Technology And Growth Take Center Stage As Fire-Dex Welcomes Ben Pfahl As New CIO

MEDINA, Ohio — June 10, 2025 — Fire-Dex, North America’s fastest-growing manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, announces the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). With this leadership expansion, Fire-Dex is putting weight behind its promise to lead with tech, execute with excellence and grow with intention in shaping the next generation of gear designed to serve those who serve.

Ben Pfahl

As CIO, Pfahl will lead Fire-Dex’s enterprise technology strategy and oversee the Information Technology team as it aims to accelerate digital transformation, enhance data security and ensure seamless integration of business systems across Fire-Dex and its subsidiary Gear Wash.

Pfahl brings over two decades of IT and digital leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of IT & Digitalization and Regional CIO – Americas at global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler Group. During his 21-year tenure, Pfahl led major technology transformation initiatives, implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, and spearheaded cross-regional integration of IT operations across North and South America.

“Ben’s appointment marks an important milestone as Fire-Dex continues to scale its operations and invest in forward-thinking solutions,” said Lauren Burke DeVere, President of Fire-Dex. “His track record of aligning technology with business strategy, leading high-performing teams and driving measurable results will be instrumental as we build the next generation of tools and services for our customers.”

Climbing the Ladder

This leadership addition follows a period of meaningful executive transition at Fire-Dex. Earlier this year, longtime CEO Steve Allison announced his upcoming retirement, with Lauren Burke DeVere set to become CEO in 2026. At the same time, John Karban, current VP of Operations, will step into the role of President, bringing decades of operational expertise to the mix. Together with Pfahl, DeVere and Karban represent the next generation of Fire-Dex leadership that balances continuity, fresh perspective and the addition of a CIO role to accelerate innovation.

“I’m honored to join a mission-driven organization like Fire-Dex, whose values of protection, service and ingenuity strongly resonate with me,” said Pfahl. “I look forward to working alongside the executive team and our dedicated IT professionals to deliver solutions that support our people, partners and customers.”

A Fire Services First

The appointment of a CIO further builds on Fire-Dex’s recent momentum in the digital space, including the launch of its Virtual Sizer. This AI-powered tool is the first to simplify the firefighter gear-fitting process by using a few simple inputs to generate a precise digital profile. For departments and dealers, less fumbling with tape measures and numbers means faster fittings, fewer sizing errors and a better experience for the wearer. Because Fire-Dex believes in tech with a mission: to put confidence in the hands of the people who need it most.

With the CIO role now in place, the company is poised to accelerate this kind of forward-thinking development across the business.

Pfahl holds an MBA from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and international business from Bowling Green State University. He resides in Medina, Ohio, with his wife and three children, and volunteers as head coach of the Medina High School Girls Rugby Team.

Posted: June 10, 2025

Source: Fire-Dex

Continuous Composites Secures Additional Funding To Advance High-Temperature Materials With CF3D® (Continuous Fiber 3D) Technology

Continuous Composites Logo Stacked

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — June 9, 2025 — Continuous Composites (CCI) has been awarded multi-million-dollar funding from the U.S. Air Force as part of a multi-year contract to advance the development of high-performance materials using CF3D® technology. This funding is divided into two phases:

The first phase, currently underway, focuses on establishing baseline material properties and a performance validation campaign to benchmark CF3D-produced components against traditional manufacturing methods, such as those used for materials like Carbon-Carbon.

The second phase of the funding will support the expansion of this work, enabling full-scale component production and flight testing. This phase will allow CCI to refine production processes, conduct additional testing, and further advance CF3D’s capabilities for high-temperature applications.

CF3D (Continuous Fiber 3D) technology enables the automated manufacturing of continuous fiber composites in near-net shapes, offering precise control over fiber orientation and geometry. This capability facilitates the scalable production of complex parts with enhanced design flexibility and the ability to meet the high-performance requirements of high-temperature applications.

Continuous Composites

Continuous Composites is redefining composite manufacturing with CF3D, its patented Continuous Fiber technology. By integrating advanced materials fiber steering and automated manufacturing, CF3D enables the production of lightweight, high-performance structures with unmatched precision and scalability. This innovative approach transforms how complex components are made, unlocking new possibilities across aerospace, defense, and UAV sectors.

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: Continuous Composites

Hanes Names S&S Activewear Exclusive Distributor For Printwear Channel

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — June 9, 2025 — S&S Activewear and HanesBrands Inc. are proud to announce a landmark agreement that makes S&S the exclusive distributor of the Hanes brand in the North American printwear channel. This milestone builds on a decades-long partnership and sets the stage for a bold new era of growth, innovation and customer focus.

At the heart of the Hanes legacy is the iconic Beefy-T®, a style that helped define the printwear category and continues to be a customer favorite for its comfort, durability and printability. Hanes is the top-selling apparel brand in the U.S. and brings over 110 years of heritage in quality and innovation to the market.

With this exclusive partnership, S&S will not only carry the full range of Hanes styles but will also offer deeper inventory positions and enhanced availability across its national distribution network—ensuring decorators and promotional partners get what they need, when they need it.

“This is more than an agreement—it’s an evolution of one of the industry’s most enduring relationships,” said Mike Faircloth, HanesBrands President Global Operations. “Hanes has been a foundational brand in printwear for decades. With S&S as our exclusive distributor, we’re doubling down on that legacy while positioning ourselves to lead in the next chapter of the market.”

The partnership comes on the heels of S&S’s successful integration with alphabroder—creating a unified platform that offers customers expanded product access, faster delivery and unmatched service. With over 6 million square feet of warehouse space, advanced automation technologies, and a portfolio of more than 100 top industry and exclusive brands, S&S has established itself as the leading technology-enabled, customer-focused distributor in the channel.

“We’re incredibly proud to deepen our relationship with Hanes, a brand that represents both heritage and reliability,” said Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “As a unified company, we’re in a better position than ever to bring more of Hanes’s trusted styles to more customers, more efficiently while continuing to raise the bar on service.”

Through this strategic alignment, customers can expect:

  • A focused and expanded Hanes assortment, available exclusively from S&S
  • Deeper inventories across S&S’s nationwide network of distribution centers
  • Faster shipping and delivery windows for Hanes styles
  • Seamless ordering through the unified S&S website and service model

Customers may continue to purchase Hanes products from other distributors through the transition period. This partnership will be fully operational by December 31, 2025.

This agreement reflects a shared belief that the future of the printwear industry will be shaped by deeper, more strategic partnerships between manufacturers and distributors—focused on long-term brand building, supply chain alignment and delivering unmatched value to customers.

“As we continue to grow, our focus remains on supporting the industry’s most trusted brands,” added Myers. “We believe strong partnerships with manufacturers like Hanes are what drive value and progress for the industry and our customers.”

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: S&S Activewear

Announcing The 2025 Best Of NeoCon Winners

CHICAGO — June 9, 2025 — The 35th annual Best of NeoCon Awards kicked off NeoCon 2025 this morning with a high-energy ceremony at THE MART, spotlighting the most forward-thinking products transforming the future of commercial interiors. A cornerstone of NeoCon since 1990, the iconic program celebrates exceptional solutions spanning workplace, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality. This year, 96 awards were given to exhibitors for products across more than 40 categories, with honors awarded for Gold, Silver, Innovation, Sustainability, and Business Impact. The program’s top distinction, Best of Competition, was awarded to HALCON for its ASTORIA collection of conference and mobile communal tables.

HALCON’s ASTORIA (Best of Competition)

A multidisciplinary jury of 42 architects, designers, specifiers, enterprise clients, and facility managers—including leaders from Gensler, Corgan, CannonDesign, Marmon Mok, Shepley Bulfinch, Aflac, and Walgreens—convened on-site at THE MART to evaluate submissions throughout the NeoCon show floors. An additional panel of eight business media professionals and two facility managers determined the Business Impact Awards. See the full jury list here: https://neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon#jury

“The jurors were incredibly thoughtful and rigorous in their evaluations this year,” says Eileen McMorrow, Director of Best of NeoCon. “The winning products aren’t just keeping pace with industry trends—they’re actively driving critical design movements, from circularity and neuro-inclusive thinking to the integration of AI and advanced material innovation. We saw manufacturers embrace empathy, rethink flexibility, and experiment with form and function, addressing the evolving ways people live, work, heal, learn, and connect now.”

The Best of Competition-winning ASTORIA collection by HALCON is tailored for the modern workplace and crafted to create elevated spaces for connection, conversation, and community. Jurors praised the well-appointed assortment for its exceptional design and everyday usability, highlighting its sculptural bases, refined materials, and thoughtfully concealed rolling casters. With flexible configurations, integrated technology options, and meticulous attention to detail, ASTORIA offers a compelling solution for today’s dynamic environments.

“Elegance is the key word when it comes to ASTORIA. It makes the capabilities seem too good to be true. Here, you will not be sacrificing design for functionality,” notes the jury. The line was also recognized for Gold Awards in the Collections for Collaboration, Tables: Café, and Tables: Conference categories. Best of Competition finalists included Davis Furniture’s JeLa Guest, Extremis’s Panigiri, Isomi’s Knit One, and Keilhauer’s Unifi.

DARRAN’s Central Bark (Innovation)

Other manufacturers, such as Arktura, DARRAN, Extremis, Formica Corporation, Keilhauer, Mizetto, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, Safco, and Shaw Contract earned Innovation Awards for products bringing bold new ideas to market through breakthrough technologies, novel features, or reimagined approaches to familiar challenges.

Haworth’s Alder Tables (Sustainability)

Products from Andreu World, HÅG, Haworth, Isomi, KFI Studios, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, Nienkämper, Patcraft, and The Good Plastic Company were recognized with Sustainability Awards, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility through the use of recyclable or biodegradable components, eco-conscious manufacturing practices, and alignment with industry certifications and standards.

Returning for the fourth year, the Business Impact Awards recognized design solutions driving organizational performance through smarter workflows, cost savings, space optimization, and other strategic outcomes. Judged by a panel of business journalists from Bloomberg, Newsweek, Vogue Business, Forbes and Morning Brew, among other notable publications—alongside seasoned facility managers from Northwestern Mutual and Aflac—the awards were based on first-hand product evaluations conducted on-site at THE MART. Each product was thoroughly vetted on criteria including adaptability, sustainability alignment, technology integration, productivity, wellness and user experience, and contribution to the bottom line.

Visplay’s Omnio Office (Business Impact)

This year, 26 Business Impact Award finalists were selected, with 10 award recipients ultimately honored across categories ranging from furnishings and materials to architectural systems and integrated technologies. The Business Impact Winners for 2025 were Clarus’ Lynk, CMS Electracom’s Freedom FR210 Series, Framery’s One Lounge, Haworth’s Closed-Loop Manufactured Fern, Keilhauer’s Unifi, Kwalu’s Ellie Recliner + Sleeper Sofa Collection, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s Renaturation, Safco/Onsemble’s Modix System, Schiavello’s Focus Quiet Room Plus, and Visplay’s Omnio Office.

Andreu World’s Nina Lounge (Gold)

Competition-wide, the most awarded companies were Andreu World (9), Keilhauer (6), Davis Furniture (4), Patcraft (4), and Schiavello (5)—each earning accolades across multiple product categories.

New for the 35th edition, Best of NeoCon has introduced the People’s Choice Awards, allowing the design community at large to weigh in on its favorite Best of NeoCon–winning products on-site and online. People’s Choice voting is open now through Tuesday, June 10, at 5:00 p.m. CDT, with the top five winners to be announced on Wednesday, June 11. Show attendees can vote by scanning QR codes on award-winning products throughout the building; others can vote online via the Winners Gallery: https://bestofneocon.secure-platform.com/a/gallery?roundId=17

The Best of NeoCon Awards remain a powerful snapshot of an industry in motion—where materials, systems, and furnishings are recognized in service of both people and the planet. View the full list of 2025 winners here: https://neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. – Novità Communications

Linea Studio And LEMA Debut First US Flagship Store In Design District

MIAMI, FL — June 5, 2025 — Linea Studio proudly debuted LEMA’s first US flagship store in Miami’s Design District. Located in the premier design hub of Miami at 4141 NE 2nd Ave Unit 103, the 2,456 square foot showroom houses Italian furniture that coincides with their design philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. LEMA prides themselves on being focused on redefining the concept of living. This new location introduces artisanal craftsmanship, their contributions to the design industry, and their continuous pursuit of perfection to South Florida.

Photo – World Red Eye

The dazzling Miami evening set the stage for a celebration infused with the elegance of Italian design. Guests experienced a night of luxury with red carpet photo moments, Italian-inspired signature cocktails, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, signifying the arrival of LEMA to the U.S.. The evening also included a special appearance by internationally renowned architect Carlo Colombo, and LEMA executives Angelo Meroni and Diego Romano; further adding distinction to the milestone moment in LEMA’s legacy.

“Today, Lema begins a new chapter, embracing a vision that places the home at the center of everyday life; an environment that fosters a genuine and emotional connection with those who inhabit it”, said Angelo Meroni, President of Lema. “Over the past months, we have embarked on an important evolution, staying true to our roots while pushing boundaries. With A++ leading our artistic direction and a renewed international drive, reflected in our latest openings, Lema, now in its fourth generation, continues to bridge innovation and tradition, strengthening its presence in the world of contemporary design with an increasingly global and distinctive approach”.

At the heart of LEMA’s new journey is a design philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. Each piece of furniture becomes an emotional vessel, establishing a genuine connection with the surrounding space. This year’s new proposals embody this vision through harmonious forms, refined materials, and a sophisticated colour palette, where every detail is meticulously crafted to convey balance and well-being.

“Bringing LEMA’s first U.S. flagship to the Miami Design District is an incredible milestone,” says Erika Naranjo, Founder & CEO of Linea Studio, “not only for Linea Studio, but for the world of design in South Florida. LEMA represents the very best of Italian craftsmanship and innovation, and this new showroom is a celebration of that legacy. We’re proud to create a space that invites designers, architects, and design enthusiasts alike to experience a new standard of luxury living.”

Building on the legacy of the legendary collection that marked the beginning of LEMA’s story, the brand continually advances its modular systems, reinforcing its reputation for timeless Italian craftsmanship. LEMA’s systems are renowned for their ability to define and organize spaces with stylistic coherence and complete compositional freedom. Designed with a deep understanding of contemporary living, these bespoke modular systems furnish not only the living room but also other environments throughout the home, from bedrooms to offices to transitional spaces.

LEMA embarked on a new journey, bringing their expertise in Italian furniture craftsmanship to Miami in a celebration that cultivates their dedication to both style and innovation.

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: LEMA

The National Retail Federation : Import Cargo Levels Expected To See Surge During Pause In Tariff Increases

WASHINGTON — June 9, 2025 — Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is the busiest time of the year for retailers as they enter the back-to-school season and prepare for the fall-winter holiday season,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers had paused their purchases and imports previously because of the significantly high tariffs. They are now looking to get those orders and cargo moving in order to bring as much merchandise into the country as they can before the reciprocal tariff and additional China tariff pauses end in July and August. Retailers want to ensure consumers will be able to find the products they need and want at prices they can afford. Unfortunately, there is still considerable uncertainty as to what will happen after the pauses end. We strongly encourage the administration to continue negotiating agreements with our trading partners in order to restore predictability and stability to the supply chain.”

Gold said many retailers suspended or canceled orders after the Trump administration announced a 145% tariff on China in April but have resumed imports after tariffs were reduced to 30% and a 90-day pause that will last until August 12 was announced. The higher reciprocal tariffs on other nations have also been paused until July 9 as the administration negotiates with those countries.

“Our projections show that May saw a significant reduction in imports as shippers responded to the higher tariff environment,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “However, tariff reductions will lead to a surge in imports in June through August as importers take advantage of the various 90-day pauses. The peak for the winter holidays will come early this year, making it simultaneous with the peak for the back-to-school season. If higher tariffs are not delayed again, we can expect the final four months of the year to see declining volumes of imports.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.21 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in April, the latest month for which final data is available and before the impact of the April tariffs was felt. That was up 2.9% from March and up 9.6% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for May — when the April tariffs began to have an impact — but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.91 million TEU, down 13.4% from April and down 8.1% year over year. That would be the first year-over-year decline since September 2023 and the lowest volume since 1.87 million TEU in December 2023.

With some tariffs now on pause, imports are expected to bounce back in June, although numbers will remain lower than last year. June is forecast at 2.01 million TEU, down 6.2% year over year; July at 2.13 million TEU, down 8.1%, and August at 1.98 million TEU, down 14.7%. Volume is then expected to drop sharply for the remainder of 2025, with large year-over-year declines seen partly because imports in late 2024 were elevated due to concerns about East Coast and Gulf Coast port strikes. September is forecast at 1.78 million TEU, down 21.8% year over year, and October is forecast at 1.8 million TEU, down 19.8%.

The current forecast would bring the first half of 2025 to 12.54 million TEU, up 3.7% year over year. That’s better than the 12.13 million TEU forecast last month before the tariff pause was announced, but still below the 12.78 million TEU, up 5.7% year over year, forecast before the April tariffs announcement.

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

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

 

Creative Tech Textile’s Seawool® Opens New Horizons For Sustainable Fashion

TAINAN, Taiwan — June 5, 2025 — In celebration of World Environment Day, Creative Tech Textile is sharing the success story behind Seawool® — its innovative material transforming discarded oyster shells and recycled plastic into a sustainable textile solution. This pioneering approach shows how reusing natural waste can move fashion toward a more sustainable future.

Fashion’s Push to Become More Sustainable

A Taiwanese oyster farmer contributes to a circular future — his discarded shells are transformed into Seawool®, a sustainable and high-performance textile.

The global fashion industry has recently faced growing pressure to become more sustainable. According to the World Economic Forum, incorporating recycled materials into clothing could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80%. Yet, polyester—plastic-based and derived from fossil fuels—remains the most widely used fiber in textiles, while less than 1% of clothing materials are recycled into new garments, per the Geneva Environment Network. In particular, there is a growing need to reduce short-lifecycle plastic-based fabrics and increase uptake of circular, low-impact material innovations.

Seawool®: The ‘Emerald from the Ocean’

Creative Tech’s proprietary Seawool® material represents a bold leap in sustainable material development. By blending discarded oyster shells from Taiwan with recycled PET plastic bottles, the company has created a textile that is as functional as it is environmentally conscious.

Already adopted by leading US apparel brands, Seawool® generates around TWD$200 million (US$6.1 million) in annual revenue and is quickly gaining global traction. In May, Creative Tech showcased Seawool® at PanTextiles Tokyo, an international trade event by the Taiwan Textile Federation.

“As consumers grow more conscious of their clothing’s environmental impact, we want them to know sustainable material innovations like Seawool® exist and are scalable,” noted Eddie Wang, Founder and CEO of Creative Tech Textile. “Our goal is to replace traditional fibers with more environmentally-friendly alternatives — facilitating true sustainability from the upstream end of the fashion industry supply chain.”

Creative Tech currently produces 2,500 tons of Seawool® annually, repurposing approximately 500 tons of oyster shells.

How Seawool® Compares to Traditional Materials

Seawool® stands out for both its environmental footprint and fabric properties:

  • Odor-resistant
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Offers UV protection

Furthermore, the oyster shell powder inside is a low thermal conductivity material, offering temperature stability.

Seawool® also has cost and environmental advantages:

  • 1/10 the cost of down
  • 1/20 the cost of high-grade wool
  • Lower water usage compared to down and wool
  • Performs better for water absorption than polyester
  • Improved odor resistance compared with cotton
  • Comparable thermal regulation to pricier low-conductivity fabrics, but at 1/6 to 1/10 the cost

A sustainable world inside an oyster shell

While Taiwan produces an estimated 100,000 tons of oyster shells annually, far greater quantities are generated in the US and China, highlighting the abundance of this natural raw material.

Turning oyster shells into functional powder requires a specialized process which Creative Tech has mastered with unique production advantages that support large-scale manufacturing. As demand for eco-conscious materials grows, Creative Tech is well-placed to deliver consistent quality and scale for fashion brands seeking sustainable alternatives.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Creative Tech Textile

Recover™ And TextileGenesis™ Launch Pilot To Verify Supply Chain Integrity Of Recycled Materials

PARIS — June 3, 2025 — Recover™, a global producer of recycled cotton and cotton-blend fibers, has commenced a traceability collaboration with TextileGenesis™, a Lectra company, to digitally track its recycled waste materials across the entire textile value chain.

The collaboration focuses on tracing Recover’s recycled cotton and polycotton inputs from fiber production through to finished garments. Two representative styles were selected to test the platform across different supply chain configurations. TextileGenesis Fibercoin™ technology was used to generate digital tokens for every kilo of material, creating a verified chain of custody at each transformation stage.

The pilot marks a significant milestone in Recover’s circularity roadmap, demonstrating how digital traceability can validate recycled content, drive supplier participation, and enable regulatory compliance, particularly in preparation for the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP). This pilot with Textile Genesis’ traceability solution intends to complement Recover’s existing physical tracer and GRS certification, adding another layer of traceability and transparency.

Following the industry pilot, Recover™ and TextileGenesis™ have the intention to collaborate on implementing full fiber-to-retail traceability for Recover™ recycled fibers across the entire textile supply chain.

Traceability as a foundation for circularity and regulatory readiness

Fiber-to-retail traceability will enable Recover™ and its brand partners to access a verified digital chain of custody. This includes authenticated recycled content claims, integration with physical tracer audits where relevant, and visibility into supplier ESG credentials across the chain.

“Traceability plays a foundational role in validating circularity claims and preparing for regulations like the EU Digital Product Passport,” said Orsolya Janossy, Senior Sustainability Manager at Recover™. “This pilot will enable us to test the TextileGenesis system in real-world conditions. It will provide our brand partners with verified data to support responsible sourcing, product-level disclosures, and credible circularity claims.”

Delivering scalable traceability through supplier enablement and platform excellence

Recover’s supply chain partners are onboarded to the TextileGenesis™ platform with multilingual training and full technical support. Suppliers conducted transactions using robust Fibercoin™ technology modules—resulting in a complete, transparent digital footprint for each unit produced. TextileGenesis’ability to deliver structured onboarding, localized guidance, and responsive support was a key success factor.

The seamless coordination across multiple tiers and regions showcases Recover’s leadership in operationalizing traceability at scale—transforming a complex global supply chain into a fully transparent system. This is a meaningful step forward for circular fashion, proving what’s possible when technology, sustainability, and cross-industry collaboration come together.

“Recover™ is demonstrating how traceability can be embedded into circular business models—not just to validate recycled content, but to create the verified data infrastructure needed for regulatory compliance and brand accountability,” said Amit Gautam, Founder & CEO of TextileGenesis™. “This sets the foundation for scalable, digital traceability across the recycled fiber ecosystem.”

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Recover™ 

JLA Home Partners With FUZE Technologies To Enhance Hygiene And Sustainability In New Hospitality Product Line

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — June 1, 2025 — FUZE Technologies (FUZE) recently announced a strategic global partnership with JLA Hospitality (a division of JLA Home, that will combine FUZE’s technically advanced antimicrobial product with JLA’s host of hospitality textiles and accessories).

JLA Hospitality (JLA) and FUZE Technologies are collaborating on the development of products that meet the highest standards of hygiene and sustainability. The initial phase includes the integration of FUZE’s technology into JLA’s hospitality product lines implemented across all categories from textiles to bath and room accessories, with plans for broader expansion into their retail product lines and other wholesale operations. . This initiative is expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, ensuring that hospitality textiles and accessories are both more environmentally friendly and more effective in promoting guest health and comfort.

“JLA is a leader in providing both textiles and room accessories in some of the biggest retail chains in the world,” says Andrew Peterson, CTO and founder of FUZE. “From bed linens, blankets, mattress pads, pillow protectors and comforters, to shower curtains, robes, slippers, tissue boxes, ice buckets, and much more, FUZE will treat all of the JLA Hospitality products with our revolutionary and long-lasting anti-bacterial technology, F1.”  By integrating FUZE’s antimicrobial technology into its product offerings, JLA aims to provide the hospitality channel with the most comprehensive FUZE treated product line on the market that is not only cleaner and safer but also more sustainable and cost-effective.

This partnership aligns with JLA’s commitment to providing unique product solutions that enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction with an eye on environmental stewardship.  “Partnering with FUZE Technologies allows us to offer our hospitality and institutional clients state-of-the-art hygiene solutions that not only align with our category growth and product development goals but also with our social and ecological responsibility targets,” said Brett Rife, JLA Hospitality’s President of Sales & Divisional Leader. He continued “This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing innovative products that enhance the guest experience and deliver on a promise of durability while maximizing our customer’s ROI.”

“Traditionally, textile companies have had to balance between an antimicrobial’s effectiveness to eliminate odor for an extended period of washes, with the amount of toxic chemicals applied to a fabric and there has been little to no development of antimicrobial products in the accessory space (i.e. tissue boxes and wastebaskets)” says Peterson. “Today, FUZE offers a permanent, chemical-free treatment that can be applied to various surfaces and textiles to prevent and protect against odor-causing bacteria, fungus and mold. FUZE’s F1 is 99.99% medical-grade purified water. It contains no chemicals, it is 100% safe for the environment, has zero negative effects on the human biome, and is the first EPA-approved antimicrobial that lasts the lifetime of the surface or fabric it is applied to, even after 100+ washes,” Peterson said.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: FUZE Technologies

Merino Wool Proven To Have Superior Thermoregulation Advantage For Athletes, Backed By Breakthrough Research

LONDON — June 4, 2025 — A major four-year research program led by North Carolina State University has revealed 100% Merino wool base-layer garments deliver superior thermal comfort and performance benefits during dynamic stop-go sports like cycling, rock climbing, hiking and golf. The concept, known as dynamic breathability, reflects how well a Merino wool garment adapts to changing conditions: managing heat and moisture when the body is working hard, and preserving warmth when activity slows or stops.

Unlike traditional synthetic performance wear, Merino wool maintains thermal equilibrium during both exertion and rest. This means wearers can avoid the negative skin sensation known as after-chill so commonly experienced in outdoor sports, and instead can be assisted in conserving energy and maintaining comfort when it matters most. With the human body continuously working to maintain 35OC skin temperature throughout stop-go sports, less work is needed in wool.

This breakthrough positions Merino wool as the natural performance fibre – no longer anchored by anecdotes, but by thorough science.

“This is about the ongoing transition from activity to recovery,” says Woolmark Managing Director John Roberts. “With wool’s structure designed by nature to enhance wearer performance, it responds in real time to changing physiological needs. It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100% focus on the challenge – especially in unpredictable and high-output activities, such as cycling or rock climbing, where a base layer is often all they wear.”

Game-Changing Findings:

  • Better Regulation in Real-World Conditions: Human trials in a climate-controlled chamber found all fibres performed similarly during the activity phase, but only wool performed well across both activity and rest phases – a critical benefit in dynamic sports.
  • Superior Moisture Management: Merino wool’s unique dual-layer – hydrophobic outside and hydrophilic inside – absorbs up to one third of its weight in moisture vapour without feeling wet, enabling efficient moisture transport and stabilising next to skin microclimate.
  • Thermal Advantage: Testing shows Merino wool keeps the microclimate – a critical layer between garment and skin – steadier during repeated stop-go activity, reducing the body’s effort to stay comfortable.

The researchers point out that, while wool’s thermostatic properties and capacity to regulate temperature based on ambient moisture have been well known, existing steady-state test methods overlook “the intrinsic ability of naturally hygroscopic fibres to absorb moisture from the environment… despite its profound implications3.”

The research has already sparked interest from leading sportswear brands, seeking apparel designs that enhance wearer performance.

Backed by Science, Validated by Athletes

The research showed that wool garments maintained greater thermal comfort and minimised after- chill – the drop in body temperature athletes often experience during resting phases. Compared to other fibre types, wool demonstrated:

  • 96% better moisture buffering than polyester
  • 45% better than cotton
  • 26% better than viscose

Wool’s ability to regulate the microclimate next to the skin, especially during fluctuating humidity and temperature, also contributes to improved comfort: test participants and the new test method confirmed that only wool maintained comfort throughout the sport.

“What this study shows is what athletes have been telling us anecdotally for years: that wool breathes, buffers and performs better across a range of real-world conditions,” says Roberts.

A Call to Innovators: Design for the Dynamic

The next generation of sports apparel demands performance that maximises comfort and performance by adapting to real-life conditions. Merino wool’s dynamic breathability – a fibre’s ability to adapt to environmental change – offers a clear advantage in thermal performance.

This science marks a turning point. It’s no longer about quick-dry or lightweight – it’s about sustained performance married with apparel that works with, not against, the body. For product designers, this offers new insights into how Merino wool can enhance next-to-skin comfort, reduce the need for synthetic blends, and elevate garment functionality without compromising sustainability. Smart design starts with smart fibres, and Merino wool got there first.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Woolmark 

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