From the Sector

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a world leader in spider silk technology, announced that it has begun processing nearly 1.8 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons into finished reeled silk.

In early April, the Company announced that it had exceeded 1.3 metric tons of cocoon production in March, setting a new production record. Since that announcement, Kraig Labs is now confirming that it produced an additional half ton of cocoons (approximately) that were not included in the in the March report. This brings the Company’s total available cocoon inventory to nearly 1.8 metric tons. The attached image represents less than 4% of the total cocoon production.

Kraig Labs has now initiated the reeling process, converting this inventory into finished reeled silk. This work is currently underway at one of the Company’s production partners and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Upon completion of this processing phase, Kraig Labs expects to hold the largest inventory of recombinant spider silk in its history. To the Company’s knowledge, this volume also represents the largest single supply of recombinant spider silk ever to exist.

The finished reeled silk will shortly be available for processing, including twisting into yarns and integration into textile and technical material applications. Kraig Labs plans to make these materials available to targeted markets, including luxury fashion, performance textiles, and industrial applications.

Senior management is currently in Asia overseeing these operations. During this visit, leadership is working directly with production staff to monitor the reeling process, evaluate facility performance, and coordinate with supply chain partners. Management is also advancing the implementation of the Company’s aggressive scale-up strategy. This plan is designed to continue rapidly increasing production output in the months ahead.

“The execution we are seeing across our operations is tracking exactly as we expected,” said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. “That is a direct result of the considerable groundwork our team has completed over the last three years to put our production infrastructure in place and fine tune our processes in the field. What we are seeing now is preparation translating into consistent, scalable output.”

The Company leadership in biomaterials was recently spotlighted on the cover of the March 2026 issue of National Geographic, highlighting the growing importance and predominance of our work in scaling spider silk production.

The future of the Mayer & Cie. brand has been secured: Following the successful completion of the purchase agreement for assets in the circular knitting machinery segment of the German traditional company Mayer & Cie., which was signed in February this year, the brand will continue to exist. The transfer of these assets to the new owner, Xu Hongjie, was formally completed yesterday afternoon. This clears the way for the resumption of business operations at the Albstadt site. 

During the transition phase between signing – the execution of the agreements in February – and yesterday’s closing, the new owner and his team have worked intensively on a concept for the restart. The aim is to realign the traditional brand and consistently focus on customer needs. In the future, Mayer & Cie. will operate with greater speed, efficiency, and an even stronger focus on solutions. 
 
Successful closing paves the way for Mayer & Cie.’s future 
Today’s closing marks the final milestone in the transfer of assets from Mayer & Cie.’s circular knitting division to Xu Hongjie. 

All negotiations, due diligence processes, and legal agreements have been successfully completed. The required approvals from all relevant authorities have also been obtained. These include, in particular, approvals from the competent Chinese authorities for outbound investment as well as the certificate of non-objection from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. 

“We are very pleased that the process has now been successfully completed,” says Xu Hongjie on behalf of his family. “We are convinced of the unique value of the brand, the quality of the machines, and are deeply impressed by the technical expertise of the new team.” The young entrepreneur adds that he is very proud to now be part of this team. With the completion of the process, the company is now able to fully resume its business operations. 
 
Concept for the restart 
The objectives for the restart are clearly defined: the company aims to restore profitability as quickly as possible and, in the medium term, return to a leading position in the global textile machinery market. 

During the approximately two months between signing and closing, the new owner and his team worked intensively on a concept to achieve these goals. The team of the new Mayer & Cie. Global – as the company will operate in the future – currently comprises around 30 employees, particularly in design, product management, and sales. All team members have been newly hired. 
 
Huixing and Mayer & Cie.: Focus on synergies 
With the closing, the transferred assets of Mayer & Cie.’s circular knitting machinery business have formally been transferred to Xu Hongjie of the Huixing Machinery Co., Ltd. owner family, based in Shishi. Huixing is headquartered in Shishi City, Quanzhou, a key hub of China’s textile and machinery industry. The company manufactures and distributes highquality knitting machines and develops the corresponding intelligent software. 

The Mayer & Cie. brand will remain independent, with “a strong heartbeat in Albstadt,” as Xu Hongjie puts it. This means that research and development, production, and related administrative functions will continue to be based at the company’s headquarters. The new Mayer & Cie. Global will operate with a clear strategic focus on the premium segment. Its broad product portfolio ranges from single jersey to double jersey machines for applications in apparel, underwear, and home textiles. 

Synergies between the two companies are to be leveraged, particularly in procurement, access to market expertise, and the ability to serve a significantly broader range of customer needs than either company could alone. 
 
Successful completion through close collaboration of all parties 
Xu Hongjie extends special thanks to RÖDL, whose team led by partner Jiawei Wang supported the entire project on behalf of the new owner family – from the initial discussions at the end of 2025 through to the completion of the process. 

“We are pleased that the acquisition process, which we supported on both the German and Chinese sides, has now been successfully concluded. This creates a valuable opportunity for the Mayer & Cie. brand and its team: as an industrial investor, the new owner brings extensive expertise, deep market knowledge, and a clear strategic vision for the future.” The new owner also expresses his gratitude to the general representative, attorney Martin Mucha of the Stuttgart-based law firm Grub Brugger, who, together with his team, managed the self-administration proceedings. Thanks to the close cooperation with RÖDL, the transition was implemented efficiently, laying the foundation for the continuation of business operations. 

Restructuring expert Martin Mucha is satisfied with the positive outcome of the insolvency proceedings opened in December 2025: “The fact that a viable investor solution was found during the ongoing proceedings sends an important signal for the location. We have thus created the basis for a promising restart of the company.” 

Since its founding in 1922, RUDOLF, a leading international company in the fields of textile auxiliaries, textile care, and construction chemicals, the company has evolved into a globally recognized technology partner. As a pioneer of forward-looking textile solutions, RUDOLF will present its latest innovations at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt.

Functional performance for demanding applications
The focus of the trade show is innovative finishing solutions tailored to technical and functional textiles. FERAN® SRC was specifically developed for textiles made from cellulose fibers. This functional soilrelease finish creates a long-lasting protective layer on cellulose fibers and their blends. This significantly simplifies the removal of oil, grease, and pigment-based stains. Textiles stay clean longer and retain their quality, even after numerous wash cycles. FERAN® SRC also improves comfort by keeping the surface permanently hydrophilic without negatively affecting the fabric‘s texture.

Another highlight is RUCO-THERM® PCM BIO MFT: a modern, bio-based finish that enhances the thermal performance of textiles. This solution contributes to effective climate regulation and enables textile designs in which performance and responsible material selection go hand in hand. With this product, RUDOLF is responding to the growing demand for sustainable and functional high-performance textiles.

By integrating RUCO-BAC® ROX, RUDOLF is strategically expanding its portfolio to include a cuttingedge solution for functionalizing textiles. RUCO-BAC® ROX was developed in collaboration with Heraeus Precious Metals. RUCO-BAC® ROX differs fundamentally from conventional biocidal mechanisms, especially traditional silver-based technologies.

The technology is based on a catalytic reaction in which oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen species in the presence of atmospheric moisture. These species effectively combat odor-causing and other microorganisms and also exert an oxidative effect on odor-causing residues on the textile surface. Since the mechanism of action is based on a cyclic redox system, RUCO-BAC® ROX is not consumed but continuously regenerated, enabling long-lasting and sustainable functionality.
  
RUDOLF is expanding its product portfolio with RUCO®-LUB BMN. This is a biodegradable alternative to conventional sewability finishes. This multifunctional solution improves the surface smoothness of woven and knitted fabrics, reduces friction during sewing, and enables damage-free processing without causing broken stitches or runs. At the same time, RUCO®-LUB BMN gives textiles a soft, smooth hand, helps maintain tear strength, and contributes to a longer service life by reducing wear.

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0. 

VDMA member companies are internationally recognised for their high performance production technologies, enabling advanced technical textiles for a wide range of applications – from mobility, construction and filtration to medical and protective textiles. At Techtextil 2026, they present solutions that combine maximum productivity, precise process control and resource efficiency, meeting the rising demands of global markets.
 
A key focus is digitalisation and automation. Smart machines, data-driven process optimisation and integrated system solutions enable textile producers worldwide to increase efficiency, ensure consistent quality and remain competitive in a challenging economic environment. These technologies are essential for transforming textile manufacturing into a more resilient and future-proof industry.
 
Sustainability is another central pillar of textile machinery innovation. Equipment and systems from VDMA members support energy-efficient production, lower emissions and the responsible use of raw materials. In addition, the machinery manufacturers are pioneers in textile recycling and circular economy solutions, providing the technological foundation for closing material loops and complying with increasingly strict environmental regulations worldwide.
 
The strong presence of VDMA member companies at Techtextil 2026 reflects the significance of Germany and Europe as a competence centre for textile machinery engineering. Acting as partners to textile producers around the globe, the machine manufacturers combine decades of mechanical engineering know-how with advanced digital solutions and application-specific expertise.

“We are looking forward to Techtextil 2026, as it serves as an important platform for international dialogue, business development and technological exchange.” says Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery.

At its group stand (hall 12.0, C55/56), VDMA will be hosting several events for member companies and trade fair visitors:

Panel discussion: Technical textiles – quo vadis? 
Moderated by Dr Harald Weber (VDMA), Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Hagen Lotzmann (Karl Mayer) and Prof. Dr Holger Erth (Textilausrüstung Pfand) will discuss current trends, challenges and requirements for technical textiles, new fields of application, further developments, sustainability and recycling, as well as the implications for manufacturing technology. Date: Tuesday, 21 April, 3 pm. (Language: English).

Walter Reiners-Foundation Awards Ceremony
The 60th anniversary of VDMA’s Walter Reiners-Foundation marks sixty years of commitment to the next generation of engineers – and VDMA will celebrate this at Techtextil! 
During the event, VDMA will look back on this history through the careers of Foundation award winners from different decades. Afterwards, visitors will have the chance to meet the 2026 award winners and learn about their work. A total of five graduates will be presented with awards for their bachelor and master theses by the foundation’s chairman, Peter D. Dornier. Date: Thursday, 23 April, 4 pm. (Language: German).

Delegations from India
At Techtextil, several delegations from the key market of India will be welcomed at the VDMA stand. 

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

ITA Aachen embraces the concept of sustainability and, through its exhibits, presents solutions to specific contemporary challenges:

1. 4D-printed textiles
   4D textiles are textile structures capable of selectively altering their shape or function over time. The ‘fourth dimension’ refers to their response to external stimuli such as temperature, humidity, light or electrical impulses. These are typically based on active materials such as shape-memory polymers, shape-memory alloys or hygroscopic fibres, which are integrated into textile structures. Their role lies in the development of adaptive, functional systems: from climate-regulating clothing and textile-based actuators in soft robotics to self-deploying or medical applications. 4D textiles transform textiles from passive flat structures into responsive, intelligent systems.
2. AlgaeTex sports shoe
   Algae have immense potential as a bio-based raw material to replace petroleum in synthetic textiles: they grow rapidly and can absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently than other bio-based raw materials derived from land plants. Furthermore, their cultivation requires less land – including land unsuitable for other crops – and avoids the use of pesticides. The use of algae as a renewable resource for the production of biopolymers and textiles circumvents the challenges of competing with low fuel prices by creating higher-value applications. In this way, the German textile industry can act as a catalyst for the shift away from fossil fuels towards a bioeconomy in which algae represent an important source of biomass.
   
   The AlgaeTex project demonstrates that the production of thermoplastic biopolymers from algae for textile applications is technically feasible. These novel biopolymers are melt-spun and processed into high-quality textiles that are of significance to the sporting goods industry, such as knitted shoe uppers or T-shirts. 
3. Visionary Agrotextiles
   Agrotextiles are of particular importance for specialised crops such as strawberries, lettuce and kohlrabi, as they have a significant influence on growing conditions. For instance, they can raise soil temperature, channel water to the plants and protect seedlings from external influences, particularly during early growth stages. Agrotextiles consist almost exclusively of petrochemically produced polymers that are not biodegradable. This demonstrator therefore showcases a carded fleece made from biodegradable polymers, which is used to bring forward the harvest in strawberry fields. In the same crop but serving a different purpose, a monofilament net is on display; its deep red colour and a coating of ultra-fine silicate particles serve to protect the plants from invasive insect species.
4. Bionic Oil Adsorber
   On various biological surfaces, oil is adsorbed from the water’s surface and transported along floating leaves.
   ITA postdoctoral researcher Dr Leonie Beek has transferred this effect to a technical textile using her Bionic Oil Adsorber (BOA), which, at maturity level 4, can remove up to 4 litres of diesel per hour from the water.
   
   The BOA differs from technical solutions in that the oil-water separation takes place without external energy and without toxic substances. The work on the BOA has been recognised with the Bionics Award – only in German available - and the Paul Schlack Prize.
5. BioPEtex – A PE-based, solution-dyed and sustainable T-shirt made from organic raw materials
   In the multi-billion-pound fibre market, fossil-based polyesters (PES) dominate the clothing sector, accounting for 52% of the market. Unfortunately, PET, the most commonly used PES, cannot be produced on an industrial scale as 100% bio-based material, unlike polyethylene (PE). Bio-based PE (bioPE), a drop-in polymer derived from fermented starches or sugars, has properties identical to those of fossil-based PE and is easily recyclable. It is also more cost-effective than other biopolymers used in fibres and can be processed at lower temperatures, which saves energy. Solution-dyed bioPE offers significant environmental benefits: it consumes 50% less energy and water than conventional dyeing processes and emits 60% less CO2.
   
   Life cycle assessments (LCA) predict that PE could significantly reduce the textile industry’s ecological footprint, with solution-dyed bio-PE further enhancing this reduction. Furthermore, PE textiles are IR-transparent and thus provide passive cooling for the body.
   
   Despite these advantages, PE is not yet used in the clothing industry. Preliminary research findings from the ITA suggest that PE can be processed into spun, dyed filaments and knitted fabrics with promising textures. The T-shirt on display is spun and dyed and features an elastic surface made from bio-based raw materials. A bio-based elastic finish enhances the T-shirt, which is made from a single source and is thermomechanically recyclable. Contact: Mathias.Ortega@ita.rwth-aachen.de
6. FungalFibers – Leggings
   Against a backdrop of limited resources such as oil, water and arable land, as well as increasing environmental degradation and potential for conflict, there is significant social and commercial interest in providing competitive, socially and environmentally sustainable alternative raw materials for the textile industry. The aim of this project is to develop a completely new process chain for the production of bio-based, vegan textiles from chitosan fibres (filament and staple fibre yarns).
   
   Chitosan is chemically closely related to chitin, the second most abundant substance in nature after cellulose. It occurs naturally in a variety of sources: in insects, crab and shellfish shells, and as a structural component of the cell walls of all fungi. Chitin can therefore be obtained from by-products of crab meat production, insect protein or fungal biomass waste from industrial processes. Chitosan, in turn, can be easily produced from chitin through deacetylation. Contact: Leonie.Beek@ita.rwth-aachen.de.
   
   ITA Group will be presenting the latest developments in sustainable textile products and production processes at Techtextil 2026, taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026 in Frankfurt am Main. The exhibits from ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH will be on display at the Elmatex joint stand in Hall 12.0, Booth D05.

ITA Group will showcase various approaches to mechanical and thermo-mechanical recycling, addressing potential applications in the textile, materials and automotive industries. ITA Augsburg gGmbH, which specialises in mechanical textile recycling, will present innovations in the fields of composites, mechanical textile recycling and artificial intelligence in production. These include sound and thermal insulation panels from the “IsoTex” project, a towel from the “EcoYarn” recycling project, and the “ColoSens” demonstrator, an AI-based solution for automated colour recognition of fibres in the recycling process.

ITA Technologietransfer GmbH demonstrates thermo-mechanical recycling using numerous examples within the Fabric2Fabric cycle. Using a 3D-printed car seat demonstrator as an example, the recyclable filament yarns are incorporated into a seat cover.

In addition, ITA Technologietransfer GmbH is showcasing its patented ‘Textile Anchor’ concept, an innovative anchoring system designed to protect and secure structures in geotechnical environments such as mountains, in the ground and underwater, as well as for use in building construction. The textile anchor offers an ultra-lightweight solution with high flexibility and optimal adaptability, and is manufactured from extremely durable or biodegradable and sustainable textiles.

At ITA Group’s ‘shared booth’, ITA Technologietransfer GmbH will be providing information on innovations from various industrial partners:

• technofibres s.a. from Luxembourg offers solution-dyed PET and sustainable trPET filament yarns with a wide range of matting levels, filament cross-sections and packaging options for bespoke solutions, even in the smallest batch sizes, making it unique in Europe.
• Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. from Japan offers Xarec™, a syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) fibre for use in fabrics and nonwovens. The advantages of this semi-crystalline high-performance material, which acquires its syndiotactic structure through the polymerisation of polystyrene and a metallocene catalyst, are demonstrated in nonwoven samples for the filtration sector in comparison with conventional materials.
• The Swedish company Luma Wire Tech AB is an innovative specialist in fine wires, with expertise in advanced plating. Each wire, ranging from 4 to 300 microns and produced from tungsten, molybdenum, or other advanced materials, is tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs— available either uncoated or with high-performance coatings of gold, silver, palladium, or other.

EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, released the European annual statistics for 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of the nonwovens industry in Greater Europe. This information shows an overview of the industry’s strength and resilience across the region. 

According to the figures collected and compiled by EDANA, overall nonwovens production in Europe declined by around 2.2% in 2025, reaching 2,919,000 tonnes. 

Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, stated: “Despite the negative impact of several drivers affecting the nonwovens industry, the slowdown in demand across some key market segments, and an increasing competition from abroad, the European nonwovens industry has once again demonstrated its strength, resilience, flexibility and ability to innovate.” 

Diverging trends were observed across European countries and among the various nonwovens production processes. Total spunmelt output decreased by 3.3%, while drylaid technologies production remained nearly stable at -0.7%. Limited growths were recorded in hydroentanglement and needle-punched bonding processes, at +0.1% and +0.8%, respectively. 

The hygiene market—still the main end-use for nonwovens by volume—declined by 2.7% in 2025, following growth of 1.7% in 2024. This decrease was mainly driven by developments in the baby diaper market. 

Significant changes in tonnage for nonwovens in 2025 were also seen in sales of roll goods for personal care wipes (+0.9%), building and roofing (-6.8%), automotive interiors (-0.9%), and upholstery (-7.1%). However, these figures do not take into account specific grammage developments, which are available to EDANA members through surface area data. 

Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) will be exhibiting once again at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, which runs from April 21 – 24. Techtextil attracts major international companies at the cutting edge of technology, which are seeking innovative solutions to technical challenges, so this event represents an ideal opportunity to demonstrate FET’s strength in helping customers achieve their goals.

FET is an acknowledged leader in laboratory and pilot melt spinning equipment for a vast range of applications. These include precursor materials used in high value technical textiles, sportswear, medical devices and specialised novel fibres from exotic and difficult to process polymers. 

Where melt spinning solutions are not suitable, FET provides a viable alternative with pilot and small scale production wet spinning systems. In addition, FET has also recently launched its FET-500 Series of gel spinning systems. These systems have the potential to revolutionise the research and development of UHMWPE fibres, with significant savings in cost, footprint and environmental factors.

As part of the launch of the FET-500 series, FET’s Senior Scientist Dr Kristoffer Kortsen will be a speaker at the Techtextil Forum on Wednesday 22 April. All visitors are invited to come along and find out more about FET’s new process exploiting super-critical fluids. To date, FET has successfully processed over 130 different polymer types in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes.

FET’s Fibre Development Centre further enhances this service, allowing clients to trial their own products in an ideal environment. Resident equipment in the Fibre Development Centre reflects the wide range of fibre extrusion and other systems offered by FET to clients worldwide and will enable continued growth of the company through innovation.  

Managing Director Richard Slack and his technical team will be in attendance on the stand. Slack commented. “We have now exhibited at over 10 Techtextil exhibitions around the world and we again look forward to meeting customers face-to-face to discuss their fibre technology requirements.”

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

“Denim leaders are strongly motivated to reduce environmental impact, but cannot afford to sacrifice market appeal or production efficiency,” Julio Perales, Technical & Product Segment Manager Denim, Archroma, said. “At Archroma, we continuously challenge conventions, with an R&D philosophy that accepts nothing less than eliminating hazardous chemicals and processes while simultaneously improving performance and reducing resource use. That’s how we have built such a broad portfolio of game-changing solutions.”

At Kingpins Amsterdam, visitors can explore:

CLEANER DYESTUFFS
Archroma denim dyes address the most persistent challenges in indigo and sulfur dyeing – from hazardous impurities to resource-intensive synthesis processes.

• DENISOL® PURE INDIGO: The industry’s first synthetic aniline-free* indigo makes it possible to produce authentic indigo-dyed denim that complies with major eco-standards, reduces pollution risk and creates denim that can be more sustainably recycled.
• DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK: Archroma's cleanest sulfur black dyestuff ever – and the winner of the 2023 Just Style Excellence Award for Innovation in Dyes – delivers an overall lifecycle impact reduction of 57%** versus standard Sulfur Black 1, with no ammonia, no sodium salts waste, no liquid effluents and 73% less water in synthesis.
• DIRESUL® RDT: With a comprehensive bluesign®-approved sulfur dye palette spanning blues, blacks, navies, khakis and fashion colors, DIRESUL® RDT supports topping, bottoming and self-shade applications across the full range of denim styles.

CIRCULAR COLORANTS
Archroma's biosynthetic dye ranges replace petroleum-based raw materials with upcycled waste streams, turning circular economy principles into commercially deployable color solutions.

• EARTHCOLORS®: A patented range of biosynthetic dyes derived from non-edible agricultural and herbal waste (such as leaves and nutshells), EarthColors® helps reduce the negative impact on water footprint, natural resources and climate change.
• FIBERCOLORS®: Synthesized with a minimum of 50% wool waste raw material, FiberColor® solves a problem for sheep farmers while advancing sustainability for brands.

UPSTREAM DYEING INNOVATION
Winner of the ITMF 2025 Sustainability & Innovation Award, DENIM HALO is a yarn pretreatment and dyeing process that enables superficial ring-dyeing at the denim mill. This allows downstream garment laundries to achieve popular high-contrast distressed effects by laser or washdown – avoiding the hazardous potassium permanganate sprays, hand scraping and harsh bleaching these looks have traditionally required.

“Impact assessments using Archroma’s One Way Impact Calculator show substantial environmental benefits for DENIM HALO versus standard processes,” Julio explained. “But even better, DENIM HALO doesn’t require mills to choose between sustainability and business performance. It’s designed to work within existing mill workflows, so there’s no need to modify standard dye recipes or set up. And it actually improves fabric performance by reducing yarn shrinkage and boosting garment tensile strength.”

The LYCRA Company,  a global leader in developing fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement (“RSA”) with the overwhelming majority of its creditors to eliminate approximately $1.2 billion of long-term debt and establish a sustainable capital structure that will recapitalize the Company and position it for long-term financial stability and growth.

The RSA has overwhelming support from holders of the Company’s senior secured term loan, 16.000% Senior Secured Notes, and 7.500% Senior Secured Notes, who have agreed to vote in favor of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the “Prepackaged Plan”). To implement the Prepackaged Plan, the Company and certain of its affiliates, have filed a voluntary prepackaged Chapter 11 case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The Prepackaged Plan reflects a consensual agreement reached over the course of several months of productive discussions with the Company’s key financial creditors. Given the near unanimous support of its stakeholders, the Company expects to complete its financial restructuring expeditiously and emerge from the Chapter 11 process within 45 days.

“The LYCRA Company’s products have long been a symbol of quality, delivering benefits like lasting comfort, fit, and performance across a wide variety of apparel and personal care applications,” said Gary Smith, Chief Executive Officer of The LYCRA Company. “Today marks a significant milestone for The LYCRA Company as we are taking decisive action to meaningfully reduce our debt and strengthen our financial foundation. By taking this step, we will continue serving our customers, supporting our partners, and providing the high-quality products on which they rely. I want to thank our team members for their ongoing dedication and our loyal customers and partners for their continued support throughout the process.”

The Company is seeking customary "first day" relief that will enable it to operate in the ordinary course of business throughout the restructuring process. As part of these first day motions, the Company will seek approval to continue to pay all valid amounts owed to vendors and suppliers in full in the ordinary course of business. To support these ordinary course operations, the Company has obtained commitments for $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing (“DIP Financing”) and more than $75 million in exit financing, which is poised to refinance the DIP Financing, providing the Company with capital upon completion of the Chapter 11 process.

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its future‑ready solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany. Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase its latest developments for efficient nonwovens production, including comprehensive service and consulting solutions. Highlights include the fully upgraded X‑Series nonwoven cards suitable for spunlace, needle‑punching and air‑through bonding (ATB) processes, as well as the T‑ONE digital working environment enhanced with new features. Trützschler Card Clothing will complement the presentation with a new card wire designed with a specially engineered surface for high‑performance nonwoven applications. Visitors can also take a closer look at Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste, TRUECYCLED. 

Trützschler Nonwovens
The T-SUPREMA needle punching line has proven its performance in the market, with lines successfully operating at two customer sites since early this year. It demonstrates the exceptional versatility of needle-punched nonwovens, covering basis weights from below 50 gsm to above 2,000 gsm. New streamlined configurations featuring the compact NC-Xe card further reduce the footprint while ensuring high process stability and consistent product quality.

Beyond complete line solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase upgrades to its single machine portfolio, including the X-Series nonwovens cards (the high-speed card NCT-X, the versatile NC-X and the compact NC-Xe), the MPD high-performance dryer and the new compact AquaJet-X. These developments are designed to combine compact machine concepts with high operational reliability and outstanding performance.

At Techtextil 2026, Trützschler Nonwovens will also highlight its advanced ATB technology for hygiene applications. The process enables the reliable processing of ultra fine fibers down to 0.4 dtex, producing exceptionally soft nonwovens that meet the highest requirements for softness and performance in baby diaper applications.

T‑ONE, Trützschler Nonwovens’ digital working environment, serves as a powerful digital backbone for any nonwoven line. New enhancements include an energy management function for real‑time monitoring of electricity and gas consumption and CO₂ footprint calculation per time unit, roll or order, as well as camera‑based anomaly detection that identifies fiber migration and accumulations at an early stage. This helps to prevent unplanned downtime while improving process stability and production transparency.

With tailored modernization and development solutions, Trützschler Nonwovens supports manufacturers in optimizing existing installations and translating new product ideas into stable, industrial scale production. Application-specific consulting enables higher efficiency, increased output and longer service life – without compromising quality.

Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC): Next‑generation card clothing for demanding nonwovens applications
Visitors can experience top nonwovens performance with our high-efficiency card clothing. Our TCC experts will present our latest innovation: a new wire with special surface designed for Hygiene, Spunlace and ATB applications. It ensures cleaner operation, less contamination and reduced downtime - delivering maximum productivity for your line. More details will be revealed at the exhibition – don’t miss this opportunity to see it first hand. 

Trützschler Spinning: TRUECYCLED – the complete solution for textile recycling    
Visitors can also learn more about TRUECYCLED, Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste. It covers the complete process: from cutting and tearing textile waste to carding and drawing secondary fibers. Based on Trützschler’s technological recommendations and a Trützschler machinery line-up, it ensures the best possible quality of the end product.