#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

2020-07-09

Coats Digital and Phong Phu International collaborate to win a digital-led recovery

Phong Phu International (PPJ), one of the leading textile producers, garment manufacturers and exporters in Vietnam, is optimising spare capacity with the help of FastReactPlan, Coats Digital’s world class fashion production planning and control software application. Harnessing the power of online communication and collaboration platforms to effectively deliver software and training, Coats Digital and PPJ have collaborated to deliver an initiative that is critical for the industry.

With a mutual ambition to win the industry re-start, Coats Digital and PPJ have successfully navigated the challenges of Covid-19 to maintain the pace of a digitization journey which is critical for the recovery and sustainable growth. This has enabled the completion of a project to digitize best practice production planning and control processes, from master planning across multiple factories to detailed line and machine level planning of complex denim manufacturing processes.

The proof that training, enablement and support can be as effective online as onsite is vital for the industry as we emerge from Covid-19 and navigate towards the new normal. With reduced travel and more online interactions customers, partners and suppliers need to work across new digital channels to survive. The increased potential for shorter, sharper training and implementation methodologies is a shift for many software companies who have typically relied on heavy on-site engagements.

"At the beginning of the pandemic, we produced a resilience plan that highlighted the need for more agile project delivery. This included using new digital channels for more frequent engagement with our customers. The fact that we have successfully completed the implementation of a large FastReactPlan project using these new digital channels and an adapted approach to training is testimony to the investment we have made in this critical area to re-think software delivery. We are proud to have successfully delivered this project for a major customer like Phong Phu International and delighted to receive such positive feedback on the process and results", says Keith Fenner, Managing Director, Coats Digital.

And Simon Van Weeren, COO & Managing Director - Phong Phu International says about the collaboration: "COVID-19 stopped nearly all international travel. We don’t know when, perhaps if, it will fully return to normal which means businesses have to collaborate online to develop and update plans across multiple teams. The ability to have online training from any location with screen sharing makes it is as effective as being together onsite and with less distractions. I believe the results are actually more focused and effective! Coats Digital is leading the way by delivering excellent training material using online platforms that allow us to review, refresh and replay when we need it."

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Lenze receives IEC 62443-4-1 certification: TÜV Rheinland confirms cyber-secure development process

Lenze SE has been certified according to IEC 62443-4-1 since November 2025. TÜV Rheinland thus confirms that Lenze meets the requirements of this internationally recognized standard for a secure development process for industrial automation and drive products. The certification is an important milestone on the way to implementing the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which will become mandatory for machine manufacturers and their suppliers from December 2027.

Mango joins TextileGenesis pioneering traceability solution, a Lectra company, for a transparent value chain

Mango, one of the leading international fashion groups, has joined TextileGenesis, the pioneering traceability solution for the fashion and textile industries, to trace their natural and animal fibers, synthetics, man-made cellulosic fibers and leather. TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, offers a complete and secure cutting-edge technology with its six-dimensional (6D) offering and unique “fiber forwards” approach. Mango, has long been committed to maintaining a fully transparent supply chain, and TextileGenesis will reinforce this commitment.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.