From the Sector

Die CHT Gruppe wurde von adidas als Champion für ihr Engagement zur Förderung der Nachhaltigkeit ausgezeichnet. CHT hat Lösungen entwickelt, die Textilherstellern dabei helfen, Kosten und Ressourcen zu minimieren und einen positiven Beitrag zum Klimaschutz zu leisten. Mit innovativen Verfahren wie PIGMENTURA by CHT und 4SUCCESS, die sich in dem „Best Solution“-Konzept BeSo® EFFECTIVE widerspiegeln, aber vor allem auch durch den vermehrten Einsatz nachwachsender und recycelter Materialien in den Produkten, wie ARRISTAN rAIR, wird ein effektiver Beitrag zur Kreislaufwirtschaft geleistet.

Die Stärke der CHT Gruppe liegt im umfassenden Produkt- und Prozess-Know-how entlang der textilen Wertschöpfungskette - vom Faserhilfsmittel bis zum Färben und Veredeln. Die Zusammenarbeit mit dem ZDHC begann 2019. Seitdem wurden über 2.200 Produkte auf Level 3 zertifiziert. Zusätzlich zu dem Engagement bei Chem-MAP® - einem ZDHC Approved V3.1 Certifier (Level 1, 2 & 3) – arbeitet die Unternehmensgruppe bei der bluesign® technologies ag mit und ist Gründungsmitglieder von SCTI (Sustainable Chemistry for the Textile Industry). SCTI wurde 2020 ins Leben gerufen und hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, transformative Veränderungen innerhalb der textilen Wertschöpfungsketten durch Initiativen im Bereich der nachhaltigen Chemie anzuregen.

Dr. Annegret Vester, Chief Sustainability Officer, sagte zu der Auszeichnung: „Wir freuen uns sehr, dass adidas die CHT Gruppe als führendes Unternehmen bei der Förderung nachhaltiger Chemie im Jahr 2024 anerkannt hat. Unsere Partnerschaft mit adidas unterstreicht unser proaktives und langfristiges Engagement für kontinuierliche Verbesserungen bei Produkten und Prozessen. Dies ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der CHT Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie, die sich an den Zielen für nachhaltige Entwicklung der UN (SDGs) orientiert.“

Eric Knehr, Global Head of Brand & Retail Management, fügt hinzu: „Wir glauben, dass unsere Erfolgsgeschichte unsere Kunden, Markenartikelhersteller und andere Stakeholder in der Textilindustrie dazu inspirieren wird, Spitzenleistungen zu erzielen. Unsere B&R und die regionalen Teams der CHT sind bereit, unser Fachwissen und unsere Unterstützung weltweit zu teilen. Wir bei CHT freuen uns auf diese gemeinsame Reise.“

The Lenzing Group has been awarded platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. The rating comprehensively covers the four most important practices in the area of corporate social responsibility: environment, fair working conditions and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

For the fourth time in a row, Lenzing has been awarded platinum status by EcoVadis. This puts Lenzing in the top one percent of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide. Lenzing achieved the greatest progress this year in the categories of sustainable procurement and ethics. Lenzing also outperformed the previous year in the areas of labor and human rights as well as certifications. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has developed into on of the largest and most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for companies and has created a global network of more than 130,000 rated companies worldwide. The methodological framework evaluates companies' policies, measures and activities, as well as their published reports on the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In line with its "Naturally Positive" sustainability strategy, the Lenzing Group has set ambitious targets in each of its core strategic areas to further strengthen its transition from a linear to a circular economy model. Every year, Lenzing provides updates on its sustainability initiatives and the progress made in its annual sustainability report. This level of commitment and transparency was also positively emphasized by EcoVadis in its assessment.

Von Zirkularität über politische Regularien und Personal bis hin zu Inflation: Die nachhaltige Modebranche beschäftigen aktuell außergewöhnlich viele Themen. Das wurde deutlich auf der INNATEX, die vom 20. bis 22. Juli 2024 in Hofheim-Wallau bei Frankfurt am Main stattfand. Über 200 Labels präsentierten auf der internationalen Fachmesse für nachhaltige Mode ihre Kollektionen und tauschten sich aus.

Lena Böringschulte, Head of Sustainability bei Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf, hebt hervor, dass Nachhaltigkeit eine kollektive Verantwortung darstellt, die durch Kooperation und Einbindung der Kund:innen dazu beitragen kann, die Modebranche nachhaltiger zu gestalten. „Beim Thema Nachhaltigkeit geht es nicht darum, wer die größten Fortschritte und Erfolge als Erster erzielt, sondern darum, die gesamte Branche nachhaltiger zu gestalten. Durch den Austausch von Erfahrungen und das Lernen voneinander können wir zusammen voranschreiten. Indem wir unsere Kund:innen aktiv in den Nachhaltigkeitsprozess einbinden, schaffen wir eine Modewelt, die Verantwortung und Stil vereint.“

Böringschulte saß auf dem Handelsverband-Fachpanel zusammen mit Jochen Ruths (Inhaber Bekleidungshaus Peter Ruths, Präsident Handelsverband Hessen, Vizepräsident Handelsverband Deutschland) Roman Degenhardt (Inhaber Der Schuhladen, Geschäftsführer Zehenspiel Barfußschuhe, Mitgründer der Initiative #schuhandelhatzukunft), Eva Bovet (Inhaberin Betten Raab) sowie Cheryll Mühlen (Chefredakteurin Textilmitteilungen, J'N'C und Green Knowledge) als Moderatorin. Neben dem oben genannten Aspekt der Zusammenarbeit diskutierten die Talk-Gäste Themen wie Personalschulung, Beratung und Information sowie die Relevanz von Veränderungen.

Spätestens seit Corona wissen Green-Fashion-Macher:innen aus erster Hand, was eine Verknappung von Rohstoffen bedeutet. Katrin Rieber (tentation), Pia Egelkraut (avonté), Jonathan Radetz (Halt.Clothing) und andere Labels, die Materialien retten beziehungsweise upcyceln, waren sich einig, dass das Modenarrativ flexibler werden muss. Derartige Geschäftsmodelle können und sollen von Konzept wegen nicht voraussagen, wie eine Kollektion in einem Jahr genau aussehen wird. Stattdessen gelte es, diese Haltung zu hinterfragen und eine Neugier sowie Freude am Einzelstück oder limitierten Editionen zu entfachen.

Das Portfolio an Labels lässt einige Schwerpunkte für Frühjahr/Sommer 2025 erkennen. Dazu gehören leichte Textilien wie Leinen und Musselin aus Bio-Baumwolle. Viele Konzepte setzen auf Prints, Verläufe, konkrete Motive oder Digitaldruck. Alles in allem werden die Looks eleganter, ohne konservativ zu wirken. Klassische Schnitte, Hemden, Sets, Multifunktionalität und Kleider mit fließenden Silhouetten machen die hohe Qualität noch deutlicher.

Von 18. bis 19. August 2024 folgt für diese Saison noch der INNATEX Showroom in Bern mit rund 50 Labels. Die 55. INNATEX findet dann vom 18. bis 20. Januar 2025 statt.

Beaulieu International Group is investing €5 million to transition the fossil based energy supply of its Cushion Vinyl production plant in Wielsbeke, Belgium, to bio mass generated steam supply. A transition to renewable energy. To this end, B.I.G. is collaborating with A&U Energie, a company that converts non-recyclable wood waste into green energy and heat. This strategic move aligns with B.I.G.'s commitment to reach ‘net zero’ for their operations by 2030.

The transition from fossil energy to green steam and the switch to waste gas treatment without direct fossil energy brings significant benefits. First, the switch in technology will lead to 88% reduction in their Belgian Cushion Vinyl carbon footprint related to heat supply and waste gas treatment, compared to the current emissions. Second, the use of steam heating and electric energy provides improved energy efficiency. In addition, the use of steam systems is known for its safety and reliability, providing a safer and more stable heating solution for the Belgian Cushion Vinyl facility. Moreover, the switch to steam and electric energy allows for the use of green electricity in the future, if available.

In addition to transitioning to 100% green energy, Beaulieu International Group is also dedicated to advancing the circular economy. These efforts encompass various initiatives, including increasing the use of recycled and reused materials. For example, 50% of B.I.G.'s PVC floor coverings are already fully recyclable. Additionally, they are actively working to reduce the environmental impact of their solutions by 42% at the end of their life cycle, striving to minimize product emissions to nearly zero, and eliminating pollutants. Recently at the Belgian Flanders Flooring Days, Beauflor launched its Twilight collection, a cushion vinyl floor created with PVC from 100% bio and circular sources resulting in a 40% reduced CO₂ footprint compared to their conventional heterogeneous CV flooring for residential applications

Furthermore, their cushion vinyl brand Beauflor launched the ReLive concept, a specialized program designed for a circular future, ensuring the collection, sorting, and recycling of PVC flooring cutting waste. Currently, this program focuses on post-installation waste and is exclusively available in France, with the goal of expanding its reach to other EU countries.

Through the establishment of strategic partnerships dedicated to finding innovative ways to repurpose waste materials previously slated for incineration, B.I.G. underscores its commitment to sustainable solutions and collaboration with like-minded organizations. 75% of B.I.G.'s post-industrial waste is now being successfully recycled.

The Lenzing Group has achieved outstanding results in the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM) certification for five of its production sites. This involved measuring the social impact of production in areas such as wages, working hours, health and safety and treatment of employees.

One of Lenzing's key sustainability goals is to obtain a valid, independently audited and accredited social standard certificate for each of the Lenzing Group's production sites by 2024. This goal is pursued through the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM), which assesses social and labor-related conditions. In 2023, more than 7,200 companies worldwide underwent this audit, with Lenzing's result placing it in the top 25 percent of all verified Higg FSLM facilities.

A recent study by the Society for Applied Economic Research in Innsbruck (Austria)¹ emphasises Lenzing's responsibility as an important employer. The Lenzing Group creates a total of 25,292 jobs in the five countries in which it operates production facilities. This figure includes not only employees, but also indirect jobs - because every direct job created creates more than two additional indirect jobs in other sectors of the economy.

1 GAW Wirtschaftsforschung: Economic and Regional Importance of the Lenzing Group in 2023; March 2024

International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully started up a new nonwovens production line supplied to Teknomelt Teknik Mensucat San. ve Tic. A.S. in Kahramanmaras, Türkiye. The new neXline wetlace CCP (carded-carded-pulp) line produces nonwoven roll goods for biodegradable, plastic-free wet wipes

By combining the benefits of two technologies, spunlace and wetlaid, the line enables the use of bio-based fibers, like viscose and wood pulp, to produce a high-performance and sustainable wipe with the same technical product characteristics and performances as a conventional wipe made of synthetic fibers while protecting the environment.

Teknomelt is one of the leading manufacturers of nonwoven meltblown, spunbond, SMS and SMMS fabrics in Türkiye. The company serves a wide range of markets, exporting 45% of its production. With the new ANDRITZ Wetlace CCP line, the company is expanding its range of sustainable nonwovens production for wipes. 

The EU directive on the further development of sustainability reporting (CSRD) poses major challenges for companies and the public sector. Until now, the regulations have only applied to large capital market-oriented companies. However, far-reaching changes to sustainability reporting are expected when the CSRD is transposed into national law in 2024. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are facing up to this challenge of external reporting and at the same time the responsibility for sustainable and resource-conserving science. The Textile Research Center has therefore set up a specialist department reporting to the Executive Board.

The DITF are reaffirming their commitment to sustainability with the appointment of the previous Head of the Competence Center Textile Chemistry, Environment & Energy, Dr.-Ing. habil. Thomas Stegmaier, as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). In addition to this new role, Stegmaier will continue to provide his expertise to the Competence Center Textile Chemistry, Environment & Energy as Deputy Head.

The task of the Chief Sustainability Officer is to develop solutions to reduce the DITF's energy and resource consumption, promote renewable energies and implement efficient energy use. The management team, the operational organizational units and all employees are involved in the process.

The CSO also acts as a driving force for both the Executive Board and the research departments to promote sustainability issues.

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have modernized and expanded their melt spinning pilot plant with support from the State of Baden-Württemberg. The new facility enables research into new spinning processes, fiber functionalization and sustainable fibers made from biodegradable and bio-based polymers.

In the field of melt spinning, the DITF are working on several pioneering research areas, for example the development of various fibers for medical implants or fibers made from polylactide, a sustainable bio-based polyester. Other focal points include the development of flame-retardant polyamides and their processing into fibers for carpet and automotive applications as well as the development of carbon fibers from melt-spun precursors. The development of a bio-based alternative to petroleum-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers into polyethylene furanoate (PEF) fibers is also new. Bicomponent spinning technology, in which the fibers can be produced from two different components, plays a particularly important role, too.

Since polyamide (PA) and many other polymers were developed more than 85 years ago, various melt-spun fibers have revolutionized the textile world. In the field of technical textiles, they can have on a variety of functions: depending on their exact composition, they can for example be electrically conductive or luminescent. They can also show antimicrobial properties and be flame-retardant. They are suitable for lightweight construction, for medical applications or for insulating buildings.

In order to protect the environment and resources, the use of bio-based fibers will be increased in the future with a special focus on easy-to-recycle fibers. To this end, the DITF are conducting research into sustainable polyamides, polyesters and polyolefins as well as many other polymers. Many 'classic', that is, petroleum-based polymers cannot or only insufficiently be broken down into their components or recycled directly after use. An important goal of new research work is therefore to further establish systematic recycling methods to produce fibers of the highest possible quality.

For these forward-looking tasks, a bicomponent spinning plant from Oerlikon Neumag was set up and commissioned on an industrial scale at the DITF in January. The BCF process (bulk continuous filaments) allows special bundling, bulking and processing of the (multifilament) fibers. This process enables the large-scale synthesis of carpet yarns as well as staple fiber production, a unique feature in a public research institute. The system is supplemented by a so-called spinline rheometer. This allows a range of measurement-specific chemical and physical data to be recorded online and inline, which will contribute to a better understanding of fiber formation. In addition, a new compounder will be used for the development of functionalized polymers and for the energy-saving thermomechanical recycling of textile waste.

The Lenzing Group has updated its climate targets to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit the human-induced global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has reviewed and confirmed this target improvement.

By 2030, Lenzing aims to reduce its direct emissions from the production of its fiber and pulp plants (scope 1) and its emissions from purchased energy (scope 2) by 42 percent and its indirect emissions along the value chain (scope 3) by 25 percent on the way to net zero, from 2021 baseline. This corresponds to an absolute reduction of 1,100,000 tons (instead of the previously targeted 700,000 tons).

The following targets were recognized and confirmed by the SBTi:

1. Overall net-zero target: Lenzing AG commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain by 2050.
2. Near-term targets: Lenzing AG commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent by 2030 from a base year 2021. Lenzing AG also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services, fuels and energy-related activities as well as upstream transport and distribution by 25 percent within the same timeframe.
3. Long-term targets: Lenzing AG commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2050 from a base year 2021. Lenzing AG also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent within in the same timeframe.

These updated targets replace the old SBTi approved Lenzing Group’s climate target in 2019.

Autoneum Holding Ltd has been awarded the gold medal in the 2023 EcoVadis sustainability rating, ranking the automotive supplier in the top 5% of companies assessed. Following a silver medal the previous year, the Company was able to further improve the overall rating of its sustainability performance in the four categories Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement and achieved the second-highest recognition level.

As part of its commitment to transparency towards its stakeholders and the public at large, Autoneum reports regularly on its key developments and achievements in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In addition to reporting in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, Autoneum uses external platforms such as EcoVadis – a globally recognized sustainability rating agency – to assess the quality of its sustainability management system. EcoVadis uses 21 criteria based on international CSR standards to rate companies in four categories: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has assessed the sustainability performance of more than 100 000 companies from 175 countries.

In the 2023 sustainability rating by EcoVadis, Autoneum achieved gold medal status for the first time, placing it in the top 5% of companies assessed. Having already been awarded the EcoVadis silver medal in 2022, Autoneum thus moved up to the second-highest recognition level in this year’s rating, thanks to significant progress in the Environment and Labor and Human Rights categories.

More information on Autoneum’s sustainable products and processes can be found in the current issue of the Corporate Responsibility Report.