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Industry News | 3/4/2026
- Mar 4
- 9 min read
By SPESA
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Celebrating the Future of Apparel Manufacturing, Innovation, and Community: ISAIC To Host Fourth Annual ISAIC Honors in New Expanded Space at CCS Taubman Center
Press Release | March 4, 2026
As a reminder, the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) will host its fourth annual ISAIC Honors Award Ceremony on April 23 at 5 p.m., co-hosted by SPESA. The event will take place in ISAIC’s new expanded home within the College for Creative Studies’ A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, marking a major milestone in the organization’s growth and impact.
ISAIC Honors celebrates and amplifies the achievements of the unsung pioneers shaping the textile and apparel industry. Industry leaders from across the country will gather in Detroit to recognize manufacturers, innovators, champions, and future leaders who are advancing a more ethical, sustainable, and responsible future for the industry.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Why Using an Industry Specific Apparel ERP System Is a Game Changer (Video)
By Avantex | March 4, 2026
Most apparel businesses are held back not by market demand, but by the way their operations are structured. Disconnected tools, delayed data, and manual work create friction at every stage of the supply chain. This video from SPESA member Avantex explains how a purpose-built apparel ERP can remove that friction and allow apparel businesses to operate as one connected system.
U.S. To Hike Global Tariff to 15% ‘Sometime This Week,’ Bessent Says
Supply Chain Dive | March 4, 2026
Unfortunately, we find ourselves back in the situation during which tariffs seem to be changing daily. Here is the latest update from today.
The White House has outlined the timeline for additional trade actions it plans to take as it seeks to reconstruct President Donald Trump’s far-reaching tariff regime following a Supreme Court decision that axed previous levies.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday said that the U.S. will likely increase a current temporary global tariff to 15% “sometime this week.”
U.S. Apparel Import Data in 2025 Points to Four Key Sourcing Trends
Just Style | March 4, 2026
Dr. Sheng Lu, professor of apparel studies at the University of Delaware, presents a deep-dive into U.S. apparel import data from 2025 to identify the main trends for apparel sourcing and outlook for the year ahead.
Digital Textile Laboratories Launches Following Large Investment
Digital Printer | March 4, 2026
The UK-based Digital Textile Laboratories (DTL) has launched following a £700,000 investment in digital production technologies and workflows aimed at serving the growing textile decoration market.
Global Fashion Sector Braces for Supply Chain Fallout of Middle East Crisis
Just Style | March 3, 2026
While the impact to supply chains is absolutely not our top concern related to the current crisis unfolding in the Middle East, we felt it important to include the relevant industry news for our subscribers. Warnings have been sounded for fashion firms to prepare as ongoing military action in the region is likely to have a sizable impact on global apparel trade.
This analysis from Just Style includes insights from GlobalData and Dr. Sheng Lu on the potential fallout, and why fashion brands should prepare for a cost surge and shipment delays.
Additional industry coverage is available here. In addition, this Sourcing Journal article digs into the repercussions already being seen throughout Asia’s Trade and Manufacturing Hubs.
Textile‑to‑Textile Recycler Circulose Joins Spinnova’s Ecosystem To Accelerate Technology Scale‑Up
Press Release | March 3, 2026
Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry. Circulose recycles cellulosic‑rich textile waste using a patented process to convert discarded textiles into dissolving pulp.
Through this collaboration, it is intended to integrate Circulose pulp into Spinnova’s ecosystem as a feedstock for producing new textile fibres. Unlike the chemical regeneration processes used for traditional man‑made cellulosic fibres, Spinnova’s mechanical technology enables the partners to turn Circulose into a new biobased textile fibre without harmful chemicals or dissolving in the fibre‑spinning process.
South Asia’s Largest Textile Producer Closes Sri Lankan Site, Leaving 2,200 Employees Jobless
Modaes | March 2, 2026
Mas Holdings, South Asia’s largest textile and apparel-tech manufacturer, will close its Methliya plant in Sabaragamuwa province. The facility will be converted to boost fabric and wet process manufacturing, in line with the group’s strategy of moving towards greater vertical integration.
The Netherlands Presents Its Leading Circular Textile Innovations to Europe at Techtextil
Press Release | March 2, 2026
This year’s Techtextil trade show in Frankfurt will include its first-ever Dutch Pavilion, highlighting the country’s dedication to circular textiles and digital innovation. The delegation brings together pioneering Dutch textile innovators alongside industry association Modint, Circular Textile Days, and the Circular Textile Action Plan.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Nitish Varshney Joins Tukatech as Director of Digital Manufacturing Initiatives
Press Release | February 23, 2026
Tukatech, Inc., a leading apparel technology solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Nitish Varshney as Director — Digital Manufacturing Initiatives for Global Programs. In this role, he will lead the company’s global programs to accelerate digitalization, drive technology adoption, and enable measurable process optimization across apparel manufacturing ecosystems.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Cam Myers, CEO and Founder of CreateMe – Interview Series
Unite.AI | February 19, 2026
Check out this in-depth interview with SPESA member Cam Myers, CEO of CreateMe, a company pioneering automated apparel manufacturing through advanced bonding and robotics (another update on the company’s latest maneuvers below). Among other things, Cam discusses how a mix of technology, finance, and operating experience shaped his decision to start CreateMe and tackle something as complex as automated apparel manufacturing.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | CreateMe Partners with UNTUCKit and Supima® To Launch the First Commercially Available Digitally Bonded Garments — Using Automation and Digital Bonding
Press Release | February 19, 2026
SPESA member CreateMe Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with New York–based apparel brand UNTUCKit. Through this collaboration, CreateMe will introduce its first commercially available digitally bonded men's t-shirt with a brand partner, produced in the U.S. using its Pixel™ bonding and MeRA™ automated assembly system. meeting the high standards required by a leading retail apparel brand.
Garment Manufacturing Becomes Smarter in Qianjiang, Central China's Hubei
People’s Daily Online | March 2, 2026
Qianjiang is known as the "hometown of tailors." At its peak, one out of every 10 tailors nationwide came from Qianjiang. However, changing times and industrial upgrading have brought challenges to traditional garment manufacturing, including rising costs and declining orders. How can the traditional skills be revitalized?
The outdoor apparel developed by Hubei Lian'ao Outdoor Sports Goods Co., Ltd. provides an answer to this question.
Sportswear Brand On Launches South Korea Robot Factory To Tackle Supply Chain Risk
Reuters | February 25, 2026
Sportswear brand On Running has opened a factory in Busan, South Korea using robots to make running shoes and plans more robot factories in the United States and Europe as it tries to speed up manufacturing and delivery.
Caspar Coppetti, co-founder of On, said automation enables the brand to make shoes faster, with less environmental impact, and closer to its key markets compared to the standard footwear manufacturing model which relies on shipping finished shoes from factories in South-East Asia and China to shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
Indonesia Weighs State-Led Revamp To Rescue Ailing Textile Sector
Just Style | February 25, 2026
Indonesia is preparing a state-backed overhaul of its textile and clothing industry, betting that tighter integration across the supply chain can reverse years of decline in one of the country’s most labor-intensive manufacturing sectors.
Viridis Research Validates Textile Water Recycling with H&M
Techcouver | February 25, 2026
Vancouver-based Viridis Research has completed a major industrial pilot in Dhaka, Bangladesh with H&M Group and three textile mill partners, validating its electrochemical oxidation technology as a scalable solution for textile wastewater recycling.
The pilot demonstrated that Viridis’ system can operate under real-world manufacturing conditions, treating wastewater from dye baths, equalization tanks, wastewater treatment plants, and reverse osmosis reject streams. The company achieved 99.56%–99.94% color removal from dye baths while reducing organic contamination to target thresholds, confirming the ability to recover valuable chemicals and reuse treated water in subsequent dye cycles.
And we think this one is a totally different textile water recycling pilot in Bangladesh.
10 Innovations Changing the Denim Industry for the Better
SJ Denim | February 24, 2026
The denim industry has undergone a remarkable transformation driven by a blend of technological innovations and sustainable practices. Advances in stretch denim have reshaped the workwear fabric’s place in fashion. Cutting-edge finishing technologies have not only enhanced the look and durability of denim but also reduced water and energy consumption. Integrating artificial intelligence and 3D prototypes has streamlined design processes, enabling more precise, personalized, and efficient production methods. Additionally, regenerative agriculture and textile recycling have emerged as vital solutions to address environmental concerns. Together, these innovations are redefining denim, making it more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the modern consumer.
SJ Denim tapped industry experts to discuss the impact of these innovations and how they continue to evolve.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | New Data Shows Mid-Market Fashion Outpacing Luxury in Sector Growth
Just Style | February 23, 2026
A recent analysis by Lectra’s Retviews platform indicates that mid-market fashion brands are currently outperforming both mass-market and luxury competitors in profitability for the Fall/Winter 2025/26 season, due to targeted premiumisation strategies and shifts in pricing.
The figures show that these brands have implemented significant price increases across several product categories, while also restructuring their promotional activities in response to macroeconomic factors such as inflation and international tariffs.
Sonoran Stitch Factory Boosts Tucson Workforce
Tucson Spotlight | February 23, 2026
Tucson’s Sonoran Stitch Factory blends fashion manufacturing, workforce training and sustainability as owner Erica Yngve works to grow local industrial sewing jobs.
We love reading about these kinds of initiatives, and have been following the growth of the Sonoran Stitch Factory and the Arizona Stitch Lab for a while now. So, question for our followers: Should SPESA’s next manufacturing conference be in Arizona?
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Chicago Protective Apparel Sees Immediate Operational Gains with Lectra Valia Fashion
Press Release | February 19, 2026
Six months after beginning its collaboration with Lectra, a leading provider of industrial intelligence technology solutions to players in the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries, Chicago Protective Apparel (CPA) is reportedly already seeing transformative results. Read the article below for a detailed accounting of the personal protective apparel company’s operational improvements.
4 Fashion Supply Chain Trends To Watch in 2026
Supply Chain Dive | February 19, 2026
“Trade war uncertainties and unpredictable tariffs will challenge apparel companies and retailers in 2026, impacting sourcing management, operational costs and end-to-end supply chain strategies, experts suggest.”
Given the expected turbulence, many fashion leaders are feeling pessimistic about the year ahead, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 Executive Survey.
Digital Learning Transforming Fashion Education, Says JD Institute Director
FashionUnited | February 19, 2026
Digital learning is reshaping fashion education, offering new tools and opportunities for students and educators, according to Sudhakar Rao, Director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, School of Fashion Design.
Rao noted that virtual design software, digital portfolios and remote mentorship enable students to develop technical skills and market relevance alongside traditional studio practice. He described digital learning as complementary rather than substitutive, helping bridge geographic barriers and connect learners with global fashion communities.
Saudi Arabia To Lead Global Apparel Growth Through 2029
Just Style | February 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia is set to post the fastest apparel market growth globally through 2029, highlighting a shift in momentum toward high-spending and emerging consumer markets, beyond traditional Western strongholds.
Registration Open for Techtextil North America 2026
Press Release | February 18, 2026
Registration is now open for Techtextil North America 2026, being held August 4-6, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Techtextil North America serves as the premier North American stage for the technical textiles and nonwovens sector. The event offers a 360-degree view of the supply chain — spanning high-level R&D and sustainable raw material sourcing to advanced production, conversion, and circular recycling solutions.
Circ Announces New Fiber Club Partners To Accelerate Commercial Adoption of Recycled Textiles
Press Release | February 18, 2026
The organization in charge of the “fashion industry's environmental report card” has a permanent CEO after several years of leadership turnover.
Combining 3D Embroidery Techniques with Machine Learning for Fabric-Based Touch Sensors
Tech Briefs | February 1, 2026
A new study from NC State University combines three-dimensional embroidery techniques with machine learning to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch.
