Mimaki Launches Tx330-1800 And Tx330-1800B For On-Demand, Sustainable And High Quality Textile Applications

AMSTERDAM — February 27, 2025 — Mimaki Europe, a provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers, unveils two new direct-to-textile printers, the Tx330-1800 and Tx330-1800B. The Tx330 Series offers extensive textile printing capabilities, able to print on a variety of materials with minimal wastewater. In contrast to conventional textile printing processes that require pre- and post-processing equipment, the Tx330 Series streamlines production into a more space-efficient solution—ideal for users with limited space. FESPA in Berlin, May 6-9, 2025, will mark the EMEA debut of the Tx330-1800 and the unveiling of further details concerning both printers.

The Tx330-1800 hybrid model provides seamless printing on both fabric and paper

The Tx330 Series drives the transformation of the textile industry towards waterless, high-quality solutions, as well as for apparel manufacturers, who look for a printer which offers both quality and sustainability. The printers are equipped with dual ink set capability to seamlessly switch between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks, further diversifying application possibilities. Unlike conventional dye inks, these solutions simplify the process with a straightforward printing and heat fixation procedure. This eliminates the need for extensive facilities for water supply, drainage and wastewater treatment, as well as the dyeing expertise needed to operate, making digital textile printing more accessible.

The Tx330-1800B is an ideal space-saving solution, with added stability for printing on complex fabrics

The Tx330-1800 allows for seamless printing on both fabric and paper in one machine, ideal when producing textile signage and interior fabrics. Meanwhile, the Tx330-1800B uses a space-saving belt conveyor to stably print on stretchy, thick, and thin fabrics commonly used for apparel, ideal for the production of short-run and varied apparel in small spaces, such as offices, schools, and retail stores.

Arjen Evertse, general manager, Sales EMEA at Mimaki Europe, comments, “Looking at today’s textile market, we anticipate that the demand for textile products produced on-demand and locally will continue to grow. So, with that in mind, we released two products which are easy-to-use, versatile and sustainable, for those printers looking to incorporate textile printing capabilities within a small space, without compromising on capabilities and quality.

“The ink versatility aspect of these printers tackles the important concern of industrial water pollution, of which traditional textile dyeing alone contributes around 20% to. Utilising textile pigment and dye sublimation processes, Mimaki’s latest printing solutions remove the need for the large amounts of water typically required in post-processing, creating a much more resource efficient process with almost no water used at all—while also significantly reducing energy consumption.”

The Tx330-1800 Series utilises Mimaki’s “330 Engine”, providing the same sharp details, smooth coloring and accurate color printing as other entries in the 330 Series due to smooth gradation expression and high-density printing capabilities.

To accompany the Tx330 series, Mimaki is also introducing a textile RIP software, the TxLink5. This latest version of the TxLink software is designed to further improve the workflow in environments with multiple printers, which allows for users to manage their printing processes more efficiently.

The Tx330-1800 and Tx330-1800B will both be available for the textile and apparel market in June 2025.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Mimaki Europe B.V.

Metsä Group Starts Pre-Engineering Of Kuura Textile Fiber Mill

HELSINKI, Finland — February 27, 2025 — Metsä Group takes a big step forward in the development of Kuura and starts pre-engineering the first commercial Kuura textile fiber mill. Its purpose is to prepare for the industrial production of Kuura fiber. This is an important step in Metsä Group’s work to develop wood-based products of higher added value. The Kuura textile fiber is produced from softwood pulp, the raw material of which is sourced from Metsä Group’s Finnish owner-members’ forests.

The pre-engineering of the Kuura mill is expected to continue until the summer of 2026. The project entity that has now started consists of four parts: pre-engineering of the first commercial mill; development of the Kuura fiber production process, work done with customers to facilitate market entry; and tasks related to financing. The application for an environmental permit is part of the factory’s pre-engineering package.

Kuura textile fiber is a new product developed by Metsä Group, in which Finnish wood is converted into a unique textile fiber with high added value — without fossil fuels. Such textile fibres can be used to make both clothing and a variety of technical textiles. According to a recent study, Kuura’s climate impact is significantly lower than that of competing fibres (link to LCA).

In 2020, Metsä Group reached a significant milestone in the development of new textile fibers, when a demo plant was started up in Äänekoski, Finland. Following modifications in late 2022 and early 2023, testing and development work at the demo plant are well underway. About a year ago, Metsä Group started a pre-study on a commercial Kuura mill. During this phase, the feasibility of the mill and the viability of the Kuura business idea were examined.

Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring, says that the pre-study gave promising results, which is why the decision was made to move on to the next stage.

“According to a recent study, the global warming impact of Kuura fibre is significantly lower than that of competing products when life-cycle emissions are taken into account. The good results are explained by the fact that the industrial production of Kuura would be linked to a Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill, which does not use fossil energy. The outcome of the study will give a boost to further development”, says Niklas von Weymarn.

The pre-engineering project aims to provide all the necessary information and expertise to enable Metsä Group, eventually, to consider launching the Kuura business. If the company decides to build the mill, it is expected to employ around 250 people and produce 100,000 tonnes of textile fiber per year. The mill would be started up in Finland no earlier than in 2029.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Metsä Group

Precision Textiles Partners With Culp Home Fashions To Bring  Game-Changing Flame-Resistant Technology To Market

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — February 18, 2025 — Precision Textiles has introduced a breakthrough in flame-resistant (FR) technology with the launch of its patented IQ FR Inlay yarn, strategically partnering with Culp Home Fashions to bring this state-of-the-art technology to market. Designed for the bedding industry, this advanced yarn allows mattress manufacturers to transform traditional circular knit fabrics into chemical-free, flame-resistant materials offering an all-in-one solution for FR mattress covers. This innovation brings inherent, chemical-free FR protection as close to the sleep surface as possible, while addressing critical industry challenges such as product weight, breathability, and cost.

The partnership highlights the industry-wide demand for simplified, integrated FR solutions that reduce assembly time, lower costs, and improve overall mattress quality.

“We partnered with Culp Home Fashions to rigorously test and commercialize the IQ FR Inlay across various ticking designs and mattress configurations, all of which meet or exceed CFR 1633 safety standards,” said Scott Tesser, CEO of Precision Textiles. “Our customers are increasingly looking for innovative, all-in-one FR solutions, and this product delivers on that demand while maintaining superior fabric aesthetics and functionality. It’s a game-changer for the bedding industry.”

The IQ FR Inlay yarn technology redefines mattress production by eliminating the need for laminated or standalone internal FR solutions. Its unique design enhances comfort, fabric aesthetics, and functionality, delivering safety and performance without compromise. The collaboration ensures that manufacturers have access to high-quality, performance-driven solutions that seamlessly integrates flame resistance into mattress covers.

Culp Home Fashions President Tommy Bruno commented: “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Precision Textiles on what we believe is transformative technology for the bedding industry. Our team at Culp continues to prioritize product development and innovation and we could not be more excited to leverage our global production platform to offer customers new products incorporating Precision Textiles patented IQ FR Inlay technology.”

With both the finished fabric and mattress covers incorporating the IQ FR Inlay available through multiple supply locations, mattress manufacturers worldwide can reliably access this revolutionary technology, supporting efficient production and broader industry adoption.

The IQ FR Inlay is part of Precision Textiles IQFIT family of products and is sustainably sourced.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Precision Textiles / Culp Home Fashions — A Division Of Culp, Inc.

Patti Engineering Names Robert Nelson To Lead Indiana Growth

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — February 26, 2025 — Patti Engineering Inc., a control system integration company with offices in Michigan, Texas, and Indiana, today announced the strategic hire of Robert Nelson as director of Indiana Operations in the company’s Indianapolis office. In this role, Nelson will oversee project execution and team management, driving growth and operational excellence in delivering controls, robotics, and advanced digitalization solutions to help manufacturers improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Nelson brings more than 25 years of experience in automation and system integration including leadership roles at major automotive manufacturers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors. Nelson previously worked as a controls engineer at Patti Engineering’s Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters before advancing into leadership positions in the industry. Now rejoining the company, he returns with a strong background in project leadership and execution which will be instrumental in advancing Patti Engineering’s initiatives in Indiana.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robert Nelson back to Patti Engineering in this key leadership role,” said Sam Hoff, president and CEO of Patti Engineering. “Robert’s deep industry expertise, leadership skills, and firsthand knowledge of our company make him an invaluable addition to our team. His experience and team development skills will be instrumental in driving growth and delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.”

“I’m excited to rejoin Patti Engineering and take on this leadership role in Indiana,” said Robert Nelson. “Having previously been a part of the Patti Engineering team, I know firsthand the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. I look forward to working with our talented team to expand our presence, strengthen client relationships, and deliver cutting-edge automation and digitalization solutions for the Indiana office.”

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Patti Engineering, Inc.

EURATEX : 400 Business Leaders Call For Urgent Action On Clean Industrial Deal Following High-Level Meeting With Commission President

ANTWERP, Belgium — February 27, 2025 —  One year after the launch of the Antwerp Declaration, 400 business leaders gathered to discuss the Clean Industrial Deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Earlier in the day, President von der Leyen presented the initiative to the public, outlining its vision for strengthening Europe’s industrial base. The Antwerp meeting was a crucial moment for industry leaders to assess its impact and demand concrete measures for urgent implementation.

Representing 200,000 textile companies and 1.3 million workers across Europe, EURATEX welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal as a crucial framework to support industrial competitiveness. However, today’s discussions underscored the reality that without swift and targeted action, the European textile sector will remain at serious risk. High energy prices, regulatory complexity, and unfair competition from imports that bypass EU standards are making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to stay afloat.

EURATEX President Mario Jorge Machado highlighted the industry’s struggles with high energy costs and unfair competition. “European textile companies are facing a substantial crisis, combined with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We need a level playing field, particularly concerning online platforms that circumvent established quality and sustainability standards.”

Addressing Commissioner Hoekstra, in charge of Climate, Machado declared: “We are ready to take responsibility, but if we want to save the planet, we cannot do it alone. Europe represents less than 10 percent of global CO₂ emissions in textiles — yet we are imposing strict sustainability laws on ourselves, while unsustainable imports take over the market. If we continue like this, we are simply outsourcing pollution to other regions while shutting down European factories.”

EURATEX has outlined four key priorities within the Clean Industrial Deal that must be addressed to safeguard the textile sector:

  • Affordable Energy Action Plan: Securing stable and competitively priced energy is essential to retain textile production in Europe and sustain employment.
  • Public Procurement Reform: Prioritizing EU-made, sustainable textiles in public tenders will support responsible production and foster demand for innovative, eco-friendly products.
  • Competitiveness Fund: SMEs, which form the backbone of the textile industry, require targeted financial support to invest in new technologies, upskill their workforce, and enhance competitiveness.
  • Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships: To ensure fair global competition, trade agreements must uphold environmental and social standards across supply chains.

President Machado emphasized the need to stimulate demand for sustainable textile products. “We must shift the focus from solely pressuring manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices to actively incentivizing consumers and public procurers to choose sustainable options. If the cost of sustainability is not covered by the customer, it will be carried by the planet!'”

EURATEX therefore urges the European Commission and EU member states to move forward without delay in implementing a comprehensive support package for the textile industry. “Entrepreneurs are making the difficult decision to shut down production,” warns Machado. “We need concrete action now to prevent further closures and ensure that the European textile industry not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: EURATEX – The European Apparel And Textile Confederation

The Impact Of Fast Fashion On Sustainability: A Call For Change

By Rohit Dev Sethi

In an era of rapid technological advancements and consumerism, the fast fashion industry has emerged as a dominant force. Brands churn out new collections at breakneck speed, enticing consumers with trendy designs at low prices. While this business model has democratized fashion, it comes at a significant cost to the environment, society, and long-term sustainability. This article explores the multifaceted impact of fast fashion and advocates for a paradigm shift toward more sustainable practices.

Environmental Consequences

  1. Resource Depletion: The fast fashion industry is notorious for its voracious appetite for natural resources. Producing a single cotton T-shirt, for instance, requires approximately 2,700 liters of water—enough for one person’s drinking needs for 2.5 years. In comparison, Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, has pioneered the use of organic cotton and water-efficient processes, reducing water consumption significantly.
  2. Pollution: The dyeing and treatment of textiles contribute significantly to water pollution. Toxic chemicals from untreated wastewater are often discharged into rivers, affecting aquatic ecosystems and communities relying on these water sources. Additionally, microplastics shed during washing synthetic garments end up in oceans, posing a threat to marine life. To counteract this, Levi’s has introduced its Water<Less® technology, which reduces water usage in denim finishing by up to 96%.
  3. Waste Accumulation: With fast fashion’s emphasis on disposability, millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills annually. These garments take decades to decompose, releasing methane and leaching chemicals into the soil. Initiatives like H&M’s garment collection program aim to address this issue by allowing customers to return used clothing for recycling or repurposing.

Social Implications

  1. Exploitation of Workers: Fast fashion thrives on low production costs, often achieved by outsourcing to countries with lax labor laws. Workers endure long hours in unsafe conditions for meager wages, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, underscores the urgent need for better labor conditions. Brands like Everlane prioritize transparency and ethical manufacturing, showcasing the real costs of production.
  2. Cultural Dilution: The global standardization of trends can erode local cultures and traditional craftsmanship. Artisanal skills, which take generations to perfect, are often overshadowed by the mass production of low-quality imitations. For instance, initiatives like Nest, a nonprofit supporting artisan businesses, help preserve traditional textile-making practices while ensuring fair wages for workers.

Economic and Ethical Concerns

While fast fashion creates jobs, its economic benefits are often short-lived and concentrated among a few stakeholders. Ethical concerns arise from misleading marketing practices, such as “greenwashing,” where brands exaggerate their sustainability efforts to attract eco-conscious consumers. An example is H&M’s “Conscious Collection,” which has faced scrutiny for not being as sustainable as advertised.

A Call to Action

To mitigate the adverse impacts of fast fashion, a collective effort from consumers, brands, and policymakers is essential:

  • Consumers:
    • Embrace conscious consumption by buying fewer but higher-quality items.
    • Support ethical and sustainable brands like Patagonia, Reformation, and Eileen Fisher.
    • Extend the lifecycle of clothing through repair, upcycling, and donating.
  • Brands:
    • Adopt transparent supply chains and fair labor practices, as demonstrated by Everlane.
    • Invest in sustainable materials and circular business models, such as clothing rental or recycling programs, seen in Rent the Runway.
    • Reduce overproduction and prioritize quality over quantity.
  • Policymakers:
    • Enforce stricter regulations on environmental practices and labor conditions, similar to the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan.
    • Provide incentives for sustainable innovation in the fashion industry.
    • Educate the public about the environmental and social costs of fast fashion.

Conclusion

The fast fashion industry’s current trajectory is unsustainable, jeopardizing the planet and the people who inhabit it. However, by fostering awareness and encouraging action, we can collectively steer the industry toward a more ethical and sustainable future. Real-world examples demonstrate that change is possible, and the power to drive this transformation lies in our choices — let us use it wisely


Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director at India-based ColossusTex


February 25, 2025

The Society Of Dyers And Colourists launches Global Colourist Award 2025 Celebrating Emerging Talent In Coloration

BRADFORD, England — The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) announces that entries are now open for the prestigious Global Colourist Award 2025. This international award recognizes outstanding talent and innovation within the coloration industry, celebrating the achievements of colorists in the first 10 years of their career.

The Global Colourist Award is designed to highlight the depth of knowledge, creativity, and diversity within the industry. Open to professionals across various sectors, including textiles, dyes and pigments, leather, food, paint, production dyeing, shift dyeing, and printing, the award is a benchmark of excellence for those shaping the future of color science and application.

Entries opened on February 1, 2025, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2025. The winner will be announced mid-September and the award presented at the SDC Day of Celebration in October 2025 in the UK.

Last year’s winner, Joanna Kay ASDC of Heathcoat Fabrics Ltd., was celebrated not only for her technical knowledge and creativity but also for her perseverance in achieving Associateship of the SDC while balancing full-time work. Nominated by her manager Sarah Marshall, Joanna was recognized for her outstanding contributions to innovating dyeing processes, improving recipes, and bridging the gap between design and technical knowledge.

Reflecting on her award, Kay expressed her gratitude: “I was, and still am, incredibly grateful for this recognition and the support I received throughout my journey. Balancing full-time work with my studies was challenging, but the experience has been invaluable. The award reinforced my passion for colour science and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry.”

Dr. Graham Clayton, SDC CEO, commented: “The Global Colourist Award is an important initiative that showcases the remarkable talent emerging in the coloration industry. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of early-career colorists who are shaping the future of our sector with their innovation and expertise.”

The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by Advanced Chemical Holdings Ltd., along with a fully funded trip to the awards ceremony in the United Kingdom, offering networking and professional development opportunities. They will also be featured in The Colourist magazine, showcasing their success and contribution to the industry.

The award is open to colorists working in any field, including development, application, testing, color management and quality control. Whether they are a production dyer, a pigment specialist, or a printing colorist, if they are in the first 10 years of their career, this is an opportunity to gain global recognition for their contributions to the industry.

To enter or nominate a deserving colorist, visit the SDC website for full details on submission requirements and eligibility criteria.

Posted February 15, 2025

Source: Society of Chemists and Colourists (SDC)

TrusTrace, adidas, Tapestry And TECHSTYLER Lead The Charge Towards Honest Marketing And Circularity At SXSW 2025

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — February 25, 2025 — Pioneering a new era in sustainable fashion, TrusTrace, adidas, and Tapestry are set to headline a thought-provoking panel at SXSW 2025 titled “Honest Marketing and Circularity: A New Era for Fashion.” This session will delve into the imperative of transparent data in guiding consumers towards environmentally conscious purchases and the transformative role of data and Digital Product Passports in fostering deeper brand-consumer connections. Registration is now open here.

Kicking off SXSW on opening day, March 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, this panel will bring together industry leaders to share key sustainability insights and explore fashion’s evolution from a storytelling-driven industry to one built on transparency, featuring:

  • Sigrid Buehrle, adidas senior vice president, Sustainability and ESG;
  • Logan Duran, Tapestry vice president of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Sustainability;
  • Anja Sadock, TrusTrace senior vice president of Marketing; and
  • Brooke Roberts-Islam, TECHSTYLER founder, Forbes Senior Contributor Sustainability (Moderator).

“For years, adidas has been dedicated to increasing the use of recycled materials in our products, incorporating third-party certified cotton and ensuring our leather is processed to the highest standards set by the Leather Working Group,” said Sigrid Buehrle, senior vice president, Sustainability and ESG at adidas. “However, tracking material information from raw material to finished products needs robust data and systems. Providing transparent information about our products is of utmost importance to adidas, as we know that it drives trust and credibility with consumers and other stakeholders.”

“Transparency in sustainability claims and reporting is simply a business imperative.” said Logan Duran, vice president of ESG and Sustainability at Tapestry. “Brands that ground communication in facts and not promises build stronger trust with their customers, investors, and stakeholders. Companies that prioritize transparency and data-driven accountability can drive real environmental impact while ensuring they meet the rising expectations for corporate responsibility.”

“We’re on the verge of a major shift in the fashion industry,” said Anja Sadock, senior vice president of Marketing at TrusTrace. “Advancements in technology and AI have made data-driven transparency more accessible than ever, unlocking new opportunities to drive real impact, strengthen consumer trust, and empower shoppers to make more sustainable choices.”

Brooke Roberts-Islam, a renowned writer and consultant on sustainability in the fashion industry, will moderate the discussion, using her expertise to explore how brands can navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and consumer expectations. “Fashion marketing has long been marred by unsubstantiated and confusing sustainability claims. Brands now have an obligation–and a powerful opportunity–to share evidence-based sustainability information to empower consumers, level the playing field and re-build trust.”

Posted February 25, 2025

Source TrusTrace

The StitchTogether National Seminar In Italy Presents The Rome Declaration To The Italian Government And European Union

BRUSSELS — February 25, 2025 — On February 19-20, 2025, social partners from the Italian textile and fashion industry met in Rome to deepen their understanding of the upcoming EU legislations and their impact on the Italian textile industry, as well as to further discuss the next step in their effort for a more broad and effective social dialogue. In the context of the EU co-funded StitchTogether project, which aims at promoting social partnerships in the European Textiles and Clothing Industry, the meeting was also the occasion to draft the Rome Declaration: a joint statement to emphasize the social partners’ strong commitment to work together.

The meeting in Rome brought together representatives of the Italian textile industry, including the Italian employer association (Confindustria Moda), national trade unions (Femca-Cisl, Filctem-Cgil and Uiltec-Uil), regional clusters and companies to discuss the future of the industry. Together, they discussed the proposal for a sectoral industrial policy strategy to present to the Italian Government and the EU Commission for the support, consolidation and development of the textile-clothing supply chain.

The Rome Declaration includes a series of priorities, confirming social partners’ commitment in working together for a more competitive and fair Italian textile industry. The Declaration also calls upon the Italian Government and the European Union to support the upcoming transformation of the textile and clothing industries, technology and skills upgrades, regional development and just transition.

Judith Kirton-Darling, IndustriAll Europe’s general secretary, stated: “The Italian textile industry employs around 300,000 workers, or 24 percent of the European workforce in the textile and clothing sector, making it the largest in Europe. In a context of numerous challenges for the European textile industry, such as unfair globalization, green and digital transition, social dialogue is a real lever for improving working conditions and job security. We are committed alongside our Italian partners to a resilient and attractive textile industry in Italy”.

Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX director general, stressed that: “Italy represents 36 percent of the total European textile and fashion industry; it is critically important therefore to maintain a strong Italian textile industry, which can be a benchmark for other countries. Combining quality, creativity and innovation is the recipe for success. This requires a dynamic company spirit, where employers and employees work hand in hand.”

Posted February 25, 2025

Source: Euratex

Advancing The Fashion Industry in Austin: Getting To Know Nina Means & the Lectra-Supported Austin Community College Fashion Incubator

RALEIGH, N.C. — February 25, 2025 — Join SPESA in Austin for the 2025 Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference where you’ll get to hear from Nina Means, a woman recognized for shaping Austin’s future. Nina will talk about her work in building the city’s fashion industry through the Austin Community College (ACC) Fashion Incubator — a collaborative initiative between the ACC, the City of Austin, and Lectra. She will be joined by SPESA Board member Leonard Marano, President of the Americas at Lectra to discuss the efforts being made to add fashion — and advancements in fashion technology — to the list of Austin’s burgeoning industries.

On April 3, the sewn products industry will gather at the Austin Central Library — named one of the world’s most futuristic libraries — for SPESA’s 2025 Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference.

This is an annual event that strives to defy traditional education, by focusing specifically on how the sewn products industry is advancing — and who the people and companies are behind that movement. In a strategic effort to meet more and more of these industry innovators, SPESA moves its Advancements Conference to a new market each year. In 2024, the event was held in Los Angeles and brought together SPESA members with a wide range of technological expertise along with local leaders from US Standard Apparel, the Garment Worker Center, Fashion Index, Rewilder, Variant 3D, the University of Southern California, KolAi Denim, and more, to speak about the work being done in AI, sustainability, waste management, on-demand manufacturing, robotics, and automation. And how that work, rooted in L.A., supports both the local and global sewn products industry.

In 2025, the event travels to Austin, Texas. Like Los Angeles, Austin is home to some pretty influential people and organizations putting in the time and resources needed to advance the industry locally and regionally.

This is where we introduce you to the illustrious Nina Means, an Austin changemaker who has cultivated a lifelong love for the fashion industry into a successful career as the inaugural Director of the technology-driven Austin Community College (ACC) Fashion Incubator. Announced as a collaborative investment between ACC, the City of Austin, and Lectra, the ACC Fashion Incubator is a 7,500-square-foot facility that offers career-technical training, transferable credits, a residency program, leasable space, and is committed to industry advancements. The Incubator’s creation was backed by data that suggested Austin’s $86 million dollar fashion industry was primed for growth, given the right support and resources.

For the past several years, Means has devoted herself to this growth. While being the creative strategist at the helm of ACC’s Fashion Incubator, she has successfully launched and managed three core programs: The Future of Fashion, a virtual series sponsored by Macy’s; Designers-in-Residence Incubator program; and, ATX+EGYPT global fashion exchange accelerator, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Cairo. Initiatives like these connect Austin to the vast fashion industry that exists globally.

During the 2025 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference, Means will be joined by SPESA Board member Leonard Marano, president of the Americas at Lectra. During the conversation, Means and Marano will talk about their collective efforts to shed light on the industry that exists in Austin. Marano will also speak to industry 4.0, emerging technology trends, and how the ACC Fashion Incubator is leveraging industry advancements.

The 2025 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Conference will take place April 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

Posted February 25, 2025

Source: SPESA

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