Accelerating Circularity Appoints Edd Denes As Chief Executive Officer

NEW YORK, NY— March 10, 2026 — Accelerating Circularity has announced the appointment of Edd Denes as Chief Executive Officer. Edd previously served as Board Treasurer of Accelerating Circularity since 2021 and steps into the role with the strong support of the Board as the organization continues to advance circular systems across the global textile industry.

Edd Denes

Edd brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning financial services, technology transformation, and international operations. Throughout his career, he has led complex change programs, managed multi-million dollar portfolios, and guided distributed teams across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. His expertise in operational strategy and organizational infrastructure will support Accelerating Circularity’s continued growth and ability to coordinate stakeholders across the textile value chain.

Having served on the organization’s Board of Directors as Treasurer, Edd has played an important role in supporting Accelerating Circularity’s development and mission. His transition to Chief Executive Officer reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership and his understanding of the collaborative work required to build viable textile-to-textile recycling systems.

Accelerating Circularity works with brands, manufacturers, collectors, sorters, recyclers, and innovators to build the systems needed for textile-to-textile recycling to operate at scale. Through industry collaboration and practical implementation programs, the organization focuses on connection, action, and transformation—bringing stakeholders together, enabling practical progresses across the supply chain, and supporting the shift toward circular textiles as part of mainstream production.

Edd will guide the organization as it continues to strengthen partnerships across the industry and expand the collaborative work that supports circular textile systems.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to play a bigger role in driving systemic change and creating impact that benefits our global community,” said Edd Denes, Chief Executive Officer of Accelerating Circularity. “Having served on the board for the past five years, I have a real appreciation for the legacy of the organization and how a focused team working with strong partners across the industry has already achieved so much. I look forward to continuing this work and scaling our impact even further.”

Based in Europe, Edd brings an international perspective and collaborative leadership style to the role. Under his leadership, Accelerating Circularity will continue working alongside partners and funders to advance practical solutions that support circular textile systems worldwide.

Posted: March 10, 2026

Source Accelerating Circularity

Teruyuki Sakimon Appointed As President And CEO Of Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. (Toray CMA)

TACOMA, Wash. — March 9, 2026 — Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. (Toray CMA), a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, today announces the appointment of Teruyuki Sakimon as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. He will succeed Dennis Frett, who will retire after a long and distinguished career. Frett worked closely with leadership throughout the succession process to ensure a smooth transition.

Teruyuki Sakimon (left) and Dennis Frett (right)

Sakimon has been with Toray CMA for over 20 years and with Toray Industries’ (Toray) advanced composites division for nearly 30 years. As he transitions from his current role as Vice President of Technical, he brings a strong background in technical R&D and business operations. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission, spearheading several product innovations for the company’s strategic partners and strengthening operational excellence.

Frett has been with the company for over 30 years, including 15 years as an executive leader. Under his leadership, Toray CMA achieved significant growth while navigating industry changes and global challenges, positioning it as the premier provider of advanced composite materials. He will continue to support the company’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee in an advisory role.

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation set by my predecessor,” said Sakimon. “Continuing Dennis’ legacy, I am committed to driving growth, accelerating innovation, and deepening collaboration with our global partners to help shape the future of high-performance composite materials.”

This leadership transition marks Toray CMA’s renewed commitment to operational excellence, customer partnership, and continued investment in next-generation technologies to support the needs of the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. (Toray CMA)

Levi Strauss & Co. Completes Sale Of Dockers® To Authentic Brands Group

SAN FRANCISCO — March 3, 2026 — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.), today announced the successful final closing, on February 27, 2026, of its previously disclosed sale of the Dockers® brand to Authentic Brands Group.

The completion of this transaction sharpens LS&Co.’s focus on the Levi’s® brand and Beyond Yoga®, simplifying the portfolio and strengthening the company’s structural profitability. The divestiture aligns the company’s assets with its highest-return growth opportunities and reinforces its disciplined capital allocation approach. Given the company’s already strong cash position, LS&Co. is able to return the net cash proceeds to shareholders through existing accelerated share repurchase programs, while maintaining flexibility to invest in long-term growth.

Advisors

BofA Securities, Inc. served as LS&Co.’s financial advisor, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as its legal advisor.

Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Levi Strauss Signature™, and Beyond Yoga® brands. Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,300 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported 2025 net revenues were $6.3 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

NRF: Import Cargo Volume Expected To Be Down In First Half Of 2026, But Too Soon To Tell Impact From Iran

WASHINGTON — March 9, 2026 — Imports at major U.S. container ports are expected to remain below last year’s levels for the first half of 2026 amid ongoing tariff uncertainty, but it is too soon to gauge the impact of the conflict in Iran, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The Supreme Court has struck down IEEPA tariffs but other tariffs have already been announced and others will be coming, so uncertainty continues for retailers,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “The need for clear and predictable trade policy remains, and long-term planning continues to be difficult for merchants and other businesses. While we agree with holding our trading partners accountable and looking for more domestic manufacturing opportunities, it needs to be understood that tariffs drive up costs for businesses and prices for consumers. They should be used in a strategic manner. In addition to tariffs, we are closely watching the situation in Iran and the potential impact it will have on retail supply chains.”

The Supreme Court last month ruled against the administration’s use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. President Donald Trump immediately responded by announcing a temporary, 150-day 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and the administration later said the rate could be increased to 15%. The administration is also looking at launching a series of new Section 301 trade investigations.

Meanwhile, it is too soon to see an impact on U.S. container imports from the action in Iran that began just over a week ago, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said.

“The immediate impact on containerized traffic to the United States is not likely to be substantial since little U.S.-bound container cargo is sourced from the region,” Hackett said. “While it is too early to measure in the monthly data, increasing oil and gasoline prices will inevitably drive structural inflation if the conflict persists. That, in turn, could squeeze consumer discretionary spending and U.S. manufacturing, and ultimately drive down import volumes in the longer term.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.08 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in January, although the Ports of New York/New Jersey and Miami have not yet reported their data. That was up 3.8% from December but down 6.4% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for February, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.01 million TEU, down 1.3% year over year. March is forecast at 1.91 million TEU, down 11.2%; April at 2.03 million TEU, down 8.1%; May at 2.09 million TEU, up 7%; June at 2.1 million TEU, up 6.8%, and July at 2.2 million TEU, down 8%.

\Those numbers would bring the first half of 2026 to 12.21 million TEU, down 2.5% from 12.53 million TEU during the same period in 2025. The year-over-year increases in May and June are largely because of the sharp drop-off in imports during those months last year after “Liberation Day” tariffs were announced in April 2025.

Imports during 2025 totaled 25.4 million TEU, down 0.3% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

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. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

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: March 9, 2026

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Intertextile Apparel: Fringe Events Mirror Market-Driven Exhibition Themes As Show Opens This Week

SHANGHAI — March 9, 2026 — The evolving market has inspired much of what’s on show from 11 to 13 March at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, set to feature over 3,000 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions across seven halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

Beyond – and in some cases integrated with – the exhibition space is a fringe programme encompassing the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum, a range of topical seminars and panel discussions, and several in-demand display areas. The various fringe events reflect the four themes presented across the extensive show floor: fashion forward, performance textiles, sustainability, and textile future.

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, outlined some of what to expect at the upcoming fair: “There are many responsibilities to consider when organising a show of this scale, yet our main priority remains to effectively facilitate business between exhibitors and buyers. As such, we have curated a variety of provisions that relate to segments with high potential – such as the non-traditional offering of our new Pet Boutique display area, or the expanded, seminar-integrated Econogy Hub and Functional Lab. Within our four themes, there is a place for exhibitors from across the global supply chain, and we are excited for visitors to discover what’s on show this spring.”

New exhibiting countries[1] include Austria, Denmark, Indonesia, Lithuania, and Norway. The International Hall (Hall 5.1) will feature most of the show’s overseas fabric exhibitors in seven country / region pavilions, and in six featured zones. These include Econogy Hub, Essential Suits & Shirts, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design, while Accessories Vision (1.2) and Beyond Denim (7.2) will host multiple international exhibitors relevant to those categories. The four themes are apparent across the fair’s many pavilions, zones, and fringe events, supporting the platform in the current market climate, and laying the foundation for strategic expansion.

Fashion forward

Amongst global fashion leaders, where constant change is increasingly seen as the new normal, positive sentiment towards China is growing – only 28 percent viewed the market as unpromising in 2026, down from 41 percent for 2025[2]. Exhibitors see the potential at Intertextile Apparel, where fashion is a cornerstone – from the original prints, artisanal textures, and genderless fabrics rooted in heritage at the 28-exhibitor Japan Pavilion and its ‘Temporal Space’ Trend Corner; to the quality, commercially appealing womenswear fabrics at the France Zone; to the luxury menswear fabrics and more at the Italy Pavilion.

In the fashion forward category, featured fringe events include the Intertextile Trends Spring / Summer 2027 Seminar and the Trend Forum Introduction Tour, both conducted by Ms Sachiko Inoue, lead curator of this season’s Intertextile Directions Trend Forum and its PARADOX theme. Other notable design and trend seminars include presentations from key figures at Pantone Color Institute, PeclersParis, and WGSN.

Performance textiles

Sportswear is one of the major bright spots in the Chinese fashion market[3]. At the fair, it is the Asian pavilions that regularly attract buyers of functional textiles. These include the Korea Pavilion, where exhibitors such as Dongbang International, TNF Global, and Ts Textile are traditionally strong in sports, golf, and outdoor fabrics with antibacterial, durable, and stretchy properties. The Korea Textile Center (KTC) Pavilion will likewise showcase a selection of Korean performance fabrics and other textiles from North Gyeongsang Province.

Also prominent in this category, of course, is Functional Lab. The restructured zone will expand in scale by over 30%, within which THE CUBE will feature an integrated product presentation stage and display area. Exhibitors set to present on stage include Baur Vliesstoffe, Regen-Tech Fashion, Sunshinetex, and more. Meanwhile, featured functionality seminars include Unifi Textiles’ discussion on the nature-inspired performance of their circular polyester and its linen-like innovation, while DP Acetate will delve into the advantages of dope-dyed acetate yarn.

Sustainability

Sustainability at Intertextile Apparel is headlined by the growing Econogy Hub, the zone for eco-friendly textiles as well as certification and traceability solutions, where featured exhibits include the Ecocert Pavilion and standalone booths from PEELSPHERE, TextileGenesis, and many more. Among the show’s other highlights, the Lenzing Pavilion will showcase applications of its cellulose fibres, the India Pavilion will display natural fabrics with artisanal eco-craftsmanship, and the Hong Kong Pavilion will present eco-fibres and recycled blends with ISO-certified supply chains.

Econogy Talks is the segment of fringe events discussing sustainable products, solutions, and regulatory developments, including the Econogy Forum, moderated by Redress, unpacking how waste is the new resource redefining fashion, and the Econogy Tour, an exploration of select eco-conscious exhibitors. Adjacent to the seminar space, the range of samples at the Econogy Hub Display Area will spotlight green fashion, which is on the rise globally. Growing with it is the importance of brands proving their sustainability claims[4] – emphasising the role of the fair’s Econogy Finder, which allows independently verified eco-suppliers to be easily found onsite.

Textile future

Taiwan is a leader in smart fashion and digital innovation, and the Taiwan Pavilion will give a platform to exhibitors such as Hi-Tec Industrial, Hua Mao Nano Tech, and Orientex Precision Industrial, known for technological advancement, nano textiles, and precision production systems. The spring debut of the Türkiye Pavilion will display fabrics that blend nostalgia with innovation, an important combination for forthcoming trends.

In the fringe programme, the 2026 International Textile Industry Digital Application Trend Forum will discuss the industry’s integration of digitalisation and new technology, and how they relate to sustainability and smart materials. Yet textile future not only explores the applications of cutting-edge technology, but also high potential textile markets. One of which, at Intertextile Apparel, is pet fashion – a market in China that is growing more than 20% annually[5]. The upcoming Spring Edition will launch the Pet Boutique, a display area presenting a range of textiles and accessories that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets. Exhibitors with samples on show include Lenzing, Idole, SilkİPEK Tekstil, G.K Infinite, and more. The related Pet Forum will discuss pet apparel trends and innovations.

Beyond the internationality on show in Hall 5.1, most Chinese exhibitors will be in Halls 1.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, and 8.1, featuring accessories, suiting and shirting fabrics, functional wear and sportswear fabrics, ladieswear fabrics, casualwear, denim, and more. Within the domestic halls, fairgoers can also expect to find a range of inspiring displays including the Sustainable Fashion Trend Forum and Sustainability Zone in Hall 6.1; Techno & Functions Trend Forum and Innotex Space in 6.2; Digital Fashion Innovation Space in 7.1; Denim Trend Forum in 7.2; and Fashion Focus Trend Forum in 8.1.

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will be held from 11 – 13 March 2026.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Techtextil And Texprocess Forums Strengthen The Global Textile Industry With A Future-Oriented Program

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — March 9, 2026 — From AI-supported production optimization and digital manufacturing solutions to circular technologies and bio-based high-performance materials: the Techtextil and Texprocess forums provide answers to the key challenges of the global textile industry with a curated content programme. As hubs for innovation and knowledge, they enhance competitiveness and offer orientation in changing markets. From 21 to 24 April 2026, Frankfurt is once again the global meeting point for thought leaders from industry, research and business.

Photo: Messe Frankfurt / Thomas Fedra

Geopolitical upheavals, digital transformation driven by AI and regulatory requirements reshape global markets and value chains. The Techtextil and Texprocess forums address these dynamics and bring forward-looking strategies to the stage.

An international programme committee curated both forums and selected contributions with a high degree of innovation, practical relevance and strategic significance. The diverse programme bridges the gap between innovation and practical application and fosters exchange with leading experts on current developments and best practices. “Future viability does not emerge in isolation. It requires strong partnerships, global networks and open dialogue about new technologies, strategies and business models. The Techtextil and Texprocess forums bring together this expertise, provide orientation and connect relevant stakeholders across industries to actively shape the future of the textile industry,” says Sabine Scharrer, Director Brand Management Technical Textiles & Textile Processing.

Techtextil Forum: textile expertise between AI and bio-based materials

Whether construction, mobility, aerospace or apparel: technical textiles drive numerous industries forward. Over four trade fair days, the Techtextil Forum (Hall 9.1) highlights key fields of innovation – from smart textiles and high-performance materials to circular recycling solutions.

For example, Michael Lau (Terrot) demonstrates in his expert presentation how AI-supported early defect detection in circular knitting increases efficiency and stabilises production processes. Huang Le Xuan (TU Dresden) illustrates the potential of integrated textile sensor systems for the structural monitoring of technical membranes. Rahel Heesemann (ITA RWTH Aachen) presents bio-based alternatives to PFAS-containing coatings, and Augusta Silva (CITEVE) shows how residues from bio-based printing pastes can be fully transformed into new resources. Jörg Schreiber (Dienes) highlights in his lecture the potential of wet spinning as a key technology for regenerated fibres and closed material cycles.

Texprocess Forum: concentrated processing expertise for the industry

How can textile processing operations be made more efficient, more digital and more sustainable? And what potential do AI-supported systems and new design tools offer? The Texprocess Forum (Hall 8.0) brings together future topics in textile processing. The focus is on integrated process chains, digital integration, automation as well as intelligent and sustainable production solutions.

The Texprocess Forum provides a basis for investment decisions in future-viable strategies – and offers opportunities for exchange with leading industry partners and associations. Angelika Menther (Style3D/Assyst), for example, demonstrates how product development can be fully mapped digitally using a 3D- and AI-based end-to-end approach. Automation as a key to competitiveness is addressed by, among others, Michael Mayr (Silana GmbH) and Michael Müller (Robotextile GmbH). Their solutions for automated sewing and the use of robotics increase productivity, quality and scalability.

Elena Arkhipova (Optitex) shows how integrated systems break down data silos with a presentation on the seamless connection of design, pattern development and production. Marina Linning (Dürkopp Adler) complements this with a lecture on standardised UI solutions that simplify complex production processes and increase efficiency in modern garment manufacturing.

With the Econogy Talks and guided Econogy Tours, both forums also offer targeted knowledge formats on resource-conserving strategies, innovative technologies, efficient production approaches and sustainable material concepts. The entire content programme can be found online in the event calendar.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

AMSilk Appoints Jeno Schadrack As CFO Ahead Of Key Growth financing Round

NEURIED, Germany — March 9, 2026 — AMSilk, a global supplier of bio‑engineered performance materials made from silk proteins, today announces the appointment of Jeno Schadrack as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will assume full responsibility for the finance function.

Jeno joins AMSilk at a strategically important moment for the Company as it prepares for a major upcoming institutional financing round to accelerate the industrial scale-up of its silk technology and expand its research and development activities.

He brings a broad track record in guiding companies through advanced scale‑up stages, with deep experience in institutional funding processes, international expansion and strategic financial leadership. He has worked closely with investors, banks and other financial stakeholders in complex financing environments. In his previous role, Jeno served as Group CFO and Managing Director at NavVis GmbH, a rapidly growing, internationally active deep‑tech scale‑up with subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

Dr. Wolfgang Colberg, Chairman of the Board, AMSilk, commented: “Jeno Schadrack’s strong track record in guiding companies as they grow will be invaluable to AMSilk as we move from bench-top to industrial scale production. This is a pivotal period for AMSilk and Jeno’s hire reflects this ambition.”

Ulrich Scherbel, Chief Executive Officer at AMSilk, said: “Jeno’s experience in growth financing, investor relations and capital markets, combined with his strategic and analytical leadership style, makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide AMSilk into our next financing stage, which will be critical for our corporate development.”

Jeno Schadrack, newly appointed Chief Financial Officer at AMSilk, added: “AMSilk’s silk protein materials are among the most exciting material innovations in the market today, with remarkable potential to transform established industries. I am grateful for the trust the Company has placed in me and look forward to contributing to fully unlocking the potential of these groundbreaking products.”

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: AMSilk GmbH

Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2026 To Deliver Three Days Of Expert-Led Education

NORWALK, CT  — March 9, 2026 — Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, returns to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, April 7–9, 2026, delivering three days of forward-focused education alongside sourcing for the Spring 2027/2028 seasons.

The event opens April 7 with the highly anticipated Day 0 Sustainability Workshop, followed by two full days of exhibit hall sourcing and Expert Talks programming on April 8–9. Designers, product developers and material decision-makers will gain actionable insight into performance innovation, regulatory shifts and circular solutions shaping the future of textiles.

“Functional Fabric Fair continues to be a catalyst for meaningful industry progress,” said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President. “Our Spring 2026 education program is designed to equip product teams with practical tools, regulatory clarity and innovation strategies they can immediately apply to future collections.”

THREE DAYS OF EXPERT INSIGHTS

Beginning April 7, attendees can participate in three tailored days of curated education led by respected industry experts.

Day 0 Sustainability Workshop – sponsored by: Hyosung

April 7, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Hyatt Regency Downtown Portland – Deschutes Ballroom

Returning by popular demand, the full-day, paid Sustainability Workshop for both attendees and exhibitors to participate in, will be curated and facilitated by:

  • Eric Brody, Soft Advantage
  • Todd Copeland, Copeland Consultancy LLC
  • Kevin Myette, bluesign technologies

Developed in response to attendee feedback, this immersive workshop and conference delivers pragmatic guidance on foundational sustainability strategies, regulatory updates, real-world case studies and interactive roundtables designed to support informed supply chain decision-making.

Workshop Topics Include:

  • Updates on the Shifting Landscape of Sustainability Policies & Regulations
  • Social Responsibility in Tier 2: Understanding Challenges & Advancing Solutions
  • Scaling Innovation Through Supply Chain Collaboration: A Case Study with NetPlus® Recycled Nylon
  • Innovator’s Panel: Textile-to-Textile Recycling Technologies
  • The Future of Circularity as a System (Interactive Workshop Activity)
  • Packaging in Practice: Regulatory Requirements & Smarter Design Strategies
  • Responsible Sourcing: Recognizing and Rewarding Excellence

The day concludes with a Networking Happy Hour (4:00–5:00 PM), sponsored by Hyosung, offering attendees meaningful peer-to-peer connection before the exhibit hall opens.

Seating is limited and requires separate paid registration, breakfast and lunch is included with ticket.

Expert Talks – sponsored by: Sorona®

April 8–9, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Exhibit Hall at Oregon Convention Center

The Expert Talks series features more than 10 sessions exploring innovation, performance science, circularity and seasonal forecasting. New this season, the program will be hosted by Stewart Sheppard, Founder & Principal Consultant of S2 Consulting, who will also lead daily guided tours of the Sustainability Lounge, a curated showcase of exhibitors advancing eco-conscious textiles and next-generation material solutions. Attendees will gain direct access to breakthrough developments and the companies driving measurable sustainability progress.

Expert Talks Session Highlights:

April 8

  • Forum Insights Spring/Summer 2028
  • Colors & Trends PERFORMANCE COLORS Fall/Winter 2027/28 – Nora Kühner, Independent Fashion & Design Consultant
  • Beyond PFAS: Rethinking Durability and Chemical Persistence in Textile Finishing
  • The Regenerative Reality: Aligning Wool Supply Chains with EU Mandates
  • The Science Behind Performance
  • Innovating and Scaling Sustainable Materials: Circularity, Biodegradation & the Future of Synthetic Textiles

April 9

  • The Visionary Outlook: ReINVENTING REALITY
  • Textile-to-Textile Recycling: Proving What’s Real in a DPP World
  • Next-Generation Bio-Based Elastane: Scaling regen™ BIO Spandex Through Integrated Fiber & Fabric Engineering – Malvina Hoxha, Director US Marketing, Hyosung TNC
  • Ensuring Human Health: The Social Side of Materials Production

Visit the Expert Talks Schedule for more session details.

Focus Topic: Textile-to-Textile Recycling

Building on last season’s recycler spotlight, Spring 2026 shifts attention earlier in the circular value chain—highlighting collectors and sorters as critical gatekeepers in determining whether used textiles become new fibers or waste.

This Focus Topic examines innovations, infrastructure challenges and cross-sector collaboration shaping the future of scalable textile-to-textile recycling systems.

Registration Information

Functional Fabric Fair is a trade-only event and is free to verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers and students in the outdoor, performance and lifestyle apparel sectors. The Day 0 Sustainability Workshop requires separate registration and seating is limited.

For full show information, registration links, and updates on all 2026 editions, visit www.functionalfabricfair.com.

Posted: March 9, 2026

Source: Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®

Breaking New Ground In Technical Textiles: Stäubli At JEC World 2026

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland, — February 5, 2026 — Stäubli, a global leader in industrial and mechatronic solutions, will showcase its cutting-edge weaving machinery solutions for technical textiles at JEC World 2026, from 10 to 12 March in Paris-Nord Villepinte. As the leading international trade show for composites and advanced materials, JEC World brings together key innovators, manufacturers, and technology providers from around the globe.

With more than 130 years of experience in the weaving industry, Stäubli continues to shape the future of technical textiles by delivering highly reliable, high-speed weaving machinery and fully integrated solutions for advanced applications.

Visitors and partners are invited to discover Stäubli’s trend-setting technologies at Booth M141 in Hall 5.

UNIVAL 100 Jacquard machine for technical fabrics

At this year’s edition, Stäubli will place a special focus on its UNIVAL 100 electronic Jacquard machine, which provides unparalleled flexibility for weaving complex and sophisticated technical fabrics. Featuring individually controlled harness cords and exceptional motion precision, the UNIVAL 100 is particularly suited for 3D weaving and the processing of demanding materials such as glass and carbon fibers.

Its fully electronic architecture enables unlimited pattern versatility while ensuring gentle control and optimal yarn handling, critical factors in high‑performance composite applications.

TF weaving system for complex multilayers

Stäubli will also present its TF series weaving machines, engineered for the production of advanced 3D and multilayer fabrics using materials such as carbon, glass, and aramid fibers. The TF20 and TF30 models combine flexibility, precision, and productivity, making them ideal for manufacturing lightweight composites, aviation-grade materials, and reinforcement textiles for construction.

Designed for high‑performance weaving, the TF20 offers high-speed capability and a double rapier option that can significantly boost output, while the TF30 ensures gentle yarn handling and supports a wide range of sophisticated weave structures.

Stäubli’s commitment to excellence is rooted in continuous R&D, the use of superior-quality components, and long-term customer support before, during, and after machine installation. Stäubli equipment operates reliably in weaving mills worldwide, producing technical fabrics that meet the most stringent performance standards, from lightweight reinforcement structures to specialized industrial textiles.

Visitors to Stäubli’s booth will have the opportunity to explore how the company’s integrated weaving solutions support the development of next‑generation composite materials and open new possibilities for industrial innovation.

Discover Stäubli’s weaving technologies at Stand M141 in Hall 5 during JEC World 2026.

Posted: March 7, 2026

Source: Stäubli Textile

Textiles Recycling Expo USA Announces Conference Agenda

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — March 4, 2026 — The conference agenda has been officially announced for Textiles Recycling Expo USA, taking place April 29–30, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center. As North America’s first dedicated exhibition and conference focused exclusively on textile recycling, the 2026 edition will deliver a comprehensive two-day program focused on turning circular ambition into scalable action. The event is free to attend for all attendees.

Created in collaboration with Structural Partner Accelerating Circularity, the agenda has been carefully developed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities across the U.S. textile recovery and recycling landscape.

Goodwill Industries International joins as Impact Partner and sponsor of the Conference Theater – helping drive meaningful change across the industry.

Key themes for 2026 include:

  • Policy, Regulation & Governance
  • Collection, Sorting & Infrastructure at Scale
  • Technology, Innovation & Textile-to-Textile Recycling
  • Collaboration Across the Value Chain

The speaker lineup features influential voices from across the value chain, including leaders from:

  • Eileen Fisher,
  • Lululemon,
  • Debrand,
  • Samsara Eco,
  • Accelerating Circularity,
  • Textile Exchange,
  • FABSCRAP,
  • Goodwill Industries International,
  • ReJu,
  • SMART,
  • Fashion Takes Action,
  • American Circular Textiles,
  • the Ellen MacArthur Foundation,
  • California Product Stewardship Council,
  • WM,
  • National Stewardship Action Council,
  • Matoha,
  • and many more …

The conference program is complemented by a focused exhibition floor featuring over 75 exhibitors showcasing advanced recycling technologies, sorting systems, machinery, material innovations, and circular service solutions.

Registration for Textiles Recycling Expo USA is free and open to industry professionals across textiles, recycling, sustainability, manufacturing, retail, and policy sectors.

Visit: https://events.amiplastics.com/textiles-recycling-expo-usa

Posted: March 7, 2026

Source: Applied Market Information Ltd (AMI)

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