Jay Apparel Group Expands Operations In Central America To Navigate Tariff Crisis

NEW YORK — April 23, 2025 — Jay Apparel Group, New York, NY, a U.S.-based apparel company, announced today its strategic expansion into Central America to address the escalating tariff crisis affecting the global textile and apparel industry.

In response to rising costs and uncertain trade policies, Jay Apparel Group is taking a significant position in Central America to diversify its manufacturing footprint and ensure uninterrupted supply to its North American retail partners. This move reflects the company’s long-term commitment to creating a more agile and sustainable supply chain.

“Central America offers an exceptional opportunity for nearshoring due to its proximity, trade agreements, and growing textile infrastructure,” said Jay R. Kapadia, President at Jay Apparel Group. “We believe this strategic investment will allow us to reduce lead times, improve flexibility, and mitigate the impact of ongoing tariff pressures.”

The expansion is expected to generate new jobs, support local economies, and reinforce Jay Apparel Group’s mission of responsible sourcing and innovation in the apparel sector. The company will focus on men’s woven sport shirts and other core products in Honduras and other key regional hubs, leveraging the benefits of U.S. trade programs such as the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

With this development, Jay Apparel Group aims to set a precedent for reshaping sourcing strategies in a post-globalization era and reinforce its leadership in value-driven apparel production.

Posted: April 23, 2025

Source: Jay Apparel Group

ExxonMobil Signature Polymers To Highlight Nonwoven Solutions At IDEA25

SPRING, Texas— April 23, 2025 — ExxonMobil will demonstrate its commitment to innovation and technology in the nonwovens industry at IDEA25 (booth #813), taking place April 29-May 1 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. The trade show will mark the U.S. debut of the company’s Signature Polymers brand, showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that addresses evolving industry needs.

As a leader in polypropylene resins for the nonwovens industry, ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its position in hygiene and medical applications while expanding into new market segments. At IDEA25, ExxonMobil will emphasize the company’s dedication to creating nonwoven solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

“The demand for advanced nonwoven solutions in hygiene and medical applications continues to grow, driven by evolving healthcare needs and increased focus on material efficiency,” said Sasha Schmitt, Americas Polypropylene, Vistamaxx™ & Exact™ Market Development Manager. “IDEA25 provides an ideal platform for ExxonMobil to develop and strengthen our essential partnerships and showcase how Signature Polymers will continue to meet the needs of this critical industry across a myriad of nonwoven applications such as hygiene, medical and durable applications. .”

On 3:00 p.m. of April 30th, the company’s presentation, titled “Enabling Innovative Nonwoven Solutions with Sustainability Benefits,” will show how ExxonMobil can help meet increasing market demands through material efficiency and innovative product design.

The session will introduce how the company’s broad portfolio can help to enhance product performance and address shifting requirements for various nonwoven markets. It will also introduce Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling and examples of leveraging certified- circular polymers1 in product designs.

In October 2024, ExxonMobil announced the launch of Signature Polymers, a transformative initiative that unified ExxonMobil’s polyolefin products under a single portfolio brand. This new approach represents a deeper commitment to customer partnership and service, designed to help customers navigate complex industry challenges through enhanced collaboration and simplified product selection.

For more information about ExxonMobil’s Signature Polymers, visit:

https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/brands/signature-polymers.

Posted: April 23, 2025

Source: ExxonMobil Signature Polymers

Introducing The INDA International Trade Handbook – Free To INDA Members

CARY, N.C. — April 23, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is thrilled to announce that the INDA International Trade Handbook is available in the INDA store and free to download for INDA members.

The handbook was written in partnership with the law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg P.A. and represents several months of work compiling U.S. trade and customs policy and compliance information impacting the nonwovens sector. The handbook is a comprehensive, 240-page guide to help you and your business understand and comply with U.S. international trade law.

Information included in the handbook features active tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. as of April 9, 2025, and tariff rates and classification codes for nonwoven roll goods and finished goods. You can preview the table of contents here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d7fb7ba0-ee87-4131-bc64-3aa8e8ad34a4

For more information or to access the International Trade Handbook, please use this link: https://imisw.inda.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=TRADEHB&Category=HBVtarget=  and your member account login information. For other questions or inquires, contact Wes Fisher at INDA.org, INDA Director of Government Affairs

Posted: April 23, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Premium Denim Brand PAIGE Joins The Cotton Lives On™ Recycling Programme

LONDON/DEVON, England — April 22, 2025 — The Cotton Lives On™ programme announces the participation of PAIGE, one of America’s leading denim brands, with a consumer-facing campaign encouraging the recycling of pre-loved jeans.

Launching on Earth Day, and running throughout Earth Month and beyond, the PAIGE X CLO initiative in the UK will be introduced through PAIGE’s retail stores in Duke of York Square, Chelsea London and Bicester Village in Oxfordshire. PAIGE is encouraging its customers to bring in their pre-loved denim for recycling through Cotton Lives On™ beginning Tuesday, April 22, with each denim item recycled receiving 20% off a new denim purchase.

Continuing throughout 2025, PAIGE X CLO invites consumers to turn their unwanted jeans into recycled cotton insulating material used in mattresses for people at risk of homelessness through the Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme. Branded PAIGE X CLO bins will be featured in-store, encouraging consumers to rethink the end-of-life for their cherished cotton-rich products.

“We are thrilled for PAIGE to join our UK cotton recycling programme, Cotton Lives On™” said Andrea Samber, Director, Consumer Marketing Brand Partnerships, Cotton Incorporated. “Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to highlight this initiative while encouraging PAIGE customers to join our efforts of keeping old cotton from landfill by turning their well-worn clothes into comfortable mattresses for those in need.”

“The Cotton Lives On™ initiative is a perfect platform to highlight our commitment to cotton sustainability,” said Lindsey Owens, Director, Omni Channel Marketing, PAIGE. ”We’ve participated in the initiative’s sister programme, Blue Jeans Go Green™, in our US stores for several years with great success, and we’re very excited to expand recycling to our customers in our UK stores through the Cotton Lives On™ programme, launching the week of April 22nd”.

PAIGE joins a growing collective of UK fashion brands and retailers already participating in the Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme including Charles Tyrwhitt, Hush, Whistles, Hobbs, Phase Eight, L’Estrange, Anthropologie, Bianca Saunders, Nexvision and ME+EM.

To date, the Cotton Lives On™ programme has collected almost 8,000kg of cotton in the UK and gifted over 100 roll mats. Each new roll mat contains 6.4kg of unwearable cotton, equivalent to 45 T-shirts. People around the UK at risk of homelessness and living in difficult conditions are given the mattresses as part of their first essential products package when moving to a hostel or as part of their new home kit once they have been found a more permanent place of residence.

The Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme’s purpose is simple. Its aim is to reduce landfill waste and extend the life of old cotton in a way that helps both people and our planet.

Posted: April 23, 2025

Source: The Cotton Lives On recycling program — created jointly by Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated

Herculite Products Inc. Announces The Acquisition Of Strata Film Coatings

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — April 22, 2025 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator in high-performance technical textile composites, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Strata Film Coatings, a renowned manufacturer of advanced film coating solutions. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Herculite’s ongoing commitment to expand its product offerings and enhance its market presence.

Peter McKernan, Sr., CEO of Herculite Products Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Strata Film Coatings into the Herculite family. Their expertise in film coating complements our existing product offering and aligns perfectly with our vision of providing innovative value-enhancing solutions to our customers. The acquisition enables us to further differentiate our value proposition with an even broader range of products and services distinguished by their exceptional quality and innovation.”

A spokesperson for Strata Film Coatings added: “Joining forces with Herculite is a fantastic opportunity for Strata Film Coatings, given our shared values and business principles. Herculite’s 75-year commitment to industry-leading innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction enhances our ability to deliver solutions across a broader portfolio.”

Strata Film Coatings is recognized for its advanced film coating technologies, which deliver superior optical clarity, excellent durability, UV protection, flame retardancy, and scratch resistance. Their products are widely used in various applications, including marine enclosures, automotive, architectural windows, protective coverings, shade systems, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The acquisition of Strata Films Coatings is part of Herculite’s strategic plan, which expands its market capability and strengthens its position as a total solution provider in high-performance technical textile composites. By integrating Strata Film Coatings technologies, Herculite aims to deliver enhanced value to its customers and drive further innovation across its product portfolio.

Posted: April 23, 2025

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025 Portland Event Draws Increased Attendance As Industry Navigates Global Supply Chain Shifts

NORWALK, Conn. — April 22, 2025 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, concluded its Spring 2025 edition in Portland, Ore., with increased attendance of 9 percent and expanded square footage exhibition floor layout by 30 percent. The three-day event at the Oregon Convention Center, from April 14-16, connected apparel executives, product developers, designers and sourcing professionals from major performance and athletic brands including Adidas, Patagonia, REI, Nike, Vuori and many more with 320 vetted sustainable-certified and reliable suppliers during a period of continued global supply chain volatility.

“In today’s economic and supply chain uncertainty, Functional Fabric Fair maintained 100 percent exhibitor participation in addition to attendee growth, emphasizing the event’s essential and valuable role in the industry,” stated Steve McCullough, event vice president. “Supply chain resilience and relationship solidification emerged as critical themes this edition, with brands leveraging their time to secure partnerships with trusted suppliers for their Spring 2026/2027 collections.”

The fair’s expanded exhibit hall featured carefully curated sustainable suppliers, addressing growing industry demand for responsible sourcing options that meet both performance and environmental standards.

“This event has become non-negotiable in my sourcing calendar,” said Cassia Lewis Cameron from Patagonia, “Boasting some of the most advanced and sustainable suppliers in our industry, the pre-vetted supplier base saves us countless hours in qualification processes — providing direct access to innovation partners we can trust, even when global logistics present challenges.”

Exhibiting company, YKK USA’s John Holiday said, “Functional Fabric Fair gives us an opportunity to have a lot of meetings and not only with other suppliers we work with, but also a lot of brand and designer meetings. We got a lot done in a short amount of time.

Between supplier meetings, attendees explored a wide range of immersive, informative and tactile sourcing and product discovery in specialized areas, including:

  • AATCC Textile Test Zone featured live testing demonstrations providing insights into standardized fabric evaluations.
  • Bodywear Collective, sponsored by The LYCRA Co., this new area showcased the latest fabrications for underwear, swimwear, shapewear, wellness and seamless activewear in addition to a Smoothie Bar for refreshments.
  • Innovation Zone spotlighted emerging technologies and next-gen materials.
  • Wool Forum debuted this year, the forum underscored wool’s performance and sustainability benefits.’Sustainability Lounge, served as a hub for sustainable material innovations and collaborations.
  • Trend Forum highlighted twelve essential fabric categories curated with a sustainability lens.
  • Outdoor Recreation Archive celebrated the history and evolution of outdoor apparel in partnership with Utah State University.
  • Media Lounge a place to recharge and connect with influential media.
  • Italian Bar, sponsored by Kingwhale, provided a space to connect and enjoy Italian delights.

These thoughtfully designed spaces fostered meaningful connections between suppliers and brands while providing attendees with crucial market intelligence and hands-on experience with innovative materials, complementing the event’s robust educational programming.
Education

The sold-out Day 0 Sustainability Workshop hosted more than 230 industry professionals, an increase from 2024, and was led by industry expert Jill Dumain of Fractal CSOs. Sponsored by Hyosung, the workshop opened the day before the exhibit hall opened and provided actionable insights on material traceability, addressing a critical business need as brands face increasing regulatory and consumer pressure regarding supply chain transparency. Attendees participated in in-depth presentations and discussions that set the tone for a sustainability-forward event.

“The Day 0 workshop sparked critical conversations that will influence how our industry approaches innovation and accountability,” McCullough noted. “It brought together the voices, discussions and ideas that will lead us into the future.”

From April 15–16, Expert Talks took place on the show floor. Sponsored by AATCC, more than 10 sessions featured thought leaders addressing the latest in textile technology, case studies and sustainability solutions.

Events & Networking

Industry professionals and students gathered to gain valuable business connections, new resources and inspiration at these events and activations:

  • Design Lab Live which featured sustainable designer and Project Runway alum Kelley Dempsey, who crafted a one-of-a-kind jacket live using materials from exhibitors FLYTEC, Pontetorto and YKK.
  • Book Signing with Zoë Hong offered attendees a chance to connect with the author of Fashion School in a Book.
  • Sustainability Lounge Guided Tours, led by Stewart Sheppard, gave deeper insights into sustainable sourcing solutions.
  • Events, including a Happy Hour sponsored by CovationBio, Coffee Igloo sponsored by Thermore, and After-Hours Networking at Spirit of 77 sponsored by Nextex and co-sponsors Brookwood and Duraflex enhanced relationship-building and networking.

“I came across this event working for athletic brand which aligns with the products we sell,” noted attendee, Shiva Nadjm of Alo Yoga. First-time attendee and designer Daisy Pellett added, “There was a lot of professionals and I got to talk to so many people, make connections, and look forward to coming year after year again!”

McCullough concluded, “As global supply chains continue to evolve in complexity, Functional Fabric Fair has solidified its position as a vital industry gathering that delivers measurable business value by bringing together the right partners, insights and innovations at a critical moment for the performance textile sector.”

Save the Date for 2025-2026 events:
New York Summer: July 21-23, 2025 (Day 0 Sustainability Workshop: July 21)
Portland Fall: November 11-13, 2025 (Day 0 Sustainability Workshop: Nov. 11)
NEW! Orlando Winter (Co-Located with the PGA Show): January 21-22, 2026

Posted April 22, 2025

Source: Functional Fabric Fair

Cone Denim Launches 2025 Sustainability Report

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 22, 2025 — Cone Denim®, a denim innovator for more than 130 years, is pleased to release its 2025 Sustainability Report. Within the report, Cone reflects upon its sustainable progress over the previous year and discusses metric goals set by parent company Elevate Textiles that it aims to achieve by 2030.

The report follows the theme of Compounding Our Future, a play-on-words message derived from the company’s Cone3D program, a research and design incubator for technical product development that focuses on new technologies and innovations. In addition to highlighting sustainable milestones, the report discusses how Cone’s actions “compound” to create the foundation for a more sustainable future.

The 2025 Sustainability Report highlights 2024 achievements across Cone Denim including:

  • Achieved 2025 goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and absolute water consumption;
  • Launched Cone’s first solar panel installation at its Jiaxing, China, facility;
  • Honored the five-year anniversary with fiber and source tracing partner Oritain; and
  • Completed multiple design and development collaborations.

“Looking back on 2024, I am incredibly proud of the progress Cone Denim has made in sustainability,” stated Cone Denim President Steve Maggard. “I celebrated 30 years with Cone this year, and being able to witness and shape the impact we have had has been a gift. In 2024, we launched our first solar project, had incredible industry shaping collaborations, and exceeded several sustainability goals.”

Through themes of Denim Made Responsibly, Design for the Planet, and Develop for the Future, Cone aims to educate its customers, suppliers, and vendor partners alike on the cross-functionality synergy that allows the company to reach and surpass its sustainability targets. Maggard believes that these efforts allow Cone to maintain its leadership as a sustainable denim supplier.

“My hope for the remainder of 2025 is that our customers and suppliers continue to look to Cone Denim as a leader in sustainability,” added Maggard. “When you think of Cone, I hope you think ‘transparent’, ‘traceable’, and ‘trustworthy’. We invest in sustainability every day and are never satisfied with the status quo.”

To read the full Sustainability Report, visit  https://conedenim.com/home/sustainability/.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Source: Cone Denim / Elevate Textiles, Inc.

S&S Activewear Strengthens Commercial Leadership Team With Three Senior Appointments

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — April 22, 2025 — S&S Activewear, a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, announced the appointment of three senior executives to strengthen its commercial leadership team: Jim Sturgell as senior vice president of sales, Nick Blannin as senior vice president of merchandising, and Bill Topf as senior vice president of commercial strategy and operations.

“These strategic appointments represent a pivotal investment in our commercial leadership team as we continue to transform our business,” said Toby Whitmoyer, chief commercial officer at S&S Activewear. “Jim, Nick and Bill are bolstering our organization with decades of combined leadership experience. They are each known for their creativity, deep commitment to team and company performance, and fostering lasting relationships with customers.”

Sturgell joins S&S Activewear with more than 30 years of experience in the foodservice industry, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief commercial officer at US Foods, one of the largest foodservice distributors in the U.S. with more than $38 billion in revenue. In his new role, Sturgell will lead the sales team to deliver on sales plans, build deeper customer partnerships and drive a transparent, accountable and empowered sales culture.

Blannin brings extensive experience in merchandising and building apparel brands globally across e-commerce, retail and wholesale. He most recently served as vice president of global merchandising at Under Armour and previously worked in merchandising at Abercrombie & Fitch. In his new role, Blannin will lead the merchandising team to shape a competitive product assortment strategy, leverage product choices to drive customer engagement and build effective relationships with mill partners.

Topf joins S&S Activewear with deep experience as both a management consultant at Booz Allen & Hamilton and in senior leadership roles at Diageo, where he held several senior vice president positions in commercial strategy, planning and analytics. As senior vice president of commercial strategy and operations at S&S Activewear, Topf will build efficiencies across the commercial team while streamlining operations and driving sustainable growth.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Source: S&S Activewear

Freudenberg Performance Materials Unveils Versatile Innovative Fine Denier Spunbond Nonwovens For Applications In Construction, Filtration, Coating And Other Industries

WEINHEIM, Germany — April 22, 2025 — The unique fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications — from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

Examples of PET fine denier spunbond nonwovens from Freudenberg Performance Materials.

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100 percent composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140 gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

Special advantages for the construction industry

Ideally suited for construction applications such as roofing & facade membranes, vapor barriers and house wrappings, Freudenberg lightweight fine denier nonwovens complement the well-known Terbond®, Texbond® and Colback® solutions for the construction market. They deliver mechanical strength and, in particular, a high nail tear strength as required by the market. Moreover, they have high UV and temperature resistance and stability thanks to the PET composition.

Filtration applications

PET/PE fine denier spunbond for desiccant bags from Freudenberg Performance Materials.

The fine denier technology is also marketed under the Filtura® brand, specifically suited for liquid filtration, e.g. coolants & lubricants. The technology provides high efficiency and a regular surface, as well as new capabilities with PET-PA and PET-PE nonwovens. Support media applications for glass fiber, nano and activated carbon also benefit from the lightweight fine denier nonwovens as protective layers.

Efficient converting and high durability for packaging and coating

The fully synthetic PET/PE fine denier materials are ideal for packaging applications such as desiccant bags and other dehumidifier products. They enable the efficient and fast production of such pouches due to their exceptional hot sealing capabilities, with no need for chemical binders or additional treatments. Freudenberg’s technology provides high strength, high abrasion resistance and high durability, allowing for long-lasting desiccant bags.

In the coating industry, too, Freudenberg’s fine denier spunbonds contribute to enhanced process efficiency. The materials are chemically resistant and have good thermal stability. High-quality coating results can be achieved by using these materials as coating substrates, thanks to their smooth and even surface. The material properties can be customized for coating, laminating and concealing applications thanks to different combinations of polymers, fiber types and bonding technologies. For example, a specific very lightweight flat bonded variant of the material is an ideal coating substrate for cold wax depilatory strips, providing the necessary high mechanical strength and material flexibility.

Other applications for Freudenberg’s fine filament technology are crop covers in agriculture, decoration applications and other industrial or consumer applications.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

Elevate Textiles Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — April 22, 2025 — Elevate Textiles — a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission critical textile solutions — is pleased to release its 2025 Sustainability Report. Elevate and its distinguished brands — American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components — shared updates and progress on sustainability commitments, 2025 and 2030 goals, and partnerships.

Within the report, Elevate outlines recent actions guided by its Ten Threads of Sustainability, an internal program that shapes the company’s sustainable decision-making to best support the achievement of its 2025 and 2030 goals and increase transparency and traceability across our programs. The report shares the company’s participation and leadership in industry collaborations and alignment with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, specifically highlighting Elevate’s actions that directly support UN Sustainable Development Goal commitments.

“I am excited to share our annual Sustainability Report, in which we provide detailed insights into our ongoing efforts and progress to keep sustainability a core part of who we are and what we do,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer, Elevate Textiles. “Elevate and its brands view sustainability holistically, and our success comes from the amazing teams who initiate innovative projects and operational improvements and help us share data and knowledge across the company.”

The 2025 Sustainability Report highlights 2024 achievements across Elevate and its brands, including:

  • Achieved 2025 goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and absolute water consumption;
  • Achieved best safety performance in over a decade globally;
  • Celebrated opening of new facility in Bangladesh, located on preserved green space developed by Korean Export Processing Zone and designed to focus on more sustainable, innovative thread products; and
  • Launched Elevate’s largest solar project to date and announced additional installation for 2025.

“I am extremely proud of our efforts and the actions of our employees to execute key processes and sustainable innovations, which allow us to create more sustainable threads and fabrics and push new boundaries for our customers,” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, Elevate’s CEO and member of the board. “We look to build on this momentum as we strive to further our social responsibility and environmental leadership.”

To read the full Sustainability Report, visit Elevate Textile’s website at elevatetextiles.com/sustainability.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Source: Elevate Textiles

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