From the Sector

Outlast Technologies, a global pioneer in temperature regulation, announces the launch of a next-generation fabric developed in collaboration with Reggiani Group, Italy’s renowned innovator in luxury textiles. This latest advancement is designed to elevate thermal com-fort across fashion, casualwear, and performance apparel - offering intelligent climate con-trol without compromise.

The new fabrics are the result of an intense collaboration between the two companies, combining Outlast’s patented temperature regulating technology with Reggiani’s heritage of textile excellence. At its core is a system of microcapsules filled with natural wax that absorb, store, and release heat as needed - constantly adapting to changes in body activity and ambient temperature. The result is a dynamic textile that keeps wearers in their com-fort zone, regardless of climate or activity level.

Engineered for discerning brands in high-end fashion, luxury athleisure, and technical sportswear, the fabric meets the evolving expectations of today’s consumers - who demand both advanced performance and responsible production. Developed using sustainable pro-cesses and carefully selected materials, the fabric reflects both companies’ deep commit-ment to innovation with purpose.

With this launch, Outlast and Reggiani Group are redefining what premium fabrics can achieve - fusing functionality, sustainability, and elegance into a single textile platform tailored for the next generation of apparel.

“This collaboration is a natural step in our Group’s ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge textile solutions,” says Giovanni Reggiani, CEO of Reggiani Group. “By combining Outlast’s tech-nological expertise with our tradition of material innovation, we have created a fabric that anticipates the needs of the future,” ads Marco Spola, General Manager of the Group.

“In a world of constant temperature shifts - from climate-controlled offices to parked cars baking in the sun - these fabrics allow wearers to stay comfortable without a second thought,” said Luca Nicolo, Outlast Sales Agent for Italy and France. “Our collaboration with Reggiani represents the perfect synergy between breakthrough technology and textile craftsmanship, and we’re proud to introduce this innovation to Europe and beyond.”

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

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

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

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

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

The green fashion community is looking forward to the forthcoming INNATEX, which takes places from 19 to 21 July 2025. A unique variety of fashion labels will present styles for all generations, occasions and tastes at the international trade fair for sustainable textiles in Hofheim-Wallau, near Frankfurt am Main.

One highlight of the fair will be the trade association’s expert panel on the topic of shoplifting, provided by MUVEO GmbH and the Hessen Retail Federation in response to feedback from retailers. As well as the latest facts and figures, leading experts on the panel will discuss preventive strategies and solutions.

“The issue of shoplifting has been brought to us by various representatives from the retail sector,” says Alexander Hitzel, Project Manager of INNATEX. “There is a growing sense of insecurity among retailers. Our panel not only explores the current challenges, but also provides concrete preventive measures, legal frameworks and strategic approaches. The emotional aspect is another important factor: How do you keep your cool when the situation escalates?”

On the Saturday and Sunday, a presentation from Nina Lorenzen (Fashion Changers Berlin) and the Community Talks with moderator Miriam Smend (Greenstyle Munich) will take place. These smaller-scale panels will focus primarily on the DESIGN DISCOVERIES and their stories – curated labels, exhibiting for the first time, still at their new location in the foyer.

The regular exhibitor portfolio includes exciting brands such as Dawn Denim, Jan’n’June and Mela. Näz Fashion, Bask in the Sun and Two Thirds will be representing the international contingent. Babies and young children are catered for by brands such as Koel, with their barefoot shoes, and Sense Organics. Zamt Berlin celebrates INNATEX premiere. Zamt Berlin celebrates INNATEX's premiere, while VAUDE, Knowledge Cotton Apparel and Recolution are established regulars. Similarly, there is plenty for friends of the footwear sector with brands such as Grand Step Shoes, Genesis Sustainable Footwear and Ethletic.

Back in February, Source Fashion hosted three full days of back-to-back exclusive seminars for fashion brands and retailers. And now, every single one of them is available to watch for free on their website.

Like:

• The urgency of transparency
  Transparency is no longer optional—it's the key to sustainability, trust, and accountability in fashion, and this session dives into how brands can lead the charge for meaningful change.
  
  Graeme Moran, Associate Editor – Drapers
  Andrew Xeni, Founder & CEO / Founder & Chairman - Nobody's Child
• Competing priorities, how can sustainability win against profitability and risk?
  This panel explores how to make sustainability work whilst facing the challenges of balancing innovation, risk, and uncertainty.
  
  Anna Berry, Co-Founder and Director - Retail 100 Consulting
  Simon Platts, Founder - SP&KO Consultancy
  Hayley Shore, Senior Design Manager - Pepsi Co
  Ella Andrew, Knowledge Exchange Manager & Policy Lead - Centre for Sustainable Fashion
  Cedrik Hoffmann, CEO - Ameba

Best Companies Ltd is a leader in their field and work with some of the world’s best-known organisations - measuring, improving and recognising great workplace engagement.

The Outstanding rating is a direct result of the bHeard colleague engagement survey, completed by 739 paid SATCoL staff and 1,174 SATCoL volunteers. The survey measured how colleagues rate SATCoL on eight factors: Leadership, My Company, Wellbeing, Fair Deal, My Manager, My Team, Personal Growth and Giving Something Back.

The paid colleagues survey results reveal that 88% of staff would recommend SATCoL as an employer to friends, 88% believe SATCoL has a clear focus and direction that they understand, and 97% understand and use SATCoL’s values (of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Equality) within their core roles.

This is the first time SATCoL has engaged with an external provider of colleague engagement surveys, having run the process in-house previously with some success. One of the key aims for partnering with an external supplier was to increase levels of engagement. To this end Best Companies developed a volunteer survey for SATCoL which saw volunteer response rates more than double compared to previous in-house survey results.

The volunteers survey results reveal that 94% feel proud to work for SATCoL, 96% say their team are fun to work with, 93% believe SATCoL is a caring organisation interested in volunteer wellbeing, and 92% state that their volunteering role is good for their personal growth.

Commenting on the accreditation, Trevor Caffull, SATCoL’s Manager Director, said:
“I am extremely grateful to all our staff and volunteer colleagues who contribute to making SATCoL a caring workplace and an Outstanding Employer. This independent recognition shows that SATCoL’s investment in its people – including learning and development, wellbeing and improving workplace environments – as well as the investments made that set us apart as a leader in the charity retail and reuse and recycling sectors, are improvements that our colleagues have influenced, embraced and welcomed.”
Trevor continued:

“We are delighted with SATCoL’s 2 Star Outstanding Employer Accreditation, however we have lots of opportunity to reach the ultimate goal of ‘3 Star World-Class Employer’ and that will be our goal in the coming months and years.”

Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) is the trading arm (and a wholly owned subsidiary) of The Salvation Army in the UK and Republic of Ireland. SATCoL actively encourages the reuse and recycling of donated clothing and other household items through over 250 charity stores, and a nationwide network of around 9,000 clothing banks.

Each year, SATCoL diverts millions of items to good causes and reuses and recycles 67,000 tonnes of textiles. Through the reuse and recycling of textiles and other items collected, SATCoL prevents over 453,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere annually.

With the support of the British public, SATCoL has donated millions of pounds to The Salvation Army to help its work with vulnerable people in the UK (over £100 million has been donated in the last ten years). Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd is a registered company (2605817).

Allergies and asthma are widespread diseases that could arise during embryonal development in the womb. A team led by Empa researcher Tina Bürki is investigating the possible causes of this. The focus is on nanoplastic particles, which could lead to the development of a hypersensitive immune system in the child. The project is supported by the Eduard Aeberhardt Foundation and another foundation.

Asthma, hay fever or chronic skin conditions: The occurrence of allergic reactions is diverse and on the rise. Among other things, environmental factors during the child's early development in the womb are suspected, which lay the foundation for later illnesses. A team of researchers from Empa, ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Zurich and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen is now focusing on micro- and nanoplastics. It is already known that the tiny plastic particles enter the body of pregnant women via drinking water, food and air and find their way to the unborn child. Here they could affect the fragile immune system of mother and child. Moreover, they are able to transport other pollutants, allergens and pathogens.

The team led by project manager Tina Bürki and Sina Ruhstaller from Empa's Particles-Biology Interactions laboratory in St. Gallen are particularly interested in the placenta, the central interface between mother and child. The organ forms exclusively during pregnancy and supplies the child with nutrients and messenger substances for a healthy development. The placenta could therefore play a decisive role when it comes to the immune response of mother and child to foreign substances.

It is already clear that nanoparticles can disrupt the communication between the placenta and the unborn child. However, the effect of micro- and nanoplastics on the immunological function of the placenta and the effects on the fetal immune system have not yet been elucidated. "There is thus an urgent need for a correct risk assessments of environmental pollutants for pregnant women," says Bürki.

In order to analyze the entire process of nanoparticle exposure, the researchers will examine the micro- and nano-abrasion of everyday plastic products and evaluate the interactions with typical allergy-causing substances and pollutants. Finally, using cell cultures of the human placenta and fetal blood cells, the transport in the body and the reaction to the various particles and pollutant-particle combinations can be mapped as realistically as possible. "By releasing hormones and other mediators, the contaminated placenta could contribute to abnormal developments in the child's immune system," says Tina Bürki. For the sustainable use of safe plastic products, it is therefore essential to know whether and which polymers have an increased potential to trigger allergies, says the Empa researcher.

The new research project now aims to provide a holistic view of the significance of plastic particles during pregnancy. To achieve this, experts from the fields of materials science, cell biology and allergy research are working together with clinical experts. The project is funded by the Eduard Aeberhardt Foundation and another foundation.

ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D), global experts in high performance, ethically sourced, and recycled down, will be supplying their high performance ExpeDRY ultra dry down to Montane for their fall 2025 down apparel line.

ExpeDRY represents the evolution of performance down for use in extreme situations, replacing chemical treatments with gold particles permanently bonded to down clusters. ExpeDRY keeps water vapor from condensing into droplets, providing better real-world performance than all other treatments. The ExpeDRY filled products will also dry significantly faster in-home laundry making care easier and utilizing much less energy through the life of the products.

Montane will offer ExpeDRY in 100% of their down jackets, being the first to adopt the technology over all down jackets.

“ALLIED introduced the world’s first water resistant down back in 2015, and we’ve learned a lot since then,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative Director with ALLIED. “Traditional WR down works great when in direct contact with water, but that is not what’s happening inside down insulation chambers. Water vapor is the biggest issue and ExpeDRY helps keep this vapor from condensing, allowing it to evaporate though the shell more effectively, keeping the down drier for longer, and helping it to dry out faster if it does get wet.

“It is also equally important that even in performance technologies, we continue to strive to reduce our environmental impact,” added Betcher. “So, removing another unnecessary chemical from our supply chain will help significantly with that. It’s only a matter of time before we all realize that the C0 chemicals we are using might not be so great for the planet after all.”

“At Montane, we are really excited to introduce such a new and disruptive technology from our long-term partners Allied Feather & Down,” said Liam Steinbeck, Materials Manager with Montane. “ExpeDRY is fully aligned with our philosophy as a brand to be one of the first to market with the latest most innovative technologies, bringing unparalleled performance and comfort in the most demanding environments.”

Poised to render current, chemical-intensive treatments obsolete, ExpeDRY down insulation is cleaner and better performing than all current water-resistant down technologies. Created in partnership with FUZE Technologies and relying on gold particles permanently bonded to down plumes, ExpeDRY is permanent and since it is completely chemical free, there are no PFAS or other concerns. In all real-world simulations, ExpeDRY is far better at keeping insulated jackets dry and warm in any environment, and at a significantly lower impact than the WR treatment alternatives.

When PERFORMANCE DAYS opens its doors on October 23 and 24, 2024, in Halls A1 and A2 at the Messe München exhibition grounds, visitors will once again find fabric innovations for Fall/Winter 2026 across the segments of performance wear, footwear, accessories, and, for the first time, bodywear. The jury, composed of renowned industry experts, reviewed the latest fabrics for the 2026 season in the Trend, Footwear, and Bodywear Forum, looking for outstanding innovations. A total of one Performance Award and one Eco Performance Award were presented.

PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to deliver plenty of highlights and innovations in technical fibers and materials in the Trend Forum at the winter exhibition. Since Fall 2023, the event has also focused on the footwear segment, summarizing the latest trends and news in the dedicated Footwear Forum. Starting in October 2024, the organizers will introduce a new Bodywear Collective, complete with a corresponding Trend Forum. In close collaboration with the London Contour Experts and designer and industry expert Nichole de Carle, PERFORMANCE DAYS will feature a Trend Forum dedicated to underwear, shapewear, bras & leggings, yoga in motion, and swimwear.

The expert jury, led by Marco Weichert, CEO of PERFORMANCE DAYS, Jury Head Alexa Dehmel, and guest jurors Regina Goller, a textile expert with experience in sustainable functional fabrics at companies like Odlo, Puma, and Jack Wolfskin, as well as Stephan Prinz, Account Manager Germany at Klopman, praised the quality, sustainability approaches, and high level of innovation in the submissions. The jury awarded one Performance Award (Bodywear) and one Eco Performance Award (Apparel).

The winners are: A. Sampaio & Filhos – Têxteis SA & Penn Textile Solutions GmbH/Penn Italia SRL
For the Fall/Winter 2026 season, the jury selected three awards for outstanding fabrics.

Alongside the Eco Performance Award, which went to A. Sampaio & Filhos – Têxteis SA for the article “69222/Colorful chemistry featuring holistic farming,” one Performance Award
was also presented for the first time in the bodywear segment: Penn Textile Solutions GmbH/Penn Italia SRL made their debut in the Bodywear Forum with "13949.

ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD: A. Sampaio & Filhos – Têxteis SA / Article “69222 - Colorful Chemistry Featuring Holistic Farming”
In collaboration with Good Earth Cotton, this project focuses on sustainable farming practices to reduce the environmental impact of cotton while improving soil health, paving the way for a carbon-neutral future. The supplier is also exploring innovations with organic cotton grown using regenerative farming methods, expanding the scope for future eco-friendly concepts. Additionally, the fabric is dyed using biological dyes—an innovative technique where natural bacteria produce pigments that bond efficiently with the fabric a low temperatures without the use of petrochemicals. The fabric is available in pink and
sand.

Jury Statement: “This fabric takes this year’s focus topic to the next level! A. Sampaio & Filhos – Têxteis SA’s fabric innovation showcases the future of dyeing with microorganisms. Textile dyeing with living organisms is a sustainable and resource-efficient method that requires no harmful chemicals. Additionally, the fabric, made from 100% organic cotton, excels in performance due to an innovative body-mapping concept that provides optimal support during wear.”

PERFORMANCE AWARD: Penn Textile Solutions GmbH / Penn Italia SRL / Article “13949” This fabric, composed of 68% recycled polyamide and 32% ROICA, with a weight of 290 grams, is perfect for baselayer construction. It can be customized with the brand’s own design, featuring open structures and a 3D effect for added texture. Despite its structure, the fabric has an incredibly soft touch, ensuring maximum comfort during wear. Jury Statement: “Penn Textiles was a popular vote, an award worthy of the jury. The fabric has a combination of high density opaque areas with lighter breathable panels. A superior choice for the Bodywear Category because of its customisable 3D design aesthetic, printable qualities and second skin super soft touch. The fabric blend of Roica yarn and recycled PA has many admirable qualities for next to skin, including anti-odor, quick dry and outstanding stretch and recovery to adapt to the body shape. Fabric, with a perfect fit for body contouring products including leggings, underwear and light support shapewear.”

RadiciGroup announced the launch of the first physical and digital nylon traceability project at Techtextil 2024. A gilet made from the yarn manufactured in one of the Group’s European industrial sites, which, thanks to a QR code on the garment, can reveal its origin and display information about its production process.

Product traceability is a key element in guaranteeing transparency along the entire supply chain, as it means each stage of production – from spinning to weaving and from packaging through to retail – can be monitored and recorded. The project, made possible by a partnership with FibreTrace, allows manufactured nylon yarns to be traced both physically and digitally. In fact, RadiciGroup inserts a tracer (an inorganic additive) that is uniquely associated with the yarn and remains identifiable throughout all stages of processing – on both the fabric and the finished garment. Naturally, the tracer does not alter the esthetical, functional and technical performance of the yarns in any way.

In terms of digital traceability, during the production stages a scanner detects the presence of the tracer and can transmit the data relating to provenance onto a dedicated digital platform. Finally, the consumer, via a QR code, can access the digital platform that provides all information concerning the provenance of the product and its journey through the supply chain.
 
“This project is the result of almost two years’ work by our Research & Development team. We’re very proud to bring to the market the first physical and digital nylon traceability solution and we plan to extend this initiative to other fibres produced by the Group,” emphasised Filippo Bona, R&D Manager of RadiciGroup Advanced Textile Solutions.

Halle Leipzig The Style Outlets gibt bekannt, dass Robin Lippold am 1. Januar 2024 die Position des Center Managers übernommen hat. Als langjähriger Mitarbeiter folgt er in dieser Rolle auf Jens Kahlow, der das Center von 2018 bis Ende des vergangenen Jahres leitete.

Vor seiner Ernennung zum Center Manager war Robin Lippold fünf Jahre als Retail Manager im Center tätig. Seine Expertise umfasst beispielsweise das Management von Mieteraktivitäten für 70 Stores sowie das Customer-Relationship-Management. Seine Fähigkeiten zeigte er unter anderem in der Entwicklung erfolgreicher Strategien zur Frequenz- und Umsatzsteigerung.