Italy’s Textile Innovations Take Center Stage At Techtextil North America 2025

HOUSTON — April 14, 2025 — Italy is bringing its signature blend of tradition, innovation, and engineering excellence back to the spotlight at Techtextil North America 2025, the premier U.S. trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, running May 6-8 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Led by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, the Italian Pavilion (Booth 3431) will host 21 top-tier Italian companies — all leaders in textile technology, automation, and sustainable production.

From advanced dyeing and finishing systems to precision weaving preparation and high-efficiency machinery, the Italian Pavilion will showcase a diverse range of innovations tailored for today’s evolving textile industry. More than an exhibition, it’s a launchpad for strategic partnerships, business development, and technology transfer between Italy and the U.S.

The United States remains a core market for Italian textile machinery, ranking fourth globally behind China, Turkey, and India. In 2024 alone, Italian textile machinery exports to the U.S. totaled €112 million, a testament to the demand for Italian-made quality and performance.

At the same time, the U.S. textile industry is undergoing a rapid evolution. With annual sales exceeding $64 billion and a workforce of over 500,000, American textile producers are increasingly investing in next-generation manufacturing solutions — exactly the kind Italy delivers.

The initiative is part of the Italian Trade Agency’s broader strategy, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to strengthen Italy’s position in global supply chains, support SME internationalization, and promote sustainable, high-tech manufacturing. Stop by our Booth 3431 to learn more about the Italian textile industry, or contact us at houston@ice.it.

The full list of Italian exhibitors at Booth 3431 includes:

  • 4M PLANTS S.R.L.
  • BIANCO S.P.A.
  • BONINO CARDING MACHINES S.R.L.
  • COLOR SERVICE SRL
  • EFI Reggiani
  • FADIS SPA
  • FLAINOX – S.R.L. I.M.A. S.P.A.
  • MARZOLI MACHINES TEXTILE SRL
  • MONTI – MAC SRL
  • MONTI ANTONIO SPA
  • OMR SRL
  • Ramatex Italia SRL
  • RAMINA SRL
  • SILTEX SRL
  • SIMET SRL
  • STALAM SPA
  • TECNORAMA SRL
  • UNITECH INDUSTRIES SRL
  • ZANFRINI SRL
  • ZAPPA MACCHINE S.R.L.

Visit The Italian Pavilion (Booth 3431), to view Italy’s Textile Innovations in textile technology, automation, and sustainable production to learn more about Italian textile technology, or contact houston@ice.it.

Posted: April 14, 2025

Source: The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) / ACIMIT

Vandewiele Inc. Announces Leadership Change: Kevin Whiteside Promoted To President, Bob Harding To Assume Chairman Role

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — April 11, 2025 — Vandewiele Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Kevin Whiteside to president of the company. Whiteside will succeed Bob Harding, who is promoted to the role of chairman of the board. Harding will also continue to serve as managing director of Vandewiele’s UK operations.

Kevin Whiteside

Harding, who has led Vandewiele Inc.’s efforts since 2006, expressed confidence in Whiteside’s ability to continue the company’s strategic market penetration. “Kevin’s progressive leadership and three decades of industry experience, honed through various executive roles, have provided him with the expertise to lead Vandewiele Inc. into its next phase of growth,” Harding said.

Whiteside shared his gratitude for the opportunity and recognition. “Bob has done a tremendous job leading Vandewiele’s efforts in The Americas, and I’m honored to build upon his legacy,” Whiteside stated. “Together with our talented team, we will continue to focus on delivering innovative solutions to our customers and expanding our reach.”

Vandewiele Inc. offers an extensive range of products including state of the art tufting machines, carpet weaving machines, robotic yarn handling automation, yarn feeding devices for knitting and weaving, BCF Extrusion machinery, and shearing and finishing systems, among others. Operating from its 60,000-square-foot facility near Chattanooga, TN, the company serves as the exclusive sales, service, and distribution arm for Canada, the USA, and Central America for the Belgium-based Vandewiele Group.

Posted: April 13, 2025

Source: Vandewiele, Inc.

HAVN Awarded U.S. Air Force Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Contract To Advance EMF-Blocking Technology

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — April 9, 2025 — HAVN, a supplier of EMF-blocking apparel, has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF), in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The $109,995 award will support the development of HAVN’s proprietary WaveStopper™ technology to enhance operational performance and long-term health for U.S. Air Force personnel.

As part of this initiative, HAVN will explore how its EMF-blocking technology can protect service members from continuous exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by advanced military communications systems and onboard technologies. With this contract, HAVN joins a select group of startups working directly with the U.S. military to develop next-generation personal protection tools for a rapidly evolving battlefield.

WaveStopper™ is directly inspired by spacesuit technology and blocks 99% of wireless radiation (cellphone, 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), tested and certified in military-grade laboratories. WaveStopper™ is then woven into the perfect, healthiest garment you’ll ever wear: soft, lightweight, breathable, antimicrobial, and UV blocking.

“Our selection by AFWERX is a testament to the growing recognition of EMF protection as a critical component of human performance,” said Arthur Menard Calenge, CEO of HAVN. “We pioneered the world’s first EMF-blocking clothing, and this partnership will allow us to refine our technology to meet the demanding needs of today’s military operations. We’re honored to support the Air Force in its mission to protect those who serve.”

The STTR award is part of the DAF’s Open Topic program, designed to accelerate collaboration between small businesses and defense agencies. Since 2018, AFWERX has awarded over 6,200 contracts to drive rapid innovation and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: HAVN (formerly Lambs)

GALLS® Announces Acquisition Of HerBlueWear Uniforms™

LEXINGTON, Ky. — April 10, 2025 — GALLS®, a uniform and tactical gear supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, proudly announces the acquisition of Her BlueWear Uniforms™. This acquisition marks a significant step in GALLS’ commitment to female first responders, providing them greater access to uniforms tailored for their unique needs. GALLS is Proud To Serve Those Who Serve.

GALLS purchase of Her BlueWear provides product scalability and increases accessibility for women in public safety to experience uniforms that enhance performance, comfort, and safety.  Her BlueWear Uniforms started with uniform pants.  As the largest distributor in the public safety industry, GALLS resources will augment the brand/product line by adding tailored uniform shirts. Full uniforms will be available to order at a department level first, with individual ordering capabilities coming later this year.

Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS, stated: “For the past five years, every time I talk to a female police chief, they ask me when we [GALLS] will fix the issue of women’s uniforms not fitting. I took on the challenge personally and am proud to bring Her BlueWear into the GALLS portfolio of brands to provide female officers with tailored uniforms that fit.  Because GALLS is relentless with our focus on the customer, this partnership will give female officers greater access to uniforms that are made for their specific needs.”

Her BlueWear was founded in 2007 by Denise Czack to solve a long-overlooked issue: the lack of properly fitting uniform pants for women in law enforcement and public safety. Traditionally, female officers were forced to wear uniforms designed for men, leading to discomfort, mobility issues, and even safety concerns. Her BlueWear’s tailored designs offer three distinct fits — Balanced Fit, Defined Fit and Streamlined Fit — accommodating sizes 0 to 24.

Her BlueWear Founder, Denise Czack, expressed her appreciation of GALLS commitment to expanding access to the product line. “Her BlueWear began at a happy hour with my sister, a police officer, after yet another uniform failure. That moment sparked a fire in me; women in public safety deserved better. Her BlueWear is entering a new and exciting chapter in the mission to deliver safe, functional, and confidence-building uniforms to the women who serve. Seeing a woman light up when she puts on a Her BlueWear uniform for the first time is what drives us.”

As the only uniform company solely dedicated to designing for women, Her BlueWear led the way in providing female officers with apparel that fits, functions, and empowers. Now, with GALLS resources and a relentless focus on the customer, the ability to serve women in public safety has never been greater.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: GALLS, LLC® 

Hohenstein Supports Global Textile Scheme Initiative For Structured Data Exchange

BOENNIGHEIM, Germany — April 9, 2025 — Global testing and research laboratory Hohenstein has acquired shares in Global Textile Scheme GmbH (GTS). The GTS initiative aims to create an international standard for handling structured product data in the textile and apparel industry. Hohenstein will support GTS in harmonizing and automating data exchange along the supply chain.

As an internationally recognized knowledge partner, Hohenstein is expanding its expertise in data standardization and transparency in the textile sector. “The demand for reliable, structured and machine-readable data along the textile value chain is rising rapidly,” explained Dr. Stefan Droste, CEO of Hohenstein. “We want to support our customers and are committed to close collaboration with GTS.”

Additionally, Hohenstein will leverage its global network to promote the adoption of the GTS standard worldwide. The goal is to facilitate access to standardized data structures for companies — a key requirement for recycling, circularity and more sustainable production. These topics are also increasingly important for new regulatory requirements, such as the Digital Product Passport.

“The Global Textile Scheme Initiative offers a pragmatic solution for efficiently managing complex data without an excessive increase of manual processes,” emphasized Dr. Droste. “Data is becoming the backbone of the circular economy, and we are excited to actively shape this development with GTS.”

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: Hohenstein — Hohenstein Institute America, Inc.

Ultrafabrics Introduces The Simple Pleasures Palette In Collaboration With Pantone

NEW YORK CITY — March 27, 2025 — For the third consecutive year, Ultrafabrics, a global leader in high-performance coated fabrics and alternative leathers, has collaborated with Pantone to create another exclusive color palette inspired by their Color of the Year. Rooted in the warmth of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s beloved color of 2025, Ultrafabrics presents the Simple Pleasures palette. The collection features seven distinct colors that invite designers to embrace life’s simplest moments and reimagine the possibilities of contemporary design through sustainable alternative leathers.

The Simple Pleasures palette reflects everyday joys — the feeling of receiving freshly picked flowers, a warm cappuccino, or quiet moments of relaxation — and blends soothing tones and inviting textures to bring tranquility into designs. The color palette includes: Chai Latte — the Mocha Mousse-inspired custom color — Tusk, Mica, Savanna, Burnt Ochre, Coral Reef, and Sage. These colors are exclusively available within select Ultrafabrics collections.

“At Ultrafabrics, we continuously strive to elevate the design experience, and with the Simple Pleasures palette, we embrace the beauty of life’s simple moments,” said Barry Silverman, vice president of Marketing & Branding at Ultrafabrics. “Our ongoing collaboration with Pantone allows us to capture the spirit of the year’s standout color and translate it into materials that designers can incorporate to create inspiring, comforting environments. The Simple Pleasures palette embodies this spirit of warmth, versatility, and authenticity.”

Designed for both aesthetic appeal and high performance, Ultrafabrics’ sustainable alternative leathers are ideal for applications ranging from seating in aviation and automotive interiors to furniture and wallcoverings in healthcare, workplace, hospitality, and residential environments. Crafted using Ultrafabrics’ proprietary Takumi™ Technology, the material delivers a soft-touch feel, a stylish color palette, and industry-leading durability, making it a preferred choice for high-traffic spaces where both luxury and longevity are essential.

Ultrafabrics’ sustainable alternative leathers are bleach-cleanable (1:5 bleach/water solution) and do not contain any Red List chemicals, PFAS, PVC, plasticizers, or intentionally added formaldehyde. Simple Pleasures is SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified and REACH compliant. The collection boasts 400,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek), 180,000 rubs (Martindale), and reinforced rayon backing made of 100 percent FSC/PEFC Certified Rayon. It features industry-leading hydrolysis resistance for 16 weeks.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: Ultrafabrics

Run & Relax Chooses Q-NOVA® By Fulgar For The New Sustainable Activewear Collection SS25

MILAN — April 8, 2025 — In recent years, Northern European countries have become a global benchmark for sustainable fashion, combining innovation, ethics, and cutting-edge design. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland have placed sustainability at the heart of their industrial strategies, establishing themselves as industry leaders through advanced government policies, investments in eco-friendly materials, and a strong commitment to the circular economy. Brands are redefining the concept of sustainable fashion by prioritizing recycled or bio-based fibers, low-impact production processes, and business models centered on rental and second-hand fashion. Transparency and traceability of raw materials are essential, along with the pursuit of innovative alternatives, from biodegradable fabrics to natural dyes.

Driving this revolution is also a conscious consumer base that values durable, ethically made garments. The Nordic market does not just embrace sustainable fashion — it turns it into a true culture, influencing international trends and proving that design and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

This philosophy extends to the world of activewear, where performance increasingly meets sustainability. A prime example is Run & Relax, a Norwegian brand founded in 2011 specializing in women’s yoga and workout apparel. For SS25, the brand embodies this vision with a new eco-friendly collection, created in collaboration with Fulgar, an Italian company renowned for its high-performance yarns that merge innovation with environmental responsibility.

For select pieces in its SS25 collection, the brand has chosen Q-NOVA® by Fulgar, a sustainable nylon 6,6 fiber made from regenerated raw materials. Thanks to a low-impact mechanical process, this yarn significantly reduces the ecological footprint of textile production without compromising performance or comfort. The garments are lightweight, soft, and highly breathable.

Founded with the goal of inspiring modern women to balance work, family, and personal life through a healthy lifestyle, Run & Relax creates pieces that combine functionality, minimalist design, and premium materials. The launch of the new capsule collection featuring Q-NOVA marks another step forward in the brand’s commitment to a more responsible and sustainable fashion industry.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: Fulgar

Bio-Based Materials Innovator Simplifyber Raises Series A Funding In Mission To Transform Manufacturing Of Fashion, Car Interiors, And Consumer Goods

RALEIGH, N.C. — April 10, 2025 — Simplifyber, a materials startup pioneering a 3D-molding process to radically reduce the environmental impact of soft goods manufacturing and the use of synthetic fibers, today announced the completion of its $12 million Series A funding round. This was led by Suzano Ventures, a new investor in Simplifyber, and the corporate venture capital arm of the world’s largest wood pulp supplier, alongside At One Ventures, Techstars, Plug and Play Sustainability Fund, One Small Planet, Staddle Holdings, Collateral Good, M.I.H. Capital, Overlay Capital, Meliorate Partners, and others.

This Series A round follows on from a $4.2 million seed round completed in July 2022.

Simplifyber has developed a novel process that bypasses many of the production steps required in traditional soft goods manufacturing, such as spinning, weaving, cutting and sewing. The company has developed a proprietary natural fiber liquid, known as Fybron™, that can be injected into 3D molds to create a variety of soft goods, which in many applications is fully bio-based and biodegradable.

Founded in 2021, Simplifyber has already demonstrated the potential for its technology in the footwear industry. The company’s first product — a shoe upper made from cellulose-based material — was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024 through a collaboration with the brand GANNI.

This funding will support Simplifyber’s growth, allowing the company to strengthen its materials science and mechanical engineering capabilities, expand its manufacturing, accelerate partnership and business development efforts in new regions and sectors, and build out pilot-scale facilities to bring the business closer to cost parity with traditional textile production.

Maria Intscher-Owrang, CEO and co-founder of Simplifyber, said: “Our world is over-reliant on fossil-based materials, and our planet won’t support this for much longer.  Manufacturers and brands know this is the case and many are actively looking for alternatives. The demand is there, but now we need to rapidly scale solutions to meet the need. At Simplifyber, we believe that the best way to reduce process waste and prevent plastics from ending up in the environment is to begin at the design stage, offering industries an innovative way to use bio-based materials, all while using significantly less energy and producing less waste.

“We’ve had a great deal of interest from brand partners and investors, and we’re thrilled to have secured Suzano Ventures as a strategic investor in our Series A round. Since we started our company, Suzano has been one of our main fiber suppliers, because they are one of the world’s most sustainable and efficient producers of bio-based feedstock. This partnership will give us access to world-class expertise and support, helping us to reach new markets and accelerate our growth.”

Paula Puzzi, Corporate Venture Capital senior manager at Suzano Ventures, added: “Every year we have evaluated hundreds of startups that are pushing forward the frontiers of what is possible with bio-based materials. In this scenario, we believe that Simplifyber is very promising in this ecosystem since its pioneering approach has the potential to disrupt soft goods supply chains in sectors ranging from apparel to automotive. We are excited to play our part in the company’s development following the completion of this Series A round, which we believe will create many new opportunities to replace fossil-based synthetic materials with sustainable, bio-based alternatives, in line with our purpose to meet society’s growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions.” 

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: Simplifyber / Suzano Ventures

AATCC Extends Invitation: Register Now For AATCC Committee Meetings

DURHAM, N.C. — April 10, 2025 — AATCC extends an open invitation for all interested professionals to have a seat at the table and help shape the future of textiles by registering to participate in upcoming committee meetings. These volunteer-led committees create test methods, measurements, specifications, and educational resources that enable quality, safety, sustainability, and innovation across textile supply chains worldwide.

Guidelines for textile processing, manufacturing, testing, and compliance are improved through the lending of invaluable expertise by committee members. Unique perspectives that promote innovation and establish baseline metrics are contributed by participants. Insider access to emerging technologies and trends influencing textile materials, production methods, safety testing, sustainability measures, and cutting-edge inventions on the horizon is gained through engagement with these pivotal committees.

AATCC provides platforms for students, industry experts and everyone in between to contribute their passions and insights. These platforms include open committee meetings, technical resources, networking opportunities, and more. Committee participation is free and open to all who desire to learn, as well as to lead progress. By engaging with AATCC’s diverse array of committees, volunteers can directly influence the responsible, informed, and sustainable advancement of textiles globally.

Administrative Committee Meetings

AATCC members determine the direction of the Association. Attend virtual Administrative Committee Meetings to learn or lead new projects for conferences, membership, education, and more. There is no fee to attend, and your input is welcome. The fall series includes meetings with the technical committees on statistics and editorial review. Whether you are a math nerd, a language fanatic, or just a textile fan, there’s a place for you in an AATCC committee!

Research Committee Meetings

Join AATCC members and other industry stakeholders to help develop and revise standards and testing materials used around the world. This year AATCC is hosting the Research Committee Meetings at the StateView Hotel located at 2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh, NC, USA.

If travel isn’t an option, you can still join meetings remotely. Meetings are open to all—no membership or fee required. If you’re looking for leadership experience, an opportunity to boost your reputation as an expert in your field, or a way to give back to the industry, this is your chance! A complete schedule of meetings and events is posted online. Advance registration is appreciated to facilitate planning.

Get Involved

AATCC committee meetings are working meetings. They are also an opportunity to meet people from across industry and around the world. Whether the discussion focuses on defining sustainability or choosing the location for an upcoming conference, there is always something new to learn and room to share.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

State-Of-The-Art Manufacturing Facility Opens For Mitchell’s Sta-Kleen Silicone Line

NILES, Ill. — April 10, 2025 — The Mitchell Group,  a major converter of coated fabrics to upholstery markets around the world, is excited to share the opening of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to its Sta-Kleen Silicone line. This cutting-edge facility represents a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to clean energy.

For nearly a decade, The Mitchell Group has partnered with the world’s leading silicone producer to deliver Sta-Kleen Silicone, which has set the benchmark for performance in silicone upholstery. With the launch of this new facility, the partnership is poised to enhance production capabilities while reinforcing The Mitchell Group’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

“The new manufacturing facility not only showcases our commitment to innovation but also our unwavering dedication to sustainability and protecting the environment,” said Bill Fisch, president of The Mitchell Group. “By leveraging clean energy sources and advanced production methods, we are proud to lead the industry in eco-friendly products.”

The new facility is strategically located near an electric power plant to utilize non-pollutant steam as its primary energy source. This innovative approach enables the facility to recapture and transform steam into power for the entire manufacturing process, ensuring zero waste is released into the atmosphere. Every aspect of production, from inspection to packaging and shipping, relies on this eco-friendly energy source.

As the most vertical converter of silicone upholstery, the proprietary silicone polymers and pigments used in the manufacturing process are sourced in-house, ensuring exceptional quality control throughout the production process. Only release papers and textiles are outside the scope of the manufacturing process, and these are procured from certified green suppliers. Waste is almost wholly eliminated through recycling and reuse protocols.

Equipped with three state-of-the-art coating lines, the facility operates with an almost completely water-free production process, recycling any water used through a thorough internal purification system. The silicone upholstery produced at the facility is available exclusively through The Mitchell Group.

In recognition of its sustainable practices and operational excellence, the manufacturing facility holds several major operational certifications:

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management. It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations, and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS).

ISO 14001: 2015

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized environmental management systems (EMS) standard. It provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure they are taking proactive measures to minimize their ecological footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve their environmental objectives. The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.

ZDHC-CPSAL Synthetic Leather Industry Early Champion Pilot Mill

The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation is a non-governmental environmental organization. As part of its efforts to raise environmental standards in the fashion, textiles, and leather industries, it runs a three-step certification scheme that certifies products contain no hazardous chemicals.

The Mitchell Group’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility further solidifies its position as a leader in the performance textiles market.

Posted: April 11, 2025

Source: The Mitchell Group

1...8910...2,500Page 9 of 2,500

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.