2025 Quarterly Issue II

The Supervisory Board of Austria-based Lenzing AG named Georg Kasperkovitz COO and a member of the Managing Board. He is responsible for managing the company-wide fiber production sites.

Carey

Tricia Carey has joined Avalo as chief commercial officer to bring its new low-input cotton to market.

Andrew Dailey was promoted at Jones Family of Companies, Charlotte, N.C., to general manager of Jones Sustainable Packaging.

Bernard

Glen Raven, Burlington, N.C., has promoted Andrew Bernard to vice president and general manager of the Shade & Marine Business Unit. Bernard has been with the company for 17 years.

Darn Tough Vermont®, Northfield, Vt., promoted Emily Corley from senior director of marketing to vice president of marketing. She is the first person to hold the position at the company.

Kathrin and Stephan Pleva were named managing directors of family-owned company Pleva GmbH, Germany. They will work with their father, Dr. Ralf Pleva, to lead the company.

Botero

Miami-based Avantex has appointed Carlos Botero president for Latin America.

Bianca Mannini has joined the Brussels-based Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) as a Trade and Environment officer. In addition, Daniela Waizel Rule was named a communications officer at BIR.

Westerterp

Israel-based Avgol, an Indorama Ventures company, has appointed Jelle Westerterp chief commercial officer.

S&S Activewear, Bolingbrook, Ill., has named Jim Sturgell senior vice president of sales, Nick Blannin senior vice president of merchandising, Bill Top senior vice president of commercial strategy and operations, and Kendall Whitley vice president of team sales.

Agrawal

Abhi Agrawal was announced as CEO of Greensboro, N.C.-based QTI Fibers and its portfolio of companies including Quantum Materials, Twitchell Technical Products and Infinity Woven Products.

The Lycra Co., Wilmington, Del., promoted Melissa Riggs to chief marketing officer.

McRae

Germany-based Puma has named Tara McRae president of PUMA North America.

During the Americas Apparel Producers’ Network’s (AAPN’s) annual meeting, Jill Coleman was announced as president of the organization. She takes over from Tony Anzovino.

Craig

Universal Fiber SystemsSM LLC, Bristol, Va., has appointed Jonathan Craig CEO. He succeeds Marc Ammen who is retiring after 25 years.

Crowley, Jacksonville, Fla., has named Jenny Fuss CFO.

Baltimore-based Under Armour recently named Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith and Robert Sweeney to its Board of Directors.

Five new executives recently joined Paris-based Chargeurs PCC: Riccardo Cossu as general manager, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Laure Sénéquier-Crozet as general manager of the Senfa Cliander division; Dmitry Fedorov as deputy chief information officer; and Claudia Rovati as global sales director, and Elisabetta Nicoli as supply chain manager of the Shirting Division.

Reinig

Jens Reinig was named CFO of Germany-based Freudenberg Performance Materials.

Samsara Eco, Australia, has appointed Brock Thomas as chief innovation officer and Isaac Iverson as executive product director.

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary. N.C., named four new people to its board for 2025: Maria-giovanna Ramini Vetere, vice president of sustainability and public affairs, NatureWorks; Aleksandra Kruszewska, director of R&D and business development, Reckitt; Mark Tumelty, senior vice president and general manager, Nice-Pak Products Inc.; and Ginny Casstevens, director of sales & marketing, Fibertex Nonwovens Inc.

Kevin Whiteside was promoted to president of Vandewiele Inc., Chattanooga, Tenn. He succeeds Bob Harding who was promoted to chairman of the board. Harding will continue to serve as managing director of Vandewiele’s operation in the United Kingdom.

2025 Quarterly Issue II

 

2025 Quarterly Issue II

Santa Monica, Calif.-based Figs Inc. has launched FORMx™ scrubs featuring five times the stretch found in traditional scrubs. The garments, made using 81-percent nylon/19-percent spandex, offer four-way elasticity of approximately 70 percent in both directions. FORMx scrubs also are antimicrobial, moisture wicking and antistatic. Figs also recently introduced a year-round, medical apparel recycling program in partnership with SuperCircle. Scrubs may be recycled by mail or at Figs’ Community Hub locations in exchange for a store credit.

DUER, Vancouver, British Columbia, has introduced Performance Denim Lite, a warm-weather denim option that is 25-percent lighter than the brand’s traditional Performance Denim. The Lite version is a 74-percent cotton/24-percent COOLMAX® All Season EcoMade Polyester/2-percent elastane blend for comfort as well as temperature regulation.

Trivantage®, Burlington, N.C., has introduced a revamped version of its Gore® Tenara sewing thread. The new variant is a three-ply, polytetrafluoroethylene thread designed for high-speed sewing.

Switzerland-based Uster Technologies has released the Uster AFIS 6 fiber process control system. This next-generation laboratory instrument tests man-made-fiber properties in addition to cotton, offering critical data for cotton, blended and man-made yarns.

England-based James Heal has devised a new nine station Martindale abrasion and pilling tester called the Martindale Motion. Engineered with individual lifting heads, each station may be run independently allowing different fabrics to be tested at the same time.

2025 Quarterly Issue II

 

Herculite Products, Inc. Promotes Mike Stephenson To Director Of Manufacturing

EMIGSVILLE, PA — June 12, 2025 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Stephenson as the new Director of Manufacturing

Mike Stephenson

Mike joined Herculite in 2010 and has served in progressively responsible roles within manufacturing for the past 15 years. In his most recent role as Production Manager, he has played a key role in enhancing efficiency and productivity throughout the manufacturing process. Mike has also been instrumental in Herculite’s safety efforts, taking the lead on implementing building-wide safety improvement initiatives. His deep understanding of our production processes, commitment to quality, and passion for continuous improvement will make him an ideal fit for this new role.

Vice President of Operations Gary Harrelson said, “This promotion comes as no surprise to me.  Mike is an extremely hardworking, focused, and driven individual who always provides positive results.  I have worked closely with Mike over the past few years and have seen these outstanding results firsthand.  He has increased efficiencies in many areas, provided cost-saving insights, and possesses an innovative mindset.  There is no doubt that he is very deserving of this role and will excel while in the Director’s Chair. “

In this new role, Mike will continue to support Herculite in its mission to help customers grow their businesses by delivering products and services of exceptional value, distinguished by their quality and innovation, on time, every day.

Posted: June 12, 2025

Source: Herculite Products, Inc.

ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey: Global Textile Value Chain — Between Stagnation And Uneven Recovery

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 12, 2025 — The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) released findings from its 32nd Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted May 12-22, 2025, revealing sharp regional variations across the global textile industry.

Regional Performance Varies Dramatically

The survey shows a challenging global business situation with a -20 percentage point balance, but regional performance differs significantly. Africa emerges as the standout performer with a positive +23 pp balance, followed by South America at +6 pp. In contrast, East Asia faces significant challenges with a -48 pp balance. Looking ahead, the industry shows cautious optimism (+24 pp), with North America leading confidence at +65 pp and Africa at +54 pp, while East Asia remains negative at -18 pp.

Orders and Capacity Show Mixed Signals

Global order intake declined for four consecutive months since January, reaching -21 pp in May. Africa again leads with positive intake (+18 pp), while Europe (-45 pp) and East Asia (-41 pp) struggle most. Despite order challenges, global backlogs show modest recovery at 2.3 months. Textile capacity utilization reached 72% in May 2025. Asian markets continue to lead utilization rates, while upstream segments like spinning significantly outperform downstream operations.

Demand Concerns Dominate

Weak demand remains the primary concern for 61% of global participants over the next six months, with trade tensions and operational costs as secondary issues. Order cancellation rates remain stable and low across all regions.

For more information, please see www.itmf.org or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

Posted: June 12, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation

Yarn Dyeing Specialist Atkinson Dyeing Cuts Carbon Footprint With Innovative Heat Recovery System

Richard Smith, Operations Manager at Atkinson Dyeing

KEIGHLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE, UK — June 12, 2025 — Atkinson Dyeing, a specialist yarn dyeing facility established in 1978 and acquired by woollen mill AW Hainsworth in 2019, has undergone significant transformation to improve environmental performance and modernize operations. The centerpiece of this transformation is the installation of a state-of-the-art heat recovery system, which captures 60°C wastewater and uses it to preheat incoming cold water to 50°C. This system is designed to reduce the site’s reliance on gas, delivering a major reduction in carbon emissions. At its full potential, this is projected to lower the facility’s gas bill by 20% and electricity by 10%.

This investment builds on a range of infrastructure and operational improvements made across the Atkinson Dyeing site in Keighley. The winding area has been upgraded to increase efficiency, featuring the installation of 3D fans to reduce dust and improve air quality, a new insulated roof, upgraded LED lighting, and new windows that increase natural light. Reusable cones continue to reduce plastic waste, while new, in-house-engineered yarn-stripping machines have improved speed and process control. The site also introduced computer-controlled dyeing machines, which reduce water consumption compared to traditional methods.

Water and chemical management has also been a priority. The site utilises river abstraction rights to reduce its reliance on mains water and ensures that all used water is treated offsite, with no discharge returning to the river. To mitigate environmental risks, bunds have been installed beneath chemical storage areas to contain any potential leaks. There has also been a focus on recycling and reuse efforts, with all cardboard, plastic, and wood being recycled and repurposed where possible.

On the technical side, Atkinson Dyeing has implemented an OrgaTEXcloud-based planning system to enhance production traceability and scheduling across departments.

Richard Smith, Operations Manager at Atkinson Dyeing, commented: “In previous years, we’ve installed power-saving inverters on our machinery, switched to an electric forklift truck, and converted the oil powered boiler to a more efficient gas burner, which reduced energy usage by 64%.

“We still have a long way to go, but we’re proud of the progress made at Atkinson Dyeing. From facility upgrades to innovative technology and sustainable practices, we are continuously investing in our long-term vision for growth, environmental responsibility, and workplace wellbeing.”

The facility’s progress is closely monitored using a carbon intensity model that tracks emissions per kilogram of yarn processed. This method allows the team to maintain high levels of transparency and accountability while setting a clear baseline for future reductions. The improvements at Atkinson Dyeing form part of AW Hainsworth’s broader sustainability strategy, which is supported through Planet Mark certification and a formal roadmap towards reaching Net Zero.

Posted: June 12, 2025

Source: Atkinson Dyeing

lululemon And Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan To Advance Recycled Material Portfolio

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — June 12, 2025 — lululemon and Samsara Eco have announced they will collaborate on a 10-year offtake agreement to source recycled raw materials, underscoring lululemon’s long-term commitment to help build a circular ecosystem for its high-performance products. This multi-year agreement could see Samsara Eco’s materials support approximately 20% of lululemon’s overall fibers portfolio and advance its progress towards making more products with preferred materials by 2030.

The announcement builds on a long-standing collaboration between lululemon and Samsara Eco. Together last year, the companies brought to market the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product sample, as well as introduced lululemon’s first enzymatically recycled polyester product to market with a limited-edition Packable Anorak. These garments demonstrate the capabilities for enzymatically recycled textiles to deliver the same look, feel, and high-performance qualities guests expect and love from lululemon.

Ted Dagnese, Chief Supply Chain Officer at lululemon and Paul Riley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Samsara Eco.

“Scaling circular materials requires bold partnerships and a shared commitment to rethinking how our industry operates. Our partnership with Samsara Eco is a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration,” said Ted Dagnese, Chief Supply Chain Officer at lululemon. “As we work toward our 2030 impact goals, we’re taking a diversified approach—investing in multiple partnerships to advance solutions and help reduce our reliance on fossil-fuel derived resources. Together with our partners, including Samsara Eco, we’re helping to turn our vision of a circular model into a reality.”

Polyester and nylon are two widely used fibers in textiles, accounting for approximately 60% of the world’s total fibers production. To strengthen the recycling capabilities of these textiles, Samsara Eco became the first company to enzymatically recycle nylon 6,6 products in this way. Samsara Eco also recycles polyester, including mixed plastics and fibers, with its engineered enzymes, which break down plastic into its original building blocks so they can be seamlessly reintegrated into existing manufacturing processes to create new products.

“Our expanded partnership with lululemon represents a strong step forward to help create a fully circular ecosystem and further highlights the industry’s commitment to transition to more circular materials,” said Paul Riley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Samsara Eco. “The technology to make circular materials is not a pipe dream – it is here, ready for adoption by forward-thinking companies. I’m incredibly optimistic about how we will help fuel circular apparel over the next decade with lululemon.”

To support commercialization efforts, Samsara Eco will soon open a new plant in Jerrabomberra, New South Wales. This facility will increase production volumes and advance its engineered enzyme technology, EosEco™. Additionally, Samsara Eco will be opening an international commercial facility in 2028.

To learn more about lululemon’s material innovation and sustainability commitments here.

Posted: June 12, 2025

Source: Samsara Eco

INDA And EDANA Boards Approve Formation Of The Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA)

PARIS — June 11, 2025 — The Boards of Directors of INDA and EDANA have officially approved the formation of the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) and have concurrently agreed to become its founding members. Both Boards have also approved a motion authorizing each organization to appoint six representatives from each founding organization – current chair and 5 additional representatives.

This move marks a major milestone in the collaborative vision outlined in the organizations’ jointly signed Letter of Intent from September 2024. The Board votes follow extensive planning and consultation and includes the recommendation to formally establish GNA as a non-profit association under the laws of the United States.

By aligning strategic resources and deepening collaboration, the GNA will provide a unified and coordinated approach to the key opportunities and challenges facing the global nonwovens industry. The Alliance is designed to accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency, expand international reach, and foster long-term industry growth—all while strengthening the services and support delivered to members at both regional and global levels.

Under the GNA framework, INDA and EDANA will continue to operate as independent legal entities, maintaining their regional focus and advocacy efforts. As founding members, however, both organizations will participate in aligning leadership, staffing, and programmatic initiatives to advance shared objectives and cross-border priorities.

In the immediate term, INDA and EDANA will focus on laying a strong foundation for GNA, including establishing the organization and solidifying its governance structure. Looking ahead, Allied Membership is expected to be open to any not-for- profit trade, industry, or professional association whose mission aligns with that of the founding members—offering an inclusive platform for broader collaboration across the global nonwovens value chain.

“The formation of GNA is a milestone for our industry. By working together across regions, we can accelerate innovation, speak with a stronger voice globally, and deliver even greater value to our members,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “This is not a merger—it’s a strategic alliance built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of nonwovens.”

“With the creation of GNA, we are positioning the nonwovens industry to meet global challenges with greater unity and impact,” said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. “This collaborative structure allows us to scale our efforts, strengthen our influence, and pursue solutions that benefit our members worldwide.”

GNA will be governed by a Board composed of six members from each founding organization, five appointed representatives plus the current Chair, ensuring balanced representation and a regional perspective. This governance structure will promote transparency, long-term strategic alignment, and organizational stability while guiding shared policies, priorities, and programs.

Posted: June 12, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry / EDANA

Members Of The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) Feature Testing, Instrumentation And Machine Control Developments At ITMA Asia + CITME 2025

MANCHESTER, England — June 10, 2025 — A leading position in the areas of testing, instrumentation and machine control has been established by members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) and a number of new developments in these fields will be showcased at this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition, which takes place in Singapore from October 28-31.

BTMA CEO Jason Kent

“Many of our members are currently developing new technologies, either in-house or increasingly through joint projects, and there will be much to reveal by the time of ITMA Asia in Singapore,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Some of the most recent developments are really going beyond what has previously been possible.”

The tactility challenge

A case in point is the new Sentire fabric handle tester which has just been launched by Roaches International.

One of the biggest challenges faced by designers and manufacturers, the company explains, is in describing and sharing information about fabric aesthetics before manufacturing, or without the costly and time-consuming process of transporting physical samples.

The new Roaches International Sentire

The elusive concept of ‘fabric handle’ – the tactile sensation experienced when touching and manipulating fabric – is a critical aspect of textile evaluation, but to date it’s been very subjective.

“No two people will describe how a fabric feels in the same way and the lack of a common language to describe fabric tactility poses communication challenges across the complex global fashion and textile supply chain,” says Roaches

International MD Sean O’Neill. “How do you objectively measure qualities like softness, smoothness, drape, and stiffness?”

The answer is with the new Sentire

Haptic spatial system

Roaches worked with specialists at the University of Leeds to develop the new finished fabric evaluation system which defines the tactile properties of fabrics via a haptic spatial system – similar, for example, to the way colour charts are digitally defined for colour palettes, or Tog values rate warmth.

Fabric samples are placed into the Sentire to run a series of tests which generate quantitative fabric tactile property data akin to a fingerprint for the fabric, which can then be compared against other samples and communicated digitally to partners in different locations.

“This technology has the potential to impact the supply chain in a similar way to the spectrophotometer for the communication of colour,” says O’Neill. “We have had a fantastic initial response to the Sentire and its possibilities are huge. Not only can it be used to compare textile tactility globally, but we are also seeing interest from online retailers who want to accurately display the way a particular fabric drapes on the body.”

Shelton Vision’s latest WebSpector in action.

Patterned fabric inspection

The precise detection of defects during the production of fabrics has meanwhile recently been significantly advanced with the introduction of the latest WebSpector automated fabric inspection system by Shelton Vision.

Building on its market leading vision system for plain, single colour textiles, Shelton’s patent-pending image processing techniques now recognise and adapt to complex patterns such as camouflage and even on fabrics with significant distortion and deformation.

Fabrics are not rigid and can be sheared or stretched while also being subject to local distortion, but the WebSpector system now successfully deals with such anomalies in real time to provide a reliable inspection process at the same levels as plain fabric.

The unique and advanced software techniques ensure a totally clean image, allowing the full detection of faults on fabrics running at high speeds.

WebSpector systems have already been supplied to manufacturers of performance wear and high-end fashion, automotive interiors, denim, outdoor upholstery, sunscreen, mattress ticking, window dressings and even carbon fibre composites.

The latest Webspector was introduced at ITMA 2023 in Milan to great acclaim and will be demonstrated for the first time in Asia  at the Singapore exhibition.

The new James Heal Martindale Motion.

Abrasion and pilling testing

Martindale testing needs little introduction to textile manufacturers, being well established as the industry standard for abrasion and pilling testing since its initial development and introduction by James Heal back in the 1940s.

For 2025, however, James Heal’s development team have taken a fresh look at this classic instrument and the result is the new Martindale Motion.

This redesigned nine-station Martindale instrument with individual lifting heads now offers the flexibility to run each station independently for carrying out different textile tests simultaneously.

Multiple textiles can be tested at the same time through to conclusion without intervention. Once set up, the Martindale Motion can be left running with the sample holders automatically lifting at the required evaluation points, freeing up the operator’s time to do other work without the need to return until the abrasion or pilling test is fully completed, including overnight.

Each sample is kept in-tact at the end point for evaluation and checking, reducing queries on grading and the potential need for re-testing. Further refinements include a new hinged access to change the self-aligning drive pins, allowing quick and safe switching between tests.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the James Heal Martindale range has seen numerous updates, models and innovations over the years, such as touchscreen and user-friendly software, best-in-class safety features combined with the signature near silent running of this staple lab instrument. Added to this have been the introduction of the DurAbrasion multi-function testing machine, later followed by the market-leading evolution, the AquAbrasion wet abrasion tester launched in 2019.

The Martindale Motion, however, is now taking productivity and efficiency to a higher level than ever before.

Pushing the boundaries

“These BTMA companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the area of textile testing,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “They are each making solid contributions to the quality and performance properties of today’s textile products, and just as importantly, enabling manufacturers to prove their claims. We look forward to meeting customers old and new in Singapore.”

Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organisation acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.

Posted: June 11, 2025

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Pincroft Strengthens Growth Strategy With New Appointment: Catherine Roebuck New Business Development Manager

ADLINGTON, UK— June 10, 2025 — Commission textile dyer, printer and finisher Pincroft, has announced the appointment of Catherine Roebuck as its new Business Development Manager, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth across the defence sector and broader textile markets.

Catherine Roebuck

With over two decades of experience in textile manufacturing and sales, Catherine brings a strong track record in business development across coated fabrics, upholstery, drapes and specialist technical finishes. Her career spans both UK and international markets, with previous roles covering the full sales cycle, from product development to delivery for customers in the retail, contract and leisure sectors.

She also brings deep expertise in a range of processes including cloth preparation, dyeing, printing and flame retardant coating, alongside a history of working closely with major brands on product specification, range launches and competitor analysis.

Commenting on her new role, Catherine says: “I have a passion for textile manufacturing, and with over 23 years in sales and business development across a wide variety of products and markets. I’m looking forward to applying that knowledge to support Pincroft’s continued growth. The company’s world-class reputation in camouflage printing and technical finishes is a fantastic foundation to build on.”

Catherine will focus on supporting the company’s growing military and defence portfolio, capitalising on the increased capacity of its newly installed Zimmer rotary print machine, while also expanding Pincroft’s wider commission finishing services.

The company’s Sales Director, Paul Farrell, adds: “Catherine’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the business. With increased production capabilities and demand across core sectors, her commercial insight and industry experience will be key in helping us deepen customer relationships and unlock new market opportunities.”

Posted: June 11, 2025

Source: Pincroft

World Emblem Signs Lease To Open New Factory In Dominican Republic

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — June 10, 2025 — , the world’s largest emblem and patch manufacturer, today announced it has signed a long-term lease for a new factory located in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.

Randy Carr

“After a thorough search, we selected the Dominican Republic for its business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to our clients in the United States,” said Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem. “As we look to further expand the range of products and services we provide to new and existing customers, this factory will enable us to strengthen our supply chain, enhance efficiency, and continue to grow the company.”

Construction of the approximately 100,000-square-foot plant is scheduled to begin in June and be completed in early 2026. Approximately 100 employees will be hired to work at the facility to start, with up to 500 jobs created in total.

“We are delighted to welcome World Emblem to the Dominican Republic, which will provide a stable, supportive business environment for the world’s leading provider of emblems and patches,” said Victor (Ito) Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic. “With our skilled and growing workforce, strong partnership with the U.S., and proximity to World Emblem’s customers, our country is the ideal place for the company to continue to grow its business.”

World Emblem utilizes the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to manufacture customized emblems and multi-textured products for clients throughout North America. The company has additional plants in Georgia, Texas, California, Mexico, and Canada, offering clients faster production and delivery times than overseas manufacturers.

Posted: June 10, 2025

Source: World Emblem

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