From the Sector

AkzoNobel has taken note of a presidential decree signed by the President of Russia placing the company’s Russian subsidiaries under temporary external administration as of July 13.
 
Under temporary external administration, operational oversight is transferred to a designated external entity, while underlying ownership remains unchanged. AkzoNobel is currently reviewing the decree and assessing its implications. Russia represents less than 2% of AkzoNobel’s revenue and is not material to the company’s overall financial performance.
 
The company remains committed to supporting its employees and safeguarding its interests as shareholder of AkzoNobel’s Russian subsidiaries.
 
Following the EU sanctions introduced in 2022, AkzoNobel discontinued a significant part of its activities in Russia. The remaining operations have since been fully localized and ringfenced, operating independently without financial support from Akzo Nobel N.V.

 

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Under the coordination of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), ten European project partners are developing and integrating platforms, technologies, and viable business models for circular textile production over four years. ALADIN stands for Advanced LocAl and Digital Innovation Network for Circular Garments and aims to establish viable business models for circular textile production.

The concept is based on four pillars:

• A digital platform for services provided by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Regional cooperation to promote local production
• Technologies for recycling strategies
• Local and renewable raw materials

The project partners come from six different countries (Germany, Romania, Belgium, France, Czechia, Italy) and bring a wide range of expertise to the table, for example in the areas of design, embroidery, printing, digitalization, recycling, AI, and microfactory production.

This diverse range of experiences enables a high-performance digital infrastructure for B2B and B2B2C relationships. The partners will develop innovative technologies such as a Digital Product Passport module, or an AI-supported ecodesign assistant and apparel textiles including ring-spun recycled cotton yarns, while ensuring a broad transfer of project results to make a lasting impact. This will result in a network that jointly utilizes the infrastructure - from design and production to customer service and recycling.

To validate the approach, three specific use cases are being implemented: a semi-automated T-shirt, a smart parka, and a circular, versatile blazer dress. These products use sustainable materials such as bio-based fibers and recycled textiles, which are processed in a way that makes them easier to recycle at the end of their life cycle. Production takes place locally in microfactories, and the products are custom-made according to customer specifications.

In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups and further stakeholders will be actively involved in two Open Calls. Innovations within the ecosystem are also promoted, for example in the areas of automation, production technologies, and digital services.

In the long term, the project aims to establish a Europe-wide network of microfactories, create new jobs, and significantly increase the use of sustainable materials. At the same time, the project intends to reduce waste and strengthen regional value creation.

To this end, ALADIN brings together industry, customers, policymakers, and academia - to promote sustainable, circular textile production. In this way, ALADIN will also serve as a model for similar networks, thereby multiplying the positive effects on the market and the environment.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101294463. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

With its fifth participation at Pitti Uomo, CHINA WAVE once again underscored the dynamic rise of Chinese designer brands on the international stage. The showcased collections demonstrated how Chinese labels are increasingly defining themselves through distinctive design languages, technological innovation and cultural authenticity, attracting growing attention from the global fashion industry. 

As the flagship brand of the collective presentation, SEPTWOLVES impressed visitors with a collection combining functionality, sustainability and Chinese cultural heritage. Alongside its further enhanced Business Travel Jacket featuring advanced technical innovations, the Wulin World Heritage Collection and the sustainable polo line crafted from natural fibres attracted particular interest. International buyers praised SEPTWOLVES for translating traditional Chinese craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage into a contemporary design language with global appeal. The collections led to intensive discussions with buyers and distributors from Europe, South America, the Middle East and Central Asia, reaffirming the brand's growing international potential. 

For SWOF CARE, the hat wear brand, direct engagement with the international market was the central focus. The new SUPER SWOF "SS Super Classic" collection and the handcrafted BLACK LABEL line successfully combined traditional Chinese millinery with a contemporary design aesthetic. Particularly valuable for the brand was the immediate feedback received from international buyers and industry professionals, providing important inspiration for future collection development. At the same time, numerous concrete business opportunities emerged, with buyers expressing interest in sourcing solutions, product customization, long-term distribution partnerships and agency collaborations. Establishing new partnerships to further accelerate the brand's international expansion also ranks among the lasting achievements of its participation. 

With its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Oriental aesthetics, ZIFEI WANG became one of the creative highlights of CHINA WAVE. Combining artistic expression with premium ready-to-wear fashion, the collection impressed international buyers as well as renowned showrooms and premium boutiques. Particular praise was given to its successful balance between avant-garde creativity and commercial relevance. The successful presentation in Florence further strengthened the brand's international positioning while paving the way for future presentations across Europe like the forthcoming Milan Fashion Week in September.  

SOARIN presented its unique design philosophy under the guiding concept "I Become." Through plant-based dyeing techniques, innovative material research and the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the brand developed a distinctive creative signature. International buyers and industry professionals particularly appreciated its creative originality and innovative use of materials. Discussions during the fair generated promising prospects for future collaborations and international showcases. 

SOARIN WORLD, the pioneering Chinese label under the SOARIN brand, presented a collection rooted in an Eastern interpretation of beauty while embracing a forward-looking design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from ethnic cultures, nature and humanity, the brand reinterprets traditional Chinese aesthetics through a contemporary lens, creating garments that bridge heritage and modernity. International buyers and industry professionals praised the collection's distinctive cultural identity and sophisticated craftsmanship, recognising its strong potential for premium retail and concept stores. The presentation in Florence further strengthened SOARIN WORLD's international visibility and opened promising opportunities for future collaborations and market expansion. 

For KIMUSSO, Pitti Uomo represented far more than a platform for presenting a collection. The avant-garde womenswear label used the direct exchange with international buyers to further refine its positioning in the global market. Immediate feedback confirmed the brand's particular strength within the progressive concept store and curated premium boutique segment. The exhibition therefore marked an important milestone in reflecting on the brand's identity from an international perspective and further sharpening its future strategic direction. 

Under this year's theme, "The Pitti Pool," Pitti Uomo 110 once again proved to be a meeting point for the ideas, perspectives and partnerships shaping the future of the global fashion industry. Through its fifth participation, CHINA WAVE demonstrated how naturally Chinese designer brands have become part of this international creative ecosystem. From technological innovation and sustainable material concepts to a confident expression of cultural identity, the participating labels presented their own distinctive visions for the future of fashion, attracting significant interest from international buyers and key industry decision-makers. 

CHINA WAVE has long evolved into far more than a collective exhibition. The platform connects Chinese designer brands with international business partners, creates new market opportunities and fosters creative dialogue between East and West. The successful presentation in Florence clearly demonstrated that Chinese brands are increasingly recognised as drivers of innovation, design excellence and cross-cultural exchange. Following this milestone edition, attention is already turning to the next chapter: from January 12 to 15, 2027, CHINA WAVE will return to Pitti Uomo 111 in Florence, bringing a new wave of Chinese creativity to the international stage. 

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, in partnership with the Business Coordination House (BCH), will welcome filtration professionals from across the world to FILTREX™ India 2026, taking place on 7–8 October 2026 at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi. 

Recognised as one of the leading meeting points for the filtration industry in the region, FILTREX™ India brings together decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and innovators from across the entire filtration value chain. The two-day conference and tabletop exhibition will provide a platform to explore technological advances, market developments and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the future of filtration. 

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 conference will feature a comprehensive programme covering some of the industry's most pressing topics, including filtration standards and regulations in India, automotive filtration, industrial filtration, clean water and clean air. The event will also provide extensive networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and discover new business opportunities. 

The programme includes keynote presentations and technical sessions delivered by internationally recognised experts from leading organisations, including MANN+HUMMEL, Ahlstrom, Camfil, Hollingsworth & Vose, UY Trienviro and Schlegel und Partner. Topics will range from next-generation filtration materials and air quality solutions to wastewater recycling technologies and the implications of evolving European chemical compliance requirements for international markets. 

"Launched in Europe in 2004, FILTREX™ has grown into a recognised international platform for knowledge exchange within the filtration industry," said Murat Dogru, General Manager at EDANA. "The Indian market continues to play an increasingly important role in the global filtration landscape, making FILTREX™ India an ideal forum for bringing together international expertise and local innovation to address shared challenges."

As global demand for effective filtration solutions continues to grow—driven by challenges related to air quality, water treatment, industrial processes and sustainable technologies—FILTREX™ India 2026 will offer participants valuable insights into the innovations and collaborations shaping the industry's future.

The first chapter of Catalyst Club debuted in Florence, bringing together creative directors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, journalists and innovators from across the fashion and textile industry for an evening of dialogue, exchange and connection.

Hosted at the Soko Innovation Hub and developed in partnership with Pioneer Denim, the gathering took place around a single long table, bringing guests together in an informal and convivial setting designed to encourage open conversation and the sharing of ideas.

During his opening speech at the dinner, Matteo Urbini, MD of Soko Chimica, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: "It’s a real pleasure to host an evening where we can finally move past virtual networking and connect in person. Getting together live is still the best way to build authentic relationships and make real things happen."

Set within a relaxed and convivial environment, free from presentations, panels and formal agendas, the evening encouraged guests to engage openly, allowing ideas, perspectives and future visions to flow naturally. Conversations touched on sustainability, creativity, manufacturing and innovation, generating valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration while introducing the purpose of Catalyst Club: a community designed to bring together the people shaping the future of fashion, denim and innovation through dialogue, exchange and shared inspiration.

The first chapter was realized with the support of Pioneer Denim, whose commitment to innovation and industry collaboration reflects the values at the heart of the initiative.

The Florence gathering represents the beginning of a journey that will continue through future chapters, expanding a network of professionals united by the belief that meaningful change starts with connection.

About Catalyst Club Catalyst Club is a curated community that brings together the people shaping the future of fashion, denim and innovation. Through intimate gatherings and meaningful conversations, it creates opportunities for ideas, perspectives and collaborations to emerge and evolve.

About Soko Soko is an innovation-driven chemical company serving the global fashion and textile industry. Through research, partnerships and its Soko Innovation Hub, the company promotes collaboration, sustainability and knowledge-sharing across the supply chain. Soko is the creator and organizer of Catalyst Club.

About Pioneer Denim Pioneer Denim is a leading denim manufacturer recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality and responsible production, supporting global brands through advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

The undersigned associations, representing several European industrial sectors, call on EU institutions to maintain the current legal text of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), adopted in 2019. While the signatories recognise the importance of ensuring that the SUPD delivers measurable and meaningful environmental outcomes, reopening the Directive now will create legal uncertainty, add disproportionate burden for economic operators that are already navigating partial and often divergent national transpositions, and increase the risk of regulatory overlaps or contradictions with existing and upcoming legislation. Moreover, there is currently insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of the current SUPD to justify a revision, as described below: 

• Insufficient evidence to inform a revision of the SUPD. 
  An impact assessment of the SUPD cannot be carried out at a moment when several of its provisions are not yet in place. While a first report on the state of implementation of the SUPD was published in April 2026, it remains partial, and reporting is not harmonised, preventing meaningful comparison of data across countries. Taking the example of consumption reduction targets, Member States and other EEA countries only reported data on SUP products placed on the market in 2022 and, even for this report, did so using different indicators. Crucially, since the target on consumption reduction is set for 2026, no data are yet available on whether that target has been achieved. In summary, the partial application of the SUPD and the limited data available suggest that a revision of the SUPD would be premature at this time. 
• Preventing further fragmentation and gold-plating. 
  The transposition of the SUPD has produced significant regulatory fragmentation, uneven enforcement, and widespread instances of gold plating, creating persistent uncertainty for companies active across multiple Member States. The result is a patchwork of national rules that undermines the integrity of the Single Market, inflates compliance costs, and fails to deliver proportionate environmental benefits. These structural shortcomings must be fully recognised in the evaluation of the SUPD and effectively addressed prior to considering a reopening of the Directive. 
• Ensuring legal certainty for economic operators. 
  A revision of the SUPD would create legal uncertainty for companies and Member States that are still implementing several of its provisions. While the SUPD entered into force in mid-2021, the date of application for most of its provisions is at a later stage. Furthermore, the EU Commission has only recently adopted some of the implementing decisions and guidelines on the current SUPD. Any change to the SUPD at a moment when companies are still adapting to new obligations, and Member States are still in the process of implementing some key provisions, would create legal uncertainty for economic operators who do not know whether targets or the scope of the SUPD may change. Legal uncertainty carries significant economic costs for economic operators, notably in terms of investment delays likely to persist throughout the entire SUPD revision process (2–3 years). 
• Avoiding overlaps with other legislation. 
  Revising the SUPD while the Ecodesign and Packaging Regulations are still being implemented, and as negotiations on the Circular Economy Act (CEA) begin, increases the risk of regulatory overlaps and contradictions. These frameworks cover intersecting areas and a revision of the SUPD in parallel with the CEA would almost inevitably lead to duplicative or conflicting provisions. Even if the EU Commission ensured full coherence in its proposal, the co-legislators could still introduce provisions that diverge from or contradict the SUPD framework, further undermining legal certainty and the functioning of the Single Market. 

At a time when EU leaders have made regulatory simplifications and a fully integrated Single Market central to Europe’s competitiveness agenda, we urge EU policymakers to focus legislative efforts where they are most needed and avoid reopening a framework that has yet to deliver concrete results.

Originally developed as an umbrella framework by innovation platform Fashion for Good, the RE&UP Fiber Club aims to accelerate the commercial adoption of circular Next-Gen materials across the global fashion ecosystem. 

Shifting the paradigm of fashion sustainability from isolated capsule collections to structural, industrial-scale reality, RE&UP announced the official launch of RE&UP and its Fiber Club. This landmark initiative introduces a collaborative consortium framework, originally developed as an umbrella framework by innovation platform Fashion for Good, designed to dismantle traditional supply chain barriers and accelerate the global adoption of premium recycled materials. 

For years, the integration of high-quality, next-generation recycled textiles has been hindered by fragmented supply chains, restrictive minimum order quantities (MOQs), and prohibitive upfront costs, frequently trapping sustainability initiatives in a perpetual "pilot phase". RE&UP is changing the rules. 

The journey within RE&UP and its Fiber Club is engineered to be straightforward and structurally de-risked, guiding brand partners through four clear operational phases: 

1. Consortium structure & alignment: Establishing the framework and aligning key supply chain stakeholders. 
2. Initial material sampling: Reviewing standardized material specifications and aligning on specific supply terms. 
3. Pilot collection development: Designing and launching an initial commercial collection at the individual brand level. 
4. Long-Term partnership: Securing long-term fiber purchase commitments at predictable, discounted rates, successfully transitioning brands to a permanent circular supply chain. 

"The technology to recycle textiles is only half the battle; the real hurdle is commercial alignment. With RE&UP and its Fiber Club, the baseline for high-volume, compliant circularity is active and operationally ready today. We are giving forward-thinking brands the plug-and-play infrastructure required to stop experimenting with sustainability and start scaling it," said Andreas Dorner, General Manager of RE&UP.

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.

The double appointment shines a spotlight on a market that confirms itself as a true cornerstone for Italian exports in Asia—a geographical area that alone absorbs 40% of the sector’s foreign sales, reaching a value of 667 million euros. Bangladesh’s role has grown steadily, culminating in 2025 with a turnover of 71 million euros and posting a double-digit increase (+17% compared to the previous year).

Production flexibility and the ability to create customized technological niches are the hallmarks of the roughly 300 companies making up the Italian textile machinery industry—a highly internationalized sector that exports 86% of its production to 130 countries.

“The 2025 figures speak clearly: the 17% growth testifies that the Bangladeshi textile industry views Italian manufacturers as an irreplaceable partner to win the global challenge of quality and efficiency,” comments Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT. “The decision to visit both Dhaka and Chittagong with this workshop stems from our desire to closely support the country’s two industrial engines, offering tailored solutions capable of generating an immediate technological upgrade and guiding local players toward more sustainable models. This journey also represents an ideal springboard ahead of ITMA Hanover 2027, the global stage where we will showcase the next major evolutions of our technology.”

The workshop—promoted by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT and organized with the valuable support of the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka—will be structured to maximize networking opportunities through targeted B2B business meetings and in-depth technical seminars in both cities. It will feature the participation of the following Italian companies:

COLOR SERVICE, CORINO MACCHINE, DANTI, DURST, L.A.I.P., LAWER, MONTI – MAC, MS PRINTING SOLUTIONS, ROJ, PENTEK, PINTER CAIPO, REGGIANI MACCHINE, SALVADE’, TECNORAMA, UGOLINI.

New skills for the circular economy and digitalisation
Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. 

Skills4Circularity is an Erasmus+ project involving 21 partners from twelve countries. The aim is to prepare the European textile industry for the challenges of the circular economy, recycling, traceability and digitalisation through new training programmes. The IVGT is participating as the German industry partner. The project runs from November 2025 to October 2029 and is developing, among other things, training modules, MOOCs, masterclasses and a European Textile Skills Observatory. 

The aim of the project is to identify skills gaps and, building on these, to develop tailor-made training programmes for the circular textile economy. The project is based on a Europe-wide company survey involving 183 participants from twelve countries, 22 expert interviews, and an AI-supported analysis of 313 job advertisements across eleven countries. The results clearly show that the industry’s greatest challenges lie less in a lack of technology and more in a lack of skills. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, the circular economy, life cycle assessments (LCA), data management and process integration is particularly in demand. Traceability, material sorting and sustainable production processes also rank among the industry’s most important areas of expertise.

Sustainability requires systemic thinking
The analysis also highlights that whilst sustainability, the circular economy and technological innovation are recognised as strategic goals regardless of company size, their implementation often takes place incrementally and in isolation. In many cases, measures are not yet viewed as part of a holistic transformation strategy.

There are clear differences between company sizes in this regard. Large companies have extensive technological and organisational resources but face significant regulatory and transformational pressure. Medium-sized companies often drive the functional and sustainable development of textiles but are frequently constrained by economic conditions and customer requirements. Small enterprises score highly on flexibility but have only limited technological capacity. Micro-enterprises often operate as innovative niche providers but are particularly dependent on partnerships and stable market conditions.

A key finding of the research was that the greatest obstacles to implementing circular economy concepts do not stem from a lack of awareness of the issues. Rather, skills gaps, insufficient integration of processes across the entire product life cycle, a lack of data standards, and often inadequate coordination along the value chain are the decisive factors. There is a particularly acute need for specialist knowledge to translate the increasing EU regulations and sustainability requirements into operational practice.

The study also shows that recycling, eco-design and sustainable production are not yet sufficiently integrated within many companies. Furthermore, recycling processes are often outsourced and only considered at the end of the product life cycle. Although eco-design is increasingly being incorporated into product development, it is rarely firmly integrated into standardised development processes. Sustainable production measures often focus on resource efficiency and process optimisation without being systematically linked to circular strategies. As a result, potential for life-cycle-oriented optimisation of materials, products and processes often remains untapped.

Three training modules for the textile transformation
Based on the analysis results, Skills4Circularity is now developing three practice-oriented training modules on the topics of recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable production.

The ‘Recycling Technologies’ module provides knowledge on legal requirements, material sorting and the processing of textile waste. The aim is to support companies in better structuring recycling processes and improving collaboration along the recycling value chain.

The “Eco-design for the Circular Economy” module focuses on regulatory requirements, life-cycle assessment and traceability systems. Participants will be equipped to systematically integrate circular design principles into product development and to establish the conditions for a functioning circular economy as early as the initial development phases.

The third module is dedicated to sustainable production. The focus is on resource-efficient and low-waste production processes, as well as the organisational embedding of sustainability goals within the company. In particular, the aim is to link production processes more closely with circular strategies and recycling approaches.

With these training programmes, Skills4Circularity aims to support the European textile industry in integrating the circular economy, digitalisation and sustainability more closely into operational practice. Continuing professional development thus becomes a key success factor for the transformation of the sector. 

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has hosted the first meeting of its Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing (CP-AAT).
The event brought together Member States, the European Commission, EU agencies, industry and public-private partnerships to define priorities and strengthen cooperation on the use of alternatives to animal testing.

The members of the platform discussed the wide range of ongoing alternative methods initiatives across Europe, as well as shared challenges in advancing and applying them. They emphasised the importance of structured and continuous information exchange to support progress and avoid duplication of efforts.

Four priority areas were identified for the platform’s initial two-year work programme:

• QSARs: promote regulatory use of in silico methods, starting with acute oral toxicity, by showing practical use and setting clear performance criteria for hazard assessment;
• In vitro toxicokinetics: develop harmonised approaches for using in vitro toxicokinetic data and align scientific and regulatory expectations;
• Omics: Support use of omics technologies (e.g. transcriptomics, metabolomics) in hazard identification and grouping through guidance and case studies; and
• New approach methodologies (NAMs) for nano- and advanced materials: create regulatory approaches to assess nanomaterials’ specific properties and enable their inclusion in non-animal testing strategies.

These priorities reflect areas where further collaboration and alignment are needed to support regulatory uptake. Their scope will now be developed in more detail, with work expected to begin shortly. 

Background
The Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing is an informal and non-binding forum meeting twice a year focusing on scientific exchange, capacity building and development of a common understanding on the regulatory use of alternative methods. The platform is ECHA’s first contribution to the European Commission’s roadmap towards phasing out animal testing, which was published on 1 June 2026.