From the Sector

Starting in 2026, Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® will expand its portfolio with a fourth edition: the new Winter Edition in Orlando, Florida. The event will take place on January 21–22, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in the Tangerine Ballroom – co-located with the renowned PGA Show, the world's largest and longest-running golf industry trade event, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) and the PGA of America. 

The new Winter Edition will host 75 curated exhibitors and spotlight key content formats including the Trend Forum and popular Expert Talks. Registration opens in September 2025, is free of charge for verified industry professionals, and separate from PGA Show registration. 

The roots of the Functional Fabric Fair can be traced back to the PGA Show, where in 2016 a dedicated raw materials area was introduced for the first time. It quickly became a hotspot for performance innovations – growing in size and industry relevance. 

By 2018, the success of this initiative led to the launch of Functional Fabric Fair as an independent platform. Today, the fair brings together more than 1,000 international exhibitors and over 8,000 visitors annually – all centered around performance, sustainability, and innovation. 

Momentum for growth: PERFORMANCE DAYS as a global success story 
Functional Fabric Fair is the North American sister show of PERFORMANCE DAYS, Europe’s leading sourcing platform for high-performance textiles and sustainable innovations. All editions – from Portland to New York City, and now Orlando – follow a clear concept: certified sustainability standards, future-oriented materials, and a strong educational program with expert speakers and industry insights. 

This international expansion highlights the continued demand for responsible product development and innovative sourcing formats – a mission PERFORMANCE DAYS has championed from the very beginning. 
 
Exhibition space sold out: PERFORMANCE DAYS Munich fully booked for October 
The organizers announced that the upcoming PERFORMANCE DAYS in Munich, taking place on October 29–30, 2025, is completely sold out – even after expanding the original floor plan. 

Now, the countdown begins for the event: 

• DAY 0 Conference focused on waste (“In nature there is no waste”) 
• Special themed areas covering key industry topics 
• Expert Talks featuring top-level speakers 
• Hands-on workshops for practical exchange 
• And of course – the Trend Forum with a brand-new Focus Topic (Textile to Textile – the role of recyclers”) 

80 years of experience, innovation, and family spirit – this year, mechanical engineering company Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG from Saal an der Donau is celebrating a very special anniversary. Since its founding in 1945, Mahlo has evolved from a small pioneering workshop into a globally sought-after specialist in measurement and control technology.

It all started with the radio. By building radio receivers, Dr. Heinz Mahlo began his entrepreneurial success story shortly after the end of World War II with the founding of the "Dr. Heinz Mahlo Electromechanical Workshops" in Saal an der Donau. The visionary engineer soon recognized the potential of the textile industry and developed the first measurement systems for fabrics. A major breakthrough came in 1958 with the patent for the first automatic weft straightener – a technological milestone that still forms the basis for modern straightening machines today.

This initial success laid the foundation for the company’s continuous development. In the decades that followed, Mahlo opened up new markets, expanded its product portfolio to applications in the nonwoven, paper, and plastics industries, and built an international sales and service network. Step by step, subsidiaries were established in the USA, Italy, Belgium, and China, along with global service partnerships to ensure close customer support on site.

Technology for Textiles, Nonwovens, Paper, and More 
"As the global market leader in textile straightening technology, we continue to build on the ideas and entrepreneurial foresight of Dr. Heinz Mahlo – and have developed the broadest portfolio of straightening systems in various configurations on the market," summarizes CEO Rainer Mestermann. He has been leading the company since 2011 and has helped Mahlo successfully expand beyond the textile sector. "In the late 2000s, we established a second pillar in the field of web measurement technology with our quality measurement system Qualiscan QMS – also to become less dependent on typical market fluctuations in the textile industry." The new product line was so successful that in 2018, a new production hall was built specifically for this area. And in true Mahlo fashion, the bar was set high – today the company is considered the provider with the most comprehensive portfolio of in-house developed sensors.

Strong Through Change – Thanks to Strong Roots
But even a solid flagship like Mahlo is not immune to turbulent developments in the global market. “With an export share of around 80 percent, we are naturally closely tied to the global economy,” says Mestermann. Current geopolitical crises are dampening the demand for capital goods. Ultimately, the demand for Mahlo technology is closely linked to the consumption of high-quality products – such as in the clothing or packaging industries. “And it’s precisely this quality we stand for – and our systems ensure it is reliably achieved.”

Still, the managing director remains optimistic that Mahlo will weather these rough waters as well: “Keeping a company successful in the market over eight decades is only possible with a spirit of innovation, reliability, and the dedication of many smart minds. I am proud of our team and grateful for the trust of our customers around the world.”

Innovation Hub in Saal an der Donau
One of the key pillars is the motivated and skilled team at the Saal headquarters. All systems are developed and built there – in line with the company’s guiding principle that explicitly emphasizes its commitment to Germany as a development and production location. To secure the necessary skilled workforce – known to be in short supply in Germany – Mahlo strongly promotes young talent as one of the largest training companies in the Kelheim area. “That was already very important to my grandfather,” emphasizes Ralph Greenwood-Mahlo, grandson of the company founder and, together with his wife Aura, owner of the company. Both continue to lead Mahlo in the spirit of Dr. Heinz Mahlo: “We want to preserve the company culture that has grown over time while also providing momentum for new developments. It’s important to us to allow room for fresh ideas while offering continuity.”

A Family with Responsibility – Then and Now
For the Greenwood-Mahlo family, running a family business means thinking in generations, not in quarterly numbers. This also means making sustainable decisions. “By firmly integrating resource-saving behavior into our company practices, we can not only protect the environment but also ensure our company’s long-term success.” Mahlo’s systems also contribute to this – helping manufacturers save raw materials, make processes more efficient, and minimize waste.

According to Ralph Greenwood-Mahlo, this reflects a lived responsibility towards employees, customers, the region, and future generations: “Dr. Heinz Mahlo was a pioneer who had the courage to tackle technical challenges while always striving to find the best solution for his customers. This spirit of innovation still shapes Mahlo today – and we see it as our duty to carry this legacy forward without losing touch with reality. Innovation with responsibility – that was his core idea, and it’s ours too.”

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a leader in spider silk technology, announced the finalizing of a significant three-year collaborative agreement with a key government agency in Southeast Asia to expand the scale and security of its recombinant spider silk manufacturing platform.
 
This agreement, expected to be signed before the end of July, marks the culmination of years of relationship-building and demonstrated performance by Kraig Labs and its proprietary spider silk technologies. The agreement is designed to accelerate the Company's growth by providing access to previously unavailable rearing facilities, supporting infrastructure, and technical resources.
 
Under the terms of this collaboration, Kraig Labs will work closely with government specialists to optimize and expand spider silk production. The collaboration will unlock new production capacity, enabling Kraig Labs to significantly scale its hybridized silkworm operations.
 
Importantly, this agreement also includes provisions for the creation of parallel rearing operations, a key component in the Company’s long-term roadmap to mitigate production risk and eliminate single points of failure. By distributing parent strain and egg production across multiple independent facilities, Kraig Labs is further securing its supply chain and increasing throughput capacity to meet future demand.
 
Work under this agreement is anticipated to begin in August. This collaboration will serve as a foundational element of the Company’s expanding global spider silk manufacturing strategy, highlighting the growing confidence in the Company's pioneering biomaterials.

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.

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of inkjet printing and cutting technologies, announces its participation in Texworld Paris, taking place from 15th-17th September at Parc des Expositions de Paris-Le Bourget (Halls 2-4). The company will demonstrate TRAPIS (Transfer Pigment System) alongside real-life customer use cases at its booth (Hall 3, Stand O204). Situated within Avantex Paris, part of Texworld Paris, this dedicated area highlights companies committed to reducing pollution and promoting circularity in the textile and fashion industry, so to create the fashion of the future. 
    
Launched last year, Mimaki’s TRAPIS solution offers printers a simple two-step process, consisting of an inkjet printer and a high-pressure calender. Significantly reducing wastewater by approximately 90% compared to conventional digital dyeing methods and cutting carbon emissions by up to 92%, TRAPIS allows manufacturers, designers or retailers to create vibrant textiles easily and sustainably. Ideal for on-demand printing for fashion and interior décor applications, it can print on a wide range of fabrics, including natural and synthetic fibres.

Ahead of Texworld Paris, Mimaki will also showcase TRAPIS at Texworld New York (22nd to 24th July), giving US-based textile professionals the opportunity to experience this innovative and sustainable printing technology firsthand. 

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has opened registration and tabletop reservations for Hygienix™ 2025, taking place Nov. 17-20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate Resort in ChampionsGate, Florida.

Hygienix will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and business professionals from across the absorbent hygiene products (AHP) industry for expert-led conference sessions, product showcases, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Hygienix Innovation Award™.

Hygienix Program Highlights

• Sustainability and Circularity: Presentations and panel discussions will cover the latest advances in biobased materials, natural fibers, packaging innovations, Safe Operating Limits (SOL) and End-of-Life (EOL) solutions, and product construction with sustainable materials.
• Consumer and Market Insights: Speakers will explore trends such as the growth of private label products, regional market outlooks, and in-depth sessions on skin health and the microbiome.
• Product Innovation: Panelists will delve into strategies for overcoming hurdles in the race to bring period care innovations to market.
• Regulations and Standards: Presentations will address crucial regulatory updates, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and testing methods for modern AHP designs.

Workshops
Kicking off the conference, INDA will host three workshops on Nov. 17, providing hands-on learning and insights on crucial topics within the sector, including:

• Fundamentals of Absorption Systems and Opportunities in Adult Incontinence
  James Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
• Innovations in Menstrual Care
  Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC
• Baby and Infant Care Market Dynamics
  Natalia Richer, Director of Business Development, Diaper Testing International

Hygienix Innovation Award™
Recognizing breakthrough products, technologies, and solutions that are making a significant impact in the hygiene sector, the Hygienix Innovation Award will be awarded at the event.

Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 15. Finalists will present their products on Nov. 18, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 20 to close the event. Last year’s winner was HIRO Technologies’ MycoDigestable™ Diapers, a biodegradable solution driving environmental progress in infant care.

New architecture lays foundation for higher output, continuous batch production, and prepares company for spider silk delivery to european-based global luxury market leader.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, a global leader in spider silk technology, announced the addition of a second parallel production facility, three new advanced spider silk strains, and the immediate launch of a new diapausing system for production. This marks three critical advancements in the Company’s high-performance spider silk manufacturing and commercialization to significantly increase production yields and spun silk quality.

Kraig Labs completed the development of three new spider silk strains, which are now in the field. These strains, developed over the last year, were designed to complement the Company’s existing BAM-1 hybrid by improving hybrid vigor and increasing silk yield. One of these stains was designed as a replacement for an existing BAM-1 parent lines. Two of these strains were bred to produce silkworms suitable for controlled diapause.

Diapause refers to the silkworm’s natural wintering period, a process which can be replicated with a 90-day cold treatment of the silkworm eggs. Diapausing silkworm strains are the gold standard for producing premium silk. One of the Company’s key initial target customers is a widely-renowned producer of the world’s finest fabrics and garments, crafted from the highest-quality fibers. Kraig Labs is committed to meeting those standards with its spider silk and the shift to diapausing egg production, along with the addition of a second facility, are key drivers in achieving that goal and increasing production.

Thus far, the Company’s production center has operated under a batch production model, bypassing diapause and limiting production to 8 or 9 batches per year. The shift to parallel facilities and the diapausing of eggs (artificial wintering utilizing cold storage treatment) will enable nearly continuous production. These two facilities will operate in tandem to feed that production. While egg production from one facility enters cold storage, the second facility will prepare the next rearing cycle, ensuring a continuous flow of eggs to supply production operations. This new collaborative production system will dramatically expand production capacity far beyond what any single facility could produce independently.

As Kraig Labs rolls out these significant improvements to its operations, the company is undertaking a production transition period, which includes a 90-day cold treatment cycle for the new diapausing hybrid eggs. This wintering process is widely recognized for yielding stronger, finer silk and significantly larger cocoons than non-diapausing silk. Over the next several months, operational emphasis will shift away from finished silk production and focus on expanding parent line populations and generating the next round of hybrid eggs that Kraig Labs plans to begin releasing in the fourth quarter.

“Deploying two separate rearing centers for our parent lines is a key part of our strategy to build a reliable and scalable supply chain that can address the demand for spider silk and support year-round production,” said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. “This plan, which is the brainchild of our chief sericulture expert, Dr. Kumar, will provide the throughput necessary to support large-scale commercial production and a buffer against potential disruption.”

In parallel with these advancements in production operations, Kraig Labs announced it has completed the latest batch of BAM-1 finished spider silk. With this newest batch of finished silk complete, the company has now accumulated approximately one-third of the total spider silk required to fulfill a material request from a globally renowned European fashion house.

“This latest batch brings us another step closer to delivering premium spider silk materials to one of the most recognized names in fashion. The shift to a diapausing hybrid system reflects our long-term vision to deliver the highest quality spider silk at commercial scale,” said Rice. “By making this investment in time, infrastructure, and production strategy, we are positioning ourselves to meet the demand we see forming.”

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.”

In light of the recent court cases involving two of LVMH’s subsidiaries, where workers in the supply chain had allegedly been exploited, LVMH is reassessing its supply chains across all subsidiaries. 
 
Luxury conglomerate LVMH is piloting traceability technology across its brands as Loro Piano became the second of its subsidiaries to be placed under court administration this week. 
 
The luxury market has been hit by a series of scandals, from labour exploitation to fake viral stories about luxury goods being made in China alongside fake goods. 
 
The Court of Milan found that Loro Piana, which makes expensive cashmere clothing, subcontracted its production through two front firms that had no actual manufacturing capacity to Chinese-owned workshops in Italy, which the court said exploited workers. 
 
Loro Piana Spa will undergo court monitoring for a year, according to the 26-page ruling released this week, which stems from investigations into the world of subcontracting for luxury goods in Italy that started in 2023. 
 
Units of fashion brands Valentino, LVMH's second largest brand Dior, Italy's Armani, and Italian handbag company Alviero Martini have also been placed under administration recently. 
 
LVMH, the world's biggest luxury group, acquired 80% of Loro Piana in July 2013, with the Italian family that founded the company retaining 20%, according to the court ruling. 
 
Loro Piana declined to comment to Reuters. LVMH was not immediately available for comment. 
In June, Loro Piana appointed Frederic Arnault, a son of LVMH chairman and Chief Executive Bernard Arnault, as its CEO. 
 
In their statement, Italian police concluded they had closed two Chinese-owned factories, the third being a ‘paper’ company with no production capacity, and imposed a joint fine of over 240,000 euros. 
 
One of the workers at the factories allegedly told police he had been hospitalised for over a month after being beaten for asking for his Chinese bosses for unpaid wages. 
 
The Milan court in its ruling on Loro Piana also appointed an external administrator to verify that the company meets all the judges' demands on control of its supply chain, according to documents seen by Reuters. 
 
The administration will be lifted earlier if the unit brings its practices into line with legal requirements, as was the case with Dior, Armani and Alviero Martini. 
 
LVMH reassured its shareholders in its latest AGM in April that it had used traceability platform TextileGenesis to look into tracking a sample 31,000 products across key brands including Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana, Dior and Bulgari.  
 
The system documents anything from the origin of cashmere used in Loro Piana scarves to the material sourcing for Louis Vuitton handbags. 
 
"Traceability and transparency are the fundamental principles that guarantee the excellence of our products," Antoine Arnault, chairman of Loro Piana and head of communications and image at LVMH, told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting in April. 
 
TextileGenesis founder Amit Gautam confirmed that demand for traceability solutions has surged since another subsidiary of LMVH owned Dior was placed under court administration last year for unethical supply chain practices. 
 
"Brands are realising that consumers now expect verification, not just storytelling," he said. "The luxury sector can no longer assume trust based on brand heritage alone."

Scoop welcomed a vibrant crowd of fashion insiders and leading buyers to Olympia National for the opening day of ‘The Magical Edition’. With an inspiring curation of over 200 contemporary designer collections, the atmosphere buzzed with creativity and discovery. Guests from standout retailers including Sister, The Cross, Macbees, Anya, Matthew Williamson and Doyle’s stepped into a world of enchantment where theatrical displays and imaginative styling brought an extra touch of wonder to the day’s events.

Stepping into Scoop was like entering an enchanted wonderland, where every detail of the show’s immersive theme transported guests into a magical escape. Visitors were met with mannequins gracefully perched on whimsical horse carousels and styled in standout designer collections from A Kjaerbede, Bl^nk, Conditions Apply, écotorie, Flabelus, Freedom Moses, Missoni, Psophia and Reinhard Plank. The atmosphere was enhanced by the melodic sound of a live xylophone player and the uplifting scent of Connock England fragrance that drifted through the air. Striking stylized floral artwork set the tone, leading into a spacious, light-filled venue adorned with cascading chandeliers and vibrant flower displays at every turn. An orange catwalk carpet ran through the space, guiding visitors past, a beautiful tree installation and two charming cafés wrapped in Scoop’s signature artwork. Staff dressed in eye-catching Dr Bloom uniforms added to the theatrical spirit, ensuring that every corner of the show felt curated, creative, and completely captivating.

Buyers explored the show’s thoughtfully curated collections, discovering standout seasonal highlights and reaffirming Scoop’s role as a key destination for sourcing fresh inspiration. The excitement was echoed by both new and returning designers, as the show continued to foster valuable connections and strong business opportunities across the board.