From the Sector

adidas announced preliminary results for the fourth quarter of 2024. In Q4, currency-neutral revenues increased 19%. In euro terms, the company’s revenues grew 24% to € 5,965 million (2023: € 4,812 million). Excluding Yeezy sales in both years, currency-neutral revenues increased 18%. The company’s gross margin increased 5.2 percentage points to 49.8% (2023: 44.6%). Operating profit reached € 57 million in the quarter (2023: operating loss of € 377 million).

Based on preliminary unaudited numbers for the full year of 2024, the company’s currency-neutral revenues were up 12%. In euro terms, revenues increased 11% versus the prior year and reached € 23,683 million in 2024 (2023: € 21,427 million). Excluding Yeezy sales in both years, currency-neutral revenues increased 13%. The company’s gross margin improved by 3.3 percentage points to 50.8% in 2024 (2023: 47.5%), while full-year operating profit increased by more than € 1 billion to € 1,337 million (2023: € 268 million).

adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden:
“I am very pleased the way the fourth quarter and the full year developed for us at adidas. 19% currency-neutral growth (+24% reported) in a quarter that in general was difficult for the trade underlines the strong momentum we currently see for our brand and our products. We clearly see that consumers’ and retailers’ interest in our products is growing across both Lifestyle and Performance. Strong growth across all regions and divisions proves the good job our teams are doing across regions and functions.

We grew double-digit in 2024 (+12% currency-neutral) and improved our operating profit for the year by more than € 1 billion to € 1.337 billion. So although we are not yet where we want to be long term, I am very happy with this development which was much better than we had expected. We still have a lot to improve but I am very proud of what our teams and people have achieved in 2024.

We also feel good about the future, and we see potential to increase our market share in all markets. There is a lot of macroeconomic uncertainty right now, but we clearly have the goal to again grow double-digit with the adidas brand and use that growth to continue to improve our operating profit and make further progress towards our 10% margin target.”

Uster FiberQ automated raw material management generated more than 2,000 laydowns in a year for Sagar, one of India’s leading spinners. The results delivered consistent yarn quality and optimized process efficiency – giving a payback period of three months.

Sagar is taking advantage of the new annual subscription format, which includes the software solution plus valuable advisory services from Uster expert technologists.

After one year using FiberQ, A.K. Saini, Chief General Manager Operations at Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd., reported: “We have seen better fiber utilization, significantly improved yarn quality consistency and elimination of seldom-occurring faults such as white specks and barré. The overall outstanding results convinced our management about the value of FiberQ and we confirmed the renewal of the subscription services of FiberQ and the 360Q platform.”

Sagar insists on consistently high standards in yarn quality and performance. The company wanted to go even further, by optimizing its manufacturing operations and achieving maximum fiber yield.

Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. is renowned for excellence, in both its home country of India and the global textile marketplace, as a producer and supplier of top-class cotton yarns and knitted greige fabric. Saini says: “Our strategic focus is on integrating advanced technology and eco-friendly practices, for creative solutions which drive excellence in manufacturing performance and ensure customer satisfaction.”

Before FiberQ, the company was already proud of the excellent raw material management processes in its spinning operation. It was a determination to improve still further in both production efficiency and consistent quality which led to the decision to implement the Uster FiberQ raw material management solution.

Sagar has always embraced new technologies – especially those focused on innovation and automation – and it was naturally one of the first adopters of the FiberQ raw material management solution. FiberQ combines advanced technology and textile expertise to automate many tasks previously done manually. So it became a very interesting value proposition for progressive spinners like Sagar. The automated, intelligent, reliable and easy-to-use system minimized manual efforts but also provided consistent results. Uster’s end-to-end solution also offers access to continuous improvements such as supplier statistics and fiber-to-yarn correlation, which will add even more value in future.

Impact on production
Sagar figures show that yarn realization has increased by 0.3% to 0.5% on average and it has eliminated the need for ‘cut and creel’ – a big advantage in terms of efficiency and fewer changes in production. During the year, FiberQ generated more than 2,000 laydowns for all production units in a very efficient, fast and easy way. Another plus was the easily accessible laydown history and the visibility of the impact of different cotton lots in use.

Customer feedback has also been strong. Sagar’s improved quality consistency was said to have resulted in better fabric appearance. And since Sagar can now provide customers with bigger yarn lot sizes with the same quality and color properties, they can produce larger, uniform batches of knitted and dyed fabrics and save manufacturing costs.

Advisory service benefits
FiberQ is not only a software solution. It comes with advisory services from expert Uster textile technologists. The FiberQ advisory services ensure there is always a textile engineer with mill experience and deep knowledge available to support the spinners. As well as taking care of all aspects of installation, there are periodic assessments to track quality status from fiber to yarn, which is a unique competence of Uster and a highly appreciated element of the service.

FiberQ is offered as a yearly subscription service. For the industry, the idea of subscribing to a software service for raw material management is quite new, although it has been established for many years in other fields.

According to Fashion for Good, 2025 marks a turning point for the fashion industry, where innovation and sustainability are more crucial than ever. From addressing the intricate challenges of circular footwear design to redefining the resilience of global supply chains, the industry faces both immense tasks and transformative opportunities.

Here are their six pivotal shifts shaping fashion’s future in 2025:

Footwear's Innovation Sprint
Footwear is emerging as fashion’s next big frontier for innovation, ready to match the advancements seen in apparel. Yet, it faces its own set of challenges in achieving circular design. Traditional shoe construction—reliant on complex material blends and adhesives—has long hindered recycling efforts. But 2025 holds promise. A wave of breakthroughs in sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques is on the horizon, led by both established players and bold startups. Together, they’re redefining what’s possible, paving the way for scalable circular footwear.
 
Regional Circularity Takes Center Stage
The future of materials is accelerating, with innovators urgently seeking access to recycled feedstock. Regional sourcing and recycling hubs are becoming pivotal, as the industry builds networks capable of scaling circular solutions. By moving beyond pilot programs, brands are making tangible strides toward robust supply chains that meet both legislative demands and consumer expectations for sustainability.
 
Hard Tech Investment Shifting
Investments in hard tech and innovation within the fashion industry will face a nuanced landscape in 2025. The tightening of venture funding will necessitate greater discipline among startups. Only those who effectively validate their minimum viable products (MVPs) and manage cash judiciously will thrive. This period of consolidation and selective investment presents opportunities for the most prepared innovators to capitalise on market shifts while adapting to evolving investor priorities.
 
The Waste Crackdown
Zero-waste is no longer a lofty ambition—it’s becoming a necessity. With stricter legislation reshaping the landscape, the fashion industry is innovating rapidly to tackle its waste challenges. From advanced materials recovery systems to AI-powered sorting technologies, the industry is racing to adapt. As the resale market is projected to grow, the drive for waste reduction is unlocking new opportunities for impact.
 
Decarbonisation Reality Check
As the industry grapples with missed targets, 2025 will see an intensified push for collective action, with mounting pressure on suppliers to accelerate green transitions. Success will depend on deep collaboration—between brands, local governments, and cross-sector coalitions—especially in manufacturing regions where grid transformation remains critical. The journey is complex, but the shared commitment to decarbonisation is stronger than ever.
 
Supply Chain Geopolitics 2.0
Investment in other manufacturing markets is accelerating as brands seek alternatives to China. But this isn't simple nearshoring - it's about strategic diversification and building resilient regional networks. The focus is shifting to developing new manufacturing ecosystems that can support both traditional and circular production models.

Solvay and Hankook announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of circular silica coming from biosourced and waste sourcing for tire production. This partnership combines Solvay's silica expertise and sustainability commitment with Hankook’s manufacturing capabilities and market leadership.

Solvay’s silica portfolio is recognized to ensure low rolling resistance, which contributes to lower fuel consumption for thermal engines and extended battery range for electric vehicles, but also provides high wear resistance, leading to longer tire life. In addition, highly dispersible silica (HDS) is instrumental to reach the circular ambition of tire manufacturers. In the continuity of the Livorno (Italy) rice husk ash (RHA) production, Solvay is continuously engaged in a substantial circular conversion in all regions with tire industry leaders.

The companies will now jointly advance the technical development of circular silica, with the goal of mass production in the near future. Solvay products, currently at pilot phase, are under evaluation. This partnership aligns with both companies' commitment to sustainability and their shared goal of a more environmentally responsible automotive future.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards more sustainable tire manufacturing," said Bonhee Ku, President & CTO of Hankook Tire. "By collaborating with Solvay, we can advance the development of sustainable materials that enhance tire performance while contributing to a circular economy and a greener future."

An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Silica & Special Chem business added, "Silica is essential for high-performance tires. We are thrilled to collaborate with Hankook on circular silica solutions to address key industry challenges while offering superior performance and environmental benefits. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation.”

Pili, a French pioneer in biobased dyes and pigments, partners with Orta, the Turkish denim mill and Citizens of Humanity, a California-based high-end denim brand known for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

They are beginning a transformative shift in the denim industry with the commercial launch of the first products dyed with Pili’s biobased indigo. The first products will debut in January in the Spring 2025 collections of Citizens of Humanity and AGOLDE.

A New Ecological Standard for the Denim Industry
In 2024, Pili achieved a major milestone by producing its first tons of biobased indigo, enabling the creation of sustainable denim articles, a turning point in the company's efforts to decarbonize the textile industry especially denim.

Pili has developed unique processes combining fermentation and organic chemistry to offer a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical dyes. Their ecological alternative significantly reduces the use of toxic chemicals and fossil resources, while aiming to cut CO2 emissions up to 50%. It meets the same performance as petrochemical indigo while seamlessly integrating into existing dyeing processes without requiring additional investment in commercial dyeing equipment.

Pili’s colors development is based on standardized Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), ensuring a rigorous process to measure and minimize their environmental impact.

A Partnership Driving Sustainable Transformation in the Industry
Fiber and dye are the two main components of denim products and also the ones with the greatest impact on their production. The partnership between Citizens of Humanity, Pili, and Orta establishes one of the highest ecological standards in the market with the use of regenerative cotton and biobased indigo.

Pili biobased indigo will make its debut in Citizens of Humanity and AGOLDE’s Spring 2025 collections. This long-term partnership between Citizens of Humanity, Orta, and Pili will continue to expand in future collections. The launch will be exclusive on NET-A-PORTER on January 6, 2025, before being extended to agolde.com, citizensofhumanity.com, and other global retailers.

A Key Step Towards the Decarbonization of the Color Industry
Building on this first success, Pili is accelerating the development of coloring solutions for various industrial applications, particularly in the inks, paints, and polymers sectors. The aim is to decarbonize everyday products using high-performance biobased pigments, with the first applicative tests set to begin this year. Pili continues its mission to decarbonize the color industry, paving the way for a sustainable revolution.

Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show running from 18th – 20th February 2025 at Olympia London, has announced a sneak preview of seminars and speakers including All Saints founder Stuart Trevor, Nobody’s Child founder Andrew Xeni, Safia Minney MBE, and the debut of Source Debates.

Debuting at the February show, Source Debates will tackle some of the most pressing and provocative topics in sustainable fashion. This space invites attendees to engage in open dialogue together - alongside industry experts, other fashion brands and retailers, and sustainability and sourcing professionals. The space will challenge the status quo and explore actionable solutions to the industry’s toughest issues.

Designed to be an interactive forum, Source Debates provides a platform for honest discussion, to connect with peers and debate the future of sustainable fashion. It’s a unique opportunity to learn and uncover fresh perspectives on what meaningful change could look like. Expect to hear from speakers including Simon Platts, Co-Founder of Recomme, social entrepreneur Safia Minney MBE, Mike Coates from the CMA, fashion futurist Geraldine Wharry and many more to be confirmed, on topics including:

• Back to the future – how do we slow down consumption and produce less?  
• The language of sustainability
• Overcoming the fear of sustainability
• Taking the lead: Collaboration in the absence of legislative change
• Speculative design thinking - preparing for the future of fashion retail
• Breaking the cycle - driving systemic change in fashion supply chains

Visitors will also be invited to attend three full days of seminars on the Source Catwalk Stage, covering a wide range of subject matters, including conversations around circularity and sustainability, advice on the latest legislations and certifications, and discussions with some of the biggest names in the industry.

The joint venture between the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) and Project:
Plan B, known as Project Re:Claim, uses an ISEC evo system from PURE LOOP to process used garments and textiles. The project, supported by the EREMA Group, represents Europe’s first commercial scale polyester textile recycling system. Project Re:Claim is the first recycling system for textile polyester in Europe, specialising in post-consumer and post-industrial textiles.

On 22 November, the prestigious Plastics Industry Awards ceremony was held in London, UK. Project Re:Claim was recognised in the “Recycler of the Year” category. The partner companies accepted the award together with great enthusiasm.

Manfred Dobersberger, Managing Director of PURE LOOP, said: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition, which once again proves that going the extra mile truly pays off. The PURE LOOP team believed in taking new paths, and now we are being rewarded with this award. It’s a well- deserved acknowledgment of the hard work and determination our team has shown. Project Re:Claim is a true example of how successful collaboration between companies can drive forward textile recycling. I’m eager to see where this journey will take us.”

James Holmes, Production Director at Plan B, said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which underscores the dedication and innovation that Project Plan B brings to the table. The success of Project Re:Claim is a testament to the power of collaboration and the relentless pursuit of sustainability. Our team at Plan B, in partnership with SATCoL and PURE LOOP, has worked tirelessly to create a groundbreaking recycling system that addresses the pressing issue of textile waste. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in textile recycling. We are excited about the future and the positive impact we can make on the environment.”

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.

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."

Adient, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dow have worked together to produce seat foam for the luxury car manufacturer’s vehicles using closed-loop recycled components. This represents an industry-first in the automotive sector, heading towards a circular economy and a lower CO₂ footprint for cars as the end product.

In order to address the environmental impact of polyurethane (PU) foams used in car seats, the industry partners decided to team up. This means so-called ‘post-consumer’ PU molded foams have previously been collected from end-of-life vehicles, sorted, and shredded. On this basis, Dow produces a new, circular polyol, which is subsequently processed and integrated into Adient’s seating formulas. As a result, the Adient Front Seat Cushion prototypes are currently composed of 20% re-polyol from PU end-of-life vehicles.

This is the first time, to the awareness of all parties involved, that a PU molded foam for seating applications has been produced under these conditions. This milestone represents a significant leap forward for the automotive industry, positioning PU at the heart of a circular economy system. By integrating recycled components into luxury vehicle seat foams, the partners are not only reducing the environmental impact but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in automotive manufacturing.

“Developing components with closed-loop recycled foams represents a major milestone for the team and simultaneously spurs us on to continuously increase the proportion of recycled materials in our seating systems in the future,” said Frank Toenniges, Director Sustainable Product Design & Business Process Improvements at Adient. “Additionally, it positions the actors along the value chain favorably to comply with the proposed European End-of-Life Directive.”

Andrea Debbane, Chief Sustainability Officer at JLR stated: “This breakthrough is a great example of how the automotive value chain can work as a collective to demonstrate that full circularity is feasible and unlock meaningful change at scale. This way of working holds significant potential for increasing sustainability and is critical to JLR's transition to more circular vehicles.”

As a next step, further research will be conducted to increase the percentage of re-polyol content. At the same time, the closed-loop seat foam will be tested with JLR on a production scale from early 2025.