The LYCRA Company Reimagines The Trade Show Experience At Intertextile

WILMINGTON, Del. — August 25, 2026 — The LYCRA Company, a global supplier of fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year’s ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile.

The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

“The apparel industry is built on creativity, and great ideas emerge when people with different perspectives come together,” said Jason Wang, vice president, Asia, The LYCRA Company. “This year, we wanted to create an environment that sparks curiosity, encourages new thinking, and showcases what’s possible when innovation moves beyond individual products to become part of a broader experience. Intertextile provides an ideal setting to share that vision and inspire what’s next for our industry.”

Across the pavilion, LYCRA®, COOLMAX®, and THERMOLITE® brand innovations are showcased through commercial apparel applications that demonstrate how performance, comfort, and sustainability can help address evolving consumer and industry needs.

  • New for wovens, COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber helps mask the appearance of sweat on fabric, delivers wet and dry fabric opacity, or anti-see-through performance, while also providing moisture management. Made with 100% recycled PET and certified under the Global Recycled Standard, it helps reduce reliance on virgin raw materials.
  • LYCRA FiT400™ fiber for both wovens and knits is being previewed at Intertextile. The knits version has been refreshed and is now available in three performance tiers: Essential, Expanded, and Elevated, allowing brands to select the level of functionality and sustainability that best suits their needs. It also delivers non-spandex stretch and cooling benefits that last the life of the garment. The woven version creates fabrics that offer traditional aesthetics with durable, low-to-moderate mechanical stretch for all-day comfort.
  • RENEWABLE LYCRA® fiber is made with 70% renewable content derived in part from field corn grown in the American Midwest. It delivers the same performance as traditional LYCRA® fiber while also supporting efforts to reduce garment carbon footprints.

Ebru Ozaydin, product category director, denim & ready-to-wear, The LYCRA Company, will present “Designed for Real Life: How Performance Wovens Are Reshaping the Everyday Wardrobe” on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. China Standard Time at Stage H4.1-A149. The session will explore COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber and other innovations designed for workwear, performance fabrics, and everyday apparel applications.

Visitors can explore The LYCRA Company’s Lifestyle District and pavilion at Hall 4.1-E56 throughout the Intertextile exhibition. Applications on display span performance apparel, workwear, denim, and everyday essentials, illustrating how ingredient-brand technologies are being translated into commercially relevant products that meet consumer needs.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

INDA And AFS Announce 2026 Advances In Filtration Technical Conference Program

CARY, N.C. — August 25, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS) are pleased to announce that the program for the 2026 Advances in Filtration Technical Conference is now available. The conference will take place during FiltXPO™ 2026, October 28–29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Bringing together filtration experts, technology developers, researchers, and industry leaders, the Advances in Filtration Technical Conference will examine the technologies, market forces, and emerging applications shaping the future of filtration.

Participants will gain insights on issues ranging from advanced filter media and PFAS to artificial intelligence, data centers, sustainability, and evolving market demands.

The conference sessions include:

  • Filtering the Forecast: Markets, Tariffs & What’s Ahead – Explore the market, trade, and economic forces affecting filtration, including nonwoven filter media supply and demand, tariffs, supply-chain challenges, strategic sourcing, and opportunities for future growth.
  • Air Apparent: The Next Generation of Filter Media – Discover advances in synthetic and nanofiber filtration media designed to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, enhance sustainability, and expand filter functionality, including innovative approaches to allergen control.
  • PFAS: Filter It Out, Design It Out – Examine technologies for removing PFAS from water, advances in contaminant reduction, and new approaches to developing high-performance, PFAS-free filtration media without sacrificing critical performance characteristics.
  • Feeding the Machine: Filtration, Cooling & AI Data Centers – Learn how filtration, water treatment, cooling technologies, predictive modeling, and AI-enabled strategies are helping data centers manage growing energy, thermal, water, and environmental demands.
  • Smart Air: Better Filters, Better Outcomes – Explore how advances in air filtration may translate into better performance and healthier indoor environments, from research examining the potential cognitive benefits of HEPA filtration to next-generation nanofiber media for HVAC applications.
  • Changing Gears: Next-Generation Filtration for a Changing Market – See how filtration technologies are evolving to meet new sustainability and performance demands, including lower-carbon fuel filter media and advanced molecular filtration solutions for cabin air and emerging fuel-cell applications.

The program will feature presentations from industry leaders and institutions including AAF International, Ahlstrom, Cartwright Consulting Co., LLC, Devan Chemicals, Fusion Filtration Corporation, Gessner – a Mativ Brand, HIFYBER, Math2Market GmbH, Matregenix, NFT Purification Technology Inc., The Nonwovens Institute at NC State University, the University of Connecticut’s Public Health Sciences Department, and WCC (Water Control Corporation), along with experts from INDA and AFS.

For more information about the conference and to register, visit www.filtxpo.com

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Textiles Manufacturing Expo Launches In Charlotte, Alongside Textiles Recycling Expo USA

BRISTOL, UK — August 25, 2026 — AMI is pleased to announce the launch of the Textiles Manufacturing Expo, a new industry exhibition and conference taking place on April 7-8, 2027 at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina, alongside the established Textiles Recycling Expo.

Following the success of the Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels, Belgium, and the inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo USA in Charlotte, AMI is expanding its presence in the textile industry with a dedicated event focused on the technologies, machinery, materials and expertise driving modern textile, fiber and yarn production.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA welcomed 1,858 visitors, 95 exhibitors and 52 expert speakers across two days in April 2026. The addition of the Textiles Manufacturing Expo in 2027 will create a unique co-located platform bringing the textile industry together across the full lifecycle.

The co-location also creates new opportunities for exhibitors to connect with professionals from across the wider textile value chain, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, material suppliers, brands, designers, recyclers and other industry specialists.

“This new expo will provide a much-needed forum for the suppliers of raw materials and production technologies to connect with textile manufacturers to discuss the innovations and applications that will move the industry forward,” said Chrissy Winegarden, exhibition sales manager at AMI. “Those manufacturers already attend Textiles Recycling Expo USA in large numbers, so we have a ready-made audience looking for new solutions”.

The Textiles Manufacturing Expo will host its own range of exhibitors including:

  • Suppliers of machinery and equipment for textile manufacturing, finishing and printing
  • Fiber and yarn suppliers
  • Providers of dyes, chemicals and finishing solutions
  • Testing, inspection and quality assurance organizations
  • Automation, AI and smart manufacturing specialists
  • Software and digital solutions providers
  • Consultancies and R&D organizations

The event will also have its own conference theater, hosting keynote presentations, technical sessions, and real-world case studies.

Charlotte, North Carolina, provides a natural home for the launch of Textiles Manufacturing Expo. With its strong textile heritage and established manufacturing ecosystem, the region continues to be home to textile innovators, research institutions, technology providers and forward-thinking manufacturers.

AMI is a leading organizer of international events for the recycling and manufacturing markets. These include the Textiles Recycling Expos taking place in Europe and the USA, as well as the AMI Plastics World Expos in Cleveland, Ohio. AMI also offers a range of conferences focused on various aspects of mechanical and chemical recycling both in Europe and the USA.

For more information, view the website here: www.textilesmanufacturingexpo.com

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI)

Rieter: Change In The Group Executive Committee

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — August 25, 2026 — Roger Albrecht, Head of the “Components & Technology” Division, has decided to pursue a new opportunity outside the Rieter Group. Roger has worked for the Group for 11 years and has been instrumental in maintaining Rieter’s position as a technology leader in the short-staple business. He started as a Division Controller for Components and later led the Business Unit Suessen in Germany within the Components Division. Afterwards he was appointed to the Group Executive Committee as Head of the “Machines & Systems” Division. Since January 2026, he has been leading the “Components & Technology” Division.

Roger will leave Rieter during the first quarter of 2027. His successor will be announced in due course.

We would like to thank Roger for his contributions over the last years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Rieter Group

Porcher Industries Announces A Change In Governance

ÉCLOSE-BADINIÈRES, France — August 24, 2026 — After ten years at the helm of Porcher Industries, during which the Group underwent significant transformation, André Genton has decided to hand over his operational responsibilities as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He will continue to support the Porcher Industries Group as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

André Genton

This governance change reflects the Group’s commitment to ensuring continuity in its strategic direction while preparing for the next stages of Porcher industries’ development.

In his new role, André Genton will continue to contribute his experience, deep market knowledge, and strategic vision to the benefit of the Group.

This transition comes at a time when Porcher Industries and its subsidiaries are built on solid foundations to pursue their growth ambitions. Over the past ten years, the Group has undergone a profound transformation, driven by an ambitious investment policy totaling more than €120 million.

These investments have strengthened the Group’s industrial capabilities, supported its international growth, and enabled continued development across all of its strategic markets.

“These past ten years have been marked by a significant transformation of Porcher Industries and by many collective achievements. Today, the Group has strong assets to support its continued growth. As Chairman of the Supervisory Board, I look forward to continuing to support this momentum while allowing a new leadership team to manage day-to-day operations,” said André Genton.

Appointment of the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Effective August 24, 2026, the executive management of Porcher Industries will be entrusted to Damien Chauveinc, who has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group.

He joins us with extensive executive leadership experience gained in major international companies across a range of industries, including consulting, specialty materials, industrial equipment, and building products. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong expertise in serving demanding markets such as aerospace, automotive, and various industrial sectors.

This governance evolution reflects the Group’s commitment to combining continuity, stability, and long-term vision in order to support its continued development across its strategic markets.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Porcher Industries

Arclin Signs UN Global Compact, Advancing Commitment To Sustainable Innovation & Responsible Operations

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — August 24, 2026 — Arclin, a materials science company, today announced that it has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

Through this commitment, Arclin reinforces its longstanding dedication to responsible business practices and pledges support for the compact’s mission to advance sustainable, inclusive growth. Arclin joins an international network of more than 20,000 companies and 3,800 non-business participants working to address global challenges and create positive economic, environmental, and social impact.

“Arclin believes that real sustainability progress happens when companies work together to drive change at scale,” said Bradley Bolduc, Arclin’s Chief Executive Officer. “As a signatory of the UN Global Compact, we look forward to collaborating with peers across industries to help advance sustainable business practices, address shared challenges, and create lasting value for our customers, partners, and communities.”

Arclin’s current sustainability efforts are focused on responsible sourcing, efficient operations, and product innovation. Since 2023, Arclin has required suppliers to sign a Code of Conduct covering labor and employment rights, health and safety expectations, environmental practices, business ethics, global trade practices, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Both Arclin and The Willamette Valley Company, an Arclin brand, are active members of the Wood-Based Composites Center (WBC), which is a Cooperative Research Center driven by an industry-scientific community that develops research related to composites and renewable materials. Arclin is also a member of the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association and has earned ISCC PLUS certification for its Asturias, Spain, and Spruance (Richmond), Virginia, manufacturing facilities, supporting the production of Kevlar®, Kevlar® EXO™, and Nomex® products made with more sustainable raw materials. Additionally, many Arclin products carry sustainability attributes, including FSC certification and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification.

Throughout its operations, Arclin continues to invest in efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Since 2018, the company has trained over 100 champions across the business on Lean Six Sigma practices, and in 2025, its Asturias manufacturing facility added a 12.6 MWp onsite solar array for self-consumption, featuring more than 22,000 solar panels. As part of waste reduction efforts, The Willamette Valley Company (WVCO) offers tote and bulk bag return programs to customers to encourage re-use.

Sustainability considerations are also integrated into Arclin’s innovation process, with measurable benefits for customers. Recent examples include new Kevlar® paper and Kevlar® EXO™, which delivers significant lightweighting benefits across multiple industries including aerospace. Arclin’s Eclectic Products brand (WVCO), which is sold at major retailers across North America, is actively developing sustainable and recyclable packaging for adoption across their portfolio.

Arclin’s commitment to sustainable innovation has earned recent industry recognition. Notably, its Firepoint® fire-resistant sheathing was named a Green Builder Media “Sustainable Product of the Year” in both 2025 and 2026. Designed for use in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, Firepoint® supports longer-lasting, more resilient construction while helping reduce the environmental impact associated with wildfire reconstruction. By reducing materials, labor requirements, and carbon emissions, the product helps builders conserve resources while creating homes better equipped to withstand wildfire.

“Joining the UN Global Compact reflects the work already underway across Arclin to integrate sustainability into how we operate, innovate, and engage with our supply chain,” said Kelsey Bergan, Arclin’s Vice President of Global Sustainability. “From responsible sourcing and operational efficiency to product innovation and stakeholder engagement, we are focused on embedding responsible business practices throughout our organization as a part of growth strategy.”

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Arclin

VIATT 2027 To Support Vietnam’s Shift Toward Value-Added And Sustainable Textile Growth

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — August 24, 2026 — Vietnam continues to strengthen its standing as a strategic hub in the global textile supply chain, positioning itself at the forefront of industry upgrading in Southeast Asia. In parallel, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from 24 – 26 February 2027, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive trade platform in ASEAN covering the entire value chain – from raw materials and fabrics to garments and advanced manufacturing technologies.

VIATT serves as a sourcing hub connecting regional manufacturers with global suppliers and buyers, with the 2026 edition welcoming nearly 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions and over 17,000 visits from 54 represented markets. The inaugural German Pavilion and Türkiye Zone expanded the fair’s global footprint, alongside returning pavilions and zones from China, Europe, India, Japan, and Taiwan. Over 350 business matching meetings connected exhibitors with buyers from over 20 countries and regions, reinforcing the fair’s role facilitating cross-border sourcing and partnerships – a role which is set to facilitate additional sustainable exchange at its upcoming edition.

“Vietnam’s textile industry is at a turning point,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “As global competition intensifies and ESG requirements tighten, companies are shifting from volume-driven growth to value creation, technology adoption and supply chain transparency. As a comprehensive platform covering the full textile value chain, VIATT 2027 will support this transition in the region by connecting materials, production technologies and a range of international markets within one integrated environment.”

The upcoming edition will take place as Vietnam’s textile and garment industry – a key pillar within the global supply chain – undergoes structural adjustment. In the first half of 2026, the industry generated more than USD 22 billion in exports, while maintaining a full-year target of USD 48 billion[1]. Industry leaders note that future growth must rely less on capacity expansion and more on productivity, stronger domestic sourcing, market diversification, accelerated digitalisation and greener production models. With more than 60% of production inputs still imported[2], deeper regional integration and higher value addition remain strategic priorities.

Integrated industry showcase promotes sourcing across three categories

Reflecting the market’s strategic priorities, VIATT 2027 will look to strengthen its cross-sector structure across Apparel Fabrics & Fashion, Home & Contract Textiles, and Technical Textiles & Technologies. By bringing together yarn suppliers, fabric manufacturers, garment producers and machinery and solution providers, the fair enables businesses to explore higher-value materials, upgrade manufacturing capabilities and reinforce sourcing networks across global markets.

Exhibitors in 2026 highlighted the advantages of the fair’s integrated format. Mr Ezra Clarence, Marketing Manager of PT Kary Indomas Elok, Indonesia, commented: “With our company showcasing products mainly for clothes, stuffed toys, and home furniture, VIATT’s combination of three sectors is a perfect match for us, helping us reach new potential customers. As we look to expand exports to the US and Europe, we were able to meet highly targeted buyers here.”

Beyond the exhibition floor, the show has expanded its role as a platform for industry dialogue, with last year’s fringe programme addressing industry trends, sustainability regulations, digitalisation strategies, and trade developments. VIATT 2027 will continue to give a platform to future-focused topics and expert speakers, while sustainability will remain central through the Econogy Hub and Econogy Check, showcasing certified sustainable fibres, recycled materials, circular solutions, and traceability systems. This integrated approach supports exporters in meeting tightening ESG and compliance requirements in key global markets. As ASEAN’s textile landscape evolves, next year’s edition aims to serve as both sourcing hub and strategic meeting point for regional and international stakeholders seeking integrated, sustainable, and value-driven growth across the supply chain.

The fair’s importance in this regard was noted by Mr William Yip, Raw Materials Lead at Mountain Equipment Company, Canada, who attended the previous edition: “What’s quite unique about Vietnam is its transition towards more innovative qualities and material differentiation. This fair is very important because for many brands, it is essential to look at the entire value chain. From a traceability perspective, it is invaluable to have insight into your yarn supplier, the yarns used in your fabrics, and ultimately your garment suppliers.”

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE). For more details on this fair, please visit or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT 2027 will be held from 24 – 26 February 2027.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

25 Years In The Room: EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ Returns To Cascais To Shape A Changing Industry

BRUSSELS, Belgium — August 20, 2026 — The market does not wait, and it does not grant easy answers. Across the absorbent hygiene, personal care, and wipes sectors, business is undergoing a period of intense, necessary adjustment.

New European rules on packaging, single-use items, product safety, and end-of-life are forcing companies to drop old assumptions about materials and performance. At the same time, producers must keep their goods safe, reliable, and affordable for the babies and aging adults, who rely on them every day.

From 22 to 24 September 2026, EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to the Hotel Miragem in Cascais, Portugal, for its twenty-fifth edition of the conference.

OUTLOOK™ began in Monaco in 2001. It focused then on baby diapers and menstrual protection. Over a quarter of a century, the work expanded. It grew to cover adult incontinence, wipes, complex international product safety, and strict environmental compliance. In 2007, the conference met in Cascais. Returning to the Portuguese coast this September marks a milestone, but the focus remains squarely on the work ahead.

“OUTLOOK™ has never aimed to be the biggest or the loudest event on the calendar; it has aimed to be the most valuable,” says Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA and CEO of the Global Nonwovens Alliance. “Delegates come for market intelligence, regulatory analysis, consumer insights, and technical expertise that help them make better strategic decisions. Digital tools are useful, but trust is built face to face. Ideas are challenged more openly when people stand in the same room.”

 The three-day programme takes on the hardest questions in the supply chain directly:

  • Day 1 Keynote — Global Macroeconomics & Shocks: Henry Curr, Economics Editor at The Economist, will open the plenary with his keynote presentation, “The Teflon world economy and what could finally break it.” Curr oversees global economics coverage for The Economist and has written some 30 cover stories on labour markets, public debt, the future of global commerce, and the risks of “homeland economics” and green protectionism. Drawing on discussions with top policymakers and executives, he will explore how global markets have absorbed successive crises—from geopolitical conflicts to AI-driven labour disruption—and what structural risks could still disrupt demand and capital investment.
  • Session 1 — Market Drivers in a Challenging Environment: Moderated by Jacques Prigneaux (Market Analysis & Economic Affairs Director, EDANA), this session examines the pivotal market drivers redefining the competitive landscape. Industry specialists Kaushik Mitra (Chemical Market Analytics by Dow Jones), Dr. Annika Trümpler (Schlegel und Partner), and Natalia Bezrebra (Euromonitor) will address shifting polyolefin supply, pricing downslides, post-crisis supply chains, and the strategic expansion of major Chinese hygiene manufacturers entering the European market.
  • Session 2 — Global Product Safety Compliance Panel: Moderated by Luminita Barbu (Regulatory Affairs Director, EDANA), this high-level panel addresses the complex matrix of international consumer product safety regulations, compliance standards, and policy trends. Featuring legal and regulatory authorities—including Claudio Mereu and Natalie Konings, Partners at Bird & Bird—the discussion will highlight the practical implications of international initiatives such as the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety, alongside regulatory divergence and convergence across the EU, US, and China.
  • Day 2 Keynote — Future Retail Trends & Consumer Shifts: Renowned retail futurist Theresa Schleicher opens Day 2 with her keynote, “Next Growth: The Bigger Consumer Shifts on the Horizon.” Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading retail futurists, Schleicher is a former Managing Director at Hirschen Group, an author of acclaimed retail trend studies, a retail start-up investor, and a strategic sparring partner for Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Zukunftsinstitut, and global giants like Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, and Beiersdorf. Her session will uncover macro consumer trends, economic resilience, and emerging opportunities in absorbent hygiene.
  • Session 3 — The Consumer Lens: Redefining Value in Absorbent Hygiene: Moderated by Murat Dogru, this senior leadership panel puts the consumer perspective at the centre of innovation. Featuring senior leaders including Sara Järup (Global Material Development Director at Essity), Matrice Jackson (Director, Global R&D at Kimberly-Clark Corporation), and Giulia Antonioli (Head of Communications, Reputation & Public Affairs, Baby Care Europe at Procter & Gamble), the panel examines how consumer expectations around sustainability, dignity, and transparency are redefining value across femcare, adult incontinence, and baby care.
  • Session 4 — The Transition in Wipes & Interactive Q&A: Focusing on “Wipes: The Pros and Cons of Going Plastic-Free,” this session brings together technical and public affairs experts—including Brieuc Lits (EDANA), Wolfgang Tenbusch (Albaad Deutschland), Sergio Rosales Calderon and Sebastien Monges (BCNonwovens), and Elisabeth Swennenhuis (Magnera Corporation)—to evaluate EU policy tools (SUPD, EMPCO, EPR schemes), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and the performance trade-offs of pulp versus viscose spunlace. The session concludes with a dedicated live Q&A and open floor discussion with the audience.
  • Session 5 — Can Absorbent Hygiene Products Become Circular? Led by EDANA’s Sustainability Director, Rawaa Ammar, this forward-looking session explores actionable circularity for the nonwovens sector. Featuring insights from Jeff Stubbe, CEO of Woosh, the session shares real-world operational lessons on closing the diaper loop and demonstrating that circularity can operate as an economically viable business model rather than a small-scale trial.

Exhibition, Business Meetings & Networking

Beyond the conference hall, OUTLOOK™ 2026 provides extensive commercial and networking platforms:

  • Tabletop Exhibition: A dedicated showcase featuring 20 innovative companies presenting advanced technologies, materials, and services.
  • Private Meeting Rooms: Dedicated business spaces designed for private discussions and commercial partnerships.
  • Evening Social Programme: Delegates will connect during the welcome cocktail at Hotel Miragem and an evening reception at the historic Valverde Sintra Palácio, set in the scenic hills of Sintra.

OUTLOOK™ 2026 is built for decision-makers. Alongside the plenary sessions, the event hosts a curated tabletop exhibition of 20 innovators, dedicated private meeting rooms for commercial discussions, and structured networking. Delegates will also gather for an evening reception at the historic Valverde Sintra Palácio in the Sintra hills.

More than 500 senior leaders across the value chain—raw material suppliers, machine builders, converters, brand owners, and retailers—will attend. You can track industry shifts from behind a desk, but you cannot replace being present when the sector evaluates itself and decides its course.

Registration is open! Companies registering four or more delegates simultaneously receive a 15% discount.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: EDANA

Equipment Finance Industry Confidence Eases In August

WASHINGTON, DC — August 20, 2026 — The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its August 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market is 62.4, easing from the July index of 63.7, but within the elevated range of the past six months. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.

August 2026 Survey Results:

  • Business Conditions – When assessing the next four months, 26.1% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve, up from 22.7% in July. Those who believe business conditions will remain the same decreased to 65.2 from 72.7% the previous month. The percentage of executives who believe business conditions will worsen increased to 8.7% from 4.6% in July.
  • Capex Demand – For the next four months, 26.1% of survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase (down from 28.6% in July). Additionally, 73.9% expect demand to remain the same (up from 66.7% last month), and none believe demand will decline (down from 4.6% in July). 
  • Access to Capital – Over the next four months, 33.3% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, 66.7% anticipate the “same” access to capital to fund business, and none expect “less” access to capital, all unchanged from July.
  • Employment – Regarding employment over the next four months, 42.9% of executives expect to hire more employees, a decrease from 54.6% in July. Also, 52.4% foresee no change in headcount (up from 36.4% last month), and 4.8% expect to hire fewer employees (down from 9.1% in July).
  • U.S. Economy – Of the respondents, 4.8% evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” down from 15% in July; 95.2% assess it as “fair,” up from 80% last month; and none evaluate it as “poor,” down from 5% in July.
  • Economic Outlook – Over the next six months, 18.2% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will “get better,” a decrease from 22.7% in July. Another 59.1% expect the U.S. economy to “stay the same,” down from 63.6% last month; and 22.7% believe economic conditions will worsen, an increase from 13.6% in July.
  • Business Development Spending – Over the next six months, 40.9% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, 59.1% believe there will be “no change” in business development spending, and none believe there will be a decrease in spending, all unchanged from the previous month.

August 2026 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:

Bank, Small Ticket

“As recent activity reporting illustrates, new business volume is increasing and portfolio performance is good. While uncertainty in the economy, rates, politics and world events continues, business volume and performance is a true indicator of the market’s view of the future and it is positive. We have experienced a strong first half of the year and expect the second half to be strong for our business at Wintrust.” David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance

Independent, Middle Ticket

“I’m pessimistic on the economy and bullish on our industry — those aren’t in conflict; they’re the same thesis viewed from two ends. Equipment doesn’t stop wearing out because the macro picture gets complicated; what changes is how it gets financed, and a rising-rate, high-inflation environment is where true leasing earns its keep. My number one concern is supply chain risk, and I don’t think our industry has priced it: lessees whose equipment sits idle waiting on a part still owe the payment, and uptime is collateral performance. We’re deploying our pre-recession playbook now, not later — discipline purchased early is cheap; purchased late, it isn’t available at any price.” Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO, Elevex Capital

Independent, Small Ticket

“Two hurdles in front of the economy, that once they are behind us, will open the economy up and reduce inflation, in my opinion. Those are the Iran war and the mid-term elections.” James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)

Traci Anelli Joins Association For Linen Management As Vice President Of Marketing & Events

RICHMOND, Ky.  — August 20, 2026 — The Association for Linen Management (ALM) is pleased to announce that Traci Anelli has joined the organization as Vice President of Marketing & Events, bringing extensive experience in marketing, communications, brand strategy, and the commercial laundry industry.

Traci Anelli

Anelli joins ALM after serving as Director of Marketing at G.A. Braun, which became JENSEN Braun following its acquisition by JENSEN-GROUP in December 2025. During her time with the company, she gained firsthand industry experience and developed a strong understanding of the people, challenges, and opportunities shaping the commercial laundry industry.

Her broader background includes leading regional marketing for a global manufacturer in the automotive industry, as well as an early career as a television news producer. Anelli holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Video Production from SUNY Fredonia and a Product Marketing Certificate from Cornell University.

In her new role, Anelli will lead ALM’s marketing and event strategies, with a focus on strengthening how the organization connects professionals across the industry with education, resources, events, and one another.

“For me, there’s a different kind of energy that comes with finding a role that just fits — the right people, the right mission, and the feeling that your experience and ideas have a place at the table,” Anelli said. “I’ve learned that the work I love most is bigger than simply marketing products or programs. It’s about bringing people together, making valuable

information and opportunities easier to access, and finding new ways to move an organization and an industry forward. I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing exactly that at ALM.”

Anelli’s arrival comes as ALM continues to expand how it serves laundry and linen professionals throughout their careers, bringing the organization’s marketing, education, events, membership, and partnership efforts into closer alignment.

“There is so much opportunity in this industry, and I’m excited about what we can build together,” Anelli added. “We already have some exciting things taking shape behind the scenes, and I can’t wait to share more about what’s next for ALM and the laundry and linen community.”

“Traci joins ALM at an important point in our growth,” said Sarah Brobeck, President & CEO of ALM. “She brings a strong combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and business acumen, along with a clear understanding of where we are headed. As we continue to strengthen the way we engage our members, grow our reach, and demonstrate the value

of ALM across the industry, Traci is exactly the kind of leader we need on our team. I’m excited about the role she will play in shaping what comes next.”

Anelli will work closely with Brobeck, ALM staff, members, and industry suppliers to grow engagement and expand awareness of ALM’s resources across the textile care industry.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Source: Association for Linen Management (ALM)

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