Announcing The 2025 Best Of NeoCon Winners

CHICAGO — June 9, 2025 — The 35th annual Best of NeoCon Awards kicked off NeoCon 2025 this morning with a high-energy ceremony at THE MART, spotlighting the most forward-thinking products transforming the future of commercial interiors. A cornerstone of NeoCon since 1990, the iconic program celebrates exceptional solutions spanning workplace, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality. This year, 96 awards were given to exhibitors for products across more than 40 categories, with honors awarded for Gold, Silver, Innovation, Sustainability, and Business Impact. The program’s top distinction, Best of Competition, was awarded to HALCON for its ASTORIA collection of conference and mobile communal tables.

HALCON’s ASTORIA (Best of Competition)

A multidisciplinary jury of 42 architects, designers, specifiers, enterprise clients, and facility managers—including leaders from Gensler, Corgan, CannonDesign, Marmon Mok, Shepley Bulfinch, Aflac, and Walgreens—convened on-site at THE MART to evaluate submissions throughout the NeoCon show floors. An additional panel of eight business media professionals and two facility managers determined the Business Impact Awards. See the full jury list here: https://neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon#jury

“The jurors were incredibly thoughtful and rigorous in their evaluations this year,” says Eileen McMorrow, Director of Best of NeoCon. “The winning products aren’t just keeping pace with industry trends—they’re actively driving critical design movements, from circularity and neuro-inclusive thinking to the integration of AI and advanced material innovation. We saw manufacturers embrace empathy, rethink flexibility, and experiment with form and function, addressing the evolving ways people live, work, heal, learn, and connect now.”

The Best of Competition-winning ASTORIA collection by HALCON is tailored for the modern workplace and crafted to create elevated spaces for connection, conversation, and community. Jurors praised the well-appointed assortment for its exceptional design and everyday usability, highlighting its sculptural bases, refined materials, and thoughtfully concealed rolling casters. With flexible configurations, integrated technology options, and meticulous attention to detail, ASTORIA offers a compelling solution for today’s dynamic environments.

“Elegance is the key word when it comes to ASTORIA. It makes the capabilities seem too good to be true. Here, you will not be sacrificing design for functionality,” notes the jury. The line was also recognized for Gold Awards in the Collections for Collaboration, Tables: Café, and Tables: Conference categories. Best of Competition finalists included Davis Furniture’s JeLa Guest, Extremis’s Panigiri, Isomi’s Knit One, and Keilhauer’s Unifi.

DARRAN’s Central Bark (Innovation)

Other manufacturers, such as Arktura, DARRAN, Extremis, Formica Corporation, Keilhauer, Mizetto, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, Safco, and Shaw Contract earned Innovation Awards for products bringing bold new ideas to market through breakthrough technologies, novel features, or reimagined approaches to familiar challenges.

Haworth’s Alder Tables (Sustainability)

Products from Andreu World, HÅG, Haworth, Isomi, KFI Studios, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, Nienkämper, Patcraft, and The Good Plastic Company were recognized with Sustainability Awards, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility through the use of recyclable or biodegradable components, eco-conscious manufacturing practices, and alignment with industry certifications and standards.

Returning for the fourth year, the Business Impact Awards recognized design solutions driving organizational performance through smarter workflows, cost savings, space optimization, and other strategic outcomes. Judged by a panel of business journalists from Bloomberg, Newsweek, Vogue Business, Forbes and Morning Brew, among other notable publications—alongside seasoned facility managers from Northwestern Mutual and Aflac—the awards were based on first-hand product evaluations conducted on-site at THE MART. Each product was thoroughly vetted on criteria including adaptability, sustainability alignment, technology integration, productivity, wellness and user experience, and contribution to the bottom line.

Visplay’s Omnio Office (Business Impact)

This year, 26 Business Impact Award finalists were selected, with 10 award recipients ultimately honored across categories ranging from furnishings and materials to architectural systems and integrated technologies. The Business Impact Winners for 2025 were Clarus’ Lynk, CMS Electracom’s Freedom FR210 Series, Framery’s One Lounge, Haworth’s Closed-Loop Manufactured Fern, Keilhauer’s Unifi, Kwalu’s Ellie Recliner + Sleeper Sofa Collection, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s Renaturation, Safco/Onsemble’s Modix System, Schiavello’s Focus Quiet Room Plus, and Visplay’s Omnio Office.

Andreu World’s Nina Lounge (Gold)

Competition-wide, the most awarded companies were Andreu World (9), Keilhauer (6), Davis Furniture (4), Patcraft (4), and Schiavello (5)—each earning accolades across multiple product categories.

New for the 35th edition, Best of NeoCon has introduced the People’s Choice Awards, allowing the design community at large to weigh in on its favorite Best of NeoCon–winning products on-site and online. People’s Choice voting is open now through Tuesday, June 10, at 5:00 p.m. CDT, with the top five winners to be announced on Wednesday, June 11. Show attendees can vote by scanning QR codes on award-winning products throughout the building; others can vote online via the Winners Gallery: https://bestofneocon.secure-platform.com/a/gallery?roundId=17

The Best of NeoCon Awards remain a powerful snapshot of an industry in motion—where materials, systems, and furnishings are recognized in service of both people and the planet. View the full list of 2025 winners here: https://neocon.com/awards/best-of-neocon

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. – Novità Communications

Linea Studio And LEMA Debut First US Flagship Store In Design District

MIAMI, FL — June 5, 2025 — Linea Studio proudly debuted LEMA’s first US flagship store in Miami’s Design District. Located in the premier design hub of Miami at 4141 NE 2nd Ave Unit 103, the 2,456 square foot showroom houses Italian furniture that coincides with their design philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. LEMA prides themselves on being focused on redefining the concept of living. This new location introduces artisanal craftsmanship, their contributions to the design industry, and their continuous pursuit of perfection to South Florida.

Photo – World Red Eye

The dazzling Miami evening set the stage for a celebration infused with the elegance of Italian design. Guests experienced a night of luxury with red carpet photo moments, Italian-inspired signature cocktails, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, signifying the arrival of LEMA to the U.S.. The evening also included a special appearance by internationally renowned architect Carlo Colombo, and LEMA executives Angelo Meroni and Diego Romano; further adding distinction to the milestone moment in LEMA’s legacy.

“Today, Lema begins a new chapter, embracing a vision that places the home at the center of everyday life; an environment that fosters a genuine and emotional connection with those who inhabit it”, said Angelo Meroni, President of Lema. “Over the past months, we have embarked on an important evolution, staying true to our roots while pushing boundaries. With A++ leading our artistic direction and a renewed international drive, reflected in our latest openings, Lema, now in its fourth generation, continues to bridge innovation and tradition, strengthening its presence in the world of contemporary design with an increasingly global and distinctive approach”.

At the heart of LEMA’s new journey is a design philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. Each piece of furniture becomes an emotional vessel, establishing a genuine connection with the surrounding space. This year’s new proposals embody this vision through harmonious forms, refined materials, and a sophisticated colour palette, where every detail is meticulously crafted to convey balance and well-being.

“Bringing LEMA’s first U.S. flagship to the Miami Design District is an incredible milestone,” says Erika Naranjo, Founder & CEO of Linea Studio, “not only for Linea Studio, but for the world of design in South Florida. LEMA represents the very best of Italian craftsmanship and innovation, and this new showroom is a celebration of that legacy. We’re proud to create a space that invites designers, architects, and design enthusiasts alike to experience a new standard of luxury living.”

Building on the legacy of the legendary collection that marked the beginning of LEMA’s story, the brand continually advances its modular systems, reinforcing its reputation for timeless Italian craftsmanship. LEMA’s systems are renowned for their ability to define and organize spaces with stylistic coherence and complete compositional freedom. Designed with a deep understanding of contemporary living, these bespoke modular systems furnish not only the living room but also other environments throughout the home, from bedrooms to offices to transitional spaces.

LEMA embarked on a new journey, bringing their expertise in Italian furniture craftsmanship to Miami in a celebration that cultivates their dedication to both style and innovation.

Posted: June 9, 2025

Source: LEMA

The National Retail Federation : Import Cargo Levels Expected To See Surge During Pause In Tariff Increases

WASHINGTON — June 9, 2025 — Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is the busiest time of the year for retailers as they enter the back-to-school season and prepare for the fall-winter holiday season,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers had paused their purchases and imports previously because of the significantly high tariffs. They are now looking to get those orders and cargo moving in order to bring as much merchandise into the country as they can before the reciprocal tariff and additional China tariff pauses end in July and August. Retailers want to ensure consumers will be able to find the products they need and want at prices they can afford. Unfortunately, there is still considerable uncertainty as to what will happen after the pauses end. We strongly encourage the administration to continue negotiating agreements with our trading partners in order to restore predictability and stability to the supply chain.”

Gold said many retailers suspended or canceled orders after the Trump administration announced a 145% tariff on China in April but have resumed imports after tariffs were reduced to 30% and a 90-day pause that will last until August 12 was announced. The higher reciprocal tariffs on other nations have also been paused until July 9 as the administration negotiates with those countries.

“Our projections show that May saw a significant reduction in imports as shippers responded to the higher tariff environment,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “However, tariff reductions will lead to a surge in imports in June through August as importers take advantage of the various 90-day pauses. The peak for the winter holidays will come early this year, making it simultaneous with the peak for the back-to-school season. If higher tariffs are not delayed again, we can expect the final four months of the year to see declining volumes of imports.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.21 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in April, the latest month for which final data is available and before the impact of the April tariffs was felt. That was up 2.9% from March and up 9.6% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for May — when the April tariffs began to have an impact — but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.91 million TEU, down 13.4% from April and down 8.1% year over year. That would be the first year-over-year decline since September 2023 and the lowest volume since 1.87 million TEU in December 2023.

With some tariffs now on pause, imports are expected to bounce back in June, although numbers will remain lower than last year. June is forecast at 2.01 million TEU, down 6.2% year over year; July at 2.13 million TEU, down 8.1%, and August at 1.98 million TEU, down 14.7%. Volume is then expected to drop sharply for the remainder of 2025, with large year-over-year declines seen partly because imports in late 2024 were elevated due to concerns about East Coast and Gulf Coast port strikes. September is forecast at 1.78 million TEU, down 21.8% year over year, and October is forecast at 1.8 million TEU, down 19.8%.

The current forecast would bring the first half of 2025 to 12.54 million TEU, up 3.7% year over year. That’s better than the 12.13 million TEU forecast last month before the tariff pause was announced, but still below the 12.78 million TEU, up 5.7% year over year, forecast before the April tariffs announcement.

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

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: June 9, 2025

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

 

Creative Tech Textile’s Seawool® Opens New Horizons For Sustainable Fashion

TAINAN, Taiwan — June 5, 2025 — In celebration of World Environment Day, Creative Tech Textile is sharing the success story behind Seawool® — its innovative material transforming discarded oyster shells and recycled plastic into a sustainable textile solution. This pioneering approach shows how reusing natural waste can move fashion toward a more sustainable future.

Fashion’s Push to Become More Sustainable

A Taiwanese oyster farmer contributes to a circular future — his discarded shells are transformed into Seawool®, a sustainable and high-performance textile.

The global fashion industry has recently faced growing pressure to become more sustainable. According to the World Economic Forum, incorporating recycled materials into clothing could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80%. Yet, polyester—plastic-based and derived from fossil fuels—remains the most widely used fiber in textiles, while less than 1% of clothing materials are recycled into new garments, per the Geneva Environment Network. In particular, there is a growing need to reduce short-lifecycle plastic-based fabrics and increase uptake of circular, low-impact material innovations.

Seawool®: The ‘Emerald from the Ocean’

Creative Tech’s proprietary Seawool® material represents a bold leap in sustainable material development. By blending discarded oyster shells from Taiwan with recycled PET plastic bottles, the company has created a textile that is as functional as it is environmentally conscious.

Already adopted by leading US apparel brands, Seawool® generates around TWD$200 million (US$6.1 million) in annual revenue and is quickly gaining global traction. In May, Creative Tech showcased Seawool® at PanTextiles Tokyo, an international trade event by the Taiwan Textile Federation.

“As consumers grow more conscious of their clothing’s environmental impact, we want them to know sustainable material innovations like Seawool® exist and are scalable,” noted Eddie Wang, Founder and CEO of Creative Tech Textile. “Our goal is to replace traditional fibers with more environmentally-friendly alternatives — facilitating true sustainability from the upstream end of the fashion industry supply chain.”

Creative Tech currently produces 2,500 tons of Seawool® annually, repurposing approximately 500 tons of oyster shells.

How Seawool® Compares to Traditional Materials

Seawool® stands out for both its environmental footprint and fabric properties:

  • Odor-resistant
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Offers UV protection

Furthermore, the oyster shell powder inside is a low thermal conductivity material, offering temperature stability.

Seawool® also has cost and environmental advantages:

  • 1/10 the cost of down
  • 1/20 the cost of high-grade wool
  • Lower water usage compared to down and wool
  • Performs better for water absorption than polyester
  • Improved odor resistance compared with cotton
  • Comparable thermal regulation to pricier low-conductivity fabrics, but at 1/6 to 1/10 the cost

A sustainable world inside an oyster shell

While Taiwan produces an estimated 100,000 tons of oyster shells annually, far greater quantities are generated in the US and China, highlighting the abundance of this natural raw material.

Turning oyster shells into functional powder requires a specialized process which Creative Tech has mastered with unique production advantages that support large-scale manufacturing. As demand for eco-conscious materials grows, Creative Tech is well-placed to deliver consistent quality and scale for fashion brands seeking sustainable alternatives.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Creative Tech Textile

Recover™ And TextileGenesis™ Launch Pilot To Verify Supply Chain Integrity Of Recycled Materials

PARIS — June 3, 2025 — Recover™, a global producer of recycled cotton and cotton-blend fibers, has commenced a traceability collaboration with TextileGenesis™, a Lectra company, to digitally track its recycled waste materials across the entire textile value chain.

The collaboration focuses on tracing Recover’s recycled cotton and polycotton inputs from fiber production through to finished garments. Two representative styles were selected to test the platform across different supply chain configurations. TextileGenesis Fibercoin™ technology was used to generate digital tokens for every kilo of material, creating a verified chain of custody at each transformation stage.

The pilot marks a significant milestone in Recover’s circularity roadmap, demonstrating how digital traceability can validate recycled content, drive supplier participation, and enable regulatory compliance, particularly in preparation for the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP). This pilot with Textile Genesis’ traceability solution intends to complement Recover’s existing physical tracer and GRS certification, adding another layer of traceability and transparency.

Following the industry pilot, Recover™ and TextileGenesis™ have the intention to collaborate on implementing full fiber-to-retail traceability for Recover™ recycled fibers across the entire textile supply chain.

Traceability as a foundation for circularity and regulatory readiness

Fiber-to-retail traceability will enable Recover™ and its brand partners to access a verified digital chain of custody. This includes authenticated recycled content claims, integration with physical tracer audits where relevant, and visibility into supplier ESG credentials across the chain.

“Traceability plays a foundational role in validating circularity claims and preparing for regulations like the EU Digital Product Passport,” said Orsolya Janossy, Senior Sustainability Manager at Recover™. “This pilot will enable us to test the TextileGenesis system in real-world conditions. It will provide our brand partners with verified data to support responsible sourcing, product-level disclosures, and credible circularity claims.”

Delivering scalable traceability through supplier enablement and platform excellence

Recover’s supply chain partners are onboarded to the TextileGenesis™ platform with multilingual training and full technical support. Suppliers conducted transactions using robust Fibercoin™ technology modules—resulting in a complete, transparent digital footprint for each unit produced. TextileGenesis’ability to deliver structured onboarding, localized guidance, and responsive support was a key success factor.

The seamless coordination across multiple tiers and regions showcases Recover’s leadership in operationalizing traceability at scale—transforming a complex global supply chain into a fully transparent system. This is a meaningful step forward for circular fashion, proving what’s possible when technology, sustainability, and cross-industry collaboration come together.

“Recover™ is demonstrating how traceability can be embedded into circular business models—not just to validate recycled content, but to create the verified data infrastructure needed for regulatory compliance and brand accountability,” said Amit Gautam, Founder & CEO of TextileGenesis™. “This sets the foundation for scalable, digital traceability across the recycled fiber ecosystem.”

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Recover™ 

JLA Home Partners With FUZE Technologies To Enhance Hygiene And Sustainability In New Hospitality Product Line

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — June 1, 2025 — FUZE Technologies (FUZE) recently announced a strategic global partnership with JLA Hospitality (a division of JLA Home, that will combine FUZE’s technically advanced antimicrobial product with JLA’s host of hospitality textiles and accessories).

JLA Hospitality (JLA) and FUZE Technologies are collaborating on the development of products that meet the highest standards of hygiene and sustainability. The initial phase includes the integration of FUZE’s technology into JLA’s hospitality product lines implemented across all categories from textiles to bath and room accessories, with plans for broader expansion into their retail product lines and other wholesale operations. . This initiative is expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, ensuring that hospitality textiles and accessories are both more environmentally friendly and more effective in promoting guest health and comfort.

“JLA is a leader in providing both textiles and room accessories in some of the biggest retail chains in the world,” says Andrew Peterson, CTO and founder of FUZE. “From bed linens, blankets, mattress pads, pillow protectors and comforters, to shower curtains, robes, slippers, tissue boxes, ice buckets, and much more, FUZE will treat all of the JLA Hospitality products with our revolutionary and long-lasting anti-bacterial technology, F1.”  By integrating FUZE’s antimicrobial technology into its product offerings, JLA aims to provide the hospitality channel with the most comprehensive FUZE treated product line on the market that is not only cleaner and safer but also more sustainable and cost-effective.

This partnership aligns with JLA’s commitment to providing unique product solutions that enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction with an eye on environmental stewardship.  “Partnering with FUZE Technologies allows us to offer our hospitality and institutional clients state-of-the-art hygiene solutions that not only align with our category growth and product development goals but also with our social and ecological responsibility targets,” said Brett Rife, JLA Hospitality’s President of Sales & Divisional Leader. He continued “This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing innovative products that enhance the guest experience and deliver on a promise of durability while maximizing our customer’s ROI.”

“Traditionally, textile companies have had to balance between an antimicrobial’s effectiveness to eliminate odor for an extended period of washes, with the amount of toxic chemicals applied to a fabric and there has been little to no development of antimicrobial products in the accessory space (i.e. tissue boxes and wastebaskets)” says Peterson. “Today, FUZE offers a permanent, chemical-free treatment that can be applied to various surfaces and textiles to prevent and protect against odor-causing bacteria, fungus and mold. FUZE’s F1 is 99.99% medical-grade purified water. It contains no chemicals, it is 100% safe for the environment, has zero negative effects on the human biome, and is the first EPA-approved antimicrobial that lasts the lifetime of the surface or fabric it is applied to, even after 100+ washes,” Peterson said.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: FUZE Technologies

Merino Wool Proven To Have Superior Thermoregulation Advantage For Athletes, Backed By Breakthrough Research

LONDON — June 4, 2025 — A major four-year research program led by North Carolina State University has revealed 100% Merino wool base-layer garments deliver superior thermal comfort and performance benefits during dynamic stop-go sports like cycling, rock climbing, hiking and golf. The concept, known as dynamic breathability, reflects how well a Merino wool garment adapts to changing conditions: managing heat and moisture when the body is working hard, and preserving warmth when activity slows or stops.

Unlike traditional synthetic performance wear, Merino wool maintains thermal equilibrium during both exertion and rest. This means wearers can avoid the negative skin sensation known as after-chill so commonly experienced in outdoor sports, and instead can be assisted in conserving energy and maintaining comfort when it matters most. With the human body continuously working to maintain 35OC skin temperature throughout stop-go sports, less work is needed in wool.

This breakthrough positions Merino wool as the natural performance fibre – no longer anchored by anecdotes, but by thorough science.

“This is about the ongoing transition from activity to recovery,” says Woolmark Managing Director John Roberts. “With wool’s structure designed by nature to enhance wearer performance, it responds in real time to changing physiological needs. It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100% focus on the challenge – especially in unpredictable and high-output activities, such as cycling or rock climbing, where a base layer is often all they wear.”

Game-Changing Findings:

  • Better Regulation in Real-World Conditions: Human trials in a climate-controlled chamber found all fibres performed similarly during the activity phase, but only wool performed well across both activity and rest phases – a critical benefit in dynamic sports.
  • Superior Moisture Management: Merino wool’s unique dual-layer – hydrophobic outside and hydrophilic inside – absorbs up to one third of its weight in moisture vapour without feeling wet, enabling efficient moisture transport and stabilising next to skin microclimate.
  • Thermal Advantage: Testing shows Merino wool keeps the microclimate – a critical layer between garment and skin – steadier during repeated stop-go activity, reducing the body’s effort to stay comfortable.

The researchers point out that, while wool’s thermostatic properties and capacity to regulate temperature based on ambient moisture have been well known, existing steady-state test methods overlook “the intrinsic ability of naturally hygroscopic fibres to absorb moisture from the environment… despite its profound implications3.”

The research has already sparked interest from leading sportswear brands, seeking apparel designs that enhance wearer performance.

Backed by Science, Validated by Athletes

The research showed that wool garments maintained greater thermal comfort and minimised after- chill – the drop in body temperature athletes often experience during resting phases. Compared to other fibre types, wool demonstrated:

  • 96% better moisture buffering than polyester
  • 45% better than cotton
  • 26% better than viscose

Wool’s ability to regulate the microclimate next to the skin, especially during fluctuating humidity and temperature, also contributes to improved comfort: test participants and the new test method confirmed that only wool maintained comfort throughout the sport.

“What this study shows is what athletes have been telling us anecdotally for years: that wool breathes, buffers and performs better across a range of real-world conditions,” says Roberts.

A Call to Innovators: Design for the Dynamic

The next generation of sports apparel demands performance that maximises comfort and performance by adapting to real-life conditions. Merino wool’s dynamic breathability – a fibre’s ability to adapt to environmental change – offers a clear advantage in thermal performance.

This science marks a turning point. It’s no longer about quick-dry or lightweight – it’s about sustained performance married with apparel that works with, not against, the body. For product designers, this offers new insights into how Merino wool can enhance next-to-skin comfort, reduce the need for synthetic blends, and elevate garment functionality without compromising sustainability. Smart design starts with smart fibres, and Merino wool got there first.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Woolmark 

Better Cotton Announces Nick Weatherill As New CEO 

GENEVA — June 5, 2025 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has announced Nick Weatherill as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A former Executive Director of the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), where he led efforts to drive impactful, scalable solutions across the cocoa supply chain, he replaces Alan McClay, who has been leading the not-for-profit organization for the past decade.

Nick Weatherill will work with outgoing CEO Alan McClay throughout June to ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of Better Cotton.

Nick Weatherill has a strong record of promoting sustainability and human rights in global supply chains. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, he has provided valuable consultancy for organizations such as the International Trade Centre – the joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization supporting sustainable and inclusive trade in developing countries. Weatherill is an English Language and Literature graduate from the University of Oxford and has a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

After the announcement, Nick Weatherill said: “Better Cotton is the most important reference in sustainability in the cotton industry, a position that makes its work vital for the whole sector, today and in the years to come. I look forward to leading the organization at a moment when it increases its impact on the quality of cotton and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers around the world, building on the fantastic work Alan has done over the past ten years.”

Alan McClay announced his decision to step down from the role of Better Cotton’s CEO back in December 2024, having led the organisation since 2015. He welcomed the announcement of his successor.

McClay said: “Nick has an excellent record in sustainability and in-depth knowledge of the complexity and challenges of global supply chains. His appointment marks a renewed impetus that will ensure Better Cotton evolves to an even more impactful standard, benefitting the environment, farmers, workers, and local economies.”

The change in leadership happens at a time when Better Cotton is making significant progress in its global activities. In 2023, the organization launched its traceability solution, allowing Physical Better Cotton to be traced back to its country of origin, and in early 2025, Better Cotton announced it had become a certification scheme, ensuring greater transparency through the supply chain.

Bill Ballenden and Tamar Hoek, co-chairs of Better Cotton, said: “Nick joins us at a vital moment in Better Cotton’s development. Having launched both traceability and certification, Better Cotton is now poised to enter an exciting new chapter in its history – building on the impressive progress we have made under Alan’s leadership.

“Nick brings a wealth of experience to this role – and his passion for building powerful partnerships with a wide range of different stakeholders will be invaluable as we continue to work with farmers, suppliers, brands and retailers to drive more sustainable and resilient cotton production.”

Alan McClay and Nick Weatherill will work together over the course of June to ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of Better Cotton. Both will be present at the organization’s conference in İzmir, Türkiye, on 18-19 June.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: Better Cotton

Apparel And Footwear Sales And Marketing Executive David Ludd Joins brrr°

ATLANTA — June 4, 2025 — Veteran apparel and footwear sales and marketing executive David Ludd has joined brrr° as Vice President of Sales and Marketing as the global leader in cooling performance fabric begins its second decade of growth and success with iconic global brand partners.

David Ludd

Ludd has more than three decades of experience in apparel sales and marketing, and was most recently Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer at Coolcore. He previously held senior leadership roles at Converse, MBT, Timberland, Nike, and Levi Strauss & Co.

Since joining brrr° last year, Ludd has brought innovative brrr° cooling technology to new customers in categories such as medical apparel and police and military body armor while also driving global expansion to the Middle East with partnerships including Saudia Airlines and Landor.

“We’re thrilled to have David join brrr° and demonstrate the depth and breadth of our vast library of brrr° performance cooling fabrics to meet the needs of our global customer base and deliver ultimate comfort to consumers,” said Christopher Heyn, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at brrr°. “David’s top caliber expertise, industry knowledge, retail and merchandising vision, and trusted relationships are an asset to the entire brrr° team.”

“It is an honor and pleasure to join the recognized industry leader in cooling fabric. We are just getting started on global growth and expansion as we provide superior technology that elevates the products of leading brands,” said Ludd.

Since brrr° began in 2014, the company has brought patented cooling performance technology to elevate and enhance the fabrics we wear and touch in our everyday lives including activewear, casual apparel, undergarments, bedding, workwear and uniforms, safety gear, medical compression sleeves, and a wide range of other items.

brrr° combines natural cooling minerals, active wicking, and rapid drying to create a “Triple Chill Effect” that instantly and continuously draws heat and moisture away from the skin. brrr° technology is permanently embedded in the structure of the yarn so it lasts the life of the garment and won’t fade or wash out over time, and it provides superior UPF 50+ sun protection.

brrr° is available in yarn and a wide variety of woven or knitted fabrics in polyester, nylon, cotton, wool, and numerous natural or synthetic blends. brrr° offers a library of hundreds of fabrics, and also works with brands and mill partners to create custom fabrics and yarns that meet their exact specifications.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Source: brrr°

Registration Opens For RISE® 2025: The Future Of Nonwovens Innovation And Sustainability

CARY, N.C. — June 3, 2025 — Registration is now open for RISE® 2025 (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics), taking place October 14-15 at the McKimmon Center, North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, N.C.

INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, are partnering on RISE to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and supply chain stakeholders. Participants will explore actionable groundbreaking research, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions shaping the future of nonwovens.

RISE Conference Highlights

Expert speakers will discuss fiber and fabric topics such as sustainability and recycling, materials innovation, biobased and hybrid fiber technologies, biodegradation and enzyme technology, new product designs, and equipment, process, and production systems.

Companies that have already committed to the RISE conference program: CJ Biomaterials will present details on amorphous PHA for PLA Spunbond nonwovens, Keel Fibers will discuss algae-based fibers, while Kimberly-Clark Corp. will address microplastics in the environment.

New for 2025: Showcase and Engagement Opportunities

Tabletop exhibits will be open all day on October 14, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase their latest products, innovations, and technologies to conference attendees.

Additionally, during the conference, participating companies and students will present Lightning Talks — short, fast-paced presentations that deliver concise insights into their most recent developments and breakthroughs.

RISE will kick off with a networking golf tournament and grad student travel fundraiser on October 13 with details to be announced in the coming weeks. Other highlights include industrial and graduate student poster presentations, as well as a tour of The Nonwovens Institute’s state-of-the-art pilot lines, analytical labs, and more.

The RISE® Innovation Award

The event will feature the RISE Innovation Award, recognizing advanced science and engineering solutions that address industry challenges. Nominations are open until July 28 and can be submitted online. Finalists will present their innovations on October 14, with the award winner announced on October 15.

Hempitecture Inc. received the award in 2024 for its PlantPanel™, a sustainable, rigid insulation material designed for exterior applications.

For registration details, visit https://www.riseconf.net/.

Posted: June 3, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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