From the Sector

The EU project TEX 4.0 is an innovative initiative that aims to revolutionize vocational education and training in the textile industry. The focus was on developing a tailor-made curriculum that takes into account the specific needs of trainers and learners in the field of new technologies. This curriculum provides important tools to help learners acquire digital skills. In addition, the project offers a comprehensive and innovative training package focusing on Industry 4.0 skills to optimally prepare learners for the technological requirements of the modern working world. 

TEX4.0 provides engaging and attractive training materials to make the textile industry more appealing to younger generations. A key objective of the project is to promote active engagement and the use of participatory approaches in vocational education and training to ensure a more interactive and effective learning experience. Through these efforts, TEX4.0 aims to set a new standard in vocational education and training, making it more relevant, attractive, and effective in order to prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age in the textile industry.

The project, which began on November 1, 2023, will end on October 31, 2025. The six partners from Greece (KAINOTOMIA), France (IDL – Institut de la Mode), Romania (UPB-CAMIS), Belgium (CAMARABELUX – Chamber of Commerce Belgium-Luxembourg), Italy (Lottozero Textillabore), and Germany (TU Dresden) worked together for two years as part of the EU-co-funded Erasmus+ project TEX 4.0.

The TEX4.0 training suite comprises three different areas:

• E-learning platform with 12 modules on new technologies in the textile industry for vocational training students;
• Trainer's Corner with modules in PPT format and quiz questions for self-assessment in raw format, aimed at vocational training instructors and stakeholders in the textile industry;
• Textile4all area with 18 case studies on the various areas of application of Industry 4.0 technologies in the textile industry, aimed at all target groups. Six case studies were developed using augmented reality (AR) technology to make them more attractive to learners. 

The TUD carried out the national pilot activities in Germany at the Institute for Textile Machinery and High Performance Materials Technology. The aim of these activities was to present the TEX 4.0 project and the developed learning platform to textile trainers and learners. Over 40 participants took part in the pilot trials, including highly qualified lecturers from the textile sector, experts from the textile industry, and future learners. The pilot tests in Germany successfully confirmed the relevance and quality of the TEX 4.0 project and developed the training suite. Participants rated the project positively for improving the digital skills of both learners and trainers and promoting innovation and new technologies in the textile industry.
 
All learning materials developed are freely accessible on an online platform, so that everyone—from vocational students and teachers to small business owners—can explore the materials, earn certificates of completion, and apply new skills directly in their professional practice.

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has won the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) 2025 Sustainability & Innovation Award for DENIM HALO, an innovated denim pretreatment and dyeing process. It gives brands and mills a simple way to produce highly sought-after distressed denim looks with a significantly reduced environmental footprint and cleaner chemistries.

The ITMF Awards celebrate achievements in two categories: Sustainability & Innovation and International Cooperation. Winners were honored at the ITMF Annual Conference, held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from October 24-25, 2025.

A consumer favorite for decades, distressed denim is more popular than ever. But achieving the coveted worn and faded look remains problematic, involving manual scraping, hazardous potassium permanganate sprays or energy-intensive stone-washing. Traditional indigo and sulfur dyeing processes add to the burden, with high water and energy consumption and significant effluent discharge.

DENIM HALO is an alternative. It draws on a unique new chemistry, DIRSOL® RD, and a broad portfolio of textile dyes based on decades of advanced research to produce laser-friendly denim with outstanding contrast on intense black and indigo shades.

DIRSOL® RD p is a new viscosity-modifying and patented pretreatment that enables superficial dyeing while also reducing water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions in processing and wash-off. In DENIM HALO, it is combined with a tailored Archroma dye solution according to mill-specific production needs:

• DENISOL® pre-reduced indigo dyes, including an innovative aniline-free formulation;
• DIRESUL® pre-reduced sulfur dyes, including an energy-saving black formulation; and
• EarthColors®, biosynthetic earth-tone dyes made from agricultural waste.

Impact assessments using Archroma's ONE WAY Impact Calculator demonstrate substantial environmental benefits for DENIM HALO versus standard processes with ZDHC Level 3 MRSL compliance. Results include water savings of 40-56%, energy reductions of 30-36%, and CO2 emission cuts of 33-34% depending on the dye formulation used. [See infographic: DENIM HALO Environmental Impact Results]

The benefits extend beyond sustainability to safety, and economics. Mills can produce distressed effects without modifying standard dye recipes or equipment setup. The process enhances worker safety by enabling high-contrast laser etching, eliminating potassium permanganate and manual scraping. DENIM HALO also reduces caustic soda consumption in sulfur mercerizing and enables easier washdown. Technical advantages include reduced yarn shrinkage and improved garment tensile strength, especially on black denim, with lower chemical use in dyeing and finishing.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a leader in spider silk technology*, announced the promotion of Dr. Xiaoli Zhang to the position of Chief Scientist. This promotion follows a series of groundbreaking scientific achievements under Dr. Zhang's leadership that are laying the foundation for the next generation of spider silk-based super materials.
 
Dr. Zhang joined Kraig Labs in October 2024 and was challenged with accelerating the Company's research program and unlocking new scientific frontiers. Tasked with ambitious and transformative objectives, she not only met but exceeded every milestone in record time, positioning Kraig Labs at the forefront of breakthrough discoveries in advanced fibers and bioengineered materials.
 
"These achievements are nothing short of revolutionary," said Kim Thompson, founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. "When Dr. Zhang came on board, we asked her to take on challenges that many believed were impossible. In less than a year, she has led our team to breakthroughs that open the door to entirely new categories of super materials. Her promotion to Chief Scientist reflects both the incredible work she has already done and the even more extraordinary advancements we expect under her continued leadership."
 
The innovations driven by Dr. Zhang's research are now forming the blueprint for a new era of material science, pushing the boundaries of what spider silk can achieve. These advancements promise to redefine performance materials and open new opportunities in higher-margin end markets.
 
"I am deeply honored by this recognition," said Dr. Zhang. "The past year has shown us what's possible when science, vision, and determination come together. What we've achieved is just the starting point, we are now poised to pioneer materials that will set entirely new standards for strength, flexibility, and performance. The future for spider silk is brighter than ever."

The Aachen Summer School has established itself as an important platform for promoting cooperation between RWTH Aachen University and Seoul National University. The focus is on practice-oriented research projects in the field of 4D and robotics technologies, which have been successfully implemented for years at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University.

This year, the theme of the Summer School was soft robotics and 4D materials. Participating students had the opportunity to develop innovative concepts for gripping systems by working with various actuators and stepper motors.

The programme structure comprised two intensive weeks. In the first week, various sample projects, including a three-finger gripper, were presented and replicated. In the second week, students were able to develop a modular system under supervision and implement their own project ideas.

The International Office at RWTH Aachen University encouraged German students to take part in this unique opportunity during their stay in Korea. Associate Professor Howon Lee specifically promoted the summer school to German mechanical engineering students.

The participants consisted of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, materials scientists and industrial engineers. Each group presented the results of their work in a final presentation.

Particularly noteworthy was the participation of Dr Hokyenong Rhee and Ms Jayoung Na from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), who gave the students insights into possible funding programmes for studying abroad. This initiative underscores the motto of the summer school: ‘Let's shape the future together!’

This event impressively demonstrates how international cooperation in education can not only impart knowledge, but also build bridges between cultures – a decisive step towards an innovative future in the field of 4D and robotics.

EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, considers the European Commission’s recent U-turn on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) a missed opportunity to deliver a clear and effective framework to help effectively fight global deforestation. 

The recent announcement adds unnecessary complexity where simplification was needed. Instead of offering certainty, it introduces confusion amongst operators, disrupts already intricate supply chains, and risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness. 

„Our members are committed to supporting global efforts to prevent deforestation, however, the Regulation in its current format - supported by an IT system still unfit for purpose - presents fundamental challenges, including issues around polygon geolocation and excessive due diligence requirements that remain unresolved“, stated the association. 

EDANA emphasizes that the Regulation must not be pushed through prematurely: The European Commission should maintain its original proposal to the European Parliament and delay implementation by 12 months. Such a step would allow sufficient time to ensure the system is workable and fair for all operators. 

Frequent changes in direction erode business confidence and create uncertainty across global markets. The latest developments have already led to confusion on both sides of the Atlantic, with some countries calling for an accelerated timeline while others urge delay.

The nova-Institute is launching a new format to address the most pressing issues and current topics in the cellulose fibres sector: nova talks – a digital discussion series designed to spotlight key topics in the cellulose fibres sector. In these open online sessions, leading experts will regularly explore and discuss the latest developments, technologies, and challenges. 

Online cellulose fibre nova talk: 13 November 2025, 13:00-14:30 CEST

Lyocell, a material made from cellulose, is gaining strong attention in the textile industry for its strength, softness, and sustainable production. As the textile industry increasingly prioritises circularity and sustainability, Lyocell 2.0 offers promising solutions through balanced high-quality performance combined with environmental responsibility, while also standing out for its recyclability and versatility.

On 13 November 2025, 13:00-14:30 CEST, nova-Institute will host the first ever nova talk — an interactive online-discussion format offering in-depth discussions on cellulose fibre innovation. This event will bring together internationally recognised experts Asta Partanen (nova-Institute), Philipp Köhler (Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research Rudolstadt e.V.  – TITK), and Manuel Steiner (LIST Technology AG) to explore next generation cellulose fibres from multiple perspectives.

As current EU directives for textiles are focussing on circularity and sustainability in textile fibres, the discussion will offer an overview of different fibre-to-fibre recycling methods as well as market figures and technology data. A special focus is set on one of the most growing textile fibres: Lyocell. Other key topics will include the emerging use of ionic liquids in Lyocell production, a comparison of chemical and mechanical fibre recycling, and how Lyocell compares with viscose in terms of recyclability and circularity. The panel will also cover technical advances in re-pulping cellulose to regenerate full Lyocell fibres, current trends, and international highlights.

This event is sponsored by LIST Technology AG. Based in Switzerland, LIST Technology AG is the leading technology provider for highly viscous and phase-changing industrial processes based on KneaderReactors, such as dissolution processes for spinning solutions, and inventor of the Lyocell 2.0 technology. LIST’s support highlights the importance of sustainable materials research in driving the textile industry’s future.

The TITK – Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research Rudolstadt e.V. is among the leading private institutes for polymer-based functional and engineering materials. With a modern technology park, it has recently advanced textile recycling, presenting at the World Expo in Japan the first polo shirt made from triple‑recycled cellulose fibre. The fibre, Lyohemp®, is TITK’s innovation and the first Lyocell made from hemp pulp.

With a new strategic partner, its showroom now open in Sweden, and the successful commissioning of a Dye-Max spray dyeing system for a key H&M supplier in Bangladesh, imogo is looking to make a splash at next week’s ITMA Asia+CITME in Singapore.

Compared to conventional jet dyeing, impressive savings can be achieved with imogo’s Dye-Max, which is based on a series of spray cassettes with precision nozzles for accurate and consistent coverage combined with a patented pro-speed valve that controls the volume to be applied.

“The savings in treatment water the Dye-Max achieves are due to the extremely low liquor ratio of 0.5 litres per kilo of fabric,” explains imogo executive partner and board member Christian Moore. “At the same time, the low liquor ratio and the spray process require considerably less auxiliary chemistry to start with, and all of it is used in the process, which also greatly reduces the production of waste water, with only 20 litres being required for wash at changeovers. The low liquid content in the fabric meanwhile minimises the energy needed for fixation, while meeting industry quality standards and maintaining superior fabric performance.”  

The Dye-Max machine operates without the need for any changes to existing dyeing installations and employs traditional dyes suitable for application at room temperature. 

Blåkläder backing
In addition to ACG Kinna with whom it will share exhibition space in Singapore, imogo now has the support of Swedish workwear specialist Blåkläder.

With fully owned factories in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh, more than 8,000 employees and an annual turnover of SEK 2.7 billion, Blåkläder is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality workwear.

Blåkläder already uses dope dyeing, which reduces resource use in the dyeing of synthetic materials such as polyester, while imogo’s technology can also be used for natural fibres such as cotton, linen and viscose.

“Since most of the environmental impact from clothing occurs during manufacturing, it’s vital to develop methods that reduce resource consumption,” says Anders Carlsson, MD of Blåkläder. “Imogo’s groundbreaking technology addresses several of the industry’s toughest sustainability challenges and we naturally want to support that.

“Ninety percent of all the fabric we use comes from only ten carefully selected textile producers and by building long-term, trust-based relationships with them, we are well placed to influence sustainability efforts throughout the value chain.”

New showroom
Imogo’s new showroom and test centre is meanwhile now open and available for demonstrations and trials at the dyehouse of 7H Färgeri in Kinnahult, Sweden

“With this showroom, we are creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration with textile producers, brands and research partners,” says imogo CEO Joacim Wellander. “It enables visitors to see the technology in operation, understand the business impact and explore how innovation can drive transformation in their value chain.”

The facility will also serve as a knowledge hub, supporting technical training, application testing and joint development projects with partners. 

Chorka Textile
In Bangladesh, imogo has successfully installed a Dye-Max system at the plant of Chorka Textile, as part of retail giant H&M’s Green Fashion Initiative to support its key suppliers.

“The installation was handled by our own team and quality results were quickly achieved,” says Christian Moore. “This installation clearly proves that our technology is ready for the global market after years of development and fine-tuning, and working in Bangladesh taught us a lot. We look forward to discussing the opportunities that our technology can provide to mills around the world in Singapore.”

A closed-loop recycling project has successfully transformed 24 tons of post-consumer textiles into nearly 50,000 garments for Dutch retailer Zeeman, with each product containing a high-rate of 70% recycled content. This achievement represents a major milestone in accelerating textile-to-textile recycling in Europe.  

The project was initiated by the Boer Group, with financing support from Refashion, both active partners of ReHubs. The entire value chain was established within Europe. Textiles were collected and sorted in France, before being prepared by mechanical recycling specialist Frankenhuis (part of the Boer Group) in the Netherlands, where colour sorting and defibration took place. Blue and white textiles were selected to naturally influence the colour of the final yarn. The feedstock was then transferred to Italy, where Spinaker spun the yarn and Stella Sky knitted the fabric. Zeeman, as the final customer, played a vital role by defining the type of product to be created and ensuring it aligned with consumer expectations. 
 
The project, which ran over eight months, was designed to test both the technical and financial feasibility of producing garments with high levels of recycled content in Europe. The project successfully showcases that post-consumer textiles can be transformed into high-quality yarns and garments, as well that a circular value chain with collaboration across collection, sorting, recycling, spinning, and manufacturing can be achieved within Europe. An accompanying environmental impact report confirmed the benefits of this approach by replacing conventional yarn with the yarn developed in this project, the environmental footprint of the product is significantly reduced, including lower GHG emissions, reduced water use, and decreased energy consumption. 

ReHubs’ recently updated strategy aims to break the supply-demand deadlock in which recyclers struggle to scale without brand commitments, and brands are lacking access to cost-competitive, reliable recycled fibers. This project shows how collaboration across the value chain from collection and sorting to recycling, spinning, and retail can deliver real products to the market.  

This project’s success highlights the power of collective action in transforming Europe’s textile waste into valuable new products. By uniting stakeholders with a shared vision, it has proven that closed-loop recycling is both technically possible and commercially viable. With a circular European value chain now demonstrated, this project sets a benchmark for future initiatives and strengthens momentum towards scaling textile-totextile recycling across Europe.  

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™. These absorbent hygiene products will be presented at Hygienix™, the premier event for absorbent hygiene professionals, taking place November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate, ChampionsGate, Florida. The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ will be announced on Thursday, November 20th at 10:40 am.

The Award Finalists
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable:As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE)
Dukane’s Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) technology redefines how elastic strands are attached in hygiene product manufacturing. By enabling ultrasonic bonding of curved elastics without any hotmelt adhesive, CLE eliminates material waste, simplifies construction, and enhances product performance. For the first time, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate curved and straight elastic strands within the same lamination using ultrasonic technology alone—a breakthrough previously thought possible only with adhesives or complex multilayer designs. CLE represents a new standard in sustainable, high-precision elastic attachment.

ZymoChem – BAYSE™
ZymoChem is a biotechnology leader revolutionizing sustainable chemical production. The company’s breakthrough product, BAYSE™, is the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.

Designed as a drop-in replacement for fossil-based SAPs, BAYSE offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while matching the performance of conventional materials and enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.  As featured earlier this year on CNBC’s “Clean Start,” this decarbonized solution is dramatically advancing the sustainability outlook for the hygiene industry.

Last year, HIRO Technologies, Inc. received the 2024 Award with its World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers—a breakthrough featuring plastic-eating mushrooms that combined excellent absorbency with sustainable, natural materials.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “These companies are pushing boundaries with solutions that address consumer needs, sustainability goals, and performance demands. Their work highlights the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Event Highlights at Hygienix™ 2025
Beyond the Innovation Award, Hygienix 2025 will deliver a powerful program of learning, networking, and collaboration, including:

• Two Evenings of Exhibits & Receptions – Engage with leading suppliers and solution providers shaping the future of absorbent hygiene.
• Workshops: Three workshops Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene systems, advances in menstrual care, and a deep dive into baby, infant, and toddler care.
• Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Fostering mentorship, leadership, and collaboration across the industry.
• Lightning Talks – Fast-paced 5-minute presentations spotlighting exhibitor innovations.
• Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder of Planera – Hear her inspiring start-up journey firsthand.
• Welcome Reception – Kick off the event with the ever-popular Welcome Reception in a relaxed, informal atmosphere Monday evening.

Featured Conference Sessions
Attendees will gain insights and strategies from sessions tackling the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges:

• The Illusion vs. Reality of Absorbent Hygiene Products Entrepreneurship – Overcoming Start-Up Hurdles (and Panel Discussion)
• Economic Realities: Profit, Pressure, and Possibility
• Panel Discussion: Servicing the Shift – Private Label as a Growth Engine
• Finding Growth: Paws & Planet
• Disruption Ahead: Misinformation, Regulation, and Testing in Absorbent Hygiene
• Designed with the Consumer in Mind
• Absorbent Hygiene Construction with Non-Traditional Inputs
• Flushable by Design
• Sustainable by Design

Monforts and its partners Archroma and BW Converting are setting new standards in the resource efficient and cost-effective finishing of fabrics.

During a recent webinar organised by Germany’s VDMA textile machinery association, specialists from the three companies provided details of the range of new energy-saving options that is now available to mills.

In particular, BW Converting’s Baldwin TexCoat® G4 precision spray technology – in combination with advanced Archroma finishing formulations and Monforts MONTEX stenters and MONFORTEX shrinking ranges and related technologies – is pushing the envelope in new standards for sustainable and long-lasting clean productivity.

Functionality
Michael Schuhmann, Global Marketing Finishing at Archroma Textile Effects, explained that typical key functions provided in textile finishing include sweat and odor control, water repellence and UV resistance. Softeners are primarily applied to make fabrics more comfortable while other finishes provide reduced crease formation for easy-care properties. The traditional padding or exhaust techniques for applying these finishes require huge volumes of water and energy intensive drying.

Spray application, by contrast, requires much less water due to drastically reduced ‘pick up’ – the amount of liquid that a fabric absorbs and retains, determining how much finishing agent remains in the fabric. This also enables significantly faster drying, making process speeds of up to 100 metres per minute possible, depending on the fabric. 

“As the global fashion brands commit to reducing their emissions, the textile processing industry must respond by adopting safer chemistries with resource-saving processes such as spray application,” Schuhmann said.

Precision
Rick Stanford, Vice President Global Business Development for Textiles at BW Converting, explained that at the core of the Baldwin TexCoat G4 technology are precision valves that were originally developed for the offset printing industry and have been refined over the past 40 years through more than 40,000 installations globally. 

“These enable extremely precise spray flows which are controlled by proprietary software algorithms,” he said.

Over 100 TexCoat G4 units have been installed worldwide and all three companies are enjoying notable success with bed sheeting manufacturers in Pakistan.

“Our first TexCoat G4 in Pakistan was installed in Spring of 2024 for a manufacturer using Archroma chemistry and a ten-chamber Monforts MONTEX stenter,” Stanford explained. “When using the padder at this mill, the pickup rate was 65% and with TexCoat G4 we were able to reduce that to 27%. As a result, the customer was able to increase the MONTEX speed from 60 metres a minute to 100 metres a minute, while also reducing the operating temperature in the stenter. We have subsequently sold 30 TexCoat G4 units in Pakistan, driven primarily by the system’s proven productivity and efficiency gains.”

Energy savings
“A BW Converting Baldwin TexCoat G4 unit is now installed at the Monforts Advanced Technology Center (ATC) for trials and fully complementing spray finishing operations are our multiple energy saving innovations,” added Saskia Kuhlen, Monforts Engineer for Textile Technologies. “MONTEX stenters are equipped with the TwinAir air volume regulation system as well as the TwinTherm system for temperature control and feature CADstreamE variable nozzles. These features enable full adjustment to a specific fabric width for either higher operational speeds or lower electrical energy. A further benefit is the150-mm wide advanced insulation system inside the stenter frame”.

Further Monforts modules for optimizing processes include the the coaTTex unit for the knife coating of paste and foam application and the EcoApplicator, a kiss-coating technology for the indirect application of finishes on one or both sides of a fabric, with a stenter production speed up to 100m/min. Both can be integrated into existing lines.

The Monforts Energy Tower and EcoBooster are meanwhile modules for air/air heat exchanging, for heat recovery from the exhaust flow of thermal systems. They can also be retrofitted to existing stenter frames, relaxation dryers, infrared pre-dryers and hotflues.

“We continue to explore the best heating options for every customer, with optimised combinations in order to make our lines as energy efficient as possible,” Kuhlen said. “We have also been deeply investigating the potential of green hydrogen as a further option for the future.”

BW Converting’s Baldwin TexChroma™
In response to a big market demand, the three technology partners are now turning their attention to the dyeing process.

At ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore, from October 28-31, they will introduce the resource-saving combination of THERMEX continuous dyeing ranges with the new BW Converting Baldwin TexChroma™ spray dyeing system. 

“We are excited to introduce the Baldwin TexChroma because spray dyeing is the future,” said Stanford. “We’ve been cautious about providing details on TexChroma too early, but now we’re ready and look forward to outlining its benefits in Singapore with interested customers. We will also be installing a TexChroma unit on a THERMEX line at the Monforts ATC in 2026.”