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Industry News | 1/21/2026
- Jan 21
- 8 min read
By SPESA
ICYMI: The Early Bird Gets the Deals
SPESA Announcement | January 12, 2026
Don’t forget, this is the LAST WEEK for early bird registration pricing for SPESA’s upcoming Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference (April 14th, Columbus, Ohio). This annual event is designed specifically for sewn products manufacturers, brands, retailers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders to learn directly from the technology providers responsible for what’s on the horizon when it comes to new innovations and advancements in manufacturing soft goods. Click here to learn more and register now!
And while you’re at it, lock in your early bird rate for the 2026 ISAIC Honors (April 23rd, Detroit) — ISAIC's annual awards show and fundraiser celebrating the unsung heroes of domestic manufacturing. Click here to register.
The Sewing Conundrum
WhatTheyThink! | January 19, 2026
WhatTheyThink interviews SPESA’s Michael McDonald: “As the apparel manufacturing industry left the United States in the ‘70s and ‘80s in search of cheaper labor, it left the sewing talent we had in search of new careers, or moving on to retirement. Now we are trying to reclaim that talent pool to bring at least some of that manufacturing back here. Michael McDonald, President of SPESA, shares his thoughts on this challenge from the perspective of the suppliers to the industry.”
The $100 Billion of U.S. Goods at Risk of Tariffs in Trump’s Greenland Push
The Wall Street Journal | January 20, 2026
Today, during his time in Davos at the World Economic Forum, President Donald Trump walked back a previous threat that he would impose tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries until a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland. (Read more here.)
However, there is still a chance that some $100 billion worth of American exports — from Boeing aircraft to bourbon whiskey — could get caught in the crossfire. The European Union created a list of hundreds of categories of American products last year that it planned to target with import duties if trade talks with the U.S. unraveled. Those levies were put on hold after the two sides struck a deal last summer, but are set to kick in on February 7th unless the bloc acts to extend the suspension.
Announcing the 101st Edition of the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures
Press Release | January 21, 2026
Containing three new standards and twenty-eight revised standards, the latest Manual provides industry professionals with the most up-to-date textile testing procedures and methods available.
Whizzo Raises US$15 Million To Expand Technical Textiles Platform
Apparel Resources | January 21, 2026
Materials science–based manufacturing startup Whizzo has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Fundamentum, with participation from Korea-based deep-tech investor LB Investment and existing investors. Founded in 2024 by Shrestha Kukreja, Whizzo positions itself as India’s first Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization platform dedicated to technical textiles. The company integrates materials research, formulation, prototyping, process engineering, and commercial-scale manufacturing within a single platform.
India Withdraws Textile Machinery Safety QCO: Implications for Manufacturers and Importers
India Briefing | January 21, 2026
India’s textile industry has welcomed the central government’s January 2026 decision to withdraw the Quality Control Order on machinery and electrical equipment safety, a move that removes mandatory certification requirements for a wide range of imported textile machinery.
Fashion Sourcing Countries To Watch in 2026
Just Style | January 20, 2026
Just Style asks the experts what the fashion sourcing landscape could look like in 2026 amid ongoing U.S. tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty.
Reju Announces Site Selection for First U.S. Industrial Sized Facility Regeneration Hub in Rochester, New York
Press Release | January 20, 2026
Textile-to-textile regeneration company Reju has selected Rochester, New York, for its first U.S.-based industrial facility marking a significant milestone in its efforts to scale globally. The Reju site will span 18.9 acres on Eastman Business Park and plans to regenerate the equivalent of 300 million articles annually that would otherwise end up as textile waste and will produce rBHET that will then be repolymerized into Reju PET. The site selection will also provide opportunities for diversifying and near-shoring manufacturing.
OpenAI Seeks U.S. Suppliers for AI Supply Chain
Supply Chain Dive | January 20, 2026
The AI giant launched an RFP seeking domestic suppliers to build out AI hardware, robotics components, and data center capacity.
Why Creating the World’s First Stretch Nylon Is ‘Like the Moon Landing’
Women’s Wear Daily | January 20, 2026
“It’s a bit like the moon landing,” Adam Baruchowitz, cofounder of Return to Vendor, said of what he touted as the circular materials start-up’s — and, indeed, the textile industry at large’s — “big, big breakthrough”: 100% stretchable, fully recycled, and recyclable nylon. And all without a lick of spandex.
One of the pain points that has thwarted textile-to-textile recycling at scale is the preponderance of elastane that’s blended into everything from denim to leggings. Those rubbery bits that give garments their springiness and malleability are designed to resist degradation, meaning they’re more difficult to dissolve or otherwise detach from fibers that recyclers seek to recover, such as cotton or polyester. Worse, because of their low melting point, they tend to clog up shredders and other machinery, disrupting operations.
UK Fashion Sector Warns Higher U.S. Tariffs Will Hit Wider Supply Chain
Just Style | January 20, 2026
UK Fashion and Textile Association CEO Adam Mansell tells Just Style that Trump's higher tariffs to the UK would have wider consequences across the transatlantic supply chain.
SPESA MEMBER NEWS | Lectra Reveals Five Key Trends Reshaping Fashion In 2026
Press Release | January 19, 2026
SPESA member Lectra, a leader in industrial intelligence solutions for the fashion industry, identifies five structural trends that will redefine strategic priorities for sector players in 2026 — between adaptation, innovation, and new levers of competitiveness.
Digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies: From option to necessity
Supply chain reset: A global redistribution
Price-value ratio: A trade-off redefining consumer choices
Sustainability and regulatory compliance: A strategic imperative
Second-hand fashion and new business models: The silent revolution
Indonesia Plans State-Owned Enterprise To Revive Textile Industry
Just Style | January 20, 2026
The new initiative is expected to strengthen production capacity and increase Indonesia’s competitiveness in overseas markets. To further support its textile industry, authorities are reportedly preparing policy measures such as expanding market access through trade cooperation with the European Union under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. With these steps, Indonesia is targeting national textile exports to reach $40bn within the next few years.
The Indonesian government also intends to address issues affecting related sectors such as footwear and garments.
Additional local coverage available in the Jakarta Globe.
Egypt Signs $350m Agreement To Develop Integrated Textile Industrial Complex in New October City
Daily News Egypt | January 19, 2026
The Egyptian government is supporting a contract to establish an integrated spinning and textile industrial complex in New October City, with initial investments estimated at $350m. The project will be developed under the private free zones system on an area of approximately 800,000 square metres within Industria October Industrial City. The agreement was signed between Elsewedy Industrial Development and Crystal International Group, one of the world’s leading textile manufacturers.
How Tariffs on Furniture Are Reshaping Global Supply Chains and How Manufacturers Can Build Resilience
Home News Now | January 16, 2026
U.S. tariffs on upholstered and kitchen furniture are requiring manufacturers to reshape trade routes, supply chain strategies and competitive dynamics worldwide. While this article from Lectra’s president of the Americas John Brearley doesn’t necessarily provide new information on the impact of tariffs, we always find it interesting to read about how different sectors of the industry adapt to disruption.
EU Pilots Textile Deposit-Return Scheme with Digital Product Passports
Just Style | January 16, 2026
A consortium spanning seven European countries has launched the TexMat initiative to develop a deposit-return system for used textiles throughout Europe. Pilot activities will take place in Finland and Spain, where automated collection containers will sort clothing, assess quality, and record material information using digital product passports.
Clover Knits Appoints Stacey Bridges as Vice President of Sales and Operations
Press Release | January 16, 2026
Clover Knits, Inc., a trusted, family-owned supplier of 100% Made in the USA quality knit fabrics for more than four decades, announced the appointment of textile industry veteran Stacey Bridges to the newly created position of Vice President of Sales and Operations.
Techtextil and Texprocess Frankfurt 2026: Innovation as a Key Driver of the Textile Future
Press Release | January 15, 2026
In a press conference leading up to international trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess (Frankfurt, April 21-24, 2026), industry representatives explored how innovation is accelerating the transformation of the textile sector — from artificial intelligence to sustainable materials and new production models. Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, made it clear: “Today, innovation serves both as a lever for efficiency and a driver of growth. Digitalization, automation, and AI enable companies to conserve resources, produce flexibly and reposition themselves more effectively and competitively.”
First ‘Dark Factory’ Where Robots Build the Entire Car Tipped To Open in China or U.S. by 2030
Automotive News | January 15, 2026
“Automotive manufacturing is on the brink of a radical workforce transformation as the industry’s race toward fully automated assembly lines signals a fundamental redefinition of factory work.”
MMI Textiles Announces Key Leadership Appointments, Strengthening Executive Team
Press Release | January 14, 2026
MMI Textiles, a leading U.S.-based textile manufacturer known for innovation, quality, and service, announced two important leadership updates that further position the company for continued growth and operational excellence. Kathleen Wagner has joined MMI Textiles as Director of Sales. Scott Roubic has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer.
Forged in Detroit: Carhartt and Ford Announce Partnership
Press Release | January 13, 2026
Ford Motor Company and Carhartt have announced a multi-year partnership focused on strengthening the “essential economy” by supporting skilled trades, building strong communities, and delivering durable products that help people get the job done. The companies are investing in the next generation of auto technicians through training programs and scholarships, outfitting future Ford Auto Tech Force scholars in Carhartt gear, and bringing ToolBank to Detroit to expand access to tools and hands-on learning.
The partnership is about “creating opportunity and honoring the people who keep America moving.”
INDA Announces Future Dates and Locations for Filtxpo™ and IDEA® Events
Press Release | January 13, 2026
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the future dates and locations for its FiltXPO™ and IDEA® events, reaffirming its long-term commitment to serving the global filtration, nonwovens, and engineered materials communities.
INDA confirmed that IDEA® will return to its traditional three-year cycle following IDEA®27. While IDEA®27 will take place two years after the most recent IDEA® in 2025, this two-year timing is a one-time occurrence. INDA will maintain its long-standing cadence and value for this event moving forward. IDEA®27 will take place March 23-25, 2027 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Why Small Trims Are a Big Problem for Textile-to-Textile Recycling
Sourcing Journal | January 12, 2026
Two years ago, Accelerating Circularity convened the circular systems for trims and ignored materials, or CSTIM, working group, rallying the likes of zipper maker YKK, adhesive materials manufacturer Avery Dennison, collection and sorting company Tomra, and AI-enabled textile identification platform Refiberd. What it found through its research and knowledge sharing was a fragmented landscape characterized by a lack of access to consistent high-volume feedstock, high labor costs for preprocessing and scant industry-wide standards for input quality or material certification.
PFAS Laws in Several U.S. States Take Effect
Specialty Fabrics Review | January 8, 2026
Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and Vermont state laws related to the use of PFAS in products, such as bans and warning label mandates, went into effect January 1, 2026.
Techtextil North America Now Accepting Submissions for the 2026 Innovation Awards
Press Release | January 7, 2026
Exhibitors at Techtextil North America 2026 are invited to submit their latest innovations for the Innovation Awards, which recognize advancements in materials, technologies, products, and applications across the technical textiles and nonwovens industry.
The next edition of Techtextil North America will take place August 4-6, 2026, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The program honors exceptional performance and forward-thinking solutions shaping the future of the industry.
