Trivantage® Unveils New Event For Workroom Professionals: The Makers Meet

BURLINGTON, N.C. — June 20, 2025 — Trivantage, a trusted supplier for workroom and upholstery professionals, will host an all-new educational event called The Makers Meet — which celebrates the skill, creativity, and community that drive great workrooms and upholstery shops.

The event will take place on August 14 and 15 at the Sunbrella® headquarters in Burlington, N.C., where attendees will enjoy a day-and-a-half of exclusive insights from industry leaders, product demos, business tips, fabric previews, networking with peers and vendors, and more.

“The Makers Meet is more than an educational event — it’s a celebration of artistry,” said Lindsay Shakarjian, marketing director at Trivantage. “The experience is designed to help workroom professionals refine their skills, reimagine their potential, and lead with confidence in a fast-evolving industry.”

A highlight of the event will be several hands-on, expert-led workshops, including:

  • Luxury Drapery Construction with Susan Woodcock: A live demonstration of fabrication methods, materials, and finishing details used to create custom draperies for the high-end market. Attendees will learn how incorporating linings, interlinings, and hand sewing techniques contributes to overall drapery appearance, and function.
  • Precision & Process with Grant Trick: Practical tips and expert tricks to help streamline work processes while elevating quality. Attendees will learn time-saving insights, from perfecting mitered corners and installing skirt linings to working with silk film, border clamps, and zippers.
  • How to Build a Resilient Business with Charlene Clark: A look into aligning company vision, culture, and operations for lasting success. Attendees will learn about implementing sustainable team structures, optimal workflows, and measurable performance indicators.
  • Why Sunbrella with Camdyn Conner Lloyd: An exploration of the proprietary innovations, trusted durability, and versatile design options that make Sunbrella a leader in the performance fabrics market.

As pioneers in the textiles distribution space, this event is just one way Trivantage is moving the industry forward through educational endeavors. After successfully launching a marine fabrication-focused seminar, Performance on Deck, in 2024, the company hopes to continually expand on opportunities to inspire creatives, connect them with one another, and provide resources to bolster their business.

“Our mission is to go beyond supplying materials and tools and serve as a partner and thought leader — helping shape the future of our industry,” said Bret Kelley, president of Trivantage. “Through educational and networking platforms like The Makers Meet and Performance on Deck, we empower makers with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to unlock their creativity and elevate their craft.”

Space is limited, and tickets must be reserved by July 16. In addition to industry education, the price of admission includes a tour of the Sunbrella Novelty Yarn Plant; a vendor marketplace with leading suppliers’ latest innovations in tools and materials; all meals, including a Sunbrella-sponsored cocktail hour and welcome dinner; and a special gift from Trivantage.

Trivantage has reserved a room block at The Inn at Elon for event attendees and will provide round-trip bus transportation between the hotel and Sunbrella headquarters on Thursday, August 14. To learn more, view the schedule of events, or reserve tickets, visit

https://www.events.trivantage.com/

Posted: June 23, 2025

Source: Trivantage

Teijin Frontier Develops A Next-Generation Stretch Fabric With An Extremely Fine, Multiple Crimp Structure Providing Soft And Airy Comfort

TOKYO — June 12, 2025 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., announced today that it has developed a next-generation stretch fabric made of an extra-fine three-dimensional structure with randomly sized crimps. The newly developed fabric combines exceptional elasticity with a soft, airy texture and a natural uneven surface that helps make the fabric lightweight while providing quick drying and moisture wicking performance.

The surface of the newly developed fabric.

Teijin Frontier plans to launch this next-generation stretch fabric for the domestic and international outdoor and sportswear markets during the Fall/Winter 2026 season. The company also aims to expand its applications to include lifestyle apparel such as innerwear and fashion garments, targeting sales of 100,000 meters in fiscal 2026 and 1 million meters by fiscal 2029.

Traditionally, stretch fabrics used in sportswear, fashion and innerwear have relied on polyurethane, however this material presents challenges in terms of strength, durability, weight and colorfastness. Previously, Teijin Frontier addressed these issues by developing various stretch materials using SOLOTEXⓇ fiber, which is made from polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) instead.

A sheath-core composite yarn with randomly sized crimps

In recent years, though, consumer demand has evolved beyond stretchability alone. Today there is growing interest in fabrics that offer novel textures and appearances, along with gentle-touch comfort. Existing SOLOTEX-based materials provide numerous benefits, but were not fully meeting these new expectations from consumers.

In response, Teijin Frontier leveraged its advanced PTT spinning and drawing technologies to develop an extra-fine side-by-side conjugate yarn that is produced by bonding two different PTT polymers in parallel. It features an extremely fine denier and strong, large crimp structure for excellent stretch performance. Using proprietary yarn processing techniques, this core yarn is combined with high-multifilament polyester fibers to create a sheath-core composite yarn with randomly sized crimps. When woven into a high-density textile, the result is a fabric with a natural, finely textured surface that delivers a light, airy texture and a soft feel—culminating in the creation of Teijin Frontier’s next-generation stretch fabric.

This next-generation stretch fabric offers the following key features:

  • Innovative Texture and Appearance: The contrast in crimp structures between the core and sheath yarns creates a natural, uneven surface with moderate firmness and drape.
  • Superior Comfort: The combination of multiple crimp structures provides a soft, airy sensation that feels almost weightless. The fabric also offers excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties, and its fine and uneven surface helps prevent stickiness during perspiration.
  • Environmental Consideration: The core yarn includes plant-derived raw materials, and the sheath yarn uses recycled polyester, making the next-generation stretch fabric an environmentally sustainable material.

Posted: June 23, 2025

Source: The Teijin Group

Interstoff Group Opts For Advanced Svegea Colarette Systems

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — June 23, 2025 — Svegea — a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association — has delivered no less than six of its EC 200 automatic collarette machines to the Bangladesh-based Interstoff Group in the past 12 months.

Interstoff, which belongs to the Pandughar Group, was founded in 2000 as a modest garment factory with just 62 sewing machines.

Svegea EC 200 system in situ at Interstoff Apparels.

Today its three divisions — Interstoff Apparels, Interstoff Clothing and South East Textile — have a combined workforce of over 10,000 people, producing around 72 million fully finished and packaged garments each year.

Recognition

Interstoff is further equipped with the very latest knitting and dyeing and finishing machinery sourced from Europe and Japan to enable a daily production capacity of 30,000 kg of fabrics. Through continuous innovation in yarns and processes, the company’s fabrics consistently earn recognition for their environmental responsibility and quality. Its fabric laboratory is certified by leading brands such as H&M, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Two Svegea collarette machines have now been commissioned at each of the three Interstoff divisions for the high speed production of tubular apparel components such as cuffs, collars and neck tapes.

Interstoff chose the EC 200 machines over the faster EC 300 model primarily because some of its fabrics include seams. The faster crush-cutting knife system in Svegea’s EC 300 series can struggle with multiple fabric layers or seams stitched with polyester thread, since it cuts by pressure rather than slicing. By contrast, the EC 200 uses scissor-action knives — two sharp circular blades with a slight overlap — which function like scissors and handle seams without issue.

The machines run directly from turntables at speeds of up to 40 meters per minute, depending on the fabric width, material properties and optimal settings. They are equipped with Svegea’s standard drive system in an electronic master/slave configuration. Each machine has been specially equipped with a third knife set, enabling the simultaneous cutting of up to three bands. This means that total output in linear meters per minute can be significantly higher when cutting multiple bands in parallel.

Efficiency and fabric savings

“Advances in automation continue to make the specialized, bespoke machines we engineer more efficient,” says Svegea Managing Director Håkan Steene. “We have enjoyed great success in Bangladesh over the past few years, working with our invaluable regional partner Tech Cell, and have established strong relationships with the leading integrated garment manufacturing operations in the country.”

“We have had a strong relationship with Svegea over the years and these machines are now helping us to significantly increase production as well as achieving fabric savings and being able to divert manpower to other areas of production,” adds Interstoff Apparels director Shaikh Mohammad Ilias.

“Many of the world’s leading fashion brands have chosen to establish operations in Bangladesh, drawn to the country’s efficiencies and highly integrated network of rapidly responding suppliers,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Hoping to build on this success, the Bangladesh government has now initiated plans to achieve exports of ready-made garment worth $50 billion by as early as this year – and approaching $100 billion by 2030. Members of TMAS have been very active in the region recently, providing the latest tools for automating textile and garment manufacturing processes – driving both sustainability and competitiveness. TMAS members look forward to meeting up with new and existing customers at the forthcoming ITMA Asia exhibition in Singapore this October.”

Svegea will be demonstrating both semi- and fully-automatic cutting machines at ITMA Asia + CITME from October 28-31, at stand D109 in Hall 6.

Posted: June 23, 2025

Source: TMAS, The Swedish Textile Machinery Association

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

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

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

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

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

The 2025 Award finalists are:

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

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

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

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

Posted: June 23, 2025

Source: NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Global Textile Machinery Shipments Show Mixed Performance In 2024

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

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

Spinning Machinery

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

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

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

Texturing Machinery

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

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

Weaving Machinery

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

Circular & Flat Knitting Machinery

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

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

Finishing Machinery

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

Posted: June 20, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apparel Fabrics & Fashion: sustainable growth engine

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

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

Home & Contract Textiles: riding the urbanization wave

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

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

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

Technical Textiles & Technologies: innovation frontier

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

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE). For more details on this fair, please visit www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

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

Other upcoming shows:

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition

  • August 20 – 22, 2025, Shanghai

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn

  • September 2 – 4, 2025, Shanghai

Cinte Techtextil China

  • September 3 – 5, 2025, Shanghai

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

  • March 11 – 13, 2026 Shanghai

References:

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

Posted: June 19, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

East Providence Rhode Island Firefighters Receive Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company and Fire-Dex

Space Application For ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 Opens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT TEX, CTMA & CIEC

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of factory expansion

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

Construction site:

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

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

Land area : 176,701 square meters

Building area : 99,900 square meters

Planned building completion date: June 2027

Posted: June 18, 2025

Source: YKK Corp.

Cotton Incorporated Unveils Reimagined CottonWorks Platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key features of CottonWorks include:

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

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

Posted: June 17, 2025

Source: Cotton Incorporated

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