more trials are needed to perfect the technique. Development partners are needed, including fabric producers, brands, and garment manufacturers, with whom the fabric qualities, machine equipment and orientation to the end applications can be refined.

The KARL MAYER GROUP and the Südwolle Group are also unanimous in their desire to push the boundaries of what is possible with merino wool and knitting technology and to develop exciting new solutions for the textile industry through further project work.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: Karl Mayer Group

INDA Opens Registration And Tabletop Reservations For Hygienix™ 2023

CARY, N.C. — July 25, 2023 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that registration and tabletop exhibit reservations are open for the ninth edition of Hygienix™, November 13-16, New Orleans, La. More than 450 absorbent hygiene and personal care professionals from around the world will gather for four days of networking, presentations, and business opportunities.

The theme for this year’s Hygienix is “Shaping the Future of Absorbent Hygiene.” The event will focus on the market’s continued growth with presentations on sustainability, technology advancements, disruptive small brands, and market data and trends. Hygienix will also offer a workshop on absorbent hygiene systems led by Jim Robinson, Absorbent Hygiene Insights LLC, Monday, November 13. The full Hygienix program will be announced at a later date.

INDA is also introducing a new element for Hygienix — pre-conference webinars. Carlos Richer, Principal, Diaper Testing International, will present insights and trends in diaper design in the U.S. market and Heidi Beatty, CEO, Crown Abbey LLC, will share her expertise in the absorbent hygiene sector.

More than 50 companies will showcase their innovations and technologies during the evening tabletop exhibits and receptions. Participants will be able to discuss their needs with technical leaders and source better solutions for their products, November 14-15.

Nominations are being accepted through August 7 for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Three finalists will be selected to present their absorbent hygiene products on Tuesday, November 14 to hundreds of senior-level professionals. The winner of the Award will be announced at the end of the event, Thursday, November 16.

Last year’s award recipient was Pads on a Roll™ by Egal Pads. “Participating in the Hygienix conference (and winning the award) was an incredible opportunity for Egal on so many fronts,” said Penelope Finnie, CEO, Egal Pads Inc. “First, it was amazing to get such incredible validation of our product from those who have literally seen it all. As a newcomer to the industry, it was an incredible opportunity to learn from so many veterans. The connections that were created have really helped move us forward. I credit winning the award with providing much of that momentum,” Finnie continued.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: INDA

 

Functional Fabric Fair Powered By PERFORMANCE DAYS® Returns To Javits Center For Its Largest NYC Edition Yet

NORWALK, Conn. — July 25, 2023 — The highly anticipated New York edition of Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, made its return to the prestigious Javits Center on July 18-19. The event successfully reconnected outdoor and sports apparel brands with leading suppliers, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge trends and innovations in textile development for the Summer 2024/2025 seasons.

With record-breaking participation from more than 140 exhibitors — including exhibitors such as Allied Feather and Down, Naia™ from Eastman, and Polartec — this edition of Functional Fabric Fair proved to be the most extensive in New York to date. Industry leaders and exciting new brands gathered under one roof to unveil their latest product offerings and ideas, fostering new connections and collaborations. There were 2,300 industry professionals in attendance, ultimately generating a staggering 4,600 promising leads for the exhibiting companies. Steve McCullough, the event director of Functional Fabric Fair, expressed his delight, stating, “We are overwhelmed by the number of attendees and the positive feedback they’ve shared. It’s an honor to welcome back returning exhibitors while introducing new brands to the outdoor textile industry.”

Sustainability lies at the core of Functional Fabric Fair and this edition remained dedicated to its commitment to environmentally conscious practices. In a significant stride towards a greener future, all exhibitor booths and other facets of the fair were constructed from 100-percent recycled materials, leaving a 0-percent carbon footprint for the show floor. The organizers’ dedication to eco-friendly initiatives showcased a resounding call to action for the industry as a whole.

Functional Fabric Fair New York served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and professional development. The 2023 New York Conference Program, hosted on the Main Stage with sponsorship from NexTex Innovations, featured 13 sessions. A standout presentation was “PERFORMANCE COLORS by Nora Kuehner, MAN-MADE Colors & Trends in Summer 2025.” Kuehner’s comprehensive exploration of color and trend perspectives, considering trans-seasonal aspects and deeply researched socio-cultural developments and user mindsets, left a lasting impression on the audience. Furthermore, a diverse range of topics, including “PFAS – Issues and Industry Resources,” were passionately discussed by industry experts from Hohenstein Institute America, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, and PVH.

Back by popular demand, the PERFORMANCE FORUM once again wowed attendees with a fresh array of innovative fabrics. This distinctive platform provided attendees with an exclusive opportunity to experience the latest trends and breakthroughs in active and outdoor apparel textiles and accessories. The fabrics on display spanned across 13 crucial categories, catering to every need of the industry and reaffirming Functional Fabric Fair’s position as a beacon of inspiration and progress.

Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to be a driving force in the textile industry, connecting visionaries, brands, and suppliers alike to forge a path toward a sustainable and innovative future. Functional Fabric Fair is already generating excitement for its forthcoming events, having made a lasting impact with its New York edition. The entire team, including exhibitors and attendees, eagerly awaits the next industry gathering at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Ore., scheduled for this November.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: Functional Fabric Fair

Carbitex Announces Leadership Appointments, Manufacturing Shift

Khan (left) and Sinner

KENNEWICK, Wash. — July 19, 2023 — Carbitex is pleased to announce key updates that will further strengthen its position in the market and enhance the customer experience both in the United States and abroad. These developments include a strategic shift in manufacturing operations; the company founder, Junus Khan, stepping back into the role of company president; and the hire of Patrick Sinner to lead brand product development.

Carbitex recognizes the increasing demand for its innovative products and is dedicated to meeting the market’s evolving needs. To ensure seamless operations and the ability to handle projects of any size, the company has strategically shifted its manufacturing process and location. By outsourcing manufacturing operations to Asia, Carbitex can operate close to brand manufacturing centers for increased efficiency, reduced lead times, and local support. This also allows Carbitex’s U.S. lab to fully dedicate its resources to engineering and innovation, bringing new technologies to market and providing enhanced development support to brand partners.

To oversee this pivotal restructure, Carbitex is delighted to welcome back Junus Khan, the company’s esteemed founder, as president. After spending the last five years laying the groundwork in Asia and working with partners and their factories to integrate Carbitex’s technology into commercial-ready products, Khan’s extensive experience and strategic vision for the brand will be invaluable as the company navigates this important phase.

“It’s a rare opportunity to be in a position to reformat a business with the benefit of hindsight while carrying forward the successes.” Khan said. “Our new structure enables us to focus on our core — technology development, sales, and marketing. I’m excited to be running the company again.”

Additionally, Carbitex is proud to announce Patrick Sinner as the vice president of Brand Product Development. As the previous Head of Footwear at SquareOne, Sinner planned, designed, and engineered products, and spent over 300 days in Asia bringing those products to life. “Having worked with Patrick as a customer for the past eight years, it is exciting to now have the opportunity to work together at Carbitex. It is exceedingly uncommon to find someone like Patrick in the footwear space. His combination of engineering, design, and manufacturing experience brings a comprehensive skill set and a complementary perspective to our team,” says Khan.

These developments highlight Carbitex’s dedication to customer satisfaction, innovation, and growth, and is poised to deliver exceptional value and expand its market presence.

Posted July 25, 2023

Source: Carbitex

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