Month: August 2025

SHANGHAI, Aug. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global supply chains accelerate their transition to sustainability, the high-performance waterproof-breathable textile sector has reached a decisive moment for innovation — a fabric revolution centered on PFAS-free technologies is now underway.

On August 28, 2025, ANTA, in partnership with Donghua University, formally unveiled China’s home-developed high-performance PFAS-FREE waterproof-breathable material — AEROVENT ZERO — marking a pivotal breakthrough for the global high-performance PFAS-FREE waterproof-breathable textile industry. As China’s first independently developed and mass-produced high-performance PFAS-FREE waterproof-breathable membrane, the launch of ANTA AEROVENT ZERO signifies that China has overcome a world-class industrial challenge and will reshape the competitive landscape of technical textiles.

Accelerating sustainability in high-performance textiles — ANTA’s in-house R&D leapfrogs industry norms

High-performance PFAS-FREE waterproof-breathable fabric is widely recognized as a global industry-level challenge. Current mainstream PFAS-free solutions are largely driven by international technology routes. To secure autonomy over core technologies and broaden consumer choice, ANTA — together with Donghua University — pursued an indigenous R&D pathway and developed a PFAS-FREE, bio-based high-performance waterproofing membrane: AEROVENT ZERO. This innovation represents a distinct “China solution” for the world.

AEROVENT ZERO leverages an internally developed, high moisture-conductivity bio-based polymer combined with micro- and nano-scale structural engineering to deliver a marked improvement in vapor permeability. Coupled with a suite of PFAS-FREE process innovations — including PFAS-FREE durable water-repellent (DWR) surface modification and PFAS-FREE adhesives — the membrane also preserves robust waterproof performance. Test results from Authorized Third-Party Laboratories confirm that waterproof-breathable laminates incorporating AEROVENT ZERO now meet international leading benchmarks on core metrics — a hydrostatic head of 18,000 mmH₂O and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 7,000 g/(m²•24h) — successfully overcoming the global challenge of “PFAS-FREE high performance.”

In a pioneering move, the R&D team substituted petroleum-derived polymers with a bio-based polymer (bio-based content ≈ 20%) in AEROVENT ZERO. This approach not only aligns more closely with long-term sustainability trajectories than many existing PFAS-FREE solutions from international competitors, but it also gives the Chinese brand a decisive first-mover advantage and demonstrates an ability to “leapfrog” in technology development. (PFAS-FREE in this context indicates that no organofluorine compounds were added during production; per GB/T 31126, “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances” were not detected.)

Deep industry-academia integration — ANTA’s model bridges the “final 99 km” from laboratory to market

Translating cutting-edge materials science from the lab to commercial scale requires a long, multifaceted value chain: fundamental research, applied testing, product refinement and finally scaled manufacturing. If the lab breakthrough counts as the opening kilometer of a technical endurance race, then testing, yield optimization and mass production make up the critical remaining 99 kilometers. Backed by extensive in-house R&D capability, a formalized industry-university collaboration with Donghua University, and efficient, deep-level integration across the supply chain — including vertically integrated garment factories — ANTA has closed that gap. The company has become the first in the sector to achieve large-scale production of AEROVENT ZERO, completing the “final 99 km” of scientific and technological achievement transformation

Throughout development, AEROVENT ZERO underwent comprehensive laboratory evaluation, iterative R&D tuning, pilot production trials and real-world field testing, with the overall R&D→testing→production workflow aligned with international advanced standards. After more than a hundred pilot production trials and collaborative field validations conducted with scientific experts across diverse outdoor environments, the product’s quality yield and performance stability meet stringent benchmarks. Thanks to ANTA’s mature manufacturing system and its ability to integrate industrial resources, AEROVENT ZERO not only rivals international brands on technical performance but is also priced at roughly one-third the cost of comparable global fabrics. This price-performance balance enables broader access to high-performance waterproof-breathable textiles, accelerates the diffusion of green textile technologies from lab to consumer, and strengthens the positioning of Chinese brands in leading the global shift toward PFAS-FREE performance apparel.

“The Fabric of the 21st Century” — delivering sustainable solutions for global textile innovation

Against the tide of industrial transformation driven by sustainability, innovation in technical textiles — the pursuit of the “Fabric of the 21st Century” — has become the fulcrum of technological breakthrough and green transition. AEROVENT ZERO, developed domestically in China, supplies the world with a sustainable, scalable solution and signals that Chinese brands, propelled by research excellence, are accelerating the sustainability shift and increasingly participating in the reconfiguration of global technological leadership and market pricing power.

ANTA Group aims to raise the share of sustainable products to 50% and to source 50% of raw materials from sustainable origins by 2030. The large-scale deployment of AEROVENT ZERO marks a significant milestone in ANTA’s sustainability roadmap. The new generation ANTA Waterproof Jacket featuring AEROVENT ZERO will roll out simultaneously to overseas markets, with projected sales surpassing 500,000 units by 2026. Poised to become an iconic product in the high-performance PFAS-FREE outerwear segment, it is expected to stand as a landmark in the high-quality development of China’s footwear and apparel manufacturing sector.

Key milestones in the development of China’s home-grown “AEROVENT“:

2017: ANTA begins investing in research and experimental development for high-performance waterproof-breathable fabrics.

2021: ANTA and Donghua University’s Innovation Research Institute establish a joint project to accelerate R&D in apparel innovation materials and fabric technologies.

September 2023: ANTA and Donghua University jointly introduce China’s first independently developed high-performance waterproof-breathable membrane — AEROVENT — and launch the first ANTA membrane-equipped shell positioned at the ~RMB 1,000 price tier: ANTA Waterproof Jacket.

2024: Small-batch production of ANTA Waterproof Jacket fitted with the PFAS-FREE bio-based ANTA membrane; internal testing and tuning are conducted in collaboration with China National Geographic’s outdoor expert team.

September 2025: ANTA officially releases the PFAS-FREE bio-based high-breathability waterproof membrane — AEROVENT ZERO — and debuts China’s first self-developed high-performance PFAS-FREE shell equipped with it: the new-generation ANTA Waterproof Jacket. Building on this foundation, ANTA continues to advance parallel R&D tracks across multiple technological pathways.

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SOURCE ANTA Group

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE American: LEU) today announced that management will participate in the following upcoming conferences.

• On Tuesday, September 2, management is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the TD Securities Nuclear & Uranium Conference in London
• On Thursday, September 4, management is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings hosted by William Blair in London
• On Friday, September 5, management is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the UBS Nuclear Energy Seminar in London
• On Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, management is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the 27^th Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference in New York
• On Thursday, September 11, management is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the Lake Street Big 9 Conference in New York
• On Friday, September 12, management is scheduled to participate in William Blair’s inaugural Energy & Power Lunch as well as host one-on-one investor meetings in New York
• On Wednesday, September 17, management is scheduled to participate in a virtual fireside chat moderated by J.P. Morgan at 8 p.m. ET
• On Thursday, September 18, management is scheduled to participate in one-on-one investor meetings at the 2025 New York Stock Exchange’s Virtual Energy & Utilities Investor Access Day

To request an invitation or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management at one of the above events, please contact your TD Securities, UBS, H.C. Wainwright, Lake Street, William Blair, J.P. Morgan, or New York Stock Exchange representatives.

About Centrus Energy

Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal. 

With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America’s uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com.

Contacts:

Investors: Neal Nagarajan at NagarajanNK@centrusenergy.com

Media: Dan Leistikow at LeistikowD@centrusenergy.com

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SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp.

With DCM and DCO licenses, ElectronX becomes the first U.S.-regulated, direct-access electricity derivatives market

CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ElectronX, an energy exchange created to address the industry’s volatile short-term price exposure to electricity, today announced it has been granted status as both a Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Designated Clearing Organization (DCO) by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Upon launch later this year, ElectronX will offer small-sized, fully collateralized and centrally cleared derivatives contracts for power market participants of all types to more precisely hedge intraday price risk on a U.S.-regulated, direct-access platform.

“We are pleased to join the CFTC’s storied roster of transparent commodity markets born from an acute need for economic risk transfer,” said Sam Tegel, CEO of ElectronX. “Meeting the high standards required of DCM and DCO status is a significant milestone for our business. Throughout the application process, we’ve received consistent feedback from energy trading participants voicing the need for new ways to manage uncertainty in today’s power market, and we can now provide those innovative solutions through an exchange and clearinghouse with globally recognized integrity.”

Based in Chicago, ElectronX aims to build the missing financial infrastructure necessary to smooth the path for energy proliferation in a time of rapidly increasing demand.

National growth in AI technology and data center development, alongside the continuing electrification of the American economy, has resulted in businesses and consumers requiring more abundant electricity than ever before. Adding new and vital clean sources of power to the U.S. grid—such as solar and wind—has also introduced supply intermittency, leading to stressful short-term price fluctuations that remain inefficiently hedged. Amid this significant upheaval, U.S. power markets require new innovations built to underpin grid stability and financial investment in sustained energy production.

ElectronX’s first products will include intraday bounded futures and binary options for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market. Forty percent of ERCOT’s grid supply is now from renewable sources, leading to regular strain in times of peak usage and extreme weather. ElectronX’s contracts will provide electricity suppliers and consumers, including battery storage operators that fill supply gaps related to renewable production, with immediate financial risk management solutions to hedge intraday price fluctuations in hourly durations.

Contract suites for PJM Interconnection LLC (PJM), California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and other regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) are planned for launch in 2026.

Since early 2024, ElectronX has raised $25 million in seed and strategic funding from premier climate technology and global energy venture capital firms including Innovation Endeavors, Systemiq Capital, Equinor Ventures, Shell Ventures LLC, DCVC, Amplo, BoxGroup, and Lightning Capital.

About ElectronX
ElectronX (EXI) is a U.S.-regulated energy exchange created to address volatile short-term price exposure to electricity. With locations in Chicago and New York City, ElectronX is helping to expand the nation’s power grid by building the financial infrastructure and risk management tools necessary to support increased investment in energy generation, renewable resources, and battery storage technology. For more information, please visit electronx.com.

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SOURCE ElectronX

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With over 3.3 million lives already positively impacted, the company is committed to improving the lives of 1 billion people by 2045 through its 20 purpose-driven brands.

 The Impact Brands believes that business should be a force for good. The company’s goal is to positively impact one billion lives by 2045 by helping people live their best lives while caring for the planet and its communities.

What began as a vision has grown into a powerful movement. With a talented team of 402 passionate individuals worldwide, The Impact Brands has already reached an impressive milestone: over 3.3 million lives positively impacted. Every team is committed to creating wellness products and partnerships that make a lasting difference in health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

A key part of their mission is a partnership with Vitamin Angels. Through their 1-to-1 Charity Support Program, every bottle sold delivers vital nutrition to a child in need. This has already provided life-changing support to 1,447,330 mothers and children, giving them access to essential nutrients

In just five years, The Impact Brands has achieved significant milestones:

• 3,331,985  lives positively impacted
• 19,391,732 product units distributed
• 20 unique and purpose-driven brands
• 191 health-focused products
• A global team of 402 professionals

The Impact Brands is a community rooted in strong values like transparency, innovation, and social responsibility. CEO Giedrius Cekanskis leads this mission, guiding the company with a single question: “Will this help someone live a better life?” This principle drives every decision, from product development to global initiatives.

“Our success is a testament to what’s possible when a company is built on a foundation of purpose,” says Cekanskis. “This principle has enabled us to make a lasting impact on millions of lives. It will be our north star as we work toward our ambitious goal of reaching one billion by 2045.”

With momentum building and an expanding global network, The Impact Brands is just getting started. The journey toward improving one billion lives is ambitious, but the company’s passion and purpose ensure that it is achievable.

This is not just business. This is an impact.

The Impact Brands is a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to positively impact one billion lives by 2045. With a diverse portfolio of 20 brands, the company is dedicated to creating products and partnerships that make a lasting difference in health, wellbeing, and sustainability. For more information, visit https://theimpactbrands.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/impact-brands-aims-to-positively-impact-1-billion-lives-by-2045-302542207.html

SOURCE Impact Brands

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Water Street Capital, Inc. (“Water Street”), a long-term, value-oriented private investment firm, today issued the following statement:

“Water Street Capital set out with a sole mission: to maximize shareholder value for all holders of REC Silicon stock. By electing a new board of directors, we sought to prove that other potential acquirers existed for both the Moses Lake and Butte facilities and proper appreciation would be realized for the company, above the low-ball offer from Anchor AS (“Anchor”).  

“However, what the newly elected REC Board could not have known, as well as any other minority shareholder, is the extent to which Hanwha restricted the REC’s ability to seek outside financing or to identify and fully explore alternative offers. 

“As the board stated on July 7, 2025, ‘Hanwha has not taken any steps to release the Board from these restrictions, but instead approached the Board and reserved the right to initiate legal action against each individual board member for failure to comply with its alleged duties.’

“We believe that this threat of legal action prevented the Board from fulfilling its duty to maximize shareholder value, and Water Street agrees with the Board that ‘the Offer does not reflect the underlying value of the Company given the unlocked potential value of its assets and the future prospects for the alternative energy industry.’ 

“Water Street Capital deplores the treatment of all shareholders in this situation.”

Media Contact
Jonathan Gasthalter
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170

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SOURCE Water Street Capital, Inc.

More than 30 events delivered $150,000 in community support

IRVING, Texas, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TXU Energy’s Beat the Heat program delivered $150,000 in cooling relief this summer, helping communities across Texas stay comfortable and supported.

In partnership with nonprofit agencies from Lubbock to Corpus Christi, the company distributed window A/C units, fans, and other resources to assist families, seniors, and other vulnerable residents, ensuring they had the tools they needed to stay cool at home.

“As longtime Texans, we take pride in being good neighbors and lending a hand when someone’s in need,” said Scott Hudson, president of TXU Energy. “We know the summer heat can be tough. A fan can make cooking or sleeping easier, and a window A/C unit can be life-changing for seniors who spend most of their time at home. Through our Beat the Heat program, TXU Energy is proud to deliver resources that make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”

Program Highlights:

These examples highlight some of the 30+ events TXU Energy held across the state to provide cooling assistance where it was most needed.

• Dallas – The Senior Source – $25,000 for 600 window A/C units and 200 fans
• Lubbock – Catholic Charities of Lubbock / Love The Hub – $25,000 for 730 fans
• Houston – BakerRipley – $10,000 for 525 fans
• Corpus Christi – Mission 911 – $6,000 for 350 fans
• Fort Worth – Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County – $5,000 for window A/C units for seniors
• Tyler – PATH, Meals on Wheels East Texas – $5,000 for 250 fans for seniors

“This program is truly a lifeline for so many in our community,” said Erin Baxter, chief development officer at Catholic Charities of Lubbock. “TXU Energy’s support provided real relief during the hottest days of the year, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to stand with our neighbors when it matters most.”

Year-Round Help Through Energy Aid

Along with its summer Beat the Heat initiative, TXU Energy offers ongoing bill-payment assistance through its Energy Aid program. Funded entirely by TXU Energy, its employees, and customers, Energy Aid helps families in crisis avoid disconnection and remain safely in their homes.

Since its start, the program has given millions of dollars in aid to Texans experiencing financial hardship – working closely with trusted community partners across the state.

“Energy Aid is about more than just keeping the lights on – it’s about helping our neighbors stay in their homes, care for their families, and get back on their feet,” Hudson said. “Whether it’s extreme heat, winter cold, or a financial emergency, TXU Energy is proud to stand alongside Texans all year long.”

About TXU Energy

As the #1 electricity choice of Texans, we’re passionate about creating experiences and solutions tailored to fit the needs of our customers, including electricity plans, online tools to help save, renewable energy options, and more. TXU Energy is also committed to cultivating a dynamic and enjoyable workplace where all our people can succeed. Visit txu.com for more. TXU Energy is a subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST). REP #10004

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SOURCE TXU Energy

Company-wide initiative sends employees into local communities for a day of giving back

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chicken N Pickle, the nationally recognized indoor/outdoor entertainment complex known for its chef-driven restaurant, pickleball courts, and lively community atmosphere, will close all of its locations nationwide on Tuesday, September 2, to celebrate its 6^th annual “Our Hearts Are Local Day,” a company-wide tradition dedicated to giving back to the communities it calls home.

Rather than serving food and games on-site, Chicken N Pickle offers all 2,000 employees the opportunity to spend the day volunteering with local nonprofit organizations in each market. From supporting food banks and animal shelters to helping with community clean-ups and youth programs, Our Hearts Are Local Day has become a cornerstone of the company’s mission to strengthen community connections through service.

“This is one of the most meaningful days of the year for us,” said Kelli Alldredge, President of Chicken N Pickle. “Our Hearts Are Local Day is about rolling up our sleeves, getting out into the neighborhoods we serve, and living our values. Our teams love it, and we’re proud of the impact we’ve made alongside so many incredible nonprofit partners over the past eight years.”

Since its inception, Our Hearts Are Local Day has contributed thousands of volunteer hours across multiple cities, reinforcing Chicken N Pickle’s belief that businesses thrive when their communities do too.

Media are invited to cover the day’s events, spotlight local nonprofit partnerships, and capture the spirit of teamwork and service in action.

Local Volunteer Sites

Arizona

• Glendale, AZ: Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, YMCA Maryvale, Arizonans for Children, Habitat for Humanity RESTORE, Arizona Science Center, Boys & Girls Club of the Valley, Sun Valley Animal Shelter

Colorado

• Thornton, CO: City of Thornton, A Precious Child, Broomfield FISH, HopeKids, Project Angel Heart

Kansas

• Wichita, KS: Humankind Ministries, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, United Way of the Plains, Tanganyika, Larksfield Place

Kansas City Metro

• North Kansas City, MO: Happy Bottoms, New House, Parkville Animal Shelter, The Sewing Labs, Veterans Community Project, The Children’s Place
• Overland Park, KS: Growing Futures, Kansas City Zoo, Operation Breakthrough, Inclusion Connections, Wayside Waifs, Great Plains SPCA, Melissa’s Second Chances, Deanna Rose, The Golden Scoop

Missouri

• St. Charles, MO: Youth in Need, STL Crisis Nursery, Veteran’s Community Project, Black Power Blueprint, St. Charles City County Library, Five Acres Animal Shelter, Oak Grove Cemetery

Nevada

• Henderson, NV: Ronald McDonald House, Hannah’s Closet, Lovewell, Spread the Word Nevada, Pawtastic Friends

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma City, OK: Animal Welfare OKC, Central OK Habitat for Humanity, CHF Autism Center, OKC Zoo, Positive Tomorrows, Sisu Youth

Texas

• Allen, TX: ACO – All Community Outreach, Community LifeLine Center, Meals on Wheels, Hugs Cafe Community Garden, The Samaritan Inn
• Grapevine, TX: GRACE – Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange, Food Pantry, GRACEful Buys (Grapevine & Euless), GRACE Main Campus, The Gatehouse
• Grand Prairie, TX: Hagar’s Heart, Second Chance Dog Rescue, ConqHer, River Legacy, Village Tech, Holy Family Catholic Academy PSO
• San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Food Bank, Texas Diaper Bank, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Family Service, ABC of Southwest Texas, Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries
• Webster, TX: Bay Area Turning Point, Habitat for Humanity, Three Little Pitties, Galveston Food Bank

Supporting the Community
Chicken N Pickle is dedicated to strengthening the neighborhoods it serves through philanthropic initiatives and hands-on community service. Since opening in 2017, the company has supported thousands of local charities and given back more than $5 million to local nonprofits.

In 2024 alone, Chicken N Pickle partnered with nearly 9,000 charitable organizations, hosted more than 8,800 fundraisers, and infused more than $1.1 million back into local communities through in-kind donations, property give-backs and community cup campaigns. Each location also employs a full-time community impact coordinator whose job is to find a way every day to make a positive impact in the community through service-oriented endeavors.

About Chicken N Pickle®
Chicken N Pickle is a family-friendly sports and games venue featuring a casual, chef-driven restaurant, craft cocktails and local brews, pickleball courts and indoor/outdoor games for all ages and abilities in an atmosphere that fosters fun, friendship and community. Through the Our Hearts Are Local program, which focuses on creating philanthropic partnerships, we aim to strengthen our neighborhoods and beyond. Chicken N Pickle hosts dozens of charitable events annually and donates proceeds back to each of the communities we serve. Visit chickennpickle.com for more information.

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SOURCE Chicken N Pickle