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06.02.2025

TrusTrace Joins Textile Exchange’s Trackit™ Pilot Project

TrusTrace, a market-leading platform for supply chain traceability and compliance in the fashion and textile industry, is participating in Textile Exchange’s test pilot project, to evaluate a multiparty Trackit™ system.

The pilot is set to run throughout 2025, marking a significant step forward in advancing traceability and transparency within the textile and apparel supply chain. The project aims to test the performance of an interoperable traceability framework that functions across diverse technology platforms. It is designed to minimize the burden on supply chain operators while maintaining a strong and credible standards system to adapt to an evolving legislative landscape.

Contributing to the Trackit™ pilot project
The TrusTrace platform is built to improve interoperability and works with multiple enterprise systems and data formats. In 2024 the platform gathered primary data on more than 12.9 million global transactions for more than 1.2 billion units, from more than 60,000 suppliers.

TrusTrace, a market-leading platform for supply chain traceability and compliance in the fashion and textile industry, is participating in Textile Exchange’s test pilot project, to evaluate a multiparty Trackit™ system.

The pilot is set to run throughout 2025, marking a significant step forward in advancing traceability and transparency within the textile and apparel supply chain. The project aims to test the performance of an interoperable traceability framework that functions across diverse technology platforms. It is designed to minimize the burden on supply chain operators while maintaining a strong and credible standards system to adapt to an evolving legislative landscape.

Contributing to the Trackit™ pilot project
The TrusTrace platform is built to improve interoperability and works with multiple enterprise systems and data formats. In 2024 the platform gathered primary data on more than 12.9 million global transactions for more than 1.2 billion units, from more than 60,000 suppliers.

TrusTrace’s ability to aggregate, validate, and standardize supply chain data across various ecosystems ensures that brands have access to up-to-date, high-quality data — a critical enabler for making informed decisions to manage supply chain and brand risk, ensure compliance, and drive more sustainable practices. The test pilot aligns with TrusTrace’s vision of empowering brands to know, prove and improve the impact of their supply chain.

Unlocking the Benefits of Digitized Supply Chains
The Trackit™ test pilot aims to not only analyze interoperability of a multiparty system; but also to provide a foundation for supply chain innovation by enabling:

  • Efficient data sharing: Streamlining collaboration across diverse stakeholders, from suppliers to brands.
  • Informed decision-making: Providing brands with real-time visibility into their supply chains to address environmental and social risks effectively.
  • Credible sustainability reporting: Ensuring brands can meet emerging legislative and regulatory requirements with robust and verified data.
23.01.2025

Kelheim Fibres: Sustainability Report Including EMAS Environmental Statement

Kelheim Fibres, a leading manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, has published their comprehensive sustainability report. By doing so, the company is setting another milestone for transparency while simultaneously emphasizing its commitment to the goals of the UN Global Compact.

An integral part of the sustainability report is the EMAS Environmental Statement, which – as it has been annually since 2020 – was audited by independent environmental experts as part of the EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) revalidation. This confirms Kelheim Fibres’ high environmental performance and its continuous efforts towards sustainable corporate governance.

The sustainability report goes beyond mere environmental performance and addresses all aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Kelheim Fibres, a leading manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, has published their comprehensive sustainability report. By doing so, the company is setting another milestone for transparency while simultaneously emphasizing its commitment to the goals of the UN Global Compact.

An integral part of the sustainability report is the EMAS Environmental Statement, which – as it has been annually since 2020 – was audited by independent environmental experts as part of the EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) revalidation. This confirms Kelheim Fibres’ high environmental performance and its continuous efforts towards sustainable corporate governance.

The sustainability report goes beyond mere environmental performance and addresses all aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“Credibility and trust are based on transparency. With our new sustainability report, we demonstrate how we fulfil our responsibility for both people and the environment – and the contribution we make with our biodegradable fibres to combating one of the biggest global problems of our time, the growing plastic waste,” explains Wolfgang Ott, Head of CSR at Kelheim Fibres. The viscose fibres made from 100% plant-based raw materials represent a powerful alternative to conventional plastics in numerous applications and thus help reduce global waste.

Source:

Kelheim Fibres GmbH

C&A’s head of sourcing Alexandre Saus-Salas. © Haelixa
C&A’s head of sourcing Alexandre Saus-Salas.
12.12.2024

C&A: Organic cotton traced by Haelixa’s DNA markers

Haelixa has partnered with C&A, one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers, to advance the traceability of its organic cotton. The partnership stems from C&A’s commitment to working with others in the apparel industry to pilot and scale innovation. C&A’s targets include supporting the growth of organic cotton without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, resulting in cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and lower farmer costs.
 
The partnership between Haelixa and C&A began in 2022 with a pilot project, and since then, they have continuously worked together to trace raw materials. The result is this agreement with Haelixa to mark their organic cotton for the next three years. Using Haelixa’s DNA markers, C&A can trace the journey of its organic cotton from farm to finished garment. According to the C&A Sustainability Report, they are working with other organisations to foster organic cotton farming.  
 

Haelixa has partnered with C&A, one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers, to advance the traceability of its organic cotton. The partnership stems from C&A’s commitment to working with others in the apparel industry to pilot and scale innovation. C&A’s targets include supporting the growth of organic cotton without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, resulting in cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and lower farmer costs.
 
The partnership between Haelixa and C&A began in 2022 with a pilot project, and since then, they have continuously worked together to trace raw materials. The result is this agreement with Haelixa to mark their organic cotton for the next three years. Using Haelixa’s DNA markers, C&A can trace the journey of its organic cotton from farm to finished garment. According to the C&A Sustainability Report, they are working with other organisations to foster organic cotton farming.  
 
Alexandre Saus-Salas, Head of Sourcing at C&A, commented, “Transparency and ethical sourcing are crucial in our supply chain. As part of our commitment to traceability, we have begun implementing Haelixa DNA within our organic supply chain. This gradual rollout will continue over multiple seasons in 2025, with an impact foreseen over the next three years.”
 
Haelixa’s solution utilises DNA markers to create a tamper-proof, verifiable traceability that tracks organic cotton throughout the supply chain. The cotton, sourced through CottonConnect, is marked with unique DNA, which acts as a specific identifier. Once applied, the cotton is tested throughout the supply chain to verify the material using forensic PCR tests. Traceability with the fiber-forward approach ensures the final garment materials are authentic.  
 
The marking ensures the authenticity of organic cotton and mitigates the risk of sourcing from regions associated with forced labour.  Using the Haelixa markers enables C&A to make reliable statements about the presence of organic cotton in its products marked at the field level (in the ginning process).
 
Patrick Strumpf, CEO of Haelixa, noted, “Trust is the foundation of transparent storytelling. By tracing organic cotton from farm to finished garment, we empower brands like C&A to tell an authentic story, fostering greater consumer confidence in their sustainability efforts.”
 
This project is one of the initiatives that C&A has undertaken to enhance accountability through its supply chain. One of the goals listed in their Sustainability Report is enabling customers to make informed choices by increasing transparency around products and the company. The traceability of organic cotton demonstrates that innovation can support business success through customer trust.

Source:

Haelixa

Sustainability Report Dibella © Dibella b.v.
10.12.2024

Dibella publishes latest sustainability report

Dibella‘s latest sustainability report covers the period from January 1st, 2023 to July 31st, 2024 and documents progress and future plans in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance.

Dibella laid the foundations for corporate social responsibility back in the early 2010s. Since then, the company has been consistently committed to the implementation of socially and environmentally consciously produced textiles and has initiated and completed numerous lighthouse projects in the supply chain. Dibella presented its activities and goals for the first time in 2012 in its sustainability report. Since then, the company has documented its progress at regular intervals.

Dibella‘s latest sustainability report covers the period from January 1st, 2023 to July 31st, 2024 and documents progress and future plans in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance.

Dibella laid the foundations for corporate social responsibility back in the early 2010s. Since then, the company has been consistently committed to the implementation of socially and environmentally consciously produced textiles and has initiated and completed numerous lighthouse projects in the supply chain. Dibella presented its activities and goals for the first time in 2012 in its sustainability report. Since then, the company has documented its progress at regular intervals.

Environment
Particularly noteworthy are the constant proportion of GOTS and Fairtrade-certified products and a significant increase in the implementation of Cotton made in Africa cotton in the supply chain using the mass balance system: from 300 tonnes in 2023 to 750 tonnes in 2024. Another highlight is the reforestation project in Tamil Nadu, India, where over 4,000 trees have already been planted to offset CO₂ emissions. As a founding member of CIBUTEX, Dibella is also committed to the recovery of textile resources and the associated reduction of environmental pollution.

Social
Dibella has initiated and completed various social projects. One example is the improvement of working conditions in the supply chain by providing ergonomic seating for employees of a Pakistani clothing manufacturer. Dibella's own GoodTextiles Foundation also supports educational projects in India and drinking water initiatives in Africa. Measures have been introduced within the company to promote a good working environment.

Corporate Governance
99.5 per cent of textiles are now labelled with the Green Button, which confirms compliance with the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act. In addition, digital transparency tools such as the respect-code, which disclose the origin and production steps of the goods, have been further expanded. Following the coronavirus-related travel restrictions, business trips to India were also resumed in order to familiarise customers and interested parties with the positive ecological and social framework conditions of the supply chain.

Goals for the future
By 2030, company-related CO2 emissions are to be reduced by 45% and the proportion of organic Fairtrade cotton is to be increased to 20%. Overall, the proportion of sustainable cotton is to be increased to 70% of production. The company will continue to focus on sustainable innovation and transparency in the future.

Source:

Dibella b.v.

Italian Fashion Brand TWINSET Partners with TrusTrace Graphic: TrusTrace
04.12.2024

Italian Fashion Brand TWINSET Partners with TrusTrace

TrusTrace, a global company with a market-leading platform for product traceability and supply chain compliance in fashion and retail, announced that TWINSET, a high-end Italian fashion brand, has selected their platform to help identify suppliers, support eco-design initiatives, and measure each product’s environmental impact.

TWINSET was established in Carpi (Modena) in 1987. The collections, which initially focused on sophisticated knitwear, expanded over the years to offer, through apparel and accessories, a total look for women and girls.

With a three-year roadmap, results will be reached progressively by scaling-up to ultimately trace the full range of product categories and suppliers. Key objectives are to identify material country of origin, manage supply-chain risk such as forced labour, and enable eco-design by assessing the environmental impact of the product. To support the environmental impact initiative, TrusTrace partnered with a leading life cycle assessment (LCA) solution Peftrust, which feeds traceability data directly to the LCA solution to get the most precise PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) scoring.

TrusTrace, a global company with a market-leading platform for product traceability and supply chain compliance in fashion and retail, announced that TWINSET, a high-end Italian fashion brand, has selected their platform to help identify suppliers, support eco-design initiatives, and measure each product’s environmental impact.

TWINSET was established in Carpi (Modena) in 1987. The collections, which initially focused on sophisticated knitwear, expanded over the years to offer, through apparel and accessories, a total look for women and girls.

With a three-year roadmap, results will be reached progressively by scaling-up to ultimately trace the full range of product categories and suppliers. Key objectives are to identify material country of origin, manage supply-chain risk such as forced labour, and enable eco-design by assessing the environmental impact of the product. To support the environmental impact initiative, TrusTrace partnered with a leading life cycle assessment (LCA) solution Peftrust, which feeds traceability data directly to the LCA solution to get the most precise PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) scoring.

This strategic initiative has especially helped support TWINSET to prepare for incoming regulations such as Digital Product Passports (DPPs) which will be mandatory on textiles sold in Europe by 2030, as well as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires companies to report on their environmental and social impact.

Fine craftsmanship Photo Vivolo
03.12.2024

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD for Vivolo

One piece at a time - work with precision, grow with wisdom: Luciano Vivolo unveils the strategy that has enabled his company to navigate these challenging years for the world of luxury and, particularly, leather: technological investments, diversification of supply and markets, sustainable innovation, and hope for the future, without ever conceding on quality.

In a demanding and competitive field such as haute couture, achieving nearly fifty years of success does not happen by chance. It requires consistently staying one step ahead, designing the future in its most elegant details while safeguarding the identity and uniqueness that form the foundation of a company’s heritage. What distinguishes Vivolo, for example, is its refined and original designs, the ability to develop prototypes in just 24 hours, and the capacity to produce over 8 million articles a year, all adhering to the company’s high-quality standards.

One piece at a time - work with precision, grow with wisdom: Luciano Vivolo unveils the strategy that has enabled his company to navigate these challenging years for the world of luxury and, particularly, leather: technological investments, diversification of supply and markets, sustainable innovation, and hope for the future, without ever conceding on quality.

In a demanding and competitive field such as haute couture, achieving nearly fifty years of success does not happen by chance. It requires consistently staying one step ahead, designing the future in its most elegant details while safeguarding the identity and uniqueness that form the foundation of a company’s heritage. What distinguishes Vivolo, for example, is its refined and original designs, the ability to develop prototypes in just 24 hours, and the capacity to produce over 8 million articles a year, all adhering to the company’s high-quality standards.

These founding values of Vivolo are rooted in the prestigious manufacturing tradition of Made in Italy. However, as founder and president Luciano Vivolo explains, while these values remain essential, they are no longer sufficient to guarantee success for Italian companies. "In recent years, we have faced all sorts of variables, unpredictable or, worse, unforeseen. The belief of luxury, like many cornerstones of our society and industry, is no longer as firmly established as it once was. The sector is experiencing a crisis with deeper roots than many might imagine. At Vivolo, we are tackling this situation as we always have, by working patiently, designing, cutting, sewing, and creating one piece at a time, but always looking towards the horizon to recognize new opportunities and needs."

In 2024, just one year after inaugurating its efficient and modern headquarters in Bologna (San Lazzaro), Vivolo announced the expansion of its production department. This 1,000 square-meter addition of machines, dedicated to footwear and leather goods, complements the company’s existing 10,000 square-meter production facility. The strategic decision to invest more than one million euros in these segments materialized not only in the purchase of advanced machinery but also in the hiring of highly qualified personnel and structural improvements that enabled the company to increase production volumes.

In addition to this vertical growth, Vivolo has also pursued horizontal expansion by strengthening its network of sales agents in Northern Europe, particularly Germany, Holland, and Scandinavia, and the Far East, focusing on South Korea and Japan. These regions, especially important for Vivolo’s denim sector, value the company’s iconic leather labels, which are hot-printed, high-frequency (HF) or digitally produced, making each garment unique. Vivolo’s innovative capabilities are further enhanced by a state-of-the-art 3D machine, which eliminates the need for die-casting facilities, significantly optimizing costs, time, and resources. A prototype can now be produced in just a few hours.

However, the range of Vivolo’s accessories extends far beyond this. Each season brings dozens of new themes that explore sustainable materials, innovative processes, original designs, and unique techniques to anticipate fashion trends and offer unexpected, inimitable solutions to luxury brands. At the heart of Vivolo's business is environmental ethics, a vision that embraces the product in all its dimensions while integrating both working and human processes and relationships.

"As rhetorical as it may sound, our corporate culture is built on the idea of leaving a better world, or the best possible world, for future generations. For me, this need is closely and pragmatically tied to my four children. From the first patches I created to mend my son Salvatore’s trousers in the 1970s to the investments in our new headquarters and the recent production expansion, every decision has been driven by the desire to build a better future for the Vivolo family and company, and for generations to come," adds Luciano Vivolo.

Looking ahead, the company, which prides itself on maintaining up-to-date certifications, including the recently added OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD, and transparent communication, is currently in the preparatory stage of drafting its first sustainability report. This milestone will provide an opportunity to reflect on objectives achieved and set goals for the future. "The Sustainability Report 2025 is a goal we have set for ourselves as a concrete demonstration of our commitment to creating and sharing value for all stakeholders," says Luciano Vivolo. "We expect 2024 to close on a positive note for our company, even though it is difficult to define precise figures at this time. Certainly, our goal for 2025 is to raise our standards even higher while hoping for a recovery in the luxury market, to which we have been connected for decades."

Source:

Vivolo

14.11.2024

Twenty Years of Sustainability Report for RadiciGroup

Twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.

Over the years, the Report has steadily evolved and is now a true sustainability report that considers all ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) aspects, showing how they are also central to the company's business strategy. Over time, many new topics have been covered, the accuracy of the data has improved and the scope has expanded to include all Group companies: over 30 sites across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The information contained in the Sustainability Report shows RadiciGroup's strong commitment, starting with the investments made:

Twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.

Over the years, the Report has steadily evolved and is now a true sustainability report that considers all ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) aspects, showing how they are also central to the company's business strategy. Over time, many new topics have been covered, the accuracy of the data has improved and the scope has expanded to include all Group companies: over 30 sites across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The information contained in the Sustainability Report shows RadiciGroup's strong commitment, starting with the investments made:

  • between 2019 and 2023, €278 million were allocated to support the competitiveness of the Group's companies, of which €45 million in 2023 alone;
  • the amount invested in the environment in 2023 and earmarked for the introduction of Best Available Techniques and performance efficiency reached €4.2 million.

Twenty years of reporting have also allowed RadiciGroup to measure the results of the investments it has made, to such an extent that in 2023 it already achieved the first goal of its "From Earth to Earth" Roadmap to 2030, i.e., a Group-wide reduction of 83% in direct CO2 equivalent emissions compared to 2011.

A significant contribution to this result came from the commissioning of an EnviNOx plant at the Radici Chimica plant in Germany, which, thanks to this technological innovation, greatly reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions (- 92%).

The focus on responsible use of natural resources continues: In 2023, the share of electricity from renewable sources used for production processes was consolidated at 59%. The percentage of water resources saved through the practice of water recycling was also raised to 79%: some of our plants in fact reuse the same water up to 60 times and then return it to the environment. The theme of circular economy remains a cross-cutting one in many of the innovation projects, often also in a collaborative perspective with the rest of the supply chain. In particular, all Radicigroup companies work to contain the generation of scrap and waste through rigorous process management: 73% of all non-hazardous waste was recovered in 2023 and 56% of this was destined for internal recovery.

Even in the product area, measurement is fundamental, which is why RadiciGroup has long used Life Cycle Assessment studies to objectively calculate the environmental impact of its products and introduce environmental footprint mitigation solutions. This commitment is also evidenced by the numerous environmental certifications obtained by RadiciGroup plants.

With a view to promoting collaboration with customers, suppliers, scientific partners or independent experts in order to develop innovative and sustainable technologies or materials, RadiciGroup has strongly promoted open innovation projects: opportunities to stimulate a Group culture increasingly open to change and contamination with different fields of knowledge.

Regarding its employees, the Group has placed significant emphasis on training, particularly in fostering ESG awareness. In fact, in 2023, it organised its first large-scale training program focused on sustainability and circularity, engaging around 240 employees and delivering a total of 1,500 training hours. In addition, an internal human rights survey was launched, the results of which will form the basis for the formulation of a company policy on human rights and diversity.

Source:

RadiciGroup

08.10.2024

Carrington Textiles supports Better Cotton for sustainable workwear

As a leading company in workwear, flame retardant and defence and security fabrics, Carrington Textiles announced their commitment to sustainability by pledging exclusive support for the Better Cotton initiative with all our products containing cotton.

The announcement was made on the occasion of World Cotton Day on 7th October 2024, an ideal opportunity to highlight the commitment to developing workwear fabrics that not only offer high levels of quality and performance, but also support the production of responsibly sourced cotton globally.

Better Cotton is an initiative that promotes sustainable cotton farming practices to improve the environment and the livelihoods of farmers while ensuring high-quality cotton for consumers.
In 2019-2020, Better Cotton licensed over 2.4 million farmers from 23 countries across five continents. Together, these farmers produced 23% of the world’s cotton.

As a leading company in workwear, flame retardant and defence and security fabrics, Carrington Textiles announced their commitment to sustainability by pledging exclusive support for the Better Cotton initiative with all our products containing cotton.

The announcement was made on the occasion of World Cotton Day on 7th October 2024, an ideal opportunity to highlight the commitment to developing workwear fabrics that not only offer high levels of quality and performance, but also support the production of responsibly sourced cotton globally.

Better Cotton is an initiative that promotes sustainable cotton farming practices to improve the environment and the livelihoods of farmers while ensuring high-quality cotton for consumers.
In 2019-2020, Better Cotton licensed over 2.4 million farmers from 23 countries across five continents. Together, these farmers produced 23% of the world’s cotton.

Better Cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that Better Cotton is not physically traceable to end products, however, Better Cotton Farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in equivalent volumes to those sourced.

When customers buy any of Carrington Textiles fabrics containing cotton, Better Cotton Credits or BCCUs are generated. These BCCUs can be claimed by a registered company directly on the Better Cotton Platform and used to communicate the responsibly source nature of the fabric’s cotton by using hang tags, labels and other marketing materials.

Neil Davey, Carrington Textiles' Managing Director, announced this commitment to sustainability reflecting the company's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and providing customers with responsibly sourced materials.

Neil stated, "With 99% of fabrics from our FR, workwear and defence ranges containing cotton, this is a huge step towards our sustainability efforts, all of which we are proud to cover in our latest Sustainability Report. This initiative is expected to have a lasting positive impact on our products and the planet."

Source:

Carrington Textiles

28.08.2024

DyStar publishes Integrated Sustainability Report for FY2023/24

DyStar has published its Integrated Sustainability Report for FY2023/24. For the past 14 years, DyStar has formally reported on its sustainability performance in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. This report also adopts the Integrated Reporting <IR> framework, which outlines the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices through the lens of six major capitals.

DyStar has demonstrated the effectiveness of its strategy in the latest report. For instance, their efforts in implementing energy-efficient initiatives across its operations have started to yield credible results. DyStar’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions totaled 42,084 tCO2e, representing a 67% decrease from 2011’s baseline year and a 26% decrease compared to FY2022. Scope 3 accounted for 8.2% of DyStar’s total emissions profile, with over 80% primarily stemming from the transportation of goods and services.

In terms of energy management, the Group has increased its use of renewable energy by 20%. Additionally, several energy conservation initiatives have been implemented as part of a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption globally.

DyStar has published its Integrated Sustainability Report for FY2023/24. For the past 14 years, DyStar has formally reported on its sustainability performance in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. This report also adopts the Integrated Reporting <IR> framework, which outlines the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices through the lens of six major capitals.

DyStar has demonstrated the effectiveness of its strategy in the latest report. For instance, their efforts in implementing energy-efficient initiatives across its operations have started to yield credible results. DyStar’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions totaled 42,084 tCO2e, representing a 67% decrease from 2011’s baseline year and a 26% decrease compared to FY2022. Scope 3 accounted for 8.2% of DyStar’s total emissions profile, with over 80% primarily stemming from the transportation of goods and services.

In terms of energy management, the Group has increased its use of renewable energy by 20%. Additionally, several energy conservation initiatives have been implemented as part of a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption globally.

Operationally, there have been several improvements to procedures aimed at boosting water efficiency and achieving cost savings at all manufacturing sites.

Wastewater discharge was reduced by 37%, improving the intensity level to 8.04 m³ per ton of production compared to 8.71 m³ per ton the previous year. This improvement is also partially due to some of their sites operating under a “Zero Liquid Discharge Scheme” mandated by local authorities.

Key highlights of FY2023 include:

  • Participated at ITMA Milan, where DyStar introduced a new range of bio-based DyStar products, dyes and auxiliaries containing renewable feedstock, as well as the Eco-Advanced Indigo Dyeing process.
  • Recognition by the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), achieving second place on IPE’s Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI).
  • Celebrating diversity and inclusivity through global campaigns.
More information:
DyStar Sustainability Report
Source:

DyStar Singapore Pte Ltd

16.08.2024

Cascale: Higg BRM for supporting CSRD Reporting Obligations

Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has published a white paper that details how the organization’s Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM) can help companies meet their regulatory reporting obligations under European Union (EU) law. The paper, titled “How the Higg BRM Supports CSRD Reporting Obligations,” speaks specifically to how the tool is continually evolving to support companies in meeting their regulatory reporting requirements under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

In the face of today’s challenging and ever-changing legislative landscape, brands and retailers require reliable tools to support them in meeting compliance requirements. The Higg BRM is the leading framework specific to the textile, apparel, and footwear industry designed for brands and retailers to evaluate, assess, and improve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The tool assesses 11 critical impact areas along global value chains to foster a holistic approach to sustainability, and is available on Worldly, a sustainability data and insights platform.

Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has published a white paper that details how the organization’s Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM) can help companies meet their regulatory reporting obligations under European Union (EU) law. The paper, titled “How the Higg BRM Supports CSRD Reporting Obligations,” speaks specifically to how the tool is continually evolving to support companies in meeting their regulatory reporting requirements under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

In the face of today’s challenging and ever-changing legislative landscape, brands and retailers require reliable tools to support them in meeting compliance requirements. The Higg BRM is the leading framework specific to the textile, apparel, and footwear industry designed for brands and retailers to evaluate, assess, and improve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The tool assesses 11 critical impact areas along global value chains to foster a holistic approach to sustainability, and is available on Worldly, a sustainability data and insights platform.

The Higg BRM has evolved to assist brands and retailers in fulfilling reporting obligations, while also supporting companies in the development of consistent corporate sustainability strategies to streamline efforts and reduce redundancy across sustainability initiatives. Beginning in 2024, Cascale conducted a thorough analysis of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which provides specific guidance on how companies should report on sustainability. Cascale mapped how the standards align with the Higg BRM, offering a clear pathway for organizations aiming to comply with ESRS. As detailed in the white paper, there is a 65 percent content overlap between the ESRS and the Higg BRM.

While the Higg BRM aligns broadly with ESRS on sustainability topics, it also delves deeper into issues that are specific to the textile, apparel, and footwear sector. This focus on sector-specific material issues ensures Higg BRM users can expect a comprehensive tool that not only meets general reporting requirements but also emphasizes the nuances and priorities unique to the industry.

Cascale is currently hosting an ongoing webinar series titled “Navigating Legislation & the Higg Index,” which highlights how the Higg Index tools serve as a valuable resource and can offer specific guidance on reporting requirements. The most recent webinar, co-hosted by Cascale and Worldly, provided an in-depth discussion on how the Higg BRM intersects with key pieces of legislation at the EU level, such as the CSRD.

Cascale is committed to continuously evolving, updating, and refining the Higg Index to meet the needs of its members, Higg Index users, and the industry. In collaboration with Worldly, the Higg BRM will be further refined to enhance alignment with the CSRD and other relevant regulations. By identifying and bridging gaps, the Higg BRM continues to support stakeholders in achieving a more structured and transparent approach to sustainability reporting.

More information:
Cascale Higg Index CSRD
Source:

Cascale

14.08.2024

Lenzing: Platinum status in EcoVadis CSR rating

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.

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.

10.07.2024

Carrington Textiles releases Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles announces the release of their first sustainability report, highlighting some of Carrington Textiles’ significant achievements in environmentally responsible activities.

The report, presented by RTS Textiles group, Carrington Textiles’ parent company, outlines various aspects, including their organisation’s structure, sustainability approach, social performance and future targets.

Key highlights include an investment of over €16.7 million across sites to enhance environmental performance through the purchase of equipment, such as a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, biomass boilers and solar panels.

Additionally, the report sheds light on threir carbon roadmap, covering emissions under scopes 1, 2, and 3.

Carrington Textiles announces the release of their first sustainability report, highlighting some of Carrington Textiles’ significant achievements in environmentally responsible activities.

The report, presented by RTS Textiles group, Carrington Textiles’ parent company, outlines various aspects, including their organisation’s structure, sustainability approach, social performance and future targets.

Key highlights include an investment of over €16.7 million across sites to enhance environmental performance through the purchase of equipment, such as a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, biomass boilers and solar panels.

Additionally, the report sheds light on threir carbon roadmap, covering emissions under scopes 1, 2, and 3.

John Vareldzis, RTS Textiles CEO, commented: “This year, we are publishing our first sustainability report to reflect the increasing importance of sustainability in everything that we do. We understand that this is a long-term journey, and publishing this report, with clear targets and performance metrics, is just one step along that journey. It will help us create transparency and accountability throughout our operations, which, in turn, will push us further along that path.”

Source:

Carrington Textiles

03.07.2024

Stratasys honored with four Sustainability Recognition Awards

Stratasys, Ltd. was honored with four Sustainability Recognition Awards at the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) 2024 Annual Summit in Los Angeles on June 24th.

Stratasys received accolades across multiple categories, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation:

  • Environmental Management Systems – For maintaining ISO 14001 EMS certification, demonstrating rigorous environmental governance.
  • Sustainability Reporting – Recognized for its transparency and excellence in publicly publishing detailed Sustainability/ESG/CSR reports.
  • Environmental Sustainability Research – For its active role in commissioning and publishing critical research focused on sustainability within the additive manufacturing landscape.
  • Excellence in AM Sustainability – Honored for its initiatives that significantly expand the understanding and application of more sustainable manufacturing practices globally.

Stratasys, Ltd. was honored with four Sustainability Recognition Awards at the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) 2024 Annual Summit in Los Angeles on June 24th.

Stratasys received accolades across multiple categories, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation:

  • Environmental Management Systems – For maintaining ISO 14001 EMS certification, demonstrating rigorous environmental governance.
  • Sustainability Reporting – Recognized for its transparency and excellence in publicly publishing detailed Sustainability/ESG/CSR reports.
  • Environmental Sustainability Research – For its active role in commissioning and publishing critical research focused on sustainability within the additive manufacturing landscape.
  • Excellence in AM Sustainability – Honored for its initiatives that significantly expand the understanding and application of more sustainable manufacturing practices globally.
Source:

Stratasys Ltd.

CHT Group: Sustainability Report 2023 (c) CHT Germany GmbH
03.07.2024

CHT Group: Sustainability Report 2023

The Sustainability Report 2023, which is now digitally available, provides insights into the past financial year and summarizes the main ecological, economic and social developments. Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy of the CHT Group.

The Sustainability Report 2023, which is now digitally available, provides insights into the past financial year and summarizes the main ecological, economic and social developments. Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy of the CHT Group.

  • The CHT Group uses the terms PEOPLE, PLANET and PERFORMANCE to emphasize its commitment to the 3 dimensions of sustainability worldwide and sets itself further goals. The CHT Group consistently aligns its sustainability strategy with all three ESG dimensions
  • Responsibility for sustainability lies with the Chief Sustainability Officer
  • Climate protection plays a central role worldwide - the corporate carbon footprint (Scope 1-3) 2023 adds up to 456 kt CO2(e)
  • The Group is pursuing the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2045
  • At the end of 2021, the CHT Group signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and committed to the 1.5 °C target
  • SBTi has validated the CHT Group's reduction targets - by 2030, Scope 1+2 emissions will be reduced by - 42 % and Scope 3 emissions by - 25 %. 82 % of sales were achieved with sustainably classified products
  • In 2024 EcoVadis awards the CHT Group's sustainability management with the Gold level for the first time
More information:
CHT Gruppe Sustainability Report
Source:

CHT Germany GmbH

29.05.2024

Solvay: Outcome of 2024 Shareholders’ Meeting

Solvay held its Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in Brussels, and shareholders voted in favor of all the proposed resolutions.

Solvay shareholders showed support to all resolutions and more specifically:

  • The payment of a gross dividend of €2.43 per share for the year 2023. After deducting the interim dividend of €1.62 gross per share, paid on 17 January 2024, the balance amounts to €0.81 gross per share, payable from 5 June 2024.
  • The re-election of Ms. Aude Thibaut de Maisières as a board member for a four-year term.
  • The remuneration report.
  • The appointment of EY for the assurance of sustainability information related to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

Solvay held its Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in Brussels, and shareholders voted in favor of all the proposed resolutions.

Solvay shareholders showed support to all resolutions and more specifically:

  • The payment of a gross dividend of €2.43 per share for the year 2023. After deducting the interim dividend of €1.62 gross per share, paid on 17 January 2024, the balance amounts to €0.81 gross per share, payable from 5 June 2024.
  • The re-election of Ms. Aude Thibaut de Maisières as a board member for a four-year term.
  • The remuneration report.
  • The appointment of EY for the assurance of sustainability information related to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
More information:
Solvay shareholders general meeting
Source:

Solvay

03.05.2024

Polartec announces the Milliken & Company 2023 Sustainability Report

Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, underscores its dedication to building a more sustainable future as it pursues the 2025 People, Product and Planet Goals, including certified science-based net-zero targets.

The Milliken & Company 2023 Sustainability Report discloses performance against the diversified global manufacturer’s 2025 Sustainability Goals and Net-Zero Targets and details the company’s key impacts across its people, product, planet, and net-zero measures. It also includes updates on each of the key impact areas Milliken and Polartec adhere to, including:

Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, underscores its dedication to building a more sustainable future as it pursues the 2025 People, Product and Planet Goals, including certified science-based net-zero targets.

The Milliken & Company 2023 Sustainability Report discloses performance against the diversified global manufacturer’s 2025 Sustainability Goals and Net-Zero Targets and details the company’s key impacts across its people, product, planet, and net-zero measures. It also includes updates on each of the key impact areas Milliken and Polartec adhere to, including:

  • People: The company focused on protecting associates by reducing lost-time incidents, strengthened its commitment to an inclusive supply chain by hosting its inaugural Supplier Diversity Event, and surpassed its goal of serving 100,000 community volunteer hours one year ahead of schedule.
  • Product: Milliken used sustainability assessments to analyze all new products and made measurable gains in its multi-year commitment to address end-of-life challenges for plastics.
  • Planet: Investments in cogeneration, energy efficiency, and renewable energy procurement are keeping the company ahead of schedule relative to its 2025 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Renewable Energy Goal; however, paths to achieve its 2025 Landfill and Water Reduction Goals have proven more challenging.
  • Net-Zero: Five years of progress on GHG and renewable goals have helped Milliken progress toward its 2030 scope 1 and 2 net-zero targets, and the company has improved its scope 3 accounting to allow for a more detailed and accurate perspective on value chain emissions.
Source:

Milliken & Company

16.04.2024

Stratasys published Second ESG and Sustainability Report

Stratasys Ltd. published its second Mindful Manufacturing™ ESG and Sustainability Report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, fulfilling its commitment to transparency. The report includes an extensive overview of activities and advancements in Stratasys’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs.

Some highlights of the Mindful Manufacturing ESG and Sustainability report, by category, include:

Environmental

  • Stratasys reduced water intensity by 32.5 percent across global operations, leading to an overall reduction in water usage by the company.
  • Solar panels installed at Israeli facilities generated 441,339 kWh of renewable energy, which contributed to 207 metric tons of reduced CO2 emissions, or the equivalent of planting 3,423 trees
  • Double digit (11.3 percent) increases in the number of spools, cartridges and canisters recycled through a new recycling program.

Social

Stratasys Ltd. published its second Mindful Manufacturing™ ESG and Sustainability Report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, fulfilling its commitment to transparency. The report includes an extensive overview of activities and advancements in Stratasys’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs.

Some highlights of the Mindful Manufacturing ESG and Sustainability report, by category, include:

Environmental

  • Stratasys reduced water intensity by 32.5 percent across global operations, leading to an overall reduction in water usage by the company.
  • Solar panels installed at Israeli facilities generated 441,339 kWh of renewable energy, which contributed to 207 metric tons of reduced CO2 emissions, or the equivalent of planting 3,423 trees
  • Double digit (11.3 percent) increases in the number of spools, cartridges and canisters recycled through a new recycling program.

Social

  • More than 38,000 hours of employee training were provided, equaling 18 hours of training per employee.
  • Approaching world-class status with employee engagement, with a 78 percent participation rate in the last all-employee survey, with an all-time high engagement score of 73.
  • 81 percent of managers participated in management training.
  • 4 diversity KPIs were set in 2022, focusing on hiring practices. Targets were:
  • 100 percent of candidate slates for manager and above will have a diverse slate
  • 35 percent of management hires will be women
  • 25 percent of tech hires will be women
  • 40 percent of intern/student hires to reflect a range of ethnicity and gender diversity.

Governance

  • 100 percent of new suppliers in 2021 and 2022 signed the Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes environmental, social and ethical standards.
  • More than 97% of all employees completed compliance training.
  • No product-related health and safety incidents of non-compliance occurred in 2021 or 2022.
Source:

Stratasys Ltd.

18.03.2024

Lenzing: Combined annual and sustainability report 2023

  • Combination of financial and non-financial reporting as evidence of the central role of sustainability
  • Measurable progress in achieving sustainability and climate targets
  • Recognized for sustainability and prepares for the European Green Deal

The Lenzing Group has published a combined annual and sustainability report for the first time, reaffirming the strategic importance of social and environmental responsibility for the company. With the title “Ready to join?”, Lenzing would like to extend an invitation to all customers and partners to join forces to renew the textile and nonwovens industries and bring about positive change.

“This annual and sustainability report is also an invitation to find answers together. Lenzing is working tirelessly to make the industries in which it operates even more sustainable and to drive the transformation of the textile business model from linear to circular. For this transformation to be successful, further efforts by the entire industry and a policy designed to ensure a level playing field for sustainability pioneers are needed,” says Stephan Sielaff, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

  • Combination of financial and non-financial reporting as evidence of the central role of sustainability
  • Measurable progress in achieving sustainability and climate targets
  • Recognized for sustainability and prepares for the European Green Deal

The Lenzing Group has published a combined annual and sustainability report for the first time, reaffirming the strategic importance of social and environmental responsibility for the company. With the title “Ready to join?”, Lenzing would like to extend an invitation to all customers and partners to join forces to renew the textile and nonwovens industries and bring about positive change.

“This annual and sustainability report is also an invitation to find answers together. Lenzing is working tirelessly to make the industries in which it operates even more sustainable and to drive the transformation of the textile business model from linear to circular. For this transformation to be successful, further efforts by the entire industry and a policy designed to ensure a level playing field for sustainability pioneers are needed,” says Stephan Sielaff, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

The results for the 2023 financial year were already published. The report was once again prepared in digital form and is now available.

Source:

Lenzing AG

Thomas Stegmaier appointed Sustainability Officer Photo: DITF
Dr.-Ing. habil. Thomas Stegmaier
11.03.2024

DITF: Thomas Stegmaier appointed Sustainability Officer

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 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.

INDA: Sustainability as Top Priority for 2024 (c) INDA
14.02.2024

INDA: Sustainability as Top Priority for 2024

INDA announces Sustainability as a primary focus for 2024. This strategic initiative, backed by resounding support from INDA’s leadership, is a direct response to feedback from association members affirming that sustainability remains one of the nonwovens industry’s highest priorities.

INDA’s sustainability endeavor will center around three core pillars crucial to the industry’s future: Responsible Sourcing, End-of-Life Solutions, and Innovations in Sustainability. This multifaceted initiative will introduce a spectrum of new and enhanced offerings, including:

  • Webinars addressing sustainability issues impacting members and the industry.
  • Specialized technical and government affairs committees enabling members to collaborate on sustainability opportunities and challenges.
  • The inaugural release of a comprehensive sustainability report from INDA’s Market Intelligence department.
  • A dedicated sustainability special edition of the International Fiber Journal, produced by INDA Media.
  • Sustainability programming at INDA events, including a dedicated focus at the IDEA® 2025 conference.

INDA announces Sustainability as a primary focus for 2024. This strategic initiative, backed by resounding support from INDA’s leadership, is a direct response to feedback from association members affirming that sustainability remains one of the nonwovens industry’s highest priorities.

INDA’s sustainability endeavor will center around three core pillars crucial to the industry’s future: Responsible Sourcing, End-of-Life Solutions, and Innovations in Sustainability. This multifaceted initiative will introduce a spectrum of new and enhanced offerings, including:

  • Webinars addressing sustainability issues impacting members and the industry.
  • Specialized technical and government affairs committees enabling members to collaborate on sustainability opportunities and challenges.
  • The inaugural release of a comprehensive sustainability report from INDA’s Market Intelligence department.
  • A dedicated sustainability special edition of the International Fiber Journal, produced by INDA Media.
  • Sustainability programming at INDA events, including a dedicated focus at the IDEA® 2025 conference.
Source:

INDA - Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry