CARY, N.C. — November 22, 2024 — INDA brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 10th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Themed Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions, key sessions included pricing strategies, global trade impacts, FemTech, adult care, period poverty, emerging pet care and wound care markets, environmental regulations on plastics and PFAS, and the impact of aging societies.
An event highlight was the presentation of the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award® to HIRO Technologies, Inc.’s World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers, diapers featuring plastic-eating mushrooms that combine excellent absorbency with natural materials.
The other notable finalists were:
Harper HYGIENICS S.A.’s Cleanic Naturals Hemp Sanitary Pads (Day & Night) and Pantyliners, an innovative femcare line made with regenerative hemp fibers from Bast Fibre Technologies; and
Hello Hazel, Inc.’s High & Dry Briefs, the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear.
Hygienix Highlights
Attendees gained insights and knowledge during three hands-on training sessions on Nov. 18, focused on fundamentals of absorption systems and opportunities in adult incontinence, innovations in menstrual care, and baby and infant care market dynamics.
Hygienix kicked off with a welcome reception that fostered networking. Attendees explored emerging trends and product innovations through Lightning Talks, connected with successful hygiene start-ups during Lunch Around sessions, and discovered the latest offerings at tabletop exhibits.
“Hygienix exemplifies INDA’s commitment to empowering companies in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets to advance their businesses,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito. “The insights and connections made at this year’s event will drive growth and enable participants to meet evolving demands and market challenges.”
INDA announced Hygienix 2025 will be held Nov. 17-20 at Omni Amelia Island Resort, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
SAVANNAH, Ga. — November 22, 2024 — AATCC presents several prestigious awards each year, along with thousands of dollars in honoraria. Some awards were established to recognize outstanding achievers in the textiles sciences, whose discoveries influence the world. Others recognize AATCC members for service to the Association that has strengthened and promoted its purpose and mission to the world.
All the awards were presented on October 8, 2024, during the Textile Discovery Summit Awards Luncheon held at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, GA, USA.
AATCC 2024 Future Leaders Awardees
Future Leaders Award
The AATCC Future Leaders Award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences, provides acknowledgement and recognition to enhance their careers, engages these young professionals in the work of the Association, and brings their insights and needs to the forefront. These young professionals are the future of the textile industry and the future leaders of AATCC. Award recipients represent the various AATCC Interest Groups.
Brandon Francois
Chemical Applications
Brandon Francois is an account manager at Silver Fern Chemical. He has been a member of AATCC since 2017. He is a member of the Piedmont Section, and currently serves as Treasurer.
Francois graduated with a BS in Packaging Science from Clemson University in 2015. After graduation, he worked with Berry Plastics, Pulcra Chemicals, and HeiQ. Throughout his career, Francois has gained experience in chemical applications by working with global brands, focusing on materials innovation and sustainability. At Silver Fern Chemical, he is a sales leader serving the US specialty chemical market with tailored supply-chain solutions for customers across HII, CASE, agriculture, textiles, nonwovens, and beyond. He is focused on developing long term partnerships and introducing Silver Fern to new markets across the Southeast, Gulf, and Midwest.
Isha Nabar
Concept 2 Consumer
Isha Nabar has been a member of AATCC since 2023 and is a part of Concept 2 Consumer and Rising Professionals Interest Groups.
Nabar is a ready-to-wear designer for Tanya Taylor. She has been with Tanya Taylor since 2022, where she has been responsible for all stages of design development with the Ready-to-Wear womenswear team. She has interpreted seasonal direction into innovation and commercial designs, participated in concept research, vintage sourcing, trim, and 3D swatch development. Her skills and experience in embroidery and embellishment, jewelry making, and fashion design led her to become the Founder of Project ‘De-Tech,’ a fashion-centric initiative influencing teens to engage in gadget-free activities.
Joshua Ingram
Materials
Joshua Ingram has been a member of AATCC since 2019 and has been an active member on several research committees.
Ingram is a development engineer at PBI Performance Products Inc. He has been with PBI since 2019 and represents the company on various committees. He is a technical expert on PBI materials and test methods used for evaluation materials; coordinates with yarn, fabric, and garment manufacturers to ensure products are of the highest quality; and investigates new applications for PBI products. He has a BS in Materials Science and Engineering and a MS in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University. His research on fabric flammability and thermally induced fabric shrinkage was presented at ASTM F23 11th Symposium on Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment.
Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder
Rising Professionals
Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder has been a member of AATCC since 2019 and has presented his research and many AATCC events.
Mazumder is a graduate research assistant in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) at North Carolina State University. As a graduate research assistant, he analyzes PFAS and evaluates firefighter protective clothing for their contamination resistance to improve wearer protection.
Mazumder received a BS in Textile Technology from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. He then received a MS in Design, Housing, and Merchandising from Oklahoma State University, and is currently studying at North Carolina State University to receive a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science. He received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency-Assistance to Firefighters to work on his research of the development of contamination resistance as a measure for firefighter protective clothing.
TCR Service Award
The Technical Committee on Research Service Award was established in 2008 to recognize those members who have contributed greatly to the AATCC organization in a technical capacity. Individual members of the Association with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee, are eligible. The Award consists of a plaque and an honorarium.
AATCC is pleased to recognize Suzanne Holmes and Kiarash Arangdad as the 2024 recipients of the AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award.
Suzanne Holmes
Since 2016, Suzanne Holmes has been on Stain Resistance Test Methods, Dimensional Change of Test Methods, Colorfastness to Washing Test Methods, Appearance Retention Test Methods, Water Resistance Test Methods, and Home Laundering Technology research committees. Holmes is the chair of Stain Resistance Test Methods and is an active member of the Technical Committee on Research. Holmes was recognized for her continuous service and leadership of the RA56 and for spearheading the committee’s test method, TM213-2023 which measures the ability of fabrics to release household soils during home laundering.
Holmes is currently Manager of the Product Evaluation Laboratory at Cotton Incorporated. She oversees and participates in delivery of dependable test data from standard fiber, yarn, fabric, and product tests in support of internal research and marketing efforts for cotton breeders and promotes the accomplishment of using quality measurements to increase upland cotton marketability worldwide. Holmes joined AATCC as a staff where she was a Lab Technician for the Association from 2003 to 2004, a Technical Associate from 2004 to 2006, a Senior Technical Associate from 2006 to 2012, and Technical Product/Program Manager from 2012 to 2016. Holmes received her BS in Textile Technology and Design and a MS in Textile Management and Technology from North Carolina State University. She also worked as a Laboratory Assistant and a Teaching & Research Assistant at North Carolina State University.
Kiarash Arangdad
Kiarash Arangdad joined AATCC in 2016. He has been a part of the following research committees: RA31, RA56, RA100, RA49, RA63. He is the chair of Water Resistance Test Methods and is an active member of the Executive Committee on Research and the Education Advisory Board. Arangdad is recognized for his continuous service and leadership of RA63 and RA114. Throughout his service as Chair for both committees, Arangdad has overseen the development of TM213-2022 and TM214.
Arangdad is currently Director of Raw Material Innovation at Lululemon. He holds both a BS and Master’s degree in Textile Engineering and earned a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science with a minor in Chemistry from North Carolina State University in 2015. Throughout his career, Arangdad has managed numerous projects focused on developing sustainable materials for apparel, footwear, and consumer goods. His efforts have led to more than fifteen patents and patent-pending innovations, as well as the successful commercialization of sustainable products.
J.W. Weaver Award
Even before it began publishing its own journal, AATCC had a long-standing tradition of friendly rivalry among authors. From 1925 to 1933, awards were presented for the best AATCC conference papers published by American Dyestuff Reporter. From 1940 to 1996, an Intersectional Paper Competition winner was chosen each year. In January 1969, AATCC began publishing Textile Chemist and Colorist and in February 1979, an annual award was established to honor the best paper printed in that journal.
In 1990, the award was named for J. William Weaver, who was chair of the AATCC editorial board at the time of his death. Over the years, winning papers have covered a variety of topics. The award includes a framed certificate signed by the AATCC president and the Publications Committee chair.
Heng Quan, Jingzhi Ren, Lin Xu, Yang Wang, and Zengfeng Wei are the recipients of the J. William Weaver Paper of the Year Award for their paper, “Design and Fabrication of Bistratal Functional Anionic Polyurethane Membrane on the Surface of Cashmere Fiber Based on Foaming Micro-Coating and the Studies of its Structure–Activity Relationships” published in the 2023 AATCC Journal of Research.
Heng Quan
About the Authors
Heng Quan is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. They also work at Hubei Province Key Lab of Biomass-fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, and the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing and Finishing and Functional Textile, in Wuhan, China. Quan earned a BS from Northwest Textile College (1993); a MS degree from Xi’an University of Engineering and Technology (1998); a PhD from Tianjin Polytechnic University (2005); and a Postdoc from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (2015). In the past 10 years, Quan has led and completed over thirty various scientific and technological projects. Before working at Wuhan Textile University, they were an associate professor at Xi’an Polytechnic University. Quan has achieved five provincial level science awards, five national industry association science and technology awards, and three provincial and ministerial level teaching achievement awards. They have several publications in peer-reviewed journals and books. Quan was appointed expert of the Chinese Foreign Cultural Exchange Center of the Ministry of Education and the National Advanced Printing and Dyeing Technology Innovation Center.
Jingzhi Ren
Jingzhi Ren is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. Ren also works at the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing & Finishing and Functional Textile and the Graduate workstation (Hubei Daya), Wuhan Textile University, in Wuhan, China. Ren received their BS and MS from Wuhan Textile University.
Lin Xu
Lin Xu works at Hebei Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, Shijiazhuang, China. Xu received their BS from Hebei University of Science and Technology in 2001, and their MS from Xi’an University of Engineering and Technology in 2005. Xu is a member of the China Clothing Standardization Technical Committee, and a member of the China Cashmere Products Standardization Committee.
Yang Wang
Yang Wang is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. Wang also works at the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing & Finishing and Functional Textile and the Graduate workstation (Hubei Daya), Wuhan Textile University, in Wuhan, China. Wang received a BS and MS from Wuhan Textile University.
Zengfeng Wei
Zengfeng Wei is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. They also work at Hubei Province Key Lab of Biomass-fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, and the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing and Finishing and Functional Textile, in Wuhan, China. Wei received a BS from Huanggang Normal University (2014), and a MS and PhD from Central China Normal University (2019). In the past 5 years, they have presided over and participated in the completion of more than ten scientific and technological projects. They have published over ten SCI papers and granted more than ten invention patents.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)
GRAZ, Austria — November 22, 2024 — ANDRITZ Perfojet, a global supplier of nonwovens technology, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The company pioneered hydroentanglement technology which allows bonding almost any type of fibers without additional binders. Over the past four decades, more than 300 Jetlace™ hydroentanglement systems have been installed, improving the quality and efficiency of wipes, hygiene and personal care products as well as geotextiles, filters, artificial leather substrates, battery separators and gas diffusion layers. The technology has transformed the production of nonwoven fabrics and set new standards for innovation and sustainability in the industry.
ANDRITZ Perfojet neXjet Injector. Image — ANDRITZ
Future focused on sustainability
Building on its legacy, Perfojet continues to lead with advanced solutions such as complete spunlace lines (neXline spunlace, neXline wetlace) that enable the efficient production of nonwovens from 100% sustainable fibers, and drying solutions (neXdry air-through dryer, neXecodry energy saving solution) that allow to reduce energy consumption by 15% compared to previous solutions.
Looking ahead, ANDRITZ Perfojet is committed to supporting the green transition in nonwovens production. The company’s R&D efforts are focused on reducing the use of plastic and increasing the use of viscose, lyocell, pulp, and recycled fibers. In addition, its technology and spunlace pilot lines in Montbonnot, France, offer customers the opportunity to process new sustainable fibers such as hemp, linen, flax, and wool.
Bruno Roche, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Perfojet. Image — ANDRITZ
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of our heritage and excited about the future within the ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile global team,” says Bruno Roche, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Perfojet. “Our focus is to provide sustainable, resource-efficient technologies and economically viable solutions that support the green transformation of the nonwovens industry.”
CINCINNATI, Ohio — November 21, 2024 — Michelman is pleased to announce the appointment of Wilma Beaty as the company’s new chief human resources officer (CHRO). In this role, Wilma will lead Michelman’s global HR operations, driving the company’s people engagement, organizational design, and culture initiatives as it continues its strategic growth.
Wilma Beaty
In her 25+ year career, Wilma has successfully served in both HR leadership and general counsel roles, giving her a comprehensive perspective on organizational strategy. Wilma’s experience with labor and employment law allows her to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while fostering strong, people-focused environments. This dual background has enabled Wilma to drive both cultural and compliance initiatives, making her a versatile leader capable of aligning human resources and legal functions to support business growth. In her new position, Wilma will oversee a global team and ensure that Michelman’s values are at the core of its approach to business, especially as the company continues to expand.
Wilma holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law and is a member of the New York and Georgia bars. She has been recognized throughout her career for her ability to build high-performing teams and her passion for creating a collaborative, inclusive work environment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wilma to our team,” said Dr. Rick Michelman, president & CEO of Michelman. “Her unique combination of HR and legal expertise and her deep understanding of organizational development will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our global presence.”
SEOUL, South Korea — November 21, 2024 — With a focus on providing a complete range of textile solutions catered to the luxury sportswear market, Hyosung looks forward to showcasing a diverse portfolio of its branded CREORA® functional, and regen™ sustainable Spandex, Nylon and Polyester materials at ISPO Munich this December 3-5, Hall A1/520.
“Sustainable strategies vary widely among brands — whether it is recycled, bio-based or recyclable, so it’s important to provide solutions to meet their individual needs,” said Claire O’Neill, Hyosung TNC director of European brand marketing.
From Nature To Performance Fiber
Creating a more powerful, traceable sustainable story, Hyosung has expanded its regen BIO Spandex offering to include various options for the yarn to be made with a higher content of renewable resources to include new regen BIO + and regen BIO Max. Hyosung was the first company to commercially introduce USDA and SGS-certified regen Bio-Based Spandex made with 30% renewable resources at scale in 2022, which has been successfully adopted by leading global brands such as Pangaia, Icebreaker, Silver Sea Apparel, Van Harvey, and more.
Reuse. Recycle. Regen.
To meet consumer desire for sustainable apparel that offers comfort with performance benefits, Hyosung has uniquely added multi-function properties in the manufacture of its certified 100% recycled Spandex, Nylon and Polyester fibers that include performance benefits such as cooling, warming, anti-odour, and that also offer a natural touch. Hyosung will also present the latest innovations with its GRS-certified, 100 percent post-consumer recycled regen Ocean Nylon made from discarded fishing nets.
Additionally, through its partnership with Ambercycle, a leading material science company, Hyosung is introducing a circular polyester made from end-of-life textiles into supply chains, further advancing its efforts to create a circular textile ecosystem.
Engineered functional textiles designed for a better life
Continuously innovating, Hyosung anticipates what consumers expect from their performance apparel. ISPO highlights include:
CREORA Color+ Spandex overcomes the difficulty of dyeing regular Spandex blended with nylon and natural fibers preventing dreaded grin-through.
CREORA EasyFlex Spandex provides a luxurious soft feel, maintains a long-lasting comfortable fit, and allows for size inclusivity where one size can fit various body types.
CREORA Coolwave Nylon delivers long-lasting cooling and approximately 1.5 times faster moisture absorption compared to conventional nylon.
CREORA Conadu Polyester is a mechanical stretch fiber that provides a cotton-like texture with excellent elasticity and recovery.
To support product developers and designers in creating garments aligned with the diverse luxury sportswear trend, Hyosung will showcase an extensive selection of fabrics and concept garments crafted with its innovative yarns, all designed by its Fashion Design Center team and featured prominently at its booth.
Sustainable Hub Green Stage Seminar in collaboration with Geno™ BDO™ Technology.
On Tuesday, December 3, 4pm, at the Sustainable Hub Green Stage (Hall 2, No. 626) Hyosung is proud to showcase how we are scaling-up production of regen BIO Spandex driven by Geno BDO Technology. The seminar will highlight the benefits for the industry, why it chose to work with Geno and, its future plans. Hyosung is also supporting the Material Lab – also located in Hall 2 – with an interactive display of how it makes its regen BIO Spandex from sugarcane.
CARY, N.C. & BRUSSELS — November 21, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, are pleased to announce the release of the Global Nonwoven Markets Report, A Comprehensive Survey and Outlook, 2023–2028, now available for purchase through both INDA’s and EDANA’s websites.
This latest edition offers a comprehensive analysis of global nonwoven macro drivers, supply and demand trends, and an expanded regional trade section. The report forecasts a steady growth in demand for nonwovens across key sectors over the next five years.
Key Insights from the Report Include:
Production Growth: From 2013 to 2023, nonwoven production increased at an annual rate of 5.4 percent, with significant growth driven by the spunlaid and needlepunch processes.
Regional Production: China led global production growth, contributing an additional 4.5 million tonnes from 2013 to 2023 — a remarkable 9.4 percent annual growth rate.
End-Use Expansion: Wipes, medical, and transportation segments experienced the fastest expansion among nonwoven end-use applications.
“The global nonwovens industry is changing in a positive way with moves toward innovation and sustainable products,” said the report’s co-authors Jacques Prigneaux, Market Analysis & Economic Affairs director at EDANA and Mark Snider, chief market and industry analyst at INDA.
This report offers a detailed breakdown of regional demographics, production forecasts, technological advancements, and investment outlooks for North America, Greater Europe, Asia, and South America. Additionally, it includes an economic trade analysis, end-use segmentation, and insights into future industry trends.
“As strategic partners, INDA and EDANA are committed to sustained growth and innovation within the entire nonwovens supply chain. This report presents our collective best estimate on future demand, predicated on sound macro-economic analysis,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito. “This Global Nonwoven Markets Report is an essential planning resource for all those involved in strategic planning within the nonwovens supply chain.”
“The demand for reliable market information and forward-looking data is a vital ingredient for thriving a successful business. This new report, developed by our two leading nonwovens industry associations, draws on decades of experience, close observation, and direct data collection from hundreds of companies,” stated EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru. “Created by the industry for the industry, it stands as a unique, authoritative, and reliable resource on nonwovens data than any other report.”
Availability: The report will be available for purchase and download on November 21, 2024.
To learn more or to purchase the report, please contact:
INDA
Cindy Garcia, Senior Research and Market Analyst
UNIFI®’s Meredith Boyd talks about her career in the fiber industry and her new role as president of the Synthetic Yarn & Fabric Association (SYFA).
TW Special Report
Meredith Boyd has been involved in the textile industry now for some 17 years. Her first job, after her time at NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and UNC-Charlotte, was with Unifi Kinston LLC, part of Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., where Boyd has carved a successful career in the fiber industry. Most recently, she was promoted to executive vice president and chief product officer at Unifi.
Boyd also took the helm of the Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA) this past spring where she will serve a two-year term as president. She was initially encouraged to engage with SYFA by Unifi colleagues — including past SYFA President Pat Murray, Joel Cornelius, Terry Turner and Charlie King — as a way to gain more understanding of key technical topics, customer needs and opportunities for collaboration.
Textile Worldrecently spoke with Boyd about her career in the fiber industry and her new role as SYFA president.
TW: What has your career trajectory looked like? Where did you start at Unifi and what stepping-stones brought you to your current position of executive vice president and chief product officer?
Boyd: Unifi has afforded so many opportunities for exposure and learning in my years. I started at the Unifi Kinston site in Kinston, N.C. This was Unifi’s continuous polymerization site and was originally DuPont’s first plant dedicated to the commercial production of polyester fiber.
I started in the quality lab. I then had the opportunity to move to Unifi’s Yadkinville, N.C., site at an exciting time — just as we were commercializing the REPREVE® recycled polyester product. I worked in the partially oriented yarn (POY) spinning plant focusing on our specialty additive and polymer products including Repreve. I was fortunate to be involved as we worked on the technology backward integration of Repreve and opened our own recycling center.
I then had the chance to move into the product development team.This was my first big move to work across business units within the company. I gained exposure to all of Unifi’s core businesses and supported our new product efforts and gained a lot of customer-facing experience.
UNIFI’s Yadkinville plant is where flake and post-industrial materials, including fabric and yarn waste, are recycled into REPREVE®.
My next role was in global business development — ultimately leading that team. This role worked on expanded new markets, leveraged strategic partner-ships, and worked on expanding our production footprint particularly in Asia.
I then took a role as vice president of our Brand Sales division. This role helped me further develop my understanding of the key role of the customer in our development and communication processes.
I then had the opportunity to return wholly to the technical side in 2019 as senior vice president of Global Innovation, gaining responsibility for leading— and learning from! — a brilliant team of material scientists, engineers and technicians for all of our new process and product development initiatives. The role further expanded into leading our plant technology and sustainability teams.
My current role as executive vice president and chief product officer encompasses so much
of what I have loved and provides the continuing opportunity to learn every day. Beyond innovation and plant technology,
I now have the chance to lead business development and our marketing and communication teams.
TW: As an executive who has crafted a multi-faceted career in the synthetic fiber industry, what do you consider the milestones?
Boyd: So many of my career milestones have been cultivated by advancements in Unifi and in the industry. The global expansion of Repreve and its worldwide production has been fascinating and energizing on which to work. The role of environmental sustainability as a cohesive part of corporate strategies has been exciting — not only at Unifi —but at so many companies.
And I’d be remiss not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic challenged all of us to think differently and be innovative. We realized how important supply chain security really is — the need to ensure that U.S. and regional manufacturing only strengthen — not only for “nice to haves” but also for our own national security.
TW: What skills brought you success and what skills did you need to attain to continue your career progress?
Boyd: Curiosity is probably what comes the most in handy because it is tied into my love of learning, embracing innovation, and growth. Embracing others and the talents and ideas they bring is another key facet of success — always surrounding oneself with people who know more than you do and have different talents and expertise is an amazing way to build a team.
UNIFI has converted more than 40 million bottles into REPREVE®.
TW: How have the demands of the industry changed? For instance, what education and skills did you need to help address Unifi’s focus on sustainability?
Boyd: There are art and science aspects to this industry. Many things can be learned in school, but so much of this industry is experiential in nature. Certain areas like the roles of automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming critically important. Sustainability was an area of immense interest but also naivete on my part. I sought out thought leaders, conferences, mentors, and resources that could help me learn. I have also been fortunate to work with a number of talented hires and interns with specialized expertise in this area that helped me to learn key facets of how to generate data and communicate opportunities in this space.
TW: Synthetic fibers and fabrics often are regarded to be at the center of sustainability issues yet are growing in importance to the textile industry. What is your vision/answer to those who question the sustainability of synthetics and their future in the industry?
Boyd: Synthetic fiber, filament and spun yarns, and resins are so critical across a multitude of industries. Polyester fiber is the largest volume synthetic fiber produced globally.1 Synthetic fibers as a whole represent approximately 65 percent of the global textile fiber input volume.2 It’s imperative to focus on making the materials that are most widely utilized the best we can for the environment. This is how we can collectively have the most positive impact on the environment and the people who inhabit it.
There are solutions now — that are at scale — that can offer lower environmental impact materials. Eliminating materials is not a sustainable solution — materials are fundamental to our very lives — from apparel to homes to our cars, in industrial applications and much more. Rather, utilizing solutions available today will help us all mutually invest in the technology we need for solutions for the future.
TW: You have always given your time and talents in support of the SYFA. During your tenure as president, what would you like to see SYFA accomplish/support/focus on?
Boyd: We will emphasize and promote the importance of the industry particularly in the United States and regionally. As an industry, we have tremendous capabilities at all points of production that need to be leveraged across all markets. Ensuring that our membership, and those outside of it, know the manufacturing powerhouse that is here is critical to our mission. Additionally, we have always emphasized the technical nature of our conferences. We want to be a destination for emphasizing innovation and information sharing for the betterment of the industry.
We also have to grow our membership. Increasing exposure to new companies and colleagues within new and existing member companies, is critical for the organization but also for the industry. It is important that young people — as well as those more seasoned! — feel a core connection to the industry.
TW: How do you view the role of SYFA, and what does the organization mean to the U.S. textile industry?
Boyd: SYFA is a common thread amongst key manufacturers through the value chain. We link together fabric and fiber producers, chemical manufacturers, technology providers and more. Giving awareness to our membership, and those outside of it, regarding the capabilities of this industry is a key role we need to play. Additionally, we support other key resources in the industry including scholarships for workforce development.
TW: Give a quick value synopsis for a first-time conference attendee. What can they expect to see and learn at an SYFA conference?
Boyd: The conference is focused on offering two key benefits for all attendees — valuable information that is relevant to the industry and companies attending, as well as the opportunity to network beyond one’s own company. We integrate industry and beyond-industry speakers with valuable networking times to ensure that both goals can be met.
TW: For textile industry leaders who step forward to serve in elected positions, there is an added commitment of time and brain power to the duties involved. How will you balance those new demands with your responsibilities at Unifi?
Boyd: There is never success without a great team. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by mentors and leaders of experience — both in the membership but also on the SYFA board. The directors on the board are all serving in a volunteer function — we are all investing time into providing the support and services of the organization to the industry. We work collectively on activation of key events and execution of the conferences twice yearly. Additionally, we have our SYFA director, Rodney Turner, and tremendous support from Sheree Turner. Their dedication to the membership is a tremendous support.
TW: Anything else you would like to share with TW readers about SYFA and its conferences?
Boyd: We recently introduced new opportunities like our annual golf tournament to support scholarship opportunities at the Textile Technology Center.
In addition, feedback is always valued. We want to hear from our members, as well as those who aren’t yet members regarding how the organization can provide the most value for what every company needs.
TW: Lastly, as the industry focuses on developing and attracting new talent, what picture can you paint for young people about the rewards of a career in textiles and the synthetic fiber industry?
Boyd: I believe the same reasons that drew me to this industry will draw young people in today. This industry is globally engaged and regionally critical. We are an industry of makers — we make products that can protect our armed forces, clothe newborn babies, and line our first cars. The upstream and downstream value chain gives an opportunity for real collaboration and exposure.
References: 1 Polyester fibers — New Jersey Institute of Technology (njit.edu). 2 Global textile fiber market share by type 2022 / Statista.
Textile industry associations want the textile industry to know they are talking. With a desire to work more collaboratively on industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all their respective members, 11 associations — Advanced Textiles Association (ATA),American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA),Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), American Association of Tex-tile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC),Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA), the Nonwovens Institute (NWI), North American Linen Association (NALA), SEAMS – The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry, Southern Textile Association (STA), Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), and Synthetic Yarn & Fabric Association (SYFA) — recently got together to discuss ways to benefit the industry.
“We all represent various segments of the textiles and sewn products industry,” said Maggie McDonald, vice president, Communications, SPESA. “But we all agree that collaboration and building on synergies is what will propel our industry into its next chapter.”
This “Alphabet Soup Collective,” as the group has affectionately named itself, was officially launched during Techtextil North America (TTNA) 2024 held in Raleigh. N.C. One of the first ideas for the collective was to co-host a social event open to all members of the textile industry including current association members as well as non-members wanting to learn more.The result, the inaugural Alphabet Soup Shindig, was held at the Whiskey Kitchen during TTNA. This first-of-its-kind, sold-out event gathered people from all aspects of the industry in one place at the same time to network, learn and collaborate.Attendance far exceeded expectations, illustrating a hunger for these types of cross-industry net-working opportunities.
Twelve sponsors were instrumental in making the shindig happen:
American & Efird;
Asheboro Elastics Corp.(AEC);
Baxter Mill Archives;
Better Than Found;
Coker & Associates;
Contempora Fabrics;
Danbartex;
Gribbin Strategic;
Itema America Inc.;
MajorSage Business Coaching; MMI Textiles; and
North Carolina Textile Foundation at NC State University.
Ben Talbert, president and CEO of Greenville, S.C.-based Better Than Found Search Group, one of the event sponsors, said:“Better than Found Search Group (BTF) was proud to sponsor this event.The textile community is a family, and this felt like our reunion.”
As McDonald noted:“Good people, good networking, good vibes,AND good weather. Doesn’t get much better.”
The Alphabet Soup Collective will continue its conversations as it looks for ways to collaborate, streamline events and gather the industry in productive, beneficial ways for all involved.
Bondex, based in Columbia, S.C., has invested $18.8 million to add a new needlepunch line to its facility located in Trenton, S.C. The investment created 13 new jobs and will serve growing demand from global customers for filtration, automotive and laundry felt products, among other products.
“At Bondex, we are proud to deepen our roots in Edgefield County with this expansion,” said Bondex President Brian Little. “This investment is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and to the growing demand for our high-quality products. Our reputation in the area as a great place to work is something we take seriously, and we’re excited to continue building that legacy by creating new opportunities for growth and employment. We look forward to advancing both our capabilities and the local community as we grow in South Carolina.”
Cone Denim®, Greensboro, N.C., has inaugurated its first rooftop solar panel installation in Jiaxing, China. The action will generate 9 megawatt hours of electricity per year and reduce the plant’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent, according to Cone, which is in line with the company’s 2030 sustainability goals.
“This project is a great accomplishment for Cone towards our sustain-ability efforts,”said Cone Denim Vice President of Manufacturing Brad Johnson.“The solar panel installation demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation across our manufacturing facilities and platforms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This launch provides Cone Denim the opportunity to scale our efforts on clean energy and carbon reduction, all on-site in Jiaxing. By implementing this on our industrial site, we are preserving the natural landscape without requiring any additional surrounding land resources.”
CARY, N.C. — November 22, 2024 — INDA brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 10th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Themed Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions, key sessions included pricing strategies, global trade impacts, FemTech, adult care, period poverty, emerging pet care and wound care markets, environmental regulations on plastics and PFAS, and the impact of aging societies.
