The winners of the 2024 Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards have been announced. A total of 15 winners in eight categories received awards for their research, new products, processes or technologies in sectors such as aviation, automotive, medicine and construction. “Innovations in the textile industry enable completely new solutions for innumerable applications. New materials, processes and products are boosting the future of the sectors. What was inconceivable yesterday is possible today—thanks to smart minds in the textile industry. Accordingly, we are really pleased to honor the b ..read more

Green Theme Technologies (GTT), suppliers of the  EMPEL® water-free and PFAS-free textile finishing platform, announced a partnership with Korean-based Hwasung International, global textile provider. Hwasung International is the first Korean mill to offer EMPEL technology. “Traditionally, the use of sustainable textile finishes such as water repellency, anti-wick and stain release meant a loss of performance. Not anymore,” says Martin Flora, president of global business development with GTT. “Forward-thinking textile suppliers such as Hwasung have now realized that EMPEL not only increas ..read more

Gabe Hill, who spent 60 years in the textile industry–including 43 at SP Associates in Charlotte, N.C.–died April 13, 2024 in Abbeville, S.C. He was 89. Hill was owner and general manager of SP Associates, a well-known textile, nonwovens and apparel placement firm, before his retirement in 2017. “f you’ve been in a part of the U.S. textile industry for any amount of time, chances are you knew Hill–or at least have corresponded with him by phone or email. Hill knew “just about everyone” in the industry, says Joel McIntyre, who bought SP Associates before Hill’s retirement. “In our business, yo ..read more

The FabricLink Network (FLN), a textile education resource consisting of the websites FabricLink and The Technical Center, announced it is working with leaders in the textile industry to create The Textile Gateway, an online platform to introduce current students to the industry. The website is set to launch in the summer of 2024.  “The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and encourage students at all levels; to outreach and promote career paths in the industry; and serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” says Tom Swantko, FLN director of the program. The Textile Gateway wil ..read more

Bernhardt Textiles’ Coveted collection features a unique mixture of textured fabrics in a broad spectrum of colors. Bernhardt Textiles’ newest collection, Coveted, features a unique mixture of textured fabrics in a broad spectrum of colors that combine beauty, practicality and durability, making it an excellent addition to any interior space. The collection comprises four different patterns—Adore, Aspire, Cherish and Delight. Each pattern has its own distinct features including performance, sustainability, comfort and affordability. The patterns look beautiful individually but also in combinat ..read more

The Straw Flexi-Dress created by the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF)and VRETENA, winner of the Cellulose Innovation of the Year 2024 Award. It is designed as a versatile knitted garment that can be worn as a dress, but can also be split into two pieces and used separately as a top and a straight skirt. The top can also be worn with the V-neck front or back. Image: nova-Institut GmbH Nova-Institut GmbH announced that the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF) and VRETENA’s Straw Flexi-Dress has won the Cellulose Fiber Innovation of ..read more

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is outlining an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the American textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is crucial for national security. Two of DHS’s agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will further enhance their work together to protect the integrity of U.S. markets, hold perpetrators accountable for customs violations and safeguard the American textile industry. The plan will serve as the blueprint for future st ..read more

Herculite® Products Inc., a manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics with brands such as Coastline Plus and Patio 500, announced that Anthony Pappalardo has been hired as regional sales manager covering the Midwest and Southeast. In this role he will develop and grow relationships with end product manufacturers and related sales personnel for all awning and marine brands and promote awareness, loyalty and consumption of Herculite’s awning fabric brands through distribution partners. Pappalardo comes to Herculite with experience developing sales and marketing programs that grow sale ..read more

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announced the addition of a new local section in Pakistan. Pakistan is globally recognized for its rich textile heritage along with its modern presence as an international textile production hub. The founding of the AATCC Pakistan section is a commitment to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future for the local industry. Founding officers Section chair: Abdul Rahim Chughtai is a figure in the chemicals, dyes and auxiliaries industries of Pakistan, renowned for his contributions as director of the Rainbow Gr ..read more

Global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced that it was named to the America’s Most Innovative Companies list, an annual honor published by Fortune and Statista Inc., which recognizes U.S. organizations at the forefront of innovation. This is Milliken’s second year receiving the award, and it is one of 200 companies included among the 2024 honorees. “At Milliken, we come to work each day ready to roll up our sleeves and take on big challenges,” says Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “We use our materials science expertise to solve everyday problems that make a ..read more