Shelton Vision To Bring Deep Learning AI To ITMA Asia + CITME 2025

MANCHESTER, England — August 12, 2025 — Machine learning and AI are now entering the field of textile technology and at this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition from October 28-31 in Singapore, England-based Shelton Vision will demonstrate how these advanced new disciplines are informing its latest machine vision technology.

The Shelton Vision stand-alone AI Classifier and review station.

The company is one of a 20-strong delegation of members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) who will be present at the Singapore exhibition, showcasing advances in technologies for new high performance fibres and fabrics, as well as testing, instrumentation and control in processing.

The ability to detect and classify even the tiniest faults in both plain or fully patterned fabrics which are moving at industrial speeds is significant  breakthrough. In Singapore, Shelton Vision will demonstrate its latest machine vision inspection technology which incorporates machine learning to provide a defect detection level of above 98%, and Deep Learning AI to provide up to 100% defect classification and grading accuracy.

Third party adoption

Shelton will also demonstrate a stand-alone AI Classifier in multiple applications used within the Shelton suite of vision system components. This is can be adapted for use with existing third party inspection systems that do not have defect classification (naming) or grading functionality – eliminating subjective manual decisions in day to day operation and vastly increasing the efficiency and throughput of the album review process.

Additionally Shelton will optimised cut plan capability for the Shelton AI Review station or use in the fabric production plants, based on the automated classifier and grading system output which forms a key component in the ROI of the entire system.

“At the show, we will focus on the output data from our vision systems and how this can generate benefit for the whole value chain, including brand, by providing to everyone a reliable source of fabric quality data immediately the fabric is inspected,” explains CEO Mark Shelton. “This results in reduced lead times, reduced fabric waste and increased productivity and efficiency and our patterned fabric inspection system is now already entering new markets such as outdoor upholstery and one piece woven (OPW) airbags, even as the original market of camouflage printing continues to grow.”

Pushing the boundaries

BTMA CEO Jason Kent

“BTMA companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and some of the most recent innovations by our member companies are really going beyond what has previously been possible,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “This year has been extremely productive for our members so far and there will be much to talk about in Singapore.”

BTMA companies taking part in ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 are Airbond (stand A202, Hall 2), Autofoam (B309, Hall 7), AVA CAD/Cam (C210, Hall 6), Cygnet Texkimp (B493, Hall 8), Fibre Extrusion Technology (B306, Hall 4), James Heal (B306, Hall 3), MCL (A203, Hall 5), Roaches (A112 Hall 2), Saurer Fibrevision (C301c, Hall 3), SDC Enterprises (B107, Hall 8), Sellers (B207, Hall 7), Shelton Vision (B308, Hall 7), Slack & Parr (D305, Hall 4), Society of Dyers and Colourists (B203, Hall 3), Strayfield (B509, Hall 7), Tatham (D205, Hall 2), The Textile Institute (B105, Hall 8), Verivide (B201, Hall 3), Vickers Oils (B102, Hall 5) and Wira Instrumentation (A108, Hall 3),

Posted: August 12, 2025

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Herculite Achieves 1,000 Days Without A Lost-Time Incident

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — August 12, 2025 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is proud to announce that they have reached 1,000 days with zero lost-time incidents (LTI). This achievement highlights Herculite Associates’ commitment and vigilance in making safety a shared responsibility every single day.

Safety is a core value at Herculite, and this milestone demonstrates the hard work and dedication of every team member in upholding the company’s strict safety standards. Reaching 1000 days without a single LTI is a significant achievement, emphasizing Herculite employees’ commitment to safety procedures, continuous training, and shared safety responsibilities.

Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan said, “This achievement is not about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about the way we look after one another, the pride we take in doing things safely, and the Herculite culture we have built together — it’s who we are. It is one of the many reasons we have been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in PA.”

Herculite associates understand that safety is an ongoing process, not just a final goal. Guided by our volunteer-led Safe Pack safety team, Herculite continues to emphasize the importance of safety at home, at work, and throughout the organization through workplace improvements and increased safety awareness.

Posted: August 12, 2025

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Hyosung TNC To Showcase Sustainable And Functional Innovations At PIS 2025

SEOUL, South Korea — August 12, 2025 — Hyosung TNC will present its largest-ever exhibition booth at Preview in Seoul (PIS) 2025, Korea’s largest textile trade show, to be held at COEX August 20-22. This year marks the 25th edition of the event, which brings together the latest materials and technologies from domestic and global textile and fashion companies, attracting around 500 exhibitors and more than 14,000 visitors.

Hyosung TNC’s joint booth will feature 16 Korean partner companies, including Hyunjin Knit and Ayoung Hightex. To help participating companies achieve tangible business outcomes, Hyosung TNC, in cooperation with the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, has also invited leading global buyers.

“Through our joint booth at PIS 2025, we expect to effectively promote the excellence of K-textiles to the global market,” said Hyosung TNC CEO Kim Chi-Hyung. “We will continue to realize sustainable growth together with our partners and lead the global textile industry.”

The exhibition will be divided into two main zones: the Trend Forum and the Korea Textile Certification Zone.

In the Trend Forum, Hyosung TNC will present trend directions for categories such as outdoor, sports, and loungewear. Reflecting the anticipated fashion trends for 2027, the company will showcase sustainable and high-performance products, including CREORA® Askin, CREORA® Fresh, regen™ Spandex made from recycled materials, and regen™ Ocean Nylon made from recycled fishing nets, along with apparel produced in-house.

The Korea Textile Certification Zone will display products from seven partner companies including Taejin Industrial, Sechang Trading, Yes Textile Consulting Lab, Hyunjin Knit, Boogeon Knit, Haneun Tex, and Woojoo Global, developed using Hyosung TNC’s yarns such as regen™ Polyester and CREORA® Power Fit.

Posted: August 12, 2025

Source: Hyosung TNC

Softwear Automation Secures $20 Million In Series B1 Funding Round Led By Strategic Partnership With BESTSELLER

ATLANTA — August 11, 2025 — Softwear Automation, the pioneer in autonomous sewing technology, today announced the successful close of its $20 million Series B1 funding round, marking a major milestone in its mission to revolutionize sewn goods manufacturing. The round was led by a strategic investment from BESTSELLER, the Danish fashion company behind brands such as JACK & JONES, VERO MODA, and ONLY. The investment was made through Invest FWD, BESTSELLER’s dedicated innovation and investment platform for advancing sustainability in the fashion industry. Current investors — including CTW Venture Partners, SRI Capital, MacDonald Ventures — also participated in the financing.

As part of the collaboration between Softwear Automation and BESTSELLER , CFO Thomas Børglum Jensen, on behalf of BESTSELLER, joins the board of Softwear Automation. This at a time of rapid progress towards commercialization of Softwear’s fully automated SEWBOT® worklines.

“This partnership with BESTSELLER and the support from Invest FWD are not just a vote of confidence in our technology — they are a powerful catalyst for the future of on-demand, localized, and more sustainable apparel manufacturing,” said Palaniswamy “Raj” Rajan, chairman and CEO of Softwear Automation.

Softwear Automation’s patented SEWBOT technology delivers a fully autonomous sewing solution, enabling sewn products to be made closer to the consumer, with radically reduced waste, faster cycle times, and superior cost-efficiency. This funding round will accelerate the company’s expansion into new product categories and geographies, deepen its R&D capabilities, and scale its production footprint to meet growing global demand.

From BESTSELLER, CFO Thomas Børglum Jensen added: “At BESTSELLER, we look for innovations that can support progress within the fashion industry, where change is needed. Softwear Automation is helping address some of the key challenges we face across the industry — from speed and flexibility to lowering environmental impact. We’re pleased to support their development and explore how this technology can help us move forward.”

The partnership supports BESTSELLER’s wider efforts to improve its supply chain model with ambitions about reducing environmental impact and increasing transparency.

By leveraging SEWBOT technology, Softwear Automation and BESTSELLER aim to enable more circular and demand-driven production practices.

With this strategic alliance and fresh funding, Softwear Automation is poised to lead the next era of apparel manufacturing — one where fashion is faster, focused on sustainability improvements, and made closer to home.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Softwear Automation

Techtextil India Announces Strategic Tie-Up For Launching ‘ReCycle Zone’: Pushing The Recycling Agenda

MUMBAI, India— August 11, 2025 — In a major push to advance circularity and environmental accountability in the technical textiles sector, Techtextil India 2025 will launch the dedicated “ReCycle Zone” in collaboration with the Society of Plastics Engineers India (SPE India). Reclaim, Reuse and Reimagine are among the key features of the zone at the upcoming edition of Techtextil India scheduled November 19-21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

(left to right) Mr. Ramesh Parasuraman – President – Society of Plastics Engineers India & Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.

As industries across the globe adopt circular economy models and sustainable production practices, the ReCycle Zone will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders working to transform textile and plastic waste into value-added materials. The initiative reflects Technical India’s ongoing commitment to driving responsible innovation by converging recyclers, solution providers, machinery manufacturers startups and policy enablers under one roof. This new industry focused zone will spotlight sustainable innovation and next-gen recycling technologies.

Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said: “The ‘ReCycle Zone’ is a timely and strategic addition to Techtextil India. As environmental stewardship becomes central to the industry’s future, this platform will not only spotlight sustainable technologies but also encourage transformative partnerships across the sector.”

Spotlighting on Textile Waste Management and circularity, this ReCycle Zone will host companies specializing in:

  • Garment, agro-textiles and medical textiles waste recycling
  • Plastic and PET waste recycling for textile applications
  • Fibre to fibre and yarn regeneration
  • Sorting, shredding and advanced recycling machinery
  • EPR compliance, traceability and green certifications
  • AI and automation in waste management systems

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by connecting buyers, suppliers, R&D specialists and sustainability officers.

To deepen the technical engagement, SPE India will curate a series of focused knowledge sessions and panel discussions within the ReCycle Zone. Experts from academia, policy think tanks and leading corporates will weigh in on topics such as circular product design, industry compliance and mandates, advances in waste recovery, and investment outlook in green tech.

Ramesh Parasuraman, president, Society of Plastics Engineers India, commented: “We are pleased to join forces with Techtextil India to bring ReCycle Zone to life. This platform will go beyond showcasing as it will facilitate critical dialogues, catalyse partnerships and reinforce the importance of science-led scalable recycling solutions across textile and plastics sectors.”

The launch of ReCycle Zone aligns with India’s national efforts towards sustainable manufacturing, driven by programs like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and PM MITRA Parks (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel). As technical textiles play an increasingly important role across sectors such as defence, healthcare, automotive and agriculture, integrating recycling and circular design into their production processes has become essential.

The zone further reinforces Messe Frankfurt India’s role in nurturing a sustainable business ecosystem through its leading industry platforms. Techtextil India will mark the 10th edition of India’s most comprehensive exhibition for technical textiles, nonwovens, and composites. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, the show will cover 12 diverse application areas from protective wear and functional fabrics to smart textiles, filtration and mobility solutions.

Scheduled from November 19-21, 2025, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, the show will bring together global and domestic exhibitors, solutions providers, institutional buyers, research organizations and key industry bodies for three days of business, innovation and networking.

Adding momentum to the industry dialogue the India edition of the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference one of the most prestigious global conferences for fibre and material innovations, will take place on 18th November 2025 also at NESCO, Mumbai – one day prior to Techtextil India show.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India / Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Sapphire Finishing Mills Joins Cascale, Bringing Pakistan’s Textile Voice To The Global Sustainability Table

LAHORE, Pakistan — August 11, 2025 — Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd., one of Pakistan’s leading textile manufacturers, has joined Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) as a Corporate Full Member, becoming one of the first few from the country to align with this influential global network committed to responsible manufacturing.

Effective May 2025, the membership expands Sapphire’s access to the complete Higg Index suite of tools, now including the Higg Product Tools, such as the Material Sustainability Index (MSI) and the Product Module (PM). These build on Sapphire’s existing use of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) and the Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM), which have guided its sustainability efforts for several years. Collectively, these tools offer a globally recognized, standardized framework for assessing sustainability performance across environmental, social, and product-level dimensions.

“At Sapphire Finishing Mills, sustainability isn’t a checkbox, it’s part of how we operate every day. Joining Cascale gives us the structure and tools to push further, measure better, and drive meaningful change. Representing Pakistan’s textile sector on this platform is both an honor and a responsibility we take seriously.” said Raffay Bin Rauf, Head of Sustainability at Sapphire Finishing Mills Limited.

As a full corporate Cascale member, Sapphire becomes part of a global community of over 300 organizations across 30+ countries, all using the Higg Index to inform strategic decisions, report progress, and drive continuous improvement. Though the tools don’t provide real-time analytics, they deliver consistent, evidence-based reporting that helps companies stay aligned with long-term ESG goals.

For Sapphire, this membership builds on existing efforts already guided by the Higg Facility Tools and now enhanced by access to Product Tools. Key focus areas include:

  • Low-impact manufacturing and emissions reduction, guided by FEM
  • Smarter water and chemical usage, informed by Higg scores
  • Fair labor practices and worker empowerment, aligned with FSLM
  • Transparency and traceability, now extended through MSI and PM

This milestone marks a step forward not just for Sapphire, but for Pakistan’s broader textile industry, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can (and must) go hand in hand.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Sapphire Mills — Part Of The Sapphire Group

England-Based Textile Manufacturer Appoints Rachel Douglas Phillips As Technical & Sustainability Manager

BRADFORD, England — August 11, 2025 — Think Group, a Yorkshire-based textile manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Douglas Phillips as Technical & Sustainability manager.

In her new role, Phillips will lead the development of new products in collaboration with customers and guide businesses on sustainability within the nonwovens industry. Alongside this, she will support the manufacturing process by optimizing fiber blends and adapting existing products for more technical applications.

Rachel Douglas Phillips

Phillips brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in textile science and technology. In her previous role as Business Development manager at NIRI (Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute), Phillips managed key accounts, including clients listed on the Fortune 500, a reflection of her technical expertise and commercial insight.

This appointment is a key step in Think Group’s aim to develop the next generation of high-performance, sustainable fiber products, helping customers navigate new technologies and emerging scientific advancements.

Phillips commented on her new role: “I’m really excited to join Think Group and contribute to the development of innovative nonwoven products, as well as being part of new fiber initiatives. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a business that’s committed to sustainability and forward-thinking solutions.”

Think Group’s new technical & sustainability manager is particularly looking forward to being involved in product development from concept through to commercialization, supporting the sales team to identify new markets, and helping them fully understand the technical capabilities and performance markers of new fibers.

Danny Shortall, Group Sales director, added: “Rachel has a proven track record of using her deep technical understanding of nonwovens to develop exciting new products. This is a highly specialised skill set, and we believe Rachel can bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and experience to our group.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Think Group

STFI 17th Colloquium On Recycling For Textiles With Accompanying Trade Exhibition In Chemnitz

CHEMNITZ, Germany  — August 11, 2025 —December 3-4 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.

Shaping the future – closing cycles

The STFI colloquium ‘recycling for textiles’ is the networking
event for the textile circular economy (here the 16th collo-
quium in 2023).

The thematic focus is on technologies for textile recycling, circular and sustainable textile products, and the implementation of circular economy principles. Other topics include the collection, sorting and management of textile waste, as well as successful cooperation models for a circular textile industry. A concluding pitch session offers start-ups and universities the opportunity to present innovative ideas and solutions as forward-looking alternatives to conventional processes.

Trade exhibition celebrates its premiere

For the first time, the colloquium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. Companies, research institutions and service providers will present their products, services and latest research and development results. The trade exhibition offers participants numerous opportunities for direct exchange and the initiation of new collaborations – supported by networking opportunities during conference breaks, at the business lunch and the evening event.

“The colloquium has established itself as an important platform for professional exchange in the textile industry. With the new trade exhibition, we are expanding the concept to include a valuable component for direct knowledge transfer and the presentation of innovative solutions,” explained Johannes Leis, STFI expert for textile recycling and circular economy.

Registration and programme

Participation is possible after prior online registration. The complete programme and registration details can be found at:

https://www.stfi.de/veranstaltungen/kolloquium-re4tex

This event will be held in German.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI)

Hai Robotics Appoints Adrian Stoch As CEO Americas

ATLANTA — August 11, 2025 — Hai Robotics, a global provider of warehouse automation for inventory storage and order fulfillment, today announced the appointment of Adrian Stoch as CEO Americas, further expanding its U.S. leadership team to meet growing regional demand.

Adrian Stoch

The appointment marks a strategic milestone as Hai Robotics accelerates its growth across the Americas and continues to deliver advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) to some of the world’s most dynamic supply chains.

Stoch, a visionary operations executive with three decades of experience driving global supply chain transformation, brings deep expertise at the intersection of automation, AI and logistics. He joins Hai following senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Target and, most recently, GXO Logistics, where he served as chief automation officer and built the company’s global automation function from the ground up — spearheading several industry-first initiatives that strengthened GXO’s position as a logistics leader.

Known for his strategic vision and executional rigor, Stoch specializes in leveraging advanced automation to drive operational excellence and unlock untapped value, applying a customer-first approach across industries and environments.

“I’m honored to join Hai Robotics at such a pivotal time,” Stoch said. “My top priority will be tackling one of the toughest challenges in warehouse automation: reliability at scale. Customers don’t want shiny innovation — they want practical solutions that deliver value and solve major supply chain problems. I look forward to driving Hai’s promise of reliable innovation by ensuring our industry-leading solutions are built to perform with consistency, confidence and measurable impact.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Adrian as CEO of the Americas,” said Richie Chen, Founder and CEO of Hai Robotics. “His passion for customer success aligns with our No. 1 value: being customer-obsessed. At Hai, we don’t just sell robots — we deliver impactful results. I’m confident that under Adrian’s leadership, Hai Americas will reach new levels of customer satisfaction and team excellence.”

Stoch’s appointment underscores Hai Robotics’ investment in world-class talent as demand rises for smart, flexible automation solutions that can easily adapt to changing warehouse environments and evolving customer needs.

He will officially begin his new role on Aug. 18, 2025.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Hai Robotics

Where The Future Of Fibers Is Forged: Dornbirn GFC 2025 Sets The Stage For Transformation

VIENNA, Austria — August 11, 2025 — As the global fiber and textile industry stands at the crossroads of transformation, the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) returns September 10–12, 2025, as the leading platform where ideas become innovation.

More than 100 international experts will take the stage in Dornbirn, Austria, to share pioneering solutions in response to the most pressing challenges of our time — from circular economy breakthroughs to decarbonization strategies and next-gen materials.

In a world demanding smarter, cleaner, and faster progress, Dornbirn GFC remains the space where the industry comes to rethink, connect, and move forward.

Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days: From Vision to Market Impact

As part of the 5th Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days, pioneering companies, ambitious start-ups, and leading research institutions from the global fiber industry will showcase breakthrough solutions with real-world relevance.

This year, for the first time, the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award will be presented – celebrating the most compelling innovation that combines technical ingenuity with successful market application.

“This award is not just about a good idea — it’s about a good idea that makes a difference, shapes industries, and reaches the market,” said Matthias W. Gluth, managing director of the Austrian Fibers Institute.

Dornbirn GFC 2025: Focus on Workwear & Defense – Experts Discuss the Future of Functional Protective Textiles

This year’s Dornbirn GFC puts a spotlight on a key topic: Workwear & Defense. In 16 expert presentations across 4 dedicated sessions, leading professionals from industry, research, and application fields will explore current developments and future requirements for functional textiles used in workwear, protective clothing, and defense applications.

Key topics include technological innovation, sustainability, material performance, and changing regulatory frameworks. The presentations will cover smart textile systems, flame-retardant fibers, textile sensors, and solutions designed for extreme environments.

With this strong thematic focus, Dornbirn GFC 2025 offers a key platform for interdisciplinary exchange on the next generation of safety, protection, and high-performance textiles.

Key players from the industry including Lenzing AG (AUT), XTencate (USA), Textil Santanderina S.A. (SPA), Kermel SAS (FRA), PBI (GER), Klopman – TDV International (GER), XLANCE Srl (ITA), and many others, will be contributing valuable insights into market and innovations.

Pilot Launch of MICRO|FORCE at Dornbirn GFC 2025

The Dornbirn GFC will host the pilot launch of MICRO|FORCE, a global initiative addressing microfiber and microplastic challenges through fact-based dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.

In cooperation with the Technical University of Crete, SCRiBBs, and the TU Wien, MICRO|FORCE connects science, industry, and policy to foster constructive, solution-oriented discussions.

The pilot includes interactive expert workshops and live panels in Dornbirn and GFC Asia, contributing to an educational social media series (YouTube) designed to inform, engage, and inspire change across the textile value chain. By moving beyond fear-based narratives, MICRO|FORCE aims to translate insights into action — driving regulatory alignment and tangible solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.

Among the highlights of this year’s program:

The Dornbirn GFC 2025 will once again serve as the international stage where the world’s leading innovators, researchers, and industry players converge to exchange ideas and drive the transformation of the fiber and textile sector. This year’s program puts an even stronger spotlight on collaborative action, breakthrough innovation, and the shift toward circularity.

  • A dedicated REHUBS session showcasing the latest fiber-to-fiber recycling strategies and infrastructure developments across Europe.
  • The premiere of the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award, where selected startups will pitch live to a jury and audienc, spotlighting breakthrough technologies ready to scale.
  • The official launch of MICRO|FORCE, a global multi-stakeholder initiative addressing microplastic pollution in fibers, developed in collaboration with Technical University of Crete, TU Wien, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

“Our industry is at a crossroads. The urgency to decarbonize, rethink systems, and deliver scalable circular solutions has never been higher. But as Churchill said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste,’” said Robert van de Kerkhof, President of the Austrian Fiber Institute. “At Dornbirn GFC 2025, we’re not just reflecting on the challenges—we’re spotlighting the solutions. This congress is a call to action for those ready to move from intent to impact.”

64th Dornbirn GFC & 5th Innovation Days takes place from September 10–12 in Dornbirn, Austria.

For full program details and registration, visit www.dornbirn-gfc.com.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC)

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