Sheep Inc. Launches 100-Percent Merino Wool Swimshorts: A Material Innovation In Motion

LONDON — May 16, 2025 — Sheep Inc., a natural fiber specialist and pioneer of carbon-negative design, announced the launch of its latest breakthrough: The Merino Swimshorts — crafted entirely from Reda Active 100-percent ZQ-certified Merino wool, with a Yarnaway™ biodegradable lining that leaves no trace, no microplastics, and no compromises. This is swimwear, reimagined.

A New Wave In Natural Performance

Two years of research, trials, and fine-tuning have led to a world-first: Swimshorts made entirely from fully traceable natural fibers — engineered for performance and built to return to the earth. At the core: ZQ-certified Merino wool, sourced from ethical, regenerative farms in New Zealand. A naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, quick-drying fiber that moves with the body — whether in water, on sand, or out to lunch. Merino’s technical properties, long championed in activewear, now find their place by the pool.

Inside: a biodegradable Yarnaway lining, developed to decompose completely in marine and soil environments. Unlike traditional synthetic mesh linings, this leaves zero microplastic residue, offering peak comfort without planetary cost.

This Isn’t Sustainable. This Is Restorative.

Sheep Inc.’s design philosophy is simple: natural fibers, future-first thinking. These swimshorts are built with zero shortcuts, and a commitment to regenerative sourcing — from fiber to finish. Each pair is fully traceable, with a woven in Connected Dot™ linking you to the journey of your swimshorts: the farm, the fiber, the makers. Transparency, built in.

Why Merino? Why Now?

Because natural fibers outperform synthetics — when sourced and engineered correctly. merino wool doesn’t cling, overheat, or retain odors. It breathes. It stretches. It dries quickly. It’s swimwear that works with your body, not against it.

And crucially, it’s made to return to the earth — not pollute it.

A Category-Breaking Garment

In a market saturated with petroleum-based synthetics, Sheep Inc.’s Merino Swimshorts stand apart as a first-of-its-kind, natural alternative. Every detail — from the biodegradable lining to the merino fiber — is proof that innovation doesn’t need to come at a cost to the planet.

Natural Innovation, Refined

“These swimshorts are a material rethink,” says Sheep Inc. co-founder Edzard van der Wyck. “We wanted to prove that swimwear didn’t have to be plastic to perform. So we worked with the best natural materials on Earth, and the best people who knew how to shape them.”

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Main Fabric: 100% Reda Active ZQ-certified Merino Wool
  • Lining: 100% Yarnaway™ Biodegradable Lining
  • Sourcing: Fully regenerative, traceable Merino farms
  • Made in: Portugal
  • Traceability: NFC-embedded Connected Dot™
  • Available: May, 2025 in 4 Men’s designs
  • RRP: 190gbp

Posted: May 16, 2025

Source: Sheep Inc.

Expanding The EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX™

BRUSSELS — May 16, 2025 — EDANA is pleased to announce the expansion of the Stewardship Programme CODEX™, a key part of its voluntary industry initiative to ensure product safety, transparency, and consumer confidence. This expansion increases the number of trace chemicals covered in the CODEX, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship and high safety standards.

The CODEX™ is the core

The voluntary Stewardship Programme core is its CODEX, which features:

  • An evolving list of trace chemicals, purposefully chosen by EDANA (including, but not limited to, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, furans, phthalates, formaldehyde, metals). These are not intentionally used to manufacture absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) but may be present in trace amounts.
  • Guidance values for each substance, based on existing related regulations, regulatory guidance, related existing standards or industry experience.
  • Standardized consumer relevant test methods to evaluate products for possible traces of substances.

A Voluntary Commitment to Safety and Transparency

The EDANA Stewardship Programme was created to provide science-based guidance on the safety of absorbent hygiene products, including baby diapers, menstrual products, and incontinence products. As a voluntary initiative, it reflects the industry’s proactive approach in going beyond regulatory requirements to enhance trust and transparency.

By broadening the CODEX, EDANA and its members continue to support best practices in substance management and regulatory alignment.

Why This Expansion Matters

  • More Chemicals Covered — The CODEX now includes a broader list of substances not to be present in AHP in a higher concentration than the respective guidance value. These are not intentionally used to manufacture AHPs but may be present in trace amounts.
  • Enhanced Consumer Confidence — By voluntarily increasing substances, the industry demonstrates its commitment to ensuring safe and high-quality absorbent hygiene products. EDANA’s member companies keep safety at the very heart of what they do.
  • Alignment with Best Practices — The expansion reflects the latest scientific knowledge and supports companies in staying ahead of regulatory developments. The voluntary CODEX™ represents a living program; it is a proactive work to keep adding substances.

The expansion of the EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX is the result of ongoing collaboration with industry experts, scientists, and regulators, ensuring it remains a trusted reference for product stewardship.

Learn more about the EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX in the following page: https://www.edana.org/how-we-take-action/edana-stewardship-programme-for-absorbent-hygiene-products?utm_source=press+release&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=expanding+stewardship+programme+codex

Posted: May 16, 2025

Source: EDANA

Space Saving Drop Bottom Hoppers Fit Tight Spaces With Increased Capacity

MARSHALL, Ind. — May 15, 2025 — Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers feature a rectangular shape and doors on the bottom, so they require substantially less floorspace for the same capacity as conventional hoppers. For example, a standard 1 cubic yard capacity hopper requires 25 square feet of floor space due to the angled side (to allow dumping), while a 1-cubic yard drop bottom hopper fits into just 11.5 square feet of floor space.

Drop Bottom Hopper in action.

Various models are available depending on the weight of scrap or waste being handled, with capacities from 1,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds. Each model allows an operator to empty the hopper from the safety of the forklift. Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers are ideal for a wide range of wood, metal, and other scrap and waste handling making them well suited for use in woodworking shops, fabrication facilities, machine shops, placing stone and gravel, and more.

Their unique space saving design fit in tight spaces and allow shops to make productive use of every inch of floorspace. With widths as narrow as 20-inches, they are ideal for molding scraps, off-spec lumber and other long, narrow materials. Casters can be added to more easily  move them on the production floor. Each model allows an operator to empty the hopper without leaving the forklift — either with the Dump-from-Seat™ or the optional remote control (for hydraulically controlled doors).

Iron Bull representatives are available to assist in sizing and selection as required. For example, wood shops can likely use a lightweight model with 1,000 capacity and a single drop door.  For heavier wood and medium metal scrap, a standard 2,000-pound capacity hopper with a single drop door or double drop doors will likely suffice. Heavy duty hoppers are available with up to 30,000-pound capacity for extreme applications like steel mills, metal fabricating, stone, gravel, and other heavy materials. All Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers are manufactured in Marshall, Indiana with industry-leading lead times.

Located in Marshall, Indiana, Iron Bull is a leading manufacturer of advanced scrap handling hoppers, and Roll Over Protection systems for tractors. Since 2014 they have designed and manufactured a complete lineup of standard and custom hoppers for a wide variety of products and industries.  The name “Iron Bull” reflects what they strive for in every customer interaction — quality products that are tough and strong. Each product includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition to premier equipment, Iron Bull strives to provide fast, friendly customer service and technical support.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: Iron Bull Mfg. LLC

Swiss Green-Tech Company PLAN-B NET ZERO Enters North American Market With Strategic U.S. Expansion

ATLANTA — May 15, 2025 — As part of its global expansion strategy, PLAN-B NET ZERO AG announces the formation of its U.S. subsidiary, PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc., marking the company’s official entry into the North American market. The new entity will spearhead business development and forge strategic partnerships across the United States and Canada — driving growth that delivers both economic returns and measurable environmental and social impact.

“With the establishment of our U.S. subsidiary, we’ve reached a major milestone,” said Bradley Mundt, president and CEO of PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc. and founder and CEO of the PLAN-B Group. “Especially in these turbulent times, we see immense opportunities to advance sustainable energy solutions in America. Our buy-and-build approach will enable rapid scale-up and synergistic alliances, while direct access to U.S. capital markets offers exciting financial prospects.”

Promising Partner Engagements

Early discussions with potential partners have already generated strong momentum for joint project development. Several preliminary agreements are in place, laying the groundwork for collaborative ventures that will accelerate PLAN-B NET ZERO´s footprint and impact in North America.

Atlanta as Strategic Hub

Atlanta was chosen as the headquarters for its dynamic business climate and connectivity. From this central hub, PLAN-B NET ZERO U.S. Inc. will coordinate market entry activities, strategic acquisitions, operational setup, and investor relations with North American capital markets.

PLAN-B NET ZERO

PLAN-B NET ZERO is a Green Tech startup headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Founded in April 2023 by Bradley Mundt, the company is dedicated to driving significant CO2 reduction. PLAN-B NET ZERO offers sustainable, comprehensive energy solutions for industrial and private customers, covering all strategic parts of the green energy value chain—including direct sales, planning, and construction of renewable energy systems, system operation, and its own energy supply and trading company.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: PLAN-B NET ZERO AG

NRF: Census Data Shows Steady Retail Sales In April As Tariff Concerns Continued

WASHINGTON — May 15, 2025 — Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows shoppers remained engaged in April amid continued concern over tariffs on imported merchandise, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“Consumers are still spending despite widespread pessimism fueled by rising tariffs,” Kleinhenz said. “While tariffs may have weighed on spending decisions, growth is coming at a moderate pace and consumer spending remains steady, reflecting a resilient economy. The momentum and willingness to spend is being supported by positive data on jobs and wages along with lower energy prices.”

The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in April were up 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.2 percent unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 1.7 percent month over month and 5.2 percent year over year in March.

April’s core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were down 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month over month but up 5.1 percent unadjusted year over year. Core sales were up 3.4 percent year over year on a three-month moving average and up 3.8 percent for the first four months of the year.

Last week, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, reported that core retail sales were up 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted month over month in April and were up 7.11 percent unadjusted year over year. That compared with a increases of 0.4 percent month over month and 5.07 percent year over year in March.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Cinte Techtextil China 2025: More Key Upgrades To Drive Business, Innovation And Sustainability

SHANGHAI — May 15, 2025 — The 2024 edition saw an increase in visits and a 92 percent visitor satisfaction rate, with 84 percent of those surveyed intending to return to future editions. Leveraging this momentum, the show will roll out several upgrades in 2025.

In addition to two other inaugural zones (for medical & protective, and automotive products), the debut Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone will spotlight the show’s newest product category. In addition, Cinte Techtextil China’s Sustainability Guided Tours will rebrand into the Econogy Tour, highlighting several exhibitors who have passed the independently-verified Econogy Check.

The International Hall at Cinte Techtextil China 2024, set to be upgraded in 2025. Photo — Messe Frankfurt

Meanwhile, including supplementary forums for protective and automotive textiles, a broadened fringe programme will complement the new features onsite.

With a projected CAGR of 4.5 percent from 2024 to 2030, technical textile chemicals is a burgeoning avenue which offers emerging opportunities and advanced applications globally. In light of its enduring value, Cinte Techtextil China is expanding its scope this year, with the new chemicals and dyes category set to include additives for chemical recycling, fibre production, finishing & coating, pre-treatment, and weaving & knitting preparation; chemical dyes and pigments; and more. The dedicated Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone aims to foster more dynamic, centralised business, where highlighted exhibitors include:

  • CHT Germany GmbH (Germany)
    The CHT Group is a global leader for specialty chemicals, focusing on sustainable products and process solutions. It offers tailor-made solutions for nonwovens such as diapers, wipes, filters, surgical gowns, and more. The company’s modern processing auxiliaries also provide process safety and a large range of functionalities.
  • Michelman Inc (USA)
    Michelman develops new materials and coatings with a “sustainability first” approach, providing binders used in the processing of nonwoven rolled goods. The company offers PFAS-free solutions, including water-based coatings, and eco-friendly barrier coatings. Its Unyte® products are used in textile market applications such as ballistics, healthcare, unbonded glass insulation and more.

In addition to the three new product zones, fair participants can look forward to more engaging exchanges in the International Hall, where the European Zone will once again showcase industry excellence with an array of in-demand exhibitors, including EMS-GRILTECH (Switzerland), Lindauer Dornier (Germany) and Serel Industrie (Belgium). Across the hall, the Innovation Space will spark meaningful conversations by ushering in cutting-edge technical textile and nonwoven technologies. Key stakeholders from various universities and institutions will exhibit in the area and present their innovations on stage.

Econogy and enhanced fringe program to unlock greater value
Committed to the cause of sustainable business development, Messe Frankfurt is actively implementing the “Econogy” initiative across its Texpertise Network. As such, sustainable exhibitors at Cinte Techtextil China are encouraged to get added visibility by utilizing the Econogy Check — an independent eco-certification tool.

This year, the fair’s well-received eco-focused tours will become the Econogy Tour, leading buyers and media to discover a curated list of exhibitors who have passed the Econogy Check. Industry players are also invited to uncover insights and opportunities at the diverse Econogy Talks seminars, in order to help navigate their sustainable transitions.

Supporting the debut zones, two forums dedicated to Mobiltech and Protech will also be held onsite, fostering collaboration and discussion on the latest advancements in these sub-sectors. More fringe events, covering several aspects of sustainability, innovation, and more, will be announced in due course.

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from September 3-5, 2025.

The fair is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Other upcoming shows:

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
September 2 – 4, 2025, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Fire-Dex Promotes Lauren Burke Devere To CEO, John Karban To President, In Planned Leadership Move

MEDINA, Ohio — May 15, 2025 — Fire-Dex, supplier of PPE for first responders, is gearing up for its next chapter, announcing a leadership succession as CEO Steve Allison looks toward retirement in early 2027. Effective at the start of 2026, Lauren Burke DeVere, Fire-Dex’s current president, will move into the CEO position, sharing duties with Allison for 15 months as part of a phased transition. In a parallel move, John Karban, current vice president of Operations, will assume the title of president.

True to its roots, Fire-Dex is once again leaning into its core values by keeping its family-first culture front and center.

“It’s been the honor of my career to lead this incredible team,” said Allison, who has been with Fire-Dex since 2014. “We’ve built something really special here that’s driven by innovation, fueled by passion and always anchored by a deep respect for the fire service. Lauren and John are not only exceptional leaders but also deeply understand what makes Fire-Dex … Fire-Dex. I have full confidence they’ll take us to new heights while staying true to what sets us apart.”

Lauren Burke DeVere

Climbing the Ladder

Burke DeVere’s rise through Fire-Dex has been both dynamic and personal. Joining the company in 2019 as a Metro Sales Manager, she quickly made her mark by earning the promotion to president in 2021. Since that time, she has guided the company through transformative growth, the complexities of COVID, and major strides in innovation that include gear that caters to all body types — helping a new generation of female firefighters find their fit. As the daughter of Fire-Dex chairman and owner Bill Burke, Lauren brings a unique mix of fresh vision and deep personal investment in the company’s legacy.

“Fire-Dex is part of who I am,” Burke DeVere said. “It’s humbling and exciting to step into the CEO role, especially following in Steve’s footsteps. We have an incredible team. I care for our people more than anything, and I’m laser-focused on keeping our culture strong, our people supported and our mission front and center — delivering the best protective gear to the world’s bravest. We’re growing again, and I won’t stop until Fire-Dex is number one.”

John Karban

One Unified Vision

Stepping into the president’s seat is John Karban who has been at the heart of the company’s efforts for over 20 years, advancing from plant manager to tackling a wide scope of operational, engineering and logistics challenges as vice president of Operations. Whether ramping up output, leading supply chain efforts or driving lean transformations, he has been a key player throughout.

“I’ve worn a lot of hats here,” said Karban. “From running machines to running meetings, and all the tasks in between. What’s never changed is the heart of this company: our people and our purpose. I’m excited to take on the role of president and work alongside Lauren and our team to keep building on what makes Fire-Dex special. Protecting our culture is job one; pushing the company forward is job two.”

Looking Ahead

Fire-Dex’s succession plan reflects its deep bench of homegrown leadership and ongoing dedication to its people-first, customer-centric ethos. More than 500 associates, multiple facilities — and Fire-Dex isn’t slowing down. From AeroFlex® turnouts that are a breakthrough in breathability, to the first AI tool to size firefighters, to expanded Gear Wash clean and repair services, to new manufacturing capabilities, the mission stays clear: serving those who serve.

“This is an exciting time,” Allison added. “We’re not slowing down. And I’m thrilled to support Lauren and John through this transition as they shape the future of Fire-Dex together.”

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: Fire-Dex

Italian Textile Machinery: Orders Continue To Fall In First Quarter 2025

MILAN — May 15, 2025 — In the first quarter of 2025, orders for textile machinery recorded by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a sharp decline compared to the same period in 2024, down 29 percent. The index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021=100).

The negative result reflects both a significant contraction in the domestic market and a pronounced slowdown abroad. In Italy, orders dropped by 57 percent, while foreign orders fell by 25 percent. The index for foreign markets stood at 43.3 points, while the domestic figure dropped to 30.5 points. The order backlog at the end of the quarter ensured 3.6 months of production.

The downturn also continues when compared to the previous quarter (October-December 2024), with overall orders decreasing by 15 percent.

Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented: “The sector started 2025 on an even weaker footing than it ended 2024. On international markets, the deep uncertainty triggered by last year’s geopolitical tensions has been further worsened by the tariff decisions implemented by the Trump administration. In the US, orders remain at a standstill as the market awaits the next steps from the President. Some glimmers of hope come from the estimates of global export data for textile machinery in the first quarter: China, India, and Pakistan — key markets for technology suppliers — show signs of recovery compared to the same period in 2024.”

In Italy, the situation is even more critical, with the orders index at its lowest level, even surpassing the slump of 2020. “We need to look beyond 2025 and call on the Government to implement targeted, structural incentives for investments in capital goods, with simple procedures that allow companies to access them quickly,” Salvadè noted

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

Carrefour Global Sourcing Partners With TradeBeyond To Strengthen Sustainable Sourcing

HONG KONG — May 15, 2025 — TradeBeyond, retail’s leading provider of supply chain solutions, has announced a partnership with Carrefour Global Sourcing, part of Carrefour S.A. Group, a global retail leader with more than 14,000 hypermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. To support its responsible sourcing initiatives, Carrefour Global Sourcing will leverage TradeBeyond’s CBX platform to strengthen supplier management and improve risk assessment and auditing, ensuring sustainability and compliance with a multitude of European sustainability laws.

Carrefour Global Sourcing will implement TradeBeyond’s supplier management and compliance solutions to manage its wide supplier base covering non-food products, ensuring full transparency. TradeBeyond’s supplier portal and supply chain mapping tools will allow Carrefour to onboard new vendors efficiently, conduct in-depth supplier screenings, digitize contracts, manage all compliance documents, and monitor adherence to key ESG and social compliance standards. The platform integrates with amfori BSCI to provide real-time sustainability data, ensuring Carrefour’s suppliers meet ethical labor standards and regulatory obligations.

“Carrefour is deeply committed to sustainability, and partnering with TradeBeyond allows us to take that commitment even further by introducing advanced digital oversight into all tiers of our supply chain,” said Jean-Daniel Gatignol, Managing Director at Carrefour Global Sourcing. “With TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform, we can reduce compliance risks while ensuring our sourcing operations align with consumer expectations.”

Using TradeBeyond’s robust sustainability tools such as lifecycle assessment (LCA) solutions, Carrefour will gain deeper insights into product specification and bill of materials used.

The partnership will streamline critical processes for Carrefour, while ensuring its global operations remain compliant, ethical, and environmentally responsible.

“Retailers today must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while delivering on their sustainability promises,” said Michael Hung, CEO of TradeBeyond. “Carrefour Global Sourcing’s implementation of TradeBeyond demonstrates its leadership in responsible sourcing, and we’re proud to support their efforts in enhancing supply chain transparency and sustainability while introducing critical efficiencies.”

Carrefour Global Sourcing’s implementation of TradeBeyond’s platform is part of a long-term strategy to digitally transform its global sourcing processes.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: TradeBeyond

X-Rite Launches CIF3200 Imaging Benchtop Spectrophotometer For Precision Small-Spot Color Measurement

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — May 15, 2025 — X-Rite Inc. today announced the launch of the CiF3200 imaging spectrophotometer, designed for color measurement of small, odd-shaped, multi-colored, and highly reflective items. With a minimum measurement area of just 2 millimeters (mm), the CiF3200 allows manufacturers to set and communicate digital color standards for small components, improving quality control and reducing rework. It’s ideal for applications where detail, consistency, and accuracy are essential, such as luxury goods, consumer electronics, and plastic components.

The CiF3200 combines advanced features such as virtual apertures ranging from 2 to 12 mm, on-screen targeting for precise sample alignment, and automatic multi-color extraction to deliver fast, repeatable color measurements and support objective, data-driven evaluation. The CiF3200 sphere benchtop spectrophotometer offers simultaneous SPIN / SPEX capability. It enables brilliance measurement, which is critical for quality control on metals and materials that may exhibit visual variation due to surface finishing and metallic reflection. Whether maintaining color harmony for luxury watches or verifying part-to-part consistency on small, molded goods, the CiF3200 helps manufacturers elevate quality assurance with confidence and efficiency.

“With the CiF3200, we’re addressing a unique need in the industry — how to consistently measure color on small or oddly shaped parts,” said Dave Visnovsky, product manager, X-Rite. “By combining advanced targeting and imaging with sphere measurement technology and an aperture as small as 2mm, the CiF3200 allows customers to digitize their standards and streamline quality control in ways that simply weren’t possible before.”

The CiF3200 enables users to:

  • Set and communicate digital color standards for small or complex components.
  • Verify each measurement spot with live on-screen targeting.
  • Capture and store measurement images for traceability.
  • Extract multiple colors from a single sample for comprehensive analysis.

The CiF3200 integrates with Color iQC software for a complete quality control solution and streamlined workflow. For more information about the CiF3200, visit https://www.xrite.com/categories/benchtop-spectrophotometers/cif3200

See CiF3200 at EPHJ 2025

X-Rite will demonstrate the CiF3200 at Booth Q03 during EPHJ 2025, taking place June 3–6, 2025, at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brings together professionals from high-precision industries, including watchmaking, jewelry, microtechnologies, and medtech.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Source: X-Rite Incorporated

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