NITMA seeks uniform 5% GST on polyester staple fibre and polyester spun yarn GST rate on PSY must be reduced from 12 to 5 per cent (to align with fabric which is already taxed at 5 per cent), and PSF from 18 to 5 per cent as otherwise the inverted duty anomaly will become unworkable for the spinning industry. With the onset of embargo-like tariffs imposed by the United States—among the highest in the region—India’s textile sector faces a formidable challenge in maintaining its global competitiveness. In response, the Northern India Textile Mills Association (NITMA) has urged the GST Council to implement a uniform 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on key inputs in the man-made fibre (MMF) value chain. Speaking ahead of the upcoming GST Council deliberations scheduled for September 3–4, 2025, Sidharth Khanna, President, NITMA, emphasised the urgent need to eliminate the inverted duty structure currently affecting the MMF segment. He called for a rationalised GST rate of 5 per cent on the following items: * Polyester Staple Fibre (Virgin & Recycled) – HSN 55032000 * Polyester Spun Yarn – HSN 55092100 & 55092200 GST rate on PSY must be reduced from 12 to 5 per cent (to align with fabric which is already taxed at 5 per cent), and PSF from 18 to 5 per cent as otherwise the inverted duty anomaly will become unworkable for the spinning industry. He highlighted that if yarn is taxed at 5 per cent and fibre at 18 per cent, then the following burdens will fall on the industry: * Huge Blockage of working capital in GST refunds. * Administrative hurdles and Inspector Raj issues during refund claims. * Higher cost of fresh investment as input tax credit of 18% on capital goods remains unutilized. * Loss of SGST incentives offered by state governments. * Unfair competition from imported finished goods that bypass these inefficiencies. Khanna concluded with a strong appeal to the GST Council, “This is a critical moment for India’s textile sector. Decisive action to remove the inverted duty structure will not only counteract the impact of U.S. tariffs but also unlock growth and investment across the MMF value chain, thereby ultimately making this event a blessing in disguise.” The post NITMA seeks uniform 5% GST on polyester staple fibre and polyester spun yarn appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #GoodsandServicesTax

Heberlein empowers yarn innovation through expertise Expert technical support is a core competence for Heberlein. The Textile Technology Centre is the pride of Heberlein. State-of-the-art equipment and a team of top experts guarantee the highest standards of support for customers. Heberlein is the leading provider of air interlacing and air texturing jets for synthetic continuous filament yarns and its clients enjoy added value in the form of practical help and guidance on textile processes and economic issues, with a special focus on filament yarn applications. This article provides insights into these comprehensive services. Any questions about air interlacing and air texturing jets? Heberlein customers don’t need to worry, as Samuel Gerber and his team have all the answers. Together they have over 150 years of experience in finding solutions to any challenges with synthetic continuous filament yarns. Gerber has been Head of Textile Technology at Heberlein since 2020 – and he is always proud to lead guided tours of the superb facilities he manages. Difficult tasks Samuel Gerber, Head of Textile Technology at Heberlein Synthetic yarn producers usually have to meet specific requirements for the end-products the market wants. And these can be difficult tasks. But Heberlein has both the know-how and the experience to turn these requirements into practical advice for efficient and sustainable production. It’s a core competence that defines the company. “Buyers demand yarn quality specifications that are clearly defined by their textile technologists. We are the competent partner for yarn producers and eager to accept this kind of challenge for our customers when they face limited resources or a lack of expertise,” says Samuel Gerber. “For example, some customers might wish to reproduce a specific yarn, but a sample is all they have. At Heberlein, we actually like this kind of challenge, and we won’t stop until we find a way to make exactly the same yarn – or a very close alternative – as profitably as possible.” Heberlein readily embraces another challenge: demonstrating that its jets meet the specific performance requirements in spinning. Selecting the optimal jet for a given application is a complex task. But Heberlein service technicians make the decision easier. Equipped with test jets, they visit spinning mills to conduct on-site trials until the desired outcomes are achieved. Ideally, these trials result in reduced air and energy consumption, without compromising product quality. Or they might target improved yarn characteristics – such as an increased number of knots, enhanced strength, or greater uniformity – while maintaining the same level of air consumption. This hands-on assistance in the selection and validation of the appropriate jet is highly valued by customers. Supporting innovation Customers trust the experts at the Heberlein Textile Technology Centre when planning new developments. The team offers indispensable support in elaborating new products by testing innovative ideas, technical specifications and other customer enquiries to be further developed in practice. Close co-operation between specialists and the availability of modern equipment and practical test procedures ensure reliable data and results. And this is the solid foundation for successful product developments in the textile industry. ”We run trials with APe, our latest DTY series, achieving significant air savings for the customer’s application,” says Gerber. “Such a result, we take as success but also as proof of the fruitful co-operation between our R&D team, our experts in the textile laboratory and the customers.” Valuable advice on hand At the Heberlein Textile Technology Centre, latest air interlacing, air covering, and air texturizing machines from leading manufacturers are installed, allowing for the simulation of production steps comparable to those in the customer’s own mill. Customers and their staff are always welcome to attend. That is an excellent opportunity to learn directly from experts and apply improvements to their own machinery with confidence. Yarn tests are also highly appreciated services. Heberlein’s reports contain recommended machine settings, with photos, and in some cases customers receive woven or knitted samples or bobbins for their further evaluation. In every case, these services help yarn manufacturers to improve quality and process efficiency, to increase profitability and finally eliminate the risk of claims. Troubleshooting is a Heberlein speciality. The team at the laboratory and test centre offers comprehensive services every day. “We support everyone – existing customers as well as any professional struggling with ATY, DTY, AC, DSY or spinning. We dare say that we can offer unique competencies in the fields of air interlacing, air covering, and air texturizing,” says Gerber. Technical care heritage Expert advice services have a long tradition with the company, which celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2025. Technical guidance and support have been offered as an added-value service since 1950. As a centre of knowledge for the textile industry, training and troubleshooting workshops – internal and external – are an integral part of the Heberlein offering. Heberlein’s long heritage of sharing expertise is clearly a basis for the continuing strong customer relations policy that characterises the company today. The post Heberlein empowers yarn innovation through expertise appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #AirInterlacing

Emergence of Sustainable Fibres While the interest and advancements in the sustainable fibres are encouraging, cost effectiveness in comparison with synthetic fibres is a key factor in enabling commercial success, explains Dr Seshadri Ramkumar. Interest in new sustainable fibres for developing advanced products is emerging. Given the global trade volatility, textile manufacturing countries like India and developed economies like United States are racing to come-up with cost effective products and processes. Additionally, sustainability is in the front burner to remain competitive and innovative in manufacturing. India-based Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) has been pioneering efforts to utilise milkweed fibres in developing advanced textile products like insulation wear, army wear, etc. On July 19, 2025, Dr M S Parmar, Director General, NITRA presented farm to fabric aspects of milkweed fibres in a meeting organised by the North India Section of the Textile Institute (NISTI), U K. Dr R A Lal, Chair of NISTI opened the event with the history of milkweed cultivation in India and its opportunities in advanced textile products. Dr Parmar while highlighting unique properties compared the characteristics with cotton and polyester. Milkweed fibres have high moisture regain of about 11 per cent and its tenacity and length on par with cotton. Advanced products like sleeping bags with milkweed insulation have been developed. These products were displayed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and public during Bharat Tex 2025 event. The Prime Minister discussed the medicinal properties of milkweed and encouraged NITRA to develop milkweed products. NITRA’s collaboration with India’s National Botanical Research Institute will enable productivity improvement. According to Dr Parmar, the yield per acre is about twice that of cotton and requires less water and other chemical resources. Being a perennial plant, it is expected to yield fruit till 10 years with yield increasing progressively from the second year. In addition to process optimisation and product development, NITRA is also engaged with training programs for farmers to grow milkweed plants. NITRA is engaging with farmers to cultivate milkweed plants in the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. NITRA is engaging with social groups such as Ruma Devi Foundation to train ladies in the cultivation and value-addition of milkweed fibres and byproducts. While NITRA is promoting milkweed fibres, there is growing interest in hemp fibres in the United States. United States-based Cotton Incorporated is pushing cotton into hygiene products. A collaborative effort between the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University, USA and Aruppukkottai-based Jayalakshmi Textiles has resulted in using low grade cotton to develop value-added textiles. This oil absorbent product has been evaluated in oil fields in the Thiruvarur area and Ennore thermal plant. While the interest and advancements in these sustainable fibres are encouraging, cost effectiveness in comparison with synthetic fibres is a key factor in enabling commercial success. About the author: Dr Seshadri Ramkumar is a Professor, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory in Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA. The post Emergence of Sustainable Fibres appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #advancedtextileproducts

Uster discusses complexities of yarn manufacturing from recycled fibres Experts from Rieter, Säntis Textiles, Otto Yarns, and TVU commented on the current situation and looked into the future of spinning in a panel discussion organised at Uster headquarters. What does it take to spin quality yarn from recycled fibres? Uster Technologies brought textile industry leaders together to discuss the role of technology, data and automation – as well as the current challenges in using recycled raw material. Experts from Rieter, Säntis Textiles, Otto Yarns, and TVU commented on the current situation and looked into the future of spinning in a panel discussion organised at Uster headquarters. It’s more than just machinery – it’s about rethinking processes, embracing AI, data and machine automation as well as building industry-wide collaboration. As spinners navigate the multiple demands of circularity, customer satisfaction, and profitable business, one thing is clear: the future of recycled textiles must be individually engineered, comprehensively tested, and connected like never before. Standards and individuality: Engineering for reliability and diversity Advanced machinery is a critical component in enabling engineering teams to optimize processes and drive innovation. Machines from leading manufacturers offer reliability but don’t make an inimitable product. “With the goal of being different and unique, we create our own path by developing our own final machines,” says Andreas Merkel, CEO at Otto Yarns. Otto engineers customize the machines for specialized applications. A notable example is the Spin-Knit system, which integrates spinning and knitting into one continuous operation. Originally configured for cotton, the machine was re-engineered to process technical fibres, by removing the standard top section and implementing a proprietary drafting system. The production of recycled yarns brings technical requirements that are significantly different from those with virgin fibres. According to Stefan Hutter, owner of Säntis Textiles, there is a clear need for the development of new industry standards tailored specifically for recycled materials, and he advocates for Uster Technologies to take a leading role in this effort. Ultimately, the successful integration of advanced production machinery, newly-defined quality standards, and precise quality control systems will require close industry collaboration. This is the only way that confidence in recycled yarns can be established – ensuring that customers not only trust the product’s performance and consistency but are also willing to invest in its value. Adapting spinning processes for recycled yarns Recycled yarn production can be achieved with existing spinning technologies, either by adapting current systems or by integrating additional processing steps. “Spinners must go back to the basic task and again learn how to spin, starting from scratch and going through the whole line of spinning,” says Michael Will, Head Textile Technology & Process Analytics at Rieter. This re-learning process is essential due to the variable nature of recycled fibres, and it demands extensive testing and data collection – measuring key parameters, validating process changes, and ensuring consistency through iterative quality control. Growing customer demand for more automation presents a dual challenge: matching the need for   maximum flexibility with the rigid configurations typical with interconnected automated systems. In conventional spinning mills, linking multiple machines can limit process adaptability. However, machine-level automation offers potential for enhanced flexibility, particularly when processing smaller lot sizes. For instance, features such as automated adjustment of comber nip distances can streamline setups. The role of data and AI In the recycling process, sorting, separating, and cleaning are advanced operations in which artificial intelligence plays a critical role in pattern recognition and optimization. In this way, AI enables optimization of material recovery at the right quality, to improve process efficiency. Another key area is traceability, which ensures product reliability and builds trust throughout the supply chain. “For downstream processes such as dyeing, it must be possible to trust certificates,” says Thomas Franz, Sales and Purchasing Manager at TVU. Data analysis is fundamental to these efforts, but it becomes truly effective only when integrating comprehensive data streams. This means connecting spinning machinery and testing instruments – ideally across different brands – to enable holistic process monitoring and control. For spinners, seamless working between equipment and systems is crucial to unlocking maximum operational benefits and ensuring consistent quality in recycled yarn production. Enabling the future would start with technology partners meeting, discussing and working together. This is a common belief of the experts participating at the panel discussion – and the Uster event has been one step in this direction. The post Uster discusses complexities of yarn manufacturing from recycled fibres appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #AndreasMerkel

Sustainable advanced materials research for wellbeing Texas Tech University recently released a YouTube video highlighting the on-going research on advanced materials involving natural fibres and blends, informs Dr Seshadri Ramkumar. Cotton, hemp and natural fibre-based combinations are finding new applications. Texas Tech University recently released a YouTube video highlighting the on-going research on advanced materials involving natural fibres and blends. Bunmi Olopade, a research scholar from Nigeria is looking at cotton for wipes that have antifungal properties that could applications in medical and hospitality sectors. Sustainable functionalisation using ionic gases offers new opportunities to impart high-performance characteristics to textiles. Mirza Khyum, graduate student from Bangladesh is looking into new applications for hemp and its blends. Recently, research conducted by Dr Faizur Rahman, who completed his PhD on the filtration efficiency of different filters such as automotive filters has shown that quality of manufacturing matters in developing high efficiency filters. A video discussing these on-going projects is given here: About the author: Dr Seshadri Ramkumar is a Professor, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory in Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA. The post Sustainable advanced materials research for wellbeing appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #AdvancedMaterialsLaboratory

Dilo Systems and Kansan Group partner on custom nonwoven lines This collaboration primarily focuses on specialised nonwoven markets, particularly for hygiene, medical, and technical applications Dilo Systems GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specialising in complete nonwoven lines, and Kansan Group, a Turkish manufacturer specialising in nonwoven converting lines, end-of-line solutions, and Wetlaid Nonwoven machinery, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to supply custom nonwoven lines. As part of this partnership, comprehensive solutions will be offered by integrating fibre preparation and carding equipment, wetlaid, hydroentanglement and needling lines, as well as converting and end-of-line equipment. Engineering work will be carried out by Dilo Systems GmbH as the main contractor. This collaboration primarily focuses on specialised nonwoven markets, particularly for hygiene, medical, and technical applications. The production of specialised nonwovens consisting of short and long staple fibre layers is the goal. These nonwovens are typically made from cellulose pulp and carded materials. In hygiene and medical applications, short-cut cellulose materials play a critical role in absorbing and retaining liquids. When the fibre length drops below 12 mm, the faster flushability of cellulose material offers a significant advantage in terms of waste management. Wetlaid pulp can be hydrodynamically shaped using headbox technology (flowlip, inclined wire), which can be designed according to demand. Wetlaid  products  can  be  further  processed  with  carded  web  layers  and hydroentanglement, integrating into different production processes. Kansan Materials has successfully established a production line capable of processing hybrid raw materials developed based on the latest hydrodynamic simulation calculations. This line is equipped with advanced software technologies that assist operators in managing production processes in a fully automated, computer-supported mode. As the main contractor, Dilo Systems GmbH aims to enhance the efficiency of nonwoven production for the hygiene and medical sectors by integrating Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines and end-of-line equipment. In this scope, the integration of materials produced with Dilo’s “CycloPunch” and “MicroPunch” needling machines into Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines is planned. Kansan is a strong partner in this field, with its expertise and leading position in the industry. This joint development process and marketing efforts lay an excellent foundation for offering complete lines that can produce carded and needle-punched, carded and hydroentangled, carded and wetlaid nonwovens, as well as combinations of these techniques. With a vision of offering innovative and sustainable solutions in the nonwoven sector, this partnership aims to increase production efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Dilo Systems GmbH and Kansan’s technical expertise provides faster, cost- effective production processes tailored to customer needs. Furthermore, solutions have been developed in line with sustainability goals, such as energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials. This collaboration is designed to create new opportunities in global markets, particularly in the hygiene, medical, and technical sectors, while expanding our reach to a broader customer base. The post Dilo Systems and Kansan Group partner on custom nonwoven lines appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #cardingequipment

Cotton yarn makers to see 7-9% revenue growth this fiscal The primary driver for the revenue uptick in fiscal 2026 will be the rebound in yarn exports to China. A rebound in exports and favorable domestic demand are expected to drive India’s cotton yarn industry to a 7-9 per cent revenue growth in the current fiscal, up from a modest 2-4 per cent growth in the previous fiscal. Uptick in volumes will primarily drive this growth, supported by modest increase in yarn prices. Operating margins, after witnessing a recovery last fiscal, are expected to see further uptick of 50-100 bps this fiscal, owing to stable cotton yarn spreads (Chart 1 in annexures) and better availability of cotton through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). An analysis of 70 cotton yarn spinners, which account for 35-40 per cent of the industry revenue, indicates as much. The primary driver for the revenue uptick in fiscal 2026 will be the rebound in yarn exports to China. Exports account for ~30 per cent of the industry’s revenue, of which China accounts for ~14 per cent. In fiscal 2025, India’s yarn exports to China declined compared to prior fiscals on account of an exceptionally high cotton production in China last fiscal. This resulted in a 5-7 per cent de-growth in India’s total cotton yarn exports. However, this is likely to reverse in the current fiscal with yarn exports seeing a 9-11 per cent growth as exports to China recover, driven by normalisation of their domestic cotton production. Says Gautam Shahi, Director, Crisil Ratings, “This is likely to benefit Indian spinners as they will leverage steady domestic cotton production in current cotton season and regain their market share. Moreover, India’s position4 in textile exports to US remains competitive given the higher tariff on China (key competing nation in home textile exports), which is expected to support the 6-8 per cent revenue growth for downstream industries (home textiles and readymade garments) this fiscal.” On the raw material front, CCI’s significant cotton procurement in Cotton Season 2025 will ensure steady cotton availability, minimising inventory losses and boosting spinners’ profitability by 50-100 bps this fiscal, after a 100-150 bps recovery in fiscal 2025. Chart 1: Spreads between cotton yarn price and cotton price Says Pranav Shandil, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, “Driven by improved operating performance, credit profiles, which showed signs of recovery last fiscal, will remain stable this fiscal. Meanwhile, capex for cotton yarn spinners will remain moderate, with only select players undertaking capital expenditure, which will limit the need for significant debt additions. Additionally, steady cotton availability will lead to lower inventory holding, reducing the requirement for significant incremental working capital financing.” As a result, interest coverage ratio of spinners is expected to improve to 4.5-5 times this fiscal from ~4-4.5 times in fiscal 2025. Gearing is expected to remain stable at ~0.55-6 time, like last fiscal. That said, any potential changes in tariffs imposed on India and the competing nations, higher inflation or slowing economic growth in the US leading to a demand slowdown, and any adverse movement in domestic cotton prices vis-à- vis international prices in the near term will bear watching. The post Cotton yarn makers to see 7-9% revenue growth this fiscal appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #cci

Rieter to acquire Barmag to boost growth in fibre market Barmag is a global market leader for equipment to produce manmade fibres with sales in financial year 2024 of approximately CHF 734 million. Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibres, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fibre business. Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibres, texturing machines, BCF systems, staple fibre spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2 600 employees. Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Türkiye and the United States of America. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster (Germany) as well as Suzhou and Wuxi (China). As fibre consumption is projected to rise, most of the growth is expected to come from manmade fibres. The increase of natural fibres such as cotton and linen is limited due to natural boundaries. Manmade fibres will help to meet expanding demand for clothing, technical and home textiles. The strategic acquisition of Barmag will transform Rieter into a leading supplier for converting natural and manmade fibres into yarn. The transaction is fully in-line with Rieter’s strategy and follows previous acquisitions, where Rieter complemented its portfolio in short-staple fibre machinery and expanded its footprint in components and machinery for manmade fibre production. The combined platform allows to leverage the recovery of global filament and short staple fibre spinning markets and to reduce cyclicality due to diversification of end- markets. The acquisition will further enhance Rieter’s position in the important Asia- Pacific region and provide access to Barmag’s filament expertise, which will help to further scale Rieter’s own capabilities and improve digitisation solutions and product sustainability. Thomas Oetterli, CEO of Rieter: “We are very proud to welcome Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven to Rieter. We are convinced that this combination will form a market leader in the textile industry which will create value for our shareholders, customers and employees.” Georg Stausberg, CEO of Barmag: “With this solution, we will have the best new ownership possible, as we will benefit from each other as textile companies from market understanding, technology expertise and complementary offering for our global customer base.” The enterprise value of CHF 850 million represents a through-the-cycle EV/EBITDA2 of 6.3x (excluding synergies). If certain financial criteria are achieved by 2028, an earn-out component will be paid to the seller. The acquisition is expected to enhance Rieter’s financial performance given Barmag’s structurally higher through-the-cycle profitability and margin resilience in market downturn. The acquisition financing is secured by a bridge loan facility. Refinancing of the bridge facility will happen through a fully underwritten CHF 400 million rights issue with tradable subscription rights, a CHF 77 million non-pre-emptive private placement which is fully committed and subscribed by Rieter’s two largest shareholders and a bank financing. Rieter’s largest shareholder, Peter Spuhler (c. 33 per cent shareholding) is supportive of the transaction and committed to participating in the rights-issue pro-rata by exercising its subscription rights as well as investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise. After the capital increase, PCS Holding AG is expected to retain a shareholding of c. 33 per cent. Additionally, Rieter’s second-largest shareholder, Martin Haefner (c. 10 per cent), also supports the transaction and has committed to participating pro-rata in the rights- issue by exercising its subscription rights and investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise. Rieter remains committed to strong balance sheet stability and expects to delever quickly from a pro forma combined leverage per end of 2024 of c. 3x post the CHF 477 million equity capital increase driven by cash generation of the combined entity. An extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) is expected to be convened in the third or fourth quarter of 2025 to obtain shareholder approval for the capital increase in connection with the rights issue and the private placement. The definite terms of the rights issue are expected to be determined and communicated on or around the date of the EGM. The acquisition of Barmag is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Rieter is confident it will obtain all regulatory clearances. The closing of the acquisition is targeted for Q4 2025. Alantra is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Lenz & Staehelin as legal advisor to Rieter. UBS underwrites the bridge loan facility and acts as Sole Global Coordinator, Sole Bookrunner and Sole Manager of the capital increase. Rieter is a leading global supplier for manufacturing yarn from staple fibres in spinning mills. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibres and their blends into yarns in the most cost-efficient manner. Cutting-edge spinning technology from Rieter contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain by minimising the use of resources. Rieter has been in business for 230 years, has 18 production locations in ten countries and employs a global workforce of around 4 790, about 16 per cent of whom are based in Switzerland. The post Rieter to acquire Barmag to boost growth in fibre market appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #Barmag

Sustainability leader Liz Hershfield named CCI Executive Director Throughout her distinguished career, Hershfield has spearheaded supply chain and sustainability initiatives for globally established brands such as J Crew, Madewell and Gap Inc. Fashion industry veteran and sustainability expert Liz Hershfield will lead Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC), as its new Executive Director. Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired at the end of March. “Strong leadership and innovative strategies are essential to maintaining U.S. cotton’s competitive edge,” Gary Adams, President & CEO, NCC, said. “Liz is well poised to enhance COTTON USA programs by communicating U.S. cotton’s benefits, giving U.S. cotton growers more opportunities to thrive in the complex global market.” Hershfield’s specialised expertise in sustainability, global sourcing, product development and end-to-end supply chain strategy, alongside extensive experience with U.S. cotton, will advance CCI in leading the world to cotton’s next level through its COTTON USA brand and help drive global U.S. cotton initiatives. “There’s never been a more important time to champion U.S. cotton,” Hershfield said. “U.S. cotton has an incredible story to tell—rooted in quality, innovation and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscored by trust earned through reliable COTTON USA partnerships. I’m honored to join the talented team at CCI to bolster growth in demand and preference for U.S. cotton across the global textile supply chain.” Throughout her distinguished career, Hershfield has spearheaded supply chain and sustainability initiatives for globally established brands such as J Crew, Madewell and Gap Inc. She also founded Green-ish, a consultancy that helps businesses navigate the complexities of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and supply chain management. Her contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her pioneering regenerative cotton program supporting U.S. cotton farmers. Hershfield was also honored with The Lead’s “The Direct 60” award and named to the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the denim industry. In her new role as CCI Executive Director, Hershfield will leverage her vast experience with U.S. cotton and her proven track record in sustainable fashion and supply chain management to globally elevate “The COTTON USA Difference” of superior U.S. cotton plus unrivalled partnership across the global textile supply chain. The post Sustainability leader Liz Hershfield named CCI Executive Director appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #BruceAtherley

Dilo Systems and Kansan Group partner on custom nonwoven lines This collaboration primarily focuses on specialised nonwoven markets, particularly for hygiene, medical, and technical applications. Dilo Systems GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specialising in complete nonwoven lines, and Kansan Group, a Turkish manufacturer specialising in nonwoven converting lines, end-of-line solutions, and Wetlaid Nonwoven machinery, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to supply custom nonwoven lines. As part of this partnership, comprehensive solutions will be offered by integrating fibre preparation and carding equipment, wetlaid, hydroentanglement and needling lines, as well as converting and end-of-line equipment. Engineering work will be carried out by Dilo Systems GmbH as the main contractor. This collaboration primarily focuses on specialised nonwoven markets, particularly for hygiene, medical, and technical applications. The production of specialised nonwovens consisting of short and long staple fibre layers is the goal. These nonwovens are typically made from cellulose pulp and carded materials. In hygiene and medical applications, short-cut cellulose materials play a critical role in absorbing and retaining liquids. When the fibre length drops below 12 mm, the faster flushability of cellulose material offers a significant advantage in terms of waste management. Wetlaid pulp can be hydrodynamically shaped using headbox technology (flowlip, inclined wire), which can be designed according to demand. Wetlaid  products  can  be  further  processed  with  carded  web  layers  and hydroentanglement, integrating into different production processes. Kansan Materials has successfully established a production line capable of processing hybrid raw materials developed based on the latest hydrodynamic simulation calculations. This line is equipped with advanced software technologies that assist operators in managing production processes in a fully automated, computer-supported mode. As the main contractor, Dilo Systems GmbH aims to enhance the efficiency of nonwoven production for the hygiene and medical sectors by integrating Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines and end-of-line equipment. In this scope, the integration of materials produced with Dilo’s “CycloPunch” and “MicroPunch” needling machines into Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines is planned. Kansan is a strong partner in this field, with its expertise and leading position in the industry. This joint development process and marketing efforts lay an excellent foundation for offering complete lines that can produce carded and needle-punched, carded and hydroentangled, carded and wetlaid nonwovens, as well as combinations of these techniques. With a vision of offering innovative and sustainable solutions in the nonwoven sector, this partnership aims to increase production efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Dilo Systems GmbH and Kansan’s technical expertise provides faster, cost- effective production processes tailored to customer needs. Furthermore, solutions have been developed in line with sustainability goals, such as energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials. This collaboration is designed to create new opportunities in global markets, particularly in the hygiene, medical, and technical sectors, while expanding our reach to a broader customer base. The post Dilo Systems and Kansan Group partner on custom nonwoven lines appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

#FibresRawMaterials #cardingequipment

China opens first plant for recycled textile dissolving pulp Yibin Grace is located in Sichuan, China and has a combined production capacity of 450,000 tonnes/year of viscose staple fibre, viscose filament yarn, and lyocell products. Yibin Grace – a leading producer of man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) products (viscose staple fibre/filament yarn and lyocell) – opened the first recycled textile dissolving pulp facility in China. This marks a significant milestone in the fashion industry’s shift to a more resilient, circular viscose supply chain. Using post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste from supply chain partners, the new pilot facility is expected to produce high quality, low-carbon dissolving pulp, which can be used in a variety of MMCF products.   With an initial capacity of 1500 tonne per year, Yibin’s facility is built to address the growing need for circular materials to replace the use of high-carbon forest fibre in the fashion sector. Aligned with China’s national goals of achieving a 30 per cent reduction in textile waste by 2030, and building on the pioneering work done by Next Gen innovators such as Circulose, Yibin intends to expand its Next Gen production to 60,000 tonne by 2027 with market support.    “Canopy is thrilled with Yibin Grace’s leadership with the launch of China’s first Next Gen textile dissolving pulp mill,” said Nicole Rycroft of environmental not-for-profit, Canopy. “Expanding circular production positions the sector to withstand supply volatility associated with increased forest fires and to capture markets looking for low-impact materials. We look forward to Yibin scaling this technology to commercial levels and being an early-solution provider to the textile sector. This is just the beginning!”  Yibin Grace is located in Sichuan, China and has a combined production capacity of 450,000 tonnes/year of viscose staple fibre, viscose filament yarn, and lyocell products. It was also one of the first MMCF producers to use Circulose recycled pulp in its viscose staple fibre and viscose filament lines, under the brand name ReGracell. Yibin Grace has been working collaboratively with Canopy since 2018 and earned a Dark Green Shirt in the 2024 Hot Button Report. It has no known risk of sourcing from Ancient and Endangered Forests.   The post China opens first plant for recycled textile dissolving pulp appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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CAI signs MoU with Australian Cotton Shippers Association Indian farmers, ginners, brokers and other delegates present in the Seminar asked several questions concerning Australian cotton and opportunities for Indian cotton and textile sector and a very lively and interesting discussion ensued. A delegation from Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) comprising the Cliff White, Chair, ACSA; Jules Willis, CEO; Shay Dhareula, Ecom Commodities; Joel Hatherell, Olam Agri and Theodare Immanuel, Director, Austrade visited the Cotton Association of India (CAI). The delegates had a very fruitful introductory meeting with the CAI Board of Directors and they were taken around the historic Cotton Exchange building, which is a 100-years old heritage structure. Thereafter, a Seminar on Australian Cotton was held in the Conference Room of the CAI which was attended by a large number of representatives from the Indian cotton trade and textile industry. In his welcome address, Atul S Ganatra, President, CAI, laid emphasis on the advantages of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement which came into force on 29 December 2022, allowing duty-free access to Australian cotton into India with a specific quota of 51000 tonnes per year. Ganatra also exhorted the need for greater cooperation and further strengthening of business relations between the cotton industries of both countries. Thereafter, White made a very informative presentation on the Australian cotton scenario which was followed by one-hour Question-Answer session. Indian farmers, ginners, brokers and other delegates present in the Seminar asked several questions concerning Australian cotton and opportunities for Indian cotton and textile sector and a very lively and interesting discussion ensued. Later, in the evening, a Welcome reception for the visiting delegates was hosted by the CAI at the Cricket Club of India, where an MoU was executed between the CAI and ACSA envisaging mutual cooperation and to combine their efforts in the areas of exchanging ideas and information concerning cotton production, trade trends, global pricing, market outlooks, etc. relevant to both countries and to strengthen trade and improve market access and reciprocal support in assisting dialogue supporting the interests of their cotton industries. Ganatra and White signed this MoU in the presence of a large number of dignitaries and representatives from the trade and industry who were present on the occasion. The post CAI signs MoU with Australian Cotton Shippers Association appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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Meghalaya’s Ryndia Silk and Khasi Handloom Get GI Tag Recognition This official recognition has been documented by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office. The Government of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to Meghalaya’s Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom products, signifying a major milestone for the state’s traditional textile sector. This official recognition has been documented by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office. Ryndia, a distinctive handwoven fabric, is hand-spun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced. Alongside other handloom items from Meghalaya, it now holds GI status, validating its cultural significance and traditional craftsmanship. This development is expected to boost the identity, market value, and economic potential of these indigenous products, especially benefiting the artisans and weavers who have preserved these practices for generations. The initiative was driven by the Meghalaya Department of Textiles over a span of four years, with strategic support from NABARD and technical guidance from Dr Rajnikanth. The effort involved collaboration with the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, resulting in a joint application submitted to the GI Registry. This journey gained momentum after the recognition of Umden-Diwon as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021. Since then, the state has worked consistently to promote its traditional silk and handloom heritage. A delegation led by Principal Secretary of the Textiles Department, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, attended the final Consultative GI Group meeting held in Kolkata on November 20, 2024. The delegation included department officials, representatives from the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, and local artisans from the Eri Silk Village. The GI tag is expected to enhance the visibility of Meghalaya’s traditional textiles on national and international platforms, while ensuring the protection and promotion of indigenous knowledge and heritage. News source: India Today NE The post Meghalaya’s Ryndia Silk and Khasi Handloom Get GI Tag Recognition appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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A great future for recycled yarns…but what about the costs? An expert panel discusses yarn production from recycled material. Uster Technologies brought textile industry leaders together to discuss the current issues in using recycled raw material. A delegation of spinners from India met experts from Rieter, Säntis-Textiles, Otto Yarns, Gherzi Textile Organization and TVU at Uster headquarters in Switzerland. This article summarises the challenges and opportunities of recycled yarns from both sustainability and business aspects. The ideas and solutions of the panelists diverge on the subject how to be successful with recycled yarns. They see different approaches to achieve the goal. The quality of recycled yarn could be improved with an additional step between mechanical opening and the spinning process, according to Michael Will (Head Textile Technology & Process Analytics) from Rieter. The pre-opening or carding does not necessarily have to be in the responsibility of the spinners. It could also be done by the fiber suppliers. Andreas Merkel (CEO) from Otto Yarns anticipates better results with pre-consumer fibers. Post-consumer waste remains a difficult raw material – although readily available in large quantities. He forecasts great future opportunities, but it will take some time. Stefan Hutter, Owner of Säntis-Textiles, also believes in the recycling business, and that recycled material will become a standard. He expects two segments growing: one based on industrial and the other on post-consumer waste. A lot of groundwork has been done, but it’s still a good time to jump in on this business. Looked at from a trading and dyeing perspective, the quality and sourcing of recycled yarns are challenges. Thomas Franz (Sales and Purchasing Manager) at TVU states that yarn properties are not comparable with virgin fibers – and more difficult with cotton than polyester – and so neither dyeing results nor process efficiency are the same. Who pays for sustainable yarns? Producers agree that there will always be a disadvantageous difference compared to virgin fibers. The question is, could consumer expectations be corrected in terms of quality and price regarding garments made from recycled raw material? Giuseppe Gherzi, Managing Partner at Gherzi Textile Organization, makes clear that the problem is not the consumer expectations, but that retails and fashion brands are not ready to pay more for recycled garments. The power for change lies in legislation. But there’s a lot of uncertainty. In the end, regulations generate costs as they need a control system. How to prove recycled yarn? Technology to secure, that recycled products are genuine are available and also Uster Research & Development team is working on this subject. It is possible to verify the lifecycle of recycled items, such as denim, from their first to third use. However, the cost and whether brands are willing to pay for traceability remain concerns. Can traceability be addressed in spinning? Michael Will says: “With innovative technology in combing a 50/50 blend could become a 40/60 but is it necessary to declare this change?” The result of the further discussion of spinning practices was that using a certain percentage of less expensive recycled fibers should be a common standard in the future as long as quality requirements are met – without the need for information or proof. Of course, the certification also adds to the cost for yarn producers. Plants, as well as raw material shipments and shipments to the customer, need to be certified. Only when the complete chain is certified can, for example, a GRS (Global Recycled Standard) logo be applied. With a required minimum of recycled content in the product a certification system is a must. Merkel could imagine two markets in future: a mass market for cost-effective yarn production with recycled cotton fiber but no certification; and a smaller market with certificates required. There’s a crucial fact that lower prices are expected for recycled, but that’s not the case in reality. How to make it profitable? Making good money with recycled yarn will be possible by optimizing and shortening the processes in yarn production. Hutter believes that the costs will come down as soon the market picks up and grows and there’s more material in the market. This happened with polyester and will also follow with cotton. The market wants recycled products. Spinners are advised to start at some point – meaning with a certain blend of recycled material – to develop recycled yarn further. It’s crucial to learn by testing and analyzing over some years finally to achieve the required product at a much better quality. The panel discussion is available in full, including the outlook over a time period of five years to those interested in more details. Access the video via this link (https://web.uster.com/cn/atddp/paneldiscussionvideo) or the QR code. About Uster Technologies Uster Technologies is the world’s leading provider of quality management solutions from fiber to fabric. High-technology instruments, systems and services cover quality control, prediction, certification and optimization. The portfolio comprises quality management, laboratory testing and in-line process control instruments for fibers, staple fiber, and filament yarns, fabrics and nonwovens. Uster Statistics, the unique global benchmarks for textile trading, complement a portfolio of value-added services that includes training, consultancy and worldwide after-sales. The Uster philosophy aims to drive innovation forward by meeting market needs – always with ‘quality in mind’. Uster Technologies is headquartered in Uster, Switzerland and operates worldwide. It has sales and service subsidiaries in major markets and Technology Centers in Uster (Switzerland), Knoxville (USA), Suzhou (China) and Caesarea (Israel). 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Lenzing Conclave Ludhiana highlights sustainable fibre innovations This served as a dynamic platform to explore Lenzing’s latest fibre innovations and their diverse applications in knitted and woven textiles. The Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibres, successfully hosted the Lenzing Conclave at Radisson Blu Hotel in Ludhiana, bringing together key players from the textile industry, including manufacturers, exporters, dealers, agents, and leading brands. This exclusive event served as a dynamic platform to explore Lenzing’s latest fibre innovations and their diverse applications in knitted and woven textiles. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation, Lenzing showcased its cutting-edge fibre portfolio, featuring TENCEL Lyocell A100, LF, x Micro, Fill, and LENZING ECOVERO Black with a special focus on innerwear, sleepwear, athletic/activewear, lingerie, and ethnic wear, the conclave provided valuable insights into the evolving demands of the textile industry. By engaging with manufacturers, exporters, and brands, Lenzing reaffirmed its commitment to delivering holistic solutions. The conclave provided insights into evolving industry demands while reaffirming Lenzing’s commitment to fiber innovation, technical and marketing support, and supply chain solutions for a more sustainable textile future. Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director for AMEA & NEA in Commercial Textiles at Lenzing Group, emphasized the company’s vision, stating, “As the demand for eco-conscious textiles continues to grow, Lenzing remains at the forefront of innovation, empowering brands and manufacturers with high-performance fibres that prioritize both quality and sustainability. Our TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO fibres represent the future of textile production, offering versatility across multiple categories while significantly reducing environmental impact. The Lenzing Conclave in Ludhiana served as a crucial platform to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change in the industry.” Through interactive discussions and product showcases, the Lenzing Conclave in Ludhiana successfully strengthened industry connections and reinforced Lenzing’s position as a global leader in sustainable fiber solutions. The Lenzing Group extends its gratitude to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation and looks forward to fostering future partnerships that will shape a more sustainable future for the textile industry. The post Lenzing Conclave Ludhiana highlights sustainable fibre innovations appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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