PARIS — June 11, 2025 — The Boards of Directors of INDA and EDANA have officially approved the formation of the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) and have concurrently agreed to become its founding members. Both Boards have also approved a motion authorizing each organization to appoint six representatives from each founding organization – current chair and 5 additional representatives.
This move marks a major milestone in the collaborative vision outlined in the organizations’ jointly signed Letter of Intent from September 2024. The Board votes follow extensive planning and consultation and includes the recommendation to formally establish GNA as a non-profit association under the laws of the United States.
By aligning strategic resources and deepening collaboration, the GNA will provide a unified and coordinated approach to the key opportunities and challenges facing the global nonwovens industry. The Alliance is designed to accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency, expand international reach, and foster long-term industry growth—all while strengthening the services and support delivered to members at both regional and global levels.
Under the GNA framework, INDA and EDANA will continue to operate as independent legal entities, maintaining their regional focus and advocacy efforts. As founding members, however, both organizations will participate in aligning leadership, staffing, and programmatic initiatives to advance shared objectives and cross-border priorities.
In the immediate term, INDA and EDANA will focus on laying a strong foundation for GNA, including establishing the organization and solidifying its governance structure. Looking ahead, Allied Membership is expected to be open to any not-for- profit trade, industry, or professional association whose mission aligns with that of the founding members—offering an inclusive platform for broader collaboration across the global nonwovens value chain.
“The formation of GNA is a milestone for our industry. By working together across regions, we can accelerate innovation, speak with a stronger voice globally, and deliver even greater value to our members,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “This is not a merger—it’s a strategic alliance built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of nonwovens.”
“With the creation of GNA, we are positioning the nonwovens industry to meet global challenges with greater unity and impact,” said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. “This collaborative structure allows us to scale our efforts, strengthen our influence, and pursue solutions that benefit our members worldwide.”
GNA will be governed by a Board composed of six members from each founding organization, five appointed representatives plus the current Chair, ensuring balanced representation and a regional perspective. This governance structure will promote transparency, long-term strategic alignment, and organizational stability while guiding shared policies, priorities, and programs.
Posted: June 12, 2025
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry / EDANA
MANCHESTER, England — June 10, 2025 — A leading position in the areas of testing, instrumentation and machine control has been established by members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) and a number of new developments in these fields will be showcased at this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition, which takes place in Singapore from October 28-31.
BTMA CEO Jason Kent
“Many of our members are currently developing new technologies, either in-house or increasingly through joint projects, and there will be much to reveal by the time of ITMA Asia in Singapore,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Some of the most recent developments are really going beyond what has previously been possible.”
The tactility challenge
A case in point is the new Sentire fabric handle tester which has just been launched by Roaches International.
One of the biggest challenges faced by designers and manufacturers, the company explains, is in describing and sharing information about fabric aesthetics before manufacturing, or without the costly and time-consuming process of transporting physical samples.
The new Roaches International Sentire
The elusive concept of ‘fabric handle’ – the tactile sensation experienced when touching and manipulating fabric – is a critical aspect of textile evaluation, but to date it’s been very subjective.
“No two people will describe how a fabric feels in the same way and the lack of a common language to describe fabric tactility poses communication challenges across the complex global fashion and textile supply chain,” says Roaches
International MD Sean O’Neill. “How do you objectively measure qualities like softness, smoothness, drape, and stiffness?”
The answer is with the new Sentire
Haptic spatial system
Roaches worked with specialists at the University of Leeds to develop the new finished fabric evaluation system which defines the tactile properties of fabrics via a haptic spatial system – similar, for example, to the way colour charts are digitally defined for colour palettes, or Tog values rate warmth.
Fabric samples are placed into the Sentire to run a series of tests which generate quantitative fabric tactile property data akin to a fingerprint for the fabric, which can then be compared against other samples and communicated digitally to partners in different locations.
“This technology has the potential to impact the supply chain in a similar way to the spectrophotometer for the communication of colour,” says O’Neill. “We have had a fantastic initial response to the Sentire and its possibilities are huge. Not only can it be used to compare textile tactility globally, but we are also seeing interest from online retailers who want to accurately display the way a particular fabric drapes on the body.”
Shelton Vision’s latest WebSpector in action.
Patterned fabric inspection
The precise detection of defects during the production of fabrics has meanwhile recently been significantly advanced with the introduction of the latest WebSpector automated fabric inspection system by Shelton Vision.
Building on its market leading vision system for plain, single colour textiles, Shelton’s patent-pending image processing techniques now recognise and adapt to complex patterns such as camouflage and even on fabrics with significant distortion and deformation.
Fabrics are not rigid and can be sheared or stretched while also being subject to local distortion, but the WebSpector system now successfully deals with such anomalies in real time to provide a reliable inspection process at the same levels as plain fabric.
The unique and advanced software techniques ensure a totally clean image, allowing the full detection of faults on fabrics running at high speeds.
WebSpector systems have already been supplied to manufacturers of performance wear and high-end fashion, automotive interiors, denim, outdoor upholstery, sunscreen, mattress ticking, window dressings and even carbon fibre composites.
The latest Webspector was introduced at ITMA 2023 in Milan to great acclaim and will be demonstrated for the first time in Asia at the Singapore exhibition.
The new James Heal Martindale Motion.
Abrasion and pilling testing
Martindale testing needs little introduction to textile manufacturers, being well established as the industry standard for abrasion and pilling testing since its initial development and introduction by James Heal back in the 1940s.
For 2025, however, James Heal’s development team have taken a fresh look at this classic instrument and the result is the new Martindale Motion.
This redesigned nine-station Martindale instrument with individual lifting heads now offers the flexibility to run each station independently for carrying out different textile tests simultaneously.
Multiple textiles can be tested at the same time through to conclusion without intervention. Once set up, the Martindale Motion can be left running with the sample holders automatically lifting at the required evaluation points, freeing up the operator’s time to do other work without the need to return until the abrasion or pilling test is fully completed, including overnight.
Each sample is kept in-tact at the end point for evaluation and checking, reducing queries on grading and the potential need for re-testing. Further refinements include a new hinged access to change the self-aligning drive pins, allowing quick and safe switching between tests.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the James Heal Martindale range has seen numerous updates, models and innovations over the years, such as touchscreen and user-friendly software, best-in-class safety features combined with the signature near silent running of this staple lab instrument. Added to this have been the introduction of the DurAbrasion multi-function testing machine, later followed by the market-leading evolution, the AquAbrasion wet abrasion tester launched in 2019.
The Martindale Motion, however, is now taking productivity and efficiency to a higher level than ever before.
Pushing the boundaries
“These BTMA companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the area of textile testing,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “They are each making solid contributions to the quality and performance properties of today’s textile products, and just as importantly, enabling manufacturers to prove their claims. We look forward to meeting customers old and new in Singapore.”
Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organisation acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.
Posted: June 11, 2025
Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)
ADLINGTON, UK— June 10, 2025 — Commission textile dyer, printer and finisher Pincroft, has announced the appointment of Catherine Roebuck as its new Business Development Manager, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth across the defence sector and broader textile markets.
Catherine Roebuck
With over two decades of experience in textile manufacturing and sales, Catherine brings a strong track record in business development across coated fabrics, upholstery, drapes and specialist technical finishes. Her career spans both UK and international markets, with previous roles covering the full sales cycle, from product development to delivery for customers in the retail, contract and leisure sectors.
She also brings deep expertise in a range of processes including cloth preparation, dyeing, printing and flame retardant coating, alongside a history of working closely with major brands on product specification, range launches and competitor analysis.
Commenting on her new role, Catherine says: “I have a passion for textile manufacturing, and with over 23 years in sales and business development across a wide variety of products and markets. I’m looking forward to applying that knowledge to support Pincroft’s continued growth. The company’s world-class reputation in camouflage printing and technical finishes is a fantastic foundation to build on.”
Catherine will focus on supporting the company’s growing military and defence portfolio, capitalising on the increased capacity of its newly installed Zimmer rotary print machine, while also expanding Pincroft’s wider commission finishing services.
The company’s Sales Director, Paul Farrell, adds: “Catherine’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the business. With increased production capabilities and demand across core sectors, her commercial insight and industry experience will be key in helping us deepen customer relationships and unlock new market opportunities.”
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — June 10, 2025 — , the world’s largest emblem and patch manufacturer, today announced it has signed a long-term lease for a new factory located in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.
Randy Carr
“After a thorough search, we selected the Dominican Republic for its business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to our clients in the United States,” said Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem. “As we look to further expand the range of products and services we provide to new and existing customers, this factory will enable us to strengthen our supply chain, enhance efficiency, and continue to grow the company.”
Construction of the approximately 100,000-square-foot plant is scheduled to begin in June and be completed in early 2026. Approximately 100 employees will be hired to work at the facility to start, with up to 500 jobs created in total.
“We are delighted to welcome World Emblem to the Dominican Republic, which will provide a stable, supportive business environment for the world’s leading provider of emblems and patches,” said Victor (Ito) Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic. “With our skilled and growing workforce, strong partnership with the U.S., and proximity to World Emblem’s customers, our country is the ideal place for the company to continue to grow its business.”
World Emblem utilizes the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to manufacture customized emblems and multi-textured products for clients throughout North America. The company has additional plants in Georgia, Texas, California, Mexico, and Canada, offering clients faster production and delivery times than overseas manufacturers.
KREFELD, Germany — June 10, 2025 — Berger Textiles announces today that it has received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis for its European operations. The award places Berger Textiles in the top 1% of companies, out of more than 130,000 businesses assessed worldwide.
The recognition reflects Berger Textiles’ consistent work to reduce its environmental impact across all areas of its operations. The company was among the first in the industry to adopt recycled PET fabrics, launching its EVO range containing sustainable alternatives to its most popular textiles. At this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo, the company has intensified this commitment by making some of its current portfolio only available as their EVO version*.
As a result of these efforts, Berger Textiles has also achieved other certifications including GRS[1], OEKO-TEX, and GOTS. Three years ago, the company introduced its “we.respect” sustainability manifesto, which unified the company’s sustainability efforts into a single, documented strategy, highlighting the discipline as a central part of how the business operates.
Talking about the latest award, Alessandro Lanfranconi, CEO of Berger Textiles, says: “We’re incredibly proud to receive the EcoVadis Platinum certification, which recognises the efforts we’ve made to integrate sustainability into every decision, alongside product performance. As highlighted in our sustainability manifesto, this goes beyond environmental considerations. People are also a key pillar of this strategy, which is why we’ve made sustainability part of how we work, source, produce, and deliver our fabrics. It reinforces our conviction that performance and responsibility go hand-in-hand, and we’re proud to offer textile solutions that not only meet their high-performance demands but also contribute to a more sustainable future.”
EcoVadis is a global organisation that assesses companies on their environmental and social performance, rating companies across 21 criteria within four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The company bases its ratings on international sustainability standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 standard. The assessment helps companies understand where they stand and how they can continue to improve every day.
In addition to soft signage, Berger Textiles also offers functional architectural home and fashion ranges, all showcased through its unique simple and visual periodic table catalogue, which clusters products according to their intended applications.
Learn more about Berger Textiles’ sustainability work and read its full ‘we.respect’ manifesto here.
[1] Full EVO, aside from Fiber EVO which is made from recycled PET fibres instead of PET yarn.
WARSAW— June 10, 2025 — Harper Hygienics is proud to announce the launch of Kindii Dermo Cotton, our newest innovation in baby care designed to support even the most sensitive skin.
Delicate baby skin is particularly vulnerable to irritation, redness, and discomfort. Whether caused by everyday factors like diapers, heat, or sensitivity to external elements, proper care is essential to protect your little one’s skin.
Kindii Dermo Cotton wet wipes are thoughtfully developed to provide gentle yet effective care. Infused with a rich protective formula, they help maintain the skin’s natural balance and provide relief from dryness and irritation:
Phospholipid complex – helps strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier
Prebiotic – supports a healthy skin microbiome
Panthenol – known for its calming and regenerating properties
Almond oil – moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin
Made from 100% soft cotton, these wipes are exceptionally gentle and skin-friendly — perfect for everyday use, especially for children prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
Kindii Dermo Cotton is a great choice for parents looking for a safe solution to everyday skin care. With our newest wipes, caring for your baby’s skin becomes easier, more effective, and full of comfort.
BURLINGTON, N.C. — June 10, 2025 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for shade solutions, is now offering Infinity Canopy® components, making it quicker and easier than ever to create the perfect shade for customers.
Slide-on wire canopies are a simple and affordable way to incorporate shade into outdoor living spaces, and this collection of components allows for quick adjustments as customers’ needs and tastes change.
“These corrosion-resistant components are made to match, resulting in a polished, professional-looking finished product that will serve your customers well for years to come,” said Keith Purves, Business Development and Product Training Manager at Trivantage. “Plus, they’re simple to use – The fabric panels clip onto the cables, and in just minutes, your customers can change the colors to suit the season or their style.”
Providing structure and movement to fabric panels, these components are a quick fix to creating configurations which offer cool, protective shading on pergolas, free-standing structures or between structures. The line includes slide wire bars, end caps, snap hooks, pulleys, latches, turnbuckles, cable guides, and more.
To learn more about Infinity Canopy slide-on wire components, visit:
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.
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.
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.”
PARIS — June 11, 2025 — The Boards of Directors of INDA and EDANA have officially approved the formation of the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) and have concurrently agreed to become its founding members. Both Boards have also approved a motion authorizing each organization to appoint six representatives from each founding organization – current chair and 5 additional representatives.
This move marks a major milestone in the collaborative vision outlined in the organizations’ jointly signed Letter of Intent from September 2024. The Board votes follow extensive planning and consultation and includes the recommendation to formally establish GNA as a non-profit association under the laws of the United States.
