EDANA Statement On Potential EU Countermeasures To US Tariffs

BRUSSELS, Belgium — March 21, 2025 — EDANA, a global association representing the nonwovens and related industries, acknowledges the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to the recently imposed US tariffs on EU steel, aluminium, and certain derived products. As the voice of over 250 companies in the nonwovens supply chain, we are closely monitoring the implications of these measures and their potential impact on our members.

Nonwovens are innovative, high-tech, engineered fabrics made from fibres. They are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products either in combination with other materials or alone. They provide essential materials for hygiene products, medical applications, filtration, construction, and automotive industries. They are critical in ensuring public health, safety, and industrial efficiency, with applications ranging from surgical masks and wound dressings to baby diapers, disinfectant wipes, and high-performance insulation.

While we welcome the intention to safeguard the interests of EU industries affected by the US tariffs, EDANA joins those already raising significant concerns about the potential unintended consequences of these countermeasures on our sector.

The EU’s relationship with the US is of critical importance, and we believe the primary focus should be on negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. It is essential to avoid escalating trade tensions that could result in long-term harm to industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

Negative effect on key raw materials

A particular area of concern is the potential effect of these countermeasures on critical raw materials, such as fluff pulp. Fluff pulp, or pulp-based fibres, are a natural raw material used in the absorbent core of absorbent hygiene products, this is due to their high absorbency rate. Baby nappies, menstrual products, and incontinence products all rely on fluff pulp to absorb and retain human fluids. In 2024, the US provided more than 80% of the fluff pulp imported into the European Union1.

This is just one example of the broader impact these countermeasures could have on the industry. These measures could lead to increased production costs, higher finished product prices, supply chain disruptions, and a competitive disadvantage for European nonwoven manufacturers in global markets.

Conclusion

It is important to highlight that these proposed measures risk being unfair, as they will disproportionately impact the more vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly, hospitalised individuals, young families with children, and women. Any regulatory changes should carefully consider their social implications to avoid exacerbating inequalities.

Considering these concerns, EDANA urges the European Commission to carefully assess the economic impact on downstream industries, ensuring that countermeasures do not disproportionately impact sectors dependent on essential imported raw materials. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing consultation process and strongly advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards European industry while maintaining fair and open trade relations with the US.

The European Commission has the opportunity to prevent a harmful cycle of retaliatory tariffs that could have a net negative effect on both economies.

1 Source: Eurostat, 2024.

Posted: March 21, 2025

Source: EDANA

Institut Für Textiltechnik (ITA) Of RWTH Aachen University Receives The Prestigious PROSE AWARD 2025 In The Engineering And Technology Category

AACHEN, Germany — March 21, 2025 — Roshan Paul and Thomas Gries from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were honored as category winners in Engineering and Technology for their book “Sustainable Innovations in the Textile Industry.”

Every year since 1976, the Association of American Publishers Awards for Professional and Scholarly Excellence (PROSE Awards) have recognized authors, editors and publishers who have made significant advances in their respective fields with their groundbreaking works.

“The PROSE AWARD is one of the highest honors a book can ever achieve,” enthused Roshan Paul. “This award is a result of the synergistic team work with all the chapter authors and is a dreamcome true.”

Thomas Gries added: “As part of the ITA Group International Centre for Sustainable Textiles, ITA has been conducting high-quality research on sustainable textiles for several years. The results from this research also form the basis for our book. This is how we live up to our claim ‘Textile Innovations – Sustainable. Digital. Individual.'”

Posted: March 21, 2025

Source: Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University

A&E Expands Global Footprint With New Manufacturing Facility In Chattogram, Bangladesh

American & Efird (A&E)

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — March 20, 2025 — Global thread supplier, American & Efird (A&E), is thrilled to announce the opening of its 24th manufacturing operation in Chattogram, Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in A&E’s strategic expansion. The new state-of-the-art facility strengthens its global manufacturing network, enhancing its capacity to meet the increasing demand for innovative thread solutions in Bangladesh and across South Asia.

The new facility, strategically located just outside of Southern Bangladesh’s bustling seaport and financial hub, will complement A&E’s existing operation in Gazipur, further solidifying the company’s commitment to the region. With this expansion, A&E is poised to increase production capacity, improve service levels, and reduce lead times, enabling the company to continue delivering premium quality thread products to its customers worldwide with greater efficiency.

The facility’s opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key industry leaders, customers, suppliers, partners, and government officials. The event provided guests with an exclusive opportunity to tour the new facility and learn more about its innovative technologies and capabilities.

“We are excited to open this new manufacturing facility, which enhances our ability to support customers globally while maintaining A&E’s high standards of excellence,” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, CEO and member of the Board of Directors for Elevate Textiles, the parent company of A&E. “This expansion reflects our long-term vision for growth and our commitment to providing innovative thread solutions.”

The new Chattogram facility is designed with the latest manufacturing technologies and scalable production processes to meet growing market demands. Notable features include:

  • Advanced production lines for spun and filament thread products.
  • Dedicated R&D and technical capabilities to drive product innovation and enhance customer solutions.
  • Sustainability-focused operations, incorporating green technologies to reduce environmental impact.
  • Job creation for more than 350 local workers, contributing to regional economic development.

“Investing in this facility is a crucial step in strengthening our manufacturing base, enhancing product availability, and improving service to the Chattogram market,” said Chris Alt, president, A&E. “As demand for our thread and specialty yarn products continues to grow, this facility will play a pivotal role in meeting customer needs faster, more efficiently, and with greater precision.”

Managing Director – A&E South Asia, Angelo Leanage, added, “Our mission has always been to deliver high-quality products and services that meet the evolving needs of our customers. With this new facility, we are not only expanding our footprint and capabilities to continue doing so but also bringing jobs, economic growth, and social development to the region.”

In addition to manufacturing, the Chattogram facility will function as a regional hub for innovation, where A&E will continue to develop advanced thread solutions, optimize production processes, and implement sustainability initiatives. As part of our ongoing global strategy, A&E remains focused on reducing its environmental impact and integrating sustainable practices across all operations.

With this expansion, A&E continues to strengthen its leadership position in the global textile industry, building on its legacy of excellence dating back to 1891. As we expand our presence in key global cut-and-sew markets, the Chattogram facility is poised to play a key role in the company’s future growth and in shaping the next generation of thread solutions for the textile industry.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: American & Efird (A&E)

 

Caldera Releases Expanded Features For Direct-To-Film And Direct-To-Garment Digital Textile Printing

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — March 20, 2025 — Caldera, part of Dover, today announced the launch of its latest raster image processor (RIP) solution for Direct-to-Film (DTF) and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) digital textile printing. This new solution offers an expanded range of features for printed apparel creators, printers and producers and is compatible with Windows and MacOS.

Caldera’s new RIP solution is available to the entire garment decoration market, providing a simplified tool that allows users to offer full customization to their clients for unique pieces and small batch print runs. The interface is easy to use and includes built-in self-training guides, which allow users of all experience levels to learn and improve their DTF and DTG skills autonomously.

“We’ve made the interface intuitive and focused on the features that matter most for DTF and DTG users,” says Sebastien Hanssens, vice president of Marketing & Operations at Caldera. “We’ve built the product to simplify the creation of accurate apparel decoration designs that align with a brand’s colors. This not only saves users significant time, allowing them to complete more orders, but it also helps beginners to learn and improve DTF and DTG skills through integrated educational content.”

The solution’s software can handle white ink with precise White Management Tools and measurements, and its Print Management features include ready-to-use presets built by experts. Users can also preview their designs before printing, allowing them to spot potential errors and save time.

Caldera’s specialized RIP includes File Preparation tools, such as automatic image mirroring within the interface, as well as a wide range of Color Management Tools. Its software introduces initial functionality for spot color conversion and fine-tuning, a knockout tool and management of up to 12 inks, including fluorescents, varnishes, glosses and pre-treatments.

The new RIP solution can be used for various types of applications, including t-shirts, hoodies, sports apparel, hats, bags, flags and banners, and is compatible with different file formats: BMP, PSB, PSD, PNG, TIF/TIFF, PDF, AI and JPEG files.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: Dover

 

Acme Mills Partners With Vietnam Producers To Offer High-Quality Non-Woven Textiles, Circumventing Tariffs To Meet Market Demand

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — March 20, 2025 — Acme Mills, a family-owned textile manufacturer with over 108 years of experience, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with leading producers in Vietnam to expand its nonwoven textile offerings. This move addresses evolving global trade challenges, particularly ongoing tariff concerns with China, allowing Acme Mills to continue delivering cost-effective, high-quality materials to its clients.

Founded in 1917, Acme Mills has been a pioneer in textile manufacturing, with its first order coming from Henry Ford for the Model T seat — marking the company’s early role in the automotive textile industry. Over the decades, Acme Mills has expanded its expertise, specializing in high-performance textiles for diverse applications.

As the textile industry navigates shifting trade dynamics, particularly regarding tariffs on Chinese-made products, Acme Mills has taken proactive steps to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions. By partnering with trusted Vietnamese manufacturers known for their high standards of quality and efficiency, Acme Mills ensures that its clients continue receiving premium non-woven textiles at competitive prices, without the financial impact of tariffs.

Acme Mills’ expanded product line now includes:

  • Spunbond Nonwovens — Durable and versatile materials used in medical, hygiene, and automotive applications.
  • Hydroentangled Spunlace — Soft, high-performing fabrics ideal for personal care, wipes, and cleaning products.
  • Needlepunch — Strong, uniform textiles used in filtration, insulation, and automotive applications.
  • Thermobond — Heat-resistant materials for construction, automotive, and filtration products.
  • Stitchbond — A hybrid of knitting and weaving, used in bedding, upholstery, and geotextiles.
  • Meltblown — A critical material for filtration and medical applications, offering exceptional fine fiber production.
  • SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) — A tri-layer fabric ideal for medical and hygiene products, providing superior filtration, strength, and barrier protection.
  • Sonic Bonding — A chemical-free bonding process used in medical and personal care products.
  • Cut & Sew — Custom cut-and-sew solutions for PPE, sanitary items, and other fabric-based applications.
  • Sanitary Nonwovens — Soft, absorbent, and durable materials designed for feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, and baby care products.

By securing partnerships with reputable Vietnamese manufacturers, Acme Mills ensures uninterrupted supply and maintains a competitive edge in the market.

“We have always taken pride in being forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving demands of the textile industry,” said Jim Colman, CEO of Acme Group of Companies. “Partnering with Vietnamese producers ensures an uninterrupted supply of premium non-woven textiles while mitigating the economic impact of tariffs. This collaboration allows us to maintain the highest quality standards while keeping costs competitive for our customers.”

Acme Mills remains committed to delivering superior, reliable products across multiple industries, from automotive to medical and personal care. This strategic expansion reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: Acme Mills and Great Lakes Filters Sourcing Specialist

PLASTICS Releases Analysis: Impact Of EU Retaliatory Tariffs On The Plastics Industry

WASHINGTON — March 20, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released an official analysis, authored by Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda, examining the potential impact of the European Union’s proposed retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. plastics industry.

Dr. Pineda writes, “The European Commission has identified 1,708 products for possible countermeasures, including 60 resin and plastic products at the 8-digit EU Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) level. When matched to the corresponding 6-digit U.S. HTS codes, the proposed EU tariffs are estimated to impact $5.9 billion in U.S. plastics resin and product exports to the EU, based on 2024 export values.”

To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog at :

https://www.plasticsindustry.org/blog/the-eu-considers-targeting-u-s-plastics-in-response-to-u-s-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs/

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Trivantage Introduces New Marine Cover Fabric: Hydrofend® CVR

BURLINGTON, N.C. — March 20, 2025 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for marine fabrics and hardware, has introduced Hydrofend CVR, a durable, lightweight marine cover fabric which offers top-notch defense against weather. This gel-coat friendly fabric is ideal for use on boats, personal watercraft, patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor storage needs.

“With Hydrofend CVR, customers can depend on colors that stay vibrant and a durable fabric that resists tears, season after season,” said Keith Purves, business development and product training manager at Trivantage.

The value-priced fabric is designed to store and fabricate easily with minimal fraying or damage, as well as resist puckering when sewn. Other notable features of the fabric include:

  • Easy to clean and store without cracking;
  • Sturdy tensile strength for steadfast protection;
  • Resists wind-whipping while towing;
  • Fade-resistant; and
  • Backed by a limited 5-year warranty.

For more information on Hydrofend CVR as a fresh, value-price option for marine cover projects, visit: https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-marine-hydrofend.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: Trivantage

Trützschler Nonwovens: Redefining Nonwovens Carding With The X-Series

DÜLMEN, Germany — March 20, 2025 — Trützschler Nonwovens proudly introduces the X-Series: a new generation of nonwoven cards that delivers significant improvements in efficiency, quality, uptime and sustainability to meet industry challenges such as rising production costs.

NCT-X showcase at the T-SUPREMA Get Together in April 2024.

The NCT-X and NC-X nonwoven cards are specifically engineered to increase product quality and process productivity while reducing energy and resource consumption as well as waste. The rail-mounted design provides maximum flexibility by allowing all carding units to slide apart for easy access to all components. This minimizes cleaning time, resulting in more than 100 hours of additional uptime per year. The X-Series enables producers to quickly adapt the doffing section to meet specific product needs, achieving excellent web quality at high speeds without trade-offs.

Technical innovations and market advantages          

The X-Series is the result of extensive improvements to meet the demands for product excellence and process efficiency:

  • Maximum uptime: With optimal access, scheduled cleaning times are reduced by up to 20 minutes per day. All carding modules are mounted on rails, enabling quick and easy cleaning, inspection, or maintenance. This time savings also reduces labor costs and creates more than 100 additional operating hours per year.
  • Enhanced raw material efficiency: Fiber consumption is reduced by up to 2.5 percent when the separate suction system for good fibers is consistently used. The web edges are suctioned at both receivers and returned to the process without mixing with dust or waste fibers, ensuring that the overall fiber quality is maintained.
  • Flexible web forming: To ensure quick and precise adjustments to different end-product requirements, the web forming section includes swivel upper and easily removable lower condensing rollers as well as stepless adjustable take-off rollers.

Highest productivity: Trützschler nonwovens cards deliver up to 4 percent more sellable products, as they offer the largest usable web width in their class, enabling an increase in the web width by up to four percent.

Versatile performance for multiple applications

The NC-X card can be used in hydroentangling, needle-punching, through-air and chemical bonding systems, with applications ranging from hygiene products and wipes to technical nonwovens. An additional carding point in the new 5+5 worker/ stripper configuration improves carding and blending quality. The first NC-X carding machines will be operational in a needle-punch project in the third quarter of 2025.

NCT-X cards with two large cylinders offer the highest carding and blending performance, consistently delivering excellent web quality on high-speed lines for hydroentangled wipes. They are also excellent web formers in lines for needle-punched automotive textiles that require a homogeneous blend of different fiber types. One of our NCT-X nonwoven cards is already operating at the Trützschler Technical Center in Egelsbach, Germany, achieving excellent results in a T-SUPREMA needle-punching line.

Commitment to customer-centric innovation

“The development of the NC-X and NCT-X is the result of our continuous improvement strategy and close market observation”, said Dr. Heiko Schenuit, head of Product Management at Trützschler Nonwovens. “The X-Series responds directly to the industry’s current challenges and sets new standards for efficiency and sustainability in nonwoven production.”

A transformative step forward

Now available worldwide, the X-Series empowers pioneering nonwoven producers to add the “X-factor” to their production lines – delivering high performance today while securing a competitive edge for the future.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: Trützschler Nonwovens / Trützschler Group SE

Shaping The Future: Lenzing Presents Young Scientist Award To Young Talents

LENZING, Austria — March 20, 2025 — The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, is presenting the Lenzing Young Scientist Award at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) from September 10 to 12, 2025 for bachelor, master and doctoral students who develop innovative solutions to ecological challenges in the fiber and textile industry. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2025. The best thesis by Bachelor’s and Master’s students will receive a prize of 3,000 euros, while the best doctoral thesis will receive 5,000 euros.

For the fourth time, the Lenzing Group honors young researchers with the Lenzing Young Scientist Award for excellent research work in the fiber and textile sector. The Dornbirn-GFC, as a platform for international exchange of experience in the field of fibers, offers an ideal stage for this research competition. Bachelor’s and Master’s students can submit their scientific work under the guiding theme “Unlimited inspiration from nature: Together we research sustainable innovations based on cellulose, including regenerated cellulose fibers and films, as well as cellulose composites” and face a jury of renowned experts from the industry. The aim is to support students who inspire the industry with their research results and create a platform for networking with the textile and fiber industry.

“Lenzing has been a leader in sustainable cellulose fiber production for decades and is actively promoting the transition to a bioeconomy. Supporting young scientists and their innovations is crucial to overcoming current challenges. Every advance and every idea brings us closer to a more sustainable future,” said Gert Kroner, vice president, Global Research at Lenzing Group.

Austrian Fibers Institute as organizer of the Dornbirn GFC

For the 64th time, the Austrian Fiber Institute is organizing the Dornbirn Fiber Congress on a non-profit basis and will provide the framework for presenting the Lenzing Young Scientist Award September 10-12, 2025.

The Austrian Fiber Institute, based in Vienna, was founded in 1960 by fiber producers and the Austrian textile industry to promote the market launch of fibers and their products. The Fiber Institute also offers the opportunity to exchange information and experience about fibers and supports contact with educational institutions. The GFC focuses on an international exchange of experience in close coordination with the umbrella organization CIRFS in Brussels and deals with topics relevant to the future, such as fiber innovations, sustainability and the circular economy.

Applicants for the Lenzing Young Scientist Award have the opportunity to submit their work (theses, papers, etc.) in English until June 30, 2025 to the following e-mail address:

YSA2025@lenzing.com.

Further information can be found online at:

https://www.lenzing.com/young-scientist-award.

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

2025 International Woolmark Prize Jury Revealed Ahead Of Final Event In Milan

NEW YORK CITY — March 20, 2025 — The International Woolmark Prize returns to Milan in April, as eight of the world’s most promising design talents participate to shape the future of fashion through innovation and sustainability at the original and most prestigious fashion award.

The 2025 International Woolmark Prize judges include:

  • Donatella Versace, Versace, chief brand ambassador from 01.04.25, chair of Judges;
  • IB Kamara, IWP2025 Guest Artistic director;
  • Law Roach, Image architect;
  • Alessandro Sartori, Artistic director, Zegna;
  • Alessandro Dell’Acqua, N21 founder and creative director;
  • Roopal Patel, senior vice president, Fashion director, Saks Fifth Avenue;
  • Sinéad Burke, educator, advocate and founder of Tilting the Lens;
  • Honey Dijon, DJ, producer and artist;
  • Danielle Goldberg, celebrity stylist and brand consultant;
  • Tim Blanks, editor-at-large, Business of Fashion; and
  • Simone Marchetti, Vanity Fair European editorial director & Vanity Fair Italia editor-in-chief.

“Supporting the next generation of fashion talent has never been more important,” said Donatella Versace. “I am so excited to host the Woolmark Prize in our home city of Milan and to meet the designers selected. I am sure they will all be winners in their own way. I am honored to be Chair of the judging panel for the 2025 Woolmark Prize alongside my fellow amazing judges. Woolmark has always been such fantastic supporters of the future of fashion.”

The 2025 International Woolmark Prize finalists competing for the prestigious award include:

  • ACT N°1, Italy;
  • Diotima, United States;
  • Duran Lantink, The Netherlands;
  • Ester Manas, Belgium;
  • LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI, France;
  • LUAR, United States;
  • Meryll Rogge, Belgium; and
  • Standing Ground, UK/Ireland.

The Awards

The 2025 final event marks the first edition of the International Woolmark Prize in its new biennial format.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive the increased prize fund of AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business. All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

There will also be two industry awards presented at the final event. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has evolved to be presented to any brand or individual within the fashion industry who has pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation.

The Supply Chain Award will be presented to an outstanding member of the supply chain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing sustainable practices, reinforcing the supply chain’s critical role within the fashion and textile industry.

Since its inception, the International Woolmark Prize has awarded and incubated some of the most era-defining fashion designers, from Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent to Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren

Posted: March 20, 2025

Source: The Woolmark Company

1...606162...2,542Page 61 of 2,542

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.