New York City-based LILYSILK recently introduced the SILKERRY™ Collection, an activewear line featuring the brand’s proprietary cotton and silk-enhanced terry fabric.
Herculite Products Inc., Emigsville, Pa., reports it has achieved 1,000 days with zero lost-time incidents.
Switzerland-based SANITIZED AG has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Germany-based Rudolf Holding SE & Co. KG, which is now the exclusive global distributor for Sanitized® textile additives.
England-based Carrington Textiles has partnered with Germany-based Haartz® GmbH — a division of The Haartz Corp., Acton, Mass. — to bring laminated ProTact by Haartz fabrics to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The agreement expands Carrington’s existing military offerings.
Cotton Incorporated’s new CottonWorks™ website
Cotton Incorporated, Cary, N.C., recently launched a newly redesigned CottonWorks™ website. The fashion-forward platform targets global textile professionals across every stage of the value chain, and was built to support compliance, product development, sourcing and education.
Switzerland-based bluesign® recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company has supported 25 years of cleaner, safer and more responsible manufacturing practices using its science-based, input stream management system to help eliminate harmful substances at the source of textile production.
Tokyo-based Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. has introduced a next-generation stretch fabric comprising an extra-fine 3D structure with randomly sized crimps. According to Teijin Frontier, this lightweight construction offers elasticity, softness and a naturally uneven surface that offers fast drying and moisture wicking performance.
Houston-based Orion S.A. has announced plans to discontinue carbon black production at three of its five facilities based in the Americas and EMEA to focus maintenance investments on higher-performing production lines and free cash flow.
Trivantage® has added Hydrofend Soft to its offerings.
Trivantage®, Burlington, N.C., has expanded its Hydrofend line with the addition of Hydrofend Soft, a fabric cover designed to protect delicate surfaces in marine and outdoor environments. Trivantage is now also offering Infinity Canopy® slide-on wire components for shade canopies. They are a quick and efficient way to build shades in outdoor spaces and allow for quick adjustments.
Mission, New York City, has partnered with intimates brand Everviolet, San Anselmo, Calif., to launch the Cool Essential Collection. The four-piece, limited-edition capsule combines Mission’s cooling technology with Everviolet’s signature softness to deliver garments offer support, comfort and relief for women.
Germany-based Berger Textiles has received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis for its Europe-based operations, which recognizes its consistent work to reduce its environmental impact across all areas of its operations. The achievement puts Berger Textiles in the top 1 percent of the more than 130,000 global companies that were assessed.
Poland-based Harper Hygienics S.A. has launched Kindii Dermo Cotton wet wipes, made using 100-percent cotton and designed for sensitive baby skin.
FUZE Technologies, Salt Lake City, Utah, has partnered with JLA Hospitality (JLA) — a division of JLA Home, Fremont, Calif. — to combine Fuze’s antimicrobial product with JLA’s hospitality textiles and accessories from textiles to bath and room items.
CiCLO® technology, the proprietary fiber innovation designed to reduce synthetic microfiber pollution, is expanding into new categories including soft signage, performance apparel, outdoor apparel, hospitality, headwear and nonwoven packaging. With more than 55 brand partners worldwide and more than 120 million pounds of fibers sold, the company is gaining traction in advancing circular design strategies and offering recycled synthetics that mitigate microplastic impact.
“CiCLO technology is driving the industry to take real steps toward reducing the impacts of synthetic microfiber pollution, a major source of microplastics in our ecosystem,” said Andrea Ferris, founder and CEO of Intrinsic Advanced Materials.
“These milestones show that progress is possible when material science, design, and business goals align. Our solution is affordable, scaled globally and easy to implement, alongside other solutions to this complex problem like designing fabrics to shed less and improving filtration where feasible.”
Germany-based Barnet Europe has reached its 50th anniversary.
The company was founded in 1975 as Cherotan Fibers and integrated into the Barnet Group in 1990 before becoming Barnet Europe in 1995. To celebrate the milestone, the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce presented a commemorative certificate to Managing Director Bernd Lenzen. The company recently announced plans to relocate in early 2026 to a new facility in Eschweiler that will unite its Germany- and Belgium-based operations under one roof while supporting growth and sustainability goals.
“Fifty years of Barnet Europe is not just a moment to reflect, but a strong foundation for the future,” Lenzen said.“With our new location, we’re creating the ideal conditions to drive our development and growth forward in a consistent and sustainable way.”
Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialization Hub (REACH) has partnered with Samsara Eco, both based in Australia, to accelerate enzymatic recycling solutions for plastics and textiles. Samsara Eco’s AI-designed enzymes break down synthetic fibers such as nylon 6,6 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into monomers that can be rebuilt into virgin-quality materials, enabling true circularity. Deakin researchers are studying the impact of dyes, textile finishes, and coatings on fiber breakdown to refine recycling processes.
“We are laser-focused on creating true circularity and that means finding a solve for all plastics,” said Paul Riley, founder and CEO of Samsara Eco. “Our research collab-oration with Deakin will support our efforts to recycle more waste at speed, scale and with precision.”
Eastman, Kingsport, Tenn., has entered into a strategic partnership with China-based Huafon Chemical to establish a joint cellulose acetate yarn manufacturing facility in China. The new site will focus on localized production and product innovation of Eastman’s Naia™ cellulose acetate filament yarns, strengthening supply chain responsiveness to regional demand.
“China is the world’s largest textile supply chain hub and a frontier for product and technology innovation,” said Ruth Farrell, general manager of Eastman’s Textiles business. “This strategic partnership will provide us with greater capacity and further enhance the innovation and product development capabilities of Naia yarn while enabling Eastman to fulfill its brand promise of making sustainable textiles accessible to all.”
Universal Fibers®, Bristol,Va., has partnered with England-based Circular Building Solutions to advance circular flooring systems. The collaboration combines Universal Fibers’ sustainable carpet yarns, including its Thrive® matter recycled nylon, with Circular Building Solutions’ adhesive-free, reversible fixing systems. These systems allow floor coverings to be securely installed and later lifted for reuse or recycling, supporting material circularity and reducing waste.
Ian Spreadborough, co-founder of Circular Building Solutions, said: “A truly circular flooring solution must consider the total flooring assembly, from the sub-floor to the fixing mechanism to the individual materials within a floor covering such as the backing and yarn. We are proud to collaborate with Universal Fibers to promote how a holistic approach to flooring can deliver meaningful sustainability gains.”
Energy-reduced low-pressure oven (All images courtesy of DITF)
New processing technologies allow for microwave assisted decomposition of carbon fiber composites.
TW Special Report
A new technology uses microwaves and plasma heating to produce carbon fibers in an energy-efficient manner. This means high-strength composite materials can be produced more cheaply and efficiently. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) is part of the Carbowave research consortium, which aims to improve and commercialize microwave and plasma-induced carbonization.
The combination of high strength and low weight makes carbon fibers almost indispensable in manufacturing modern lightweight products. Major industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy increasingly rely on high-strength carbon fiber composites.
Despite their advantages, these materials are complex and energy-intensive to produce. Stabilization and carbonization of the fibers, which are often made from petroleum-based polyacrylonitrile (PAN), requires slow process control in high-temperature furnaces. Despite the considerable energy input, a low material yield is achieved due to the long dwell time in the ovens.
A new process uses microwave and plasma heating to replace the traditional stabilization and carbonization process with energy-saving technology. With this technology, energy is only induced into the fibers locally, thereby minimizing energy loss. This process shortens the production time of carbon fibers, enabling higher production volumes with lower energy consumption.
Stabilization furnace for the oxidation of PAN fibers.
A Europe-based research consortium has joined forces under the name “Carbowave” to optimize and market the process. Its specific research objectives are to develop an optimal coating for PAN fibers that improves microwave adsorption, to develop a plasma heating system for the oxidative stabilization of PAN fibers, and to advance microwave and plasma technology for continuous processes.
DITF is responsible for implementing these processes in continuous production and on pilot lines in a plant. As part of the joint project, the central task of DITF is the stabilization of the precursor fibers with plasma technology. This involves combining plasma and low-pressure technology to reduce energy consumption in the stabilization process.
An airlock system of a low-pressure oven.
In terms of the circular economy, the Carbowave project includes carbon fiber recycling. The new process technologies will allow for the microwave-assisted decomposition of carbon fiber composites (CFRP).
The Carbowave research consortium provides a holistic approach that includes the production and recycling of modern lightweight materials.
Blended fibers can raise protection levels and also increase end-user confidence in multi-hazard protective applications.
By Eve Lamb
As workplace risks evolve, with potential injuries from sharp metal edges and abrasive surfaces to thermal hazards, traditional, single-fiber protective fabrics often fall short. Enter hybridization: the strategic blending of high-performance fibers like high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), tungsten, steel, glass and basalt. These hybrid constructions are now reshaping personal protection boundaries, delivering multi-hazard resistance while maintaining wearer comfort and mobility.
From Monofiber To Multifiber: A Structural Shift
For decades, personal protective equipment (PPE) relied on monofiber solutions: aramids for heat, HPPE for cut or steel for slash protection. Yet each fiber has limitations: HPPE degrades above 80°C1, and steel adds considerable weight. Today, performance demands are shifting toward multi-fiber blends, engineered to meet the stringent requirements of EN 388:2016 and ANSI/ISEA 105-20162,3.
By combining fiber characteristics — tensile strength, rigidity, elasticity and thermal tolerance —engineers are tailoring protection profiles that meet or exceed the most demanding classifications.
HPPE: The Lightweight Backbone
HPPE remains the cornerstone of most cut-resistant fabrics because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which is up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight4. It provides core flexibility and breathability while anchoring the structure of hybrid yarns. Blends incorporating HPPE with glass, steel or tungsten leverage shock-absorbing capabilities, allowing stiffer fibers to act as deflection barriers. This synergy delivers superior protection without bulk.
Glass & Basalt: Sharp Defense, Thermal Edge
Glass fiber contributes high rigidity and puncture resistance, but its brittleness can hinder comfort. Basalt, a naturally derived volcanic fiber, is gaining traction as a heat- and chemically resistant alternative. Withstanding temperatures up to 982°C and offering smoother yarn handling, basalt is now a compelling substitute for glass or aramid blends5,6. Basalt’s lower flammability and improved chemical durability make it ideal for applications involving heat, corrosion or frequent abrasion.
Metal Yarns: When Strength Demands Edge
Metallic filaments, primarily stainless steel, have long enhanced cut-resistant gloves and garments. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 and a melting point of 3,422°C, tungsten microfilaments deliver extreme slash and puncture resistance in lightweight configurations7. When integrated into knitted HPPE or basalt blends, these metals help garments reach EN 388 Cut Level F and ANSI A7–A9, with minimal ergonomic compromise.
Applications Beyond Gloves
While gloves remain the most visible application, hybrid protective fabrics are expanding into new fields, including:
Riot control and public order suits — offering slash and puncture protection;
Protective uniforms for correctional and detention facility staff;
Every day, urban security apparel— discreet, slash-resistant garments for private security;
Bite-resistant garments for mental health and special education professionals;
Seclusion wear and protective clothing for high-risk patients;
Cut-resistant workwear for steel, glass and metal fabrication industries;
Abrasion-resistant sleeves and aprons for meat processing, butchery and food production;
Multi-threat garments for recycling and waste management workers handling sharp or abrasive materials;
Protective wear for automotive assembly and maintenance involving sharp components;
Slash- and cut-resistant sports apparel such as hockey socks, skating, skiing and fencing base layers;
Motorcycle base layers with integrated cut and impact abrasion protection;
Footwear reinforcements for extreme sports including climbing, trail running, skating and snow-boarding;
Protective underlayers for equestrian and contact sports;
Lightweight slash- and stab-resistant garments for civilian use in high-risk areas;
Travel wear and backpacks with integrated cut protection for anti-theft protection;
Tactical apparel for military or special operations; and
High-resistance gear for search and rescue or firefighting when paired with heat-resistant fibers.
This growth reflects a shift toward wearable, ergonomic protection across industries where safety, movement, and aesthetics must coexist8, but also a sustainable angle, as garments and apparel will have an extended lifespan.
Hybrid protective fabrics are expanding into new applications including back-packs with theft protection, motorcycle base layers and riot control gear.
Yarn & Fabric Engineering: Protection By Design
The behavior of blended fabrics is influenced not just by fiber selection but also by yarn construction — core-spun, wrapped or twisted — knit architecture — flat, warp or 3D — and surface treatments. For instance, a glass and HPPE core-spun yarn in a flat-knit structure feels soft and elastic until it meets a blade. The moment stress is applied, the rigid inner fibers engage delivering what is known as “engineered resistance”9. This con-trolled activation enables garments to remain wearable without compromising safety. The future of protective textiles lies in engineered blends that merge strength, flexibility, thermal control and comfort. By harnessing the complementary properties of HPPE, steel, tungsten, glass, and basalt, fabric developers are no longer forced to choose between durability and wearability, instead achieving both. As industries demand more agile, multi-threat protection, blended fiber technologies are poised to become the new standard, raising not just protection levels, but also end-user confidence.
The Circularity Challenge
Hybrid fabrics pose significant recycling challenges due to mixed fiber content. A fully circular model is still much needed, and sustainability is becoming a driving force in the research and development of advanced PPE. Ultimately, the goal is to move from a linear model, where protective garments are made, used and discarded, to a circular economy where materials are recovered, repurposed or regenerated with minimal waste. This will likely mean a shift from “forever” blends to thoughtful hybridization for technical textiles, balancing safety and sustain-ability without sacrificing performance. Blended protective fabrics are the future of protection, but without a circular focus, they risk becoming tomorrow’s ecological problem. As the industry embraces innovation in material science and sustainable design, the next generation of PPE should protect the wearer and respect the planet.
References 1 DSM Protective Materials – HPPE Performance Characteristics 2 EN 388:2016 Standard for Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks 3 ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Cut Resistance Classification 4 High-Performance Fibres: Fundamentals and Applications, Woodhead Publishing 5 BFC Research Group – Basalt Industry Analysis, 2023 6Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Basalt-Fibre-Reinforced Composites, Elsevier, 2022 7 Refractory Metals Handbook – Properties of Tungsten and Its Alloys 8 EU-OSHA Guidelines on PPE and Worker Comfort 9 Textile Research Journal, 2021 – “Advanced Yarn Structures for Technical Textiles”
Editor’s Note: Eve Lamb is a technical textile consultant with more than a decade of experience in protective fabric innovation, specializing in cut, abrasion, tear and puncture-resistant materials. She has supported strategic product launches and brand content development across PPE, defense, industrial, and sportswear sectors.
Transformers Foundation, with support from Naveena Denim Ltd. and the Indigo Council, has released “A Reference for Water Consumption During Indigo Dyeing,”the first cross-industry benchmark for water usage in rope and slasher dyeing systems. The study is based on data from seven mills in Pakistan, Türkiye, Italy and China, and highlights how process control and monitoring can reduce water use in post-dye washing and rinsing.
The initiative arrives as regulators in the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States push for transparency in sustainability claims. Andrew Olah, Transformers founder, said: “Without transparency and specificity, such figures become marketing jargon: just enough to sound responsible, never enough to be meaningful. Real sustainability requires real data, and this report provides exactly that.”
“This report marks a historic first in the denim industry — bringing together mills from across the globe to share verified, third-party data on actual water use,” said Paolo Leidi, Transformers’ Technical director.
“Our goal was not to rank mills, but to equip brands, designers, and retailers with meaningful benchmarks, enabling them to assess how seriously a mill is addressing water reduction.”
Italy-based Tonello recently marked a milestone with the delivery of its 10,000th machine to Bangladesh-based Pacific Jeans, symbolizing more than production— it’s decades of collaboration dating back to the early 1990s. Pacific Jeans’ founder, M. Nasir Uddin, was the first in Asia to adopt Tonello’s G1 360, helping establish advanced garment technology in Bangladesh. Today, the partnership continues through the next generation of both families, emphasizing innovation, responsibility, and shared values.
The 10,000th machine “… reflects decades of collaboration, during which we’ve grown and learned together, always driven by a common curiosity to anticipate trends and embrace new challenges,”said Alice Tonello, R&D and marketing director.
