Good Fashion Fund Partners With K.K.P Fine Linen For New Wet Processing Unit

AMSTERDAM — January 27, 2025 — The Good Fashion Fund, the Laudes Foundation and the Fashion for Good initiated fund managed by FOUNT, has made an investment in K.K.P  Fine Linen Pvt. Ltd. (KKPFL) — an India-based manufacturer and  exporter of bed linen and made-up products from Namakkal. The $2 million loan will support K.K.P’ investment in the installation of an Effluent  Treatment Plant (ETP) in its upcoming wet processing unit in SIPCOT,  Perundurai, Tamil Nadu.

With India becoming a prominent home textiles market for international and domestic brands, KKPFL is poised to take advantage of the momentum by backward integrating the processing operations, improving efficiency in manufacturing and increasing their revenue potential. The company would be able to cater to the needs of its customers by having end-to-end control of its products manufactured in the highest sustainability standards and regulatory requirements.

The ETP (and the processing unit) is expected to demonstrate positive savings, especially in the areas  of chemical consumption, freshwater usage and material waste reduction in-line with stringent local pollution control norms. KKPFL (and KKP Group) also benefits from 100-percent renewable energy sourcing (solar and wind) of which close to 40 megawatts is from their in-house plant.

Sathesh Kumar

Speaking on the partnership, Sathesh Kumar Nallathambi, managing director of KKPFL, said: “We are beyond thrilled to partner with the Good Fashion Fund as the $2 million investment in our upcoming wet processing plant enables us to meet the rising demand for sustainable practices in the textile industry.

“This strategic collaboration represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future. With this investment, we are making bold strides to reinforce our commitment to  sustainable practices, driving both long-term impact and growth within our company.

“As leaders in sustainability within the home textiles manufacturing sector, this funding propels us forward. It ensures that we not only meet the demands of today but also lead by example in the sustainable fashion movement.”

Bob Assenberg

Bob Assenberg, Fund director of Good Fashion Fund, commented “We are excited to venture into the  home textiles segment in India through this investment in K.K.P Fine Linen, based in Namakkal. Through  this partnership, we aim to accelerate and demonstrate the potential of sustainable manufacturing  practices in the home textile segment.

KKPFL has proactively integrated sustainability in its strategy and operations and continues to strive for  new heights as a young and upcoming bedding and made-ups producer. This partnership marks an  important milestone for KKPFL and GFF.”

The Good Fashion Fund (GFF), is initiated by Fashion for Good and is a collaboration between Laudes  Foundation, The Mills Fabrica and FOUNT complemented by Rabobank as lender to the Fund. The Fund  provides long-term USD loans in addition to technical and environmental and social expertise to  manufacturers in Asia, primarily India and Bangladesh. Financing is to be used to invest in impact  equipment that deliver both economic growth and good fashion practice. The Good Fashion Fund has  a blended capital structure with an actual fund size of USD 19 million. The Fund is managed by FOUNT,  a leading impact investment firm from the Netherlands.

Current partners of the GFF also include Pratibha Syntex (India), Sri Kannapiran Mills (India), Progress  Apparels (Bangladesh) and EPIC Group (Bangladesh).

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: Good Fashion Fund 

Devan Chemicals Launches New Sleep Promoting Technology At Heimtextil 2025

RONSE, Belgium — January 27, 2025 — Devan, a global supplier of sustainable textile finishes, launched an innovative sleep promoting technology, “Devan Sleep Tight”, at Heimtextil 2025. This technology enhances sleep quality and overall quality of life, as confirmed by an independent clinical trial.

Inspired by the global “Beauty Sleep” trend, Devan introduces its latest innovation in sleep wellness. The active ingredient is derived from an upcycled by-product of Australian Tea Tree oil. This active ingredient acts by two complementary pathways, inhalation and skin contact, to improve nighttime benefits and skin regeneration to provide a healthier looking skin and revitalized look by morning.

Designed for use in textiles such as bedding and sleepwear, this new solution aims to transform nightly rest into a rejuvenating ritual, perfectly aligning with modern consumers’ desire for holistic self-care.

The technology boosts the melatonin action, reduces the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species), stimulates the production of antioxidant genes and protein and stimulates the collagen gene expression.

+97-Percent Biobased microcapsules

The Devan Sleep Tight technology is based on microencapsulation. First the active ingredients are incapsulated. Next, the biobased microcapsules are applied to the textile. The treated textiles touch our skin and the capsules break due to friction between the body and the textile. The content of the biobased capsules is then released and absorbed by the skin, while the volatile components of the active ingredients are simultaneously inhaled.

The microcapsules are readily biodegradable (tested according to the OECD 301B guideline). Possible applications are pillows, bed sheets, bed accessories, sleepwear, …

Clinical study

Thirty-three healthy female and male subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years, with sleep problems, were using a treated pillow cover with R-Vital NTL 10015 Sleep Tight every night for 30 days. Each subject was required to fill out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, focused on the sleep quality, quality of life and overall well-being, before and after 30 days of using the respective product. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a scientifically validated tool widely used to reliably assess and measure sleep quality.

The data shows that after 30 days of using a pillow case treated with R-Vital NTL 10015, subjects experienced notable improvements in several key areas of sleep and quality of life. The most significant changes were seen in sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, reduction of daytime dysfunction and quality of life.

Showcased at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt

Devan’s Sleep Tight technology was prominently featured at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, both by Devan and several of its partners. Notable among them were Crispim Abreu Lda and Lameirinho, two Portuguese companies specializing in bed linen and sleepwear, as well as Naturtex from Hungary, a leading producer of quilts and pillows.

The first productions are already underway, ensuring the technology will be available on the market by the second quarter of 2025. These alliances empower Devan Sleep Tight to deliver unparalleled value to manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike.

“Collaboration is at the heart of innovation,” says Marleen Van der Auwera, BU Leader of the Health & Wellness Division at Devan Chemicals. “By working closely with trusted industry leaders, we’re not just launching a product, we’re creating a solution that sets a new benchmark for sleep promoting textiles”.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: Devan Chemicals NV

Darryl Fournier Appointed As The COO Of Suominen

HELSINKI — January 27, 2025 — Darryl Fournier has been appointed as the COO at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen’s Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Fournier will start in his new position latest on February 24, 2025.

Darryl Fournier

Fournier joins Suominen from Wm. T. Burnett & Co., where he worked as vice president, Operations.

Fournier has extensive experience in production technologies, supply chain management, and sales support, with a strong focus on data-driven strategies and process improvement. “I am sure Darryl will drive our operational excellence and ensure our journey towards profitable growth,” said Björnman said.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: Suominen Corp.

Heimtextil 2026 Expands Its Product Portfolio By Non-Textile Floor Coverings

FRANKFURT, Germany— January 27, 2025 — Heimtextil launches a new product area for the 2026 edition. Non-textile floor coverings get a new base at the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles in Frankfurt: ‘Flooring & Equipment’ ideally complements the existing portfolio with Carpets & Rugs — and offers an attractive addition for numerous visitor target groups as well as valuable new contacts. With the launch of the new area, Heimtextil once again proves itself as the global platform for the entire textile and non-textile interior design sector.

With the new Flooring & Equipment product group, Heimtextil launches non-textile floor coverings. Photo — Messe Frankfurt

What have non-textile floor coverings and a textile trade fair have in common? The answer: they create a holistic buying experience for interior design. From 2026, Flooring & Equipment will therefore complement Heimtextil’s extensive product portfolio. The focus is on floors without a textile structure. These include elastic floor coverings, designer and luxury vinyl tiles, cork flooring, laminate, parquet and other wooden flooring, as well as outdoor floor coverings. Flooring & Equipment offers the industry a fixed date with a customised range in Frankfurt. As the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, Heimtextil provides a global market overview for the entire interior design sector. Here, buyers find the complete range of high-quality products, trends and interior designs for the home and the contract business – from wallpaper and curtains to carpets and non-textile floor coverings.

‘We are constantly working with the industry to further develop Heimtextil – into a global stage of inspiration and solutions for the entire interior design sector. Non-textile floor coverings are an ideal addition to the existing product range offered at Heimtextil and appeal to new target groups, such as the specialised floor-covering retail. Thanks to the direct link to Carpets & Rugs, the industry also benefits from efficient synergies between product segments and numerous new contacts’, says Margit Herberth, Director Heimtextil. In addition, Flooring & Equipment serves the interests of existing visitor target groups in an even more targeted manner – such as designers and decorators, (interior) architects, room and object furnishers, DIY and home improvement stores, garden centres, wholesalers and retailers.

The successful product segment Carpets & Rugs has become the home of the global carpet industry. The strong growth area already serves the relevant target groups for Flooring & Equipment at Heimtextil. The area of non-textile floor coverings is directly adjacent to the carpet segment – in terms of the product groups, but also the location on the exhibition grounds. ‘The new product range fits seamlessly into the hall plan of Heimtextil 2026 at the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Center. We optimise the visitor target groups’ routes in order to guide them efficiently and purposefully to the existing range’, explains Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil. In addition, there will also be a high-quality content programme for the global carpet and floor covering industry.

Heimtextil takes place from January 13-16, 2026.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ANDRITZ Bast Fiber Line Commissioned At Ekolution Plant In Malmö, Sweden

GRAZ, Austria — January 27, 2025 — International technology group ANDRITZ has recently commissioned a state-of-the art teXline bast fiber line at the new factory of Ekolution, a pioneer in sustainable building materials, in Malmö, Sweden. The line will expand Ekolution’s production capacity, producing environmentally friendly hemp fibers and nonwoven felts made from industrial hemp. The scope of supply included equipment for hemp decortication and refining, combined with a neXline airlay line for producing the felts.

ANDRITZ neXline airlay line in operation at Ekolution © Ekolution

Remi Loren, CEO of Ekolution, stated: “Our company is at the forefront of green materials with insulation and nonwoven products that are bio-based, carbon-negative and energy-efficient. ANDRITZ helps us achieve our sustainability targets through a process that makes the most of our raw materials while reducing resource consumption. We can also rely on ANDRITZ’s expertise in service and digitalization in the future to optimize our operations.”

ANDRITZ hemp decortication line in operation at Ekolution © Ekolution

The ANDRITZ line, designed to obtain hemp fiber without impurities through a gentle process, is equipped with machinery that has a small land footprint and operates at low energy consumption. The decortication and refining equipment will produce high-quality fibers from up to 5 tons of feedstock per hour. Some of the fibers will be fed into a neXline airlay flexiloft+ line producing up to 1.5 tons of nonwovens felt per hour for various applications.

“We are proud to be part of this project, which is fully in line with our commitment to provide sustainable and circular technologies that support the green transition,” says Francis-Elias Junker, Sales Area Manager for the ANDRITZ Nonwovens & Textile division.

Ekolution, established in Sweden in 2013, produces bio-based building solutions and materials using hemp from its own plantations as a raw material. Its hemp fiber insulation is the first with an Environmental Product Declaration (EDP) confirming that it is carbon-negative (more CO2 is sequestered in the industrial hemp than is emitted in the production process). Ekolution’s hemp panels and nonwoven products have recently been used in the construction of a high-tech logistics center in Stockholm, the world’s largest building project using hemp fiber insulation. In addition to the construction industry, Ekolution’s hemp products can also be used in the automotive, textile, furniture, acoustics, packaging, pulp (paper), and other segments where green, natural fibers are in demand.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: International technology group ANDRITZ

The AATCC Foundation: Apply For The NCTO Paul T. O’Day Scholarship

DURHAM, N.C. — January 27, 2025 — The AATCC Foundation is pleased to partner with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) to offer the Paul T. O’Day Scholarship.

Eligible applicants must have at least one parent or guardian employed by an NCTO member company and/or organization. Applicants may be any children, legally adopted children, or stepchildren of any active employee of an NCTO member company. Non-dues paying members of NCTO are not eligible for this program. Please see the list of member companies at https://ncto.org/industry-partners-resources/associations-affiliates/.

Paul T. O’Day

The Paul T. O’Day Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship that may be awarded for up to four years, for a cumulative scholarship of $20,000.  Applicants may pursue any area of study supportive of the American fiber industry. This includes, but is not limited to business, marketing, design, accounting, or engineering.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students, including rising freshmen, who are enrolled in a four-year college or university OR two-year college program, are encouraged to apply. Applicants’ parents or guardian must be employed by an NCTO member company and/or organization. Students should have career goals in support of the American fiber industry.

In addition, recipients must remain continuously enrolled throughout the academic year unless called for military service or affected by serious illness. Students must also carry a course load sufficient to be classified as a full-time student and notify the Foundation of any changes in their educational plans, including transfer or change of major. Failure to do so may result in loss of the scholarship.

While on this scholarship, students may enroll in a co-op program or attend summer school for the purpose of accelerating graduation. They may also transfer to another school while receiving the scholarship.

Scholarship recipients may renew the award annually by submitting a complete transcript showing a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0. The NCTO Scholarship Review Committee may request additional evidence of satisfactory progress toward graduation.

Renewals for any individual will not be made more than once for students working toward two-year technical degrees or more than three times for students pursuing four-year degrees. Renewals will not be made for work beyond the undergraduate level.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for this scholarship are based on several factors. Students are assessed based on their letter of recommendation, transcript, and grade point average/ratio (GPA/GPR). SAT or ACT scores for high school seniors and the major GPA for college students are also factored.

Students must also include a compelling personal statement explaining how this scholarship will assist studies in support of the American fiber industry. The statement may include details about choosing a school, selecting a curriculum, or planning a career.

Personal information may also be included to clarify the applicant’s comments. Students are also considered based on honors and awards, including academic achievement; extracurricular activities; community, church, or service activities; and financial need and/or other scholarships that are awarded.

Paul T. O’Day

Paul T. O’Day, who served as President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than 30 years. After the merger of AFMA into NCTO, the NCTO Fiber Council voted to continue the scholarship, awarding it to a candidate from an NCTO Fiber Council member company for studies in support of the American fiber industry.

O’Day passed away on June 1, 2017, but his legacy and dedication to the fiber industry lives on through the continuation of the Paul T. O’Day Scholarship fund, which was set up in 2014 to help students pursue a degree in a fiber related field.

Apply

Applications will close February 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by early summer.

Application REQUIRES a faculty letter of recommendation. Students may add the letter to their application or faculty may email it directly to India Hansen at india@aatcc.org.

To access and complete the AATCC Foundation scholarship application form, visit www.aatcc.org/foundation. Students may be eligible for this and other AATCC Foundation scholarships.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: AATCC Foundation Inc

OrganoTex Initiates Collaboration With REV’IT! Sport International

TÄBY, Sweden— January 24, 2025 — OrganoClick’s brand OrganoTex takes another step in its international expansion by entering the motorcycle category in collaboration with REV’IT! Sport International. Together, they are launching a Care-range for REV’IT!’s products, which will be available across all their markets in Europe and North America.

REV’IT! is a brand in the premium segment for motorcycle apparel and gear, with a strong global presence. This joint launch enables motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to care for their garments and accessories sustainably, aligning with OrganoTex’s vision to contribute to a more sustainable future. The collaboration not only marks OrganoTex’s entry into an entirely new category and target audience but also its first launch in the North American market.

“This collaboration demonstrates the growing interest in our products. We are excited to partner with such a globally established brand as REV’IT!, which is proof of our innovative strength and our ability to contribute to sustainability in new categories and target groups,” says Susanne Karlsson, Sales Manager for OrganoTex® at OrganoClick.

“We are proud to partner with Organotex. Their relentless innovation combined with their value driven approach to responsibility aligns perfectly with our brand. REV’IT! is committed to exceeding our most demanding riders’ expectations in protective motorcycle apparel, while driving daily innovations and improvements in protecting our planet, our riders, and the people we work with” – says Iain Howe, Global Marketing Director at REV’IT! Sport International.

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: OrganoClick

The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) Urges Congress and President Trump Unite to Secure America’s Medical Manufacturing Future

WASHINGTON — January 24, 2025 — The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA), representing a coalition of domestic manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical medical supplies, today issued open letters to President Trump, Vice President Vance, and congressional leadership. These letters outline urgent policy priorities to bolster the nation’s health security and industrial resilience and emphasize the critical need for immediate action.

Eric Axel, Executive Director of AMMA, stated: “Our nation’s medical supply chain faces critical vulnerabilities. With a new Administration and Congress working together and prioritizing domestic manufacturing, we can strengthen America’s health security, create high-quality jobs, and reduce reliance on adversarial foreign sources.”

The letters underscore the urgent need for specific “asks” for both the Administration and Congress, focusing on measures to secure supply chains, enhance domestic manufacturing, and ensure long-term economic and health preparedness.

AMMA’s Key Asks of the Administration

  1. Full Implementation of the Make PPE in America Act: AMMA calls on the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services to finalize regulations ensuring uniform application of domestic procurement mandates across federal agencies. The Made in America Office (MAIO) must oversee this to prevent undue reliance on foreign producers.
  2. Strengthen Strategic Preparedness and Response: AMMA emphasizes the importance of robust support for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR). Ensuring the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) prioritizes American-made supplies is vital for emergency preparedness.
  3. Address Global Supply Chain Dependencies: The letters advocate for reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly from China, to ensure American manufacturers have a level playing field. AMMA supports policies to mitigate risks associated with global competition and strategic dependencies.
  4. Tax Policy for Growth: AMMA urges the Administration to permanently extend the 100% bonus depreciation provision and the Section 199A pass-through deduction. Reinstating immediate expensing for R&D and creating a Medical Supply Security Tax Credit are key priorities to drive innovation and domestic investment.

AMMA President and founder of a domestic manufacturer of PPE, Dan Izhaky, added, “We must seize this opportunity to create a resilient, American-led medical manufacturing base. Strengthening domestic production safeguards not only our economy but also our public health. We deeply appreciate President Trump’s leadership and long-term support. We thank him for his leadership and commitment to securing our domestic medical supply chains.”

AMMA’s Key Asks of Congress

  1. Oversight and Expansion of the Make PPE in America Act: Congress is urged to ensure comprehensive compliance with domestic procurement mandates and accelerate implementation across federal agencies. Legislative oversight is critical to maintaining momentum.
  2. Enhance Trade Enforcement: AMMA calls for Congressional action to address tariff circumvention schemes, particularly involving transshipment through countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. Strengthening customs enforcement and reforming de minimis shipping thresholds are essential to protect domestic manufacturers.
  3. Support CMS Policies Favoring Domestic Products: AMMA commends Congress for progress on Medicare policies supporting American-made PPE. Expanding procurement initiatives to include nitrile gloves, syringes, and other supplies is crucial for a sustainable domestic supply chain.
  4. Address Strategic Competition with China: AMMA highlights the work of the House Select Committee on the CCP and supports bipartisan recommendations to reduce dependency on CCP-controlled supply chains. This includes legislative efforts to safeguard medical supply chains and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

Eric Axel summarized AMMA’s expectations from Congress, saying, “We look to Congress to enact meaningful reforms and provide robust oversight to ensure that America’s medical manufacturing industry can thrive in a fair and competitive environment. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership that has brought us closer to achieving this shared goal.”

Commitment to Collaboration

AMMA’s members are investing in expanding domestic production capacity, creating high-skilled jobs, and ensuring the nation never again faces critical medical supply shortages. The organization offers its expertise to support effective policy development and implementation.

“We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to advance policies that secure America’s medical supply chain,” added Izhaky. “Together, we can ensure a resilient, sustainable manufacturing base that protects public health and strengthens our economy.”

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA)

Spinnova Oyj (Finland) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland— January 24, 2025 — Based in Finland, Spinnova has developed patented technology for making textile fiber from wood pulp or waste, such as leather, textile or agricultural cropping waste, without harmful dissolving chemicals. The Spinnova technology uses a mechanical process which gives the fiber the look and feel of a natural cellulosic fiber such as cotton.

Dr. Christian Schindler

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated that “welcoming Spinnova as a new Corporate Member strengthens ITMF’s role as a global platform for the entire textile value chain. Spinnova is a company that is working on new technologies that are improving the carbon footprint of the textile industry and are offering solutions for a circular textile economy.

“At ITMF, well established companies are meeting newly established start-ups and scale-ups which enables fruitful discussions and cooperations. By joining ITMF Spinnova will benefit from ITMF’s publications, reports, webinars, workshops or conference.”

Lasse Holopainen, chief revenue officer of Spinnova, commented that “becoming a member of ITMF will help to further widen and deepen the international network, discuss with industry colleagues, understand the dynamics of the industry. It is important to be a part of an international platform like ITMF that comprises members from the entire textile value chain from around the world.”

For more information about Spinnova, please go to https://www.spinnova.com.

For more information about ITMF, please go to www.itmf.org

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Designtex Is A Now A PFAS-Free Company

NEW YORK CITY — January 23, 2025 — Designtex, the designer and manufacturer of applied materials for the built environment, proudly announces the elimination of the forever chemical PFAS in all of their products and inventory. PFAS are a group of chemicals found in a variety of applications, including nonstick treatments and water- and stain-repellents. Years in the making, as of October 1, 2024, no Designtex shipment will go out containing the chemical, and all relevant finishes and specifications will be updated, indicating they are PFAS-free.

Designtex offers a wide range of products without a finish, as well as alternative PFAS-free finishes that provide stain resistance. Many fibers in the brand’s textile library can be cleaned without the use of stain-resistant finishes. Extensive cleaning and maintenance instructions, including disinfectant compatibility, to maintain these fabrics over the life of the product can be downloaded directly from Designtex’s website.

Some products benefit from PFAS-free finishes to provide stain resistance without the use of bioaccumulative PFAS chemistries. These alternative finishes have been fully vetted for efficacy. For certain fiber types, Designtex will include a PFAS-free finish to extend the fabric’s stain-free life. These finishes are noted as ‘Stain Resistant (without PFAS)’ on the products that carry them.

Designtex continues to eliminate red-listed chemicals from their offering. Designtex upholstery is now free of PFAS as well as flame retardants and antimicrobial additives. In addition, all Designtex upholstery and select wallcoverings have been third party certified for low VOC emissions. “Designtex will continue to prioritize material health in our product offering. We value beauty, utility, and sustainability in everything we offer and aim to provide safe, durable products of lasting value,” says Deidre Hoguet, Senior Director of Sustainability and Applied Research.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Designtex

1...757677...2,527Page 76 of 2,527

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.