In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: January 16, 2025
Ocean State Innovations (OSI) Announces Strategic Partnership with Murdock Webbing Company
Ocean State Innovations (OSI) and 1947 LLC announced their new partnership with Murdock Webbing. OSI and 1947 will be the exclusive international distributors of Jacquard-woven MultiCam® webbing.
Murdock Webbing is the only Crye Precision approved and licensed source for Jacquard woven MultiCam®. As part of the Jacquard-woven process, Murdock utilizes pre-colored yarns. Why is that important? This means all Murdock Jacquard-woven MultiCam® products are “two sided” – without a hefty “two sided” upcharge. Because the color is applied to yarns prior to weaving, the pattern runs all the way through the webbing. Unlike printed product, the pattern is not lost to wear and abrasion over time and use. Murdock Jacquard-woven MultiCam® means quality and value.
“We’re proud to represent Murdock Webbing’s MultiCam® Jacquard webbing on an international scale, delivering a premium product that ensures customers receive the quality and authenticity they require in the iconic MultiCam® pattern” said Ben Galpen, Co-Founder of 1947LLC and OSI partner.
Big Agnes Launches HyperBead Fabric Technology
Colorado based Big Agnes, a leader in innovative outdoor equipment, announced its next evolution in sustainable ultralight equipment with the launch of its revolutionary HyperBead™ fabric technology. Embodying the brand’s commitment to performance, sustainability and adventurer-first design, HyperBead represents the next step in outdoor gear innovation, elevating some of the brand’s most popular tents. The technology addresses core challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts while setting a new standard for tent fabric innovation.
Breakthrough Performance Highlights:
- 25% More Waterproof: Exceeding traditional ultralight fabric performance without relying on harmful chemicals – offering permanent water repellency that doesn’t degrade over time
- 6% Lighter: Reducing weight with enhanced durability, so adventurers can focus on their journey, not their load
- Environmentally Conscious: No intentionally added PFAS. No DWR or WR treatments
“We’ve spent two years sweating over every ounce and every detail of this process and technology,” said Michael Thompson, director of design and development at Big Agnes. “HyperBead is a complete reimagining of ultralight gear – a technology that performs better, weighs less and is easier on the environment. This fabric is the culmination of that vision.”
Grand Opening of the Fibroline USA Innovation Lab
Fibroline, the French company that developed dry powder impregnation solutions, and Navis TubeTex, a US-based leader in machinery manufacturing, are launching a new innovation lab in Lexington, North Carolina. This laboratory will bring new expertise and resources to the U.S market for dry impregnation solutions. The inauguration is set for February 11, 2025.
After having officialized a strategic partnership in January 2024, Fibroline and Navis TubeTex are now ready to launch the Fibroline USA Innovation Lab, a new state-of-the-art laboratory that will help them provide customers with unparalleled support and cutting-edge technologies. This facility marks the beginning of a transformative journey in creating the next generation of advanced textiles. “This new lab is a hub for collaboration and ingenuity,” Will Motchar said, President & CEO of Navis TubeTex. “It is designed to explore, test, and bring to life groundbreaking textile solutions that meet evolving market demands.”
The opening of this new location will allow Fibroline to collaborate directly with its partners all over the Americas. “This innovation lab is an important step for Fibroline’s worldwide development, as our technologies are now directly and easily accessible to North American partners,” Jerome Ville commented, CEO of Fibroline. “We had been wanting to extend our presence here, and this partnership between Navis TubeTex and Fibroline perfectly fits with our strategy to bring both more performing and eco-friendly solutions to the textile industry.”
Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles Acquires United-Southern Waste Material Company
RTCM Holdings, Inc.’s Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles, announced the purchase of United-Southern Waste Material Company (USW), a Dallas-based textile recycling and repurposing company. The transaction will establish the largest textile recycler in North Texas.
Founded in 1914, USW specializes in the recycling and repurposing of clothing and wiping rags, which are sold across global and domestic markets, respectively. The company has built a reputation as a highly respected organization in the space, expanding in recent years to collect its own credential, with over 120 bins. USW currently operates out of an 88,000 square foot facility. Co-owner and third-generation family member Mindi Levine Kahn will remain with the business to provide her expertise and ensure continuity throughout the integration.
“Our stated vision is to divert 100 million pounds of textiles from landfills on an annual basis as part of our commitment to make a difference in the world,” said Craig McAndrews, President and CEO of Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles. “USW’s operation will help us expand our capacity and drive essential long-term growth. Mindi and her family have been pioneers in the second-hand clothing industry, and we are excited to come together to create a best-in-class regional operation.”
“Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles has long been a leader in the recycled textiles space, with a focus on sustainable profitability,” said Mindi Levine Kahn. “This next chapter will offer customers, suppliers, and employees enhanced resources in an evolving market.”
Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP served as legal counsel for Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles, and Haynes and Boone, LLP served as legal counsel for USW. Financial terms were not disclosed.
LENZING™ Lyocell Fill Expands Portfolio
The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, announced the expansion of its LENZING™ Lyocell Fill portfolio within the TENCEL™ family of fibers.
This broader portfolio expansion introduces a finer variant with various cut lengths, tailored for filling applications in home textiles and apparel.
Featuring two distinct linear densities and various cut lengths, the expanded fiber portfolio offers enhanced compatibility to blend seamlessly with other filling fibers like polyester, and filling materials like down. This versatility supports different filling technologies and product constructions, catering to diverse design and application needs and specific consumer preferences in home textiles, apparel and beyond.
The new, finer fibers, suitable for not only carding but blow-fill technology, enhance the sensorial experience in pillows, stuffed toys, and other lightweight applications. Meanwhile, the established, coarser fibers continue to deliver inherent moisture control and bulkiness for enhanced sleep comfort in comforters, quilts, and other home textile applications, particularly those using carding technology.
Hohenstein, Under Armour, PPT Group Develop Standard for Microfiber Discharge
Building on a rapid test for the detection of microfibers in sample water presented in 2023, the sporting goods manufacturer Under Armour, together with the testing service provider Hohenstein and the measuring device provider PPT Group, has published a standardized test method that enables the determination of microfiber release from textiles under simulated washing conditions. With the help of the new DIN SPEC 19292, apparel/textile companies along the value chain are now able to measure and (e.g. comparatively) evaluate the extent of fiber release of different materials as part of their product development.
During the manufacture and use, but also during the care of textile products made from synthetic materials, fibers are released into the environment and pollute the oceans as microplastics, for example. Depending on the washing program selected, i.e. the temperature and mechanical load, different quantities of textile fibers end up in the wastewater, even when washing items made from natural fibers. This is where the DIN SPEC 19292 test procedure comes in: After a simulated washing process of a fabric sample using tabletop equipment and a defined amount of water, the sample water is filtered and based on a visual evaluation with a microscope, the degree of fiber fragmentation by the textile material is determined.
In addition to working on the new DIN SPEC 19292, Hohenstein also offers further tests to determine the extent to which (micro)fibers degrade in the wastewater of production plants or in household laundry and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment. The tests are carried out according to Hohenstein’s in-house methods as well as international standards and procedures.
Milliken Offers Non-PFAS Materials for Firefighter Gear
Milliken & Company announced that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.
Milliken is the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we’re proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards,” said Marcio Manique, SVP of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don’t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear.”
The three layers in the non-PFAS composites include:
- Milliken Horizon™: a non-PFAS, lightweight outer shell that provides industry-leading retention of strength and appearance year after year.
- Milliken Assure™: a non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.
- Milliken Equinox™: a non-PFAS, slick thermal liner that offers superior wicking and moisture management, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.
The recently published NFPA 1970-2025 standard was issued with reduced performance criteria in anticipation of non-PFAS products having poorer performance; however, the Milliken composites were able to meet and exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process in November. Every individual layer that make up both composites are UL certified.
States such as Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters” protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. Milliken’s composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR options readily available on the market today. The company eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and across its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio in 2023.
www.milliken.com
Intercare And Kimberly-Clark Forge Strategic Partnership To Transform Hygiene Standards Across UAE, Qatar, And Oman
Intercare Limited, a leading provider of hygiene and cleaning solutions in the Middle East, announced a landmark strategic partnership with Kimberly-Clark Professional, a global leader in hygiene products and workplace solutions. This collaboration aims to revolutionize hygiene standards across the UAE, Qatar, and Oman markets.
The partnership combines Intercare’s deep-rooted regional expertise and distribution network with Kimberly-Clark’s world-renowned product portfolio, which includes trusted brands such as Kleenex®, Scott®, WypAll®, Kimtech™. This alliance will provide businesses and institutions across the region access to premium hygiene solutions that meet the highest international standards.
ATEX USA Acquired by BCNonwovens
European producer of spunlace roll goods BCNonwovens has acquired the shares of specialty nonwovens manufacturer Atex USA from EOS Investment Management Group, an independent asset manager with operations in London/UK, Luxemburg and Milan/Italy.
Atex USA Inc., based in Gainesville, Georgia, is recognized for offering specialized nonwoven products to an extensive customer base which extends across the USA and selected export markets. BCNonwovens S.L., based in Barcelona, Spain, is a leader in the production of spunlace roll goods, catering primarily to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, offering products such as premoistened wipes and hygiene articles. The company also extends its products to the medical sector as well as specialty goods market. The acquisition of Atex USA underscores BCNonwovens’ ongoing expansion efforts to bolster its global market presence.
Nordifa Acquires Sporda Nonwovens in Sweden
Swedish manufacturer of technical textiles Nordifa, has acquired Sporda Nonwoven, a maker of thermobonded and needlepunched nonwovens, which is also based in Sweden.
Sporda declared bankruptcy on November 18, 2024. The acquisition by Nordia is helping the company continue operations and retain employees. It will continue to be run as an independent company led by current executives Jonas Rylander and Anna Hallberg.
“The goal is to continue as before with the same focus and the same customers,” says Rylander. “Our owner Nordifa is not planning any changes in the near future, but in the long term we see some opportunities to achieve synergy benefits, for example in material supply and technical development.”
Nordifa executives did not describe the companies as competitors but said they complement each other. The acquisition of Sporda Nonwoven broadens and deepens its offering to both new and existing customers across a number of markets including filtration, acoustics and insulation materials.
