FIMIC: Serving The Recycling Industry For Six Decades

Team FIMIC prides itself on working with passion, forward thinking and an innovation-based culture.

FIMIC technology provides solutions that eliminate impurities and lead to efficiently processed, high quality recycled products.

TW Special Report

FIMIC S.r.l., a family-owned company based in northeastern Italy, has a rich history in recycling technology that spans over more than six decades. Located in Carmignano di Brenta — in the Veneto region of Italy about 30 miles northwest of Venice — FIMIC initially focused on manufacturing guillotines for cutting industrial waste bales and rolls. This initial focus was just the beginning of a long history assisting companies with innovative recycling technologies.

Guillotines Endure

FIMIC’s early success manufacturing guillotines continues today, building on a reputation for robust, long-lasting, low maintenance machines that feature Italian craftsmanship and technology that has reinforced its status as FIMIC’s “flagship” equipment.

Today, two lines of guillotines are available, focused on different kinds of materials and cuts necessary to meet customer’s specifications. According to the company, a significant feature is the level of customization — with virtually no two guillotines the same.

FIMIC guillotines feature a high level of customization.

Improving Plastic Filtration

In 1996, FIMIC saw an opportunity to solve a problem in melt technology and further support the needs of not only its guillotine customers, but also the growing demand from plastics recyclers for an automatic filtration system. Melt filtration technologies available at the time were improved with FIMIC’s development of the first FIMIC backflush filter.

A year later, FIMIC’s “scraping” system was added to further advance melt filtration technology.

With these innovations, FIMIC started to make history in the plastics recycling industry and became known as a specialist in automatic self-cleaning melt filters with an eye toward simplicity, optimization, flexibility, and performance.

More than 500 RAS melt filter units are installed around the globe.

Five Filters

FIMIC currently supplies five different types of filtration with five filter models. This offering provides a range of technology for the diverse needs of the industry.

According to the company, the RAS scraping filter system is known for its flexibility and strength. Using two blades, it can scrape very highly contaminated polymer flows and reprocess both, post-industrial and post-consumer materials with an adjustable discharge valve system.

The amount of waste produced by the melt filter can be adjusted through a special FIMIC valve, automatically opened when necessary, according to the level of melt contamination. As a result, the waste flow is proportional to the amount of contamination; in the event of a particularly clean melt, the valve will stay shut, and discharge just the little amount of waste filtered.

Following the development of the RAS filter, the ERA filter was introduced to address the needs of double filtration applications, conserving investment and consumption by performing the double filtration step in a single machine with two consecutive filtration chambers.

The RAS+REF melt filter that distinguishes FIMIC technology in the recycling field offers enhanced functionality with a backflush mode, and can operate in two different ways — in backflush mode or scraping mode. This provides clients who wish to process materials with mesh filters with more options.

The addition of the TEN model melt filter, which features the innovation of the first automatic screen changer allows, continuous filtration on woven mesh, eliminating material build-up and reduction of output with the additional option of adjusting the mesh output to ensure consistency and quality. The TEN doesn’t need the constant supervision of the operator simplifying the process.

The Gem

In response to the considerable amount of material to be recycled today, and the demand for high-quality end products, FIMIC also designed a unique melt filter, representing the culmination of its technology and the expertise that made the company filtration specialists.

The GEM is a twin melt filter with an unmatched filtering surface that utilizes just two parallel filtering screens.

The GEM is proven as a leading technology in today’s market that is ideal for high-throughput recycling line applications, according to FIMIC.

Building In Efficiency

FIMIC’s focus on designing and manufacturing self-cleaning, automatic melt filters that improve production line efficiency and output quality has been center stage for the company’s positioning in the marketplace.

FIMIC’s melt filters feature quick operation, with screen changes completed by a single operator in less than 30 minutes. This efficiency minimizes production down time and can optimize workflow.

FIMIC filters don’t require operator intervention, optimizing workflow while maintaining a high-quality product.

Better Pumping Technology

Pumping plastic materials in the recycling process can be a maintenance challenge for processors. Standard gear pumps are sensitive machines that can be easily damaged by contamination and demand significant maintenance and periodic gear replacement.

In addressing these issues, FIMIC developed the SPA screw pump — a pump that doesn’t need gear changes, operates at lower management costs and is not as sensitive to contaminated material.

According to the company, the SPA screw pump also can be used both before and after the filter and is appropriate for double filtration needs.

FIMIC says the SPA pump has a strong operating speed, is easy to operate, demands little maintenance and has a long service life.

Textile Applications

Despite its long history focused on plastic recycling, FIMIC understands the huge importance of recycling in the textile marketplace, as well as the wide variety of possible textile applications for its technologies.

In the current plastic/textile recycling environment, the focus is on two main applications — polyester (PET) fibers, and polypropylene (PP) fibers and tapes. These very challenging applications require high-quality, reliable technologies at every step of the way.

According to FIMIC, the PET fiber manufacturing market is facing serious market issues, one of them being the high prices of hot-washed PET flakes, now destined for higher-end applications like food contact thermoforming or bottling.

For this reason, fibers producers cannot use solely PET flakes as a raw material, but also need to use lower-grade PET waste such as lumps and waste fibers themselves. PET lumps can be highly contaminated which cannot logically be washed away in a washing line.

That’s where FIMIC’s filtration technology can help the most — to act as a pre-filter to remove the majority of contaminates and prepare a well-filtered melt to the following steps of the processing line.

With PP textiles, an extremely interesting application is in PP woven bags, or flexible intermediate bulk containers (FiBC), whose woven tapes are made of recycled polypropylene (rPP).

This is a very demanding application, especially starting from post-consumer PP woven bags, that often are heavily contaminated and need specialized machinery from experienced suppliers to complete the process.

FIMIC can contribute here with two technologies to improve the efficiency of such process
The guillotine — at the very beginning of the line — can be used to pre-cut the bales of PP woven-bags and prepare them to be fed to the subsequent washing steps.

Secondly, FIMIC’s Melt Filtration technology — single or double —may be used to remove many contaminants from the melt stream, hence helping to obtain a high-quality, unstressed polymer, and very well filtered melt that can be pelletized to be reused into rPP tapes production.

Looking Forward

With a rich history serving recyclers needs for innovative solutions, FIMIC finds itself deeply ensconced in an industry of increasing demand.

From humble beginnings focused on assisting in processing waste —the industry is no longer discarding waste but transforming it in a circular product environment. FIMIC has proven to be an effective partner in various stages of the recycling process, and its portfolio of equipment is recognized for its reliability and in its word “unbreakable.”

With the growing interest in recycled plastics and a need to process highly contaminated plastic waste, FIMIC technology provides solutions that eliminate impurities and lead to efficiently processed, high quality recycled products. As recycling continues to remain top of mind, FIMIC’s ability to contribute look more constructive than ever.

2025 Quarterly Issue I

Sustainable Upholstered Furniture: What Strategies And Technologies?

Lectra offers a road map for the upholstered furniture industry as it shifts towards more sustainable production.

TW Special Report

Sustainability has become a critical focus across industries, especially in home furnishings. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council, sustainability in this sector refers to the design, production, sale, and use of furniture in ways that aim to minimize negative environmental, health, and social impacts. This approach prioritizes the long-term well-being of the planet and its inhabitants over short-term gains, integrating principles that promote ecological responsibility throughout a product’s entire life cycle.

But incorporating sustainability in upholstery or furniture design is not a new approach, at least not in the minds of some designers and manufacturers. In 1976, German designer Dieter Rams introduced his principles of good design, which included “Good design is long-lasting” and “Good design is environmentally friendly.”

A survey by the Center for Indus-trial Studies (CSIL) found 45 percent of its manufacturer respondents cited “environmental sustainability” as a top priority in all areas of their business strategies.1 According to a recent Furniture Today survey, the furniture industry gave itself an aver-age of a “C” grade on its sustainability efforts. Many noted the industry’s efforts but found the overall momentum lacking. Despite all this, 77 percent of manufacturers believed sustainability should be a priority.2

“The meaning of sustainability is not only the certifications or sustainable products, it goes beyond. It needs to include also the business environment and the social levels, connecting every-thing to one place. And then we can call it a sustainable business,” explained Ovidijus Jalonskis, CEO Vilmers, a Scandinavian furniture company that is setting new standards for sustainability and customer-centric experiences.

But how can this be achieved? “By moving forward, upholstered furniture might be best served by defining sustainability as in this way: by connecting the manufacturing process from end to end and resulting in a sustainable business model,” Jalonskis shared. “Balancing the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability in the upholstered furniture industry is indeed challenging, how-ever a circular approach that emphasizes material recovery, longevity, and the responsible management of resources throughout a product’s life cycle can and will make a difference.”

Core Components Of Sustainable Furniture

Sustainability in the upholstered furniture sector is driven by a focus on reducing environmental and social impacts across the product life cycle.

Key components of this effort include addressing packaging and emissions, ensuring material health, minimizing environmental impact, and upholding social responsibility standards.

But for Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, an Italy-based company focused on providing global living solutions in a sustainable way for international customers: “Sustain-ability also means durability. The products are handcrafted to last generations, and we offer a dedicated service team to restore and reupholster items, with collection and delivery services available worldwide.”

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Practices And Sourcing

Central to sustainable home furnishings is the promotion of eco-friendly manufacturing practices and sourcing. Some 36 percent of CSIL survey1 respondents chose “production process” as a key focus area for improving sustainability, and this can be achieved by adopting different manufacturing practices.

Reducing Inventory And Stock — On-demand manufacturing allows companies to eliminate overproduction because they only produce what’s needed and don’t have excess material or product inventory. Additionally, the need for shipping and storing components and raw materials in bulk is eliminated, further reducing a company’s environmental footprint. On-demand manufacturing is a more sustainable option, and it offers furniture makers the ability to adapt to market fluctuations and improve customization.

For instance, Poltrona Frau combines sustainability and customization in various ways. Its products are made to order and fully customizable, offering consumers an extensive selection of materials — including various types of sustainable materials and leather —Pelle Frau Impact Less, FSC-certified wood, or fabric, for example —and a choice of more than 100 colors for each individual product. Thanks to technology, customers can view their personalized product through the configurator available on the website.

Reducing Waste — Highly precise, minimal buffer cutting and auto-mated marker making ensure that manufacturers limit both waste and cost per cut part. The use of technology enables manufacturers to optimize nesting with minimal buffer, amounting to 3 percent in material savings that represents 15 percent of reduction waste. In terms of reducing waste, this applies not only to the manufacturing process but also to the shipping by using recyclable materials or cutting back on the amount used in packing and, ultimately, costing furniture businesses less.

Jalonskis cites his company’s replacement of cardboard and plastic packages with 100-percent recycled packaging materials, improving the customers’ experience, and reducing the company’s additional tax burden. “In the end, we even saved money,” he said. “You can find that sustainability can help you to improve your business, and the customers don’t need to pay extra for that.”

Reducing Energy — Using renewable energy sources and optimizing manufacturing processes are efficient ways to reduce overall energy consumption. Adopting new and upgraded cutting solutions that have been eco-designed is vital. Energy consumption of the cutting equipment can be reduced 30 to 40 percent by making these investments. For instance, more efficient cutting machines with higher production capacity allow companies to produce more cut pieces within shorter periods, reducing the carbon dioxide emissions rate for each one.

Emissions

One of the most critical concerns in upholstered furniture is the reduction of harmful emissions, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The healthiest upholstered furniture doesn’t add chemical flame retardants or stain-guard fabric coatings on its fabrics and should use natural latex or low-VOC certified foam in the cushions. Formaldehyde, commonly found in adhesives and particleboard, is a known irritant and carcinogen. Over the past 20 to 30 years, there has been a significant push towards limiting its use in furniture.

Historically, emissions regulations were minimal, with manufacturers rarely required to meet strict standards. However, with growing awareness of indoor air quality’s impact on health, regulatory bodies have implemented stricter guide-lines. Today, compliance with standards is a crucial indicator of a product’s commitment to minimizing harmful emissions. Industry practices now include the use of low-emission adhesives and treatments.

Material Health

The material health of upholstered furniture is another core component of sustainability. This focuses on using non-toxic, safe materials throughout the product’s construction. Regulatory frameworks, such as California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65), have been influential in shaping industry practices by requiring manufacturers to disclose harmful chemicals in their products. A growing focus is on eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often used for stain resistance. These “forever chemicals” are persistent in the environment and pose health risks. As a result, many manufacturers are now turning to non-toxic, water-based treatments and exploring safer, innovative mate-rials like organic cotton, wool, and natural latex to meet health and safety standards without compromising product performance. Examples of non-PFAS coatings include coatings made from elements like silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of furniture manufacturing extends beyond emissions and toxic chemicals. It significantly affects natural resources like water and contributes to climate change through deforestation and carbon emissions. In Europe, the EU Regulation against deforestation and forest degradation has impacted producers, who must ensure that the materials used do not come from deforested land. The industry has made strides in sourcing sustainable wood, focusing on certified options like to ensure practices that protect ecosystems and pro-mote legal harvesting.

Social Responsibility

The concept of social responsibility in upholstered furniture is crucial, given the global nature of the supply chain. Around 40 to 50 percent of upholstered furniture is sourced from countries like China and Vietnam, where labor standards can be less stringent. This raises concerns about worker safety, fair wages, and ethical labor practices.

Brands play a critical role in verifying labor conditions, particularly in regions where local regulations may not adequately protect workers. In the United States, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act bans imports of Chinese products made using Uyghurs. Leading companies are increasingly implementing social compliance audits and working with third-party certifiers to ensure their suppliers meet ethical standards.

While voluntary efforts from industry leaders drive some progress, there is a growing call for regulatory frame-works to enforce minimum standards globally. Voluntary initiatives — such as adhering to the Fair Labor Association or the Ethical Trading Initiative— promote fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.

Global Perspectives

As global awareness of environmental impacts rises, companies worldwide are exploring new ways to reduce their ecological footprint. However, sustainability practices in upholstery manufacturing vary significantly across different regions, influenced by local regulations, consumer preferences, and economic factors.

Global supply chains in upholstery manufacturing have undergone significant shifts driven by demo-graphic changes, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The demo-graphic trend of aging populations in Europe and the United States has led to increased demand for durable, high-quality furniture that prioritizes comfort and longevity. This has driven manufacturers to focus on sustainable, long-lasting materials that cater to these preferences.

Geopolitical factors, such as trade wars and increasing tariffs, have prompted companies to reassess their reliance on Asian manufacturing hubs. Many businesses are exploring reshoring—moving production closer to their primary markets—to reduce dependence on international suppliers and mitigate risks associated with long supply chains. This shift has also been influenced by the need for better control over environmental standards and compliance with local sustainability regulations.

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting manufacturers to adopt more resilient and sustainable practices. This transition has also highlighted the importance of digital technologies, such as AI and digital twin technology, in optimizing supply chains for greater efficiency and sustainability through transparency.

Challenges Of Sustainability In Upholstered Furniture

The upholstered furniture industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. However, achieving sustainability in this sector has its challenges.

Recyclability Concerns —Upholstered furniture is notoriously difficult to recycle due to its composite materials. Typically made of a mix of wood, metal, foam, fabric, and adhesives, separating these components for recycling is labor intensive and costly. Foam poses a significant issue because it is often treated with fire retardants and chemicals, making it unsuitable for simple reuse.

Consequently, many pieces of upholstered furniture end up in land-fills, highlighting the industry’s struggle with developing effective recycling solutions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 9 million tons of furniture are thrown away every year.3 And in Europe, 5 million tons of furniture is discarded every year, the majority of which is destined for either landfills or incineration.4

Costs Of Sustainability — Incorporating sustainable practices into the production of upholstered furniture can be expensive. Sourcing ecofriendly materials such as organic fabrics, responsibly harvested wood, and recyclable metal components significantly increases costs. For many manufacturers, especially smaller companies, the investment required to overhaul supply chains, implement sustainable practices, and meet certification standards can be prohibitive. As a result, these costs are often passed on to consumers, making sustainably produced furniture less accessible and competitive compared to traditional offerings.

Adopting sustainable manufacturing processes requires significant investment in technology and equipment. Shifting towards greener practices, such as using water-based adhesives or energy-efficient machinery, involves high up-front costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Uneven Playing Field — Sustainability standards and regulations vary widely across regions and markets, creating an uneven playing field for manufacturers. Companies operating in countries with strict environmental regulations face higher compliance costs, while those in regions with less stringent policies may continue using cheaper, non-sustainable materials.

This disparity makes it difficult for responsible manufacturers to compete on price, particularly in a global market where cost is a significant factor for consumers. But there is hope. A recent U.S. study shows that 76 percent of Americans are willing to pay a higher price tag for eco-friendly furniture.5

Labor Shortages — The furniture industry is grappling with labor shortages, which are exacerbated by the specialized skills needed for sustainable manufacturing. Skilled artisans capable of working with eco-friendly materials and techniques are in short supply. Steve Kooy, Health & Sustainability director for BIFMA, finds this to be an issue of concerns for manufacturers.

This issue is particularly concerning for manufacturers based in rural areas, where the access to skilled workers is more limited. Additionally, the existing skilled labor is aging out and efforts to recruit and train new generations to replace this expertise have been unsuccessful. This has led to increased competition for talent and rising labor costs.

Supply Chain Disruptions And Near-Shoring — Global supply chain disruptions have prompted many furniture manufacturers to bring manufacturing back closer to home markets. It can reduce transportation delays but also increase labor costs, exacerbating the overall economic burden even as it reduces dependency on foreign sup-pliers. While nearshoring or reshoring can lead to improved quality control and shorter lead times, it also introduces new challenges, such as the need to rebuild domestic supply chains that support sustainable mate-rial sourcing. Finding local suppliers that meet high sustainability standards can be difficult and costly, further complicating the industry’s transition to greener practices.

Consumer Trends And Sustainability Marketing — Consumer demand for sustainable products is growing, but there is still a gap between interest and actual purchasing behavior, mainly due to higher prices and limited availability.

Consumers care about sustainability, but they don’t want to pay anything extra for sustainability. They have doubts about the quality,” explained Kooy. For some, the real question is should the responsibility for promoting sustainable upholstery lie with the consumers or the manufacturers?

Furthermore, consumers may struggle to discern genuinely sustain-able products from those that are merely marketed as such, due to a lack of standardized certification. This creates challenges for brands attempting to build trust and differentiate their offerings in an increasingly crowded market focused on sustainability claims.

There also is a generational shift in consumer habits, particularly among younger generations, suggests that materialism may be on the decline, affecting demand for new furniture.

Strategies For Sustainability

Adopting sustainable practices in the upholstered furniture industry is no longer optional; it is essential for long-term business success and environmental responsibility. Technological innovations will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing sustain-ability and customization for upholstery manufacturers, however embracing a sustainable design philosophy is also vital.

“This means emphasizing longevity and timeless aesthetics to reduce the need for frequent replacements. Thoughtful design can lead to products that remain relevant and functional over time, minimizing waste,” Coropulis said.

There are key strategies that companies can implement to enhance sustainability including:

• Education and consumer aware-ness;
• Regulations and recognized sus-tainability certifications;
• Better use of Industry 4.0 tech-nologies;
• Transportation, logistics and con-sumption patterns; and
• Emerging business models.

Looking Ahead

The future of sustainability in upholstery manufacturing will likely be driven by a combination of regulatory shifts, industry 4.0 technologies, innovations, and changing consumer preferences. As companies continue to adapt and evolve, those prioritizing sustainable practices are expected to gain a competitive edge, build stronger customer loyalty, and con-tribute positively to the environment. In summary, while the journey toward full sustainability in upholstered furniture is challenging, it is also filled with immense potential. The transition may be gradual, but the collective efforts of manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers hold the promise of a more sustainable future for the global furniture market.

References:
1 CSIL survey among upholstered producers, 2021 2 www.furnituretoday.com
3 www.architecturaldigest.com
4 eeb.org
5 www1.eere.energy.gov

Editor’s note: This article was adapted from a white paper exploring the future of sustainability in the furniture industry published by the Lectra Observatory, a research initiative launched by France-based Lectra. To read the full version of the white paper, which includes more on global perspectives and sustainablity strategies , please visit TextileWorld.com.

2025 Quarterly Issue I

Reimagining Rest

Südwolle Group recently worked with Lenzing and Culp Home Fashions to create a new luxury mattress ticking fabric.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Coming together and contributing expertise towards a shared goal, Germany-based worsted yarn spinner Südwolle Group, Austria-based cellulosic fiber producer Lenzing AG and Stokesdale, N.C.-based Culp Home Fashions (CHF) recently explored new ways to merge functionality and visual appeal in home textiles.

This cross-industry collaboration focused on improving sleep comfort while imparting a fresh design and color scheme to mattress fabrics.

The project began with Südwolle Group’s Oakport yarn — a 50-percent wool/
50-percent TENCEL™ Lyocell blend in a 36/1 Nm yarn count. The yarn is available in Suedwolle Group’s stock program. According to Südwolle Group, this fiber blend offers practical benefits for home textiles. Wool has natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, which is enhanced by the softness and moisture control of Lenzing’s TENCEL Lyocell. The blend also offers breathability and durability, as well as odor management.

Originally established in 1976 as Culp Ticking, CHF is Culp Inc.’s mattress fabric division. For the collaboration, CHF’s design team set to create a fabric that differed from the blue and gray color combinations often used for mattress fabrics. They selected a warm and neutral color palette and went with a vintage-inspired patchwork pattern featuring angular shapes. The fabrics are available exclusively through CHF.

“Lenzing and Südwolle Group recognized a void for a natural mattress ticking face that brought together the benefits of merino wool and TENCEL lyocell fibers,” reported Walter Bridgham, senior business development manager, Lenzing Fibers, TENCEL brand, Americas Home Segment. “Culp was identified and approached as a partner that has a keen sense of design and outstanding production capabilities, and they brought this luxury mattress ticking fabric to reality.”

“The best part of the project was having the opportunity to work with industry leading fiber and yarn suppliers, said CHF President Tommy Bruno. Collaborating with industry-leading fiber and yarn suppliers on this project has helped create an innovative and foundational fabric that will contribute to future product development. This collaboration allowed us to create a fabric that will ultimately stimulate conversation and inspire future product development with our customers.”

The fabrics made their debut at the recent Heimtextil trade show in Germany. “Lenzing had the opportunity to show this fabric at the January Heimtextil fair in Frankfurt where we received very positive feedback on the innovative fabric,” Bridgham said. “Since Heimtextil, Lenzing has received interest to bring the fabric to market in the mattress ticking area.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, the companies agreed that a core color palette for the yarn presents future opportunities for elevated design, premium tiered options and enhanced creative possibilities.

“I am really excited on how the collaboration is being perceived after launch!” added Lukas Vogl, marketing specialist, Südwolle Group. “I think the real benefit that we have put forth for the collaboration between Südwolle Group, Lenzing, and Culp is the exclusive marketing support for this innovation. We want to make sure that we make this development and the relationship very special.”

2025 Quarterly Issue 1

Plastics Industry Association Applauds Confirmation Of Jamieson Greer As United States Trade Representative

WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 26, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released the following statement applauding the confirmation of Jamieson Greer as United States Trade Representative:

“PLASTICS extends its sincere congratulations to Jamieson Greer on his confirmation to serve as United States Trade Representative,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to advance trade policies that reinforce the strength and global competitiveness of U.S. plastics manufacturing. His leadership will be critical in ensuring fair and open markets, supporting the more than one million American workers in our industry, and fostering innovations that drive economic growth and sustainability.”

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Ambercycle And Huilong Announce Partnership To Scale Circular Textile Materials

LOS ANGELES — February 26, 2025 — Ambercycle has entered into a partnership with Zhejiang Huilong New Materials Co. Ltd., a producer of dope dyed polyester yarn. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of sustainable, circular textile materials, marking a significant step forward in advancing the global textile supply chain.

Huilong and Ambercycle commemorating partnership. (From left to right: Shen Yongdi – CFO, Huilong New Materials ; Jiang Yu – Investment Manager, Huilong New Materials; Gerry Xue – Country Manager, China, Ambercycle; Shay Sethi – CEO, Ambercycle; Shen Shunhua – Chairman, Huilong New Materials; Angel Zhu – Director, Huilong New Materials; Mr. Liang – Lawyer, Huilong New Materials; Mr. Qian – Lawyer, Huilong New Materials; Inys Sun – Marketing Manager, Huilong New Materials.

Ambercycle, based in Los Angeles, is reshaping the future of materials with cycora® — high-quality regenerated polyester made entirely from end-of-life textiles. Through its advanced molecular regeneration technology, Ambercycle is able to provide high-quality, sustainable polyester fibers that offer a premium alternative to virgin materials, positioning itself as a key player in the shift towards a circular textile economy.

The partnership between Huilong and Ambercycle reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions at scale. Huilong, recognized for its dope dyed polyester yarn that reduces energy, water, and pollution in the dyeing process, is expanding its commitment to sustainability by integrating next-generation circular materials into its portfolio. “As a company with over two decades of expertise in sustainable materials, we are excited to partner with Ambercycle to bring innovative circular solutions to market,” said Chairman Shen Shunhua of Huilong. “This collaboration represents a significant step in driving industry-wide change toward greener and more sustainable textile production.”

Shay Sethi,  o-founder and CEO of Ambercycle, emphasized the importance of the partnership in scaling operations: “Working with Huilong will allow us to significantly expand our impact, enabling us to meet the growing demand for circular materials in the global fashion industry. Together, we are building the future of sustainable fashion.”

By working together, Ambercycle and Huilong are poised to not only scale the production of recycled polyester but also to make a substantial impact on the global textile industry. Through this partnership, they are advancing both the commercialization and broader adoption of sustainable materials, ensuring that the shift toward a circular economy in fashion becomes a reality.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Ambercycle

Jennie Hermans Joins The Accounting Team At Herculite

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — February 27, 2025 — Herculite Products Inc. is pleased to announce that Jennie Hermans has been hired as an assistant controller within the Accounting Group.

Jennie Hermans

Hermans will oversee key financial functions in this role, including budgeting, financial reporting, audit and tax compliance, and internal controls. Her experience in accounting leadership roles will be instrumental in strengthening the company’s financial strategy and helping Herculite achieve and surpass its business goals.

Hermans brings a wealth of accounting experience with over 15 years in progressively responsible accounting supervisory positions across several different industries. She is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Elizabethtown College.

Hermans lives in New Cumberland and enjoys traveling, antique shopping, and reading.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Herculite Products, Inc.

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) Expands In Q1 With Five New Showrooms And Growing Design Studios

ATLANTA — February 27, 2025 — Continually committed to serving the design industry with fresh offerings, Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is starting the year off strong by bringing on five new showrooms, with some open now and some set to open this spring. BlueVision Home, LLC, Caracole, Edgar-Reeves Lighting, Samuel & Sons and Quadrille join the roster at the Southeast’s preeminent design destination, which remains 90% leased, with more than 50% of the recently announced Design Studios already committed.

With the addition of these new showrooms, including Caracole and Quadrille, which are expanding their presence in the region with open daily showrooms, ADAC continues to enhance its curated collection of top-tier brands, offering designers and homeowners access to an unparalleled selection of furnishings, textiles, and décor. Complementing these showroom additions, ADAC’s expansion of The Design Studios, which will open later this year, provides designers and architects with dedicated office space just steps away, creating a seamless environment where industry professionals can connect, collaborate, and find inspiration – all without leaving campus.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these five new showrooms, each adding a unique specialty to ADAC,” says Katie Miner, General Manager of ADAC. “With Edgar-Reeves as our only dedicated lighting showroom, Samuel & Sons exclusively offering luxury trim, and BlueVision Home introducing cutting-edge technology, designers now have direct access to experts in more categories. These additions further solidify ADAC as the go-to destination for design professionals, offering unparalleled access to home resources with more specialized categories than ever.”

Below are details on the latest ADAC showroom and design studio news:

BlueVision Home, LLC | Suite 406 

BlueVision Home, a leader in luxury architectural lighting and home technology solutions, has expanded to ADAC with a 3,500-square-foot showroom. With over eight years of experience in Roswell, the company has seen a surge in interaction with designers, architects, and builders, prompting the decision to relocate to ADAC. This move enhances accessibility for designers, architects, builders, and homeowners seeking high-end lighting, motorized shading, and home automation solutions. “There’s no technology that enhances the beauty of interiors more than lighting,” said Jean Laurent, President of BlueVision Home. “As a provider of luxury architectural lighting solutions, ADAC is the perfect place to meet clients and specifiers.” The showroom showcases an array of innovative products, including Lutron’s motorized shades, intelligent lighting fixtures, and lighting control systems, as well as Elite HTS’s custom seating for media rooms and home theaters. In addition to lighting and shading solutions, BlueVision offers music, TV, Wi-Fi and networking, security, cameras, access control, and environmental controls – creating seamless, sophisticated living experiences. bluevisionhome.com

Caracole | Suite 141 

Caracole has relocated its permanent Atlanta showroom from AmericasMart to ADAC, positioning itself in a premier designer-focused space that fosters creativity and collaboration. The move strengthens Caracole’s connection with the design community, offering year-round access to its thoughtfully crafted collections. Unveiling its latest product debuts in a stunning new 3,000-square-foot showroom, Caracole invites designers to explore its distinctive furniture collections, crafted to bring everyday elegance to any space. With contemporary, feminine, and refined forms, each piece seamlessly blends beauty and functionality through unique materials, soft architectural details, and graceful silhouettes. “Moving to ADAC puts us at the center of the design community, giving designers easy access to our collections and reinforcing our commitment to luxury design,” said Alessandro Fabrini, President of Caracole. tothetrade.caracole.com

Edgar-Reeves Lighting | Suite 139 

Edgar-Reeves Lighting, a one-of-a-kind lampshade and lighting company, is making a strategic move to ADAC, after almost twenty years in its previous location. “We wanted to move to ADAC to be closer to all the showrooms that complement our products and make it an easier destination for both our local and nationwide clients,” said owner Maggie Bailey. She sees this move as a growth opportunity as the company continues to expand in terms of both clients and products. Edgar-Reeves Lighting is due to open its showroom in Spring 2025. The company will continue to expand with an exclusive stock of high-quality lampshades and lamps, alongside brands like Fermoie and OiSoiOi, while staying true to its mission of providing inspiring lighting solutions that transform distinctive living and workspaces. edgar-reeves.com

Samuel & Sons | Suite 311 

Samuel & Sons new 2100-square-foot showroom is now open at ADAC and is the company’s fifth corporate showroom in the U.S., and seventh showroom world-wide. Designed in partnership with world-renowned interior designer and brand collaborator, Timothy Corrigan, the showroom will serve as a new home for interior designers to scheme and shop over 10,000 products across its collections. “It has been an honor to collaborate with our good friend and brilliant interior designer, Timothy Corrigan, on the design of the Atlanta showroom,” said Michael Cohen, President of Samuel & Sons. “We’ve created something unique from our other showrooms, perfectly tailored for Atlanta designers, and bursting with detail. We look forward to welcoming clients to discover it themselves at ADAC.” samuelandsons.com

Quadrille | Suite 138 

Quadrille will open its Atlanta showroom at ADAC in Spring 2025. The new space will showcase Quadrille’s full line of fabrics and wallpapers. Quadrille Wallpapers & Fabrics, Inc. was formed in 1969 and sells to trade only. Its brands, Quadrille, China Seas, Alan Campbell, Home Couture and Cloth & Paper offer a wide range of hand-printed designs from modern to traditional. Along with Quadrille’s updated classics, China Seas offers unique and authentic batiks and island-inspired patterns, while Alan Campbell features the bold graphic prints associated with the 60s and 70s. Home Couture is known for its large-scale contemporary offerings and fresh color palette. Cloth & Paper combines traditional and modern motifs with a fresh approach to scale and texture. The showroom will also offer authentic toiles from Charles Burger, Paris. quadrillefabrics.com

ADAC features over 65 unique showrooms and 26 design studios that are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photos, interviews, tours, and additional showroom information are available upon request.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC)

Recover™ Appoints Hans Ploos Van Amstel As Executive Chairman Of Its Board Of Directors

MADRID — February 25, 2025 — Recover™ — a materials science company and large-scale producer of sustainable, high‑quality recycled cotton fiber and cotton fiber blends — today announced the appointment of Hans Ploos van Amstel as executive chairman of its board of directors. Hans is a widely respected leader whose expertise complements the talent and experience of the existing Recover board members.

Recover™ appoints Hans Ploos van Amstel as Executive Chairman of its Board of Directors —Photo – Recover™

Ploos van Amstel brings with him a wealth of global financial expertise and a proven track record of driving transformative growth across diverse industries, including deep experience in fashion and textiles. With over three decades of progressive experience, Ploos van Amstel has held key executive leadership positions at distinguished companies such as Procter & Gamble, Levi Strauss & Co., the Adecco Group and Partners Group, through which he has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving strategic transformations, optimizing organizational structures, and fostering sustainable growth. As group chief financial officer of Levi Strauss & Co., Ploos van Amstel played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, leveraging his financial proficiency to bolster operational efficiency and drive innovation. He also served as co-chief executive officer of C&A and CFO of Partners Group, a publicly traded global asset manager with more than $150 billion of assets under management.

“We are thrilled to appoint Hans to the executive chairman role. His extensive global experience, financial acumen and strategic vision will be invaluable assets as we continue to enable large-scale change as the premier, trusted recycled cotton partner to the world’s leading retailers and brands,” said Peter Comisar, Recover board member and founder of STORY3 Capital Partners.

“I am honored to serve as executive chairman of Recover and look forward to leveraging my global experience in finance, fashion and textiles to support the company’s continued growth and customer-centric focus. Recover is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of a successful transition to high-volume use of recycled cotton fiber within the supply chains of the largest global brands,” Ploos van Amstel said.

Ploos van Amstel’s appointment as executive chairman follows the company’s appointment of Anders Sjöblom as CEO, Matthew Neville as chief commercial officer, and Fehmi Yüksel as chief transformation officer. Sjöblom, Neville, and Yüksel are seasoned executives from H&M Group, Coats Group, and McKinsey & Company, respectively. These additions have enabled Recover to continue to provide exceptional customer focus, grounded in operational and financial excellence.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Recover™

eVent Fabrics Adds “StormburstLT” To Round Out Growing List Of High-Performance Weather Protection

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — February 27, 2025 — eVent® Fabrics, a global supplier of waterproof/breathable and windproof fabric laminates, is proud to introduce its newest, high performance laminate offering, stormburstLT.

Designed to offer best-in-class breathability, the ultralight and ultra-breathable stormburstLT joins existing laminates, including alpineST for extreme applications; stormST for outdoor and lifestyle applications; and windstormST for breathable windproof and softshell applications. This complete line rounds out eVent’s collection of laminates, providing brand partners with custom solutions for apparel, footwear, and gloves.

“With a focus on aerobic use, the stormburstLT ultralight technology platform fills a necessary category space for us,” said Chad Kelly, president of eVent Fabrics. “We designed stormburstLT with a super thin, 5-micron PFAS-free membrane, and will offer it with either lightweight woven or knitted face and interior fabrics, to create a versatile windproof laminate with very high moisture vapor transport and breathability. We’ve listened to our brand partners and are confident we now have a high-performance solution for the fast and light category, as well as a much-requested breathable fabric for insulated jackets.”

eVent will market the new stormburstLT to brands specializing in running, cycling, Nordic skiing, hiking, skiing, and activewear. Light, packable and versatile, stormburstLT is also ideal for adventure travel.

eVent Fabrics invites designers, product developers, and industry professionals to visit Booth Q12 at Performance Days Munich. March 5-6th to explore stormburstLT firsthand, discuss its applications, and gain insights into how it can elevate their next product line.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: eVent® Fabrics

Mimaki Launches Tx330-1800 And Tx330-1800B For On-Demand, Sustainable And High Quality Textile Applications

AMSTERDAM — February 27, 2025 — Mimaki Europe, a provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers, unveils two new direct-to-textile printers, the Tx330-1800 and Tx330-1800B. The Tx330 Series offers extensive textile printing capabilities, able to print on a variety of materials with minimal wastewater. In contrast to conventional textile printing processes that require pre- and post-processing equipment, the Tx330 Series streamlines production into a more space-efficient solution—ideal for users with limited space. FESPA in Berlin, May 6-9, 2025, will mark the EMEA debut of the Tx330-1800 and the unveiling of further details concerning both printers.

The Tx330-1800 hybrid model provides seamless printing on both fabric and paper

The Tx330 Series drives the transformation of the textile industry towards waterless, high-quality solutions, as well as for apparel manufacturers, who look for a printer which offers both quality and sustainability. The printers are equipped with dual ink set capability to seamlessly switch between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks, further diversifying application possibilities. Unlike conventional dye inks, these solutions simplify the process with a straightforward printing and heat fixation procedure. This eliminates the need for extensive facilities for water supply, drainage and wastewater treatment, as well as the dyeing expertise needed to operate, making digital textile printing more accessible.

The Tx330-1800B is an ideal space-saving solution, with added stability for printing on complex fabrics

The Tx330-1800 allows for seamless printing on both fabric and paper in one machine, ideal when producing textile signage and interior fabrics. Meanwhile, the Tx330-1800B uses a space-saving belt conveyor to stably print on stretchy, thick, and thin fabrics commonly used for apparel, ideal for the production of short-run and varied apparel in small spaces, such as offices, schools, and retail stores.

Arjen Evertse, general manager, Sales EMEA at Mimaki Europe, comments, “Looking at today’s textile market, we anticipate that the demand for textile products produced on-demand and locally will continue to grow. So, with that in mind, we released two products which are easy-to-use, versatile and sustainable, for those printers looking to incorporate textile printing capabilities within a small space, without compromising on capabilities and quality.

“The ink versatility aspect of these printers tackles the important concern of industrial water pollution, of which traditional textile dyeing alone contributes around 20% to. Utilising textile pigment and dye sublimation processes, Mimaki’s latest printing solutions remove the need for the large amounts of water typically required in post-processing, creating a much more resource efficient process with almost no water used at all—while also significantly reducing energy consumption.”

The Tx330-1800 Series utilises Mimaki’s “330 Engine”, providing the same sharp details, smooth coloring and accurate color printing as other entries in the 330 Series due to smooth gradation expression and high-density printing capabilities.

To accompany the Tx330 series, Mimaki is also introducing a textile RIP software, the TxLink5. This latest version of the TxLink software is designed to further improve the workflow in environments with multiple printers, which allows for users to manage their printing processes more efficiently.

The Tx330-1800 and Tx330-1800B will both be available for the textile and apparel market in June 2025.

Posted: February 27, 2025

Source: Mimaki Europe B.V.

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