The LYCRA Co. Previews Bio-Derived LYCRA® Ecomade Fiber At Kingpins Amsterdam

WILMINGTON, Del. — April 15, 2025 — The LYCRA Co., a global developer of innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that it will preview its bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam on April 16-17. The company is showcasing denim samples featuring seed quantities of its renewable elastane at its stand in Blue Area 11. It also offers visitors a fully immersive VR experience exploring the product’s journey from farm to fiber.

Join The LYCRA Company at Kingpins Amsterdam, where it will preview its bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber and promote its revolutionary customized fit solution for jeans, LYCRA FitSense® denim technology.

Set to launch commercially later this year, bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber made with QIRA® will be sourced from annually renewable dent corn from Iowa, offering raw material origin transparency and a sustainable solution to help reduce the environmental impact of apparel. This innovative fiber, composed of 70 percent renewable content, has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of LYCRA fiber by up to 44 percent*, delivering equivalent performance to the original LYCRA fiber. It is a one-to-one replacement requiring no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns.

“Our customers and their consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only meet high-performance standards but also align with their sustainability values,” said Arnaud Ruffin, The LYCRA Co.’s vice president of brands and retail. “Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber represents a significant step forward in providing sustainable solutions without compromising on quality, and we are excited to share this innovative fiber with the denim industry at Kingpins Amsterdam.”

The “7 Styles for 7 Days” project at Kingpins showcases how stretch denim made with bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber can transform men’s and women’s wardrobes throughout the week, ensuring lasting comfort, fit, and shape while reducing environmental impact. This exhibit is a collaboration between The LYCRA Co. and Diamond Denim, a part of the Pakistan-based Sapphire Group, and helps accelerate both companies’ journeys toward decarbonization. The exhibit is on display at each company’s stand.

ORTA, a Turkey-based denim manufacturer, will also showcase samples made with bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber and regenerative cotton in its stand. According to Sebla Onder, ORTA’s marketing and sustainability manager, the enthusiastic market response to their capsule collection launched in late 2024 gives her hope that the industry is genuinely ready for meaningful change. “We are thrilled that Citizens of Humanity Group, one of our respected premium brand partners, has sourced this sustainable fabric for their AGOLDE brand, and we eagerly anticipate consumer reaction to this collection in the coming months. We are also looking forward to new, strong brand collaborations emerging from this amazing partnership,” she said.

LYCRA FitSense® denim technology, which debuted at Kingpins Amsterdam last April, is being showcased again this year. This groundbreaking, patented solution offers a customized fit for various body types by incorporating discreet, targeted shaping zones, enabling designers to select specific areas for shaping, support, and lift. This helps consumers feel more confident and comfortable in their jeans. Building on this innovation, SPANX® made a major stride in the evolution of denim fit with the successful launch of the world’s first commercial program featuring SPANXsculpt™ ReDefine denim in January.

For the fourth consecutive year, LYCRA brand has teamed up with the House of Denim Foundation and Jean School students to mount the exhibition “Stretch Yourself #4: Denim of the Future, Designed by Gen Z.” Each featured student designer will display a denim garment featuring innovative fabrics powered by The LYCRA Co.’s technologies, including COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber.

*Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: The LYCRA Company

BELLA+CANVAS And Stakes Manufacturing Partner To Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains For Global Brands And Major Retailers, Made In The USA, Printed In The USA

LOS ANGELES & CLEVELAND — April 15, 2025 — Amid a rapidly shifting global trade environment and the impact of new tariffs, global brands and retailers are being forced to rethink long-standing offshore production strategies.

Historically, cost savings have driven manufacturing overseas, often at the expense of speed, quality, and sustainability. With the cost gap between domestic and international production narrowing, brands are now prioritizing more agile, high-quality, and sustainable supply chain solutions.

Recognizing this pivotal shift, BELLA+CANVAS, a supplier of premium apparel manufacturing, and Stakes Manufacturing, a cutting-edge on-demand printing and fulfillment provider, are announcing a strategic partnership to support global brands and major retailers in reshaping their supply chains through developing and offering capabilities in both near-shore and fully Made in the USA, Printed in the USA models.

“Our goal is to support the evolving global landscape and help our partners navigate the challenges stemming from tariffs, while also unlocking new opportunities to optimize for a more balanced and resilient supply chain,” said Jed Seifert, co-founder of Stakes Manufacturing. “BELLA+CANVAS has long set the standard for premium product quality, and their unmatched domestic and near-shore production capabilities make them an ideal partner in this effort.”

Together, BELLA+CANVAS and Stakes Manufacturing offer end-to-end domestic and near shore solutions that prioritize:

  • Speed: Faster turnaround times and quicker replenishment cycle;
  • Quality: Premium apparel and retail-grade decoration;
  • Sustainability: Reduced overproduction and lower carbon impact;
  • Cost Efficiency: Minimized freight costs and tariff exposure; and
  • Job Creation: Strengthening U.S. manufacturing and local economies.

“BELLA+CANVAS is proud to help brands and retailers optimize their supply chains with both domestic and near-shore capabilities, while also elevating product quality, sustainability, and speed to market,” said Megan Spire, vice president of BELLA+CANVAS. “Our partnership with Stakes enables retail-quality digital printing at scale, empowering brands to stay competitive and nimble in today’s volatile global market.”

As companies look to future-proof their supply chains, this collaboration aims to serve as a blueprint for how domestic manufacturing can meet the evolving demands of a global economy while championing product excellence and operational agility.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: BELLA+CANVAS

Under Armour Appoints Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, And Robert J. Sweeney To Its Board Of Directors

BALTIMORE — April 15, 2025 — Under Armour Inc. announced that, effective April 15, Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, and Robert J. Sweeney will join the company’s Board of Directors.

“Dawn and Rob’s extensive financial and operational expertise, combined with Gene’s deep knowledge of intercollegiate sports management, makes them exceptional additions to our board,” said Mohamed A. El-Erian, chair of the board at Under Armour. “As we pursue our strategy to create greater value for Under Armour’s athletes, customers, shareholders, and teammates, their unique talents, insights, and passion for the brand will be invaluable for navigating our next chapter.”

Effective April 15, Under Armour’s board will include Douglas E. Coltharp, Jerri L. DeVard, Mohamed A. El-Erian, Carolyn N. Everson, Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, David W. Gibbs, Karen W. Katz, Eric T. Olson, Kevin A. Plank, Eugene D. Smith, Robert J. Sweeney, and Patrick W. Whitesell.

Dawn N. Fitzpatrick

Dawn N. Fitzpatrick

Since 2017, Fitzpatrick has been the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Soros Fund Management LLC, a privately held investment management firm. Before joining Soros in 2017, she spent 25 years at UBS and its predecessor organizations, where she most recently served as Head of Investments for UBS Asset Management and was a member of the UBS Asset Management Executive Committee. Earlier, she held several positions at the UBS O’Connor hedge fund business, including CEO and chief investment officer. Fitzpatrick serves as a non-executive director of Barclays plc and serves on its Remuneration, Risk, and Sustainability Committees. Additionally, she serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Financial Sector Advisory Council, where she is chair, the Advisory Council of The Bretton Woods Committee, and the Bloomberg New Economy Advisory Board. She previously completed a six-year term on the Investor Advisory Committee on Financial Markets at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Fitzpatrick earned her bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where she ran track and cross country.

Eugene D. Smith

Eugene D. Smith

Smith served as senior vice president and athletic director at Ohio State University from 2005 to 2024. Throughout his tenure, he co-chaired the NCAA’s Federal-State Legislative Working Group, which advised the NCAA on name, image, and likeness issues, chaired the 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee and was a member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. Additionally, he participated in the NCAA’s Management Council, the Committee on Infractions, the Executive Committee, the Football Rules Committee, and the president’s Commission Liaison Committee. As the first Black president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and a former president of the Division I-A Athletics Directors Association, Smith was the Director of Athletics at Arizona State from 2000 to 2005, at Iowa State from 1993 to 2000 and at Eastern Michigan from 1986 to 1993. He played football as an undergraduate at Notre Dame, where he was a defensive end on the 1973 national championship team and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After graduation, he joined the coaching staff at Notre Dame and contributed to the Irish victory in the 1977 national championship.

Robert J. Sweeney

Robert J. Sweeney

Since 2019, Sweeney has served as the president of Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm focused on consumer, distribution, and retail-related investments. Before joining Sycamore Partners, he spent 22 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently as a partner and Global Head of the Consumer/Retail Investment Banking Group. During his tenure at Goldman Sachs, he provided advisory support to Under Armour on various matters, including the company’s initial public offering in 2005. Sweeney served as an officer in the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force from 1989 to 1995, holding various roles aboard the USS Annapolis and at the Submarine Officer Advanced Course training command. He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree and MBA, and he was recognized as a Palmer Scholar.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Under Armour Inc.

Sicomin Bio-Based Resin Technology Powers Melker’s Award-Winning Sustainable Kayak Series

MARSEILLES, France — April 15, 2025 — Sicomin, a formulator and supplier of high-performance epoxy resin systems, is proud to announce its role in the development of Melker of Sweden’s latest sea kayak series, the Melker Värmdö. Leveraging Sicomin’s advanced GreenPoxy® bio-based resin systems, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance watersports equipment.

The collaboration between Sicomin and Melker has resulted in a next-generation composite laminate, combining renewable materials with industry-leading mechanical performance and aesthetics. Central to this innovation is Sicomin’s GreenPoxy InfuGreen 810 infusion resin and Green Coat transparent gelcoat, both incorporating significant bio-carbon content.

Sustainable Innovation with Advanced Materials

The Melker Värmdö kayak is manufactured using a closed-mould vacuum infusion process, optimized to deliver lightweight strength, superior durability, and an impeccable surface finish directly from the mould—eliminating the need for secondary painting or clear coating.

Key materials featured in the kayak include:

  • Sicomin InfuGreen 810 Resin: DNV GL-certified with 38% bio-carbon content, offering ultra-low viscosity for efficient room-temperature infusion.
  • Sicomin Green Coat Transparent Gelcoat: A robust, UV-resistant coating with 50% plant-based content that protects and enhances the natural look of the kayak’s flax and cork laminates.
  • Bcomp ampliTex™ Flax Fabrics: Renewable natural fiber reinforcements that deliver exceptional mechanical properties and visual appeal.
  • Amorim NL20 Cork Core: A 100% cork core providing lightweight strength and excellent impact resistance.

High Performance Meets Low Environmental Impact

The Värmdö’s bio-based construction significantly reduces reliance on petroleum-based materials, minimizing the kayak’s carbon footprint without compromising performance. Flax fibers and cork cores enhance mechanical strength, flexibility, and impact resistance, extending the product’s lifetime while offering an ultra-lightweight structure for exceptional manoeuvrability and easy transportation.

The transparent Green Coat gelcoat further enhances the natural aesthetic of the flax and cork laminates, creating a premium, eco-friendly finish that requires no secondary coatings.

Industry Recognition and Commercial Success

Following more than three years of material development and prototype testing, supported by recyclable 3D-printed test models, Melker finalized design and R&D of the Värmdö series in Sweden with serial production now secured in Sri Lanka.

The project has been widely recognized, securing prestigious awards including Best Sea Kayak at both the North American and European paddlesports industry awards.

A Proven Model for Sustainable Sporting Goods

“This collaboration with Melker perfectly demonstrates how our GreenPoxy® systems can deliver both technical excellence and meaningful sustainability in series production,” said Philippe Marcovich, President of Sicomin. “The Värmdö kayak is proof that high-performance composite products can be developed with a significantly reduced environmental impact—without compromising on strength, durability, or aesthetics.”

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Sicomin

Sustainability At Messe Frankfurt’s Textile Trade Fairs: Five Core Issues For The Textile And Fashion Industry

FRANKFURT, Germany— April 15, 2025 — With the new “Texpertise Econogy Insights”, Messe Frankfurt’s textile trade fairs are shining a spotlight on five core issues facing the textile and clothing industry as it undergoes a transformation targeted at greater sustainability. These key themes are based on the results of the sustainability check offered to exhibiting companies as part of the Texpertise Econogy textile sustainability program and conversations with international textile experts.

Textile waste equivalent in volume to 370,000 fully-loaded Airbus aircraft, a recycling rate of one per cent and 99.7 percent of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: the textile and clothing industry is not just a world of superlative figures, but also an industry with one of the most complex supply chains in the world. Where the industry stands in terms of sustainability and what drivers and obstacles are playing a role in its transformation is the focus of the report “Texpertise Econogy Insights — five central developments for a more sustainable textile industry,” published today by Texpertise, a network of more than 60 Messe Frankfurt textile events in 13 countries.

For more sustainability in the textile and clothing industry: national and international regulatory requirements are intended to bring more transparency to the industry’s complex supply chains.
Photo — Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

“Transformation requires cooperation. The international textile events by Messe Frankfurt serve as key hubs for change in this process. With the international sustainability programme Texpertise Econogy, we are making developments for a more sustainable industry tangible, connecting green pioneers with companies and creating hotspots for knowledge and networking,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president, Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

Together with renowned experts from textile research, business and associations, Messe Frankfurt analyses five key themes for the sustainable transformation of the international textile and clothing industry: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an international benchmark for responsible corporate behavior, transparency and traceability in global supply chains as well as the advantages and disadvantages of natural fibers, synthetic fibers and regenerated fibers in terms of their environmental compatibility and functionality. It also evaluates environmentally friendly process standards and innovative approaches to textile recycling.

Among those interviewed for the report were representatives from Aalto University; Euratex; Fashion for Good; Hohenstein Group; IKEA; Industrial Association for Finishing, Yarns, Woven Fabrics and Technical Textiles (IVGT); Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik (OBB); Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI); United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network; VDMA Textile Care, Fabrics and Leather Technologies; German Association of Home Textiles Manufacturers and the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy.

These themes are derived from the results of the Texpertise Econogy Checks, the sustainability check that exhibiting companies can now undergo at 24 of the more than 60 Messe Frankfurt textile events across the world. The check evaluates companies against a set of international sustainability standards in the areas of Sustainable Supply Chain, Materials and Processes as well as Strategy and Innovation. During the period from January 2024 to January 2025, a total of 820 companies at 17 events in Germany, France, the USA and China completed the Econogy Check.

An ongoing commitment to greater sustainability

Since 2008, Messe Frankfurt has played an active role in promoting sustainability within the global textile and fashion industry. At its international textile fairs, it developed curation tools for textile sustainability early on, as well as creating special areas for sustainable textile innovations and integrating sustainability themes into its fringe programs. At the end of 2023, Messe Frankfurt grouped all the sustainability-related activities at its international textile events under one communications umbrella: Texpertise Econogy. The aim of this is to ensure greater visibility for sustainable textile innovations, offer better orientation in a world of increasingly complex sustainability developments and promote knowledge transfer and cooperation within the international textile industry insofar as sustainable transformation is concerned. Since it was launched, Texpertise Econogy has been rolled out to 24 of the approximately 60 Texpertise events across the world.

Messe Frankfurt Texpertise

With a portfolio of more than 60 international textile trade fairs in 13 countries, Messe Frankfurt is the global market leader for textile trade fairs. The trade fair portfolio spans the entire textile industry value chain: Texpertise brings together these events, current issues and a global network of more than 500,000 industry representatives from all over the world. As a central communication platform, Texpertise provides information on the world-renowned trade fair brands and the first-class services offered by Messe Frankfurt.

“Texpertise Econogy Insights” is available as an accessible e-paper and in printed format.

Download the e-paper version here:

https://texpertisenetwork.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/news-stories/stories/sustainability-the-major-transformation.html#download

Texpertise Newsroom

Information from the international textile industry and Messe Frankfurt’s global textile fairs can be found in the Texpertise Newsroom at www.texpertise-network.com

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Trützschler Nonwovens At IDEA 2025: Elevating Production Performance

DÜLMEN, Germany— April 14, 2025 — Trützschler Nonwovens and American Trützschler are excited to announce their participation at IDEA 2025 in Miami Beach. Visit booth #2242 to discover comprehensive solutions designed to enhance your production’s sustainability, performance, efficiency and product quality.

New machinery targeting production excellence

Trützschler will showcase two groundbreaking product innovations at the exhibition: The X-Series cards and the Modular High Performance Dryer (MPD).

NCT-X in the T-SUPREMA needle-punching line at the Technical Center in Egelsbach.

The X-Series includes the new carding models NC-X and NCT-X, which can increase productivity by up to 4 percent, reduce raw material consumption by up to 2.5 percent, and provide over 100 additional operating hours per year. The cards of the X-Series can be universally used in inline and crosslapper configurations. End products range from hydroentangled wipes and lightweight through-air bonded hygiene nonwovens to heavy high-loft nonwovens for insulation materials and needle-punched technical nonwovens.

The MPD dryer optimizes thermal energy usage during the drying process of hydroentangled nonwovens. It operates with conventional energy sources like natural gas, electricity or heat exchangers, as well as CO₂-neutral hydrogen or biogas. Its vertical design and small footprint make it ideal for expanding existing hydroentangling line capacities.

Utilize the full potential of every production line

The consistent use of the digital work environment T-ONE has demonstrably increased production speed by more than 50 percent depending on the product and reduced waste by up to 30 percent. As a modular software solution, T-ONE optimizes workflows, implements best practices, ensures complete transparency, and captures all production-relevant data in real time. The software is tailored to the individual production and IT systems of each nonwoven manufacturer and has already proven its effectiveness in over a dozen installations worldwide.

Discover new opportunities for exciting end products

Utilizing wood or fast-growing plants as fiber raw materials is our approach for sustainable, top-quality wipes. As pioneer in Carded/Pulp (CP) and Wet-Laid/Spunlace (WLS) solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens offers reliable solutions for processing paper-grade pulp. Our valued customer Elixrr Industries has recently demonstrated the effectiveness of our concept by commissioning a hyper-flexible CP line, the first pulp-based nonwoven line on the Indian subcontinent.

We’re always at your side

American Trützschler, located in Charlotte, N.C., the textile heartland of America, offers comprehensive sales, service, maintenance, and spare parts support. Our certified UL508A panel shop specializes in complete/partial upgrades and customized solutions, while their well-stocked inventory of card wires is backed by 24/7 rewiring service available at your sites.

Curious? Join us at IDEA 2025 – we look forward to engaging in inspiring discussions with you.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Trützschler Nonwovens GmbH

Rieter Celebrates 230 Years Of Innovation And Technology Leadership

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — April 15, 2025 — Rieter has stood for pioneering innovation in textile technology for 230 years. Founded in 1795, the company has grown from a trading company to a global technology leader. With a clear focus on automation, digitization and sustainability, Rieter is shaping the future of yarn production and continues to set standards in the industry.

Rieter is celebrating its 230th anniversary this year — a history characterized by change, innovation and growth.

The Rieter success story began on April 15, 1795, when Johann Jacob Rieter founded the company J.J. Rieter & Cie. in Winterthur, Switzerland. Rieter started as a trading company for exotic spices and cotton, and on April 23, 1795, the first cotton bale had already arrived at the Waaghaus trading house on Marktgasse in Winterthur.

Initially involved in spinning mills and textile manufacturing, Rieter continued to develop over the 19th century and shifted its focus to building industrial machinery. Acquiring the buildings of the former Töss Abbey in Winterthur in 1833 was an important step. In addition to spinning mill machines, the company’s product line also included machines for winding, knitting, and weaving.

In 1891, Rieter converted into a stock company, which was a significant milestone in the company’s history. In the decades that followed, Rieter set new technological standards again and again. For example, the company was the first machine factory in Switzerland with electronic data processing and Rieter set up a modern laboratory for testing materials. It was joined by prototype workshops, a textile laboratory, and a test spinning mill to support further innovation.

Despite economic challenges, Rieter has always used times of crisis as an opportunity to increase its efficiency and hone its strategic focus. Along with its subsidiaries Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM, and Temco, today Rieter is distinctive and well-known in the market. The company is a leader in spinning mill technology and contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain with state-of-the-art machines, systems, and components.

At Rieter, the development focus is on automation, digitalization, artificial intelligence and recycling technologies.

Rieter’s success is based not only on technological excellence, but above all on the people who drive the company forward. The approximately 4,800 employees worldwide are the company’s greatest asset. With their expertise, innovative spirit, and passion, they set new standards every day and play an active role in shaping Rieter’s future.

From Rieter’s perspective, the future of spinning mills is automated, digital, and intelligent. Research and development activities are being intensified — in both the areas of autonomous transport systems and collaborative robotics, as well as for ESSENTIAL, Rieter’s digital spinning mill platform. The goal is to fully automate the value creation process of spinning mills by 2027. This will enable spinning mills to reduce their yarn manufacturing costs and maximize their returns. Customers can then concentrate fully on their yarn business and rely on Rieter’s technology and know-how for their operations.

With 230 years of experience, strong innovative power, sustainable solutions and a global sales and service organization, Rieter is perfectly positioned as the market leader and looks to the future with confidence.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Rieter

Panda Biotech™ Partners With TDMI Twin Dragon To Launch American-Grown Hemp Denim

DALLAS — April 15, 2025 — Panda Biotech™ announced today its partnership with TDMI Twin Dragon to launch a pioneering hemp denim collection crafted from sustainably sourced, American-grown hemp, backed by the Southern Ute IndianTribe Growth Fund. By leveraging Panda Biotech’s leadership in hemp fiber production with TDMI’s expertise in innovative denim manufacturing, this collaboration offers a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional denim. The partnership, one that prioritizes regenerative agriculture, local sourcing, and comprehensive traceability aims to drive sustainability forward in the denim industry while delivering premium quality and durability.

“The launch of this innovative and sustainable denim line, using Panda’s 100 percent American-grown industrial hemp, mechanically cottonized without the use of any chemicals or water, marks a significant milestone for both TDMI Twin Dragon and Panda,” said Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter. “We are confident that our fiber is the most traceable hemp fiber available on the global market, and this moment is an important step toward a greener future for denim capable of supporting a robust sourcing strategy in a new trading paradigm.”

The Panda and TDMI Twin Dragon hemp denim collection features a thoughtfully-curated range of both rigid and comfort stretch hemp denim, combining durability, sustainability, and natural fiber aesthetics. The rigid hemp denim offers a sturdy, traditional feel with excellent structure, making it ideal for workwear-inspired silhouettes and vintage-style jeans. Hemp’s naturally strong fibers enhance the durability of the fabric, ensuring longevity while maintaining breathability and a textured, organic look. The comfort stretch hemp denim brings flexibility to the mix, providing ease of movement without compromising the authentic character of natural fibers. This blend allows for a more wearable, adaptive fit, catering to those who appreciate both sustainability and everyday comfort. Both fabrications embrace hemp’s eco-friendly properties, including reduced water consumption, natural antimicrobial benefits, and biodegradability, making them a responsible choice for modern denim innovation.

“We are proud to partner with Panda Biotech, a company that shares our vision for innovation and sustainability in the textile industry,” said TDMI Twin Dragon CEO and Founder Dominic Poon. “By combining Twin Dragon’s expertise in denim development with Panda Biotech’s groundbreaking work in American-grown industrial hemp, we’re creating high-performance, eco-conscious fabrics that meet the demands of today’s consumers and tomorrow’s planet. This partnership marks a pivotal step forward in redefining what sustainable fashion can be.”

As denim manufacturers increasingly seek sustainable alternatives in an effort toward reducing the environmental footprint of denim production, Panda Biotech is meeting the commercial scale demand, providing durable, low-impact cottonized hemp fiber accessible for mills and brands. Industrial hemp offers numerous environmental advantages including reduced water usage, soil remediation, biodegradable materials, and carbon sequestration. Additionally, Panda Biotech’s Panda Hemp Gin is a zero-waste hemp-processing facility certified for zero discharge of hazardous chemicals that proudly operates with both the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification and the United States Department of Agriculture Certified Biobased product label certifications.

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: Panda Biotech LLC

The Vietnam & ASEAN Textile Summit 2025 Announced By The Vietnam Cotton And Spinning Association (VCOSA) And ECV International

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — April 15, 2025 — Global industry supply chains are facing new changes due to adjustments in the international political and economic landscape. Southeast Asian countries, with advantages such as relatively low labor costs, abundant natural resources, and supportive government policies, have become a popular investment destination for the global textile and manufacturing industry.

These opportunities have fueled the rapid development of ASEAN’s textile industry, but it also faces numerous challenges. Changes in U.S. tariff policies have hampered exports, while the increasing maturity of AI technology, while boosting efficiency and quality, also threatens existing jobs.  Higher technological standards and environmental requirements place economic pressure on local businesses, intensifying market competition.

How can ASEAN textile and apparel companies address these challenges and seize opportunities? How can textile and apparel brands strategically position their global supply chains in this new environment to create secure and agile systems? How can all participants in the textile and apparel supply chain adapt to change and build strong competitiveness?

The Summit

The Vietnam & ASEAN Textile Summit 2025 aims to bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the textile and apparel industry to discuss and analyze these challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.

Key discussion points will include navigating evolving trade regulations (post-Trump and future policies), sustainable and circular economy practices, leveraging technological advancements in manufacturing and supply chain management, and promoting ethical and responsible sourcing.

The summit will serve as a networking platform for textile and apparel decision-makers to collaborate, address challenges, seize opportunities, and promote high-quality industry development.

Hot Topics

  • Overview of Vietnam Textile & Apparel Industry, Opportunities and Challenges
  • Vietnam Textile Import and Export Overview and Trade Policy Interpretation
  • The Latest Development Trends and Overview of the US Apparel Industry in Vietnam and ASEAN
  • Panel Discussion 1: Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnam and ASEAN Textile Industry Against the Background of Global Supply Chain Adjustment
  • Reimagining the Apparel Value Chain Amid Volatility
  • Challenges and Countermeasures for Global Textile and Apparel Sourcing in the New International Environment
  • How AI will Shape the Future of Apparel and Textile Value Chains？
  • Intelligent Manufacturing: Digital Supply Chain Solutions for Textile & Garment enterprises
  • Adopting advanced technologies to support the upgrading of textile production and manufacturing

Participating Groups

Fashion and Apparel, Home Textiles, Technical Textiles, Manufacturers, Chemicals Companies, Logistics Companies, Law Firms, Consulting Firms, Certification Companies, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management, Recycling and Circular Economy, Textile Chemical Suppliers, Fashion Design and Consulting Services, Textile Research and Development Institutions, Sustainability Consultants, Quality Assurance and Testing Laboratories and more!

The Vietnam & ASEAN Textile Summit 2025

June 26-27, 2025 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | VCOSA & ECV International

Event Website: https://www.ecv-events.com/VAFS2025?cci=16

Posted: April 15, 2025

Source: ECV International

AAPN Leads 12 Brands On 2025 Carolina Mill Tour Amid Sourcing Shifts & Mounting Tariff Concerns

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — April 14, 2025 — The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) successfully concluded its 2025 Carolina Mill Tour last week, taking executives from 12 leading apparel brands, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carter’s, Dillard’s, Fanatics, Fechheimer, ILNA,  Momentec, Tegra and Under Armour as well as newcomers Johnny Was, Luccini and Truewerk, on an immersive journey through textile and trim production facilities across North and South Carolina.

The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) successfully concluded its 2025 Carolina Mill Tour, taking executives from 12 leading apparel brands on an immersive journey through textile and trim production facilities across North and South Carolina.

The multi-day tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at U.S.-based manufacturing operations, showcasing the innovation, sustainability, and responsiveness of the domestic supply chain. Participating brands explored every step of fabric production, from yarn spinning and knitting to dyeing and finishing, gaining invaluable insight into the capabilities and capacity of mills operating in the region.

As new tariffs and shifting trade policies spark fresh uncertainty for apparel importers, many brands are urgently reevaluating their sourcing strategies. For an increasing number of companies, that means taking a serious look at what’s available closer to home. The Carolina Mill Tour is part of AAPN’s broader effort to help brands reconnect with supply chain partners across the Western Hemisphere — starting with the United States, but stretching from Canada to Colombia.

“We believe Closer is Better. Our goal with the Carolina Mill Tour is to bring sourcing decision-makers face-to-face with the people, processes, and technology driving American textile production,” said Lynsey C. Jones, executive director of AAPN. “In the wake of the Trump-era tariffs and current policy shifts, brands are rethinking their global footprint. This tour gives them a front-row seat to the capabilities that already exist in our own backyard.”

The tour included visits with some of the most respected mills in the country, like A&E, America Knits, Contempora Fabrics, Color Solutions International, Hamrick Mills, Parkdale Mills and Unifi providing brands with firsthand exposure to the speed, flexibility, and quality that regional sourcing offers; along with an educational components. As nearshoring and reshoring gain renewed momentum, the Carolina Mill Tour has become a cornerstone of AAPN’s efforts to strengthen connections between brands and domestic suppliers. This was the seventh tour since 2018!

Missed the mill tour, but still want to connect with Western Hemisphere suppliers or brands looking for new sourcing partners? For more information about our pro:Americas Annual Conference from May 12 – 14 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Ft Lauderdale, Fla.  Visit: https://www.aapnetwork.net/2025-pro-americas-conference and register today!

Posted: April 14, 2025

Source: The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

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