INDA Announces 2025 World Of Wipes Innovation Award® Finalists Recognizing Breakthroughs In Sustainable Wipe Technology

CARY, N.C. — June 23, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced that eco-friendly wipes developed by Cookware Care, Dude Products Inc., and Magnera have been selected as the finalists for the 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award®, honoring advances in sustainable materials and next-generation wipe performance.

The three standout products competing for the award are Cookware Care’s Seasoning Wipes™, Dude Products’ DUDE Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes, and Magnera’s Sontara EC® Green Cotton.

The companies will showcase their products at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, July 21-24, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio. The winner will be announced during the closing session on July 24.

Presented annually, the World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes breakthroughs in nonwoven product design and application. It celebrates innovation across the entire wipes supply chain, highlighting advancements in raw materials, fibers, technology, and functionality that enhance the utility and sustainability of nonwovens.

The 2025 Award finalists are:

  • Seasoning Wipes™ offer a simple, convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Made from 100 percent viscose and infused through a proprietary process using a combination of non-petrochemical oils and beeswax, the formula contains no water, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives. The wipes streamline and simplify traditional maintenance with a cleaner, more consistent solution. Seasoning Wipes™ sets a new standard for cookware maintenance while expanding the possibilities of nonwovens beyond traditional applications.
  • DUDE Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes utilize powerful, long-lasting technology to capture and eliminate the compounds that cause body odor (including fecal odor), rather than just masking them. These wipes are proven to neutralize odor instantly and reduce it for up to 24 hours on skin, fabric, and in the air. Made with plant-based fibers, aloe vera, and vitamin E, the hypoallergenic wipes, infused with a sea mineral scent, redefine personal hygiene and modern cleanliness.
  • Sontara EC® Green Cotton wipes advance sustainable precision cleaning with natural pure performance. Made from a proprietary blend of 100 percent naturally derived, biodegradable fibers—including pure unbleached TruCotton™ and sustainably sourced wood pulp—these innovative nonwoven wipes deliver superior absorbency, low lint, and a visibly natural aesthetic, perfect for industrial and critical cleaning environments demanding both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.

INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected the finalists for their creativity, distinctiveness, and technical excellence in advancing nonwoven applications across the value chain, including innovations in raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use performance.

Last year’s winner was Rockline Industries’ Facial Care Wipe with Glycine Amino Acid Complex, notable for its innovative use of multifunctional glycine ingredients that deliver skin benefits and enhance preservation for nonwovens, marking a significant advancement in skin care wipes.

For more information or to register for WOW 2025, visit www.worldofwipes.org.

Posted: June 23, 2025

Source: NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Global Textile Machinery Shipments Show Mixed Performance In 2024

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 20, 2025 — In 2024, global shipments of new short-staple spindles and open-end rotors decreased by 40 percent and 39 percent, respectively (year-on-year). Deliveries of long-staple spindles increased by 62 percent. The number of draw-texturing spindles improved by 77 percent and shipped shuttle-less looms grew by 32 percent. Shipments of large circular knitting machines deteriorated by 15 percent and shipped flat knitting machines registered a 16 percent increase. The sum of all deliveries in the finishing segment slightly rose by 6 percent.

These are the main results of the 47th annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics (ITMSS) just released by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). The report covers six segments of textile machinery, namely spinning, draw-texturing, weaving, large circular knitting, flat knitting, and finishing. A summary of the findings for each category is presented below. The 2024 survey has been compiled in cooperation with more than 200 textile machinery manufacturers representing a comprehensive measure of world production.

Spinning Machinery

The total number of shipped short-staple spindles decreased by 3.8 million units in 2024 to a level of 5.92 million. Most of the new shipments went to Asia & Oceania (90 percent) where deliveries decreased by 36 percent compared to 2023. Shipment to Africa, Europe (incl. Türkiye), North and Central America decreased by 64 percent, 56 percent, and 90 percent, respectively. Deliveries only increased for destinations in South America (1.7 percent to 82.6 thousand) and Easter Europe (12 percent to 10.5 thousand). The six largest investors in the short-staple segment were China, India, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Indonesia.

Some 623,000 open-end rotors were shipped worldwide in 2024. This represents about 390,000 units less than recorded in 2023. 89 percent of global shipments went to Asia & Oceania where deliveries decreased by 35 percent to 557,000. China, India, and Türkiye were the world’s 3 largest investors in rotors but saw investments drop by 32 percent, 57 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Deliveries decreased in all major destination countries except for Vietnam and Bangladesh, the 4th and 6th largest destinations in 2024, where shipment rose by 214 percent and 44 percent compared to 2023.

Global shipments of long-staple (wool) spindles increased to 600,000 units in 2024 (60 percent). This positive effect was driven by a rise in deliveries to Asia and Oceania and Eastern Europe where 138,000 and 15,000 units were shipped, respectively. 40 percent of total deliveries were shipped to Iran, 30 percent to China, and 13 percent to Vietnam.

Texturing Machinery

Global shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyamide filaments) increased by 95 percent from nearly 43,000 units in 2023 to 84,000 units in 2024. With a share of 98.5 percent, Asia & Oceania remained the strongest destination for single heater draw-texturing spindles in 2024. China, Vietnam, and India were the three main investors in this segment with shares of global deliveries of 95 percent, 1.01 percent, and 0.97 percent, respectively.

In the category of double heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyester filaments), global shipments increased by 80 percent to a level of 960,000 units. Asia’s share of worldwide shipments increased to 98 percent and China continued to be the world’s largest investor, accounting for 95 percent of global shipments.

Weaving Machinery

In 2024, global shipments of shuttle-less looms increased by 32 percent to 226,000 units. Deliveries in the categories “air-jet” and “water-jet” grew by 10 percent and 56 percent to 58,000 and 143,000 looms, respectively. The number of “rapier and projectile” looms dropped by 7 percent to 25,000 units. The main destination for shuttle-less looms was Asia & Oceania with 97 percent of worldwide deliveries. 97 percent, 87 percent, and 99 percent of global air-jet, rapier/projectile, and water-jet looms were shipped to the region, respectively. The main investor in all loom categories was China where shipment grew by 30 percent (air-jet), 38 percent (rapier and projectile) and 63 percent (water-jet).

Circular & Flat Knitting Machinery

Global shipments of large circular knitting machines decreased by 15 percent to 28,000 units in 2024. Asia & Oceania was the world’s leading investor in this category with 81 percent of global shipments. China was the favored destination with 45 percent of all deliveries (10,786 units), a decrease of 42 percent compared to 2023. India and Vietnam ranked second and third destinations with 3,899 and 2,559 shipped units, respectively.

The number of shipped electronic flat knitting machines increased by 16 percent to 135,000 machines in 2024. The growth was driven by Asia & Oceania which received 96 percent of world shipments. Deliveries to all other regions decreased. China remained the world’s largest investor with an 82-percent-share of total shipments.

Finishing Machinery

In the “fabrics continuous” segment, the number of shipped tenters increased by 22 percent from 1,833 units in 2023 to 2,230 units in 2024. This number includes an estimate for the total number of tenters shipped by companies which have not participated to the ITMF survey. Participating companies reported mixed results for all other machines in this category (between a decrease of 53 percent for Dyeing – Line, CPB and an increase of 390 percent for Dyeing – Line, Hotflue). In the “fabrics discontinuous” segment, the number of “jigger dyeing/beam dyeing” shipped in 2024 dropped by 44 percent to 371 units. Deliveries of “air jet dyeing” and “overflow dyeing” rose by 18 percent to 907 units and 5 percent to 2,221 units, respectively.

Posted: June 20, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

The Vietnam International Trade Fair For Apparel, Textiles And Textile Technologies 2026 (VIATT): Expanded Halls, New Product Zones — Unlocks Broader Opportunities

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — June 19, 2025 — The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is poised to return to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from February 26-28, 2026. Building on its second edition’s nearly 13-percent exhibitor growth, next year’s show floor will expand by 20 percent, from 15,000 to 18,000 square meters and cover the full area of Halls A and B. This includes new dedicated zones for apparel, fashion accessories, and textile chemicals and dyes, with the strategic growth underscoring Vietnam’s emergence as a vertically and horizontally integrated textile powerhouse.

Despite recent business challenges, the global industry still considers Vietnam a strategic, long-term market. The country’s signing of 17 new generation free trade agreements (FTAs) has further fuelled market and export diversification1, positioning VIATT as a pivotal platform for varied industry players to capitalize on Vietnam’s dynamic business landscape and foster international collaboration.

Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., emphasized VIATT’s significance: “VIATT’s second edition marked a 30 percent increase in buyers’ internationality and a 10 percent rise in buyers overall, signifying the fair’s crucial role in advancing Vietnam’s textile industry. Next year’s expanded showcase and its trend-focused approach will enable suppliers across the textile spectrum, within fashion, home, and technical segments, to connect with leading global brands, supporting Vietnam’s shift from volume-driven exports to value-led innovative and sustainable manufacturing.”

VIATT 2026 will further solidify its position as Southeast Asia’s premier sourcing event by introducing specialized trend forums, sustainable textile showcases, and designer fashion shows. A key highlight will be the return of the Econogy Hub, dedicated to eco-friendly materials, sustainable production, and certification. Aligning with Vietnam’s goal of establishing a closed-loop textile economy by 2050, the platform spotlights innovations such as organic fibers, recycled synthetics, and low-impact dyeing technologies.

Complementing its sustainability initiatives, the fair will continue the development of its Innovation & Digital Solution Zone. This zone features cutting-edge technologies that optimize design, production, and supply chain management — from AI-driven prototyping to automation systems. These solutions empower Vietnam’s textile sector to upgrade operations and harness new market opportunities.

Apparel Fabrics & Fashion: sustainable growth engine

Vietnam is a powerhouse in the textile and garment sector, generating over $44 billion in 2024 and targeting $48 billion this year2, with apparel textile manufacturers now prioritizing sustainable fibres, innovative fabrics, and design-driven finished products. In line with this transformation, VIATT 2026 will expand its offering to finished apparel products to better serve fashion designers, as well as garment manufacturers. The category is set to include the debut Fashion Label Zone, showcasing boutique fashion houses, while the fair will also introduce a dedicated Fashion Accessories Zone for bags, footwear, jewellery, and more, likely to appeal to brands such as Tory Burch and Zara, notable buyers in the previous edition.

VIATT 2025 attracted other global brand buyers including American Eagle, Callaway, Club Monaco, Decathlon, J.Crew, Lululemon, M&S, Nike, Puma, Target, and Wacoal. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian buyers took advantage of the international products on offer. Reflecting on the region’s fashion potential, Bao Jia Cheng from Shaoxing Sunsmile Textile Co. Ltd., exhibiting at VIATT 2025, said: “We have brought fashion embroidery fabrics and polyester embroidery yarns, predominantly for stylish women’s wear. Southeast Asia is undoubtedly a key focal point for the future evolution of Asia-Pacific’s economy, and I regard this exhibition as a crucial avenue for penetrating the Southeast Asian market. l’ve seen a promising visitor flow and good quality customers, and notably met interested parties from Vietnam, Thailand, lndia, and other parts of the region.

Home & Contract Textiles: riding the urbanization wave

Vietnam’s home textile market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising disposable income, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. The market is projected to grow from around $3 billion in 2025 to nearly $4 billion by 20303. With many exhibitors at the fair aiming to leverage this growth, key product categories include bedding, bath linen, table linen, curtains, upholstery fabrics, and decorative textiles. The demand for these fabrics has drawn notable buyers such as IKEA, Muji, and Novotel to VIATT 2025.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition will feature enhanced displays of finished textile products for contract and residential applications, ranging from luxury bedding and curtains to contract-grade textiles for hotels and homes. Dennis Macharia, Sourcing – Home Textiles China from Maaron International Procurements, remarked when sourcing at last year’s fair: “We are a home textiles company managing American clients’ orders in China. There have been promising leads, especially Chinese suppliers who have already opened a good number of factories in Vietnam, and in India, Myanmar, and Indonesia. I have already found OEKO-TEX and BSCI certified suppliers at VIATT 2025, which are very important for our clients.”

Additionally, VIATT’s Econogy Check provides independent confirmation of eco-credentials, saving buyers time and resources while building trust across the supply chain. Exhibitors who pass the Check will be featured in the online directory, Econogy Finder, which helps buyers more easily identify exhibitors with sustainability certifications.

Technical Textiles & Technologies: innovation frontier

Driven by economic growth, adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and supportive government policies, the global technical textiles market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching over $390 billion by 20324. Key segments include Clothtech (clothing), Indutech (industrial), Mobiltech (automotive), Medtech (medical textiles), Protech (protective wear), and smart textiles with moisture-wicking or UV-protection properties, many of which have been exhibited at the fair. Set to extend its technical scope, VIATT 2026 will introduce a dedicated Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone, featuring additives for chemical recycling, fiber production, finishing & coating, pre-treatment, and weaving & knitting preparation; chemical dyes and pigments; and more.

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 www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT 2026 will be held from February 26 – 28, 2026.

Other upcoming shows:

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition

  • August 20 – 22, 2025, Shanghai

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn

  • September 2 – 4, 2025, Shanghai

Cinte Techtextil China

  • September 3 – 5, 2025, Shanghai

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring / Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition

  • March 11 – 13, 2026 Shanghai

References:

1 “Vietnam seeks diversified markets through FTAs under US reciprocal tariff.” April 2025, VietnamPlus, https://bit.ly/4dJHmHg (Retrieved: June 2025)
2 “Vietnam’s garment-textile industry stitching a greener, smarter future.” March 2025, VietnamPlus, https://bit.ly/45CDhCt (Retrieved: June 2025)
3 “Vietnam home textile market – growth, trends and forecast (2025 – 2030)” March 2025, Taiwan News, https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6053376 (Retreived: June 2025)
4 “Technical textiles market to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period; increasing adoption of technical textiles among several industries to foster market growth.” February 2025, Fortune Business Insights, https://bit.ly/4dJj2oU (Retrieved: June 2025)

Posted: June 19, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

East Providence Rhode Island Firefighters Receive Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — June 18, 2025 — The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the United States to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear department-wide — an industry milestone achieved through a collaborative partnership with protective gear manufacturer Fire-Dex and textile innovator Milliken & Company.

The gear, which includes Milliken Assure™ — North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier — was purchased as part of a $658,000 investment by the City of East Providence. The delivery of 170 sets of turnout gear will provide all 125 full-time firefighters with a new set of turnout gear.

“This is about progress, partnership, and making deliberate decisions that reflect our department’s values,” said East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey. “We’re proud to work with U.S. suppliers who share our vision and respond with innovation and accountability.”

The decision comes amid growing momentum around PFAS alternatives in firefighting gear across the country, including H.B. 5019, a Rhode Island bill that was signed into law on June 10, 2025 that prohibits the use of intentionally added PFAS in firefighter turnout gear sold or used in the state. The ban goes into effect on January 1, 2027.

“Fire-Dex and Milliken listened closely to what we wanted and worked with us every step of the way,” said East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva. “This gear delivery represents more than new uniforms — it represents a commitment to keep our firefighters protected when they put their lives in danger to keep our communities safe.”

The transition marks the culmination of a co-led effort that began in early 2024. The result is a complete turnout gear solution that does not rely on fluorinated chemistry across any of its three protective layers: outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier.

While non-fluorinated fabrics have existed for outer shells and thermal liners, the moisture barrier has historically relied on fluorochemicals for repellency and pathogen resistance. The introduction of Assure™ in October 2024 made it possible for Fire-Dex to provide a solution where all three layers meet performance expectations without the use of PFAS chemistry. The gear went through rigorous performance and safety testing and is UL certified and meets the NFPA 1971-2018 standard.

Fire-Dex has provided turnout gear to East Providence firefighters for more than 20 years, growing into a trusted partnership rooted in respect and responsiveness to support firefighter safety. Strengthening the value chain, Milliken and Fire-Dex have maintained a decade of strategic collaboration that delivers innovation and advancement through U.S. research and manufacturing.

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company and Fire-Dex

Space Application For ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 Opens

SINGAPORE — June 18, 2025 — Space application for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 officially opens today. The exhibition is scheduled to take place from November 20-24, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). Interested exhibitors are encouraged to submit their applications via the official website, www.itmaasia.com, before the closing date of March 24, 2026.

As Asia’s leading business platform for textile machinery, the 10th combined edition of ITMA ASIA + CITME will continue to drive progress and facilitate collaborations across the industry. Leading textile machinery manufacturers are expected to showcase their latest technologies, with exhibits spanning the entire textile manufacturing value chain.

A strong emphasis will be placed on advanced technologies, sustainable processes and automation, offering participants a dynamic platform to explore the latest trends in sustainability and digital transformation.

The previous exhibition in 2024 was a success, grossing 160,000 square meters and featuring more than 1,700 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions. Numerous local and international brands staged product launches that were well received by visitors.

The exhibition attracted visitorship of around 90,000 from 111 countries and regions over five days. It also received strong domestic support, drawing visitors from all 31 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions across China.

According to the show owners — CEMATEX, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT TEX), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC) — many exhibitors have already expressed strong expectations for the 2026 event.

ITMA ASIA + CITME is organized by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co., Ltd and co-organized by ITMA Services. Japan Textile Machinery Association is a special partner of the show.

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT TEX, CTMA & CIEC

YKK Vietnam Co. Ltd. Nhon Trach Factory To Undergo Expansion To Phase 3

TOKYO — June 18, 2025 — YKK Corp. has made the decision to expand the YKK Vietnam Co. Ltd. factory in Nhon Trach, Vietnam — which has grown into a prominent global textile industry hub for items such as sportswear, outdoor apparel, and casual wear — to Phase 3.

In the space adjacent to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 factories of YKK Vietnam Co., YKK will expand its state-of-the-art factories that consolidate YKK technology.

Following the Ha Nam Factory Phase 2 in 2024, the Nhon Trach Factory Phase 3 expansion will increase the factories’ production volume and enhance product development faculties, thereby strengthening their function as a core technology base in the ASEAN region.

Through operations at the Phase 3 factory, which is sustainable from the design stage and fully automated, YKK will build a production system capable of delivering products that meet the various demands of its customers, including global brands.

Overview of factory expansion

YKK Vietnam Co., Ltd. Nhon Trach Factory – Phase 3 Expansion
Illustration of completed factory (area outlined in red)

Construction site:

Lot 10, N2 Road, Nhon Trach 3 IP – Phase 2,
Long Tho Commune, Nhon Trach District,
Dong Nai Province, Vietnam

Amount invested: $83.6 million (buildings, machinery and equipment, etc.)

Land area : 176,701 square meters

Building area : 99,900 square meters

Planned building completion date: June 2027

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: YKK Corp.

Cotton Incorporated Unveils Reimagined CottonWorks Platform

CARY, N.C. — June 17, 2025 — Cotton Incorporated today announced the launch of a reimagined CottonWorks™ website, an ambitious digital transformation designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s global textile professionals across every stage of the value chain. The new platform is more than a redesign – it is an intuitive, fashion-forward platform built to support compliance, product development, sourcing, and education across the textile industry.

“In today’s landscape, companies continue to evolve the way they do business, and so do we,” said Mark Messura, senior vice president, Global Supply Chain Marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “Today’s professionals are working in a very different environment than they were even just a few years ago. With fewer companies sending teams to mills or factories, opportunities for learning and training have become more limited. They need more than training. They need reliable, in-depth knowledge that helps them tackle challenges like compliance and product development. Our research shows they want trustworthy resources at their fingertips, and this relaunch is a direct response to those changing needs.”

The new site debuted on a global stage at Cotton ConneXions – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity, Cotton Incorporated’s industry event hosted in Hong Kong in May. More than 255 attendees from 124 companies across 12 countries received a first glimpse of the new fashion-forward, digital platform.

“The newly launched CottonWorks site is a comprehensive resource for anyone in the apparel industry,” said Doug Tepper, vice president, Sourcing, Quality, Compliance & ESG at J.Jill. “Thank you for providing such a tremendous amount of relevant, valuable information and educational tools all in one, easy to navigate, website.”

Grounded in industry research that revealed a growing need for flexible, digital-first tools, the new CottonWorks learning hub reflects how modern professionals now learn, connect, and create. Seeking trend insights, marketing support, and digital product creation as top priorities, along with practical tools including enhanced virtual learning, 3D fabric files, technical specifications and compliance materials, CottonWorks is newly poised to deliver accessible, actionable tools to product developers, designers, sourcing leaders and marketers.

“The new CottonWorks site is a fantastic leap forward,” said Gurvinder Malhotra, vice president, Global Raw Materials at Alo. “The refreshed design is not only visually striking but also significantly enhances the user experience. The streamlined navigation, improved search functionality, and mobile responsiveness make it easier than ever for users to access the wealth of resources CottonWorks offers. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making the site more intuitive and engaging for today’s professionals in the textile and apparel industries. It’s a major step forward in supporting innovation and sustainability in the textile industry and a valuable resource for anyone working with cotton.”

Key features of CottonWorks include:

  • A personalized user dashboard to bookmark favorite content and streamline workflow.
  • A refreshed Learning Hub with on-demand educational videos and tutorials.
  • Downloadable digital fabrics, compliance guides and supplier directories.
  • Expanded content on trend forecasting, traceability, circularity and recycling.

Designed to centralize knowledge and continue to serve as the leading industry platform for cotton-rich knowledge, tools and resources, CottonWorks equips professionals with a trusted platform to thrive in today’s fast-moving global marketplace. For more information, visit CottonWorks.com.

Posted: June 17, 2025

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Microban International Unveils H2O Shield, A Portfolio Of PFAS-Free Water-Resistant Textile Technologies

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — June 11, 2025 — Microban International announced the launch of H2O Shield, a PFAS- and PFOS-free water-resistant finish portfolio for textiles. This technology represents Microban’s first expansion outside of its traditional antimicrobial and odor control offerings, marking a significant growth of its capabilities.

Microban International has launched H2O Shield, a PFAS- and PFOS-free water-resistant finish portfolio for textiles.

H2O Shield is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance textile finishes and offers a consumer-friendly alternative for brands phasing out harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This includes the class of chemicals, PFOS, well-known for their extensive use, persistence in the environment and potential health concerns.

The technology is customizable, offering four distinct repellent options tailored to meet specific aesthetic and performance needs of manufacturers and brands:

  1. WR1000: Best suited for overall water repellency in low-touch applications such as shower curtains, awnings and tents.
  2. WR1001: Optimized for wicking performance for athletic and sweat-resistant apparel such as performance jackets, ski jackets and running fabrics.
  3. WR1002: Formulated to address chalking defects and color shift issues on dark-colored fabrics prone to scratches, such as hiking gear and gloves.
  4. WR1003: Helps to prevent tearing and is best suited for applications where seam slippage is a concern, such as backpacks and tents.

For fabrics that are traditionally difficult to treat, Microban offers an optional pretreatment, WR-P. This pretreatment expands fabric compatibility, reducing water repellent agent dosage by 15-20% and increasing the wash durability of the treatment.

H2O Shield provides excellent water resistance for textiles, achieving results of 80 or over on the AATCC TM22 spray repellency test. (PRNewsfoto/Microban International)

The technology provides excellent water resistance for textiles, achieving results of 80 or over on the AATCC TM22 spray repellency test. The finish has also been proven to maintain effectiveness even after 20+ home launderings.

Beyond water resistance, H2O Shield is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Microban technologies, including antimicrobial and odor control solutions.

“Microban provides a unique turnkey support structure, assisting our partners in combining finishing technologies while ensuring compliance and compatibility. Partners can also leverage our technical and testing support and trusted brand names,” said Microban International President Michael Ruby. “This synergy allows brands to deliver multi-functional performance with tailored solutions, protecting and extending the overall life of textile goods and delivering what consumers desire.”

H2O Shield technologies are applied using standard wet chemistry processes commonly found in textile manufacturing, such as pad baths. WR-P is applied as a last step during an exhaust process (after a dyeing cycle).

For additional information on H2O Shield, please visit https://www.microban.com/coatings/technologies/h2o-shield.

Posted: June 17, 2025

Source: Microban International

Eric Evans, Ph.D., Appointed Chair Of Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)’s Board Of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — June 17, 2025 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors. Dr. Evans brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in defense technology and innovation to AFFOA, positioning the organization for continued leadership in the field of advanced textiles.

Eric Evans, Ph.D has been appointed the new Chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors.

Dr. Evans has a distinguished career spanning over three decades, where he has been at the forefront of research and development for new defense systems and technology. Evans served as the Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory for 18 years from 2006 to 2024, where he led significant advances across many national security mission areas, making him a natural fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for AFFOA. He is now a Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at MIT campus.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Evans as our new Chair,” said Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA. “His extensive expertise in defense innovation and his commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in functional fabrics technology and manufacturing.”

As Chair of AFFOA, Dr. Evans will help lead the organization in its mission to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced textile technologies that integrate electronics, sensors, and other advanced functionalities. Under his guidance, AFFOA aims to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. workforce and drive economic growth through innovation in textile technology and advanced manufacturing processes.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AFFOA,” said Dr. Evans. “I look forward to working with the very talented team at AFFOA to create new textile and technology capabilities for both defense and civilian applications.”

Dr. Evans officially assumed his position as Chair of AFFOA’s Board of Directors on May 1, 2025. The organization is excited about the direction and vision he will bring to its initiatives and partnerships, and looks forward to his leadership in shaping the future of advanced textiles.

Dr. Evans has received two Distinguished Public Service Medals from the Secretary of Defense for his leadership of MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the Defense Science Board. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of the AIAA, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Posted: June 17, 2025

Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

Birch Biosciences Enters Into Global Patent License Agreement With NREL To Advance Enzymatic Plastic Recycling Process

PORTLAND, Ore. — June 11, 2025 — Birch Biosciences, a startup focused on AI-powered enzymatic plastic recycling, today announced a global patent license agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to commercialize a novel enzymatic deconstruction processing technology that breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—a common plastic used in packaging and textiles—to recover valuable chemical building blocks.

The licensed technology, developed by NREL researchers, enables the rapid and efficient recovery of high-value PET monomers from enzymatic breakdown of PET. These monomers are then remanufactured into virgin-quality PET that can be used to create 100% recycled content products.

By securing licensing rights to this innovation, Birch Biosciences will integrate the NREL-developed downstream chemical processes into its proprietary biocatalytic recycling platform. The goal is to accelerate the commercialization of sustainable, closed-loop solutions for plastic waste, helping address a global environmental challenge.

“This licensing agreement represents a significant step forward in our mission to enable a circular plastic economy using biological solutions,” said Dr. Johan Kers, co-founder and CEO of Birch Biosciences. “NREL’s process complements our enzymatic recycling platform perfectly and will help us achieve scalable, low-cost plastic recycling.”

“NREL is pleased to partner with Birch Biosciences to bring this technology to market,” said Dr. Gregg Beckham, senior research fellow at NREL. “This is a great example of how national laboratories and industry can collaborate to address plastics recycling challenges with real-world impact.”

Plastic pollution is a growing challenge, with more than 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year and only a small fraction effectively recycled. Enzymatic recycling offers a promising alternative to traditional methods, avoiding the quality degradation of mechanical recycling and the high temperatures and toxic solvents often required in chemical recycling methods. NREL’s chemical process works with the Birch enzyme platform to depolymerize untreated PET in hours under mild conditions, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

This agreement underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and creating viable market solutions that support a circular economy.

Posted: June 17, 2025

Source: Birch Biosciences

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