Rohit Aggarwal will take over the position of CEO as of 1 September 2024.
Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Stephan Sielaff will leave the company as of August 31, 2024, by mutual agreement with the Supervisory Board.
Lenzing AG
(c) adidas
adidas Originals and Edison Chen present the next chapter of their collaboration with the debut of an updated CLOT Gazelle in linen khaki and blue. The ongoing collaboration debuts its first global apparel range with the CLOT August Collection by Edison Chen.
As Edison Chen continues to build bridges between East and West, Chen brings together renowned Spanish football players, Vicky Lopez and Mapi Leon, and Tino El Pingüino, an influential rapper in the Latin music scene, to celebrate this new collection through a campaign that opens the door to their own imaginations. Coming together as one, each collaborator invites to experience a taste of their daily reality and the adventurous paths they tread along the way, igniting creativity and inviting consumers to step into new realms through the creative lens of Edison. With this campaign, Edison Chen was inspired to bring together fashion and cultural impact through the sport of football and music, all inspired by Chen’s extensive travels throughout Europe. The campaign embarks on a journey to create something new out of a classic with an untraditional execution for sportswear.
The CLOT Gazelle by Edison Chen arrives with premium nubuck details on a jute upper and an espadrille sole now adorned with blue stripes. The espadrille gives the shoe a luxurious touch while the khaki coloring achieves a playful, relaxing tone. Derived from the study of traditional Espadrille-making and inspired by classic Espadrille artisans, the stitching was applied to the final construction of the CLOT Gazelle, with special attention given to how the upper is assembled to the bottom. The cotton tape is all custom engineered for the shoe and beaded using an intricate process inspired by Eastern influence. Finally, the midsole is custom engineered for maximum support, highlighting the new construction process.
adidas AG
(c) SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.
Computerized textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the 30th edition of the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show in Shanghai, China this month. It will exhibit as part of the newly established Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors to capture various opportunities available as part of the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry.
SHIMA SEIKI will be showing its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software which supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that eventually go to waste. The remarkable realism of textile simulation is achieved by using scanned data of actual yarn to virtually weave or knit, creating an image that resembles real fabric. These fabrics can be utilized in various 3D simulation software including APEXFiz® to create realistic product images. Should the design be approved for production, machine data can be generated to allow smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between the studio and factory. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items, as well as the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world for download and use in virtual sampling.
Knitwear samples produced on the latest lineup of computerized flatbed knitting machines and exclusive to SHIMA SEIKI computerized knitting technology will also be on display, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear that can be produced in their entirety without linking or sewing, as well as hybrid knit-weave samples proposed as an alternative to wovens.
SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD.
Lohia Corp Limited (LCL) announced two milestones that mark their expansion in the global market.
The company has acquired J.J. Jenkins Inc., specialized in machine manufacturing for high-tech industries, through their US subsidiary, Leesona Corp, a pioneer in winding machines. This acquisition aligns with their strategic vision to expand their specialty yarns and tapes portfolio in medical and defence applications.
In addition, LCL has formed a strategic Joint Venture with Italy's O.M.G.M. sas, leading to the creation of OMGM Extrusiontechnik Srl. With LCL holding the majority stake. This JV represents a diversification of their product portfolio, introducing solutions in Extrusion and Winding systems for a variety of technical applications.
Lohia Corp Limited
(c) OEKO-TEX
Dr. Alfred J. Beerli, the new CEO of OEKO-TEX®, started in June. Dr Beerli brings experience in strategic management consulting and operational, IT and knowledge management.
The Swiss native has served as CEO of information and communications technology consultancy uniQconsulting ag and workwear provider workfashion.com ag. From 2012 to 2016 he was a Board Member of amfori BSCI, a leading initiative to improve working conditions in global supply chains.
In his role as CEO of OEKO-TEX®, Dr Beerli is further developing the OEKO-TEX® portfolio. Along with the 17 independent research and testing institutes of the OEKO-TEX® Association he is committed to ensuring sustainable and transparent processes in the international textile and leather industry. A focus of his work is dialogue and cooperation with government institutions, initiatives and trade associations, for which he has excellent expertise and an extensive network.
(c) TESTEX
TESTEX, a provider of textile and leather testing and certification, has joined the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) as a Corporate Member. This membership strengthens their commitment to advancing the global textile industry through collaboration and innovation.
Mr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF: “ITMF is delighted to welcome TESTEX as its latest member. Testing and certifying is an integral part of the textile value chain. It is important for ITMF to have TESTEX actively participate in ITMF. This step does not only strengthen ITMF’s position as a unique international platform for the global textile value chain, it also helps ITMF and its members to discuss topics related to testing and certification in close partnership with the leading testing and certifying organization”.
Mr. Marc Sidler, Group CMO of TESTEX: “By becoming a member of ITMF, TESTEX is joining an organisation that brings together the entire textile value chain from fibre producers to manufacturers of garments and home textiles. Having access to the ITMF’s publications, statistics, and surveys as well as events like workshops, conferences, and webinars enables us to better understand the global dynamics of the textile value chain as well as to strengthen the network with associations and companies around the world.”
TESTEX
From 7 to 9 August 2024, the sixth edition of IFCO Istanbul Fashion Connection took place with 300 exhibitors in a total of 4 halls at the Istanbul Expo Centre.
With this event, Istanbul Fashion Connection underlines its importance as a hub for the international fashion industry. Compared to the previous year's event, the proportion of international visitors increased by 13.9%. Almost 18,000 visitors came to IFCO in Istanbul, 35% of whom came from abroad. The most represented region was Asia with 31.3%, followed by the Middle East (31.3%), Europe (16.4%), North Africa (13.4%), North America, South America and Africa together with 3.1%. High-ranking buyer groups from a total of 121 countries came to IFCO to find out about the latest fashion trends, network and place orders.
Divided into clear product areas on a total of 30,000 square metres of exhibition space in four halls, brands and manufacturers presented the latest collections from the areas of womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, sportswear, evening and wedding wear, lingerie, hosiery, leather and furs.
The next IFCO is planned for 5-8 February 2025.
IFCO / JANDALI MODE.MEDIEN.MESSEN
Photo: Reifenhäuser
With effect from July 1, Eugen Friedel is leading the business of Reifenhäuser Blown Film as the new part of the dual management team alongside Dr. Andreas Neuss. Friedel succeeds Marcel Perrevort, who has moved to the Reifenhäuser Group holding company as Chief Sales Officer.
Friedel, who has a degree in business administration, has held various sales positions at Reifenhäuser Blown Film for over 25 years - most recently as Sales Director. In addition to focusing on sales, he is also responsible for product management and purchasing within the dual management team.
Reifenhäuser Group
Archroma is bringing its latest “Planet Conscious+” innovations to FEBRATEX 2024 in Brazil with the aim to empower the region’s textile mills and brands to lead the industry shift to sustainability.
SUPER SYSTEMS+ are end-to-end systems that combine fiber-specific processing solutions and intelligent effects. Drawing on the industry’s broadest product portfolio, the SUPER SYSTEMS+ suite encompasses wet processing solutions that deliver measurable environmental impact from sizing to finishing; durable colors and functional effects that add value and longevity to the end product; and cleaner chemistries that eliminate harmful or regulated substances.
Textile industry professionals will be able to explore Archroma’s “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” vision at FEBRATEX 2024 and discover SUPER SYSTEMS+ technologies such as Archroma’s DENIM HALO, a newly launched concept for denim production that is both eco-friendly and simple, aniline-free* DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 LIQ pre-reduced indigo, and the patented EarthColors® technology that creates high-performance bio waste-based dyes from non-edible food and agricultural waste. Archroma is also showcasing ULTRATEX® STS-U, a compatible hydrophilic silicone softener for cotton and cotton blended knits with great running stability, Siligen® EH1, a biomass-based silicone softener that has great moisture management and delivers a smooth soft touch, AVITERA® SE GENERATION NEXT for cellulosic fibers and blends that enables significant resource savings, chlorine fastness and improved cost-to-performance ratio for dark and extra-dark shades, and ERIOPON® E3-SAVE all-in-one auxiliary.
Archroma
(c) Neste
Neste is expanding its logistics infrastructure for liquefied recycled raw materials at its refinery in Porvoo, Finland, including materials such as liquefied waste plastic and liquefied rubber tires. This lays the foundation to handling larger amounts of liquefied raw materials to support Neste’s strategic aims to advance chemical recycling and transform the Porvoo refinery into a renewable and circular solutions hub.
The new logistics installations comprise dedicated unloading facilities: At the refinery’s harbor, Neste is building an unloading arm with a heating system as well as pipelines to connect the harbor with dedicated storage tanks. Unlike regular crude oil, liquefied waste plastic or discarded rubber tires require heating to stay liquid. At the same time, the systems need to come with higher resistance to corrosion. In addition to the unloading arm and pipelines, Neste is also building a vapor recovery unit, contributing to emission control of the operations.
The new logistics infrastructure is expected to be completed in 2024. It will, therefore, be available when Neste finishes construction of its liquefied waste plastic upgrading unit at the Porvoo refinery, which is currently being built as part of the project PULSE, planned to be finalized during 2025. At the upgrading unit, the liquefied raw materials are turned into high-quality feedstock for the plastics and chemicals industry.
Neste
(c) Freudenberg Performance Materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will present packaging solutions with various sustainability benefits at Fachpack 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, from September 24-26. The range of exhibited products includes Evolon® microfilament textiles for reusable technical packaging of sensitive industrial parts, bio-based nonwoven materials for desiccant bags, and Evolon® The Food Bag – a solution for food preservation.
Freudenberg’s innovative Evolon® technical packaging product line will emphasize the company’s commitment to sustainability. Evolon® offers enhanced surface protection for various kinds of sensitive industrial parts, including molded plastics and painted components. It is notable for its durability and high recycled PET content. The microfilament fabric serves as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use packaging, particularly in the transportation of sensitive industrial goods such as automotive parts. Evolon®'s protective qualities reduce damage during transport and lower the rejection rate.
Additionally, Evolon® ESD (electro-static discharge) materials address the need for specialized packaging of sensitive electronic components by providing customizable permanent electro-static discharge protection in additional to surface protection.
Evolon® The Food Bag
Freudenberg will also be exhibiting a packaging product for food preservation in the home. Evolon® The Food Bag extends the shelf life of vegetables, fruits and bread by providing great moisture and climate management. The innovative bag was a finalist in the 2020 Zu gut für die Tonne! prize (“Too Good For The Bin”), part of the National Strategy for Food Waste Reduction launched by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
Sustainable nonwoven materials for desiccant bags
A further highlight at Fachpack 2024 will be nonwoven materials for manufacturing desiccant bags. In addition to conventional fully synthetic materials, Freudenberg’s product range includes sustainable bio-based wetlaid nonwovens which are binder-free and industrially compostable.
Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH
Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has published a white paper that details how the organization’s Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM) can help companies meet their regulatory reporting obligations under European Union (EU) law. The paper, titled “How the Higg BRM Supports CSRD Reporting Obligations,” speaks specifically to how the tool is continually evolving to support companies in meeting their regulatory reporting requirements under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
In the face of today’s challenging and ever-changing legislative landscape, brands and retailers require reliable tools to support them in meeting compliance requirements. The Higg BRM is the leading framework specific to the textile, apparel, and footwear industry designed for brands and retailers to evaluate, assess, and improve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The tool assesses 11 critical impact areas along global value chains to foster a holistic approach to sustainability, and is available on Worldly, a sustainability data and insights platform.
The Higg BRM has evolved to assist brands and retailers in fulfilling reporting obligations, while also supporting companies in the development of consistent corporate sustainability strategies to streamline efforts and reduce redundancy across sustainability initiatives. Beginning in 2024, Cascale conducted a thorough analysis of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which provides specific guidance on how companies should report on sustainability. Cascale mapped how the standards align with the Higg BRM, offering a clear pathway for organizations aiming to comply with ESRS. As detailed in the white paper, there is a 65 percent content overlap between the ESRS and the Higg BRM.
While the Higg BRM aligns broadly with ESRS on sustainability topics, it also delves deeper into issues that are specific to the textile, apparel, and footwear sector. This focus on sector-specific material issues ensures Higg BRM users can expect a comprehensive tool that not only meets general reporting requirements but also emphasizes the nuances and priorities unique to the industry.
Cascale is currently hosting an ongoing webinar series titled “Navigating Legislation & the Higg Index,” which highlights how the Higg Index tools serve as a valuable resource and can offer specific guidance on reporting requirements. The most recent webinar, co-hosted by Cascale and Worldly, provided an in-depth discussion on how the Higg BRM intersects with key pieces of legislation at the EU level, such as the CSRD.
Cascale is committed to continuously evolving, updating, and refining the Higg Index to meet the needs of its members, Higg Index users, and the industry. In collaboration with Worldly, the Higg BRM will be further refined to enhance alignment with the CSRD and other relevant regulations. By identifying and bridging gaps, the Higg BRM continues to support stakeholders in achieving a more structured and transparent approach to sustainability reporting.
Cascale
Photo: Gunold GmbH
Gunold GmbH, a company specialized in embroidery thread, introduces a change in management. With Aileen and Kevin Gunold taking over the management on April 1, 2024, the company is now being run by the fourth generation of the Gunold family. Christoph Gunold, who managed the company for almost three decades, is delighted that his children are continuing the family business.
Kevin Gunold, with a degree in Business Administration and Law, shares his experience from the automotive industry, while Aileen Gunold, who studied International Business Administration and gained extensive experience in corporate and marketing consulting, contributes her expertise in strategic and operational areas such as business development and customer experience management.
The Gunold GmbH, which is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary, relies on the pillars of reliability and 24/7 online ordering options. For long-term competitiveness, it is also crucial to make the business models sustainable in terms of environmental and social aspects. Digitization is an important key to securing the future of the company.
Gunold GmbH
Photo: Reifenhäuser
As of July 1, Marcel Perrevort has been appointed Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of the Reifenhäuser Group. He succeeds Ulrich Reifenhäuser, who had been in this position for more than 25 years. With this decision, the family-owned machinery and plant manufacturer is consistently continuing the already initiated generational transition in its management structure.
Perrevort has held various sales and management positions within the Reifenhäuser Group for over ten years - most recently as Managing Director of Reifenhäuser Blown Film. In his new role as CSO, he is primarily responsible for the Group's sales and service strategy and its alignment with the activities of the business units.
Ulrich Reifenhäuser will continue his work in associations and committees within the plastics industry and will remain at the disposal of the Reifenhäuser Group as a representative and consultant with adjusted work hours.
Reifenhäuser Gruppe
Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH announces its participation in Febratex 2024, the premier event for the textile industry in Brazil and across Latin America.
At this year’s event, Terrot will exhibit the Pilotelli JVCE-4 machine, demonstrating their commitment to advancing textile technology and supporting the industry’s growth. The machine model is known for its high production capabilities in outerwear textiles and shows great results in knitting single-jersey fabrics, including plain single (up to E44), piqué or two-thread fleece.
(c) adidas AG
adidas launches its 19-piece FW24 New York Tennis apparel collection – a range of high-performance pieces built to optimize movement and reduce distraction.
The collection, which features blue and white colorways inspired by the hard courts of New York, has been crafted utilizing insights from motion capture technology. The technology, which uses digital image recording to test a moving target, measures the strain on an athlete’s body over time, revealing areas that generate the most heat during play.
These insights informed key design features, such as the strategic material placements of fabric and cut-outs. Following the natural curves of the body, they were purposefully placed in high-movement areas – such as the shoulders and under the arm – to help maximize players’ range of motion. Pieces featuring this technology include the women’s AEROREADY Dress Pro and the women’s HEAT.RDY Match Skirt Pro, which features pleats over the upper leg, allowing for maximum flexibility and adaptability, to help players change direction with ease.
White color blocking is placed in the shoulder and torso areas, which is where the most heat is generated, of the men’s HEAT.RDY FreeLift Polo Shirt Pro and men’s HEAT.RDY Tank Top Pro, to help keep players feeling cool. adidas’ AIRCHILL technology is leveraged to create ventilation zones in high-sweat areas of the body in the men’s AIRCHILL FreeLift T-Shirt Pro and women’s AIRCHILL Match Tank Pro, which uses thermally zoned, raised pattern motifs and mesh layers to maximize airflow.
The head-to-toe collection premiers at the final major tournament of the season and will be worn by athletes including Jessica Pegula, Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina, Maria Sakkari, Daria Kasatkina, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
adidas AG
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the conference program for Hygienix™ 2024, November 18-21, The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, TN. This year’s theme, “Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions,” will provide insights into the latest industry advancements.
Event highlights include:
Pre-conference webinars
Workshops (Monday, November 18th)
Networking opportunities
Presentation Preview
Hygienix Innovation Award™
A highlight of the event, the Hygienix Innovation Award™ will feature presentations from three finalists on Tuesday, November 19th. The winner, to be announced on Thursday, November 21st, will be recognized for their innovative contributions to absorbent hygiene products. Nominations are open until September 16th, 2024. Last year’s winner, Sequel Spiral™ Tampon, received FDA clearance in August 2023 and is expected to be widely available in 2024.
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
(c) adidas AG
adidas announces the return of the iconic trefoil to the pitch, with the launch of the third jerseys for each of five European clubs (Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid).
Over the past few decades, the adidas trefoil has come to represent the latest in contemporary street style and, since 2000, has been used exclusively for adidas Originals collections and limited-edition jerseys designed for off-pitch wear. With the 75th anniversary of the brand approaching in 2025, adidas is bringing it back to the pitch, not only with a nod to its status in the history of the sport, but also in recognition of the increasing role fashion plays in the contemporary game.
The on-field version of the jersey is constructed with HEAT.RDY technology, using advanced materials to maximize air flow to keep players feeling cool, while the fan version features AEROREADY technology, which uses sweat-wicking or absorbent materials to keep the body feeling dry.
Graphic by TBI
The Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), a joint INSA Toulouse/ INRAE/ CNRS research unit, and Carbios, a French green chemistry company pioneering the world of bioplasturgy, presented a study entitled ”An engineered enzyme embedded into PLA to make self-biodegradable plastic”. This study reinforces Carbios and TBI's pioneering work in the field of enzymatic degradation of plastics.
The work describes the engineering strategies deployed to ensure the development of an enzyme capable of biologically depolymerizing polylactic acid (PLA)-based plastic materials over a wide temperature and pH range, reflecting the natural variations found in the life cycle of domestic compost.
It also describes the methodologies and challenges involved in obtaining homogeneous incorporation of the enzyme into PLA films at high temperatures (170°C), while retaining sufficient activity to enable the plastic produced to degrade completely and rapidly under domestic and industrial composting conditions, as well as in anaerobic digestion (methanization). It highlights the optimization process used to obtain an enzyme capable of withstanding the 170°C required to melt it into PLA by extrusion. The new enzymatic material is shown to disintegrate and biodegrade at a much faster rate than the 26 weeks required for certification for use in home composting, and also to help produce more biomethane, another source of waste recovery. It is also stated that the enzymatic material remains intact during long-term storage, and that its degradation will only be activated when transferred to composting or methanization conditions, thus guaranteeing its compatibility with PLA-based commercial applications such as flexible packaging or short-life items like food containers.
This work was mainly carried out within the INSA/Carbios PoPlaB (Polymers, Plastics and Biotechnology) cooperative laboratory at TBI and was supported by a grant for scientific research (THANAPLAST project, OSEO ISI contract number I 1206040W).
The Lenzing Group has been awarded platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. The rating comprehensively covers the four most important practices in the area of corporate social responsibility: environment, fair working conditions and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
For the fourth time in a row, Lenzing has been awarded platinum status by EcoVadis. This puts Lenzing in the top one percent of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide. Lenzing achieved the greatest progress this year in the categories of sustainable procurement and ethics. Lenzing also outperformed the previous year in the areas of labor and human rights as well as certifications. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has developed into on of the largest and most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for companies and has created a global network of more than 130,000 rated companies worldwide. The methodological framework evaluates companies' policies, measures and activities, as well as their published reports on the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
In line with its "Naturally Positive" sustainability strategy, the Lenzing Group has set ambitious targets in each of its core strategic areas to further strengthen its transition from a linear to a circular economy model. Every year, Lenzing provides updates on its sustainability initiatives and the progress made in its annual sustainability report. This level of commitment and transparency was also positively emphasized by EcoVadis in its assessment.
Lenzing Gruppe
