From the Sector

On 3 and 4 December 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.  
 
Closing cycles  
The thematic focus is on technologies for textile recycling, circular and sustainable textile products, and the implementation of circular economy principles. Other topics include the collection, sorting and management of textile waste, as well as successful cooperation models for a circular textile industry. A concluding pitch session offers start-ups and universities the opportunity to present innovative ideas and solutions as forward-looking alternatives to conventional processes.  
 
Trade exhibition celebrates its premiere 
For the first time, the colloquium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. Companies, research institutions and service providers will present their products, services and latest research and development results. The trade exhibition offers participants numerous opportunities for direct exchange and the initiation of new collaborations – supported by networking opportunities during conference breaks, at the business lunch and the evening event. 
 
‘The colloquium has established itself as an important platform for professional exchange in the textile industry. With the new trade exhibition, we are expanding the concept to include a valuable component for direct knowledge transfer and the presentation of innovative solutions,’ explains Johannes Leis, STFI expert for textile recycling and circular economy. 

EURATEX strongly supports the swift conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the European Union and four key Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. These FTAs are essential to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the European textile and apparel industry.

The European textile sector is highly globalised, with over €60 billion in annual exports and more than half generated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With rising global competition, particularly from China, the EU must act decisively to diversify trade, reduce dependency, and unlock new opportunities in the ASEAN region.

EURATEX advocates for FTAs that ensure:

• Open and efficient markets through reduced tariffs and fewer trade barriers
• Legal certainty and protection of intellectual property rights for European businesses
• Sustainable development goals, aligned with international social and environmental standards
• Complementarity between EU trade and industrial policy, including better access to raw materials
• A rules-based trading system that ensures fair enforcement and accountability
• Strong support for WTO principles, including reforms on subsidies, public procurement, and IPR

Each of the four partner countries presents unique opportunities:

• Indonesia: As a major Southeast Asian economy, a deal would improve market access, reduce non-tariff barriers, and strengthen EU investment.
• Thailand: A strategic trade hub, offering prospects for resilient supply chains and streamlined customs procedures.
• Philippines: An emerging market with growing demand and potential for enhanced cooperation on EU standards.
• Malaysia: A CPTPP and RCEP member, offering EU companies a gateway to wider Asian markets and high-value manufacturing partnerships.

To ensure mutual benefit, EURATEX highlights the need for modern rules of origin, effective customs enforcement, non-tariff barrier elimination, and public procurement access. Cumulation provisions, such as including Türkiye in the Malaysia agreement, should also be considered.

In the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty and global overcapacity—especially in the synthetic fibre segment—these FTAs offer a strategic response. They not only secure fair trade but also reinforce the EU’s presence in a region vital to the future of sustainable and competitive textiles.

The World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference brought the global wipes industry together for four engaging days of insights, innovation, and connections, July 21-24, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, in Ohio.

WOW featured expert-led sessions, over 50 tabletop exhibits, and the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The event garnered high praise from attendees for its valuable networking and content, as well as strong participation from across the global wipes supply chain.

World of Wipes Innovation Award®
The 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award® was presented to Cookware Care Seasoning Wipes™, 100 percent viscose wipes that offer a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Infused with non-petrochemical oils and beeswax through a proprietary waterless process, the wipes simplify seasoning while expanding nonwoven applications beyond traditional uses.

“Walking into WOW 2025 as a brand-new company, we didn’t know what to expect. From the moment we arrived, the encouragement, curiosity, and warmth of the industry made us feel truly welcome,” said Cookware Care co-founders Jordan and Blaire Burdey. “Connecting with so many knowledgeable and inspiring individuals made winning the World of Wipes Innovation Award® even more meaningful. This recognition validates two years of passion, late nights, and unwavering belief in our vision, and it motivates us to continue growing and getting Seasoning Wipes™ into more hands. We are deeply grateful to INDA and to everyone who showed us such genuine support.”

Fellow finalists Dude Products’ Dude Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes and Magnera’s Sontara® EC Green Cotton were also celebrated for their innovation and market potential. Nominations for the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Awards will open August 7, 2025.

Thoughts from Industry Leaders
“The content was comprehensive, timely, and engaging, making it a truly enriching experience for all attendees,” said Nick Santoleri, COO of Rockline Industries. “The venue (just a stone’s throw away from The Ohio State University) provided ample space for networking as well as private conversations, allowing for meaningful connections to be made. Additionally, the overall look of the conference and signage gave one the feeling of a world-class event. Kudos to the organizing, marketing, and creative staff at INDA for this year’s exceptional event!”

“This year’s WOW conference was a great opportunity to meet with several of our suppliers and customers in one place,” said Pramod Shanbhag, Vice President of Innovation and Technology at Suominen. “I loved the interactions at the tabletop events and hope to see even more tabletops next year.”

WOW Session Highlights
With the theme “Wipe to Win: Innovating for a Sustainable and Profitable Future,” WOW 2025 delivered a wide array of expert-led sessions and panel discussions, including:

• Global drivers for plastic-free wipes and machinery innovations for sustainable materials
• Consumer motivation, emotional product design, and social media impact
• Nanofibers, niche applications, and a licensing deal for sports wipes with the NBA
• Consumer perceptions, slitting advancements, and classic and innovative preservation strategies
• Expert panel addressing evolving regulatory legislation, trade and tariffs across the U.S. and Europe

Among the other key topics discussed were product responsibility, inflation, artificial intelligence, the California wastewater forensic studies, and sustainability.

The event opened with the WIPES Academy, held July 21-22 and led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey. This 12-session course provided a comprehensive overview of wipes development, from concept to commercialization, covering materials selection, formulation design, and packaging considerations.

INDA announced that the next edition of the World of Wipes® Conference will take place June 29-July 2, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

EDANA, the leading association representing the nonwovens and related industries, which include the manufacturers of hygiene products, such as menstrual products, adult incontinence and baby diapers, and their value chain, acknowledges the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to the recently imposed US tariffs. 

One such measure—targeting US-origin fluff pulp—would have far-reaching and unintended consequences. Fluff pulp, classified under CN code 47032100, is a critical raw material used in the manufacture of absorbent hygiene products (AHPs), including but not limited to baby diapers, feminine care, and adult incontinence products. These products are essential to the health, dignity, and daily wellbeing of millions of Europeans—particularly babies, women, and elderly citizens. 

From the first diaper of a newborn to the pads that allow women to move through their day with confidence, to the products that restore dignity to the elderly—this material touches lives in deeply personal ways. 

Approximately 90% of fluff pulp is used in AHPs due to its role in these products. US fluff pulp is irreplaceable because most of the global fluff pulp capacity comes from the US, and it can’t be fully replaced by other markets. Imposing duties on this material would significantly increase manufacturing costs, compounding already high inflationary pressures. The result: higher prices on essential hygiene items for those families who can least afford them. 

The ripple effects would extend beyond consumers. European manufacturers would be placed at a disadvantage, facing rising input costs while competitors outside the EU continue exporting finished hygiene products into Europe without the same burden. This threatens not only industry jobs but also the long-term resilience of our production ecosystem. 
The global market reality further complicates the issue:

• The United States accounts for more than 80% of global fluff pulp production. There are no alternative suppliers that can meet European demand in volume or regulatory compliance. 
• Less than half of EU demand for fluff pulp can currently be met through sources outside the US. 

If the proposed duties are enacted, they would not only strain household budgets but risk disrupting the supply of indispensable health and hygiene products across Europe. 

EDANA calls on policymakers to exclude fluff pulp (CN code 47032100) from any countermeasure. Protecting access to essential products, supporting European manufacturers, and avoiding unnecessary hardship for vulnerable consumers must remain a shared priority.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement today commending the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains a provision that could boost domestic textile industry sales to the U.S. military. 

The House NDAA bill, which authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military, includes a provision that would eliminate a statutory exemption under the Berry Amendment that acts as a loophole allowing the U.S. military to buy textiles abroad instead of from American textile manufacturers as long as the purchase is at or below a small purchase threshold of $150,000.

The NDAA also includes language from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, a bill that NCTO has pushed for as part of a broader coalition. The provision requires the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations within two years that prohibit any member of the Armed Forces from wearing optional combat boots as part of a required uniform unless those boots are made in the United States with American-made components, with a few exceptions.

“We applaud the HASC for passing the FY 2026 NDAA and including provisions that would help boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen American economic competitiveness, and meet the mission-critical needs of our Armed Forces,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“We are sincerely appreciative of the leadership of Congressman Don Davis (D-NC) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), who led efforts to close the Berry Amendment loophole and co-sponsored the amendment to the NDAA.

“The Berry Amendment requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to purchase 100% U.S.-made textiles and clothing. But the small-purchase exemption in the statute has led to U.S. military purchases of foreign-made textile articles largely at the expense of American textile manufacturers who have potentially lost several million dollars per year in U.S. government sales.

“Eliminating this exemption will lead to the military procurement of more American-made military textile products as well as oversight of Berry Amendment compliance.  

“Lastly, we also applaud the inclusion of the BOOTS Act in the NDAA, which will support domestic military footwear production. 

“This is a win for the American textile and apparel industry, a key strategic contributor to our national defense that supplies over 8,000 products a year to our men and women in uniform. The industry provides high-tech, functional components for the U.S. government, including more than $1.8 billion worth of vital uniforms and equipment for our armed forces annually.

“It is vital to America’s national security that the U.S. military maintain the ability to source high-quality, innovative textile materials, apparel, and personal equipment from a vibrant American textile industrial base. After passage of the FY 2026 NDAA by the full House, we look forward to working with the Senate and House to ensure this provision is included in the final NDAA conference report.”

The Global Electronics Association, based in Illinois, announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry. The Global Electronics Association retains the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs, which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency. 
 
Developed by the IPC Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Test Methods Task Group, IPC-8911 defines key yarn categories, introduces a standardized designation system, and includes qualification and conformance requirements tailored to conductive yarns. The standard is supported by eight new IPC-TM-650 Test Methods, designed to evaluate performance characteristics such as conductivity, mechanical durability, and resistance to environmental and chemical exposures.

By clearly defining the performance characteristics and communication protocols for conductive yarns, IPC-8911 supports faster product development, more consistent sourcing, and improved reliability for all e-textiles product applications, from consumer to medical to aerospace and defense.
 
The release of IPC-8911 marks a critical step in advancing e-textile integration—establishing conductive yarns as true electronic building blocks while supporting better collaboration between yarn suppliers, product developers, and OEMs and brands.

The task group included global experts from both textile and electronics sectors, with leadership from Joe Geiger of Bally Ribbon Mills and Sahar Rostami of Meta.
 
“This standard gives manufacturers tools to know what to ask for when ordering yarns and helps yarn suppliers understand the electrical needs their products must meet,” said Geiger. “It brings clarity to the entire process—acting almost like a recipe for building reliable e-textile systems.”
 
Rostami added, “IPC-8911 eliminates the guesswork. It gives developers, researchers, and engineers a common framework and accelerates R&D by reducing the need to reinvent the wheel when selecting and testing conductive yarns.”

Enhancing the value of Made in Italy must be placed at the heart of the challenges facing the Italian textile machinery industry in the coming years. This was the message emphasized by Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, during the General Assembly, held on Friday, 4 July, at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Presenting the latest industry figures, Salvadè reported that in 2024 production fell by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to €2.1 billion, while exports declined by 9% (€1.8 billion).

These results are set against a fragile international scenario, with similar trends observed by the main competitors of Italian manufacturers too. China, Turkey, India, and the United States remained the primary export destinations for Italian textile machinery in 2024, despite a persistently weak demand. The first months of 2025 have opened under the same sign of uncertainty.

“U.S. protectionist policies and mounting geopolitical instability risk further slowing global investments in the textile and apparel sector,” commented Salvadè. “In particular, any escalation of the trade war would prove even more damaging to the entire supply chain.”

The protection of authentic Made in Italy is regarded as an urgent priority by the Association. The experience of our workforce, creativity, and an unwavering drive for innovation remain the cornerstones of our success. “It is therefore essential,” Salvadè reaffirmed, “to defend and promote true Made in Italy—products designed and manufactured in Italy without compromise, distinguished by the quality and creativity for which we are renowned worldwide.”

The Assembly also celebrated ACIMIT’s 80th anniversary. “An important milestone that invites us to look back with pride and ahead with renewed passion and responsibility,” the ACIMIT President emphasized. Trade tensions and regional conflicts have reshaped international equilibria, directly impacting corporate strategies. The Italian textile machinery industry, with its strong export orientation, is particularly exposed to these dynamics. While it continues to hold a leading position on the global stage, it must question whether its traditional formula, based on innovation and internationalization, remains fully adequate.

These themes were the focus of the roundtable discussion held during the public session of the Assembly, addressing three key topics for the future of the sector: internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. Participants agreed on the strategic importance of enhancing Made in Italy to boost the competitiveness of Italian companies. The future of Italy’s textile machinery sector cannot forgo a continued drive for innovation, capable of delivering sustainable solutions with low environmental impact while also reducing production costs.  The debate further highlighted the crucial need to consolidate the presence in international markets, both mature and emerging, through initiatives that can strengthen the global leadership of Italian-made machinery.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2269). The WIPPES Act, which creates national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes, passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in December of 2023, and today it cleared the House floor in a voice vote. The Senate version of the bill (S. 1092) advanced out of the Senate Science, Commerce, and Energy Committee.

This bipartisan legislation is intended to address the growing problem of sewer system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes that are not intended to be disposed of in toilets. This federal solution is the result of a years-long industry collaboration with wastewater operators, which has resulted in the passage of similar legislation in seven states. The WIPPES Act will create a national standard based on existing state laws to ensure non-flushable wipes will carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging.

“INDA has championed this legislation for the past two years, and we are encouraged to see it pass out of the House for the consecutive Congress. With the Senate Commerce Committee having advanced the Senate version of the bill last month, we now have more momentum behind this legislation than ever. We extend our thanks to the bill sponsors, our industry and wastewater partners, and INDA members as we take another step forward to make “Do Not Flush” labeling nationwide,” said Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs.

The WIPPES Act lead sponsors in the House are Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA), and the bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Svegea – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has delivered six of its EC 200 automatic collarette machines to the Bangladesh-based Interstoff Group in the past 12 months.

Interstoff, which belongs to the Pandughar Group, was founded in 2000 as a modest garment factory with just 62 sewing machines.

Today its three divisions – Interstoff Apparels, Interstoff Clothing and South East Textile – have a combined workforce of over 10,000 people, producing around 72 million fully finished and packaged garments each year.

Interstoff is further equipped with the very latest knitting and dyeing and finishing machinery sourced from Europe and Japan to enable a daily production capacity of 30,000 kg of fabrics. Through continuous innovation in yarns and processes, the company’s fabrics consistently earn recognition for their environmental responsibility and quality. Its fabric laboratory is certified by leading brands such as H&M, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Two Svegea collarette machines have now been commissioned at each of the three Interstoff divisions for the high speed production of tubular apparel components such as cuffs, collars and neck tapes.

Interstoff chose the EC 200 machines over the faster EC 300 model primarily because some of its fabrics include seams. The faster crush-cutting knife system in Svegea’s EC 300 series can struggle with multiple fabric layers or seams stitched with polyester thread, since it cuts by pressure rather than slicing. By contrast, the EC 200 uses scissor-action knives – two sharp circular blades with a slight overlap – which function like scissors and handle seams without issue.

The machines run directly from turntables at speeds of up to 40 metres per minute, depending on the fabric width, material properties and optimal settings. They are equipped with Svegea’s standard drive system in an electronic master/slave configuration. Each machine has been specially equipped with a third knife set, enabling the simultaneous cutting of up to three bands. This means that total output in linear metres per minute can be significantly higher when cutting multiple bands in parallel.

Svegea will be demonstrating both semi- and fully-automatic cutting machines at ITMA Asia + CITME from October 28-31.

At the event titled "The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Apparel Industry," coordinated by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), delivered a speech. In order to strengthen their competitiveness, the Customs Union should be updated without further delay.

Mustafa Gültepe: The Customs Union in its current form is limiting rather than supporting our cooperation. We would like the ongoing technical contacts to be completed as soon as possible. Because we know that permanent competitive advantage in the EU market can only be possible with the full modernization of the Customs Union.

Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), said that the Customs Union between the European Union (EU) and Türkiye in its current form has a limiting effect rather than supporting cooperation between the parties.

Gültepe, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), underlined that a permanent competitive edge in the EU market can only be attained through the full and comprehensive modernization of the Customs Union.

The event titled “The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Apparel Industry,” organized by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), brought together exporters, international brands, industry professionals and experts.
In his opening remarks, Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that the apparel industry is among Türkiye’s most vital sectors, thanks to its high value-added production, employment generation, and export performance.

Highlighting the European Union as a strategic market for the Turkish apparel sector, Gültepe continued as follows:

TÜRKİYE should be included in the EU'S FTAs with third countries
“We export approximately 70 percent of our apparel products to Europe. We hold a strong position in many European markets, particularly in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Our strategic advantage as a nearshore supplier further reinforces our competitive standing. However, we are aware that in the medium and long term, these advantages alone will not be sufficient.

With this awareness, we are determined to accelerate our twin transformation—digital and green. We are effectively utilizing EU funds to support this transition. To date, we have secured a total of 37 million euros in grant funding from the EU for our completed and ongoing projects. 

Today, in areas such as recycling, carbon footprint reduction, digitalization, and social compliance, we have reached—or even surpassed—European standards. I have no doubt that we will successfully complete the twin transformation.

Find attached the full press release of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB).