Fashion
Harris & Menuk to bring Fuze’s antimicrobial tech to South Asia
Harris & Menuk Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., a trusted leader in textile chemical innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with Fuze Technologies, a U.S.-based pioneer in sustainable surface technologies. Through this collaboration, Harris & Menuk will serve as the exclusive partner for FUZE across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, bringing a revolutionary antimicrobial solution to the South Asian textile industry.
Harris & Menuk Chemicals has partnered with US-based Fuze Technologies to bring FUZE, a chemical-free, metal-free permanent antimicrobial solution, to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
FUZE offers sustainable, non-toxic odour control for diverse textile segments without affecting fabric feel, supporting circular and high-performance textiles.
FUZE: Chemical-Free, Sustainable Permanent Antimicrobial for a Circular Future
FUZE is a patented, non-toxic, non-leaching, and chemical-free antimicrobial and anti-odor technology that has earned approvals from leading global authorities, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and California Proposition 65.
Backed by more than 52 international patents, FUZE is recognized as one of the most advanced and sustainable antimicrobial technologies available today. Unlike conventional antimicrobial finishes that rely on heavy metals or harsh chemicals, FUZE is entirely metal-free and made from naturally occurring, recycled elements. FUZE is a certified bluesign Partner, and this makes it perfectly aligned with the growing global demand for recyclable, circular, and environmentally responsible textiles.
Versatile Applications with Proven Results
FUZE can be applied to textiles through spray, coating, padding, or exhaust methods, making it highly adaptable for various market segments, including:
- Medical Textiles
- Athleisure & Sportswear
- Innerwear & Intimates
- Uniforms & Workwear
- Home Textiles & Hospitality
The treatment enhances odor control, cooling sensation, quick-dry functionality, and UV protection, all without affecting the touch, breathability, or visual appeal of the fabric.
Backed by Science. Supported by Expertise.
With a deep technical foundation and decades of market experience, Harris & Menuk is ideally positioned to introduce FUZE across South Asia. The company will provide comprehensive commercial and technical support, helping mills and brands seamlessly integrate FUZE into their operations while meeting evolving sustainability and performance standards.
“Our partnership with Fuze Technologies underscores our long-standing commitment to performance-driven, sustainable innovation,” said Ineeyan Ariyaratnam, CEO of Harris & Menuk. “FUZE embodies our vision of Conscious Chemistry – delivering protection, comfort, and circularity without compromise.”
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
Switzerland’s Rieter orders steady at $907 mn amid cautious market
The components division generated CHF 193.5 million (~$249.6 million) in orders amid cautious investment in new machinery, while the After Sales division posted a 6 per cent increase to CHF 163.6 million, supported by expanded service networks and stronger activity in Central Asia and China.
Rieter has reported stable 2025 order intake of CHF 703.4 million (~$907.4 million) despite market uncertainty, while sales fell 20 per cent to CHF 685.1 million (~$883.8 million).
Cost controls delivered positive operating EBIT, but Barmag-related charges led to a net loss.
The Barmag acquisition expands fibre capabilities.
For 2026, Rieter projects CHF 1.3-1.5 billion ($1.68-1.94 billion) sales.
Group sales declined 20 per cent YoY to CHF 685.1 million (~$883.8 million) from CHF 859.1 million, reflecting subdued market demand. Sales in Machines and Systems dropped 23 per cent to CHF 329.1 million, Components fell 19 per cent to CHF 200.8 million, and After Sales decreased 17 per cent to CHF 155.2 million. Order backlog stood at around CHF 510 million at the end of 2025, Rieter said in a press release.
Despite weaker sales, Rieter achieved a positive operating EBIT of CHF 2.5 million through cost control measures. However, restructuring expenses and transaction costs related to the Barmag acquisition, totalling CHF 54.2 million, resulted in a net loss of CHF 63.4 million for the year compared with a net profit of CHF 10.4 million in 2024. Free cash flow turned negative at CHF 40.6 million, although net liquidity improved to CHF 184.3 million following a capital increase completed in October 2025.
Given the negative earnings, the board has proposed no dividend distribution while reaffirming its long-term policy of paying at least 40 per cent of net profit. The equity ratio strengthened to 53.3 per cent at the end of 2025, reflecting the capital raise linked to the acquisition.
Rieter completed the acquisition of Barmag on February 2, 2026, integrating the business as its new Man-Made Fiber Division. The move expands the company’s capabilities beyond short-staple fibre machinery, positioning it as a system supplier across natural and man-made fibre processing and strengthening technological capabilities in automation and digitisation.
The company expects at least CHF 20 million in synergies from the acquisition and has outlined new medium-term scenarios. Depending on market conditions, annual sales could range from CHF 1.4 billion with 2-5 per cent operating margins in a subdued environment to CHF 2.2 billion with margins of 8-11 per cent under strong demand.
For 2026, which Rieter described as a transition year, the group forecasts sales between CHF 1.3 billion and CHF 1.5 billion ($1.68-1.94 billion) and a positive operating EBIT margin of 0-3 per cent as integration and restructuring initiatives progress. Financing for the combined entity’s development is fully secured.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
China’s sock exports at $6.7 bn, volume rises amid price sensitivity
According to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro, export volumes reached **.*** billion pairs in ****, up from **.*** billion pairs in **** and **.*** billion pairs in ****. This steady rise in shipments highlights China’s scale advantage and strong manufacturing ecosystem, enabling suppliers to push higher volumes into international markets even amid softer demand conditions and heightened price sensitivity among buyers.
Average export prices continued their downward trajectory, declining to $*.** per pair in **** from $*.** in ****, $*.** in **** and $*.** in ****. The sustained erosion in unit values suggests a combination of factors, including aggressive pricing competition, a shift towards lower-priced product mixes, and buyer efforts to optimise sourcing costs in an uncertain global consumption environment.
Fashion
Texwin Spinning showcasing premium cotton yarn range at VIATT 2026
At the exhibition, Texwin Spinning is showcasing its comprehensive range of cotton yarns, including combed compact yarn (Ne 16’s to 40’s) for weaving and knitting applications, carded compact yarn (Ne 16’s to 40’s), and high-performance components such as comber, flat and lickerin. The company manufactures its products using high-grade raw cotton in a fully automated facility, ensuring superior quality, strength, uniformity and consistency across textile processes.
“VIATT provides an excellent platform to connect with international buyers and industry stakeholders. We look forward to presenting our premium cotton yarn portfolio and strengthening our presence in the ASEAN and global markets,” Bhagya Chikani of Texwin Spinning told Fibre2Fashion.
Texwin Spinning Pvt Ltd is exhibiting at the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) 2026 which is being held in Ho Chi Minh City from February 26-28.
The company is showcasing its premium combed and carded compact cotton yarns (Ne 16’s-40’s) along with textile components, aiming to expand its footprint across ASEAN and global markets.
Positioned as ASEAN’s most comprehensive textile trade platform, VIATT covers the entire textile value chain, bringing together global stakeholders from apparel fabrics and fashion to home textiles, technical textiles and advanced manufacturing technologies. With a strong emphasis on innovation, digitalisation and sustainability through initiatives such as ‘Econogy’, the fair serves as a strategic business hub for the region’s textile and garment industry.
Established in 2021, Texwin Spinning Pvt Ltd is a Gujarat-based manufacturer of premium-quality cotton yarn. Headquartered in Rajkot, the company serves both domestic and export markets and is guided by “Quality Is Our Motto.” Through a strong commitment to quality standards, customer satisfaction and continuous growth, Texwin Spinning continues to strengthen its brand presence in the competitive textile industry.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
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