Mimaki Europe: Empowering Women in the Print Industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

As we mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, it is an important moment not only to celebrate the achievements of women across industries, but also to reflect on the tangible actions we can take to build a more inclusive and representative future for print.

The Importance of Empowering Women in the Print Industry
So, how can we empower the women already working within the industry, and provide them with the visibility and support they need to succeed?

VIATT 2026: Connecting the ASEAN textile sector - sustainability, trends and technology

Opening this week Thursday, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to welcome visitors from ASEAN’s dynamic textile market and beyond. From 26 to 28 February, VIATT 2026 – the fair’s third editions – will reinforce its strategic proposition with an integrated showcase of the three core sectors of the entire textile value chain. Beyond new sourcing opportunities in Apparel Fabrics & Fashion, Home & Contract Textiles, and Technical Textiles & Technologies, the fair will present an expanded fringe programme. Highlights include the inaugural Trend Forum, alongside an industry summit, local and international fashion shows, interactive workshops, and expert seminars. 

Preventing Malfunction in Yarns Designed to Store Energy

In a new study, North Carolina State University researchers found a way to prevent electrical malfunctions in yarns designed to store electrical energy. Ultimately, the findings could help advance the development of “smart textiles” that would capture energy from the wearer’s movements and power sensors and wearable electronics.

The researchers reported in npj Flexible Electronics that they were able to prevent short-circuiting in yarns that act as supercapacitors – which are electrical devices that store energy – by wrapping the yarns with an insulating thread. They also tested the strength and durability of the yarns to make sure they could still work after going through knitting and weaving processes.

DyStar Group Announces Board Transition to Drive Innovation

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced the appointment of Ruan Cunfan to its Board of Directors, effective 20 February 2026. His appointment and the conclusion of Yao Jianfang’s tenure mark a seamless transition, reinforcing stability while opening doors to new opportunities.

Ruan Cunfan graduated from Claremont McKenna College in the United States, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics & Accounting and Chemistry. He currently serves as a Director and Assistant to the Chairman of Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd., and as Assistant to Chairman of Longsheng Group Holdings (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. He brings extensive experiences, having built a distinguished career overseeing its Group real estate investment strategy, operations, and management. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening governance and driving long-term strategic growth globally. At the same time, Yao Jianfang will be stepping down from the Board. 

Swedish efficiency at Techtextil & Texprocess

Process control, intelligent automation and long-term industrial reliability remain the shared priorities that continue to define members of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association.

“Across different stages of textile and material production, TMAS members are united by a common belief that productivity begins with stability,” says TMAS General Secretary Therese Premler-Andersson. “Rather than focusing on isolated machine functions, the emphasis is on controlling the critical variables that directly influence quality, efficiency and uptime.”

Examples of this approach will be demonstrated at Messe Frankfurt’s forthcoming Techtextil and Texprocess exhibitions taking place concurrently in Frankfurt from April 21-24.

High-performance yarns for tomorrow's mobility

At this year's Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21–24), Barmag will be presenting comprehensive solutions for the production of industrial filament yarns at the VDMA joint stand. The focus will be on applications that ensure greater safety, durability, and efficiency in automotive engineering.

High-performance filament yarns for maximum vehicle safety
Today's modern vehicles contain an average of 30 to 35 kilograms of industrial yarns – most of which are used for safety-related components such as airbags and seat belts. Polyamide and, increasingly, polyester filament yarns are predominantly used for airbag applications. Barmag offers particularly energy-efficient and productive technologies for this purpose, enabling stable processes and consistently high yarn quality. “Our solutions meet all the demanding standards for airbag yarns worldwide – throughout the entire service life of a vehicle, regardless of climate or operating conditions,” emphasizes Dr. Jen Supra, Technology Manager for Industrial Yarns at Barmag.

HIGHTEX 2026: Technical Textiles and Nonwovens

HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition is preparing to open its doors at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center between 9–13 June 2026. Bringing together leading manufacturers and technology providers in the field of technical textiles and nonwoven technologies in Istanbul, the exhibition will assume the character of an international hub where the strategic future of the industry is discussed.

While topics such as sustainable production models, digitalization, high-performance materials and smart manufacturing systems will form the main agenda of HIGHTEX 2026, a strong showcase will be presented for companies aiming to make a difference in the global competitive environment.

INVISTA: Nancy Kowalski New President and CEO

Nancy Kowalski has been named new president and CEO of INVISTA, a Koch company, effective March 1, 2026. In this role, she’ll be responsible for continuing to adapt and improve business models across INVISTA, a global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers used in parts for the automotive industry, medical equipment, airbags, food packaging and clothing.

Nancy has 22 years of expertise across INVISTA in a variety of its business lines and its global supply chain. She joined INVISTA as a director of corporate reporting in 2004 and went on to hold leadership roles in treasury, global finance and global supply chain.

She was most recently executive vice president for INVISTA’s global nylon business, with operations in China, Europe, and the United States, leading its overall profit and loss management and overseeing Nylon Sales and Marketing, the strategic management of feedstock procurement and purchasing processes for the company.

IFCO: Global Meeting Point of Fashion for the 9th Time

IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection, convened the global fashion industry in Istanbul again at its ninth edition.

Bringing Türkiye’s design vision together with its strong manufacturing power onto the global fashion stage, IFCO hosted over 450 exhibitors across 6 halls and welcomed 29,746 professional visitors from 134 countries in Istanbul.

With international buying delegations, strong brand participation, and a highly qualified visitor profile, IFCO once again proved its position as one of the most strategic B2B meeting points in the global fashion calendar.

From womenswear, menswear and kidswear to eveningwear and designer collections extending across denim, activewear, lingerie, hosiery, leather, footwear and accessories  IFCO presented a fully integrated and business-focused sourcing platform for global buyers

Enhanced by fashion shows, curated trend areas, seminars and expert talks, the exhibition delivered forward-looking insights on trend forecasting, digital transformation, sustainability and emerging market opportunities, creating a dynamic content experience alongside strong commercial engagement.

Federal procurement of American-made mission critical clothing, textiles and gear

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, applauded the launch of the House Berry Amendment Caucus. 

Statement from National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas

“On behalf of the U.S textile industry, NCTO sincerely thanks Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) for their leadership in co-chairing the new bipartisan House Berry Amendment Caucus, aimed at strengthening national security and the U.S. defense industrial supply chain through the federal procurement of American-made mission critical clothing, textiles and gear. 

“NCTO strongly supports this new caucus to promote and expand the Berry Amendment, a law requiring the Department of War (DOW) to buy textile and clothing products made with virtually 100% U.S. content and labor to support our U.S. warm industrial base.