From the Sector

ITA Master's student Janne Warnecke investigated tension differences over the fabric width in the weaving process and thereby contributed to quality assurance; ITA Bachelor's student Jasmin Roos found a basis for the development of recyclable yarns and textiles. For these developments, they were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation's Promotion and Sustainability Prizes on 27 November. Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards at the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) in Aachen, Germany.

Thermoplastic elastomers as a recyclable alternative to elastane
The increasing importance of a circular economy for conserving resources and minimising negative environmental impacts requires innovative recycling concepts for textiles. The increasing use of elastane poses a particular challenge in textile recycling. Even small amounts of elastane cause difficulties in established recycling technologies such as thermomechanical recycling, for example by clogging filter media or decomposing into potentially toxic degradation products.

Jasmin Roos won the Sustainability Award for her bachelor's thesis on the topic: ‘Potential of thermoplastic elastomers for thermomechanical textile recycling as an alternative to elastane: Experimental evaluation of PET/TPC blends’ with prize money of €3,000.

In her thesis, Jasmin Roos, supervised by ITA scientist Ricarda Wissel, took an in-depth look at the development of sustainable solutions for recycling elastic textiles. The innovative approach aims to replace conventional, non-recyclable elastane with melt-spun yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). This can not only improve recyclability, but also contribute to reducing environmental impact, as harmful solvents can be dispensed with in yarn production.

The main objective of her work was to evaluate the suitability of blends of TPC and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for joint thermomechanical recycling. Blend and melt spinning tests were carried out on a laboratory and pilot scale at the ITA facilities. Jasmin Roos succeeded in producing blends of different proportions of PET and TPC, based on typical elastane proportions in textiles, and successfully processing them into yarns on a melt spinning line – a crucial aspect for closed-loop recycling. The results of her bachelor's thesis thus form a promising basis for the development of recyclable elastic yarns and textiles.

Archroma becomes the exclusive global distributor of Fibre52®’s patented chemistry—advancing a new standard in sustainable processing. Combined with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE dyes, the partnership delivers the industry’s most resource-efficient bleach-and-dye systems.
 
Archroma, a leading global specialty chemicals company committed to sustainable innovation, and Innovo Fiber LLC, owner of the patented Fibre52® system, announced an exclusive global distribution partnership to expand the reach of Fibre52®’s proven low-temperature, bleaching technology with innovative dyeing application to textile mills and brands worldwide.

When combined with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE reactive dye range, the collaboration brings forward a comprehensive system that reduces resource use across pretreatment and dyeing, setting a new benchmark for sustainable cotton and cotton/polyester production. Together, the technologies enable mills to reduce water use and CO₂ emissions by up to 50%, helping brands accelerate their progress toward carbon-reduction and sustainability targets.

Under the agreement, Archroma will integrate Fibre52® into its global sales and technical network, expanding access to the ZDHC MRSL v3.1 and OEKO-TEX®-approved system for mills adopting high-performance, sustainable processing.

Revolutionizing Cotton and Cellulose Processing
Fibre52®’s breakthrough technology replaces harsh, high-temperature caustic bleaching with a gentle, low-temperature system that preserves the cotton fiber’s natural wax layer. The result is stronger, softer, more durable fabrics that reduce process weight loss by 2–4%, lower energy and water use, and deliver cost-neutral conversion—while minimizing the need for added softeners through the cotton’s naturally enhanced hand feel.

Already adopted by partner mills across multiple regions, the process delivers consistent results across all shades—including whites—and performs exceptionally on cotton/polyester blends, reducing time and water requirements. Combined with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE dyes, it enhances dye uptake, color depth, and overall resource efficiency—a next-generation solution for sustainable textile processing.

Engineered for versatility across modern bleaching and dyeing platforms, Fibre52® offers mills a single, low-impact system adaptable to a wide range of fabric constructions and process methods. Designed for cotton and effective with cotton/polyester, manmade cellulosics, and cotton-rich blends, the system also supports greater use of recycled cotton, advancing circular textile production.

By combining Archroma’s global reach and technical expertise with Fibre52®’s patented innovation, the partnership will accelerate the industry’s shift to a comprehensive bleach-and-dye system, unlocking new efficiencies and environmental benefits at scale. Together, Archroma and Fibre52® are setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance cotton and blended fabric processing.

Executive Perspectives
“Our goal has always been to make sustainable cotton processing the global standard,” said Laura Thornquist, President of Innovo Fiber LLC, owner of Fibre52®. “Through our partnership with Archroma, we can now deliver that vision at scale—combining Fibre52®’s neutral-pH, caustic-free technology with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE dyes to create a complete, low-impact bleach-and-dye system. This is how the industry moves forward: practical innovation that improves performance, protects fibers, and dramatically reduces environmental impact.”

“This partnership is a strategic milestone that brings together Innovo Fiber’s groundbreaking technology and Archroma’s sustainability innovation. Together we are empowering the textile industry to achieve new levels of efficiency and environmental sustainability. This is a game-changer for the industry and we are excited to lead the charge,” said Dhirendra Gautam, VP Commercial, Archroma. “With Fibre52®, we now deliver a unique, industry-first solution, for cotton and its blends, as part of Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ portfolio.”

® Trademarks of Archroma registered in many countries.
Fibre52® is a registered trademark of Fibre52 (Innovo Fiber LLC).

Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company, announced its Trevira CS® brand’s presentation at Heimtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, from January 13 to 16, 2026. The theme of the show: “WE CARE.” 

“WE CARE”: A Focus on Community, Sustainability, and Craftsmanship 
Trevira CS®, alongside its partners, is transforming the traditional trade show display into an active, meaningful experience at the Trevira CS Joint Booth. The theme "WE CARE" embodies a commitment to the textile industry, fire safety, mindful resource usage, and social responsibility. 

“We care about the textile industry, fire safety indoors, the communities we operate in, the mindful usage of our resources, and about you and your loved ones. At Heimtextil 2026, we are completely shifting the focus from a passive display to an active, memorable, and meaningful experience,” says Svenja Fromm, Fibers Global Communication and Brand Manager. 

Experiencing the fabric: Sensory engagement and social impact 
The core of the "WE CARE" booth is an interactive activity designed to enhance sensory engagement and support a worthy cause: 

1. Sensory enhancement: Visitors, including interior designers, decorators, and media, will be encouraged to physically touch, feel, and work with the Trevira CS fabrics, enabling a deeper understanding of essential qualities like drape, weight, and texture. Trevira CS fabric donations from various partners have been turned into pillowcases. Partner in this craftsmanship activity is hum Kissen, Sulingen, Germany. Since over 20 years, hum stands for sustainable design, high quality, and fair cooperation for cushions. That's why they only use valuable, certified materials for their hum design and outdoor cushions, which are manufactured in Germany. Their value promise: feel good in any environment! Also, pillowcases from various displays and showcases have been submitted by Trevira CS partners – all awaiting the following next step. 
2. Memorable interaction & giving back: The WE CARE highlight activity invites Heimtextil visitors to stuff these pillowcases using permanently flame-retardant fibers provided by Indorama Ventures. This hands-on process allows participants to truly appreciate the fabric's "hand" and craftsmanship. 
3. One act of kindness: All cushions created during the show will be handed over to the Lions Club Wiesbaden. They will ensure that the finished cushions are distributed to those in need within the local community, supporting two initiatives: “Herzenswärme” (Warmth of the Heart) initiative and the „IFB“ (Inklusion.Förderung.Betreuung/Inclusion.Support.Care.) initiative, which focuses on the inclusion of children with disabilities. 

Trevira CS Joint Booth Experience: Innovations in Flame-Retardancy & Design 
The Trevira CS Joint Booth will feature a diverse collection of inherently flame-retardant products for the home textiles and contract market. The exhibiting partners will showcase products across all textile applications, from spun to fancy flame retardant yarns eligible for the brand Trevira CS to from lightweight curtains to upholstery fabrics, woven and knitted fabrics as well as interior solar shading solutions.

Dedicated gallery information walls will provide unique insights into the Trevira CS brand, its sub-brands, rigorous trademark testing, various application areas, and its path forward using advanced recycled materials. 

Exhibiting Partners at the Trevira CS Joint Booth (Hall 3.1, G95) 

• Baroni Filati S.r.l. 
• FILTRADING S.R.L. 
• ILCAT S.P.A. 
• TORCITURA LEI TSU S.R.L. 
• LODETEX S.P.A. 
• MOTTURA Spa 
• PIF sarl 
• Pugi RG S.r.l. 
• Tintoria filati Sala S.r.l. 
• Selvafil S.A. 
• Hum Kissen 
• The Lion Club Wiesbaden 

Deja™: Advancing Sustainability with Recycled Materials 
Demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable path forward, Indorama Ventures will also introduce the deja™ brand family. Deja marks fibers, yarns and technical fabrics made from what is already here, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact while delivering virgin-like performance. 

This sustainable product family of staple fibers, filament yarns, and technical fabrics is suitable for a broad variety of applications, including home textiles, apparel, and automotive interiors. 

Indorama Ventures and Trevira CS® invite all visitors to experience the "WE CARE" concept, to stuff a cushion, and engage with the Trevira CS partners, and its brands Trevira CS® and deja™ at Heimtextil 2026.

In line with the commitment signed on November 6, 2025, CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials, a listed subsidiary of Zhink Group, the 3rd largest PET producer in China and 4th worldwide, announce the signing of the definitive agreement establishing a strategic partnership for the large-scale deployment of CARBIOS’s PET biorecycling technology in Asia, with the first step being the construction of a PET biorecycling plant in China.
 
The two companies have signed on 2 December 2025 the shareholders’ agreement for their joint venture, dedicated to the construction and operation of a first PET biorecycling plant in China, with a processing capacity of 50,000 tons of PET waste.
 
Wankai will be the majority shareholder of this company with a 70% stake, while CARBIOS will hold the remaining 30%. The financing of the plant’s construction, estimated at €115 million, will be covered 30% by equity and 70% by debt, with all debt guaranteed by Wankai.
 
The plant will be located in Haining (Zhejiang province) on site provided by Wankai, which is already equipped with infrastructure (equipment, waste treatment, etc.), thus reducing the investment cost. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2026, with commissioning targeted by the first quarter of 2027.
 
CARBIOS and Wankai have also approved on 2 December 2025 the license agreement, which will be granted by CARBIOS to the joint venture upon its incorporation.
 
CARBIOS and Wankai have committed to a long-term partnership with the ambition to build and operate several PET biorecycling plants in Asia. CARBIOS agrees to exclusively license its PET depolymerization technology in Asia to Wankai for a period of three years, subject to signing licenses with the latter for at least 100 kt per year of additional capacity. This term will be extended in five-year increments if additional licenses for at least 200 kt per year of extra capacity are signed.
 
To strengthen the strategic partnership between the two companies, Wankai has committed to subscribe, before 2 June 2026, to a dedicated capital increase of €5 million in the share capital of CARBIOS S.A., paid on the basis of an issue price per share of €8.0947, corresponding to the volume-weighted average of the last five trading days preceding the 1st of December 2025, reduced by a 10% discount. 

Ontex Group NV, a leading international developer and producer of personal care solutions, launches Dreamshield® 360 Night Pants, a new night-time concept designed to give babies dry nights and parents greater peace of mind. The new night pants offer extra absorbency for up to 12 hours of protection – especially important for long nights, heavy wetters, extended naps and travel.

Ontex’s Dreamshield®360 baby pants are already trusted for nighttime use, and the new night pants build on that foundation by offering parents an even more reassuring solution for prolonged overnight protection.

Research confirms that nighttime performance remains a critical priority for families: 75% of parents identify their baby’s sleep quality as their top stressor, with nighttime leaks the leading cause of disruption. Parents increasingly look for products that guarantee dryness for longer periods, not just overnight but also during situations that require absorbency designed for high-demand occasions.

Recent consumer insights confirm the relevance of stronger night-time protection: parents choose baby pants more often for nighttime across all ages and tend to switch to baby pants sooner at night than during the day.

Superior nighttime protection, comfort and sustainability
Dreamshield® 360 Night Pants deliver enhanced overnight performance together with the trusted features of the Dreamshield® 360 Pants range:

• Extra absorbency for long nights – up to 12 hours of leak-free sleep and extended-use protection.
• Triple leak protection – including Ontex’s unique pee & poo back barrier.
• Soft, secure 360° fit – gentle materials and an elastic waistband for comfortable sleeping.
• Night-time packaging – clear extra absorbency claims and strong night icons for quick and confident shopper navigation.
• Sustainability at the core – supporting Ontex’s targets of CO₂ emissions and plastic reduction across its product portfolio.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, a leader in spider silk technology*, launched a key hiring initiative at its production operations in Southeast Asia. This expansion of the company's production workforce is driven by rapidly increasing throughput, an expanded operational footprint, and preparations for the opening of its newest production center, now in active development.
 
The company is ramping up staffing to support what it expects to be a significant increase in production volumes over the coming quarters. These new team members will play a critical role in supporting the deployment of the Company's advanced spider silk technologies and modernized sericulture systems across its growing network of facilities.
 
All incoming production staff will receive specialized training under Dr. Nirmal Kumar, one of the world's foremost sericulture experts. Training under Dr. Kumar will prepare new hires to support operational growth at Kraig Labs' newest production center, currently in development, increasing capacity, resilience, and commercial production of its high-performance spider silk.
 
"This hiring initiative reflects the incredible momentum we are building and the strength of our forward-looking production strategy," said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. "As we scale up our next-generation spider silk technology and expand our production footprint, we are focused on assembling a team capable of supporting the high growth trajectory we anticipate. Bringing new staff into the fold and having them train directly with Dr. Kumar ensures that we are building the strongest possible foundation for the future of our operations."
 
The Company's expanded workforce will contribute to Kraig Labs' increasing production capacity and its readiness to meet both near-term production targets and longer-term commercial opportunities. As construction and development of the new production center takes shape, these newly trained team members will be positioned to support the facility's launch and help drive the Company's next major phase of growth.
 
Kraig Labs expects to continue adding staff and resources as it advances its mission of delivering the world's first cost-effective, eco-friendly, industrial-scale recombinant spider silk.

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.

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.  

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. 

In a remarkable union of innovation and global expertise, the world’s largest fibre innovation congress, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference (GFC) Asia, was successfully held in Mumbai on November 18, 2025, hosted under the banner of the Techtextil India Symposium 2025. 

Under the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Sustainable Growth in Fibre Solutions and Innovations’, the event was a dynamic confluence of ideas, research breakthroughs and collaborative exchanges aimed at propelling the textile industry into a new era of responsible growth. The conference was supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a Partner State. 

The day-long conference included the latest research on sustainable fibres, innovations in eco-friendly manufacturing, breakthroughs in recycling & circular economy practices and the evolution of smart technical textiles. Discussions also addressed global fibre market shifts, policy frameworks shaping the industry and strategies for integrating sustainability into business models. These topics reflect the most pressing imperatives and emerging opportunities for manufacturers, designers, technologists and policymakers alike. 

The Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference is a collaboration between organisers, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Austrian Fibers Institute. It cements India’s position as a powerhouse in textile innovation, sustainability and fibre technology. Set against the backdrop of India’s ambition to elevate its textile and apparel exports to USD 100 billion by 2030, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference Asia proved to be a seminal platform for industry visionaries to share pioneering discoveries and collaborate on building a greener, smarter, and more resilient textiles future. 

The conference highlighted key initiatives and industry potential:

• India is leading in converting post-consumer waste than many other developed countries 
• India recycles its bottles into yarn and plastic
• India’s EPR for plastic waste could be beneficial for speeding up the recycling of plastic waste into fibres 
• Using technology for collection and sorting will make feedstock available for the circular supply chain to work efficiently
• India shows positive signs and a huge the potential to become a recycled polyester hub

The India edition of the Dornbirn GFC Asia uniquely blended global expertise with India's vibrant textiles sector—a market rapidly advancing in technological innovation, sustainability efforts and export ambitions. The industry’s leading brands who were part of the conference included: Dodhia Group, Lenzing, Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions, Birla Cellulose, Erema Group GmbH, High Performance Textile Ltd, Pan Healthcare Pvt Ltd, TextileGenesis, Bekaert, FibreCoat GmbH and more. 

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.

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.