From the Sector

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of tradition in product development and innovation, announced that its main shareholder, Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd, has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire 37.57% of the issued shares of DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., previously held by Kiri Industries Limited. 

The acquisition follows a ruling by the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) requiring the sale of 100% of DyStar's equity. As the controlling shareholder with 62.43% of DyStar, the strategic acquisition of the outstanding shares by Zhejiang Longsheng Group will result in DyStar becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. This transaction ends the long-standing legal dispute with Kiri Industries and thus prevents a complete sale of DyStar. 

The total purchase price is $696.5478 million, subject to adjustments on or after the closing date. Closing is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, with the expected closing date being no later than 3 November 2025. 

Xu Yalin, Managing Director and President of the DyStar Group, said: ‘We are pleased with the final settlement of the legal dispute, which will enable the DyStar Group to move forward with certainty, confidence and a new strategic focus. This is a significant milestone in our 30-year history, as it strengthens our long-term stability and commitment to our global stakeholders.’ 

This development will enable DyStar to further expand its leadership position in the specialty chemicals sector and its value chain. The group remains firmly committed to driving innovation, promoting sustainable practices and pursuing strategic growth initiatives to strengthen its global competitiveness.

Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) and Bilişim Vadisi -Technology Development Zone (Informatics Valley) have signed a Cooperation Protocol to enhance the competitiveness of the Turkish apparel industry in global markets. Under this protocol, the parties will develop projects and work packages that add value to the sector, focusing primarily on twin transformation, sustainability, the circular economy, and design. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, İHKİB Vice President Mustafa Paşahan noted that Türkiye is the world’s seventh-largest apparel supplier and the third-largest supplier to the European Union (EU). He stated that Türkiye accounts for 3.2% of global apparel exports, and continued: 

“We are a leading country in apparel production. Thanks to our high quality, rapid and flexible manufacturing capabilities, and geographical advantages, we stand out from our competitors. We already comply with European standards in areas such as recycling, carbon footprint reduction, digitalization, and social compliance. To further strengthen our position in global markets, we aim to build on these existing strengths and turn digital and green transformation into key opportunities. In this process, we are making effective use of EU funds through projects developed under the IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance). So far, we have secured €37 million in EU funding. In February, we successfully completed our METAMORPHOSIS project under IPA II, one of the key outcomes of which was the establishment of the Digital Transformation Center, which now serves the industry. Last month, we launched our MIDAS project, also with EU funding, to provide the necessary infrastructure for twin transformation among SMEs. Later this year, we will initiate our 'Carbon Footprint Tracking and Reduction' project, again supported by EU funds. With our new partnership with Bilişim Vadisi, we believe we will launch many innovative projects that will further enhance the global competitiveness of our fashion industry, especially in digitalization and green transformation.” 

ERKAM TUZGEN: CONNECTING STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE SAME ECOSYSTEM 
General Manager of Bilişim Vadisi Erkam Tüzgen also shared his thoughts: “Next-generation textile technologies are being driven not only by major players but also by creative startups. Through this program, we are bringing together young entrepreneurs, designers, and technology developers within a shared ecosystem. Bilişim Vadisi will continue to act as a catalyst at this intersection of technology and design.”

Under the protocol, the two parties will apply for national and international support programs focused on digitalization, green transformation, sustainability, the circular economy, and creative industries. They will jointly develop projects and work packages aligned with strategic goals in the technology and design sectors. By collaborating with their affiliates and stakeholders, they will form solution-oriented partnerships in digital transformation and design processes. They will also engage in joint efforts through structures such as digitalization and design clustering centers. Entrepreneurs based in Bilişim Vadisi will be given opportunities to grow through partnerships with İHKİB members.

Ulrike Reich has been appointed Head Corporate Communications at Autoneum, effective immediately. She succeeds Claudia Güntert, who left the company last year.

Ulrike Reich holds a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Miami, Florida, USA, and a diploma in journalism from the University of Dortmund, Germany. With over 25 years of experience in international communication roles, most recently as Vice President Corporate Communications at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, she brings extensive expertise in global media relations, executive and crisis communication, branding, and internal communication.

Ulrike Reich is reporting to Eelco Spoelder, CEO Autoneum.

Infinited Fiber Company announces that Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO since the company’s founding in 2016, will step down from his role on May 31, 2025. Chief Operating Officer Sahil Kaushik will serve as acting CEO from June 1, 2025. Petri Alava will continue supporting the company as Senior Advisor through the end of November. The Board of Directors has initiated the search for a permanent successor.

While circularity and sustainability remain essential, competitiveness is now front and center in the next phase of Infinited Fiber’s industrial scale-up. The company’s strategy is evolving accordingly, with an intensified focus on operational excellence and readiness for large-scale industrial investment.

“Our product has been validated by the market — the value is now established,” said Andreas Tallberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The next strategic priority is to turn that value into profitable industrial scale, by optimizing cost and capital efficiency. We’re grateful for the work Petri and the team have done and excited to begin the next chapter — with Sahil, who brings deep experience in scaling industrial production and driving efficiency in the chemical industry, now leading the transition.”

“Infinna is a breakthrough innovation that’s more relevant than ever,” said Kaushik. “It’s a privilege to lead this talented team, together with world-leading brands supporting us as investors. We have a clear path forward and a solid foundation for the next phase.”

Over the past decade, Petri Alava has played a central role in shaping Infinited Fiber into a global front-runner in textile-to-textile recycling of cotton. Under his leadership, the company’s circular fiber Infinna™ has achieved strong market traction, backed by long-term offtake agreements with leading fashion brands, underscoring Infinna’s unique value and laying the groundwork for scaling a profitable business.

“Ten years is a long time to lead a growth company — and a natural point for change,” said Petri Alava. “I’m incredibly proud of the journey we’ve made as a team: we’ve built something truly valuable — a recycled cotton-like fiber with exceptional market fit, proven demand, and long-term partnerships. Now, with market dynamics shifting and Infinited Fiber entering a new strategic phase, it’s the right time to pass the baton — from creating value to scaling it. I’m happy to support the team during the transition.”

Under the theme “Ensuring a Transformed World Prosperity – Action for Planet with Innovation and Collaboration,” APIC 2025 promoted the petrochemical industry’s role in driving growth and building a sustainable future amid fundamental structural shifts in the sector, which aligns with Indorama Ventures’ brand promise to deliver indispensable chemistry through sustainable solutions.
Indorama Ventures joined some 1,500 delegates from across the globe to discuss sustainability, innovation, and industry cooperation. Ahead of the event, the company’s Combined PET segment, the world’s largest producer and recycler of PET bottles, hosted a reception for about 200 customers, suppliers and partners, including a traditional Thai puppet performance and an interactive VR experience of Indorama Ventures’ 360 Gallery.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical producer, reinforced its leadership in shaping the future of the petrochemical industry at the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held this year in Bangkok.

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, emphasized that collaboration across the value chain is critical to building long-term resilience and relevance in a shifting global landscape:
“Our global diversity gives us the agility to meet change with confidence and to remain dependable no matter the environment. It is this quiet strength that makes us a partner you can rely on, for today and for what lies ahead. The future of our industry won’t be written in isolation. It will be shaped, once again, through collaboration. Through shared purpose. Through indispensable chemistry.”

Driving Sustainability Through Innovation
At a APIC 2025 panel discussion titled “Reimagining Petrochemicals”, Dr. Anthony Watanabe, Chief Sustainability Officer, explored how the industry must move beyond incremental change by adopting systemic innovation, improving sourcing transparency, and accelerating climate-positive technologies.
Complementing this vision, Dr. Tinnabhop Santadkha, Sustainability Innovation Specialist, delivered a keynote on “Indorama Ventures’ Alternative Feedstocks.” He outlined how the company is investing in bio-based materials, chemical recycling, and alternative feedstocks to reduce emissions and enable a circular economy at scale.

Scaling Impact at the Grassroots Level
In a session focused on circular economy ecosystems, Ms. Naweensuda Krabuanrat, Head of Global CSR, Global Recycling Education and Thai Advocacy, spotlighted the company’s work in building community-based PET collection systems and driving education through public-private collaboration. Her presentation underscored a key takeaway: that systems-level change requires both infrastructure and behavior change. The company’s recycling infrastructure and public-private partnerships are contributing to a more sustainable value.

Borealis continues to invest in growth through sustainable solutions that are transforming the polymer industry. Its facility in Burghausen, Germany, is significantly expanding production capacity for an innovative polymer foam solution called Daploy™ High Melt Strength polypropylene (HMS PP). This investment—totaling over EUR 100 million—addresses growing global demand for recyclable, high-performance foam solutions. The new line, scheduled to start up in the second half of 2026, will triple Borealis’ supply capability for fully recyclable HMS PP. This expansion enables the transition to more circular and recyclable material solutions for customers in the consumer products, automotive, and building and construction industries.  
 
The development of Daploy HMS PP took place at Borealis’ Innovation Headquarters in Linz. The new product provides exceptional foamability, lightweight properties, and mechanical strength—characteristics that support material efficiency and help cut both costs and CO2 emissions. It is suitable for use in monomaterial solutions, which are easily recyclable at end of life.  
 
By supporting the sustainability principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Daploy HMS PP addresses the growing demand for recyclable solutions across multiple industry segments:
 
In the automotive industry, Daploy is used for ultra-lightweight foamed interior and under-the-hood components. Typically 60-90% lighter than non-foamed alternatives, these components help improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It also enables zero-waste production as all production trim-offs can be easily recycled. In addition, Daploy makes it possible for these parts to be constructed from a single material, facilitating recycling at the end of the vehicle’s life.  
In the building and construction sector, Daploy HMS PP is used to replace heavier materials in insulation and paneling applications. Its durability, strength, and heat resistance ensure excellent performance, while its lightweight properties and recyclability improve the sustainability of these components.
 
“In line with our We4Customers strategy, this investment creates value for customers by enabling them to design recyclable, foam-based products for a wide range of high-performance applications,” explains Craig Arnold, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Circular Economy Solutions and Base Chemicals. “By expanding production, we’re ensuring a reliable supply of this advanced material to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals and deliver high-performance solutions.”

Bringing together India’s textile community under one roof, with a special focus on textile and garment manufacturing machinery and technology and innovations in fabrics, digital screen print, accessories, and trims, the Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai 2025 edition presents industry advancements.

With over 125 exhibitors from India, China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan - the show features strong international participation and highlights from India’s growing role in the global textiles industry.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra stated: “Denims have become a major fashion trend, and the government has announced relief on import duty for machinery. However, the central government, in an endeavour to encourage local manufacturing in the country, has announced the Technical Textile Mission, which empowers companies to receive subsidies and start manufacturing. Maharashtra has launched its textile policy, which operates in a zonal format. Zone 1 can help you gain a 45% subsidy, Zone 2 offers 40%, Zone 3 provides 35%, and so on. We have announced Zero-Waste Fashion, which aims to control textile waste by recycling it and converting it into usable materials like carpets. For this, the private sector can benefit from an electricity subsidy of Rs 2 per unit, and Rs 3 per unit for co-operative societies, in addition to the previously mentioned subsidies. In Amravati, the PM Mitra Park will be launched soon, as most of the work is complete, with only final touch-ups pending. I thank the organisers for having me here and wish you all the very best.”

Shri Shashank Chaudhary (IAS), Additional CEO, Invest UP informed: “Under the PM Mitra Scheme, we are developing a mega-integrated textile park near Lucknow, covering 1,000 acres of land. It will be set up under the PPP model, which offers a great opportunity for investors. The state of Uttar Pradesh has been developing new portals for single-window clearance and approvals. We have successfully managed to attract good investors.”

Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director of MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, shared: “Gartex Texprocess India as a show has only evolved consistently. This is reflected in our Mumbai and New Delhi editions each year. As India strengthens its position in global textile manufacturing, I believe that this show has become a platform to shape conversations and update the industry with innovations that will drive the next phase of growth for India’s textiles and fashion ecosystem. We are honoured to have Invest Uttar Pradesh as our State Partners at this edition and with the kind of innovations on the show floor in denim, fabrics, machinery and more - I am sure visitors have tremendous business opportunities through our platform.”

Similar sentiments were shared by Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, expressed: “This show goes beyond exhibition; it is about enabling industry transformation. At a time when global supply chains are realigning, platforms like Gartex Texprocess India become crucial to connecting industry stakeholders. This also bridges Indian expertise with international demand and we are pleased to welcome the textile fraternity to the show and see the scale of innovations from the industry.”  

The expo is jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India Pvt Ltd. Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai is scheduled from 22 – 24 May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will take place from Septembre 15 to 17 2025 in Halls 2, 3 and 4 of the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Center. Texworld Paris, Apparel Sourcing Paris, along with their dedicated sectors Avantex and Leatherworld, will showcase the global offering for fashion brands—from ready-to-wear to luxury.
 
Between 1,200 and 1,300 exhibitors expected in Paris in September  
Returning this September for the autumn edition, Apparel Sourcing & Texworld Paris and their key sectors Avantex and Leatherworld have chosen these dates to better align with buyers' calendars.

The event will follow the same layout as the February edition, whose dynamism was hailed by both manufacturers and fashion buyers. Halls 2, 3, and 4 will hence welcome nearly 1,300 exhibitors, in line with the target set by the Messe Frankfurt France teams.  

Major textile-producing countries have already confirmed their participation: weavers and manufacturers from China, India, Türkiye, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong will be present in Paris this September. Their willingness to attend once again highlights the central role of European markets in a global ecosystem disrupted by ongoing US-China trade tensions. Central European garment manufacturers are also showing considerable interest in this edition. Countries such as Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine are expected to make significant appearance at Apparel Sourcing Paris, with real know-how and remarkable levels of quality.
 
Organized by universe, with an Initiatives by Texworld zone
In terms of layout, Avantex will be located in Hall 2, alongside trend forums, conference, and service areas. As in February, thematic “universes” will be featured, focused on women’s clothing and activewear collections, to create synergies between raw materials and finished products and to enhance the sourcing experience for visitors.

Leatherworld will be in Hall 4, next to the Denim area, bridging Texworld and Apparel Sourcing to maintain proximity between materials and finished products. The Initiatives by Texworld zone, located at the entrance of Hall 4, will highlight the specific expertise of certain countries such as Türkiye which will present a trend area featuring its top weavers, and India which will showcase the remarkable work of its embroiderers.

On May 23 and 24 an Open Day will be held in Rome at the Centro Apostolato Liturgico Largo Brancaccio 57, run by the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. The event will unveil the first collection of chasubles (vestments worn to celebrate Holy Mass) made with Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei.

The POPOLO IN CAMMINO – ON THE OCCASION OF THE JUBILEE 2025 – PELLEGRINI DI SPERANZA collection features liturgical vestments including chasubles, dalmatics and copes. During the event, Ettore Pellegrini, Marketing & Sales Manager of Asahi Kasei Fibers Italia, and Junshu Furusawa, Sales Manager & Board Member of Asahi Kasei Fibers Italia, will be present and will welcome all guests.

The choice of Bemberg™ - the brand of cupro fiber by Asahi Kasei, a regenerated cellulose fiber obtained from the closed-loop process using cotton linters -  was the result of a journey that began with a visit to Milano Unica (Italy’s premier textile trade fair) and continued with several presentations of the material in Rome. Bemberg™ stood out for its uniqueness and circular economy footprint. Thanks to its transparent and traceable supply chaih, it offers certified sustainability credentials and premium quality. The fiber respects form and drape, with a truly unique and precious feel: cool in summer, with excellent moisture control, offering superior comfort and a soft, impalpable touch on the skin.

The collection is a testimony to the Church’s commitment to sustainable conversion, made possible thanks to the work of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, a religious congregation of nuns who, with experience, skill, and creativity, design and craft liturgical vestments and a variety of  handcrafted items, including iconography, sculptures and ceramics. Their work is dedicated to serving the Church’s liturgy, guided by the principles of liturgical renewal: noble simplicity, dignity, and beauty in sobriety (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 34; 122; 124).

The fabric used for the vestments in this collection was designed by the Sister Disciples themselves and produced with textiles supplied by Brunello.

The Sister Disciples of the Divine Master present their creations through the Apostolato Liturgico, a retail point with an online shop offering religious articles—from sacred vestments to other liturgical items. Following the launch on May 23, the Apostolato Liturgico stores in Milan, Bari, Palermo, Florence, Cagliari, Rome, and others will feature window displays dedicated to the collection for the next three months.

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is set to showcase key innovations in denim color and processing to the global denim community at Denim Première Vision Milan on May 21 and 22 and Denimsandjeans Vietnam on June 25 and 26.

Denim has remained a staple in both mainstream and high-end fashion, but traditional manufacturing methods are under increasing scrutiny for their intensive use of water, energy and chemicals.

Archroma will demonstrate an array of denim innovations at Denim Première Vision Milan and Denimsandjeans Vietnam, headed by DENIM HALO – a pretreatment and dyeing process developed to empower mills to produce highly sought-after distressed denim looks with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

DENIM HALO combines DIRSOL® RD p, a new product for a special/specific yarn pretreatment, with Archroma’s indigo, sulfur or biosynthetic dyes to produce laser-friendly denim with outstanding contrast on intense black and indigo shades – without modifying standard dye recipes or set up. Additionally, the solution reduces yarn shrinkage and improves garment tensile strength, while also saving water and energy, avoiding the use of potassium permanganate, and reducing the need for caustic soda in sulfur dyeing.

Archroma will also be showcasing a brand-new capsule collection at the shows. The collection will present Black Denim that utilizes Archroma’s DENIM HALO and DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK and made with premium fabric from Kipas Denim and finished using Jeanologia’ s innovative washing technology. The result is a refined, modern take on black denim—combining elevated design with responsible production practices.