From the Sector

In a constantly evolving fashion landscape, where aesthetics meets awareness and luxury evolves beyond simple beauty, where materials are called to embody wellbeing, responsibility and versatility, Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei stands as a rare material: precious in its origin, essential to the experience.

Rare because it is produced exclusively by Asahi Kasei in Japan through a highly specialized, and closed-loop process. Rare because it originates from cotton linters — a natural derived pre-consumer material — and accounts for only 0.02% of global fiber production. Rare because it offers a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, sensorial and functional identity, recognized and valued by designers and brands worldwide.

But Bemberg™ is not simply rare — IT IS A FIBER TO LIVE. Its true value unfolds through experience: worn, touched, and explored across diverse lifestyles and when the occasion arises. With its silky softness, fluid drape, luminous appearance, moisture management and skin-friendly comfort, Bemberg™ offers an unparalleled sense of wellbeing to the wearer — ensuring freshness in summer, warmth in winter (especially when blended with other fibers), and a constant feeling of ease, elegance and comfort. This is why Bemberg™ represents not only a technical fiber, but a true partner for those who seek comfort in motion, sophistication in simplicity, and responsible elegance in every moment.

Born 94 years ago in Japan by Asahi Kasei, Bemberg™ has evolved far beyond its origins, becoming a versatile material for multiple categories and hybrid wardrobes: from high-end outerwear to intimate apparel, from fluid knitwear to athleisure and lifestyle collections. Whether in luxury tailoring, couture surfaces, performance wear or modern ceremonial dressing, Bemberg™ elevates each garment through its distinctive touch and graceful adaptability. It is a fiber that opens new creative doors, allowing designers to build collections where design, innovation and responsibility coexist harmoniously. As fashion enters a new era of fluid silhouettes, sensorial materials, and conscious luxury, Bemberg™ offers an exclusive creative platform for brands that seek not just beauty, but meaning and elevated values.

In addition, Bemberg™ carries a prestigious heritage rooted in circular economy values. Produced exclusively in Japan from cotton linters — a natural, pre-consumer material — Bemberg™ embodies a unique form of RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION. Regenerated cellulose obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil through a closed-loop process ensures transparency and traceability, delivering certified sustainability credentials, including RCS, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, ISO 14001, and biodegradability certification (OK biodegradable MARINE certification by TÜV Austria).

At the heart of Bemberg™’s journey is a collaborative network of European partners: spinners, weavers, knitters, and finishers. Partnerships that are essential to ACTIVATE the values and the potential of the fiber, transforming it into high-end fabrics that respond to the needs of a contemporary, conscious and sophisticated wardrobe. Bemberg™ IS NOT SIMPLY  meant to be WORN, but  to be  LIVED.  

At Milano Unica, Première Vision, A Fabric Affair NYC and Feel The Yarn, Bemberg™ partners present their latest developments for Fall/Winter 2026-2027 — a collective journey where smart fiber, design, and craftsmanship converge to redefine the future of premium fashion.

Scoop continues to be the UK’s leading premium womenswear show, offering a curated, inspiring space where both emerging and established designers can showcase their collections to top-tier retailers. As the only show of its kind in the UK, and increasingly a destination for European buyers, Scoop plays a vital role in launching brands, forging retail partnerships, and setting the tone for the season ahead.

Curated by Founder and Event Director Karen Radley, this season’s show features a dynamic edit of British and international designers. Newcomers making their debut include CAHU PARIS, NINEMOO, TETI MILANO, MAISON LECOMTE, RIVERPEACE, PROSPHIA, BOND EYE, BEALONI, V DE VINSTER, BELLE MAIS PAS QUE, TENNE THE LABEL, NOIRNINE, MA PETITE CAPSULE, and more.

Leading agents confirm Scoop's impact on brand growth and visibility. Daniel Morris of Morris Fyfe Agency calls it, “one of the most relevant shows in Europe,” crediting its thoughtful curation and strong buyer turnout for driving real business results. David Smith of Level One Showroom highlights Scoop’s fair, beautifully styled layout and its influence in elevating brands like Desigual, Grace & Mila, and Chicosoleil. Ian Campbell Smith of Palladio Associates, now showing for the 24th time, describes Scoop as “visually an assault on the senses,” and a key factor in his agency’s commercial success.

More than a trade event, Scoop is a creative and commercial catalyst. From high-profile launches like Psophia to retail connections with Selfridges and Anthropologie, designers benefit from unmatched visibility and access to influential buyers. As Campbell Smith puts it, “Scoop changed our business in a hugely positive way.” With its growing international reach and commitment to nurturing new talent, Scoop remains an unmissable platform for the fashion industry.

For agents and showrooms, Scoop’s value lies not just in exposure but in the consistent return on investment it delivers. “The brand and exhibitor mix ensures the right buyers come through the door,” says Daniel Morris, who notes that brands like Devotion Twins and Sorena have seen season-on-season growth since launching at the show. David Smith adds, “It’s the consistency and quality of visitors that make Scoop invaluable. Our designers gain visibility with buyers we simply wouldn’t reach elsewhere.” Ian Campbell Smith agrees, highlighting the show's broader reach: “Scoop has opened doors to international markets—including the Caribbean—that we’d never have accessed otherwise.”

Radley, said, “Each season, our goal is to create an inspiring and elevated environment where brands feel proud to present their collections and buyers are excited to discover what’s next. Scoop is about more than just fashion, it’s about storytelling, creativity, and connection. We’re thrilled to welcome such a dynamic mix of new and returning designers this July and to continue evolving as a key destination for both UK and international buyers.”

The Spring/Summer ’26 edition returns to Olympia National, Kensington from 13–15 July 2025, showcasing a vibrant celebration of style, innovation, and emerging design talent.

Sparxell, the Cambridge-based colour platform technology company founded by University of Cambridge scientists Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, has announced the launch of its first textile ink derived from its revolutionary dye-free pigments in partnership with Positive Materials, marking a pivotal moment in making sustainable colour technology accessible to fashion brands worldwide.

Sparxell’s textile ink represents the world's first commercially available plant-based, biodegradable colouring solution that is bioinspired, eliminating toxic dyes, synthetic plastics and mined metals and minerals whilst delivering exceptional performance standards.

Launching in Sparxell’s signature blue, the ink is available in matte and shimmer finishes – enabling brands to integrate the breakthrough technology through standard orders rather than bespoke projects. 

This milestone represents a significant step towards democratising access to sustainable colour innovation across the fashion industry, from emerging designers to established high-end houses and mass-market brands.

Sparxell’s textile ink is available from the end of June 2025, with printing orders processed through Positive Materials. Partnership rollout includes an all-over printed cotton jersey featuring Sparxell's breakthrough technology, available from September 2025 in European markets.

The initial blue colour launch represents the first of multiple colours planned for release throughout 2025, with Sparxell's bio-inspired platform enabling virtually unlimited colour variations.

Sparxell's textile ink harnesses the same structural colour principles found in nature such as in Morpho butterfly wings, engineering plant-based cellulose at the microscale to create vibrant colours through light manipulation rather than chemical formulas. This bio-inspired approach eliminates toxic dyes, mined metals and minerals, and petroleum-based materials whilst delivering superior colour vibrancy and durability.

Launch textile production is powered by Sparxell's partnership with Positive Materials, a leading textile company operating at the intersection of design, technology, and manufacturing.

Positive Materials supports the validation and scale-up of Sparxell's breakthrough by integrating it into its existing production infrastructure, providing the manufacturing expertise and operational capacity needed to take the technology from prototype to production-ready. 

The partnership enables Sparxell to scale production whilst maintaining strict sustainability standards throughout the manufacturing process.

Dr Benjamin Droguet, Founder and CEO of Sparxell, said:
"This textile ink launch transforms how brands can access our breakthrough technology. For too long, the textile industry had no choice other than to accept that vibrant colours meant environmental damage. Sparxell's bio-inspired technology shatters that assumption, delivering exceptional results from plant-based cellulose.

“This is just the beginning - our vision is to make bio-inspired colour technology the new standard across fashion, proving that high performance and working in harmony with nature are perfectly aligned."
Elsa Parente, Co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials, said: 
"Rather than requiring custom development projects, fashion designers and procurement teams can now order the most sustainable colourant options out there as easily as conventional alternatives, but with the added benefit of containing 100% biodegradable pigments that are free from toxic chemicals.

“Our collaboration with Sparxell represents exactly the kind of innovation the textile industry needs, aligning perfectly with our mission to create low-impact textiles that don't compromise on performance."

The textile ink launch addresses growing industry demand for sustainable alternatives as the global textile industry currently uses over 10,000 different chemicals in colouration processes, releasing 1.5 million tonnes of toxic dyes into the environment annually contributing up to 2% of global GHG emissions.[1][2] Sparxell's plant-based solution significantly reduces energy need and water consumption whilst eliminating harmful chemical pollution.

The launch builds on Sparxell's recent commercial momentum, including a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council and participation in LVMH's prestigious La Maison des Startups accelerator programme.

Dr. Roshan Paul, Ph.D., has been awarded with two Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Awards 2025, for his contributions as an Editor of the Cellulose journal on 29 May 2025. 

With the "Editorial Contribution Award", Springer Nature recognises his meticulous assessment of submissions and rigorous management of the peer review process, safeguarding the scientific accuracy of the published record. 

Springer Nature also pays tribute to Dr. Paul with the "Author Service Award", by recognising his exceptional service in improving the author experience and ensuring the peer review process is efficient, constructive and fair. 

Roshan Paul works as Senior Programme Manager and Platform Leader of the Smart Finishing Group at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University.

Dr Ritu Dhand, Chief Scientific Officer at Springer Nature comments:
We are proud to recognise Dr Paul's remarkable contributions through the Editor of Distinction Awards. By rewarding him, we acknowledge the vital role he plays in managing the peer review process. We greatly appreciate the time and expertise he dedicates to helping authors improve their manuscripts. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to the advancement of scientific research.

Patrick McDowell, the renowned British brand at the forefront of sustainable luxury fashion, has announced a new collaboration with Sparxell, the world-first, nature-inspired colour platform technology company founded by University of Cambridge scientists Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini. The company creates high-performance, biodegradable colourants that are free from plastic and toxic chemicals using plant-based cellulose. This collaboration will unveil a couture printed gown and a commercially available shirt dress, marking a defining moment as Patrick McDowell becomes the first brand to integrate Sparxell’s cutting-edge innovations into fashion.

Known for advancing the boundaries of circular and eco-conscious design, McDowell continues to reinforce his brand’s commitment to a more responsible fashion industry. This collaboration showcases the potential for innovation to redefine luxury, with the collection making its debut at Future Fabrics Expo 2025, the world’s leading platform for sustainable materials for the fashion industry. The launch signals a broader industry shift toward forward-thinking practices that will shape the future of luxury as well as mainstream fashion.

“This is about making sustainability tangible. One piece shows what’s possible at the highest level of craft, the other makes that possibility part of everyday life,” said Patrick McDowell, Creative Director and Founder.
 
Unlike conventional synthetic materials, Sparxell’s bio-inspired approach creates natural yet high-performance products. The company pioneers the world’s first 100% biodegradable pigments, inks and embellishments such as sequins and foils inspired by nature. Sparxell eliminates fossil-derived synthetic finishes and their associated excessive water consumption and carbon emissions, offering an alternative capable of achieving vivid colours and luxurious effects from plants. By emulating natural colour processes known as photonic colours widely seen in nature, their products deliver rich hues and durable textures with the lowest environmental harm, allowing brands to create consciously without compromise. 
 
“What excites me about Sparxell is how they're advancing what's possible in responsible luxury. Their plant-based pigments and plastic-free sequins are exceptionally vibrant yet completely non-toxic and biodegradable. It opens up entirely new creative possibilities,” said Patrick McDowell, Creative Director and Founder.
 
The collection showcases Sparxell's innovative colour technology across multiple applications. McDowell’s couture gown features two distinct shades of Sparxell's signature blue - a sophisticated matte finish and a brilliant shimmery effect that captures light through structural colour rather than traditional sparkle materials, otherwise derived from synthetic dyed plastics or mined metals and minerals. The collection also includes a bag crafted from NUVI's next-gen material made with a coating containing Sparxell's shimmers.

These represent the first commercial shades that Sparxell is launching to market, with additional colours already available for early adopter brands. Sparxell’s platform enables unlimited colour variations to be manufactured.
 
The collection is set to officially debut at Future Fabrics Expo 2025 on Tuesday the 24th of June, providing industry leaders, designers, and sustainability advocates with an exclusive opportunity to experience this next-generation innovation firsthand.

Svegea – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has delivered six of its EC 200 automatic collarette machines to the Bangladesh-based Interstoff Group in the past 12 months.

Interstoff, which belongs to the Pandughar Group, was founded in 2000 as a modest garment factory with just 62 sewing machines.

Today its three divisions – Interstoff Apparels, Interstoff Clothing and South East Textile – have a combined workforce of over 10,000 people, producing around 72 million fully finished and packaged garments each year.

Interstoff is further equipped with the very latest knitting and dyeing and finishing machinery sourced from Europe and Japan to enable a daily production capacity of 30,000 kg of fabrics. Through continuous innovation in yarns and processes, the company’s fabrics consistently earn recognition for their environmental responsibility and quality. Its fabric laboratory is certified by leading brands such as H&M, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Two Svegea collarette machines have now been commissioned at each of the three Interstoff divisions for the high speed production of tubular apparel components such as cuffs, collars and neck tapes.

Interstoff chose the EC 200 machines over the faster EC 300 model primarily because some of its fabrics include seams. The faster crush-cutting knife system in Svegea’s EC 300 series can struggle with multiple fabric layers or seams stitched with polyester thread, since it cuts by pressure rather than slicing. By contrast, the EC 200 uses scissor-action knives – two sharp circular blades with a slight overlap – which function like scissors and handle seams without issue.

The machines run directly from turntables at speeds of up to 40 metres per minute, depending on the fabric width, material properties and optimal settings. They are equipped with Svegea’s standard drive system in an electronic master/slave configuration. Each machine has been specially equipped with a third knife set, enabling the simultaneous cutting of up to three bands. This means that total output in linear metres per minute can be significantly higher when cutting multiple bands in parallel.

Svegea will be demonstrating both semi- and fully-automatic cutting machines at ITMA Asia + CITME from October 28-31.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced that eco-friendly wipes developed by Cookware Care, Dude Products Inc., and Magnera have been selected as the finalists for the 2025 World of WipesInnovation Award®, honoring advances in sustainable materials and next-generation wipe performance.

INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected the finalists for their creativity, distinctiveness, and technical excellence in advancing nonwoven applications across the value chain, including innovations in raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use performance.

The three standout products competing for the award are Cookware Care’s Seasoning Wipes™, Dude Products’ DUDE Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes, and Magnera’s Sontara EC® Green Cotton.

The companies will showcase their products at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, July 21-24, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio. The winner will be announced during the closing session on July 24.

Presented annually, the World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes breakthroughs in nonwoven product design and application. It celebrates innovation across the entire wipes supply chain, highlighting advancements in raw materials, fibers, technology, and functionality that enhance the utility and sustainability of nonwovens.

The 2025 Award finalists are:

• Seasoning Wipes™ offer a simple, convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Made from 100 percent viscose and infused through a proprietary process using a combination of non-petrochemical oils and beeswax, the formula contains no water, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives. The wipes streamline and simplify traditional maintenance with a cleaner, more consistent solution. Seasoning Wipes™ sets a new standard for cookware maintenance while expanding the possibilities of nonwovens beyond traditional applications.
• DUDE Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes utilize powerful, long-lasting technology to capture and eliminate the compounds that cause body odor (including fecal odor), rather than just masking them. These wipes are proven to neutralize odor instantly and reduce it for up to 24 hours on skin, fabric, and in the air. Made with plant-based fibers, aloe vera, and vitamin E, the hypoallergenic wipes, infused with a sea mineral scent, redefine personal hygiene and modern cleanliness.
• Sontara EC® Green Cotton wipes advance sustainable precision cleaning with natural pure performance. Made from a proprietary blend of 100 percent naturally derived, biodegradable fibers—including pure unbleached TruCotton™ and sustainably sourced wood pulp—these innovative nonwoven wipes deliver superior absorbency, low lint, and a visibly natural aesthetic, perfect for industrial and critical cleaning environments demanding both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) and HEXCEL Corporation (HEXCEL) have signed a long-term partnership agreement at the Paris Air Show for the supply of HexWeb® engineered honeycombs and HexPly® prepregs for KONGSBERG’s strategic production programs over a five-year period.

HEXCEL is a leading global manufacturer of advanced composite materials and lightweighting solutions for the aerospace sector and offers a broad and evolving product portfolio, including materials designed for Defence and Space, commercial aerospace and industrial applications.

“This partnership agreement is a reflection of HEXCEL and KONGSBERG’s strong relationship over many years and the company’s joint commitment to partnering for the future. The agreement provides a solid base for Kongberg’s production program for several years to come.” says Terje Bråthen, EVP Aerostructures & MRO at Kongsberg.

Thierry Merlot, HEXCEL President, Europe Middle East Africa Asia Pacific, adds “We are delighted that Kongsberg has placed their trust in Hexcel as their advanced composites solutions partner. This partnership agreement secures business on key programs in the defence market for years to come”.

KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions. The company’s portfolio comprises products and systems for command and control, information, data handling and surveillance, communications solutions, space technology, missiles and remotely controlled systems. KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market.

EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on 11–12 June in Station F, Paris, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector. With a rich two-day agenda that combined high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, research showcases and networking events, the Forum served as a hub for ideation, collaboration and inspiration around the sector’s most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities. 
 
“Innovation is a key factor to stay competitive — but more than that, it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term relevance. By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his opening address. 
 
Speakers explored how textile waste can become high-value products, how fibrelevel modelling replaces costly prototyping, and how AI enables more autonomous and sustainable manufacturing. “Nonwovens are robust and can tolerate stress. This gives an opportunity in the recycling textile to tackle the textile tsunami.” - Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory. 
 
The Forum also welcomed nature-powered innovations set to transform the fibre landscape. “What if we made fibres from agricultural waste? Natural fibres are extraordinary, and we wouldn’t even have to use the leaves that are grown, but the ones already on the ground and that are now considered waste.” - Dr. Carmen Hijosa, Founder & Creative Director of Ananas Anam. 
 
The afternoon turned its spotlight on research institutes from across Europe, examining how their strategic priorities align with industry needs. “It is crucial that people in the nonwovens industry understand what’s going on on the other side of the fence and to understand what R&D people are doing”, said Matthew Tipper, CEO of Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI). “We need collaboration between the real needs of the industry and research institutes.” 
 
Towards the end of the first day, the EDANA Innovation Forum featured a workshop on capturing serendipity. “Not all progress is planned”, said Dieter Eichinger, CEO & Founder of Eichinger. “Some of the most transformative ideas are born from surprises, and we need to make space for it to imagine the imaginable”. 
 
The first day ended with a cocktail dinner aboard the Excellence, gliding through the heart of Paris on the River Seine, admiring the beauty of the City of Light and its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. 
 
Day two began with a provocative and practical keynote on AI as a creative partner in product development. “AI doesn’t replace creativity,” said Oliver Breucker, CoCEO & AI Consultant at Roover Consulting. “It amplifies it. It clears space for us to think bigger, iterate faster, and design better — with the customer always at the centre.” 
 
Moreover, sustainable innovation is no longer confined to early-stage R&D. From fibre-based packaging to carbon-zero superabsorbents, speakers showcased products ready to hit the market, each with compelling environmental and commercial benefits. “It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability anymore,” said Alexandros Skouras, Director of Hygiene Sector at Paptic. “The next generation of materials offers both.” 
 
The forum also invited Walter Johnsen, Venture Science Associate at Marble Studio, who offered a strategic lens on how deep-tech entrepreneurship can fast-track climate progress. In addition, four startups took the stage to showcase how they’re transforming diapers, textiles, fashion and chemical processes. “Innovation is not about making things slightly better,” said Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies. “It’s about asking: what if we start completely differently and solve the root problem instead of patching the old one?” 
 
To end the second day, Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, mapped out how startups and ecosystems are evolving — and what the nonwovens industry can learn from other sectors. “Innovation doesn’t just come from technology — it comes from how we organise people and capital around ideas,” said Maxime. “That’s where ecosystems matter.” The event concluded with a guided visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing the importance of ecosystems in scaling transformative ideas. 
 
EDANA extended its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, partners and participants whose energy and insight made the Forum such a success. The connections made in Paris will continue to drive meaningful progress in the months and years ahead! 

Carbitex, a leader in flexible carbon fiber composites, collaborates with Hypetex Coloured Advanced Materials to introduce a new generation of colored Carbitex materials, now available for production products. 

Debuting with Carbitex OmniFlex carbon fiber textile technology, the lightweight and extremely durable material will be in a range of eight distinctive colors: Enzo Twill, Oak Twill, Malabar Twill, Bolt Twill, Spa Twill, Tendulkar Twill, Zidane Twill, and Titanium Twill. This collaboration represents the first time Carbitex technology will be available in colors beyond traditional black, opening new design opportunities across multiple industries.

The colored OmniFlex maintains all the breakthrough performance characteristics that define this advanced technology: zero-stretch construction that delivers the power transfer of a rigid material while preserving the flexibility of a soft material. This creates an unmatched high-performance strength-to-weight ratio that, combined with Hypetex CAM's vibrant color engineering, provides designers and manufacturers with both superior performance and unprecedented aesthetic possibilities.

“While we’ve explored colorization in the past, our core expertise lies in engineering flexibility. By working with Hypetex CAM, we get the best in color while focusing on continuing to evolve our technology. The request for color is a regular occurrence, but we wanted to wait until we knew we had a solution that met our quality expectations—Hypetex does that,” says Junus Khan, founder and president of Carbitex. “OmniFlex with Hypetex colored carbon is striking and beautiful. This collaboration will expand our material offerings into compelling new product ranges.”

The Hypetex colored OmniFlex materials are available now and will integrate into products in sport and lifestyle segments. The first products will debut in the travel and accessory categories in the coming season.