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Industry News | 6/3/2026
- Jun 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 30
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Eton’s AI-Driven Sorting System Targets Growing Resale Market
Press Release | June 2, 2026
SPESA member Eton Systems has launched an AI-powered sorting system designed to automate the identification, grading, pricing, and routing of secondhand garments. Developed to support the growing resale market, the technology helps retailers process used apparel more efficiently while advancing circularity initiatives.
Future Factories To Be Powered by AI, Advanced Automation
Sourcing Journal | June 2, 2026
Boston Consulting Group’s latest report argues AI and automation are reshaping manufacturing, allowing factories to significantly boost productivity while reducing reliance on low-cost labor. The findings highlight how investments in digital technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities are becoming key drivers of competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Canada Formally Requests 16-year Renewal of North American Free Trade Pact
BBC | June 2, 2026
Canada and Mexico have formally requested a 16-year extension of the USMCA trade agreement, arguing the pact has strengthened North America's global competitiveness and economic integration. The move comes ahead of upcoming trade negotiations and ongoing discussions over U.S. tariffs on key industries, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber.
Report Reveals Need for Manufacturers To Offer Hardship Relief for Workers
Sourcing Journal | June 2, 2026
A new report from workforce platform Canary finds that manufacturers struggling to attract and retain workers may need to look beyond wages and address the financial hardships employees face outside of work, including housing, childcare, transportation, and food insecurity. The report argues that providing targeted support services can improve retention, reduce turnover, and help manufacturers address persistent labor shortages in an increasingly competitive talent market.
USTR Floats 25% Tariff on Brazil Imports
Supply Chain Dive | June 2, 2026
The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed a 25% tariff on many imports from Brazil following a Section 301 investigation that found the country's policies related to digital trade, intellectual property, market access, and deforestation unfairly burden U.S. commerce. The proposal is now open for public comment and a July hearing, with negotiations between the two countries continuing ahead of a July 15 deadline for potential action.
Heat Is Becoming a Supply Chain Risk in India’s Garment Factories
Sourcing Journal | June 2, 2026
A new dashboard from HeatWatch and Open Supply Hub is helping brands and manufacturers better understand how extreme heat is affecting apparel production regions across India, bringing greater visibility to a growing climate-related supply chain risk. The initiative highlights how rising temperatures can impact worker health, productivity, and factory operations, reinforcing the need for climate resilience strategies across the global apparel industry.
American Apparel & Footwear Association Celebrates 250 Years of Fashion
Press Release | June 1, 2026
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has launched its “250 Years of Fashion” platform to celebrate the brands, innovators, and products that have helped shape American fashion and culture over the past two and a half centuries. The initiative, which is part of the broader America250 celebration, highlights the industry's legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation while inviting participants to share their vision for the future of fashion ahead of the nation's tricentennial in 2076.
MIT Bullish on Its Initiative for New Manufacturing at the One-Year Mark
Manufacturing Dive | June 1, 2026
MIT's Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM) is marking its first year with a focus on accelerating the adoption of AI, automation, digital twins, and other advanced technologies to strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and workforce development. While the initiative spans multiple industries, its emphasis on technology adoption, sustainability, and creating high-quality manufacturing jobs has clear implications for the apparel industry as brands and manufacturers look to modernize production and build more resilient domestic supply chains.
U.S. Manufacturing Expands to Highest Level Since May 2022: PMI
Manufacturing Dive | June 1, 2026
U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at its fastest pace since May 2022, with the ISM Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reaching 54.0 and marking the fifth consecutive month of growth. Notably, textile mills were among the industries reporting growth, though ongoing cost pressures and supply chain challenges remain concerns for apparel and textile manufacturers.
3D Printed Fashion Is Getting a ‘Wool’ New Makeover
Sourcing Journal | June 1, 2026
Variloom, a company that uses 3D printing to create customizable garments, has partnered with New Zealand-based Wool Source to develop 3D-printed fashion products made from wool fibers. The collaboration aims to combine the design flexibility and waste reduction benefits of additive manufacturing with the performance and sustainability advantages of natural wool, pointing to new possibilities for on-demand apparel production.
Techtextil North America Returns to Raleigh in 2026
Textile World | May 31, 2026
Techtextil North America will return to Raleigh, August 4-6, 2026, bringing together leaders in technical textiles and nonwovens for exhibits, education, networking, and innovation. The event will feature discussions on reshoring, supply chains, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing technologies, reflecting many of the trends shaping the broader textile and sewn products industries.
unspun: Focused on Creating a New Category of Apparel Production
Textile World | May 31, 2026
Fashion technology company unspun is developing AI-enabled 3D weaving technology that creates garments directly from yarn, reducing waste and streamlining production. The company believes this approach can support faster, more localized apparel manufacturing while helping brands build more agile and sustainable supply chains.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Physical AI Is Ready for Wider Adoption in Some Applications: CreateMe CEO
Manufacturing Dive | May 29, 2026
In a recent interview with Manufacturing Dive, Cam Myers, CEO of SPESA member CreateMe, argued “physical AI” is becoming commercially viable for specialized manufacturing applications, particularly those involving complex, deformable materials like fabrics. He noted that while general-purpose humanoid robots remain further away, targeted AI-powered automation solutions are likely to see broader adoption in manufacturing over the next few years as companies focus on high-ROI use cases.
Avery Dennison and TEXAID RFID Pilot Triples Textile Sorting Speed
Just Style | May 29, 2026
A joint project carried out by Avery Dennison and TEXAID has found that RFID technology can triple textile sorting speed compared to manual methods, while achieving up to 99.9% identification accuracy.
Southern Textile Association (STA) To Celebrate America’s 250th with Patriotic Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach
eTextileCommunications | May 28, 2026
The Southern Textile Association (STA) will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary during its 2026 Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach, combining industry networking and educational programming with patriotic-themed events recognizing the legacy of American manufacturing and textiles.
USDA Launches Great American Cotton Plan To Revitalize the Cotton Farm Economy
Press Release | May 28, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched the Great American Cotton Plan to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry through expanded market opportunities, increased demand for American-grown cotton, and support for domestic textile manufacturing. The initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of U.S. cotton across the broader textile and apparel supply chain.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra: Supplier Choices Drive up to 77% of Fashion Product Emissions
Just Style | May 27, 2026
SPESA member Lectra recently released an infographic that examined the challenges fashion brands face in improving supply chain traceability and ESG compliance. Lectra says fashion brands must address sustainability at the earliest stages of product development, noting raw material and supplier decisions can account for up to 77% of a product’s carbon footprint.
From Tariffs to Technology: AAPN Annual Conference Maps Future of Americas Supply Chain
eTextileCommunications | May 27, 2026
The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) Annual Conference brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of the Western Hemisphere textile and apparel supply chain, with conversations centered on tariffs, nearshoring, sourcing strategies, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Attendees emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, supply chain resilience, and technology adoption as key drivers of competitiveness in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
Textile ETP Launches Digital Transformation Strategy, Calling for Urgent Collective Action Across the Value Chain
Press Release | May 26, 2026
The European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (Textile ETP) has released a 2035 roadmap calling for a more digitally connected textile and apparel industry, with a focus on AI, automation, interoperable data systems, and digital product passports (DPPs). The strategy comes as brands and manufacturers face increasing pressure to collect and manage supply chain data to meet emerging regulatory requirements, particularly in Europe. SPESA member Lectra is involved in the efforts.
From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: New Report Highlights Fiber Breakthrough in the Fashion Industry
Textile World | May 26, 2026
A new report led by environmental nonprofit Canopy found that wheat straw can successfully be used to produce high-quality viscose and lyocell fibers, offering a sustainable alternative to wood-based pulp used in many cellulosic textiles. The findings suggest agricultural waste could help reduce pressure on forests, lower environmental impacts, and create new supply chain opportunities for the fashion and textile industries.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Germany's Groz-Beckert to Showcase Innovations at ITM 2026
Fibre2Fashion | May 25, 2026
SPESA member Groz-Beckert will showcase a range of new knitting, weaving, and nonwovens technologies at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, including its energy-saving LCmax knitting needle, KnotMaster tying machine, PosiLeno weaving system, and digital solutions designed to improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity. The company’s exhibit will highlight innovations that help textile manufacturers reduce energy consumption, streamline production processes, and enhance precision across a variety of textile applications.
Coats & JACK Launch Integrated Solution for Chinese Apparel SMEs
Fibre2Fashion | May 24, 2026
Coats and JACK Technology have partnered to deliver an integrated solution for small- and medium-sized apparel manufacturers in China, combining Coats’ threads, digital software, and technical support with JACK’s intelligent sewing equipment. The collaboration aims to help apparel factories improve productivity, reduce shop-floor inefficiencies, and better manage inventory through connected manufacturing technologies.
Mexico, EU Sign Stalled Trade Deal as They Aim To Diversify from U.S.
Reuters | May 23, 2026
Mexico and the European Union have signed a long-delayed free trade agreement that expands their existing pact to include services, digital trade, investment, government procurement, and agriculture. The deal is intended to reduce both regions’ reliance on the U.S. market and strengthen economic ties amid ongoing trade tensions and tariff uncertainty.
MAS Holdings Deepens Sri Lanka Supply Chain Bet with New Fashion Hub
Sourcing Journal | May 22, 2026
MAS Holdings and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics have expanded their partnership with a new fashion logistics hub in Sri Lanka designed to support apparel distribution across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The investment strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a global apparel sourcing hub while helping brands improve supply chain speed, flexibility, and end-to-end logistics capabilities.
How Bangladesh’s Garment Suppliers Are Being ‘Squeezed Dry’
Sourcing Journal | May 22, 2026
A report from the Clean Clothes Campaign and Public Eye argues that many garment suppliers in Bangladesh continue to face intense pricing pressure from global brands, limiting their ability to invest in higher wages and improved working conditions. The report calls for brands to adopt more responsible purchasing practices, emphasizing that long-term supply chain sustainability depends on ensuring suppliers can operate profitably while supporting workers' livelihoods.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Zünd Robotics Grab Attention in Barcelona
PrintWeek | May 21, 2026
Zünd Systemtechnik AG drew significant attention at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona with demonstrations of advanced automation and robotics integrated into its digital cutting solutions. The company showcased new material-handling and robotic workflow technologies designed to help manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce labor demands, and create more automated, future-ready production environments.
Material World: Kornit Pushes Further into Polyester Production with Atlas Matrix
Sourcing Journal | May 21, 2026
Kornit Digital has commercialized its new Atlas MATRIX platform, which enables high-quality, on-demand digital printing across cotton, polyester, blends, and sublimated fabrics using a single production system. The technology is designed to help apparel manufacturers simplify production, reduce inventory, and expand customization capabilities while supporting more agile and sustainable manufacturing models.
Fashion Brands Urge Governments To Fix the Economics of Resale and Repair
Press Release | May 21, 2026
Nearly 70 fashion and textile organizations, including major brands, retailers, and resale platforms, have joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in calling on governments in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to implement policies that make resale and repair more economically viable. The group argues tax incentives, reduced taxes on repair and resale services, and investments in collection and sorting infrastructure could help unlock a fast-growing circular fashion market while creating jobs and reducing textile waste.
Kontoor To Sell Lee Denim Brand to Authentic Brands in up to $1 Billion Deal
Reuters | May 21, 2026
Kontoor Brands has agreed to sell the Lee brand to Authentic Brands Group in a deal worth up to $1 billion. The transaction allows Kontoor to focus on brands like Wrangler and Helly Hansen, while Authentic plans to grow Lee through its global licensing and brand-management network.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | SourceAmerica Honors Individuals and Organizations Advancing Disability Employment at the 2026 Achievement Awards
Press Release | May 20, 2026
SourceAmerica recently recognized individuals, nonprofit agencies, business partners, and customers whose leadership and innovation are advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its 2026 Achievement Awards program. The awards highlight the important role that inclusive employment plays in strengthening the workforce, supporting economic growth, and creating more accessible career pathways nationwide.
New U.S. Cotton Study Uses Real-World Grower Data To Reveal Where Fiber Impacts Occur
Press Release | May 18, 2026
A new Cotton Incorporated study found that fertilizer production, field emissions, and irrigation are the primary drivers of cotton's environmental footprint, providing brands and manufacturers with data to support sustainability reporting, sourcing decisions, and targeted improvement efforts.
