From the Sector

Eastman Naia™ returns to Première Vision Paris to showcase the numerous applications of Naia™ Renew staple fibers, demonstrating their transformative potential in fashion. Known for delivering luxurious comfort, fashion-forward style, and a sustainable approach, Naia™ Renew fibers want to set the standard for a more eco-conscious innovation in textile manufacturing.

Cellulosic acetate, in its usual filament fiber form, is renowned for being one of the most reliable materials for achieving that signature silky look. Naia™ Renew staple is a versatile fiber sourced from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% recycled waste material through GRS-certified mass balance accounting, using a low-impact, closed-loop process. Designed for both woven and knitted fabrics, it blends perfectly with premium materials such as wool, cashmere, and linen to create lightweight, breathable textiles. Renowned for its durability and quick-drying properties, Naia™ Renew staple enhances fabrics with a skin-friendly softness that ensures superior comfort. Its low density contributes to a refined, pearl-like luster while keeping garments lightweight.

At Première Vision, Eastman Naia™ will present a curated selection of fabrics and garments developed in collaboration with partners and brands and designed to meet the demands of today’s fashion-forward and environmentally conscious consumers.

Aligned with its core values for mainstreaming circularity, Eastman Naia™ takes the opportunity at Première Vision to celebrate its partnerships with leading mills in Europe, recognized for their advanced textile expertise and sustainability initiatives. These collaborations support the shift towards nearshoring, helping to reduce lead times, streamline logistics, and minimize transportation-related emissions, ultimately lowering the overall environmental footprint.

Scoop closed its doors at Olympia West on Tuesday, marking the triumphant conclusion of its Autumn/Winter 2025 edition. Over three vibrant days, Scoop brought together the best in style, creativity, and industry evolution. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, as buyers and exhibitors forged new connections, discovered fresh trends, and embraced promising opportunities, leaving visitors already looking forward to the next edition in July.

Scoop welcomed a mix of buyers from across the retail sector, with a strong presence from both independent boutiques and major department stores. Premium independents such as The Place London, The Hambledon, Cordelia James, Doyles, The Mercantile, Jules B, Kiti Cymru, The Dressing Room, Sass and Edge attended, alongside buying teams from Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Hoopers, John Lewis, Jarrolds, Anthropologie and Morleys, all exploring the latest collections. Additionally, Irish retailers, including Emporio, Nu Chic, Sorrento, Rococo, Macbees, Ribbon Rouge, and Sybil, were among those discovering exciting new brands and trends for the upcoming season.

Scoop showcased a unique lineup of designers, bringing together a diverse mix of established names and emerging talent. Among the designer included the likes of Alohas, Gas Bijoux, Emily Lovelock, Beatriz Furest, Dixie, Fabienne Chapot, Isabelle Blanche, Nobody’s Child, Oats & Rice, The Tiny Big Sister, Zapa, Augusta and Dr Bloom. Exhibitors were full of praise for the show, highlighting the exceptional atmosphere, high-quality buyers, and strong business opportunities.

Recognised by designers, fashion buyers and industry experts as one of the UK’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade shows, Scoop offers visitors a unique buying environment to discover some of the most exceptional brands on the market.

The exhibitor list is carefully curated each season to focus on emerging international designers and lifestyle brands, many of whom select Scoop as their only trade platform.

Launched in February 2011 by Karen Radley, Scoop has since developed from exclusively womenswear-only to encompassing luxury homewares, beauty, lifestyle and men’s collections.

Recent shifts in consumer attitudes in China show a willingness to invest more in quality and a growing emphasis on product functionality. This has been well noted by forward-thinking companies across the home textile supply chain. In addition to the latest related offerings in upholstery, towels, carpets, rugs, curtains and many more, smart bedding is set to emerge as a key trend at the upcoming Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition. From 11 to 13 March 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, visitors can explore these trends and discover the latest innovations, alongside specialised pavilions and a diverse fringe programme centred on sustainability, and smart bedding aiding sleep quality.

Driven by global population growth, rising disposable incomes, and evolving lifestyles, the smart bedding market, encompassing products such as smart mattresses and sleep tracking technology, is projected for substantial growth. The global market for smart mattresses is expected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%, with innovative bedding also increasingly sought after at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles.  

Comprehensive sourcing experience awaits buyers
Notable suppliers are set to gather to showcase diversified products that meet modern market requirements. Highlighted exhibitors include:

• Bedding: 3M China Limited, Coolist Life Technology Co Ltd, Jihua 3542 Textile Co Ltd, Yantai North Home Textile Co Ltd
• Down: Shanghai Donglong Home Textile Products Co Ltd, Liuqiao Group Co Ltd
• Mattress: Fujian Generous Sleeping Technology Co Ltd, Hui Zhou Wah Shing Company Ltd
• Towelling: Nantong No.3 Towel Factory Co Ltd, Sunvim Group Co Ltd
• Others: Tela’s Design Lda (Textile design), Shinwon Felt Co Ltd (wall)

With a strong domestic contingent, the show will welcome eight major Chinese home textile pavilions, representing various sectors within the industry. These pavilions include the Nantong and Huzhou Pavilions showcasing bedding fabrics and textile design; Qingdao Pavilion and Zhejiang Quilting Craft Association, specialising in bedding and pet products; Zhejiang Down Association Pavilion, focusing on down comforter products; Gaoyang Pavilion, presenting towelling and home products; Wool Spinning Association, showcasing coral fleece, flannels and other blankets; and Zhenze Pavilion, exhibiting silk bedding.

Fringe programme highlighting innovations in bedding and other home textiles
In addition to a robust lineup of exhibitors, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will host various fringe events to keep attendees informed about emerging developments, trends, and key insights, including Sleeping Aid Summit 2025 and Green and Low Carbon Forum. Other notable events at the show include the award presentations and launch ceremonies for ‘Zhenze Silk Cup’ and ‘Zhang Jian Cup’.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2025 will be held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

Source Fashion, a European leading responsible sourcing show, has revealed a snapshot of the trend-led catwalk themes set to take centre stage at its February 2025 show. Taking place from 18th – 20th February at Olympia London, the Source Catwalk will bring to life a visionary blend of innovation, sustainability, and sensory-rich fashion experiences, highlighting the future of responsible design, as well as bespoke designs by headline designer Stuart Trevor.
 
Trend Highlights AW25 - 26
Three key overarching macro trends and seasonal design directions for AW25 – 26 for womenswear; Multisensory, Transformative, and Rejuvenating. These feature micro womenswear stories that are set to influence collections.
 
CircusPlay – A multisensory spectacle inspired by the whimsical world of the circus, this trend introduces bold colours, exaggerated silhouettes, and rich textures. Standout pieces include the Bubble Hem Dress, Volume Draped Top, and Exaggerated Shoulder Top, embracing playful theatricality while remaining wearable for the modern consumer.
 
Hyper Tactile – Fashion becomes an immersive, sensory experience, merging visual drama with the pleasure of touch. This trend features an organic colour palette, with hues such as Organic Matter and Enchanted Forest, evoking purity, warmth, and nature’s enchanting textures.
 
Reconstructed – A celebration of upcycling and sustainability, Reconstructed fashion breathes new life into garments through patchwork designs, mixed textiles, and artistic repurposing. The colour palette blends earthy neutrals with Desert Architect tones—balancing warm golds and cool stony greys.
 
Plant Power – A tribute to botanical beauty and plant-based materials, this trend spotlights innovative textiles such as Piñatex (pineapple leaf fabric), organic cotton, and nature-inspired textures. Dominated by greens and browns, with subtle contrasts, Plant Power redefines sustainable luxury.
 
Headline Designer: Stuart Trevor to Showcase Bespoke Collection
Renowned designer Stuart Trevor will unveil a bespoke collection from his eponymous label, bringing his signature craftsmanship and innovation to the Source Catwalk.
 
The Source Catwalk Showtimes

• Tuesday: 11am, 1pm, and 3.30pm
• Wednesday: 10.30am, 1pm, and 3.30pm
• Thursday: 11am and 1pm

JEC World will take place from 4 to 6 March 2025 under the motto ‘Pushing the Limits’. The leading trade fair for lightweight construction is a networking centre for creativity, vision and action. It shows how composite materials are pushing the boundaries of projects and ambitions.

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) is building on this motto and will be presenting highly oriented semi-finished products and organic sheets made from recycled carbon fibres for aviation in Paris in 2025. These semi-finished products currently represent the limit in the field of rCF. In addition, the members of the MC4 consortium, in which the STFI optimises recycling solutions for composite materials made from glass and carbon fibres with European partners, will be presenting their results at their own stand. With the newly installed wetlaid nonwoven system, the Saxon institute also offers a nonwoven technology that will also be of interest for the reuse of short carbon fibres in the future. Visit us at the joint stand of the Saxony Economic Development Corporation and talk to our team of lightweight construction and recycling experts.

At this year's JEC Composites Innovation Awards ceremony, the award in the "Construction & Civil Engineering" category went to the "DACCUSS" project, coordinated by the DITF. TechnoCarbon Technologies GbR, the inventor of Carbon Fiber Stone (CFS), received the JEC Award together with its development partners. The award is for the development of house walls made of Carbon Fiber Stone (CFS), a CO2 negative composite material.

Each year, the JEC Composites Innovation Awards recognize innovative and creative projects that demonstrate the full potential of composite materials. With the help of a development team from 12 companies and research institutions, TechnoCarbon Technologies GbR successfully submitted its innovative DACCUSS building element for house walls made of Carbon Fiber Stone.

Carbon Fiber Stone is a building material made of natural rocks and bio-based carbon fibers. It serves as an environmentally friendly replacement for CO2-intensive concrete in the construction industry. While conventional concrete walls release large amounts of CO2 during production, the DACCUS building element binds 59 kg of CO2 per square meter and therefore has a negative carbon footprint. In addition, the panels weigh only one-third of equivalent reinforced concrete house walls.

Each DACCUS element consists of several high-strength natural stone slabs made from magmatic rock. Inside the construction are bio-based carbon fibers, which the DITF Denkendorf is working intensively to develop. They form the stiffening element that enables the high strength of the construction elements and, in turn, contribute to the negative CO2 balance. The layer between the natural rock slabs is filled with carbon-negative biochar granulate, which is responsible for the insulation of the building element. The mineral sawdust from the cut rock slabs can be used as a soil amendment and serves as a binder for free CO2 from the atmosphere. The strict focus on processes and materials that actively bind CO2 has made it possible to produce a building material with a negative CO2 balance.

Partners: Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf (DITF), TechnoCarbon Technologies GbR, Universität Hamburg (UHH), Labor für Stahl- und Leichtmetallbau GmbH (LSL), AHP GmbH & Co. KG, Technische Universität München (TUM), GVU mbH, Silicon Kingdom Holding Ltd., Gallehr Sustainable Risk Management GmbH, Peer Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, GREIN srl, Convoris Group GmbH, RecyCoal GmbH, ITA, Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen, LISD GmbH.

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will be showcasing its high-performance textile and nonwoven solutions for the composites industry at JEC World, the leading international composites show, in Paris, France. These include Enka®Solutions flow media and spacers for composites manufacturing and surfacing veils.

Composite manufacturers will have the opportunity to discuss solutions for optimizing resin infusion and foam injection molding processes with the experts, focusing on Enka®’s unique 3D polymeric filament structures used in Enka®Solutions flow media and spacers. With this technology, manufacturers benefit from a marked improvement in both quality and efficiency, ensuring their products meet the highest standards.

In vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes, composites manufactured using Enka®Solutions flow media have a superior bond and enhanced mechanical properties, which significantly decreases the risk of wrinkling and defects in the final products. Enka®Solutions flow media ensure rapid and reliable resin distribution. This guarantees full wet-out of the internal structure whilst keeping glass fiber reinforcement nettings and component surfaces precisely in place.

Freudenberg will also be presenting Enka®Solutions spacers, which contribute to faster production cycles and reproducible high-quality finished products.

Nonwoven surfacing veils for anti-corrosive coatings in piping and tank construction, UV-resistant facade panels, and other FRP end products.

Freudenberg’s surfacing veils are an essential part of FRP components and provide abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, smooth surfaces, and enhanced mechanical strength. As one of the world’s leading nonwoven manufacturers, Freudenberg’ portfolio of technologies is well suited to meeting the different needs of FRP part manufacturers. At JEC, the company’s experts will highlight the wide variety of technical capabilities for combining glass, PAN, and PET, in the shape of fibers or filaments, using their unique nonwoven expertise in wetlaid, drylaid, and spunbond processes.

Advancing Compliance, Quality, and Sustainability in India’s Textile and Leather Sectors: OETI, an internationally accredited testing and certification institute and founding member of the OEKO-TEX® Association, announces its participation in Bharat Tex 2025, New Delhi, from February 14 to 17, 2025.

“Our participation in Bharat Tex reflects OETI’s commitment to the Indian market. As a founding member of OEKO-TEX®, we bring extensive experience to support the growing demand for quality, sustainability, and compliance with international standards by providing advanced testing and certification,” said Vignesh Amalraj, OETI’s Country Manager for India.

What Visitors Can Expect
At Bharat Tex 2025, OETI will showcase solutions tailored to the textile and leather sectors’ needs, focusing on sustainability and compliance:

• EU Sustainability Regulations: Guidance on key EU import regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), Green Claims Directive, Digital Product Passport (DPP), and others.
• Consumer Safety, Sustainability & Transparency: Leveraging the comprehensive OEKOTEX ® product portfolio to ensure trust and traceability.
• Product Safety: Certification of PPE (personal protective equipment) for placing products on the European markets.
• Testing and certifying: Textiles, floor coverings, interior-design materials and emissions.
• Sustainable Chemical Management: ZDHC-approved training to help brands and manufacturers minimise environmental impact.
• TESTEX Academy: Insights into the online learning platform developed by Swiss-based TESTEX AG, OETI’s parent company, in collaboration with FutureWear Group. The platform covers critical topics like the Circular Economy and the EU Waste Framework. “OETI’s strategy for the Indian market focuses on empowering businesses to meet global standards in compliance, quality, and sustainability, enhancing global competitiveness. By participating in Bharat Tex, and as a founding member of the OEKO-TEX® Association, we aim to help Indian industries navigate complex challenges and deliver transparency and due diligence across the supply chain,” added Dr Miriam Scheffelmeier, OETI’s Global Head of Marketing and Sales.

When PERFORMANCE DAYS opens its doors on March 5-6, 2025, at halls C4 and C5 at Messe München, visitors will once again discover fabric innovations for Spring/Summer 2027 across the Performancewear, Bodywear, and Accessories segments. For the first time, a dedicated Wool Forum will be introduced alongside the existing Trend, Footwear, and Bodywear Forums. A jury of renowned industry experts carefully reviewed the submissions for the upcoming season and awarded a total of four prizes.

At the heart of the event, the Trend Forum will showcase the award-winning fabrics for the first time, including the winners of the PERFORMANCE AWARD and the ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD. As the dedicated Footwear Area will now only appear at the fall fair, this year’s Footwear Forum will also be integrated into the Trend Forum in Hall C4. Additionally, visitors can explore the first-ever Wool Forum, located in the Wool Area, which mirrors the setup of the Bodywear Forum in the Bodywear Collective.

The jury, led by Marco Weichert, CEO of PERFORMANCE DAYS, along with Clarissa Stadelmann (Product Manager), Jury Head Alexa Dehmel, Regina Goller (Head of Innovation & Future Trends), and guest juror Laura Howe, Fabric Technologist at Mountain Equipment, expressed their enthusiasm for the outstanding submissions.

Sustainability and innovation in focus: Wool makes a grand comeback
The materials were divided into 13 categories, including 3-layer membranes, baselayers, workwear, bags, waterproof 2-layer fabrics, wool, and others. A particular emphasis was placed on this season’s Focus Topic: “Certifications – Which Ones Matter?”. The top 28 fabrics from each category, along with insights from the Focus Topic compiled by CSR specialist Anna Schuster, will be presented in the Trend Forum.

Previous focus topics have significantly elevated the quality of submissions. The Fall 2024 topic, “Colorization: Chemistry is Everywhere,” spurred a rise in the use of bio-synthetic dyes. Meanwhile, the Spring 2024 theme, “The Future of Polyester: Beyond the Bottle,” showcased advancements in textile-to-textile recycling materials.

This year, developments in the categories of Membranes, Safety & Durability (including aramid fibers), and Wool particularly stood out. Wool demonstrated exceptional versatility, being used in applications ranging from windbreakers to shirts. There was also notable growth in materials such as hemp-lyocell blends, recycled polyamide, and multi-component yarns. Two standout fabrics included a “Hulk fabric” featuring color-shifting effects under tension and a luxuriously soft modal-cashmere knit.

The award-winning innovations and highlighted materials will be on display during PERFORMANCE DAYS on March 5-6, 2025, in halls C4 and C5 at Messe München.

It is getting exciting again in Cologne on 12 and 13 March for the cellulose fibres industry. Six new products have been nominated for the popular innovation award.

Every year, the conference organisator nova-Institute together with award sponsor GIG Karasek honours companies that impress with their creativity, technological progress and ecological impact. The aim of the award is not only to recognise the winners’ innovative products, but also to set an example for the courage to innovate.

The nominees’ presentations, the voting and the winner ceremony will take place on 12 March at the Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025. Participants of the conference can vote live for the three winners. More than 220 people are expected to attend.

The Nominees

Fibers365 (DE): Hemp365 – Agricultural Decorative and Carrier Material
The solution “hemp365” is characterised by the development of a cost-effective, plant-based decorative and carrier material through the chemical-free processing of a regional agricultural fibre and the use of resulting short fibres in a wet-laid process, allowing for a massive reduction in the amount of fossil based binders required for strength and functionality. The non fibre content is less than 7 % and is also made from biogenic and biodegradable material. Hemp365 is 100% natural and vegan. It has been designed for consumer (fashion) and industrial applications in cooperation with an automotive OEM.

Releaf Paper France (FR): Releaf Fiber – Eco-Friendly Paper from Urban Fallen Leaves
Releaf Paper France transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Using proprietary low-temperature extraction, high-quality fibres with excellent paper-forming properties are isolated. With a cellulose content of 32-48 % and properties similar to hardwood, RELEAF fibres are ideal for packaging materials like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags. This innovative process, which requires minimal water and non-aggressive solvents, aligns with circular economy principles, repurposing millions of tons of urban leaf waste annually and supporting global brands in achieving sustainable packaging solutions.

SA-Dynamics (DE): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles – Next-Generation Insulation Materials
Cellulose Aerogel Textiles are revolutionary insulation materials made from 100 % biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibres. These combine the flexibility and ease of processing of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels by utilising a novel aerogel fibre process. Lightweight, highly efficient, and compatible with conventional textile machinery, they provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials. Fully recyclable and free from microplastic emissions, Cellulose Aerogel Textiles set a new benchmark for circular economy solutions in the textile and construction industries. Initial functional demonstrators were developed through two projects, funded by Biotexfuture and RWTH Innovation, respectively.

Sci-Lume Labs (US): Bylon® – Renewable Circular Fibres from Agricultural Waste
Sci-Lume Labs makes Bylon®, a scalable, circular, biosynthetic fibre. Using highly efficient chemistries to valorise agricultural waste, Bylon® seamlessly integrates into every step of the global value chain – from raw material production through textile manufacturing. Bylon® is distinct from incumbent and next-gen materials because it is simultaneously bio-based; waste-derived; degradable; recyclable; downstream-compatible; and melt-spinnable. Bylon® also offers a unique performance profile by combining the mechanical properties and tunability of traditional synthetics with the moisture properties and circularity of natural fibres. By not requiring changes to the supply chain, Bylon® empowers the industry to reduce its environmental impact – without compromising on quality, performance, or cost.

TMG Automotive (PT): REFIBER – Sustainable Automotive Surface Material
Textile-based composite solutions are a growing trend in the automotive sector, especially for decorative and functional interior applications. Innovative plant-based leather demonstrates this trend, combining sustainability with advanced performance. Developed from a biopolymer matrix combined with cellulose waste, this material transforms waste into a premium, eco-friendly solution. Its textile backing and non-woven laminate backing are also made entirely from cellulose fibres, creating a fully integrated bio-based composite. Designed for car interiors and more, this lightweight, durable and aesthetically versatile material sets a new standard for sustainable design, while satisfying the industry’s growing demand for circular and renewable alternatives.

Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu is an Australian start-up set to replace plastics with natural polymers called PHAs. Uluu materials are made from a regenerative feedstock: farmed seaweed, thus ending reliance on fossil fuels and land crops. Uluu, in partnership with Deakin University, is developing textiles that perform like synthetic polyester but are truly biodegradable and biocompatible, thus eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. Importantly, Uluu materials are reusable, recyclable, and most importantly, compostable. They are naturally produced through a unique fermentation process that uses seaweed, saltwater microbes and seawater. Uluu pellets can be directly substituted for plastic (e.g., polyester, nylon) in existing melt spinning equipment, creating yarns that can be knitted or woven into textiles. In addition to fibre-grade pellets, Uluu is also producing other grades of pellets to replace plastics used in e.g., buttons, sunglasses, hair clips and packaging.