From the Sector

Fashion for Good: Blueprint For Near-net-zero Textile Manufacturing

Source: danishkhan via Canva

27.11.2025

Fashion for Good: Blueprint For Near-net-zero Textile Manufacturing

Fashion for Good launches the first open-source blueprint for near-net-zero textile manufacturing, tackling one of fashion’s biggest emissions hotspots. Developed under the Future Forward Factory project, the blueprint offers Tier 2 manufacturers in India five practical, financially viable pathways to reduce carbon emissions by up to 93%.

The urgent need for practical decarbonisation strategies
Textile dyeing, treatment, and finishing facilities (Tier 2 of the fashion supply chain) are a major source of pollution and emissions. These wet processes consume high amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, yet manufacturers face a tangle of barriers: prohibitive upgrade costs, a fragmented approach, and no clear path forward. Without a holistic playbook, decarbonisation remains out of reach and unjustified for most, hindering the industry’s biggest opportunity to decarbonise.

A blueprint for scaling the future of textile manufacturing
Developed as part of the Future Forward Factories project, this one-of-its-kind blueprint is freely available to manufacturers, brands, bringing together energy interventions, disruptive process innovations and best-in-class technologies.

Designed as a practical guide for Tier 2 textile manufacturers in India producing cotton knits and wovens, the blueprint launches today through Fashion for Good. The initiative is backed by catalytic funders Laudes Foundation and H&M Foundation, as well as Apparel Impact Institute, IDH, and on-the-ground experts Bluwin, Wazir Advisors, Grant Thornton Bharat, and Sattva Consulting. Arvind Mills serves as the anchor partner supporting the blueprint’s development in India.

The blueprint provides five tailored pathways based on product type and production process, identifying best available technologies and innovative processes to achieve near-net-zero operations. In case of full implementation of all processes and infrastructure upgrades, factories can achieve up to:

93% reduction in carbon emissions
33% reduction in water usage and
41% reduction in electricity consumption.

Critically, each pathway includes financial analysis (payback periods, internal rates of return, and net present value calculations), revealing where additional support is needed. The blueprint also incorporates a Policy Landscape Overview that maps available government incentives, and includes a “How to Navigate” section enabling manufacturers to identify the scenario most applicable to them.

“The Future Forward Factory blueprint removes the guesswork and delivers a pragmatic solution to a complex problem,” said Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good. “By making this knowledge freely available, we are systematically dismantling the biggest barrier to decarbonisation: the lack of a clear, implementable ‘how-to.’ Every manufacturer now has access to concrete guidance and validated financial data. This is more than a roadmap; it is the essential guide for the industry’s factory transformation.”

Fashion for Good aims to support a selected set of manufacturers in India to retrofit their facilities with the help of this blueprint, with the support of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Selected facilities will gain hands-on guidance, technical expertise, and financial clarity to implement the blueprint. Manufacturers interested in taking part in the programme can register their interest here.

“As we build this facility, we are committed to sharing what we will learn. The Future Forward Factory blueprint is proof that a holistic understanding of the decarbonisation journey can unlock an investment case and create operational efficiencies for long-term profitability. Moving from assessments to the actual deployment of solutions.” Abhishek Bansal, SVP-Sustainability at Arvind Mills.

Moving beyond theory, the blueprint‘s viability will be concretely demonstrated by Fashion for Good and Arvind. The partners are aiming to transition from concept to reality and are in the process of exploring the set-up of the first Future Forward factory using this blueprint. This near-net-zero textile production facility will function as a demonstrative, operational proof of concept and will set the foundation for future blueprints, which Fashion for Good is already looking to develop in South Asia and Latin America, developing bespoke solutions to suit the diverse needs of different manufacturing contexts.

To get the blueprint, please visit the Fashion for Good website at this link.

More information:
Fashion for Good net-zero blueprint

Source:

Fashion for Good

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26.11.2025

ECHA's opinion on ethanol postponed to 2026

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) concluded its discussions on November, 26 on the approval of ethanol as an active substance in disinfectants without adopting an opinion. The Committee will resume its work in February 2026 and aims to adopt the opinion later that year.

The BPC discussed the approval of ethanol for use in hand and general disinfectants but was unable to adopt an opinion on its potential hazards and alternatives.

Due to the lack of consensus, the Committee further postponed the opinion making. The final opinion is not expected before May 2026, after which the European Commission will take the decision.

Background
Under the Biocidal Products Regulation, all active substances used in biocidal products must be approved before those products can be authorised. The BPC provides science-based opinions on these substances to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.

The BPC discussed the approval of ethanol for use in hand and general disinfectants but was unable to adopt an opinion on its potential hazards and alternatives.

Due to the lack of consensus, the Committee further postponed the opinion making. The final opinion is not expected before May 2026, after which the European Commission will take the decision.

More information:
European Chemicals Agency ECHA ethanol

Source:

ECHA

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Archroma: Portfolio-wide Cradle to Cradle Certifications

Photo by Archroma

25.11.2025

Archroma: Portfolio-wide Cradle to Cradle Certifications

Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals, confirmed its commitment to advancing circularity for the textile industry with ten product groups achieving Cradle to Cradle Certified® Material Health Gold level under Version 4.0 of the standard.

Representing dozens of Archroma brands and approximately 200 individual products, the certifications are an assurance of safety and sustainability under a leading multi-attribute standard. This means that textile mills and fashion brands can confidently use these products to help achieve Cradle to Cradle certification on their finished fabrics and garments as retailers and consumers embrace the circular economy.

The Cradle to Cradle Material Health standard evaluates the chemical composition of products for safety to humans and the environment. This provides the foundation for circularity because safe chemicals are essential for safe recycling and composting.

“Our goal is to exceed industry standards and help lead the shift to cleaner chemistries and a more sustainable world,” Dhirendra Gautam, Global VP Commercial, Archroma, said. “The Cradle to Cradle label is becoming increasingly significant at the brand and mill level. We believe in transparency and supporting our partners to make informed decisions that not only prioritize human health and the environment, but also bring production resource savings and improve the durability of end products.”

Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ solutions matrix quantifies these factors. It allows industry professionals to combine processing solutions and intelligent effects for specific end uses while delivering measurable environmental impact. Cradle to Cradle-certified Archroma products will generally be found within the Impact and Impact+ categories.

Archroma’s Cradle to Cradle Certified® product portfolio spans reactive, acid, disperse, indigo and sulfur dyes; a full series of chemical products such as pretreatment and sizing, optical brightening agents, dyeing auxiliaries and flame retardants. It includes DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK, the most sustainable sulfur black in the market; AVITERA SE®, a revolutionary resource-saving reactive dye range; the revolutionary Blue Magic pretreatment concept which comprise of the all-in-one IMEROL® BLUE bleaching auxiliary, which saves water and speeds processing time, SIRRIX® NE LIQ, a biodegradable neutralizing agent with precise control across the whole pH range and BACTOSOL® SAP NEW LIQ, an anti-peroxide enzymes that remove residual bleaching agents before dyeing; industry-leading high fastness and phenol/bisphenol compound-free color blocking ERIOFAST® dyes for polyamide; TERASIL® WW dye range with outstanding washfastness for high-performance polyester and its blends; and ULTRAPHOR® optical brightening agents that deliver outstanding results on synthetic fibers, fabrics and finished garments.

More information:
Archroma Cradle to Cradle Certified™ specialty chemicals certifications

Source:

Archroma

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Photo: Dibella b.v.

25.11.2025

Strategic partnership with Deren: Dibella strengthens its presence in France

Deren and Dibella are joining forces and have agreed to a partnership for the French market. Through this strategic collaboration, both companies combine their strengths: Dibella’s expertise in high-quality, durable, and sustainably produced textiles, and Deren’s market knowledge and trusted customer relationships across France.

Together, Deren and Dibella will offer French customers a comprehensive portfolio of long-lasting, responsibly manufactured textiles alongside excellent service. The alliance cooperation represents an important step in Dibella’s international growth strategy, and reinforces the shared commitment both companies have to providing professionals with sustainable textile solutions that stand for quality, reliability, and responsible business practices.

Deren and Dibella look forward to a successful collaboration and to jointly shaping a more sustainable future for the French market.

More information:
Dibella Dibella b.v. Deren France strategic partnership

Source:

Dibella b.v.

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24.11.2025

Åhléns & TrusTrace: Partnership to strengthen Supply Chain Sustainability, Risk Management and Compliance

TrusTrace, a leader in supply chain traceability and compliance, announced a strategic partnership with Åhléns, one of Sweden’s most iconic retail brands, to enhance traceability, improve sustainability risk management, and streamline compliance across its value chain.

Åhléns offers a curated mix of quality brands across fashion, home, beauty, and children’s products, serving approximately 60 million visitors each year. Åhléns has a turnover of approximately 4.9 billion SEK and the company employs around 3,000 team members and includes Åhléns Outlet and Designtorget as subsidiaries.

Founded in 189 and following a period of renewed focus on restoring profitability and establishing a stronger foundation for the future, Åhléns is now accelerating its sustainability agenda. As part of this next phase, the company has selected TrusTrace to help deepen visibility into the supply chain, strengthen risk mitigation, and streamline adherence to emerging European sustainability regulations.

TrusTrace’s AI-integrated traceability platform will support Åhléns in mapping and analyzing sustainability data across multiple tiers of the supply chain, enabling a more structured, scalable, and data-driven approach to due diligence and regulatory compliance.

The partnership reflects a broader industry movement toward stronger traceability infrastructure, particularly as the EU introduces new legislation requiring brands to demonstrate robust due diligence, transparent data collection, and responsible sourcing.

More information:
TrusTrace supply chain traceability Åhléns traceability platform

Source:

TrusTrace

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24.11.2025

CARBIOS: Two new multi-year commercial agreements for recycled PET

CARBIOS announced the signing of two new multi-year commercial agreements with major players in beverage industry, for the supply of recycled PET (r-PET).

The signing of these two new commercial agreements marks CARBIOS’s entry into a new strategic sector: beverages. Thgey are part of the pre-commercialization process for CARBIOS’s future industrial site, bringing the current level of pre-sales to approximately 50% of the site’s maximum production capacity.

Negotiations are ongoing with other partners to reach a pre-commercialization level of 70% of the Longlaville site’s maximum capacity, a threshold constituting one of the conditions for obtaining additional non-dilutive funding necessary to resume construction of the Longlaville plant.

A regional grant of €12.5 million has also been signed, bringing the total amount of public funding already secured to €42.5 million.

CARBIOS announced the signing of two new multi-year commercial agreements with major players in beverage industry, for the supply of recycled PET (r-PET).

A regional grant of €12.5 million has also been signed, bringing the total amount of public funding already secured to €42.5 million.

More information:
Carbios r-PET beverage

Source:

Carbios

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Graphic by New Focus Textiles, Haelixa

20.11.2025

Evidence-based verification in recycled cotton sourcing

Hong Kong–based New Focus Textiles is adopting Haelixa’s Swiss DNA traceability technology to strengthen trust and transparency in recycled cotton production.

Haelixa, the Swiss-based global leader in DNA-based traceability, has enabled New Focus Textiles to provide forensic proof of recycled cotton content across its textile-to-textile manufacturing operations. This marks a significant move towards evidence-based verification in recycled material sourcing, addressing one of the main credibility gaps in the circular materials market.

DNA-based forensic traceability for recycled cotton
Haelixa’s DNA marker is applied directly to post-industrial and post-consumer waste, before shredding, staying intact through New Focus Textiles’ mechanical recycling process. The non-toxic DNA marker, which is derived from Swiss mountain herbs, is a permanent tag, and cannot be removed or copied, remaining embedded throughout spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing.

Hong Kong–based New Focus Textiles is adopting Haelixa’s Swiss DNA traceability technology to strengthen trust and transparency in recycled cotton production.

At any point, the material can be tested in an accredited laboratory using a simple PCR analysis to confirm origin and verify the presence of recycled content. This method provides physical proof of the recycled fibre identity, going beyond certification schemes that rely on documentation and chain-of-custody declarations.

Strengthening supply chain assurance
New Focus Textiles produces GRS-certified recycled cotton fabrics from post-industrial and post-consumer feedstock under its T2T™ (Textile-to-Textile) programme. The integration of Haelixa’s DNA-based traceability ensures each recycled batch is scientifically identifiable and can be aligned with digital records on platforms such as TextileGenesis, enhancing material transparency at supplier, auditor, and brand level.

Preparing for regulatory compliance
The system supports upcoming EU Digital Product Passport requirements and wider regulatory scrutiny over green claims. It reduces reputational and compliance risk for brands that prioritise recycled materials.

More information:
New Focus Textiles DNA marker recycled cotton Haelixa textile supply chain

Source:

New Focus Textiles

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18.11.2025

Four substances recommended for REACH authorisation

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), to protect health and the environment, recommends that the European Commission adds four substances, including melamine, to the REACH Authorisation List. Once added to the list, companies must apply for authorisation if they wish to continue using the substances.

The recommendation includes the following substances:

Barium diboron tetraoxide;
S-(tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6]deca-3-en-8(or 9)-yl) O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) phosphorodithioate;
Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide; and
Melamine.

ECHA has selected these substances from the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) for this recommendation because, following the agreed approach, they are of the highest priority.

The inclusion of melamine in the draft recommendation was comprehensively commented on by sectors using the substance during the 2024 consultation period but the decision to include it was made after careful consideration of all the issues.

The recommendation includes the following substances:

Barium diboron tetraoxide;
S-(tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6]deca-3-en-8(or 9)-yl) O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) phosphorodithioate;
Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide; and
Melamine.

ECHA has selected these substances from the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) for this recommendation because, following the agreed approach, they are of the highest priority.

Ofelia Bercaru, Director for Prioritisation and Integration, said:
“When assessing the consequences of including a substance in the Authorisation List, it is important to consider the scope of the legal requirement. In most of its applications, melamine appears to be used as an intermediate, which does not require authorisation under REACH.
“However, applications for authorisation for the remaining uses may potentially create a significant workload for companies and authorities. ECHA is aware of the challenges and considered that balancing the risks posed by melamine with its continued use, requires a policy decision by the Commission and EU Member States.”

Background
ECHA has the legal obligation to regularly recommend substances from the Candidate List for the Commission to include in the Authorisation List. Before sending its recommendation to the Commission , ECHA considers comments received during a three-month consultation and the opinion of the Member State Committee.

The Commission will decide which substances are included in the Authorisation List and what conditions apply to each substance. If a substance is included in the Authorisation List, it can only be placed on the EEA market or used after a given date, if an authorisation is granted for a specific use.

The authorisation process aims to enhance the substitution of substances of very high concern when technically and economically viable alternatives are available. Until this is achieved, the goal is to ensure proper control of risks for human health and the environment.

More information:
European Chemicals Agency REACH European Union

Source:

European Chemicals Agency

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Photo via ALLIED Feather + Down

R&D Helium Loop Anorak

18.11.2025

Sustainable Apparel: Peak Performance presents R&D Helium Loop Anorak

ALLIED Feather + Down, NetPlus®, PERTEX, and Resortecs, leaders in circularity, recycling, and advanced materials, are joining forces with the Swedish backcountry ski apparel makers at Peak Performance to introduce a paradigm-shifting circular jacket.

Until now, performance products that combine multiple materials, such as natural down insulation, zippers, and elastic trims, have been nearly impossible to recycle due to the complexity of disassembly at the end-of-life. By working with the circularity leaders at ALLIED, NetPlus, and Resortecs, Peak Performance designed and built the R&D Helium Loop Anorak, proving that advanced design, in collaboration with the right partners, can create real change.

“For years now, brands have wanted to introduce more circularity into their products, but the onus has fallen on their ingredient partners and startups to make that happen,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative Director with ALLIED. “The reality is that garments need to be designed for circularity before any sense of recyclability can even start to be possible. That is why we are excited to bring our areas of expertise as innovative ingredient brands to Peak Performance to build, from the very beginning, a truly circular product. And what is even more exciting is that this project can stand as a beacon for entire product lines in the future.”

Each Peak Performance partner brings a unique aspect to this product.

ALLIED supplies the 800-fill power down, which is a renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable insulation, making it perfect for this collaboration. NetPlus is fishing net waste, rescued before it pollutes the ocean, re-engineered into 100% PCR nylon yarn. NetPlus yarn is then woven by PERTEX to create the shell and liner for the Helium Loop. Resortecs makes Smart Stitch™, a heat-activated thread that enables easy material separation. At the end of the product’s lifespan, the stitching melts away with Smart Disassembly™ under controlled conditions, allowing the down plumes and shell material to be taken apart and recycled individually.

Speaking about the project, designer Marie Andersson commented, “The core insight is that true circularity isn't about accepting compromises, it's about engineering garments to be unmade as thoughtfully as they're made. Our R&D Helium Loop proves that when premium materials meet thoughtful disassembly design with end-of-life in mind, circularity becomes a performance advantage as every component maintains its highest value across multiple lifecycles.”

David Stover, CEO of Bureo, the company behind NetPlus, added, "The Helium Loop R&D project demonstrates how responsible materials and design can prevent pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels – a win for the outdoor community. Technical outerwear is typically built from crude oil (virgin plastic), an outdated model that negatively impacts people and the planet through the entire supply chain. By connecting better materials with thoughtful design, the Peak Performance team was able to explore the worthwhile challenge of building products suited for end-of-life recycling and push forward on the industry transition away from fossil fuels."

The Helium R&D Helium Loop Anorak marks another step in Peak Performance’s long-term commitment to total range circularity by 2030.

More information:
ALLIED Feather + Down NetPlus® PERTEX Resortecs Peak Performance skiing circularity

Source:

ALLIED Feather + Down

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17.11.2025

Source Fashion Unveils Agenda for a Smarter, More Sustainable Fashion Future

Source Fashion, a leading European fashion sourcing show, returns from 13th–15th January 2026 to Olympia London with a forward-thinking content programme designed to equip the industry for a smarter, more sustainable future. Bringing together global brands, visionaries, and change-makers, the three-day agenda will explore the intersection of innovation, ethics, and commercial viability, challenging the sector to rethink how fashion is designed, made, and brought to market in the year ahead. From AI-powered production and circular business models to human rights accountability and the rise of resale, Source Fashion continues to lead the conversation on building a fashion industry that is not only fit for the future but poised to thrive in it.

Key voices and headline sessions shaping the future of fashion
Kicking off the content programme on Tuesday 13th January is a powerful panel exploring ‘Addressing the S in ESG - Human Rights, Living Wages and Supply Chain Accountability.’ Moderated by Jasmine Chua, Sourcing & Labour Editor at Sourcing Journal, the session brings together senior leaders from fashion brands and industry NGOs to unpack meaningful social responsibility in fashion beyond the buzzwords.

Next, the spotlight turns to ‘Ambition Without Action – Can Doing Good Really Drive Profitability?’ This provocative debate invites the audience to actively discuss the persistent gap between purpose and profit, exploring why, despite growing consumer pressure and boardroom rhetoric, impact-driven business models haven’t become business-as-usual. Chaired by Mark Sumner, Textile Programme Lead at WRAP, it will challenge attendees to consider, and debate, what’s really holding the industry back and invites the audience to discuss the persistent gap between purpose and profit.

One of the week’s most anticipated fireside chats follows, featuring sustainability pioneer Kresse Wesling CBE, Founder of Elvis & Kresse. In ‘Finding the Beauty in Waste’, Wesling will share her journey transforming discarded materials into luxury products, and why radical transparency, circular systems, and creative reinvention are not only possible, but profitable.

On Wednesday, Marguerite LeRolland, Senior Global Insight Manager at Euromonitor International, delivers a data-rich keynote on ‘Outlook to 2030 – what commodity shifts mean for the future of fashion.’ As fluctuating materials prices continue to impact margins and sustainability strategies, this session provides buyers with essential insights to navigate risk and seize opportunity in 2026’s complex sourcing landscape.

With demand for locally made, traceable and lower-impact products gaining momentum, the revival of British manufacturing is back in the spotlight. In the timely debate, ‘How Do We Build Back British Manufacturing?’ Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Source Fashion, joins Jenny Holloway, Chair of the Association of Textiles, Manufacturing and Fashion (ATMF) and CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, will unpack what it will take to restore the UK’s production footprint. From skills and investment to political will and scalable infrastructure, the discussion will explore whether British fashion manufacturing can move from niche comeback to commercial reality.

The circular economy has long been heralded as the future of fashion, but for many retailers, it remains more vision than viable business model. The panel discussion, ‘From Concept to Commerciality - Making Circularity Work’, moderated by Jasmin Malik Chua, Climate and Labour Editor at Sourcing Journal, brings together leading voices from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, VYN Shoes, N Brown, and VivoBarefoot to explore how circularity can finally move from pilot projects to scale. Together, they’ll unpack the partnerships, tools, and business models needed to turn sustainability into commercial success.

On Thursday 15th January, Source Fashion continues with a future-focused programme that explores where retail, design, and sustainability are heading next. Kicking off the day, Jack Stratten, Head of Trends at Insider Trends, delivers a compelling presentation on how second-hand has shifted firmly into the mainstream in ‘Resale Gets Relevant: How Second-Hand Moved into the Mainstream’. From consumer behaviour to new commercial models, this session uncovers why resale is now a serious strategic consideration for the world’s biggest retailers. Finally, the day concludes with an inspiring fireside chat, ‘From Catwalk to Collection - CEO of Redress on Waste-Free Design’, where Christina Dean shares how brands can collaborate with designers to turn waste into a resource and embed circular creativity from concept to collection.

From AI-enabled production and sustainable design to circularity and retail reinvention, the full Source Fashion agenda has been carefully curated to give future-focused professionals the insight, inspiration, and practical tools needed to lead with purpose.

More information:
Source Fashion agenda

Source:

Source Fashion

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17.11.2025

Circulose partners with Marks & Spencer to accelerate Circular Fashion

Circulose has announced a partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S), making the British retailer the first UK brand to join Circulose as a Scaling Partner. Circulose is a Swedish sustain-tech company that has developed a patented process, which enables the recycling of cellulosic textile waste, transforming it into a new material called CIRCULOSE®. Fast Company named Circulose (formerly Renewcell) one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 and was a winner of the 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards.

By joining forces, M&S is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and supporting Circulose’s mission to make circular materials mainstream. The brand will integrate a significant volume of CIRCULOSE® into its collections, helping drive broader adoption of next-generation circular materials across the industry.

CIRCULOSE®, made entirely from textile waste, helps fashion brands reduce their dependence on virgin fibers derived from trees, while delivering the same high quality and performance. By transforming discarded textiles into a new material, Circulose helps minimize waste, lower emissions, and ease pressure on land and forests, advancing the shift toward a global circular fashion system.

This partnership also validates Circulose’s renewed commercial strategy, centered on close, hands-on collaboration with global brands. Through its new licensing model and dedicated implementation support, Circulose supports brands to scale circular materials efficiently across the entire textile value chain, beyond capsule collections.

More information:
Circulose® Marks & Spencer cellulosic fiber textile waste circularity

Source:

Circulose

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Eton’s role in automating the reuse market

Photo AWOL Media

17.11.2025

Eton’s role in automating the reuse market

Eton Systems – a member of TMAS, the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – is taking part in the current Microfactories System Innovation project which is working on the development of a fully automated workflow for second hand garments.

Eton is contributing its well-proven transport system for material handling to the project, which also involves specialists at the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås, the Automation Region innovation cluster at Mälardalen University and the national collaboration platform iHubs Sweden.

High volumes
According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, the value of the global second-hand apparel market is already worth an annual $256 billion this year and growing at 10% annually to reach a value of $367 billion by 2029.

Additionally, the online resale segment alone is forecast to double over the next five years to around $40, billion reflecting higher growth of 17%.

“The volumes are now so large that handling must be automated for it to work,” says Jan Molin, CEO of Eton Systems. “The new EU regulations requiring separate collection of textiles are having an impact, but we are also seeing an increasingly positive attitude towards reuse and greater awareness of the textile industry’s environmental impact.”

AI categorisation
As part of the project, a test facility is being established at Science Park Borås involving garments being placed on custom product carriers within an Eton Systems conveyor system and transported through a series of stations.

The garments are inspected using a vision system, after which AI is employed to categorise them based on parameters such as manufacturer, model and size. Any damage is analysed and the system also provides recommendations for possible repairs.

“The collected information is fed into a calculation model that, based on market data, makes suggestions for a sales price,” Molin explains. “Finally, the garment is photographed for marketing and then transported to a warehouse awaiting sale.”

Historic automation
Eton’s material handling system was developed as early as the 1960s for the company’s own shirt production in Gånghester outside Borås. At the time, material handling was estimated to account for up to 80% of the manufacturing time.

The company’s Unit Production System (UPS) was developed as an automated ceiling-mounted conveyor system that moved the shirts one by one through the various work steps, the company was able to move from mass production to one-off production.

“It provided many benefits, including shorter lead times, greatly reduced material handling time and better ergonomics for operators,” says Molin. “Quality defect costs were also reduced because defects could be detected on individual products instead of at the batch level.”

The UPS concept was very successful and in 1967 was spun off into the stand-alone automation company Eton Systems, which now runs its operations in a modern production facility in Nordskogen in Borås. Its customers are global with an emphasis on clothing production, home textiles and furniture manufacturing, but the system is also used in, for example, the transport and handling of plastic parts for the automotive industry.

Opportunities for Swedish industry
The textile industry has a major environmental impact, not least through extensive overproduction. Clothing companies often order large volumes from the manufacturers and what does not sell is sold out or destroyed.

The Microfactories System Innovation project builds on previous projects that have mainly focused on developing small-scale, local and needs-based production. Now the focus is on the growing market for reuse.

“We see enormous potential in second hand,” says Molin. “It is an area that is growing rapidly and where there is room for innovation and new business models. There is also the opportunity to move technology from other industries.”

Work on the project started in 2024 and will continue for four years. For Eton Systems, participation means both a chance to test new applications for its technology and to strengthen the company’s ability to innovate.

“Collaboration with universities and innovation environments helps us to be at the forefront,” says Molin. “We can participate in freer and more visionary development, without having to take on all the work ourselves. But above all, it is about contributing to a more circular industry, where materials can be used for longer and in a smarter way.”

Accelerating circular systems
“It’s very encouraging to note this growing willingness by many consumers to embrace the second-hand market as an important component of the drive towards accelerating circular systems,” adds TMAS General Secretary Therese Premler-Andersson. “Automation and digitalization as developed by Swedish companies like Eton are increasingly innovating ways in which this market – and more generally textile manufacturing and retailing – can be sustained and made ever more efficient in the general fight against textile waste.”

The Microfactories System Innovation project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Region Västra Götaland and Region Västmanland.

More information:
Eton Systems Swedish Textile Machinery Association reuse circular economy conveyor system

Source:

AWOL Media

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Archroma again awarded EcoVadis Gold rating

Graphic Archroma

14.11.2025

Archroma again awarded EcoVadis Gold rating

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis for the second consecutive year. This places Archroma in the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed globally across 150 countries and 250 industries.

EcoVadis, the leading provider in business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies against stringent criteria covering environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. The Gold rating reflects Archroma’s continued progress in integrating sustainability across its operations and value chain.

Rajiv Sharma, CEO, Archroma, said: “As a company built on sustainable innovation, this recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to lead with purpose. Our strategy – from innovations to operational excellence – is centered on delivering measurable impact and long-term value for our customers, communities, and the planet.”

In a further step towards transparent ESG reporting, Archroma has recently completed a double materiality assessment under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This assessment considers how sustainability risks and opportunities affect Archroma’s business and how our operations impact the environment and society. The insights gathered will guide the company’s future sustainability strategy and will be publicly disclosed in the FY2025 Sustainability Report.

Rajiv also added: “The double materiality assessment reinforces our commitment to stakeholder engagement, ESG integration, and responsible growth. We will continue to align purpose, innovation, and accountability at every level of the organization.”

More information:
Archroma EcoVadis

Source:

Archroma

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Photo Messe Frankfurt

13.11.2025

Techtextil India 2025 & Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia

In line with India’s growing momentum to establish itself as a global textile manufacturing powerhouse, Techtextil India 2025, the country’s foremost B2B exhibition on technical textiles, nonwovens and composites, is set to return with an expansive and future-ready edition. Scheduled from November 19 to 21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, the 10th edition will feature over 215 exhibitors, including more than 100 first-time participants.

According to the Ministry of Textiles, India’s technical textiles exports stood at USD 2.92 billion in FY 2024–25, underscoring the sector/s growing global footprint. Packtech at 37.5% and Indutech at 28% emerged as the leading export categories, reflecting strong demand across industrial and packaging applications. With exports to the UK valued at USD 136 million, accounting for a 4.7% share, the data highlights India’s strengthening position in global value chains – setting the stage for platforms like Techtextil India that drive innovation, business and exchange of scientific knowledge for this high-growth segment. The expo will house 500+ products and 300+ brands with international participation from Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the USA.

The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, sustainability practices, focus on circularity and innovative fibers has become a necessity. Techtextil India 2025 plays a crucial role in driving this evolution by bringing together stakeholders across the value chain, fostering dialogue on policy and technology and accelerating industry-wide transformation. This year, the show takes a significant leap forward with its multi-functional approach, integrating new features under one roof — the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, which will be held on 18th November 2025, the launch of Sporttech Pavilion, the feature of German Pavilion and a Techtextil India conference powered by Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA). Together, these additions will enable participants to explore advanced applications of technical textiles across various sectors, including sports, automotive, defence, healthcare, construction, and sustainability.

India’s textile industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by government reforms and industry-led innovation. Acknowledging the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy, the Ministry of Textiles has recently introduced significant amendments to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, with a focus on revitalising the man-made fiber (MMF) and technical textiles segments. The revision aims to enhance ease of doing business, attract new investments and generate employment, while aligning with the government’s broader vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

These progressive measures underline the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, investment and employment generation within the sector — setting the stage for India to emerge as a global leader in high-performance textile manufacturing.

Commenting on the upcoming edition, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, stated: “The Indian textile industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by government support, technological innovation and global demand for sustainable materials. Techtextil India 2025 will not only showcase the latest in technical textiles and nonwovens but also serve as a knowledge-driven hub connecting policy with practice. Our new initiatives – the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, Sporttech Pavilion, German Pavilion and ITTA Technical Textiles Seminar – align perfectly with the nation’s textile growth mission, enabling participants to explore next-generation materials, solutions and business collaborations. We are proud to support India’s vision of becoming a global textile powerhouse.”

The Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, which is known for its focus on research-driven fiber innovation, will make its India debut, just a day before the expo on 18th November 2025, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking a perfect prelude for Techtextil India 2025. On 19th November 2025, the Techtextil Symposium will feature various knowledge sessions under themes like ‘Smart Solutions for Key Segments of Technical Textiles,’ organised by the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA). Focusing on innovations and practical applications in geotextiles, agrotextiles and industrial textiles, this will provide a platform to interact with leading experts. On Day 3, the conference organised by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) India will explore ‘Creating Tomorrow’s Circular Supply Chains: Technology, Collaboration & Capital for Tech Textiles and Plastics.’

The show will present credible developments in the fabrics for sports and activewear (Sporttech) category, leading to a dedicated Sporttech Pavilion organised in partnership with Concept N Strategies. A dedicated conference titled – ‘India’s activewear revolution scaling without compromise: Building a 360-degree ecosystem for premium, high-quality active wear that competes globally’ will spotlight high-performance fabrics and materials revolutionising sportswear and outdoor applications. The show will also house a conference on recycling, ‘Creating tomorrow’s circular supply chains: Technology, collaboration and capital for textiles and plastics.'

Besides these key features, the expo has seen an expansion into Mobiltech, Buildtech and Oekotech segments. Through these categories, the exhibition aims to connect manufacturers, technology providers, investors and policymakers under one unified platform to share insights, explore business opportunities and discuss the future of advanced textile materials. The event’s focus on innovation, sustainability and collaboration complements the national agenda of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness in textiles.

The show will have the presence of key domestic industry leaders, including Aditya Birla Yarns, Khosla Profil, Park Nonwoven, Pidilite, Reliance, Welspun, Sanathan Textiles, Sarex Chemicals, and Suntech Geo. Meanwhile, the international exhibitors include ACM, Inc., Autefa Solution Germany GmbH, Bettarini & Serafini SRL, Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, Georg Sahm GmbH & Co. KG, Innovatec Microfiber Technology GmbH & Co. KG, Procotex, Pulcra Chemicals GmbH, R&M International Sales Corporation, Reifenhäuser Enka Tecnica GmbH, Ring Maschinenbau GmbH, STC Spinnzwirn GmbH, Textechno Herbert Stein, VEIT Hong Kong Limited and Zoltek.

As high-value, sustainable and globally competitive textile production is receiving renewed focus, the synergy between government initiatives and industry platforms such as Techtextil India 2025 will continue to strengthen India’s leadership in the global textile landscape. The show has become synonymous with India’s textile ambition — weaving together innovation, collaboration and opportunity to create a more resilient, future-ready industry.

The expo has garnered support from key industry bodies, including the Manmade & Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL), Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), Department of Textiles (Government of Maharashtra), while the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference has garnered support from the Government of Tamil Nadu as the Partner State.

More information:
Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia Techtextil India Mumbai Bombay Exhibition Centre

Source:

Messe Frankfurt

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Photo: (c) Source Fashion

Source Fashion July 2025

11.11.2025

Source Fashion January 2026 Show Champions Collaboration

Source Fashion, a European leading fashion sourcing show, will once again champion the power of collaboration at its upcoming 2026 edition opening 13-15 January at Olympia London. Building on its strong partnerships with WRAP, Products of Change, and now Euromonitor International, the show will unite sustainability leaders, innovators, and analysts to inspire meaningful industry progress. Through expert-led sessions, actionable insight, and shared initiatives, Source Fashion will spotlight practical steps towards a more responsible, circular, and insight-driven global sourcing ecosystem.

Championing Circularity with WRAP
Continuing its close collaboration with leading climate action NGO WRAP, Source Fashion will highlight the organisation’s pivotal work in driving circularity and sustainability across the global textiles sector. Ahead of and during the January show, WRAP specialists will contribute a series of expert guest blogs and articles, offering valuable insight from their latest research, including the Durability in Focus report, the Textiles EPR report, and the UK Textiles Pact Roadmap.

At the event itself, WRAP will take to the stage for a thought-provoking debate session, bringing together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping a more circular future for fashion. Mark Sumner, Programme Lead at WRAP said, “WRAP’s continued collaboration with Source Fashion demonstrates how we are working with organisations to inspire meaningful climate action. The union takes our expertise beyond the sustainability circles to direct the sector towards Circular Living. Through the UK Textiles Pact and our recently refreshed UK Textiles Pact Roadmap, we’ve seen game-changing advances in the technologies and business models of the future, with new collaborations challenging old assumptions and turning what was niche into mainstream consumer behaviour. Source Fashion is a proven platform for bold, challenging conversations so we are proud to bring our insights to these important discussions to help propel the industry.

Driving Inclusion and Innovation with Products of Change
Source Fashion will also partner with Products of Change, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and sustainable innovation across the fashion supply chain. Products of Change case studies and content will be featured in the show’s newsletter and content hub, offering practical examples of how inclusive practices can drive positive change within the industry.

At the January show, Products of Change representatives will share their expertise on stage, engaging in discussions around inclusive and responsible business practices. In addition, Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO Products of Change will further support the show by joining its advisory board, helping to guide programming and initiatives that reflect the sector’s evolving sustainability and inclusion priorities. Helena Mansell-Stopher said, "At Products of Change, we believe that meaningful progress in sustainability and inclusion can only be achieved through shared commitment and collective action. Our continued collaboration with Source Fashion enables us to continue to engage directly with brands, manufacturers, and industry leaders, particularly in the fashion space, who are ready to challenge norms and embrace responsible business practices. By working together and showcasing real-world examples of positive change, we can inspire a more equitable, innovative, and future-fit fashion supply chain."

Driving Market Insight with Euromonitor International
Source Fashion is also delighted to announce a new partnership with Euromonitor International, the world’s leading provider of strategic market research. Through this collaboration, Euromonitor will deliver exclusive insight sessions on commodity shifts and pricing trends across the next two editions of the show, as well as host a senior sourcing leaders’ breakfast briefing on 14 January. Beyond the event, Euromonitor will also contribute bi-monthly digital content, providing Source Fashion’s community with ongoing analysis of global sourcing and market dynamics.

Marguerite LeRolland, Senior Global Insight Manager at Euromonitor International said, “Global sourcing is going through one of its most unpredictable periods in recent memory, and access to reliable insights is critical. By partnering with Source Fashion, we can help retailers and brands forecast more confidently and build resilience into their supply chains and business models -sharing our latest data, commodities analysis and market intelligence directly to sourcing and buying teams.”

The Source Fashion January 2026 show at London Olympia, 13–15 January, will continue to champion collaboration as a driving force for progress in fashion. Through expert-led sessions, in-depth case studies, and cross-industry debates, the event promises to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to build a more sustainable, circular, and inclusive future.

More information:
Source Fashion WRAP Euromonitor London London Olympia

Source:

Source Fashion

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11.11.2025

ECHA helping SMEs to comply

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched an updated SME hub on its website to support smaller companies with their duties under European chemicals legislation. Helping SMEs is one of the Agency’s core tasks.

The SME hub contains online tools and materials from Member States and ECHA, including an AI-powered virtual assistant pilot. These online resources were presented today at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, held as part of the EU’s SME Week.

Mercedes Viñas, ECHA’s Director for Submissions and Interaction said:
“ECHA’s strategy underlines the importance of providing tools, advice and support, particularly to smaller companies to help them fulfil their duties under the EU chemical legislation.

“We have met with SMEs and industry representatives to better understand the specific needs that smaller companies have. As a result, we can better address their concerns. We plan to continue engaging with SMEs and their representatives to make sure that we can address their needs in our current and future activities, for example, when designing new tools for industry. The competitiveness of European small and medium-sized enterprises is pivotal to our economy’s success and a priority on our agenda.”

ECHA is piloting uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in its work, in this case, we want to learn if AI can support SMEs in meeting their obligations under the EU chemicals legislation. This includes, for example, a webinar for SMEs from 22 October featuring AI-generated translations, and a pilot of an AI-powered virtual assistant. Available 24/7 in all EU languages, the assistant helps companies find reliable information about their duties by providing answers based on publicly available resources, including Q&As and other content from ECHA’s websites. During the pilot, ECHA will analyse the submitted questions and provided answers, as well as consider user feedback to continuously improve the assistant.

More information:
European Chemicals Agency ECHA SMEs European Union

Source:

European Chemicals Agency

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11.11.2025

Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business and Jiaren Chemical Recycling form joint venture

Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business, a global supplier of recycled technical textiles, polyester fibers and yarns, and Jiaren Chemical Recycling, a technology leader in chemical polyester recycling, form a joint venture to accelerate circularity in the global textile industry. The partnership is backed by Indorama Ventures’ double-digit m$ investment in Jiaren’s recycling capacity.

Both partners plan to leverage the joint venture to unlock up to 100,000 tonnes of textile-recycled PET spinning capacity annually, thereby enhancing the resilience and transparency of the global textile supply chain and optimizing the value both partners deliver to the industry.

Indorama Ventures’ global manufacturing footprint across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas along with the company’s proven ability to build efficient regional supply chains enable brand owners to establish local sourcing hubs where they need them. Jiaren Chemical Recyling’s ability to source, sort, de-color, de- and re-polymerize textile waste makes chemical textile recycling available at scale. That means fibers and yarns from this recycled feedstock allow brand owners to realize their climate targets and reduce textile waste at scale, while maintaining well-known material performance for consumers.

Mr. Diego Boeri, Executive President of Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business, said: “Mismanaged textile waste as well as the next generation’s expectations regarding climate protection cannot be solved by one company alone. It requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology and operations. Only together, all value chain players can build circular business models. Regulators need to help nurture the appetite for required investments, in particular in Europe, and consumers need to understand a lot better what happens in today’s global material flows to make educated buying choices. At Indorama Ventures, we strongly believe in the power of tightly woven relationships, with our customers and all other parties. We aim to lead the shift towards a circular textile economy. That’s why we back this joint venture with a double-digit million $ equity investment in Jiaren’s recycling capacity. We consider Jiaren Chemical Recycling the most advanced technology player in chemical textile recycling today. This strategic partnership is our next significant contribution to making our ambition of a circular textile industry real.”

Mr. Fang Jiayu, Chief Commercial Officer (International Market) of Jiaren, confirmed the goal to lead from the front: “Already today, Jiaren Chemical Recycling is among the biggest PET textile chemical recyclers globally, and we are continuously expanding our capacity. Partnering with a global powerhouse like Indorama Ventures is an opportunity for us to expand reach, helping to solve the world’s textile waste crisis, and secure diverse stable supply chains for brand owners and customers worldwide.” The closing of the joint venture is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

More information:
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited Jiaren Chemical Recycling Joint Venture circular economy

Source:

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

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Image Swedish School of Textiles

Claude Huniade

10.11.2025

Textile nerves – a new thread in the future of wearable electronics

What if your clothes could sense, respond, and even help you move? That’s the vision behind the doctoral project on “textile nerves” – conductive fibres designed for electronic and ionotronic textiles. Claude Huniade, who is behind an innovative project, has woven together chemistry, mechanics, and sustainability to rethink how textiles and electronics can merge.

The project had two main aims: first, to replace metals with alternative conductive materials like electronically conductive carbons, doped conducting polymers, and ionically conductive mediums; second, to lay the cornerstone for scalable production and realistic characterisation of textile nerves – especially for use in textile muscles. All of this was approached from a textile manufacturing standpoint, ensuring compatibility with weaving looms and knitting machines.

Improved properties to textile fibres
Among the most striking findings was the use of ionic liquids – liquids that are comprised entirely of ions – as electrical conductors in textiles. When applied to commercial fibres, they improved flexibility and stretchability, resulting in fabrics that were not just soft, but “conformal”, meaning they adapt closely to the body’s shape and movement.

“Our modern society has been shaped by textiles and electronics. When we think of the greatest example of an electronic device, a computer, it had at a point in time helped to bring the first men to the Moon in Apollo 11. Now, ionotronics – where electric currents are controlled by ions – open new doors for interfacing with biological systems like the human nervous system”, explained Claude Huniade.

Though these materials may not match metals in conductivity, their softness makes them ideal for wearable devices. The result? Electronics that feel more like clothing – and less like hardware.

“The potential uses are vast: bioelectrodes, sensors, heaters, lights, even textile-based batteries. But the most transformative application may be in rehabilitation – textile muscles could enable more accessible exoskeletons and prosthetics, giving people greater autonomy and mobility”, he said.

Sustainability at the core
This research aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By avoiding metals and embracing green chemistry principles, the project offers a more sustainable path forward for two of the world’s most waste-intensive industries combined – textiles and electronics.

What will be your next step after the dissertation?
“I will take a well-deserved break! I have a new project already in the works; all I will say is that it involves textile muscle fibres innervated by ionofibres.”

Link to dissertation

More information:
conductive fibres wearables wearable electronics Swedish School of Textiles University of Borås PhD

Source:

Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås

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Imgae SwitchDye

10.11.2025

Leeds University Start-up: Research-based dye makes polyester greener

Scientists have unlocked a way to dye polyester using 90% fewer chemicals and 40% less water.

Fizzy water was the key to making polyester dye less harmful to the environment in the creation of a new method developed by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Leeds spin-out company, SwitchDye.

Polyester makes up more than half of all global fibre output, with production increasing each year – but it takes centuries to decompose and it can be difficult to recycle from garment-to-garment. Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution, largely due to chemicals released in the wastewater from dyeing.

The startup aims to tackle these challenges at the dyeing stage by reducing harmful chemicals, water waste and costs. This could also make it easier and safer to recycle polyester garments, according to researchers and co-founders Dr Nathaniel Crompton, Dr Harrison Oates, Professor Richard Blackburn and Professor Chris Rayner.

Scientists have unlocked a way to dye polyester using 90% fewer chemicals and 40% less water.

The concept was invented by Professors Blackburn and Rayner, and Dr Crompton developed the SwitchDye technique as his PhD project in the Schools of Chemistry and Design. Now Chief Executive Officer of the startup, Dr Crompton said: “SwitchDye could transform the textile industry by reducing its huge water use footprint and its pollution problem.

“Not many people know that even more toxic chemicals are used to turn brightly coloured wastewater into transparent liquid. When released into freshwater, this is a secret killer that harms people, animals and the environment.

“We can't solve this problem without the backing of industry, investors and policymakers, so we’re excited to share SwitchDye publicly as we aim to scale up.”

Collaboration
Born from an ongoing collaboration between the Schools of Design and Chemistry at Leeds, SwitchDye makes it easier to insert and remove dyes from the fibre by injecting a small amount of carbonated water into the dye bath. This triggers the dyes’ unique switching behaviour within the polyester fibres.

SwitchDye, which is based at the University’s innovation community, Nexus, also works on other synthetic fibres, such as nylon and elastane, and is just as effective as widely used dye, without compromising on colour. Importantly, it uses all the same equipment that manufacturers already have.

Dr Oates, SwitchDye’s Chief Technology Officer, who carried out his PhD as part of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, said: “Polyester is highly durable, and straightforward to recycle, however the main issue is the colour in the fabric.

“SwitchDye can be more easily removed from the fibre, making the clothes much more recyclable. Ultimately, SwitchDye helps to make the textile industry more circular and sustainable, in both the dyeing and recycling stages."

Dr Crompton and Dr Oates met while carrying out PhDs in the Wolfson CO2 Chemistry lab, a unique facility for developing novel carbon dioxide-based processes in the School of Chemistry, where they quickly became friends and then business partners.

Industry standards
Using facilities at the University’s School of Design and the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) the researchers have rigorously tested the dyes over many years, making sure they meet or exceed industry standards for colour fastness.

Chris Rayner, Professor of Organic Chemistry in the School of Chemistry, said: “Richard and I have collaborated together for nearly 25 years on sustainability and green chemistry for coloration and textiles, combining our individual expertise. We are proud of how our multidisciplinary approach continues to pioneer innovative solutions to solve real-world problems.”

Richard Blackburn, Professor of Sustainable Materials in the School of Design, added: “It’s been really exciting to see how the technology has developed, and we are especially grateful to The Clothworkers’ Foundation for funding our initial concept that was the subject of Nat's PhD, and to The Clothworkers’ Company for continuing to support the commercialisation of the technology through LITAC.”

To date, the project has received funding from organisations including The Clothworkers’ Foundation, The Dyers' Company, LITAC, The John Lewis Partnership Circular Future Fund in collaboration with Hubbub, the Northern Triangle Talent Project (led by the University of Sheffield), and the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Jane Nicholson, Executive Director of Research at EPSRC said: “Sustainable approaches to polyester dyeing are paving the way to a cleaner, more circular textile industry. This startup company is an excellent example of how EPSRC investment in training, specifically in sustainable chemistry, is not only developing leaders of tomorrow but leading to new discoveries that fuel innovation.”

Over the next six months, the team aims to close its first investment round, scale up dye synthesis and begin trials of its dyeing process on commercial scale machines.

More information:
University of Leeds Startup SwitchDye polyester polyester dyeing

Source:

University of Leeds

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RadiciGroup: 21st Sustainability Report published

07.11.2025

RadiciGroup: 21st Sustainability Report published

RadiciGroup has published its 21st Sustainability Report, covering the year 2024, confirming more than two decades of transparency and measurement in the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. From its first Social Report in 2004 to the current reporting aligned with the GRI Universal Standards, the Group is now preparing for its next challenge: the adoption of the criteria that will be set out by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Between 2020 and 2024, RadiciGroup invested €277 million to strengthen competitiveness and sustainability, including €44 million in 2024 alone. Environmental investments totaled €3.3 million, focused on energy efficiency, emission reduction, and the introduction of the best available technologies.

Two years ago, the Group defined “From Earth to Earth”, a sustainability roadmap outlining objectives and concrete actions in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) fields to be achieved by 2030. And 2024 marks the achievement of several important goals, including the reduction of direct emissions (Scope 1), which have been cut by 81% compared to 2011. In addition, the use of electricity from renewable sources (63.5%)—with a growing share self-produced—together with the circular management of water, materials, and waste, achieving a packaging recovery rate close to 100%, testify to an increasingly sustainable industrial model and mark the achievement of further objectives set by RadiciGroup in its From Earth to Earth roadmap.

For the first time, the 2024 report includes the calculation of the Group’s Scope 3 emissions, in line with the GHG Protocol guidelines. Future challenges will involve increasingly extensive and accurate measurement of the value chain footprint, through a shared, synergistic, and collaborative effort involving RadiciGroup, its suppliers, and its customers.

On the social front, the year closed with a significant improvement in health and safety performance and with new training and professional development initiatives tailored to the different cultural contexts in which the Group operates. RadiciGroup also continued to promote an inclusive work environment based on respect for human rights.

To RadiciGroup, sustainability also means product innovation, through the use of recycled and bio-based materials, solution dyeing to reduce water and energy consumption, and low-carbon-footprint solutions measured through Life Cycle Assessment. Thanks to its know-how in nylon recycling, the Group promotes eco-design and embraces the circular economy model, with the aim of enhancing every phase of the production cycle in collaboration with the value chain.

From a governance perspective, the Group’s management systems continued to strengthen its systemic and integrated approach to ESG topics and ensure increasingly comprehensive traceability of information. Finally, digitalization is confirmed as an enabler of the company’s strategy, with advanced systems for data management, production efficiency, and cybersecurity.

More information:
RadiciGroup Sustainability Report Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive CSRD

Source:

RadiciGroup

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