ECHA proposes restrictions on chromium(VI) substances to protect health

The European Chemicals Agency brings forward a proposal for an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), substances. The aim is to reduce the harmful effects of these carcinogenic chemicals for both workers and the public.

At the request of the European Commission, ECHA has assessed the risks posed by certain Cr(VI) substances to workers and the public as well as the socio-economic impacts of potential restrictions.

The Agency concluded that an EU-wide restriction is justified as Cr(VI) substances are among the most potent workplace carcinogens and pose a serious risk to workers’ health. People living near industrial sites that release these substances into the environment are also at risk of lung and intestinal cancers.

ECHA proposes to introduce a ban on Cr(VI) substances, except in the following use categories when they meet defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions:

Source Fashion Announces Move To Olympia’s Grand

The responsible Sourcing show, Source Fashion returns from the 8th -10th July 2025, is moving into a larger venue, The Grand Hall, Olympia London to accommodate its season-on-season growth. The show has grown by 30% each season, and now in its 3rd year, is showing no signs of slowing down.  Registration for the event is live from the 29th April 2025.    

Source Fashion is a global platform with exhibitors from over 25 countries including manufacturing power houses China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Turkey as well as a growing focus on the UK and emerging African markets.

As the gateway to the UK fashion industry, Source Fashion connects audited, international manufacturers and suppliers with UK retailers, brands, wholesalers and corporates who want to make better. It has become a must-attend event for decision-makers in buying, sourcing, and procurement. Visitors can explore everything from white-label products to bespoke creation opportunities, all on the show floor.

Gartex Texprocess India – Global Innovations and Rise in Advanced Manufacturing

As the Indian textile and apparel sector embraces digitisation, sustainability, smarter production and responsible manufacturing, Gartex Texprocess India emerges as a critical node in this narrative bringing together the textile and garment machinery manufacturers, denim mill owners, digital textile printing technology solution providers, as well as manufacturers of apparel fabrics, textile and textile processing machinery and more, who are set to unfold innovations. With 125+ participating companies, representing 300+ brands and growing participation from international countries, this edition will offer a panoramic view of the sectors next chapter.

India’s textile industry often referred to as the lifeblood of nations manufacturing economy, is on the cusp of a technology-led transformation. Leading this evolution is Gartex Texprocess India – Mumbai organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. The expo is a definitive sourcing and innovation platform growing with global participation and solutions for the future.

Scoop: A Curated Vision for the Season Ahead

London’s boutique curated showroom event Scoop returns for the Spring/Summer ’26 edition, opening at Olympia National Kensington 13-15 July 2025.  Under the discerning eye of Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley, this season promises a mix of fresh talent, with an exciting blend of emerging names and established international designers and lifestyle brands—all thoughtfully chosen to inspire and engage buyers in a dynamic yet intimate setting.
 
Karen Radley said, “I have always had a passion for discovering new and emerging talent and presenting them to top buyers from across the country and internationally. This July, we're creating a wonderful showcase celebrating originality and forward-thinking design with each collection offering something uniquely captivating for the market. Moving to our new home at Olympia National Kensington gives us more opportunities to surprise and delight Scoop visitors and we’re thrilled to reveal a few of the exciting designers joining the showcase. Watch this space for more to come!”
 

INDA and EDANA Recommend New Entity - The Global Nonwovens Alliance

The Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA met this week to continue progress toward a vision of broad collaboration for the benefit of the industry detailed in a Letter of Intent signed by both organizations in September 2024.
 
This work has progressed to include a recommendation to incorporate a separate tax-exempt federation, the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA), with INDA and EDANA as the founding members. The purpose of this federation is to provide international leadership for the representation and responsible advancement of the global nonwovens industry (“Industry”) while respecting and benefiting its Members.
 
By aligning resources and expanding collaboration GNA will deliver a more unified and coordinated strategy toward the issues and opportunities faced by the Industry. GNA will enable enhanced programs and service value, reach and efficiency. These benefits will translate into increased local and regional benefits as well as drive innovation, operational efficiencies, and long-term industry growth.
 

Move For the Planet Returns - Sport Facilities Against the Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions

adidas announced its latest edition of Move For The Planet - the annual initiative that focuses on making sports facilities more resilient against extreme weather conditions, across the globe. By inspiring everyday athletes to track movement, funds are raised to help deliver sustainability education and help improve the places that sport is played.

For every ten minutes of relevant activity logged in the adidas Running app – or, for the first time, Strava - between 12th-25th May, adidas will donate €1 - up to a total of €1.5 million - to several projects across the globe.  Participants can choose from over 100 trackable sports and movements including running, swimming and wheelchair rugby – and add to the 400,000,000 minutes of movement already logged since the initiative began in 2023.

DyStar further accelerates growth in Americas

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced the cessation of manufacturing operations at DyStar Hilton Davis with partial integration of production within DyStar LP in Reidsville, North Carolina.

The latest integration will impact the production facility of DyStar Hilton Davis, which primarily manufactures Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Dyes (FD&C), Drug and Cosmetic Dyes (D&C), Lakes, Technical Dyes, and Pigment Dispersions. As part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate and optimize our manufacturing footprint (MFO) in Americas, the facility will cease production operations on 30 June 2025.

Following the final instalment of the Group’s consolidation plan, DyStar’s Americas will focus our main production activities at the sites in Reidsville, North Carolina, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025 in Portland with increased attendance

After the successful spring edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS in Munich in March, the Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, made a strong statement in a market still facing global supply chain turbulence: With a 9% increase in attendance and a 30% expansion of the exhibition space at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, the event from April 14–16 brought together over 320 sustainably certified suppliers with decision-makers from leading performance and outdoor brands such as Adidas, Patagonia, REI, Nike, and Vuori.

"In times of economic uncertainty and continued volatility in global supply chains, the 100% exhibitor participation underscores the relevance of our event," said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President. The focus was clearly on resilient partnerships and forward-looking sourcing for the 2026/2027 collections.

Outlast®: Smart Denim with Built-In Temperature Regulation

Denim is timeless. From casual Fridays to nights out, from factory floors to fashion runways - jeans have become an essential part of modern life. But there's one thing even the most loyal denim lovers can't deny: on warm days, they can make you sweat. Outlast Technologies GmbH is changing that - by making denim that helps you sweat less and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

After intensive research and development, Outlast introduces its temperature regulation technology into denim fabrics - without compromising the rugged authenticity and durability denim is known for. The result is a smarter, more comfortable denim that adapts to the body's temperature, no matter the season or activity.

“Jeans are the undisputed icon of modern fashion - they work for every occasion,” says Volker Schuster, director of R&D at Outlast Technologies GmbH. “But when the temperature rises, they can become uncomfortable. That’s exactly the problem we wanted to solve. Our solution is a denim fabric that works with your body, not against it.”

Archroma wins 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards

Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals, has won major awards in key categories at the Just Style 2025 Excellence Awards. It took home a coveted Innovation Excellence award for its bio-based PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 durable water repellent (DWR) and an Environmental Excellence award for advancing water circularity at its Mahachai plant in Thailand.

The awards recognize Archroma’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the textile and fashion sector with win-win innovations that protect the environment while delivering value for brands and mills, local communities and end-consumers.

“As an industry leader working with brands and suppliers worldwide, we feel a deep responsibility to make an impact by putting sustainability at the core of our innovations. Archroma tackles the industry’s biggest challenges head-on - such as developing cleaner and longer-lasting functional effects and reducing water consumption,” Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma, said. “We are honored to be recognized in the Just Style Excellence Awards, and we will continue to strive for a better tomorrow through people-centered sustainability.”