From the Sector

At K show in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, EREMA Group announced a strategic investment in clean technology company BlockTexx®. The Australian pioneer has developed a process that separates polyester and cellulose from blended textiles. By combining both companies’ technologies, the partnership aims to scale post-consumer textile-to-textile recycling to industrial levels.

BlockTexx®‘s process separates polyester and cellulose from post-consumer textiles and clothing, providing the polyester for EREMA’s technology. The INTAREMA® FibrePro:IV system will process the polyester into recycled pellets suitable for new garment production. “Our thermomechanical recycling system is a core element for textile recycling,” said Wolfgang Hermann, Business Development Manager for Fibres & Textiles at EREMA Group. “However, full-scale textile recycling requires a combination of technologies, with BlockTexx® unlocking the solution for processing polyester-blended textiles.“

Industrial-scale expansion
BlockTexx® operates its first plant in Australia with a processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year, with plans for a second plant of 50,000 tonnes per year. Scaling up requires a strong investment partner. “Blended textiles like cotton-polyester account for over 60 per cent of global apparel production but are notoriously difficult to recycle due to fibre incompatibility and chemical contamination”, says Adrian Jones, co-founder of BlockTexx®. EREMA Group’s investment brings not only capital but also deep recycling expertise, proven technology and infrastructure. From the very beginning, it felt like a true partnership, Jones notes: “Both companies share the same intellectual curiosity and EREMA Group was committed to this journey from day one.” 

Textile industry faces recycling challenges
According to global non-profit Textile Exchange 75 million tonnes of synthetic fibres were produced in 2023, with polyester being the most common, accounting for 57 per cent of total fibre production. Recycling rates for polyester are estimated at only 1 per cent. “Currently, nearly all the recycled polyester in the clothing you see in retail stores is derived from PET plastic bottles” says Graham Ross, co-founder of BlockTexx®. As per Textile Exchange, recycled fibres constituted 7.7 per cent of the global fibre market in 2023, with 7 per cent being recycled polyester from waste PET bottles. Hackl emphasizes: “The goal must be to ensure that rPET from bottles is returned to new bottles. This investment is not only positive for the textile industry, but also for the plastics industry. By keeping rPET in the bottle-to-bottle loop, we can stabilize supply and prices for the market.”

With the EU recently adopting binding legislation that will make textile producers responsible for the collection, sorting and recycling of textile waste through mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, the sector is set for change. As these rules come into force over the coming years, the demand for post-consumer textile recycling solutions is expected to grow significantly. “The EU legislation could fundamentally transform the sector. While most textile production takes place in Asia, Europe is a major consumer of fashion. This legislation will therefore have a significant global impact”, Ross notes.

Setting new standards for circularity
By combining mechanical processing, chemical separation, and fibre regeneration, the partnership establishes a model that sets new industrial standards for circularity. “Twenty-five years ago, people could not imagine bottle-to-bottle recycling. Today it is standard. I believe the same will happen for textile-to-textile recycling”, says Hackl. “The textile industry has been slow to recognize the importance of recycling, often citing difficulties as an excuse. Now there are no more excuses. Textile-to-textile recycling will become a reality at industrial-scale through the collaboration between EREMA and BlockTexx®,” adds Jones.

Through the strategic collaboration the EREMA Group emphasizes its commitment to returning polyester to the apparel production cycle and scaling up textile-to-textile recycling. “The PET fibre industry is three times the size of the PET bottle industry. We have been investing in the research and development of textile and fibre recycling for several years. With the technology we already provide for PET fibre recycling, our next step is to aim for full-scale industrial textile recycling. We consider BlockTexx® a key partner in this. Their technology paves the way for used textiles to re-enter the production cycle,” said Manfred Hackl, CEO of EREMA Group.

RE&UP is diving into Textile Exchange Conference 2025, joining a global community of innovators, brands, and changemakers. This year’s conference theme is Shifting Landscapes: Connecting Environmental Adaptation and Systems Transformation, which explores how the fashion industry can adapt, innovate, and accelerate the shift toward circularity. 

RE&UP is a circulartech company reshaping the traditional textile-to-textile paradigm. By producing Next-Gen Cotton and Next-Gen Polyester that maintain the same performance as virgin fibers, it brings sustainable solutions to life, addressing the planet's most pressing challenges. Enriched by SANKO’s centenary knowledge in textile innovation, RE&UP creates a circular ecosystem that transforms end-of-life textile waste into high-quality raw materials at scale.

On Day 1 of the event, Ebru Ozkucuk Guler, RE&UP’s Chief Sustainability Officer, joined the panel “Toward Impactful Textile-to-Textile Recycling Systems”, alongside Suhas Khandagale (H&M) and Cyndi Rhoades (Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems). The interactive session examined the current and future scale of feedstocks for textile-to-textile recycling, discussed legislation, sorting challenges, and explored practical solutions to accelerate circularity. 

“If we truly want to create a solution, brands must stay committed, stepping back is no longer an option,” said Ebru Ozkucuk Guler, RE&UP. “We were thrilled to share insights and explore actionable solutions with partners committed to circularity.” 

Beyond the panel, RE&UP is showcasing its pioneering circular solutions and engaging with brands and suppliers to translate sustainability commitments into measurable impact. By connecting practical solutions with policy insights and on-the-ground innovation, RE&UP is helping the industry move from theory to action, proving that circularity is not just a goal, but a tangible path forward. 

With the fashion industry facing increasing pressure to reduce waste and embrace regenerative practices, events like Textile Exchange are critical for building collaboration, sharing knowledge, and inspiring systemic change.

Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, returns to Kingpins Amsterdam with its new collection “Mediterranean Soul”, blending nature, creativity, and technology to prove that authentic denim can be designed and produced with efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The collection draws inspiration from the power of the Mediterranean Sea and the essence of Valencia, Jeanologia’s hometown. Following the devastating floods that hit the city in October 2024, the collection is a tribute to resilience, nature, and Mediterranean creativity, reinterpreted in the world’s most universal fabric: denim.

"Mediterranean Soul is a story of resilience and creativity brought to life through denim," says Carme Santacruz, Creative Director at Jeanologia. The collection captures the Mediterranean beauty and vibrancy in every garment: the deep blues of the sea, the golden texture of sand, sunlight reflecting on facades, and the lively energy of urban and natural landscapes. More than fashion, it is a manifesto— environmentally conscious design that is at once authentic, innovative, and sustainable. "Mediterranean Soul is a journey that connects our roots with our global mission to detoxify and dehydrate the fashion industry, without sacrificing creativity or efficiency," adds Santacruz.

Laser + G2 Ozone: bringing Mediterranean landscapes to life through denim
To capture this Mediterranean spirit, Jeanologia combines two most powerful technologies:

• Laser, which brings landscapes and natural textures to life with hyper-realistic, unique designs. It has transformed the way jeans are designed and produced, eliminating any hand tough and offering infinite creative possibilities. Today it allows reproducing vintage effects, 3D textures, breaks, or vector designs with precision, speed, and consistency, digitalizing the entire design process and ensuring creativity, quality, and efficiency.
• G2 Ozone Indra, whose ATMOS process creates abrasion and a wide variety of washes, from deep indigo blues to light tones, as well as blacks and greys. This “air washer” replaces traditional washing methods with ozone and precise humidity control, achieving authentic washes without water, chemicals, or pumice stones, and reducing both environmental impact and costs.

Together, Laser + G2 Ozone give designers total freedom to create authentic finishes with greater contrast, brightness, and naturalness, achieving true sustainability at the best cost.

‘Digital to real’, from virtual design to real garment
At Kingpins, Jeanologia also presents ‘Digital to Real’, a space where visitors can experience how digitalization accelerates the design-to-production process. With eDesigner, brands can develop and visualize denim finishes in a fully digital environment, reducing up to 80 percent of physical samples, cutting emissions, and connecting creativity directly with production.

‘Made in España’: creativity, innovation, and sustainability
At Kingpins, Jeanologia takes part in ‘Made in España’, a space that celebrates the strength and creativity of the Spanish textile industry.

Together with Recover, Jeanologia showcases circular, responsible, and creative denim, highlighting new ways to enhance sustainability and close the loop in denim production.
Alongside Textil Santanderina and Pinter, the company will inspire visitors with a collection that blends art and fashion, a reflection of Spanish innovation, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity.

Reju, together with 11 other companies representing the textile value chain, launched the European Circular Textile Coalition’s manifesto for a fully circular textile economy, urging the EU to transform post-consumer textile waste into a driver of green jobs, innovation and competitiveness. 

The coalition is formed of businesses across the textile value chain; Reju, Resortecs, COLEO, Tissage de Charlieu, Synergies TLC, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, Sympany, European Spinning Group, Ariadne, Erdotex, Utexbel, Noyfil.

Europe generates 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with most of it landfilled, incinerated or exported and just 1% recycled back into new garments. The coalition stresses that this is no longer acceptable. 

“We refuse to accept textile waste as an inevitability, instead, we see it as a solvable challenge for our generation,” the manifesto states. 

The coalition calls for urgent EU action to match regulatory ambition with investment in recycling and manufacturing systems. 

“Without system readiness, even the most forward-looking regulations risk falling short. We are here to help bridge that gap,” the group highlights. 

To drive change, the manifesto sets out three policy pillars: 

1. Ensure a competitive European textile chain, bringing production back to European shores to uphold environmental and labour standards. 
2. Prioritise high-quality textile-to-textile recycling, making post-consumer textile waste the main feedstock for new textiles. 
3. Set mandatory recycled content in textiles, with ambitious but realistic targets phased in over time. 

‘Reju is a system change company and we strongly believe that change happens with collaboration. That is why this collation is important to drive change collectively as an industry pulling together and we welcome more businesses to join us.’ says Patrik Frisk, Reju CEO. 

“Voluntary efforts have proven grossly insufficient – we need binding standards to drive demand for recycled materials,” the coalition insists. 

The coalition is launching an advocacy tour to engage policymakers and invites other actors from across the textile value chain to join its mission. 

“Now is the time to act — because when a world without waste is possible, we cannot afford to wait!

About Reju
Reju is a materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for regenerating polyester textiles and post-consumer PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology originating with IBM Research, Reju is driven by its purpose to unlock infinite possibilities within finite resources. The company aims to establish a global textile recycling circular system to regenerate and recirculate polyester textiles. 

Fresh from its highly successful 63rd conference held in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10, The Textile Institute (TI) will celebrate a major milestone at the ITMA Asia+CITME textile machinery exhibition in Singapore later this month.

One hundred years ago, in 1925, TI was granted its Royal Charter by King George V, transforming it from a professional association into a globally recognised chartered body, and in Singapore from October 28-31, is seeking to strengthen its international partnerships while welcoming new Corporate Members to its expanding global network.

Shared growth
TI will exhibit as a reciprocal member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), showcasing the power of collaboration and shared growth. The long-standing partnership between the two organisations has been further strengthened by the appointment of BTMA CEO Jason Kent as TI’s new Commercial Vice President, bringing fresh industry insight and influence to the role.

“Our joint presence in Singapore underlines how enduring partnerships strengthen the entire industry,” Kent says. “Corporate Membership of The Textile Institute gives organisations access to an international network of professionals, cutting-edge research and strategic benefits valued at over £10,000 a year.”

Advantages
Membership unlocks a host of advantages, including global promotion and visibility, invitations to high-level networking events and training, collaboration on industry-led research, professional recognition through chartered qualifications and access to TI’s publications, data and R&D resources.

“As the only global professional body in this sector with a Royal Charter, we are driving the industry forward through high-quality events and training courses that equip professionals for the future,” says TI CEO Stephanie Dick. “Together with our Corporate Members, we’re tackling skills gaps, developing practical training solutions and reaching international audiences.”

New industries
“This is an exciting time for the industry, especially with the major opportunities being opened up in new technical textiles for rising industries such as energy and data storage, future mobility and advanced infrastructure,” adds TI President Charles Wood. “Whether you’re a multinational manufacturer or a fast-growing SME, TI offers a neutral, not-for-profit platform where your voice is heard and your ambitions are supported. As we expand our influence across Asia and beyond, we’re inviting new Corporate Members to join us, benefit from our resources and help shape the Institute with their expertise.”

The Textile Institute is ideally positioned to help organisations stay competitive, connected and compliant. From its first foundation in Manchester in 1910, its approach has always been to be “not of Manchester, but international”, and with sections and special interest groups active across the globe, it now serves members in over 60 countries, empowering professionals across every link in the textile supply chain. 

“We are looking forward to exploring new possibilities with as many forward-looking companies as possible at this year’s ITMA Asia+CITME,” concludes Jason Kent.

Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., announced the launch of THERMOFRONTTM, a new master brand for sheet insulation that combines environmental responsibility with high thermal performance. The new insulation is comprised of more than 70 percent ECOPETⓇ, Teijin Frontier’s recycled polyester fiber, and incorporates hollow cross-sectional fibers and functional raw materials to deliver outstanding warmth. THERMOFRONTTM insulation is designed for a wide range of applications, from sports and outdoor wear to casual apparel. 

In the first phase of this product rollout, Teijin Frontier is introducing three sub-brands: THERMOFRONTTM OA, THERMOFRONTTM SL and THERMOFRONTTM BE. Each offers distinct value-added features such as bulkiness, lightweight comfort and moisture control. Domestic and international sales of these three sub-brands began on October 7. They will be marketed for outdoor, sports and casual wear for the Autumn/Winter 2026 season. 

In recent years, as people increasingly enjoy outdoor activities and sports in their daily lives, diversified lifestyles have driven demand for insulated outerwear and sportswear that offers not only warmth and light weight but also bulkiness, softness and comfort across various settings. At the same time, growing environmental awareness among consumers has increased the need for sustainable products. In response, Teijin Frontier developed THERMOFRONTTM high-performance sheet insulation by integrating its expertise in nonwoven fabric design and processing technologies with its long-standing recycling capabilities.

Key features of THERMOFRONTTM insulation 
All products under the new THERMOFRONTTM brand share these attributes: 

• Environmental responsibility: ECOPETⓇ recycled polyester fiber, more than 70% of component, significantly improves the sustainability of the insulation.
• Enhanced insulation performance: Hollow cross-sectional staple fibers provide superior thermal insulation compared to conventional polyester sheet insulation. 
• Maximizing the functionality of combined fibers through Teijin Frontier’s proprietary nonwoven fabric design and sheet processing technologies.

26 European business associations, representing a wide array of industries and businesses, express their full support for the swift ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement:

Together, the associations’ members cover a significant portion of the total trade in goods and services of over 153 billion euros in 2024 between the EU and the Mercosur region, as well as the approximately 380 billion euros of mutual investment in our two regions in 2023. In this unprecedented time when the rules-based global order is being critically undermined, this free trade agreement represents a beacon in the EU’s diversification strategy. It is therefore a critical element in ensuring the EU’s long-term competitiveness. 

By 2040, according to DG Trade’s calculations, the agreement is expected to add 77.6 billion euros to the EU GDP and 9.4 billion euros to the Mercosur GDP. At the same time, the agreement will result in a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur and a 17% increase in Mercosur exports to the EU. 

The EU-Mercosur is a modern agreement, driven by modern principles. It will deliver increased market access and improved access to resources, while preserving key sectors in European domestic markets, diversifying secure supply chains, and fostering investments for both sides. It will also help to deepen the cooperation on sustainable development, in areas such as fighting climate change, preserving biodiversity, and advancing labour and social rights. 

European businesses wholeheartedly support the EU-Mercosur Agreement and call on the Council and European Parliament to swiftly ratify the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement (iTA) and the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). To this end, it is key to streamline the ratification process and to ensure timely completion and avoid procedural delays. This is a crucial opportunity for Europe which will support growth and prosperity for one-fifth of the global economy – benefiting about 750 million people. 

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a leader in spider silk technology*, announced the company has succeeded in significantly increasing the production throughput of its recombinant spider silk production platform.   
 
This increase is the successful result of the continuous work in the selective breeding of parental strains for its production hybrid silkworms, which is the basis of its recombinant spider silk production system. Kraig's first successful hybrid, designated the BAM-1, demonstrated hybrid vigor, which increased both cocoon shell weight (a critical measure of silk output) and robustness. That hybrid was created by mating two genetically divergent parental strains. The fielding of the BAM-1 was a major improvement in spider silk production technology. 
 
Over the past two years, the Kraig has been using selective breeding to create more advanced parental strains with the goal of increasing hybrid vigor to further increase shell weight. One of these new advanced strains was specifically designed as a replacement for one of the original BAM-1 parental strains. 
 
By mating the strongest of the BAM-1 parental strains with the new advanced strain, the company has demonstrated measurable hybrid vigor (as measured by cocoon shell weight) of 22%, an increase in hybrid vigor of more than 245% compared to the BAM-1. The new advanced hybrid has been designated as BAM-1 Alpha and will be the Company's production workhorse moving forward.
 
"Our small team of researchers continues to outperform our competitors in spider silk R&D and commercial development. The creation of our new BAM-1 Alpha hybrid is the product of our focused vision for large-scale commercialization of spider silk and the dedication of our geneticists to that vision," said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. "Frankly, the 250% increase in hybrid vigor over the original BAM-1 has significantly exceeded our expectations and design parameters. The BAM-1 Alpha is producing larger cocoons and more silk, resulting in increased throughput and lower production cost. Though we do not have hard data yet on increases in robustness other than cocoon size and shell weight, our expectation is that general robustness will follow this same pattern."
 
Kraig Labs utilizes its proprietary genetically enhanced silkworm technology platform to produce recombinant spider silk. These silkworms spin recombinant spider silk fibers naturally within their cocoons, combining the scalability of traditional sericulture with the superior performance of spider silk proteins.
 
With BAM-1 Alpha now moving into commercial deployment, Kraig Labs will leverage its multi-facility production infrastructure to integrate this enhanced production hybrid into ongoing manufacturing. This advancement supports the Company's vision of delivering high-performance spider silk fibers for applications spanning performance textiles, defense, medical, and industrial markets.

The landmark event, attended by 5,022 professionals, confirms the global shift from why to how, driving cross-sector collaboration across 120+ enterprises and 200+ case studies. GREENEXT Expo is an integrated platform dedicated to driving sustainability transformation. Through exhibitions, summits, and international exchange, the Expo fosters a collaborative innovation network connecting business leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and consumers to achieve triple wins across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

The GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully concluded on September 27 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, solidifying its position as one of the most influential annual platforms for sustainability transformation in China and beyond. Positioned as China's leading greening initiative and accelerator platform, the two-day event focused on the core pillars of Sustainability Innovation × Cross-Sector Collaboration × Business, welcoming 5,022 attendees and bringing together over 120 leading global enterprises and organizations.

The Expo’s central theme was the execution of sustainable practice, moving decisively beyond abstract discourse.

Actionable Solutions Across Six Strategic Zones
GREENEXT 2025 presented over 200 scalable solutions across six dedicated thematic zones, emphasizing practical applications in key areas:

• Fashion Forward: Showcased circular economy models for textiles, featuring solutions from global brands like adidas and the Ellassay Group.
• Living Earth: Focused on the regenerative connection between nature and commerce, highlighting transparent "field to bottle" supply chains with exhibitors such as The Macallan.
• Green for Next: Addressed corporate resilience, covering ESG disclosure, carbon auditing, and low-carbon manufacturing with contributors like HKRI Taikoo Hui and Tencent CarbonXmade.

The event also sharpened its focus on four critical commercial scenarios: Urban Regeneration (ESG-driven circularity), Global Expansion (supply chain trust and compliance), Technological Innovation (youth and startup creativity), and embedding Public Good for long-term competitiveness.

Global Dialogue and the New Aesthetic of Value
The conference program served as a cornerstone, convening 183 global experts in 77 sessions. The international scope was amplified by remarks from diplomatic representatives of European nations, including Finland, Norway, Belgium, and Denmark, fostering essential Global Collaboration on regulatory and market challenges.

Key takeaways from the dialogue included the redefinition of premium commerce through sustainability:
“The Third Aesthetic of Commercial Spaces: Making Sustainability the New Luxury,”
— Ms. Ruifang Ding, Co-General Manager of HKRI Taikoo Hui

Commitment to Future Talent and Philanthropy
The Expo served as a launchpad for future-focused initiatives, including:

• The establishment of the Shanghai Population Welfare Foundation Sustainable Development Fund, promoting the integration of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
• The official release of the Youth Action Guide for Sustainable Development at the Innovation Hub, designed to mobilize the next generation of innovators.
• The recognition of industry leaders at the Global Sustainable Fashion Consumption Industry Pioneer Awards Ceremony.

Public engagement was driven by the "Sustainable Journey," an immersive route that featured interactive activities like the Climate Fresk workshop and the Recycled Plastic Workshop, ensuring that sustainability concepts were translated into tangible, hands-on experiences for consumers.

GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully confirmed that the pursuit of sustainability is the essence of new productive forces, driving synergy between economic prosperity and ecological benefit. Preparations for GREENEXT Expo 2026 are already underway, promising to further expand its global reach and deepen its impact.

“We delivered another very strong quarter as our pivot to becoming a DTC-first, head-to-toe denim lifestyle retailer is driving a meaningful inflection in our financial performance,” said Michelle Gass, President and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “With strength across channels, segments and categories, we are raising our full-year outlook and are well-positioned for the holiday season. While the macro environment remains complex, the consistency of our performance and operational agility gives me confidence that we will deliver sustained, profitable growth into 2026 and beyond.” 

“Our Q3 results demonstrate the power of our strategic transformation, with strong financial performance exceeding expectations across all key metrics including sales, gross margin, adjusted EBIT margin and adjusted diluted EPS,” said Harmit Singh, Chief Financial and Growth Officer of Levi Strauss & Co. “With four consecutive quarters of high-single-digit growth and record gross margins driven by our focus on profitability across the organization, we are raising our full-year revenue and adjusted diluted EPS expectations. We have built strong momentum that positions us well to continue delivering strong shareholder value next year and in the years to come.”

Financial Highlights 

• Net Revenues of $1.5 billion were up 7% on a reported and organic basis versus Q3 2024:
• In the Americas, net revenues increased 6% on a reported basis and 7% on an organic basis. Within the Americas, the U.S. grew 3% on an organic basis. 
• In Europe, net revenues increased 5% on a reported basis and 3% on an organic basis. 
• In Asia, net revenues increased 12% on a reported basis and organic basis. 
• Beyond Yoga® net revenues increased 2% on a reported and organic basis. 
• DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) net revenues increased 11% on a reported basis and 9% on an organic basis. DTC growth on an organic basis reflected a 7% increase in the U.S., a 4% increase in Europe and a 14% increase in Asia. Net revenues from e-commerce grew 18% on a reported basis and 16% on an organic basis. DTC comprised 46% of total net revenues in the third quarter. 
• Wholesale net revenues increased 3% on a reported basis and 5% on an organic basis.