EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing non-wovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in the nonwoven’s industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers. 

Following repeated requests by its members, EDANA worked closely with the European Union and the World Customs Organisation to introduce in 2024 specific customs codes CN code 5603 14 20 and 5603 9420 in order to better monitor imports of certain PET spunbond and staple fibre products. Based on market intelligence, EDANA knows that third country imports of the respective products were in the range of 15,000 to 30,000 MT in 2024 and 2025. However, actual import volumes recorded under the specifically created CN codes were significantly lower. 

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. 

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. 

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out

Since 2015, Jeanologia has set the standard with laser, Light Bright and G2 Ozone technologies, achieving authentic vintage effects in denim without chemical spraying.

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

For years, Jeanologia has called for the elimination of PP spray, warning about its impact on worker health, operational safety and the environment. Now, the industry is formally acknowledging what has been evident on factory floors worldwide.

PP spray is commonly used to create localized vintage effects in denim, but it exposes operators to chemical micro-particles and presents serious occupational risks. Despite growing awareness and available alternatives, this practice continues to be used in parts of the industry. According to Jeanologia, millions of workers globally are still affected by this process.

Kraig Activates First Wave of 2026 Production Program

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a global leader in spider silk technology*, announced that its 2026 production plan has officially moved from strategy to execution.
 
The Company has now moved bio-material to incubation, getting a jumpstart on its March production plan and formally initiating its multi-ton spider silk scale-up initiative.
 
This milestone follows Kraig’s recently announced 2026 production schedule. This aggressive plan is set to achieve sustained monthly production of recombinant spider silk cocoons at unprecedented commercial volumes. With the release of the first wave of production materials now complete, Kraig Labs has activated its expanded manufacturing pipeline and commenced field-level implementation.
 
"This is the moment where planning becomes production," said Kim Thompson, Kraig Labs CEO and Founder. "Our 2026 roadmap was built around disciplined expansion, operational efficiency, and multi-ton output. Today, that roadmap is in motion. Bio-materials have recently been moved to incubation in preparation for the March production run."
 

Rieter: Price increase for products and systems from March

Response to higher material costs worldwide: Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

Rieter has not yet passed on the additional costs to its customers. Since the price trend is proving to be long-term, the company will adjust its prices from March 2026.