Robert Antoshak
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agathonian.bsky.social
Robert Antoshak
@agathonian.bsky.social
Consultant to the global fiber, textile and apparel industries. Columnist and industry analyst.
Milliken & Company Recognized with 2025 EcoVadis Gold Rating, Placing in Top 5% Worldwide
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 5, 2025 — Milliken & Company, a global leader in manufacturing and material science, has earned a gold rating in the 2025 EcoVadis assessment for the fourth consecutive year, placing the company among the top 5% of more than 150,000 organizations evaluated around the world. This achievement marks another milestone in Milliken’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices and innovation. “We are proud to have earned a gold rating from EcoVadis for the fourth consecutive year,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams around the world and our continued focus on fostering transparency and driving innovation across our businesses.” EcoVadis provides trusted business ratings for organizations across more than 250 industries. Milliken’s gold rating reflects strong performance in labor and human rights, environment, procurement practices, and ethics. The company’s efforts are guided by verified SBTi net-zero targets, detailed in its latest report. “Third-party assessments like EcoVadis help us measure our progress and hold ourselves accountable,” said Kasel Knight, Chief Legal Officer and head of sustainability at Milliken. “We’re proud to be recognized for our transparency and impact, and we remain focused on advancing our commitments for our stakeholders and the industries we serve.” Milliken’s gold rating covers its chemical, textile, flooring, and healthcare operations, demonstrating enterprise-wide commitment to responsible business. The company’s proactive approach to sharing results streamlines engagement with customers and partners, reducing the need for additional questionnaires and reinforcing Milliken’s reputation for reliability. To learn more about Milliken’s sustainability initiatives and read the company’s most recent corporate sustainability report, visit sustainability.milliken.com. Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Milliken & Company
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November 11, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Boll & Branch Grows To 15 Stores Nationwide, Expanding Retail Footprint With Charlotte And Bethesda Openings
SUMMIT, N.J. — November 6, 2025 — Boll & Branch, a luxury bedding and home brand, has opened its 14th retail location at SouthPark in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its 15th retail location at Bethesda Row in Bethesda, Maryland. With these additions, the brand will nearly double its retail portfolio in one year, growing to 15 stores nationwide and deepening its presence in key markets across the country. “Nearly doubling our retail footprint this year is a pivotal milestone in bringing the Boll & Branch experience to more customers nationwide, while creating meaningful, 1:1 relationships within each local community we serve,” said Katia Unlu, Chief Commercial Officer, Boll & Branch. “Our retail stores continue to deliver exceptional results, with revenue up nearly 60% year-over-year, demonstrating both the strength of the channel and the deep loyalty of our customers. As we continue to expand and bring the world of Boll & Branch to life for our customers, we are focused on delivering an exceptional in-store experience that drives meaningful growth in every market we enter.” Boll & Branch delivers extraordinary experiences both inside and outside of its stores. In-store, customers enjoy personalized bedding consultations, curated product displays, and early access to new collections. Beyond the four walls, the brand extends its service through in-home design installations and personalized bed styling, bringing its meticulous attention to detail directly to customers’ homes. Ongoing activations at retail locations—including floral arrangement workshops, custom monogramming, and coffee carts—deepen customer relationships and reflect Boll & Branch’s commitment to thoughtful, engaging experiences at every touchpoint. With 15 locations open nationwide and a presence in over 100 Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom locations, Boll & Branch is redefining the home shopping experience by meeting customers where they are and deepening its presence in markets with strong demand. In 2025 alone, the brand has expanded into the following markets: * Marietta, GA * Palm Beach Gardens, FL * Fairfax, VA * Birmingham, AL * Edina, MN * Charlotte, NC * Bethesda, MD Looking ahead to 2026, Boll & Branch will continue to prioritize expansion along the East Coast, throughout the South, and into the Midwest—advancing its cluster-based growth strategy to maximize impact and deliver meaningful experiences to customers nationwide. For more information, visit www.bollandbranch.com Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Boll & Branch
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November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Shawmut Launches Shawmut Insights™: A Breakthrough Life Cycle Assessment System for Automotive Textiles
WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — November 2025 — As automakers accelerate toward ambitious sustainability goals, Shawmut Corp., a global producer of  advanced materials and high-performance textiles, is raising the bar with the launch of Shawmut Insights, a proprietary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) system that delivers unprecedented visibility into the true environmental impact of automotive and industrial textile products. Developed in-house and designed specifically for textile markets, Shawmut Insights is among the first LCA systems capable of modeling product-specific, cradle-to-grave impacts — from raw materials to end-of-life — across the company’s full range of warp knit headliner composites, laminated fabrics, and other high-performance textile systems. Turning Data Into Design Decisions “For the first time, designers and engineers can explore how each material choice — down to the fiber source or lamination configuration — affects environmental performance,” said Nicholas Hammond, Product Sustainability and Compliance manager at Shawmut. “Shawmut Insights was built for flexibility and granularity. It allows us to trace every material flow through our supply chain and pinpoint the exact drivers of environmental impact at each stage of a product’s life cycle.” With precise, verified data, automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can now measure and report Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Shawmut products with greater confidence, supporting corporate sustainability disclosures and material selection decisions that align with evolving ESG requirements. Validated To The Highest Standards The Shawmut Insights system adheres to ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 standards and is aligned with the Product Category Rules (PCR) for Nonwoven Fabrics and Fabrics. Impact Assessment outputs follow EPD EF 3.1 and include four measurements of Global Warming Potential (GWP), providing consistent and transparent reporting across all evaluated products. To ensure full credibility, Shawmut’s background model and comprehensive LCA report were reviewed by an independent U.S. sustainability consulting firm, verifying conformance with these standards. Empowering OEMs To See The Full Carbon Picture Reliable, product-specific LCA data has long been a challenge for the automotive sector, especially for custom textile variants not covered by published, standardized datasets. As a result, many Scope 3 calculations have relied on low-quality, spend-based emission factors. “Until now, there hasn’t been an easy way to capture accurate, variant-level environmental data for interior materials,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut Corporation. “With Shawmut Insights, we’re giving our partners the ability to design sustainability into every layer of the vehicle interior—linking environmental performance with material innovation.” Key Features of Shawmut Insights * On-Demand Analysis — Real-time LCA modeling for custom automotive interior textiles, including warp knit headliner composites; * Third-Party Reviewed — Shawmut Insights’ conformance is verified to ISO 14040/44 standards and PCR for Nonwoven Fabrics and Fabrics; * Actionable Sustainability Data — Enables automakers to quantify and reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions; * Scenario Modeling — Evaluate trade-offs such as recycled vs. virgin content, sourcing region, or production method; and * Design Integration — Brings environmental impact data alongside cost and performance considerations early in development. Driving The Future Of Sustainable Automotive Interiors Shawmut Insights marks a significant milestone in Shawmut’s ongoing mission to combine innovation, data transparency, and environmental responsibility. By delivering actionable, high-resolution environmental data, Shawmut is helping its automotive partners make smarter material choices, improve reporting precision, and accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality. Posted November 11, 2025 Sour e: 
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November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Jones Family Of Companies Hires Eric Delaby As Sr. Director, Sales
HUMBOLDT, TN — November 11, 2025 — Jones Family of Companies, a leading manufacturer of sustainable, high-performance nonwoven materials, is pleased to announce that industry veteran Eric Delaby has been brought on board as the Senior Director of Sales. Delaby has more than twenty years of experience in the bedding industry, with a broad, distinguished career in sales spanning textiles, nonwovens, and specialty fibers. Eric Delaby “I am excited to join Jones and contribute to its ongoing success,” Delaby said. “As a leader in the industry, Jones has a great reputation for quality and innovation. I look forward to working with the talented team and helping shape the future of the company.” In his new position, Delaby will be responsible for business development across all divisions in Jones. He will report to Dennis St. Louis, Chief Sales Officer of Jones Nonwovens. “We are thrilled to welcome Eric to our team,” said St. Louis. “With his extensive background, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective. We’re confident that he will drive our continued success and growth, and further strengthen our commitment to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to our current and future customers.” Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Jones Family of Companies
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November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Accelerating Circularity Announces Leadership Transition As Organization Plans For The Future
NEW YORK, NY — November 11, 2025 — Accelerating Circularity, the nonprofit building circular systems to turn. used textiles into new raw materials, today announced Eileen Mockus will become Chief Executive Officer in November 2025. Founder and current CEO Karla Magruder will transition to the role of Board Chair, continuing to guide the organization’s strategic direction. Eileen Mockus (right) Appointed CEO; Founder Karla Magruder (left) to Serve as Board Chair This leadership transition marks an important milestone for Accelerating Circularity as it advances from proof-of-concept to commercial scale. The organization will focus on scaling textile-to-textile (T2T) circular systems, building tools, resources, and expanding education initiatives that accelerate the transition to circularity. Since founding Accelerating Circularity in 2019, Magruder has led the organization’s rise as a global leader in circular textile systems. Under her leadership, ACP has: * Convened major brands, retailers and key supply chain actors in circularity T2T systems. * Brought post-consumer textile-to-textile products to market at scale, * Launched working groups for textile chemical recyclers and trim suppliers. * Established global recognition through a variety of forums including the UK House of Lords annual meeting of The Textile Institute, B.A.U.M Environment and Sustainability Award and the release of global reports on cotton and polyester. * Secured a Commitment to Action with the Clinton Global Initiative to divert 325 tons of textile from landfill. “It has been the honour of my career to found and lead Accelerating Circularity,” said Karla Magruder.  “With Eileen’s expertise and passion for low-impact textile systems, the organization is perfectly positioned to move from pilot programs to industry-wide implementation. I’m excited to continue supporting this mission as Board Chair.” Incoming CEO Eileen Mockus brings over two decades of experience driving sustainable innovation in the textile industry. Formerly CEO of Coyuchi, she has also held roles at the Pottery Barn brands, The North Face and Patagonia. Mockus has been recognized by Vogue Business as an Innovator inSustainability and was part of the team that helped develop Patagonia’s first recycled PET product. “I’m thrilled to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” said Eileen Mockus.  “The groundwork has been laid, partnerships are strong, and the demand for scalable textile-to-textile recycling has never been greater. Together, we can ensure the transition to a future where textiles are no longer wasted.” With a strong global team and expanding partner network, Accelerating Circularity will continue driving industry transformation through post-consumer textile programs, new tools for circular system development, and business models that make circularity commercially viable. Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Accelerating Circularity
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November 11, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Groz-Beckert Embroidery Machine Needles Optimize Industrial Embroidery Processes
ALBSTADT, Germany — November 11, 2025 — Groz-Beckert, global supplier of industrial machine needles, provides solutions that enhance quality and efficiency in the embroidery process. The needle system DBxK5 impresses with its special technical features and broad variety of versions – and in its latest version, DBxK5 LGR, offers a reliable solution even for complex applications such as 3D embroidery. Technically refined for demanding embroidery processes Needle system DBxK5 has been specifically engineered for industrial machine embroidery. It ensures stable stitch formation even at high machine speeds. The large eye facilitates the smooth gliding of embroidery threads, significantly reducing the risk of thread breakage and skipped stitches – even when using thick or effect threads. The standard RG point provides excellent penetration across a wide range of textile materials without damaging them. Another key feature is the needle’s high resistance to deflection, achieved through an optimized geometry. This ensures reliable loop formation and helps to prevent skipped stitches, thereby contributing to high process reliability. Additionally, a specially designed scarf minimizes contact between the needle and the hook – protecting the hook, extending needle life, and ultimately enhancing the quality of the embroidery. Application-specific variants for maximum flexibility The various versions of the DBxK5 system enable precise adaptation to specific embroidery applications. For example, the DBxK5 KK variant was developed with a shortened shank for use in machines equipped with raised needle plates or integrated sequin devices. The reduced shank length prevents collisions with these components. When embroidering thick materials, it also ensures that the shank does not penetrate or damage the fabric. The DBxK5 SS variant is primarily used in sequin embroidery. Featuring an even shorter shank, it prevents sequins or other delicate appliqués from being damaged by the shank’s penetration during stitching. Developed for very fine sequins A macro shot showing the fine detail of a ladies evening shawl, open weave with sequins attached, the material showing a hue of colours from the overall black. When embroidering very small and delicate sequins, there is an increased risk of damaging them during the embroidery process. To address this challenge, the DBxK5 SAN 15 version was developed. It features an even shorter shank compared to the KK and SS versions, as well as a cylindrical blade design. This results in a maximized cylindrical working area on the needle—slim enough to apply even the smallest sequins reliably and without damage. Even when stitching sequins onto thicker embroidery grounds, the particularly slim geometry of the SAN 15 needle ensures that the sequins remain intact throughout the process. Robust and precise – perfect for resilient materials For particularly demanding applications – such as embroidering caps, felt, or leather – Groz-Beckert offers the special application needle DBxK5 SAN 1. Its reinforced blade provides significantly enhanced needle stability, reducing deflection and effectively preventing needle breakage and skipped stitches. This is complemented by an optimized geometry in the area between the scarf and the eye, which improves loop formation, minimizes the risk of skipped stitches, and protects the hook. An additional advantage of the SAN 1 needle is the GEBEDUR (titanium nitride) coating, which offers increased wear resistance – especially in the highly stressed eye and point areas. The needle’s profile is rounded out by an enlarged eye that not only facilitates easier threading but also enables the processing of thicker embroidery threads. The new solution for 3D embroidery with thick foam materials The needle deeply penetrates into the foam 3D embroidery presents a unique challenge: foam elements – commonly known as puffy materials – are used to create raised, three-dimensional effects. During the embroidery process, the needle must penetrate deeply into the foam, placing significant stress on the embroidery thread. With particularly thick foam materials, there is an increased risk of the thread becoming pinched between the needle and the foam – often resulting in thread breakage and skipped stitches. This is where Groz-Beckert’s new DBxK5 LGR needle comes into play. Specifically engineered to meet the demands of 3D embroidery, it features an extended long groove that reaches into the shank area, providing enough space for the embroidery thread, even during deep needle penetration. The thread remains securely positioned within the groove and is protected throughout the entire process. The result: a significantly more reliable embroidery process, even on highly compressible materials, and clean, high-quality embroideries with a distinct three-dimensional effect. Wide range of point styles and needle sizes Needle system DBxK5 from Groz-Beckert is not only available in different versions for specific embroidery applications, but also offers a broad selection of point styles and a comprehensive size range – from Nm 60/8 to Nm 110/18. This allows for precise adaptation of the needle to both the material being embroidered and the intended application. The R and RG point styles are particularly well-suited for woven fabrics and leather, with the RG point also being applicable for knitted fabrics. For fine knits such as T-shirts or polo shirts, the rounded FFG/SES point is ideal, while the FG/SUK point delivers clean results on coarser knitwear. The TR point, in turn, is the preferred choice for open fabric structures such as tulle.Supplementary solutions for special cases As an alternative to system DBxK5, the standard lockstitch needle DBx1 can also be used in embroidery machines under certain conditions. This is particularly relevant when extremely fine needles below Nm 60/8 or specific point styles not available in the DBxK5 range are required. In such cases, the DBx1 system serves as a functional alternative. Conversely, when the use of thicker needles starting from Nm 120/19 is necessary – as may be the case in technical embroidery applications – the 1738A needle system is a suitable option. Quality makes the difference With needle system DBxK5 in its different versions, Groz-Beckert offers a well-thought-out portfolio for both single and multihead embroidery machines. The wide range of point styles, needle sizes, and versions allows for precise adaptation to diverse materials, machine configurations, and embroidery applications. Whether in standard embroidery, sequin work, embroideries on robust materials, or complex 3D embroidery – Groz-Beckert is a reliable partner providing precise solutions that reduce downtime, minimize thread and needle breakage, and improve overall results. The choice of the right needle is not a minor detail – it is a key factor for efficiency and quality in the embroidery process. Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Groz-Beckert
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November 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Italian Textile Machinery: Orders Index Declines In 2025 Third Quarter
MILAN — November 11, 2025 — In the third quarter of 2025, the orders index for textile machinery – compiled by ACIMIT’s Economics Department (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) – recorded a 16% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. In absolute terms, the index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021 = 100). The decline reflects negative performances in both the domestic and foreign markets. Specifically, on the domestic market, orders fell by 17% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, with the absolute index value reaching 49.9 points. Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President Foreign orders also registered a 16% decrease compared to the third quarter of 2024, with an index value of 40.7 points. During the third quarter, the order backlog ensured four months of guaranteed production, slightly up from 3.9 months recorded in the second quarter. Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, commented: “The ACIMIT survey outlines a business climate where overall demand remains weak. In Italy the decline in order intake reflects the difficult period the textile supply chain is currently experiencing.” Mr. Salvadè added: “On foreign markets, however, we can see some signs of recovery. Although total order intake is still down compared to the first nine months of 2024, Italian textile machinery exports — based on official data for the first half of the year — show growth in some key markets such as India, Pakistan, and Egypt.” Finally, the main Asian trade show for textile machinery, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025, has just concluded in Singapore, offering some reasons for optimism within the sector. Salvadè concluded: “I believe the 100 Italian exhibitors can be satisfied both with the number and quality of visitors and with the business prospects generated by the many contacts made during the exhibition. I hope that the work carried out at the trade fair will translate into a stronger order intake within a geopolitical context marked by reduced uncertainty.” Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)
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November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Syre Announces Partnership With Nike to Scale Circular Polyester
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 11, 2025 — Syre, the textile impact company hyperscaling textile-to-textile recycling, today announces a multi-year agreement with leading sports brand NIKE, Inc., marking a milestone towards a circular materials future for the global apparel industry and beyond. The partnership reflects Nike’s commitment to scaling sustainable innovation and Syre’s mission to accelerate the great textile shift. It will focus on step-by-step integration of Syre’s circular polyester into core Nike performance lines, with the first products expected within the next few years. Syre will be Nike’s lead strategic supplier for textile-to-textile recycled polyester. The companies share a long-term ambition to expand the use of textile-derived fibers, supporting a closed-loop ecosystem where end-of-life textiles become the feedstock for the next generation of performance gear. “Our partnership with Syre represents a shift in our materials strategy and how we source,” said Sitora Muzafarova, VP Materials Supply Chain. “Innovation is at the heart of Nike’s DNA and textile-to-textile recycled polyester is essential in our ambition to design and produce breakthrough products that both perform to the highest standards that our athletes expect and are more sustainable at the same time.” For Syre, the partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands marks a new chapter in scaling true circularity. “Having Nike, the global leader in sportswear and innovation, commit to textile-to-textile generated polyester sends a powerful signal to the entire industry. This is not a one-off initiative or capsule collection, this is a moment when circular materials move from concept to commercial reality at scale and wider adoption. It’s a proud day for Syre, and for everyone working to make textile circularity the new normal”, said Dennis Nobelius, CEO Syre. As Syre ramps up the planning for a global network of recycling plants – with its first large-scale facility intended to start construction in 2027 in Vietnam – this partnership further strengthens the foundation for its global expansion. It also adds significant momentum to Syre’s growing customer lineup, which already includes H&M Group and the Launch Partners – GAP Inc., Houdini Sportswear, and Target – announced earlier this year. “Together, we are demonstrating how true collaboration and commitment can unlock circularity at scale,” added Dennis Nobelius. “Every new partnership helps accelerate the buildout of regional supply chains – enabling brands, suppliers, and consumers alike to take part in the great textile shift.” Posted: November 11, 2025 Source: Syre
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November 11, 2025 at 6:12 PM