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).

Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has revealed the theme for Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026: ‘Building Resilient Futures’. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, the leading forum for sustainability in fashion will take place on 6 - 7 May at the iconic Copenhagen Concert Hall, with pre-Summit events commencing on 5 May. Throughout the event, fashion's most influential figures will focus on forging the infrastructure of a future that is durable, restorative, and fair. Registration is now open. 

The sustainability movement in fashion has faced extraordinary challenges. Supply chains have been disrupted, especially in key sourcing countries like Bangladesh, Turkey and Vietnam, green ambitions questioned, and cultural narratives reshaped. Last year marked the first time global average temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. The industry’s collective capacity to withstand and adapt has been profoundly tested. The Summit theme, ‘Building Resilient Futures’, recognises this moment as both a reckoning and a renewal. It challenges the global fashion community to carefully consider where they will fall on the resilience spectrum: rigid and resistant to change or agile and actively adapting to it.

Across the industry, emerging circularity networks, material innovation, evolving policy frameworks, new financing mechanisms, and data driven accountability are becoming essential building blocks of resilience. The 2026 Summit will examine how these enablers can reinforce long term social, environmental, and economic stability.

Global Fashion Summit will highlight how resilience can be strengthened through collaboration. The programme will focus not only on navigating upheaval, but on using it as a catalyst for greater strength, creativity, and impact - featuring curated content across five stages offering expanded perspectives and session formats. 

The Innovation Forum will showcase a curated selection of solutions spanning the value chain - from pioneering materials to advanced end-of-use processes. Summit attendees can connect with solution providers and participate in the Matchmaking Programme, which enables tailored, one-on-one meetings to help accelerate sustainability strategies through targeted partnerships.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH announces that the transaction process pursued as part of the ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings with the Munich-based LEO III Fund, exclusively advised by the DUBAG Group, could not be successfully completed despite intensive efforts. The purchase agreement, which had already been notarised, could not be executed due to the non-fulfilment of essential closing conditions – in particular, the absence of binding volume commitments from several major customers for the year 2026. As a result, the investor was compelled to withdraw from the agreement, as a viable business model could not be secured.

Despite broad support from the majority of customers and the restructuring measures already successfully implemented, the currently binding order volume is not sufficient to economically justify a regular continuation of operations beyond 31 December 2025. Against this backdrop, Kelheim Fibres must now prepare for an orderly phase-out of production.

In parallel, the company is examining whether a limited continuation of production in 2026 – both in terms of duration and volume – may be possible based on additional binding customer orders. Customers are therefore being asked for swift final commitments. Once these responses have been evaluated, a decision will be made on whether, and to what extent, operations can be maintained beyond the turn of the year.

The workforce and the Works Council were informed of the current developments and potential scenarios on Monday, 24 November 2025.

The company's statement:
"We extend our sincere gratitude to our employees for their exceptional dedication and many years of loyalty. Their commitment during challenging times has shaped our company and significantly helped safeguard our values, quality, and continuity. We deeply regret the necessary step of ceasing operations and greatly appreciate the professional cooperation, engagement, and loyalty of each individual. Our thanks go to all colleagues for their contributions, their support throughout this transition, and their commitment to our community. Together, we carry the responsibility to find fair solutions for everyone affected and will provide support wherever possible in transitioning to new opportunities."

Autoneum has closed the acquisition of Chengdu Yiqi-Sihuan Automobile Interior Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese supplier of acoustic and thermal management solutions for the automotive industry. This strategic transaction marks a key step in Autoneum’s expansion in Asia and further strengthens its position in the world’s largest automotive market. 

Originally announced in May 2025 as the takeover of Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group, the transaction includes all shares of Chengdu Yiqi-Sihuan. The company name was clarified during the process to better reflect the scope of the transaction. This takeover follows the recent integration of Jiangsu Huanyu Group. Together, these initiatives reinforce Autoneum’s commitment to its “Level Up” strategy and its goal to generate 20 percent of Group revenue in Asia over the medium term. 

Founded in 2011, Chengdu Yiqi-Sihuan operates four production facilities across China and em-ploys approximately 240 people. The company supplies major Chinese OEMs including FAW-VW, FAW-Audi, FAW-Toyota, and Geely. In 2024, it generated revenues of approximately CHF 27 mil-lion, with further growth expected in the coming years. 

“This acquisition is another milestone in our Asia strategy,” said Eelco Spoelder, CEO Autoneum. “We aim to grow with Chinese OEMs not only in China but also globally. Expanding our local presence in China allows us to be closer to the local customers and accelerate innovation cycles—both of which are critical for sustainable growth.” 

Autoneum will continue to operate the entities of Chengdu Yiqi-Sihuan under their existing Chinese names, while fully integrating them into its Business Group Asia. This approach aligns with Autoneum’s strategic focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric solutions—particularly in the dynamic Chinese market.

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.

Imagine a road cyclist or downhill skier whose clothing adapts to their wind speed, allowing them to shave time just by pulling or stretching the fabric.

Such cutting-edge textiles are within reach, thanks to researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Led by SEAS mechanical engineering graduate student David Farrell, a study published in Advanced Materials describes a new type of textile that uses dimpling to adjust its aerodynamic properties while worn on the body. The research has potential to change not only high-speed sports, but also industries like aerospace, maritime, and civil engineering.

The research is a collaboration between the labs of Katia Bertoldi, the William and Ami Kuan Danoff Professor of Applied Mechanics, and Conor J. Walsh, the Paul A. Maeder Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences.  

On-demand golf ball dimples
Farrell, whose research interests lie at the intersection of fluid dynamics and artificially engineered materials, or metamaterials, led the creation of a unique textile that forms dimples on its surface when stretched, even when tightly fitted around a person’s body. The fabrics utilize the same aerodynamic principles as a golf ball, whose dimpled surface causes a ball to fly further by using turbulence to reduce drag. Because the fabric is soft and elastic, it can move and stretch to change the size and shape of the dimples on demand.  

Adjusting dimple sizes can make the fabric perform better in certain wind speeds by reducing drag by up to 20%, according to the researchers’ experiments using a wind tunnel.

“By performing 3,000 simulations, we were able to explore thousands of dimpling patterns,” Farrell said. “We were able to tune how big the dimple is, as well as its form. When we put these patterns back in the wind tunnel, we find that certain patterns and dimples are optimized for specific wind-speed regions.”

Farrell and team used a laser cutter and heat press to create a dual-toned fabric made of a stiffer black woven material, similar to a backpack strap, and a gray softer knit that’s flexible and comfortable. Using a two-step manufacturing process, they cut patterns into the woven fabric and sealed it together with the knit layer to form a textile composite. Experimenting with multiple flat samples patterned in lattices like squares and hexagons, they systematically explored how different tessellations affect the mechanical response of each textile material.

Lattice pattern
The textile composite’s on-demand dimpling is the result of a lattice pattern that Bertoldi and others have previously explored for its unusual properties. Stretch a traditional textile onto the body, and it will smooth out and tighten. “Our textile composite breaks that rule,” Farrell explained. “The unique lattice pattern allows the textile to expand around the arm rather than clamp down.

“We’re using this unique property that [Bertoldi] and others have explored for the last 10 years in metamaterials, and we’re putting it into wearables in a way that no one’s really seen before,” Farrell said. 

The paper was co-authored by Connor M. McCann and Antonio Elia Forte. The research had federal support from the National Science Foundation under award No. DMR-2011754. The Harvard Office of Technology Development has safeguarded the innovations associated with this research and is exploring commercial opportunities.

From February 2 to 4, 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will again bring together key players in textiles and clothing at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. For 3 days, visitors will discover, compare and select among 1,300 suppliers who will shape the collections of tomorrow, from ready-to-wear to luxury. 
 
Crossroads for fashion professionals 
As a barometer of the international textile industry, this 58th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will gather over a thousand exhibitors, fabric makers and manufacturers of finished products, coming from around thirty major producing countries. This diversity confirms the lasting role of European markets in global demand and highlights Paris’s strategic position as the capital of fashion, sourcing and creativity. 
 
The development of the Spring-Summer 2027 collections will remain at the heart of discussions with buyers, with creative directions revealed by the show’s artistic directors, Louis Gérin and Gregory Lamaud. Sustainability and supply chain traceability, central concerns for market players, will also be highlighted through dedicated itineraries, conferences and the Texpertise Econogy tools developed by Messe Frankfurt to identify innovations and industrial partners committed to more responsible production (Econogy Finder, Econogy Talks, Econogy Tour...). The Econogy HUB, located in the passage between Hall 2 and Hall 3, will focus on the sustainable initiatives and actions of the show’s partners. 
 
A redesigned sector layout 
While the overall structure of the show, centered around Halls 2, 3 and 4, remains unchanged from the past two editions, Messe Frankfurt France has decided to rethink the distribution of major sectors within the exhibition space. The goal is to meet the expectations of buyers who want to explore fabrics and finished products in one continuous flow while optimizing their visit. The Apparel Sourcing area dedicated to women’s wardrobes (All about her) and Texworld’s Knit offer will move to Hall 3, alongside the national pavilions. In Hall 4, Texworld’s Activewear sector will be grouped with the Casual & sport clothing area, while Print and Jacquard will be placed closer to Silky Aspects, strengthening the women’s ready-to-wear offer. Hall 2 will remain dedicated to trend forums, round tables and services areas (food, networking...) while also offering comfortable breathing zones. 

This new organization makes it easier to connect different product worlds according to their uses and types, strengthening synergies between Texworld and Apparel Sourcing exhibitors. Buyers can now move naturally from one skill to another and circulate freely between materials, accessories and finished product lines, enjoying a smoother sourcing experience with easier navigation. 
 
Areas dedicated to showcasing products and expertise 
Visitors will find several features that were highly appreciated in previous editions. Initiatives, the showcase area dedicated to craftsmanship and collective projects from industries or countries, will be accessible at the entrance of the show. As an area that highlights textile identities and the know-how of French and European training schools, it will offer an expanded view of international expertise. The Ready to Sell area, located in Hall 2 near the trend forums, will present a carefully curated selection of finished products chosen by Texworld’s artistic directors. Buyers will be able to quickly identify collection suggestions available from exhibitors, in line with the creative trends shaping the coming season. These features help make Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris both a practical and forward-looking service platform. 

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.

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.