Phifer Inc. Completes Purchase Of ICF

Phifer Inc., Tuscaloosa, Ala., has acquired all assets of Warsaw, Ind.-based Indiana Coated Fabrics (ICF), strengthening its position in coated and laminated fabrics while expanding its manufacturing capabilities. ICF will continue operating under its existing name and management team, with customer relationships and operations remaining unchanged.

“ICF has built a strong reputation in the industry for quality and innovation in coated and laminated fabrics,” said Phifer CEO Reese Brooks.“Our teams are working closely to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the positive, productive experience you have come to rely on.”

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

FPM Introduces Wetlaid Nonwovens, Sustainability Report; Expands India Site

FPM’s new biobased PLA/wood pulp wetlaid nonwoven.

Germany-based Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM) has introduced 100-percent biobased polylactic acid (PLA)/wood pulp wetlaid nonwovens made without using chemical binders. The material combines the water absorption and biodegradability of wood pulp with the strength and heat-sealability of PLA, according to FPM. The wetlaid process enables the polymeric and non-polymeric components to be blended, unlike conventional PLA spunlaid nonwoven processes. The new materials are designed for applications in horticulture, packaging, filtration, apparel and healthcare.

FPM also published its first sustainability report, which shows significant progress, according to the company. This is the first report published separately from the parent company’s group report.

In other company news, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel also recently celebrated the opening of an expansion at its Chennai, India, plant. The company added new production lines for 100-percent cotton and 100-percent polyester interlinings in the 20,000-square-feet of additional space. The expansion allows Freudenberg Apparel to introduce new products to the Indian market as well as reduce lead times.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

AMSilk Obtains Funding

AMSilk has secured 52 million euros ($60 million) in new financing, including 30 million euros in equity and 22 million euros in convertible bonds. The round was led by ATHOS (AT Newtec) with strong participation from MIG Capital and Novo Holdings. AMSilk’s technology produces biodegradable, microplastic-free biomaterials used in textiles, automotive applications and consumer care.

The funding will support AMSilk’s commercial expansion and industrial scale-up to meet rising demand for its silk-based protein biomaterials. AMSilk has signed several multi-year production agreements and now operates through dedicated facilities at key industrial partners to ensure consistent large-scale output.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

ANDRITZ, Tandem Repeat Pair To Scale Procell™

Austria-based ANDRITZ has partnered with biotechnology company Tandem Repeat Technologies Inc., Philadelphia, to commercialize industrial-scale production solutions for Procell™, a biomanufactured protein-based fiber designed for textiles and nonwovens. The collaboration combines Tandem Repeat’s fiber development expertise with ANDRITZ’s machinery and plant capabilities to provide manufacturing solutions tailored to Procell’s requirements. Procell offers wool-like softness, strength, and durability, positioning it as an alternative to conventional synthetic fibers.

“By partnering with Andritz, we can bring our revolutionary fiber to market on a commercial scale,”said Tandem Repeat Co-founder Dr. Melik Demirel.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Arclin Agrees To Buy DuPont’s Aramids Business

Arclin, Alpharetta, Ga., has entered a definitive agreement to acquire DuPont’s Aramids business, including the Kevlar® and Nomex® brands, for approximately $1.8 billion. The deal expands Arclin’s portfolio into aerospace, electrical infra-structure, electric vehicles, defense and personal protection, complementing its existing positions in construction, infrastructure and transportation. About 1,900 employees will transfer with the business. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, pending approvals.

“We are confident that under Arclin’s leadership, these businesses will continue to thrive and expand their impact in new industries and applications,”said Lori Koch, DuPont CEO.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Circulose, M&S Collaborate

Circulose has partnered with Marks & Spencer (M&S). The collaboration supports Circulose’s goal of expanding circular materials in the fashion industry, with M&S planning to integrate a significant volume of CIRCULOSE® — a material made entirely from textile waste — into future collections. CIRCULOSE enables brands to reduce reliance on virgin fibers while lowering waste and emissions.

“We are thrilled to welcome M&S as Circulose’s first Scaling Partner in the UK,” said Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose. “Their leadership in sustainability and commitment to circular fashion plays an important role in accelerating adoption of next-generation fibers.”

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Avery Dennison Expands Deal With San Francisco 49ers

Avery Dennison, Mentor, Ohio, has extended its partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, continuing as the team’s exclusive partner for personalization and embellishment technologies via its Embelex solutions portfolio. The updated agreement expands in-venue customization at the 49ers Team Store at Levi’s® Stadium with new stations for personalized jerseys and customizable Levi’s jackets.

“This partnership shows how far fan engagement has come,” said Steve Mason, vice president, general manager, Commercial & Embelex, Avery Dennison. “It used to be about buying a jersey off the rack. Now, with on-demand customization and digital patches, fans can create something personal and interactive; a memento that connects them to a moment, a season, even the community around the team.”

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Bluestar Alliance Completes Dickies Purchase

Bluestar Alliance, New York City, has completed its acquisition of the Dickies brand from VF Corp. The deal brings the heritage workwear label into Bluestar’s expanding portfolio —which includes Off-White, Palm Angels, Scotch & Soda and Hurley — and represents more than $13 billion in global sales. Dickies will operate within Bluestar’s youth-luxury division and continue growing its presence across global streetwear and workwear markets.

“Dickies is one of the most authentic, resilient brands in global apparel,”said Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance. The company plans to expand Dickies through new categories, partnerships, and international distribution while maintaining its longstanding identity.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Printeez Expands Use Of Kornit Atlas Systems

Printeez recently installed two more Kornit Atlas MAX POLY systems.

Printeez Inc., a Quebec-based custom apparel provider, has expanded its digital production capabilities by increasing its Kornit Atlas MAX POLY systems from two to four units. The company serves brands, creators, franchises, non-profits and sports teams across North America, focusing on polyester and blended garments. By shifting production volumes from screen printing to digital, Printeez reports reduced labor needs, fewer manual steps and faster turnaround times.

“Printeez was born out of a passion to disrupt and transform the future of the apparel industry,” said Shawn Sckoropad, founder and CEO at Printeez. “Our mission is to build a true retail-grade print-on-demand solution for individuals and major brands alike.”

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

Monforts Reports Successful Installations

Spain-based lining fabric producer Textil A. Ortiz recently commissioned a fourth Monforts Montex tenter from Germany-based A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG. The nine-chamber Montex 8500-9F installation at Textil A. Ortiz’s Santa Perpètua de Mogoda facility features direct gas heating, a Hercules needle chain, Matex finishing padder and two heat exchangers. The equipment is used to finish fabrics with softeners, water repellents and flame retardants.

Altoteks, a specialist in dyeing and finishing fabrics for workwear and uniforms, has installed its third Monforts Thermex continuous dyeing range at its Çorlu, Turkey facility. The company already operates two Thermex units and a Montex finishing range as part of its annual 18-million-meter dyeing and printing operation. The new two-meter-wide line includes three linked Thermex units, gas-powered infrared predryers, and cold pad batch winding. It also features the Econtrol® process for reactive dyes, designed to support faster, simplified continuous dyeing.

2025 Quarterly Issue IV

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