AMI is pleased to announce the launch of the Textiles Manufacturing Expo, a new industry exhibition and conference taking place on April 7-8, 2027 at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina, alongside the established Textiles Recycling Expo.

Following the success of the Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels, Belgium, and the inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo USA in Charlotte, AMI is expanding its presence in the textile industry with a dedicated event focused on the technologies, machinery, materials and expertise driving modern textile, fiber and yarn production.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA welcomed 1,858 visitors, 95 exhibitors and 52 expert speakers across two days in April 2026. The addition of the Textiles Manufacturing Expo in 2027 will create a unique co-located platform bringing the textile industry together across the full lifecycle.

The co-location also creates new opportunities for exhibitors to connect with professionals from across the wider textile value chain, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, material suppliers, brands, designers, recyclers and other industry specialists.

“This new expo will provide a much-needed forum for the suppliers of raw materials and production technologies to connect with textile manufacturers to discuss the innovations and applications that will move the industry forward,” said Chrissy Winegarden, exhibition sales manager at AMI. “Those manufacturers already attend Textiles Recycling Expo USA in large numbers, so we have a ready-made audience looking for new solutions”.

The Textiles Manufacturing Expo will host its own range of exhibitors including:

• Suppliers of machinery and equipment for textile manufacturing, finishing and printing
• Fiber and yarn suppliers
• Providers of dyes, chemicals and finishing solutions
• Testing, inspection and quality assurance organizations
• Automation, AI and smart manufacturing specialists
• Software and digital solutions providers
• Consultancies and R&D organizations

The event will also have its own conference theater, hosting keynote presentations, technical sessions, and real-world case studies.

Charlotte, North Carolina, provides a natural home for the launch of Textiles Manufacturing Expo. With its strong textile heritage and established manufacturing ecosystem, the region continues to be home to textile innovators, research institutions, technology
providers and forward-thinking manufacturers.

Denim formulators and laundries face growing pressure to reduce reliance on traditional bleaching chemistries while continuing to deliver the bright contrasts, vintage fades and authentic finishes that brands and consumers expect.

According to the latest Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) in the Denim Laundry Industry Progress & Insights 2025 report, chemical management remains one of the denim industry’s biggest opportunities for improvement, with 27% of finishing processes still classified as having high chemical impact. This highlights the continued need for lower-impact alternatives that support better chemical management, worker safety and reduced environmental performance. DeniBrite™ is designed to help customers address these challenges.

Helping formulators and laundries balance performance and sustainability

The platform combines DeniBrite™ Cold T for bright, contemporary looks through low-temperature bleaching and DeniBrite™ Vintage for authentic vintage finishes and grey-cast effects.
Together, the solutions give customers greater flexibility to meet different brand, fashion and consumer preferences while reducing reliance on traditional bleaching approaches.

“For decades, denim bleaching was about achieving the right look. Today, it is also about proving how that look was made,”

said Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President, Planetary Health Biosolutions, Novonesis.

“Brands, formulators and laundries increasingly need confidence that their bleaching systems can meet evolving expectations around chemical compliance and sustainability. With DeniBrite™, we’re combining proven enzyme technology with verified sustainability documentation to help customers create authentic denim finishes while preparing for what’s next.”

Documented environmental performance

Developed by Novonesis, a bluesign System Partner, DeniBrite™ products are bluepass certified, meaning they are produced through processes that meet bluesign Criteria. The portfolio is also available in ZDHC Level 3-compliant formulations.

In addition, a screening-level Life Cycle Assessment of DeniBrite™ Cold T demonstrated approximately 40% lower global warming potential and 28% lower water consumption compared with conventional sodium hypochlorite bleaching under the assessed conditions, providing formulators with documented environmental performance to support customer and brand discussions.*

Available globally through Novonesis and its channel partners, DeniBrite™ is designed to help formulators and laundries create the denim looks brands want today while preparing for tomorrow’s expectations around compliance and sustainability.

Learn more about DeniBrite™.

*These results are specific to the modeled comparison and should not be interpreted as representative of all formulations, processes or production settings.

Engineered as a true hybrid solution, the GTX300 allows apparel decorators to switch seamlessly between DTG and DTF workflows to meet a wide range of customer demands without adding equipment or complexity. DTG print capabilities deliver prints with a soft hand that are ideal for cotton and natural garments, while DTF expands customization to polyester, blends, performance fabrics, oversized graphics and non-traditional print locations.

“The GTX300 is designed to help decorators say ‘yes’ to more jobs without overhauling their production setup,” said Lawrence Davenport, vice president of the Industrial Products Division at Brother International Corporation. “By combining DTG and DTF into one professional platform, we’re giving print businesses a practical way to expand what they offer, improve operational efficiency and grow with confidence.”

Built for real-world production environments, the GTX300 delivers high-resolution output with sharp detail, vibrant color and durable results across both printing methods.

Advanced ink flow technology enables smooth gradients and precise detail, and Brother Innobella™ textile inks are certified by OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT, GOTS 7.0 and are CPSIA compliant.

Designed to simplify operation and maintenance, the GTX300 features a 7-inch touchscreen control panel, automated maintenance with continuous white ink circulation and GTX Graphics Lab software for streamlined DTG and DTF workflows. Its compact footprint allows it to fit comfortably in shops, classrooms and small production spaces without sacrificing performance.

The GTX300 is supported by the Brother At Your Side commitment, including guided installation and onboarding tools, access to training resources and a one-year limited warranty that includes print heads.

“As the global apparel industry shifts toward more flexible production models, Jack Technology has moved beyond the traditional machine sales model,” said CEO Moli. “Drawing on extensive project experience, we have developed intelligent total solutions that can be adapted to different production environments and help manufacturers respond more effectively to changing market demands.”

During the event, Victor, General Manager of the Global Strategic Key Client Department, introduced the SmartLink Master. Built on the Polaris AI Intelligent System and Siemens’ Mendix platform, the solution integrates SkyFox AI Vision Technology, Spirit-Ape AI Kitting Technology, and Lightning AI Distribution Technology. The platform connects software, equipment, and production processes to create factory solutions tailored to different apparel manufacturing requirements. Jornt Moerland, Senior Vice President of Siemens Digital Industries Software for Asia Pacific, said the two companies will work together to develop digital twin-enabled production lines and pilot smart factories for the apparel industry.

Jimmy, President of Human Resources, introduced the URUS2. James, General Manager of the Southeast Asia Region, introduced the M6 Mold-Free Template Machine. Steve, CEO of Marketing Team, signed cooperation agreements with several leading global apparel manufacturers. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of VITAS, said the solutions could help accelerate the modernization of Vietnam’s apparel manufacturing sector. With demonstration factories in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Jack showcased its intelligent total solutions in real production environments.

As one of Southeast Asia’s leading textile and apparel manufacturing hubs, Vietnam is accelerating the adoption of smart factory technologies. Through its integrated intelligent manufacturing and factory digitalization solutions, Jack Technology is helping apparel manufacturers improve flexibility, responsiveness, and production efficiency in an increasingly demand-driven market.

Premium technology “Made in Germany”

Together with Mayer Mümessillik, Mayer & Cie. Global presented two OV 3.2 QCe circular knitting machines. The machines have been among the company’s most successful models formany years and represent the premium interlock segment, which is in strong demand both in Turkey and internationally. With its trade fair appearance, Mayer & Cie. Global deliberately sent a signal of continuity.Development and production of its premium machines will continue to take place in Germany. Customers can therefore continue to rely on the quality and performance for which the Mayer &Cie. brand has stood for decades.

Clear positioning

The future direction of Mayer & Cie. Global and its cooperation with Huixing attracted considerable interest at the trade fair. The team used numerous discussions to explain the company’s positioning.

Mayer & Cie. premium machines will continue to be developed and manufactured in Germany. At the same time, the partnership with Huixing opens up additional opportunities: in future, customers will also be able to obtain suitable solutions from the Huixing portfolio for the middle and lower market segments. This enables Mayer & Cie. Global to serve a broader range of customer requirements without changing the premium positioning of the Mayer & Cie. brand.

Alton Xu, owner of Mayer & Cie. Global, explains: “With our new setup, we can now support customers across a much wider range of market requirements than before. At the same time, we remain fully committed to our premium segment and Mayer & Cie.’s promise of quality. Where budget constraints or specific applications require different solutions, we can now offer additional alternatives. This strengthens our market position and enables our representatives to support and retain customers within the Mayer & Cie. Global network in the long term.”

Exchange with international representatives

ITM also provided an important platform for personal exchange with international representatives. Delegations from Mexico, Uzbekistan, Russia and Iran used the trade fair to discuss further cooperation and to get to know Alton Xu and the Mayer & Cie. Global team in person. The direct exchange underlined the importance of the global sales and service network for the
ompany’s further development.

New requirements in the interlock segment

In addition to market and company topics, technological developments were also a key focus of the discussions. In the interlock segment, demand is currently increasing for so-called fivethread knitted fabrics. This special variation of a double-face fabric o􀆯ers additional design and performance options and is increasingly being used in sportswear and technical apparel.

Mayer & Cie. Global regards this development as an important future topic and is working to integrate corresponding solutions into its technology portfolio in the near future. The aim is to support customers quickly and practically, even when new market requirements arise.

Positive response to the restart

Overall, ITM 2026 confirmed the strong position of the Mayer & Cie. brand in the Turkish market. For many customers, reliable service and secure spare parts supply remain decisive factors alongside innovative technology – especially as Mayer & Cie. machines are used in many modern knitting mills throughout the country.

The positive response to the trade fair appearance shows that the restart of Mayer & Cie. Global is being closely followed by the market and is meeting with a high level of acceptance among customers and partners.

Jack Technology will deploy Siemens’ new industrial AI orchestration software, Intelligence Center X, starting with Mendix for agentic low code development, and Designcenter™ software for advanced product engineering – both from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio – to streamline product development, reduce complexity and support new applications for AI and humanoid robotics in sewing workshops.

Headquartered in China, Jack Technology serves customers in more than 160 countries and operates in a highly competitive market shaped by rising demand for shorter lead times, increased product customisation and improved cost efficiency. To address these pressures, the company is integrating AI‑enabled systems and humanoid robots into traditional sewing environments to improve flexibility, responsiveness and production performance.

To support this transformation, Jack Technology will deploy an integrated suite of Siemens’ technologies, including Intelligence Center X and Mendix to rapidly build, deploy and iterate manufacturing and robotics‑related applications, and Designcenter engineering software to support product design, simulation and manufacturing for complex mechanical systems such as humanoid robots. Siemens will also provide specialised technical training to support the development of a dedicated digital platform for the sewing equipment industry.

“Collaborating with Siemens marks a critical step in advancing our digital strategy,” said Hu Wenhai, President of New Product Development at Jack Technology. “The flexibility of Intelligence Center X – Mendix, combined with the capabilities of Siemens’ Designcenter, will help us manage growing manufacturing complexity, accelerate innovation and deliver more intelligent solutions to our customers.”

The integration of Siemen’s digital engineering and agentic enterprise system is designed to deliver measurable operational benefits. Jack Technology expects to shorten development cycles, improve product quality, optimise production workflows, reduce costs and increase overall manufacturing efficiency by up to 30%.

The collaboration reflects a broader shift across the apparel manufacturing sector, as companies adopt software driven engineering, agentic low code development and AI enabled automation to modernise operations and improve responsiveness to evolving market demands.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Jack Technology to explore the potential of intelligent manufacturing, including the application of AI and humanoid robotics,” said Raymond Kok, CEO, Mendix, a Siemens business. “By combining agentic low code development with digital product engineering, manufacturers can move faster from concept to production.”

“This collaboration highlights how digital technologies are reshaping apparel manufacturing,” said Leo Liang, senior vice president and managing director for Greater China, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “With Siemens’ AI-enabled  software portfolio, Jack Technology is well positioned to strengthen innovation capabilities and deliver greater value across the global apparel manufacturing ecosystem.”

When asked what UK consumers do with clothing they no longer wear, ‘donate’ and ‘recycle’ were the top responses. Globally, only US consumers choose to donate more than UK consumers with a higher percentage (46%) stating they donate clothing they no longer wear. When it comes to recycling, only German and Italian consumers surpass the UK, with 47% and 32% of people, respectively, stating they choose to recycle clothing they no longer wear.

“We spoke to nearly 10,000 global consumers in China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, UK and US, and are thrilled to see UK consumers leading the way in donating and recycling clothing they no longer wear, ” said Andrea Samber, Director of Brand Partnerships for Cotton Incorporated.

“Through the Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme we encourage brands to participate and increase the levels of clothing brands and consumers are giving and recycling, diverting away from landfill.”

The survey also found UK consumers rejecting ‘Throwaway Culture’ with only 22% of UK consumers stating they are throwing away clothing they no longer wear. This is well below the global average of 26% and contrasts sharply with Japan and France with 56% and 53% of consumers, respectively, who said they threw away clothing they no longer wear.

The comprehensive Cotton Incorporated survey also found 22% of UK consumers give to friends and family, 19% sell, 14% repurpose, 13% keep and 10% return clothing they no longer wear.

The Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme works with a premium collective of UK fashion brands and retailers through its cotton recycling programme. Brands joining the Cotton Lives On™ family include &SONS, Margaret Howell, ME+EM, PAIGE, Charles Tyrwhitt, Hush, Whistles, Hobbs, Phase Eight, L’Estrange, Anthropologie, Bianca Saunders, Nexvision, Veronica Beard and The White Company.

The Cotton Lives On™ programme diverts old cottons from landfill and transforms them into mattresses for people at risk of homelessness. To date, the Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme has collected approximately 8,000kg of cotton in the UK and provided over 100 roll mats. Each new roll mat contains the equivalent to 45 cotton T-shirts. People around the UK at risk of homelessness and living in difficult conditions are given the roll mats as part of their first essential products package when moving to a hostel, or as part of their new home kit once they have been found a more permanent place of residence.The Cotton Lives On™ recycling programme’s purpose is simple. Its aim is to reduce landfill waste and extend the life of old cotton in a way that helps both people and our planet.

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38^th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last.

The new survey shows a business situation balance rising to −17 percentage points (pp) from −25pp in March. Business expectations climbed to +16pp (from +5pp), order intake to −9pp (from −25pp), backlogs to 2.5 months and capacity utilization to 74%. Order cancellations stayed contained and inventories lean low. The direction is encouraging, but the levels rest on a thin and fragile cushion.

The upturn was geographically uneven. Africa led on business situation, order intake, backlog and expectations, alongside gains in Europe and North & Central America. The Asian production hubs lagged, with East Asia weakest on both current conditions and the six-month outlook. Along the value chain, segments closest to the end-consumer slightly fared best, while capital-goods and upstream segments trailed.

Cost and demand pressures persist: weak demand remains the major concern for 53% of participating textile manufacturers, followed by raw-material prices (52%) and energy prices and geopolitics (42% each). The survey links rising costs to the war in Iran, which has pushed crude oil to around USD 100 and lifted gasoline prices by roughly 50% since March, feeding inflation and squeezing margins. Whether the May reading holds will depend largely on energy prices and the resolution of ongoing conflicts.