From the Sector

As a global military fabrics manufacturer, Carrington Textiles has partnered with Haartz® GmbH to bring the ProTact by Haartz® range of laminated fabrics to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

This partnership expands the specialist portfolio of defence fabrics with high performance technical laminates designed for military and tactical equipment. Manufactured in Germany by Haartz® GmbH, the ProTact range is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern military applications, including rucksacks, load carrying systems, vests and pouches.

The range offers several technical benefits for tactical equipment manufacturers, including:

• Laser-cut ready – clean edges, no residue
• Reduced fraying – precision layer bonding
• Superior flexibility – softer feel, more comfortable wear
• CORDURA® Truelock technology – consistent colour, UV fade resistance
• No delamination – even in extreme conditions
• Proven field performance – engineered for reliability under pressure

The initial range includes ProTact G510.1, a 500D/1000D fabric offered in black, coyote brown and the MultiCam® camouflage pattern, and ProTact G55.1, a 500D/500D option available in black, coyote brown and ranger green.

ProTact by Haartz® has already proven itself in the field with advanced durability and protection. The addition of this range complements our existing military fabric offering and further strengthens our position as a trusted supplier to defence forces and tactical equipment manufacturers.

Digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 2025 show in Shanghai, China in September. It will exhibit once again as part of the Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors various opportunities to partake in the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will be showing its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software which digitally supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that eventually go to waste. The remarkable realism of textile simulation is achieved by using scanned data of actual yarn to virtually create fabrics that are comparable to physical samples. Simulations are available for wovens, circular knits, flat knits, prints, pile weave and even embroidery. These fabrics can be utilized in various 3D simulation software including APEXFiz® to create realistic product images. Should the design be approved for production, machine data can be generated to allow smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between the studio and factory. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability through reduced waste, to enhance quality, and to digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 
 
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world for download and use in virtual sampling, as well as SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items. Registration to both services is free. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will also be hosting a seminar session titled “New Era of Digital Fabric: End-to-End DPC Solution” on Wednesday, 3rd September from 10:20 am to 10:50 am at Hall 4.1-C131. 

The 13^th edition of Gartex Texprocess India opened on a high note at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan - New Delhi. The landmark event is being held between the 21^st -23^rd August 2025. Organized by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the exhibition is bound to set a new benchmark in the garment, textile manufacturing and denim industry. This 13^th edition of the Gartex Texprocess India features two new additions - the LeatherX Pavilion and the Textile Care Forum which makes the event more holistic and all-encompassing.

The Gartex Texprocess India 2025 has a record participation from over 200 exhibitors (35% first-time exhibitors) and 600+ brands from India and with international brands like Durst, Morimota Singapore (Kansai), Epson, Morgan, Jinjen, Groz Beckert, Brothers International, Jack Franc, Veolia, Amazon and more recording international participation from China, Japan, Italy, Germany and Singapore. The first day of the exhibition saw a high-level of engagement and was marked with vigorous activities across all stalls.  

Inaugurating the show, Chief Guest, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar expressed: “The textile industry is one of the largest sources of employment generation in the country with over 45 million people employed directly, including a large number of women and rural population. The government has taken a number of measures/ incentives to boost the textile sector and generate employment in the country. I give due credit to the two joint organisers for doing a great job of amalgamating the complete value chain from yarn to finished products here in Delhi.” 

Speaking on energy, Shri Khattar added: “Coming to power, we have extended several schemes, including subsidies up to 75%. Today, we are looking at the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I urge you all to kindly upgrade your plants to renewable energy, as India is moving towards its Mission 2047 to reduce emissions. India had set a target to replace 50% of the energy by 2030 with renewable and clean sources but has managed to achieve the same this year.”

He was followed by the address from the Guest of Honour: Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Minister, Department of MSME, Khadi, Village Industries, Sericulture and Textile, Government of Uttar Pradesh. He expressed: “The Indian textile industry is yet to produce indigenous machinery. It relies mostly on imports. The Government of Uttar Pradesh is taking efforts to allow industries to excel with special dedicated land parcels in the state. We had requested about 200 acres of land for the development of industries. Of these, we have received approval of about 100 acres. In another development, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is developing a 150-acre apparel cluster in Noida, which will be Uttar Pradesh's first textile park. The project aims to attract investment, generate employment, and boost exports in the apparel sector.”
Speaking on the US tariffs, Shri Sachan said: “The surge in US tariffs has hit hard, but this is the time to upgrade and create capacity, improve on indigenous technology.”

The expo was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, India, Minister of Power, Government of India. 

The opening day saw amazing enthusiasm among both exhibitors and visitors. It was witness to many impactful discussions among stakeholders, putting India in the global textile eco-space. The highlights of The Gartex Texprocess India 2025 are ‘The Denim Show’ in association with the Denim Manufacturers Association and the featured zones of the Fabrics and Trims Show, Screen Print India (Textile) and the latest addition of LeatherX Pavilion and launch of the Textile Care Forum in association with the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India enhance the platform by connecting the industry. The new developments add value to the already composite nature of Gartex Texprocess India. With a focus on technology and modernisation, the exhibition is a step forward towards setting global standards in textile manufacturing, denim, leather goods, laundry management and the overall fashion industry. 

Mayer & Cie. will participate in ITMA Asia from October 28 to 31, 2025, which takes place in Singapore. ITMA Asia + CITME brings together the international market leaders in the industry and offers a platform for the exchange of information on the latest technologies, sustainability and digitalization. Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner of Mayer & Cie., says: "For us, ITMA Asia is both an opportunity for customer loyalty and a door opener for new business relationships in one of the most dynamic textile regions in the world."

At its booth, the manufacturer of circular knitting machines and braiding machines will be showing a new circular knitting for jacquard fabrics – the OVJA 2.4 EC II – and will provide an overview of its digital and smart solutions. Another focus is on the machines of Mayer & Cie's "Performance Line": circular knitting machines, which are the most efficient solution in their respective classes. 

OVJA 2.4 EC II
"The OVJA 2.4 EC II belongs to our product group of circular knitting machines, which are engineered in Germany and manufactured in our factory in China”," says Benjamin Mayer, explaining the machine exhibit at ITMA Asia. “These machines are predominantly aimed at customers from China and Southeast Asia.” Thanks to a new system for single needle selection, the machine impresses with a significantly reduced cylinder height. In addition, fewer knitting elements are required, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the machine. The OVJA 2.4 EC II produces fabrics for sports and leisure wear; it is also widely used in the field of home textiles, especially mattress cover fabrics – and all this at an attractive price. 

New Control 5.0 machine control system
The new Control 5.0 machine control system for circular knitting machines from Mayer & Cie. has been available since early summer 2025. It makes Mayer & Cie. circular knitting machines Internet-ready – and thus fit for the digital future of textile production. Control 5.0 is a prerequisite for knitlink, Mayer & Cie's digital platform. It is available as an upgrade kit for all machines built from 2001 onwards and is now part of every newly delivered mechanical circular knitting machine.

knithawk
knithawk is a tool for optical defect detection. It sits directly at the knitting point, where the knitted fabric is made. The camera unit, which "scans" the knitted fabric using infrared light, is quickly installed. If knithawk detects a serious or recurring error, the machine is stopped. The tool also creates an error log. 
In this way, knithawk can prevent knitting errors from continuing through many meters of knitted fabric. Thanks to knithawk, resources such as water, natural fibers, polyester and energy are not used for nothing.  knithawk is available for single jersey machines from Mayer & Cie. Customers can order it directly as part of their new machines or equip existing machines with knithawk via upgrade kit. 

120 years of Mayer & Cie. 
The year 2025 is an anniversary year for Mayer & Cie.: On July 8, 2025, the family-owned company celebrated its 120th birthday. The green MCT emblem stands for precision, durability and reliability worldwide, in the field of circular knitting machines as well as in braiding machines.

"We are proud to have taken this path – and we will continue to do so with innovative strength and reliability", says Managing Director Benjamin Mayer.
However, current conditions cast a shadow over the anniversary year. The order situation remains tense in the German textile machinery industry. In view of the various crises worldwide, a trend reversal is not yet in sight. It is difficult for Benjamin Mayer to give an outlook for the future: "We are well positioned as a company, have answers to the needs of the market and modern processes in production. But no one can predict how the world situation and with it the economic situation will develop."

• A branded, circular polyester resin made entirely from textile waste and completely traceable from feedstock to final product.
• Virgin-quality resin for high-performance applications including fashion, sportswear, and home textiles.
• Low environmental footprint with significant reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Loop Industries, Inc. a clean technology company accelerating circularity in plastic and fiber markets, announced the launch of Twist™, a branded circular polyester resin made entirely from textile waste. Loop is currently advancing its discussions with apparel brands for offtake from its planned India JV and will supply Twist™ as its branded product offering. Originally developed as Loop’s fiber-grade PET resin, the product has now been rebranded to reflect its role in helping the textile industry transition from linear to circular systems, shifting away from virgin materials and from bottle-to-textile recycling, to give global brands a high-performance solution that embodies both sustainability and next-gen material innovation.

Utilizing Loop’s globally patented depolymerization technology, Twist™ is produced by breaking down polyester textile waste into its base monomers, DMT and MEG, which are then purified back to their initial purity, before being polymerized into Twist™ resin. This process removes all dyes, colorants, contaminants, and blends, delivering a resin that is chemically identical to virgin polyester. Textile-to-textile recycling allows apparel companies to mitigate the increasing environment impact of textile waste.  

Twist™ achieves the highest purity, color and dyability consistency and increases production efficiency, making it fully compatible with existing spinning and manufacturing infrastructure. 

The production of Twist™ saves up to 418,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually1 and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 81%2 when compared to fossil fuel-based resin. This has been independently validated by Franklin Associates, a division of ERG who completed an LCA study of Loop’s technology. 418,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions are the equivalent of more than 1 billion miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.

Twist™ is set to transform textile recycling as the first textile-to-textile polyester resin offering complete traceability. Embedded chemical tracers allow customers to track finished products directly back to their original waste textile inputs. This transparency meticulously verifies every step of the recycling and manufacturing process, building crucial trust in the circular economy and setting a new standard for accountability in sustainable textile production. With full traceability from waste input to finished product, Twist™ empowers brands to confidently meet growing regulatory, and consumer demands for transparency and circularity.

Twist™ will be expanded from Loop’s Terrebonne facility and produced at the Infinite Loop™ India facility, a strategically located manufacturing platform designed to serve global textile and apparel brands. The facility will provide Twist™ at competitive pricing levels. This combination of performance, price, traceability and sustainability positions Twist™ as a key material for brands seeking to lead on circularity and meet evolving sustainability targets.

SNC Kherib et Cie. has awarded ANDRITZ an order to supply a complete spunlace line for its plant located in Bejaia City, Algeria. The start-up is scheduled for the end of Q3 2026.

This will be the very first ANDRITZ spunlace line installed on the African continent. The line will process both viscose and polyester fibers, enabling SNC Kherib to produce high-quality spunlace roll goods for the wet wipes markets to meet the growing needs of African consumers. This project marks a significant step in the development of the spunlace industry in Africa and opens the door to new opportunities for local converters.

The project is a family investment, with each member of the Kherib family actively involved. As a pioneer in the African market, SNC Kherib is leading the way in introducing advanced spunlace technology to the region.

Farid Kherib, founder of SNC Kherib, states: “We are proud to collaborate with a global leader like ANDRITZ. This partnership highlights our commitment and passion for developing innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of the African market using state-of-the-art equipment.”

The value of the order will not be disclosed. It is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2025.

Based in the Bejaia area of Algeria, SNC Kherib is a family business dedicated to a wide range of activities including the production of nonwovens (viscose and cotton cleaning cloths, polyester wadding for mattress and pillows, etc.), PVC cling film, PP woven bags, as well as PVC doors and sandwich panels.

Eastman announced a formal strategic partnership with Huafon Chemical to establish a joint facility to produce cellulose acetate yarn. The facility will be dedicated to localized production and product innovation of Eastman Naia™ cellulose acetate filament yarns in China.

“China is the world’s largest textile supply chain hub and a frontier for product and technology innovation,” said Ruth Farrell, general manager of Eastman’s textiles business. “This strategic partnership will provide us with greater capacity and further enhance the innovation and product development capabilities of Naia™ yarn while enabling Eastman to fulfill its brand promise of making sustainable textiles accessible to all.”   

This collaboration demonstrates Eastman’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepens its market presence in China by enabling a more agile supply chain response to meet the market demand for high-quality, innovative and sustainable textile materials in the region.  

“Through cooperation with Eastman, we look forward to combining local advantages with international resources to achieve a fully localized chain — from technological innovation, product development and production to service — and jointly promoting the sustainable development of the textiles industry,” said Congdeng Yang, director of the Huafon-Eastman collaboration program.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, posted a as management continues to execute its three-year IVL 2.0 transformation strategy, maintaining steadfast focus on fortifying the company against a prolonged downturn in global chemical markets. 

In 1H25, Indorama Ventures’ Adjusted EBITDA1 fell 21% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis to $606 million. Sales volumes dropped 8% YoY as scheduled maintenance at several plants and a winter freeze in the U.S temporarily disrupted operations. The first six months of the year reflected a continuation of the macro-economic pressures that have beset the industry for more than two years, including new Chinese supply and the impact of geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East on global supply chains, input costs, and consumer demand. 

Throughout this period of profound industry change, Indorama Ventures’ management has continued to drive forward ‘self-help’ actions under IVL 2.0 to optimize operations, reduce fixed costs, and generate cash. Operating cash flow in the first half was strong at $618 million, with 111% Reported EBITDA conversion, while overall fixed costs were reduced by $51 million, net of inflation. These reflect a methodical approach to financial management and commercial excellence as well as the inherent resilience of Indorama Ventures’ unique leadership model across diverse markets. 

In the most recent quarter, operations continued to normalize after the winter freeze and planned turnarounds, which was reflected in a 2% rise QoQ in revenue in 2Q25, although the 11% drop on a year-on-year basis reflected the broader industry challenges. In 2Q25, Adjusted EBITDA climbed 20% QoQ to $330 million, led by an improvement in the company’s largest Combined PET (CPET) business, while down 11% YoY. 

Business Segments 
In 1H25, the Integrated PET portfolio benefited from the asset optimization actions taken over the past year under IVL 2.0, driving a 12% increase in Adjusted EBITDA despite persistent overcapacity in the industry. Overall, CPET segment recorded a 31% YoY decline in Adjusted EBITDA, on a 10% drop in sales volumes, amid multiple planned turnarounds, weaker integrated MEG market conditions in the U.S, and lower NDC production due to the timing of campaign. MTBE profitability normalized in 1H25 with gasoline markets more balanced than in 2024.  

Fibers segment posted a 21% YoY gain in Adjusted EBITDA, and a 3% rise in sales volumes, in 1H25, reflecting an improved business environment in Lifestyle and management’s ongoing actions to streamline operations across the segment. Indovida packaging segment was steady across the half, supported by demand in Egypt and the Philippines. Indovinya segment recorded a 6% decrease in Adjusted EBITDA, on a 3% drop in volumes, on weaker performance in its Essentials business driven by higher palm input costs. The Surfactants business was resilient at 17% margin, flat YoY. 

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “Since we launched IVL 2.0 more than a year ago, we have consistently focused on disciplined self-help actions that are building resilience and helping us to emerge stronger and agile to pursue our growth objectives post weathering this historic downturn. One of the final pegs to hammer down is our Integrated EO/EG business in the U.S Gulf Coast. The Board would like to undertake a strategic review of this business to assess its value to our CPET segment. On the growth front, we continue to fund our Surfactants portfolio, our Packaging business, and our leadership of Recycled Polymers from internal cashflows, as well as remain focused on our deleveraging exercise for longer term financial security.” 

Mid-Year Update on IVL 2.0 
Since launching IVL 2.0 in March 2024, Indorama Ventures’ experienced management has continued to focus on bolstering resilience and repositioning the company for long-term sustainable growth. Now, more than 1 year into  the 3-year strategy (2024-2026), leaders are building a leaner, more agile, and financially disciplined enterprise through a program of footprint optimization, operational excellence, innovation, and digital acceleration. 

In the last 12 months, the company rationalized sites in Portugal, Netherlands, Australia and Canada, realizing $116 million in fixed-cost savings. It expects annualized savings of $130–150 million by 2025 and $170–190 million by 2027. Furthermore, the company expects cash proceeds of $190–200 million from the proposed sale of rationalized property from 2H25 through to 2026. 

Indorama Ventures has reorganized its four business segments with empowered, accountable leadership structures and clear mandates to deliver industry-leading performance across the cycle. A similar reorganization of Corporate functions is currently underway. The segments are already benefiting from a comprehensive digital transformation program following the successful rollout of SAP S/4HANA, which is providing the foundation for additional tools including Salesforce and Workday, and AI-driven solutions for manufacturing and maintenance. 

The company continues to maintain a strong liquidity position, with $1.8 billion as of June 2025, and a focus on financial discipline and driving sustainable free cash flow to further strengthen the balance sheet towards a longterm target of Debt/EBITDA at 3x. In the first half, Indorama Ventures raised $1.5 billion through long-term refinancing at improved spreads, which helped reduce costs and ensure liquidity through to 2027. 

As part of its renewed growth strategy to invest in high-value segments and select growth markets, in the first half the company completed the acquisition of a 24.9% equity stake in EPL. An expanded pipeline of innovative highvalue-added (HVA) products includes new offerings such as PEN polymers and PET-G, which generate better margins than traditional PET; and two leading brands in the energy extraction sector, Kemelix and Flowsolve. The Mocksville hygiene fibers facility in the U.S commenced operations during the half, benefiting from the U.S tariffs, while a strategic partnership with PolySource to distribute specialty polymers for advanced applications is broadening the company’s presence in performance materials. 

In 2Q25, Indorama Ventures—one of the world’s leading PET recyclers—marked a significant milestone in recycling 150 billion bottles since operations began in 2011. The company is accelerating its ambition to recycle 50 billion bottles a year, having recycled the last 50 billion bottles in 2.5 years.

OETI is partnering with Austrian designer Julia Deiger, founder of the sustainable label DeLin. INSPECTED QUALITY is a quality label from OETI for textile and leather businesses. Based on OETI’s 60 years of market experience and current standards, the label is supported by a transparent labelling guideline and independent verification processes.

The initiative is part of TEX-DAN, an EU-funded project led by the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, which aims to develop innovative, market-ready concepts promoting circular economy models for small and medium-sized enterprises in the textile sector across the Danube region.

As an accredited and independent testing institute, OETI – Institute for Ecology, Technology and Innovation GmbH brings its extensive expertise to this project partnership. Together with designer Julia Deiger, OETI has developed the new INSPECTED QUALITY "Regionally Produced" label.

This label confirms the strong regional focus and sustainable philosophy of the DeLin brand: the entire value chain is based exclusively in Austria, using only natural, durable materials. The label enhances transparency for consumers and highlights the brand’s commitment to resource-efficient textile production.

Through this project, OETI and Julia Deiger are making a valuable contribution to promoting future-oriented, locally rooted production models within the European textile industry.

A Model for Market Transformation
“The TEX-DAN project generates new, marketable ideas for advancing circular economy models across the Danube region. Our collaboration with Julia Deiger demonstrates how natural materials, short supply chains, and regional production – supported by a structured quality assurance system and visible label – can collectively drive transformation in the textile sector,” concludes Helene Melnitzky, Head of Department Ecology / OEKO-TEX® Products, at OETI, who is responsible for developing the INSPECTED QUALITY “Regionally Produced” label.

Longstanding partnership with Stratasys increases worker safety, and fuels on-demand factory tooling 
Stratasys Ltd. announced that Toyota’s production engineering group is accelerating innovation on the factory floor through its strategic collaboration with Stratasys. The automaker is empowering automotive workers to seamlessly integrate advanced 3D printing technology in their manufacturing process, taking tools, fixtures and jigs from initial concept to working prototype in just one day. 

Through the more than 10-year partnership with Stratasys, Toyota engineers have access to industrial-grade 3D printers and advanced materials designed to withstand tough factory conditions. These Stratasys high-performance polymers reduce reliance on external suppliers and long lead times, giving frontline engineering teams the ability to iterate rapidly and adapt to shifting production needs in real time. 

Toyota is currently using the Stratasys F3300, F900, Origin One, F770, Neo800, H350, F370, J850, and Fortus 450mc printers to produce robust factory tooling, end-use parts, and functional prototypes throughout its North American facilities. 

By integrating Stratasys industrial 3D printing solutions across its North American operations, Toyota can transform ideas into durable, customized tools that support workflows, enhance worker safety, and withstand wear and tear. Much of this work is powered by the Toyota Add Lab, the company’s in-house additive manufacturing center that was opened in January 2023 and dedicated to accelerating R&D and factory innovation. 

“Sometimes we start with nothing more than a sketch on paper or an idea in our heads,” said Dallas Martin, Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Toyota North America. “We can model it digitally and hold a working part in our hands the very next day. That speed lets us move quickly, implement safer solutions, and continuously iterate to improve our processes.” 

The collaboration reflects Stratasys’ broader commitment to helping automotive leaders transform their manufacturing workflows with scalable, cost-effective additive solutions that drive innovation. From jigs and fixtures to ergonomic aids and complex assembly tools, additive manufacturing is helping Toyota team members solve production challenges with unprecedented speed and flexibility. 

“Additive manufacturing has transformed how our teams collaborate and innovate,” said Lisa Bednar, Group Manager, Production Engineering at Toyota North America. “Instead of sending an idea out and waiting weeks for a part, we’re building it ourselves, refining it the same day, and getting it into production faster. It’s not just about speed — it’s about giving our people the tools to think differently and act immediately.” 

Thanks in part to the Add Lab’s innovations, Toyota engineers have used 3D printing to redesign a door assembly fixture, creating a lighter, more ergonomic tool on-site in just a few days. In another case, they developed a custom window alignment jig that turned a multi-person job into a one-person task, boosting both safety and efficiency. 

“Toyota is a standout example of how leading manufacturers are leveraging additive manufacturing to deliver meaningful operational impact,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Industrial Business Officer at Stratasys. “Their teams are using our technology to move faster, adapt on the fly, and build safer, more efficient production environments. We’re proud to support a partner that’s turning bold ideas into real-world, measurable improvements on the factory floor.”