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BANGLADESH DENIM EXPO (c) Bangladesh Denim Expo
12.05.2025

18th Bangladesh Denim Expo to Prepare Sector for Post-LDC Period

Industry people at the 18th Bangladesh Denim Expo thinks that the country will continue to be an indispensable global sourcing destination even during the times of tariff and trade wars. Capacity building and innovation will be the building stone for the industry to sail through the uncertain times.

The 2-day expo kicks off today where 57 exhibitors from 13 countries are participating includes Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Vietnam. UAE, Germany, Switzerland & USA.

Industry people at the 18th Bangladesh Denim Expo thinks that the country will continue to be an indispensable global sourcing destination even during the times of tariff and trade wars. Capacity building and innovation will be the building stone for the industry to sail through the uncertain times.

The 2-day expo kicks off today where 57 exhibitors from 13 countries are participating includes Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Vietnam. UAE, Germany, Switzerland & USA.

“Bangladesh has emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States in the first quarter of 2025, posting the highest year-on-year growth of 26.64%. This performance placed Bangladesh ahead of other major exporters such as India with a 24.04% rise, while Pakistan, Vietnam, and China with the rise of 17.49%, 13.96%, and 4.18% respectively at a time when US market is volatile because of imposing worldwide reciprocal tariff by the Trump’s Administration recently. I think even on the negotiation table of the trade issues our card should be the industry’s steady progress towards skill development, sustainability and innovation. As we need our trade partners as much as their consumers need us’’ said Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo.

Bangladesh is the largest denim exporter both to the USA and Europe. The country is enjoying duty-free market access to the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) and Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) as an least developed country (LDC); but the status to be changed to a developing nation next year.

If Bangladesh could not attain GSP Plus, the country from 2029 could not export duty free to the EU, the region accounts for 50.15% of Bangladesh’s total apparel export.

“In the last edition of Bangladesh Denim Expo, we had experts panel sessions on the LDC graduation where all the speakers unanimously stressed on the capacity building of the industry to cope up with the changing tariff regimes.  So, in this edition of the expo, all the panel sessions we designed are solely meant for capacity building of both the professionals and the industry. You may also say that from this edition we shifted from plans to actions to prepare Bangladesh’s denim industry for 2029 and beyond,’’ added Mostafiz Uddin.

There are two panel sessions scheduled for the two-day event on the topics “The growth of the Bangladesh denim industry, through the perspective of denim washing” and “Stretch-ability of Bangladesh denim traceability”.

Abdus Samad, Director, Well of Washing, Arief Labu, Co-founder & Creative Director, Ruhrose RBT Ltd. Julie Davies, GM - Processing Innovation, and Education Extension, The Woolmark Company, Kamal Uddin Mia, Chief Operation Officer (Washing), Bitopi Group, Marco Volpi, Head of Sales for the Europe and Africa region, Bluesign Technologies AG, Md. Forhad Hossain, Owner, Pure Chemicals, Raquib Imtiaz, Business manager, LC WAIKIKI, Reza e Rabbi, Head of Operation, Vertex Wear Limited,  Shohel Rana, CEO, Designer Fashion LTD and Designer Wash LTD, are sharing their expert insights in the panel sessions.

There will be also one special presentation on ‘The denim business beside sewing and wash production’ by Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Head of Operation, Square Denims Ltd, Garment Unit.  

At the expo also a fashion trend-zone is set up to showcase cutting-edge denim innovations and unique fabrics from Bangladesh.

Source:

Bangladesh Denim Expo

Former president Ernesto Maurer and newly elected president Davide Maccabruni (c) Photo Swissmem
Former president Ernesto Maurer and newly elected president Davide Maccabruni
12.05.2025

New leadership for Swiss Textile Machinery Association

Swissmem textile machinery industry sector elects president and board: The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the representative body for Switzerland’s providers of textile equipment, systems and services. Its general assembly on May 8 elected experienced industry leaders as president and board members.

The association’s new president is Davide Maccabruni, CEO of Uster Technologies AG. His role is to lead the board in defining strategies and key focus areas. Assessing the challenges facing the industry, Maccabruni states: “The Swiss textile machinery industry still holds unique strengths that can secure its success well into the future. To achieve this, however, we must focus on aligning our capabilities, working together, and supporting one another.”

A new member of the association board has also been elected. He is Martin Zürcher (Heberlein Technology AG), who joins Beat Meienberger (Benninger AG), André Imhof (Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG), Andreas Conzelmann (Jakob Müller AG) and Ralph von Arx (Retech AG), the latter taking on the role of vice-president.

Swissmem textile machinery industry sector elects president and board: The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the representative body for Switzerland’s providers of textile equipment, systems and services. Its general assembly on May 8 elected experienced industry leaders as president and board members.

The association’s new president is Davide Maccabruni, CEO of Uster Technologies AG. His role is to lead the board in defining strategies and key focus areas. Assessing the challenges facing the industry, Maccabruni states: “The Swiss textile machinery industry still holds unique strengths that can secure its success well into the future. To achieve this, however, we must focus on aligning our capabilities, working together, and supporting one another.”

A new member of the association board has also been elected. He is Martin Zürcher (Heberlein Technology AG), who joins Beat Meienberger (Benninger AG), André Imhof (Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG), Andreas Conzelmann (Jakob Müller AG) and Ralph von Arx (Retech AG), the latter taking on the role of vice-president.

Davide Maccabruni succeeds Ernesto Maurer, the association’s president for the past ten years. Maurer has been an active board member since 2011, becoming president in 2015. During his service, he has made a significant contribution to strengthening the innovative power and international visibility of the Swiss textile machinery industry.

The Swiss Textile Machinery sector was founded in 1940 and is the longest-established industry sector within Swissmem. It currently has 42 affiliated companies, including manufacturers of machines and components, and service providers, for the textile industry. The association supports its members in fostering innovation initiatives and education. A major focus is on joint market access campaigns, through a successful programme of international symposia. Recent events have been held in Mexico and the US, and another is planned for Morocco later this year.

Source:

Swissmem

BTE-Digital Day Grafik BTE
12.05.2025

BTE-Digital Day: Alle Vorträge jetzt online abrufbar

Am 6. Mai 2025 fand der erste BTE-Digital Day statt. Mehr als 200 Interessenten aus dem Fachhandel sowie der Fashion- und Schuhindustrie waren angemeldet und erlebten - zum Teil live, zum Teil später als Aufzeichnung - insgesamt 24 Vorträge. Im Nachgang können die einzelnen Slots noch bis in den Herbst bequem und flexibel als „digitale Snacks" in einem passwortgeschützten Bereich abgerufen werden.

Behandelt wurden Kunden-Apps, CRM-Lösungen, Online-Finder für lokale Bestände, digitales Nachhaltigkeitsreporting, Digital Signage und Retail Media, Verzahnung von WWS- und FIBU-Prozessen, KI-basierte Planung und Steuerung, Smart Replenishment, E-Commerce-Optimierung, Potenziale innovativer Warenwirtschaftssysteme, Analyse von Passantenfrequenzen, Tools zur Aus- und Weiterbildung von Mitarbeitenden (per App), digitale Paymentlösungen, optimale Marktplatz- und Shopintegration sowie preisgekrönte Omni-Channel-Lösungen.  

Am 6. Mai 2025 fand der erste BTE-Digital Day statt. Mehr als 200 Interessenten aus dem Fachhandel sowie der Fashion- und Schuhindustrie waren angemeldet und erlebten - zum Teil live, zum Teil später als Aufzeichnung - insgesamt 24 Vorträge. Im Nachgang können die einzelnen Slots noch bis in den Herbst bequem und flexibel als „digitale Snacks" in einem passwortgeschützten Bereich abgerufen werden.

Behandelt wurden Kunden-Apps, CRM-Lösungen, Online-Finder für lokale Bestände, digitales Nachhaltigkeitsreporting, Digital Signage und Retail Media, Verzahnung von WWS- und FIBU-Prozessen, KI-basierte Planung und Steuerung, Smart Replenishment, E-Commerce-Optimierung, Potenziale innovativer Warenwirtschaftssysteme, Analyse von Passantenfrequenzen, Tools zur Aus- und Weiterbildung von Mitarbeitenden (per App), digitale Paymentlösungen, optimale Marktplatz- und Shopintegration sowie preisgekrönte Omni-Channel-Lösungen.  

Ein besonderes Highlight war der Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Oliver Janz von der Dualen Hochschule Baden-Württemberg. Im ersten Teil gab er wertvolle Tipps und Einschätzungen zum Launch der Shoppingfunktion auf TikTok. Im zweiten Teil stand das Thema Künstliche Intelligenz – insbesondere die KI-gestützte Generierung und Bearbeitung von Bildern im Outfit-Handel – im Fokus. Dabei stellte er praxisorientierte Use Cases mit konkreten Anwendungsmöglichkeiten vor.
 
Wer die Anmeldung zum BTE-Digital Day verpasst hat, kann sich nachträglich per E-Mail an veranstaltungen@bte.de an den BTE wenden, um Zugriff auf die aufgezeichneten Videos in alphabetischer Reihenfolge zu erhalten. Dieser Service ist für alle Handelsunternehmen sowie Lieferanten aus der Textil-, Schuh- und Lederwarenindustrie kostenfrei.
   
Hinweis: Das detaillierte Programm inkl. Informationen zu den vortragenden Unternehmen ist einsehbar unter auf der BTE-Website

More information:
Digitalisierung BTE E-Commerce
Source:

BTE Handelsverband Textil Schuhe Lederwaren

09.05.2025

Lenzing with significant revenue and earnings growth in 1st quarter 2025

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reports a continued improvement in its business performance in the first quarter of 2025, although the recovery of global textile markets remained very slow and uneven during the reporting period. While the positive trend in volumes sold continued, prices remained constant at a low level. Raw material, energy and logistics costs continued to be high.

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reports a continued improvement in its business performance in the first quarter of 2025, although the recovery of global textile markets remained very slow and uneven during the reporting period. While the positive trend in volumes sold continued, prices remained constant at a low level. Raw material, energy and logistics costs continued to be high.

Revenue grew by 4.8 percent year-on-year to EUR 690.2 mn in the first quarter of 2025. The operating earnings trend largely reflected the positive effects of the performance program. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 118.8 percent year-on-year to EUR 156.1 mn. This also includes positive special effects from the sale of EUR 25.5 mn surplus EU emission certificates and the change in the fair value of biological assets in the amount of EUR 9.2 mn. The EBITDA margin in-creased from 10.8 percent to 22.6 percent. The operating result (EBIT) amounted to EUR 74.3 mn (compared with EUR 1.5 mn in the first quarter of 2024) and the EBIT margin amounted to 10.8 percent (compared with 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2024). Earnings before tax (EBT) amounted to EUR 35.1 mn (compared with minus EUR 17.8 mn in the first quarter of 2024). The result after tax also improved significantly and was positive again for the first time since the third quarter of 2022 at EUR 31.7 mn (compared with minus EUR 26.9 mn in the first quarter of 2024).

The Lenzing Group’s performance program is designed holistically with the overarching objective of significantly increasing long-term resilience to crises and greater agility in the face of market changes. The program initiatives are primarily aimed at improving EBITDA and at generating free cash flow through enhanced profitability, as well as sustainable cost excellence. Extensive actions are being undertaken to strengthen sales activities, such as the acquisition of new customers for the most important fiber types as well as expansion in previously smaller markets, which are exerting a positive impact in terms of revenue. The Managing Board also anticipates significant cost savings. Savings of over EUR 130 mn were already realized in the 2024 financial year. From the current financial year onwards, Lenzing is aiming for recurring annual cost savings of over EUR 180 mn.

Outlook
The IMF has significantly downgraded its growth forecasts for both this year and next to 2.8 percent and 3.0 percent respectively. The escalation of international trade conflicts and the risk of inflation returning are seen as major threats to global growth.

In times of uncertainty and high living costs, consumers can be expected to remain cautious and thrifty, with negative effects on consumer sentiment and their willingness to spend.

The currency environment is expected to remain volatile in regions relevant to Lenzing.

In the trend-setting market for cotton, analysts expect a slight increase in stocks to around 18.8 mn tonnes in the current 2024/2025 harvest season, according to preliminary estimates.

Lenzing will continue to consistently implement its performance program and expects to leverage further cost potentials and further improve its revenue and margin generation.

Having weighed the aforementioned factors, the Lenzing Group confirms its guidance for the 2025 financial year of year-on-year higher EBITDA.

However, the current tariff dispute and the high level of uncertainty associated with it are dampening expectations and further limiting the visibility of earnings.

In structural terms, Lenzing continues to expect growth in demand for environmentally responsible fibers for the textile and apparel industry, as well as for the hygiene and medical sectors. As a consequence, Lenzing is very well positioned with its strategy and is driving ahead with not only profitable growth in specialty fibers but also the further expansion of its market leadership in the sustainability area.

Source:

Lenzing AG

09.05.2025

The 2025 IDEA® and FiltXPO™ Award Winners

The winners of the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards and FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards were announced during special ceremonies held April 29 and 30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Presented at the co-located IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 events, the awards celebrate outstanding innovations driving progress in nonwovens and filtration. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, collaborated with International Filtration News for the FiltXPO™ Awards and Nonwovens Industry magazine for the IDEA® Achievement Awards.

IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award
Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
The rising energy costs and water shortages have led to a re-evaluation of production methods, with a stronger focus on environmental impact. With MicroPunch, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by approximately 75 percent compared with other consolidation techniques that produce lightweight nonwovens. This technology enhances efficiency and reduces the manufacturing costs and the environmental footprint.

The winners of the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards and FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards were announced during special ceremonies held April 29 and 30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Presented at the co-located IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 events, the awards celebrate outstanding innovations driving progress in nonwovens and filtration. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, collaborated with International Filtration News for the FiltXPO™ Awards and Nonwovens Industry magazine for the IDEA® Achievement Awards.

IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award
Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
The rising energy costs and water shortages have led to a re-evaluation of production methods, with a stronger focus on environmental impact. With MicroPunch, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by approximately 75 percent compared with other consolidation techniques that produce lightweight nonwovens. This technology enhances efficiency and reduces the manufacturing costs and the environmental footprint.

IDEA® Nonwoven Products Achievement Award
Innovatec Microfibre Technology GmbH & Co. KG – InnovaWipe® Water-Soluble Nonwoven

This water-soluble nonwoven is completely biodegradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It offers excellent resistance to oils, greases and chemicals. It does not leave any microplastics behind, breaking down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It also has no ecotoxic effects, is safe for the marine environment and does not cause fatbergs or blockages in wastewater systems – flushable and home compostable.

IDEA® Raw Materials Achievement Award
Woolchemy NZ Ltd. – neweFibre

Woolchemy’s neweFibre is the world’s first hygiene-grade wool, engineered for high-performance, sustainable hygiene products. This fully traceable, renewable fiber enhances moisture management, thermal comfort, and odor control. Seamlessly integrating into production, neweFibre powers innovations like neweFlex ADL for exceptional fluid distribution and skin dryness.

IDEA® Short-life Achievement Award
Egal Pads, Inc. – Egal™ Pads on a Roll

At Egal, we believe pads should be as common as toilet paper.  Our vision is that “pads on a roll” will be put in every toilet stall – where they are needed most – to ensure privacy and dignity to all who menstruate.  Egal pads are manufactured in roll form, 40 individually wrapped on each roll, so they can be mounted on existing toilet paper dispensers or in Egal’s custom-designed dispensers.

IDEA® Long-life Achievement Award
Magnera – Sontara® EcoRE Bag

EcoRE bags are produced entirely from cellulosic fibers, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic materials. Made with Sontara fabric certified by OK compost HOME, these bags maintain their durability and strength without the need for added binders, addressing a common concern with compostable goods. With plastic bag bans now in place in many states, Sontara offers a timely and eco-friendly solution for the retail and shopping market.

IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award
KINDCLOTH™ – PURA HEALTH Insect Repellent – Water Dissolvable Wipes

This wet wipe combines water-dissolvable Hydropol™ technology with a natural formula featuring lemongrass and citronella. Designed for eco-conscious consumers, this innovative wipe provides effective insect protection while leaving no waste behind. Certified biodegradable, flushable, and designed not to create harmful microplastics, it safeguards fragile ecosystems and supports sustainability goals.

IDEA® Entrepreneur Award
Dude Products, Inc.

In less than a decade, the Dude Wipes brand has grown from an entrepreneurial concept conceived in a bachelor’s post-college apartment to a more than $200 million global brand. These flushable wipes have flourished in flushable wipes industry, successfully going head to head against multinational consumer product companies Kimberly-Clark, S.C. Johnson, and Procter & Gamble.

FiltXPO Air/Gas Filtration Award
Greentech Environmental LLC – Greentech Filters with ODOGard®

ODOGard® technology deeply integrates odor-neutralizing polymers into nonwoven and nanofiber filters, offering an innovative, non-toxic approach to indoor air quality. ODOGard® significantly enhances filtration durability and performance.

FiltXPO Water/Liquid Filtration Award
Ahlstrom – BioProtect™

Ahlstrom’s sustainable BioProtect™ material offers superior dye-catching performance for laundry applications. Manufactured from 100 percent naturally derived fibers and OC-Biobinder®, BioProtect™ is both biobased and home compostable, combining premium performance with environmental responsibility.

FiltXPO Filtration Equipment Award
Filtration Advice Inc. – FA-TCO Software

This cutting-edge software provides comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and predictive modeling for air filtration systems. FA-TCO enables data-driven decisions, extending filter lifespans, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall sustainability in filtration management.

Source:

INDA

Photo DePoly
07.05.2025

DePoly: 500-tonne-per-year Showcase Plant giving yesterday’s plastics a new purpose

Every year, millions of tons of PET and polyester waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, yet sustainable recycling solutions remain limited. DePoly - a leading sustainable PET-to-raw-material recycling company – announced the upcoming launch of a 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company's journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation.

The facility will demonstrate DePoly's proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. Imagine a world where discarded items – from polyester shirts to water bottles – are not wasted anymore but resources transformed back into the building blocks for new products. After all, revolutionizing an industry isn't just about creating new technology – it's about proving it works at scale.

Every year, millions of tons of PET and polyester waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, yet sustainable recycling solutions remain limited. DePoly - a leading sustainable PET-to-raw-material recycling company – announced the upcoming launch of a 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company's journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation.

The facility will demonstrate DePoly's proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. Imagine a world where discarded items – from polyester shirts to water bottles – are not wasted anymore but resources transformed back into the building blocks for new products. After all, revolutionizing an industry isn't just about creating new technology – it's about proving it works at scale.

DePoly’s technology has already demonstrated its commercial impact through collaborations with some of the world’s leading companies—not only in fashion, like Odlo, but also in cosmetics and the broader consumer goods industry, including innovators such as PTI. Through these partnerships, DePoly has validated the quality of its recycled monomers by transforming PET waste into new bottles, high-performance textile fibers, and cosmetic packaging. This proves that DePoly’s recycled materials can meet, and even exceed, the highest standards of purity and performance across a wide range of industries.

By delivering oil-equivalent monomers, DePoly’s technology sets a new benchmark for circularity, offering a genuine alternative to virgin materials.

DePoly is ramping up with world-class innovators, bold thinkers and cutting-edge know-how—taking their pilot victory to industrial scale demands nothing less than unstoppable ambition. The company is planning to build a commercial plant in 2027 that will process significantly larger volumes of PET and polyester waste – a major leap in redefining recycling and advancing the circular economy, as DePoly strives to become the global leader in sustainable, circular plastics.

To further accelerate this expansion, DePoly has secured a total of $23 million in seed funding with MassMutual Ventures joining a second closing of its round. The expanded investor base positions DePoly as one of the biggest recycling technology companies in Europe, with more than $30 million raised across two rounds and grants. MassMutual Ventures joins existing investors, including Founderful, ACE & Company, Angel Invest, Zürcher Kantonalbank, BASF Venture Capital, Beiersdorf Venture Capital, and Syensqo.

More information:
PET polyester DePoly monomers
Source:

DePoly

Photo Mimaki Europe
07.05.2025

Mimaki Europe: New Vision, Structure and Strategy revealed at FESPA 2025

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, has unveiled its new vision, structure and go-to-market strategy against a backdrop of new product innovations making their debut at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025.

Mimaki’s new technology and pioneering ink products represent over half of the company’s product line-up being demonstrated live on its FESPA stand. These latest solutions include the new Mimaki UJV300DTF-75 Printer, which leverages Mimaki’s UV printing expertise to deliver a reliable solution for object decoration, enabling high-quality, durable prints on surfaces that were previously unsuitable for direct UV printing.

Launched last week, the new Mimaki ELH and ELS inks are also being showcased for the very first time. These sustainable inks deliver the same high-standard functionality as equivalent Mimaki inks but have been formulated to be completely free of SVHC and, uniquely, CMR, therefore reducing the impact on human health and the environment.

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, has unveiled its new vision, structure and go-to-market strategy against a backdrop of new product innovations making their debut at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025.

Mimaki’s new technology and pioneering ink products represent over half of the company’s product line-up being demonstrated live on its FESPA stand. These latest solutions include the new Mimaki UJV300DTF-75 Printer, which leverages Mimaki’s UV printing expertise to deliver a reliable solution for object decoration, enabling high-quality, durable prints on surfaces that were previously unsuitable for direct UV printing.

Launched last week, the new Mimaki ELH and ELS inks are also being showcased for the very first time. These sustainable inks deliver the same high-standard functionality as equivalent Mimaki inks but have been formulated to be completely free of SVHC and, uniquely, CMR, therefore reducing the impact on human health and the environment.

Two new printers, the JV200-160 and Tx330-1800, will make their debut in EMEA. An easy-to-use roll-to-roll printer, the JV200-160 uses eco-solvent inks and offers reliable signage production with outstanding print quality. Created for the textile and apparel markets, the Tx330-1800 is equipped with a dual ink set capability to seamlessly switch between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks for a more diverse range of applications in one machine.

As Mimaki kicks off this innovation-packed FESPA, the company officially announces Arjen Evertse’s promotion to Director Sales, along with the landmark news that he is the first locally appointed member to join the Mimaki Europe Board of Directors.

Mimaki Europe will implement a new strategy that enables further ‘horizontal growth’, as Mimaki’s new product introductions continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and open up opportunities in new markets, and ‘vertical growth’ as it continues to support entry-level and industrial scale print production. Mimaki’s new ‘Print Different’ ethos underpins this approach. ‘Print Different’ not only encapsulates Mimaki’s legacy of breakthrough technologies but also highlights the company’s continuous commitment to driving creativity, differentiation and sustainability in the digital printing industry.

More information:
Mimaki Europe Fespa strategy
Source:

Mimaki Europe

Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa © Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa
07.05.2025

Textile Institute World Conference 2025 in Porto

The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) will take place at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10 2025.

Fibre to Future – Transforming Fashion and Textiles through Sustainability, is the theme of this event which will explore how sustainability and digitalisation are reshaping the industry – from fibre production and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life solutions.

The fast-emerging new approaches to addressing sustainability challenges and the digital technologies that are now enhancing efficiency and transparency will be explored over the four-day programme, with insights from leading academics, industry experts and policymakers. Actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and embracing zero-carbon solutions in line with global sustainability goals will be highlighted.

The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) will take place at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10 2025.

Fibre to Future – Transforming Fashion and Textiles through Sustainability, is the theme of this event which will explore how sustainability and digitalisation are reshaping the industry – from fibre production and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life solutions.

The fast-emerging new approaches to addressing sustainability challenges and the digital technologies that are now enhancing efficiency and transparency will be explored over the four-day programme, with insights from leading academics, industry experts and policymakers. Actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and embracing zero-carbon solutions in line with global sustainability goals will be highlighted.

“A key aim of the TWIC is to foster collaboration between industry and academia, creating a shared vision for a sustainable and digital future in textiles,” says Textile Institute CEO Stephanie Dick. “This year’s conference is hosted by AQUITEX, an established Portuguese specialist in the development of chemicals and auxiliaries for the textile industry – the first time a company has hosted the event. Join us in shaping the next chapter of the textile industry and be a part of the global conversation on sustainability and innovation.”

Source:

AWOL for The Textile Institute

07.05.2025

ADD-ITC: Extended Call for Abstracts

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27-28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

Interested parties have the opportunity to contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation. Please note that the extended deadline for oral presentation abstracts is June 2, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.
The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27-28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

Interested parties have the opportunity to contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation. Please note that the extended deadline for oral presentation abstracts is June 2, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.
The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

  • Sustainable Textiles and Circular Textile Economy
  • Bio-based Fibers
  • Synthetic High-Performance Fibers
  • Artificial Intelligence in the Textile Sector
  • Textile Production
  • Smart Textiles & Applications
  • Textiles for Medicine & Health Care
  • Technology Transfer & Start-up Pitches
  • Fiber Composites and Lightweight Construction
  • Best Practices – Examples from Collaboration Projects between Academia and Industry
  • Functionalization & Finishing

Further information about the conference and the call for abstracts (including the submission form) can be found on the website.

Source:

Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference

Ecodown Fibers Sync Photo: Thermore
07.05.2025

Thermore: New thermal insulation made of 100% recycled fibers

Thermore, a pioneer in responsible thermal insulation, introduces Ecodown Fibers Sync — a free fiber inspired by the physics of stellar fusion. This new development represents a perfect balance between high performance, luxurious touch, and mindful design. At the core of Ecodown Fibers Sync lies the power of dual-performance fibers, engineered to offer exceptional ultra-lofty softness and resilience. The result is a next-generation insulation with a cloud-like handfeel that resists clumping — a rare combination that ensures lasting volume, even after multiple washes.

This highly flexible insulation offers unmatched versatility, making it ideal for both streamlined for technical outerwear and voluminous for fashion silhouettes. Faithful to Thermore’s legacy, Ecodown Fibers Sync also marks a step forward in sustainable progress. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled fibers sourced from post-consumer PET bottles, it reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to a more responsible design. Every fiber tells a story of transformation — from waste to warmth, from plastic to purpose.

Thermore, a pioneer in responsible thermal insulation, introduces Ecodown Fibers Sync — a free fiber inspired by the physics of stellar fusion. This new development represents a perfect balance between high performance, luxurious touch, and mindful design. At the core of Ecodown Fibers Sync lies the power of dual-performance fibers, engineered to offer exceptional ultra-lofty softness and resilience. The result is a next-generation insulation with a cloud-like handfeel that resists clumping — a rare combination that ensures lasting volume, even after multiple washes.

This highly flexible insulation offers unmatched versatility, making it ideal for both streamlined for technical outerwear and voluminous for fashion silhouettes. Faithful to Thermore’s legacy, Ecodown Fibers Sync also marks a step forward in sustainable progress. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled fibers sourced from post-consumer PET bottles, it reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to a more responsible design. Every fiber tells a story of transformation — from waste to warmth, from plastic to purpose.

In line with Thermore’s quality standards, Ecodown Fibers Sync is certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard), confirming the authenticity of its recycled content and traceability throughout the production chain. Ecodown Fibers Sync is bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring that the product is free from harmful substances and meets the highest criteria for environmental and human safety. With this launch, Thermore redefines what thermal insulation can be — not just a functional layer, but a core element of a garment’s identity.

Source:

Thermore

06.05.2025

Rieter acquires Barmag to become a market leader in natural and manmade fibers

Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibers, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fiber business.

Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibers, texturing machines, BCF1) systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2 600 employees.

Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Türkiye and the United States of America. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster (Germany) as well as Suzhou and Wuxi (China).

Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibers, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fiber business.

Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibers, texturing machines, BCF1) systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2 600 employees.

Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Türkiye and the United States of America. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster (Germany) as well as Suzhou and Wuxi (China).

As fiber consumption is projected to rise, most of the growth is expected to come from manmade fibers. The increase of natural fibers such as cotton and linen is limited due to natural boundaries. Manmade fibers will help to meet expanding demand for clothing, technical and home textiles. The strategic acquisition of Barmag will transform Rieter into a leading supplier for converting natural and manmade fibers into yarn.

The transaction is fully in-line with Rieter’s strategy and follows previous acquisitions, where Rieter complemented its portfolio in short-staple fiber machinery and expanded its footprint in components and machinery for manmade fiber production. The combined platform allows to leverage the recovery of global filament and short staple fiber spinning markets and to reduce cyclicality due to diversification of end-markets. The acquisition will further enhance Rieter’s position in the important Asia-Pacific region and provide access to Barmag’s filament expertise, which will help to further scale Rieter’s own capabilities and improve digitization solutions and product sustainability.

Rieter’s largest shareholder, Peter Spuhler (c. 33% shareholding) is supportive of the transaction and committed to participating in the rights-issue pro-rata by exercising its subscription rights as well as investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise. After the capital increase, PCS Holding AG is expected to retain a shareholding of c. 33%.

Additionally, Rieter’s second-largest shareholder, Martin Haefner (c. 10%), also supports the transaction and has committed to participating pro-rata in the rights-issue by exercising its subscription rights and investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise.

Source:

Rieter AG

06.05.2025

Neuer Bundeskanzler gewählt: HDE fordert rasche Maßnahmen für Wirtschaftswachstum

Mit Blick auf die Wahl des Bundeskanzlers am 6. Mai macht der Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) deutlich, dass angesichts der schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Lage schnelle Maßnahmen für die Wirtschaft und den Konsum gefordert sind. Dabei geht es unter anderem um den Abbau von Bürokratie, bezahlbare Energiepreise für alle und Entlastungen für kleine und mittlere Einkommen.

„Viele Verbraucher und Unternehmen sind verunsichert. Das Scheitern im ersten Wahlgang bei der Wahl des Bundeskanzlers hat die Situation weiter verschärft. Diese Stimmung ist Gift für den Konsum. Deshalb ist es jetzt höchste Zeit anzupacken. Alle notwendigen Maßnahmen liegen auf dem Tisch, die neue Bundesregierung muss rasch in die Umsetzung kommen. Wir brauchen eine Aufbruchsstimmung, damit wieder Zuversicht und Dynamik einkehren. Die Verbraucherstimmung ist zu einem hohen Anteil Kopfsache. Da dümpeln wir seit vielen Monaten auf einem nicht zufriedenstellenden Niveau herum. Nach dem verstolperten Start bei der Wahl des Bundeskanzlers geht es nun erst recht darum, hier positive Bewegung auszulösen“, so HDE-Präsident Alexander von Preen.

Mit Blick auf die Wahl des Bundeskanzlers am 6. Mai macht der Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) deutlich, dass angesichts der schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Lage schnelle Maßnahmen für die Wirtschaft und den Konsum gefordert sind. Dabei geht es unter anderem um den Abbau von Bürokratie, bezahlbare Energiepreise für alle und Entlastungen für kleine und mittlere Einkommen.

„Viele Verbraucher und Unternehmen sind verunsichert. Das Scheitern im ersten Wahlgang bei der Wahl des Bundeskanzlers hat die Situation weiter verschärft. Diese Stimmung ist Gift für den Konsum. Deshalb ist es jetzt höchste Zeit anzupacken. Alle notwendigen Maßnahmen liegen auf dem Tisch, die neue Bundesregierung muss rasch in die Umsetzung kommen. Wir brauchen eine Aufbruchsstimmung, damit wieder Zuversicht und Dynamik einkehren. Die Verbraucherstimmung ist zu einem hohen Anteil Kopfsache. Da dümpeln wir seit vielen Monaten auf einem nicht zufriedenstellenden Niveau herum. Nach dem verstolperten Start bei der Wahl des Bundeskanzlers geht es nun erst recht darum, hier positive Bewegung auszulösen“, so HDE-Präsident Alexander von Preen.

Für die Handelsunternehmen stellt von Preen unter anderem die hohen Energiepreise in den Fokus: „Strom muss für alle bezahlbar sein, auch für die Handelsunternehmen. Die explodierenden Energiekosten der vergangenen Jahre haben viele Kalkulationen über den Haufen geworfen. Da hilft es nichts, nur der energieintensiven Industrie entgegenzukommen. Die Strompreise müssen für alle sinken, die Stromsteuer muss massiv gesenkt werden.“ Zudem müsse der weitere Bürokratieabbau energisch und entschlossen angegangen werden. Die überbordenden Regelungen machten für die bestehenden Betriebe die Arbeit unnötig schwer und teuer. Gleichzeitig schrecke der Regulierungsdschungel viele Menschen vom Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit ab. Darüber hinaus setzt sich der HDE mit Nachdruck für einen fairen Wettbewerb mit Online-Anbietern aus Fernost ein. „Es muss Schluss sein damit, dass über Anbieter wie Temu zahllose Waren auf den europäischen Binnenmarkt kommen, die gegen unsere hiesigen Regeln verstoßen. Das ist unfair und gefährdet auf Dauer die Existenz der heimischen Händler, die sich an alle hier geltenden Gesetze halten. Diesen Zuständen muss sehr schnell ein Riegel vorgeschoben werden“, so der HDE-Präsident. Als gefährlich wertet der HDE nach wie vor die Erwähnung eines Mindestlohns in Höhe von 15 Euro im Koalitionsvertrag. Eine solche Festlegung gefährde die Unabhängigkeit der Mindestlohnkommission. Im Ergebnis sieht der Handelsverband damit die Tarifautonomie unter Druck.

„Im Koalitionsvertrag steckt insgesamt viel Gutes, das muss jetzt rasch konkret werden. Für den Konsum ist auch wichtig, dass so schnell wie möglich eine steuerliche Entlastung insbesondere für kleinere und mittlere Einkommen kommt. Da muss die Regierung liefern“, so Alexander von Preen.

Source:

Handelsverband Deutschland

Neue Drucklösungen Foto Epson
06.05.2025

Epson auf der FESPA: Personalisierte Materialien und nachhaltiger Textildruck

Epson präsentiert auf seinem Stand in Berlin auf der FESPA 2025 seine neuesten Drucklösungen. Der Fokus liegt auf der Präsentation nachhaltiger Drucktechnologien und von Lösungen für die Produktion personalisierter Materialien.

Highlights am Epson Stand kommen auch aus den Bereichen Textildruck und Dye-Sublimationsdruck:

Textildruck und Dye-Sublimationsdruck:

Epson präsentiert auf seinem Stand in Berlin auf der FESPA 2025 seine neuesten Drucklösungen. Der Fokus liegt auf der Präsentation nachhaltiger Drucktechnologien und von Lösungen für die Produktion personalisierter Materialien.

Highlights am Epson Stand kommen auch aus den Bereichen Textildruck und Dye-Sublimationsdruck:

Textildruck und Dye-Sublimationsdruck:

  • SureColor F9500H: Dieser Dye-Sublimationsdrucker (64 Zoll, 162,6 cm) wurde speziell für den Druck auf Textilien entwickelt. Er löst die Modelle SureColor F9400 und F9400H ab und bietet im Vergleich zu diesen eine höhere Benutzerfreundlichkeit und eine nochmals verbesserte Bildqualität. Mit seinem kompakten, über 300 mm flacheren Design und einem größeren PrecisionCore MicroTFP-Druckkopf steigert er zudem die Produktivität um bis zu 30 Prozent im 4C-Modus.
  • SureColor G6000: Der SC-G6000 ist der erste Epson Drucker für den DTFilm-Markt (Direct-to-Film). Dieser Rolle-zu-Rolle-Drucker bildet eine gute Alternative zu bestehenden Modellen. Er verfügt über ein automatisch arbeitendes Reinigungssystem, sodass nur ein geringer manueller Wartungsaufwand nötig ist. Auch dies macht ihn zu einer guten Wahl für eine effiziente Großserienproduktion.

Nachhaltige Mode:
Epson engagiert sich auch im Textildrucksektor für nachhaltige Produktionsmethoden. So stellt der Hersteller dieses Jahr exemplarisch einige Beispiele von Monna Lisa Drucken (Direktdruck) auf Stoff aus. Auf dem Stand wird ebenfalls gezeigt, wie Drucktechnologie von Epson zu nachhaltigen Produktionsabläufen beitragen kann. Beispielhaft werden Modeartikel gezeigt, die mit einem Epson Monna Lisa 13000 Drucker mit Pigmenttinten hergestellt wurden. Im Vergleich zu analogen Verfahren lässt sich mit dieser Drucktechnologie der Wasserverbrauch um bis zu 97 Prozent senken.

More information:
Epson Textildruck Textildrucker Fespa
Source:

Epson Deutschland GmbH

06.05.2025

Europäisches Patentamt gibt Top 10 des Young Inventors Prize 2025 bekannt

Das Europäische Patentamt (EPA) gibt die Top 10 der globalen Innovatoren für die erste eigenständige Ausgabe des Young Inventors Prize 2025 bekannt. Diese Innovatoren, bekannt als Tomorrow Shapers, sind unter 30 Jahre alt und werden für ihre bahnbrechenden Beiträge zur Nachhaltigkeit, dem Gesundheitswesen und der Industrie gewürdigt, die im Einklang mit den Zielen für nachhaltige Entwicklung (SDGs) der Vereinten Nationen stehen. Aus über 450 Kandidaten von einer unabhängigen Jury ausgewählt, zeigt ihre Arbeit die transformative Kraft der Technologie bei der Bewältigung globaler Herausforderungen.   

Das Europäische Patentamt (EPA) gibt die Top 10 der globalen Innovatoren für die erste eigenständige Ausgabe des Young Inventors Prize 2025 bekannt. Diese Innovatoren, bekannt als Tomorrow Shapers, sind unter 30 Jahre alt und werden für ihre bahnbrechenden Beiträge zur Nachhaltigkeit, dem Gesundheitswesen und der Industrie gewürdigt, die im Einklang mit den Zielen für nachhaltige Entwicklung (SDGs) der Vereinten Nationen stehen. Aus über 450 Kandidaten von einer unabhängigen Jury ausgewählt, zeigt ihre Arbeit die transformative Kraft der Technologie bei der Bewältigung globaler Herausforderungen.   

Der Preis wurde 2022 ins Leben gerufen und die Trophäen wurden erstmals während der Verleihung des Europäischen Erfinderpreises überreicht. Ab 2025 wird der Preis mit einer eigenen Veranstaltung geehrt. EUR. Die Zeremonie findet am 18. Juni in Reykjavik statt und wird weltweit live übertragen. Unter den 10 Tomorrow Shapers, die für jede Ausgabe ausgewählt werden, erhalten drei einen Sonderpreis: World Builders, Community Healers und Nature Guardians. Darüber hinaus wird ein People's Choice Gewinner, der online vom Publikum gewählt wird, bekannt gegeben. Jeder Tomorrow Shaper erhält 5.000 EUR, die drei Sonderpreisträger erhalten jeweils zusätzlich 15.000 EUR. Der People's Choice Gewinner erhält zusätzlich 5.000

Gestaltung einer nachhaltigen Zukunft  
EPA-Präsident António Campinos betont die Bedeutung dieses Preises für junge Erfinder und erklärte: “Junge Erfinder sind die Architekten einer besseren Zukunft: Sie geben neue Perspektiven und bringen mutige Lösungen für die schwierigsten Herausforderungen der Welt. Indem wir ihre Errungenschaften feiern, würdigen wir nicht nur ihren Einfallsreichtum, sondern unterstreichen auch die transformative Kraft von Technologie und Wissenschaft bei der Gestaltung einer nachhaltigen Zukunft und der Inspiration für kommende Generationen”.

Die zehn Tomorrows Shapers, die globalen Herausforderungen angehen :

Die Haltbarkeit von frischen Produkten verlängern
Die ugandischen Unternehmer Sandra Namboozo und Samuel Muyita haben einen biologisch abbaubaren Beutel entwickelt, der das Reifen von Früchten verlangsamt, Lebensmittelverschwendung reduziert und Kleinbauern unterstützt.

Lösungen zur Entsorgung von E-Abfall durch papierbasierte elektronische Geräteteile
Die österreichische Industriedesignerin Franziska Kerber hat lösliche Komponenten für Geräte wie Router entwickelt, die eine einfachere Rückgewinnung von wertvollen Metallen ermöglichen.  

Nachhaltige Dichtstoffe für die Luftfahrt
Der philippinische Luftfahrtingenieur Mark Kennedy Bantugon entwickelte ein aus landwirtschaftlichen Abfällen ein Dichtungsmittel für Flugzeuge aus Pili-Baumharz, das eine nachhaltigere und weniger giftige Alternative zu vielen derzeit verwendeten Dichtstoffen darstellt.

Die Revolution des Recyclings seltener Erden
Die französisch-amerikanische Chemikerin Marie Perrin hat ein Verfahren zur Extraktion von Europium aus entsorgten Leuchtmitteln entwickelt, wodurch das Recycling einfacher und weniger giftig wurde.

Schadstoffe erfassen und die Luftqualität verbessern
Die kolumbianische Unternehmerin Mariana Pérez hat ein Direct Air Capture System entwickelt, das CO₂, Stickstoffdioxid und Schwefeldioxid aus der Luft entfernt und so die Umwandlung von Schadstoffen in biologisch abbaubare Materialien ermöglicht.

KI-entwickelte Enzyme für Industrie und Gesundheitswesen
Die litauischen Forscher Laurynas Karpus, Vykintas Jauniškis und Irmantas Rokaitis haben eine KI-gestützte Plattform für die Entwicklung neuer Enzyme entwickelt, die unter anderem für das Biomanufacturing und die Pharmazie bestimmt sind.

Smart Labels zur Reduzierung von Lebensmittelverschwendung und Lebensmittelvergiftungen
Die spanischen Erfinder Pilar Granado, Pablo Sosa Domínguez und Luis Chimeno haben biologisch abbaubare Smart Labels entwickelt, die die Frische von Lebensmitteln in Echtzeit überwachen und so unnötige Lebensmittelverschwendung reduzieren.  

Kohlenstoffabscheidung für die Schifffahrt
Die Ingenieure Alisha Fredriksson (Schweden/Großbritannien) und Roujia Wen (China) bauten ein modulares CO2Abscheidungssystem, das CO₂ in festen Kalksteinkugeln bindet und so die Emissionen bestehender Schiffe senkt.

Umwandlung von CO₂-Abfällen in essenzielle Fasern
Die US-Wissenschaftler und Zwillingsschwestern Neeka und Leila Mashouf entwickelten ein Verfahren zur Umwandlung von industriellem CO₂ in Zellulose für nachhaltige, biologisch abbaubare Materialien und andere Anwendungen.  

Optimierte Halbleiterherstellung
Die slowenische Forscherin Teja Potočnik entwickelte eine automatisierte Plattform, um die Herstellung von Halbleiterbauelementen auf Nanomaterialien zu erleichtern und damit den Weg für Mikrochips und Elektronik der nächsten Generation zu ebnen.

VDI ZRE-Lernplattform zu Ressourceneffizienz und zirkulärer Wirtschaft © PantherMedia / TCdesign (bearbeitet)
06.05.2025

VDI ZRE-Lernplattform zu Ressourceneffizienz und zirkulärer Wirtschaft

In einer Welt mit begrenzten natürlichen Ressourcen sind innovative Lösungen für eine ressourceneffiziente und zirkuläre Produktion essenziell. Doch dafür braucht es Anwendungswissen und Handlungskompetenz. Hier setzt die neue Lernplattform des VDI ZRE an und vermittelt praxisorientiertes Wissen zu den Themen betriebliche Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläres Wirtschaften.

In einer Welt mit begrenzten natürlichen Ressourcen sind innovative Lösungen für eine ressourceneffiziente und zirkuläre Produktion essenziell. Doch dafür braucht es Anwendungswissen und Handlungskompetenz. Hier setzt die neue Lernplattform des VDI ZRE an und vermittelt praxisorientiertes Wissen zu den Themen betriebliche Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläres Wirtschaften.

Expertise als Schlüssel zur Wettbewerbsfähigkeit
Die Bedeutung von Ressourceneffizienz und Kreislaufwirtschaft wächst nicht nur im Hinblick auf die ökologische Nachhaltigkeit, sondern auch im Kontext der wirtschaftlichen Wettbewerbsfähigkeit. Unternehmen, die auf eine ressourceneffiziente Produktion und zirkuläre Geschäftsmodelle setzen, können nicht nur Kosten senken, sondern auch ihre Innovationskraft und ihre Marktstellung stärken.
Auch angesichts der zunehmenden Nachfrage nach nachhaltig produzierten Erzeugnissen ist die Vermittlung von konkretem Fachwissen rund um Ressourceneffizienz und Kreislaufwirtschaft nicht nur ein Beitrag zum Umweltschutz, sondern sogar ein entscheidender Wettbewerbsvorteil für Unternehmen. Die neue Lernplattform „Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläre Wirtschaft“ des VDI ZRE erleichtert nun den Zugang zu diesem wertvollen Wissen.
 
Anwendungsbezogenes Lernen für praxisnahe Lösungen
Die Lernplattform ist ein umfangreiches interaktives Webtool, das sowohl von Mitarbeitenden aus Industrie-Unternehmen als auch von Beratenden und interessierten Einzelpersonen sowie Studierenden genutzt werden kann. Die abwechslungsreichen Lerneinheiten umfassen die Schwerpunkte „Grundlagen“, „Produktentwicklung“, „Produktionstechnik“, „Kreislaufwirtschaft“ und „Digitalisierung“ und können ganz individuell ausgewählt werden.

Die Lernplattform „Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläre Wirtschaft“ kombiniert dabei Theorie mit konkreten Handlungsempfehlungen und Gute-Praxis-Beispielen aus unterschiedlichen Branchen. Auf diese Weise werden die Nutzenden nicht nur für die Themen sensibilisiert, sondern bekommen passende Werkzeuge an die Hand, die notwendig sind, um Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläres Wirtschaften nachhaltig umzusetzen. Mithilfe interaktiver Lernelemente wird die Wissensvermittlung für die Nutzenden erleichtert und so der individuelle Kompetenzaufbau beschleunigt. Nach Ende jeder Lerneinheit kann zudem das eigene Wissen überprüft werden. Mit erfolgreichem Bestehen wird ein Zertifikat ausgestellt, das den Lernerfolg dokumentiert.

Die Lernplattform Ressourceneffizienz und zirkuläre Wirtschaft des VDI ZRE wurde im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV) entwickelt und kann kostenfrei genutzt werden.

06.05.2025

NGO Public Eye fordert Einrichtung eines Schweizer Modefonds

Mit dem Aufstieg chinesischer Branchengiganten wie Shein und Temu sind die Produktion und der Konsum von Kleidung weltweit explodiert. In der Schweiz werden jährlich 100.000 Tonnen Textilien als Abfall verbrannt oder exportiert. Um das zu bekämpfen, fordert Public Eye vom Bundesrat die Einrichtung eines Schweizer Modefonds. Unternehmen, die Wegwerfkleidung verkaufen, sollen für die dadurch verursachten sozialen und ökologischen Schäden zahlen. Das Ziel ist die gezielte Förderung von nachhaltigerer Mode in der Schweiz.

„Immer mehr, immer schneller und immer billiger“: Trotz der verheerenden Folgen von Fast Fashion nehmen Produktion und Konsum billiger Modeartikel von geringer Qualität weltweit weiter zu. In der Schweiz werden jährlich pro Person durchschnittlich über 14 Kilo an Kleidung und Schuhe verbraucht.

Mit dem Aufstieg chinesischer Branchengiganten wie Shein und Temu sind die Produktion und der Konsum von Kleidung weltweit explodiert. In der Schweiz werden jährlich 100.000 Tonnen Textilien als Abfall verbrannt oder exportiert. Um das zu bekämpfen, fordert Public Eye vom Bundesrat die Einrichtung eines Schweizer Modefonds. Unternehmen, die Wegwerfkleidung verkaufen, sollen für die dadurch verursachten sozialen und ökologischen Schäden zahlen. Das Ziel ist die gezielte Förderung von nachhaltigerer Mode in der Schweiz.

„Immer mehr, immer schneller und immer billiger“: Trotz der verheerenden Folgen von Fast Fashion nehmen Produktion und Konsum billiger Modeartikel von geringer Qualität weltweit weiter zu. In der Schweiz werden jährlich pro Person durchschnittlich über 14 Kilo an Kleidung und Schuhe verbraucht.

Im April diesen Jahres hat der Bundesrat in einem Bericht die durch Fast Fashion verursachten Probleme anerkannt und die Notwendigkeit von mehr Nachhaltigkeit bei Produktion und Konsum betont. Er erwähnt auch die Möglichkeit einer Steuer auf das Kleider-Recycling, scheue sich aber vor konkreten politischen Maßnahmen und verlasse sich weiter auf freiwillige Initiativen der Unternehmen, so Public Eye. Diese reichten nach Auffassung der NGO Public Eye jedoch längst nicht aus und seine häufig Greenwashing. Deshalb habe Public Eye eine Petition gestartet, die den Bundesrat zur Gründung eines Schweizer Modefonds auffordert.

Mit diesem innovativen Instrument müssten Modefirmen für jeden neuen Artikel, den sie auf den Schweizer Markt bringen, einen Beitrag in den Fonds zahlen. Je langlebiger und nachhaltiger das Kleidungsstück, desto geringer dieser Beitrag. Damit würde das Fast-Fashion-Modell weniger attraktiv und zugleich ein Anreiz für hochwertige, faire und umweltfreundliche Mode geschaffen. Mit dem Fonds würden günstigere Reparaturen, mehr Second-Hand-Angebote, hochwertiges Recycling und nachhaltigere Produktion gefördert.

Die Europäische Union hat bereits beschlossen, vergleichbare Gebührensysteme in allen ihren Mitgliedstaaten verbindlich einzuführen. Und in Frankreich, wo ein solches System bereits besteht, wird derzeit zudem über ein noch umfassenderes Gesetz zur Bekämpfung von Fast Fashion diskutiert. Höchste Zeit, so Public Eye, dass auch die Schweiz wirksame Instrumente einführte und damit die Basis für eine verantwortungsvollere Mode in der Schweiz legte.

Source:

Public Eye

Smart Bedding, Heimtextil Photo: Messe Frankfurt / Jean-Luc Valentin
Smart Bedding, Heimtextil
06.05.2025

Heimtextil 2026: ‘Sleep & Meet’ shall expand mattress area

Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, is strategically expanding the Smart Bedding segment. A new exhibitor area will be created for the January 2026 edition: Sleep & Meet. This new format will take up around a quarter of Hall 4.0. Numerous well-known brands from the mattress sector have already registered to take part. With a clear structure and a high-quality environment, Sleep & Meet offers bedding retailers, hospitality and volume buyers direct access to relevant companies and industry participants, new product range perspectives and valuable business contacts.

Numerous strong German brands from the mattress sector will be exhibiting at Heimtextil 2026. Well-known companies such as Auping Germany, Bettwaren Stendebach, Erich Werkmeister, ergomed, Femira, Rummel and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme are celebrating their premiere at Heimtextil 2026 and have already registered. The EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus, Lück and fan frankenstolz are significantly expanding their space at Heimtextil 2026.

Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, is strategically expanding the Smart Bedding segment. A new exhibitor area will be created for the January 2026 edition: Sleep & Meet. This new format will take up around a quarter of Hall 4.0. Numerous well-known brands from the mattress sector have already registered to take part. With a clear structure and a high-quality environment, Sleep & Meet offers bedding retailers, hospitality and volume buyers direct access to relevant companies and industry participants, new product range perspectives and valuable business contacts.

Numerous strong German brands from the mattress sector will be exhibiting at Heimtextil 2026. Well-known companies such as Auping Germany, Bettwaren Stendebach, Erich Werkmeister, ergomed, Femira, Rummel and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme are celebrating their premiere at Heimtextil 2026 and have already registered. The EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus, Lück and fan frankenstolz are significantly expanding their space at Heimtextil 2026.

Trade association Matratzen-Industrie e.V. will be present again
The trade association Matratzen-Industrie is also sending out a strong signal: the association will once again have its own stand at Heimtextil 2026. ‘Heimtextil offers the ideal platform to showcase the innovative strength and diversity of German mattress manufacturers internationally’, explains Martin Auerbach, Managing Director of the trade association Matratzen-Industrie.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

04.05.2025

U.S. Textile Industry thanks Trump administration for closing de minimis loophole for Chinese imports

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, issued the following statements from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas and several U.S. textile executives in support of President Trump’s order closing de minimis for China, effective May 2.

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas

“We are grateful to President Trump and his administration for closing the destructive de minimis loophole that has allowed unsafe and illegal Chinese goods—including goods made with forced labor—to flood the U.S. market duty-free and largely unchecked for years.

“This loophole, largely exploited by Chinese e-commerce giants and others to skirt U.S. tariffs, regulations and laws, has contributed to the closure of 28 textile mills in the past 22 months.

“The U.S. textile industry is a critical and strategic sector, supplying more than 8,000 products to the U.S. military, as well as industrial and commercial markets, while supporting local communities across country, and employing 471,000 workers nationwide.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn and fabrics to finished sewn products, issued the following statements from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas and several U.S. textile executives in support of President Trump’s order closing de minimis for China, effective May 2.

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas

“We are grateful to President Trump and his administration for closing the destructive de minimis loophole that has allowed unsafe and illegal Chinese goods—including goods made with forced labor—to flood the U.S. market duty-free and largely unchecked for years.

“This loophole, largely exploited by Chinese e-commerce giants and others to skirt U.S. tariffs, regulations and laws, has contributed to the closure of 28 textile mills in the past 22 months.

“The U.S. textile industry is a critical and strategic sector, supplying more than 8,000 products to the U.S. military, as well as industrial and commercial markets, while supporting local communities across country, and employing 471,000 workers nationwide.

“Today’s action by the administration is an important step forward to help rebalance the playing field for American manufacturers, preserve good-paying American manufacturing jobs, spur more investment and innovation in manufacturing facilities here at home, and close the backdoor to China once and for all.

“We urge the administration and Congress to move swiftly to end de minimis for commercial shipments from all countries to prevent circumvention and to make sure Made in China products cannot enter the United States through third countries. The U.S. textile industry stands ready to assist the administration as it continues its work to end the de minimis exemption and implement this critical provision.”

Anderson Warlick, Chairman and CEO of Parkdale Mills
“The de minimis loophole has impacted our businesses and our workforce significantly. Roughly half of de minimis shipments contain textile and apparel products which get an unfair competitive advantage at our expense. Illegal products like fentanyl and products made with Uyghur forced labor come into the United States under the de minimis exemption, causing economic damage and impacting the lives of many Americans.

“I am pleased to see President Trump take action to eliminate de minimis for products from China, and I encourage the administration to end de minimis for imports from all countries so we textile manufacturers can compete on a more level playing field.”

Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles
“The de minimis loophole has wreaked havoc on the U.S. textile industry by enabling duty-free access for massive volumes of fast fashion imports, largely from China. This policy undermines American manufacturers who play a critical role in our national security and industrial resilience.

“At MMI Textiles, we employ 39 direct team members and support an additional 21 indirect workers — including a printer of camouflage patterns who operates exclusively within our NC facility, summer interns who represent the next generation of textile leaders, and specialized industry consultants. More broadly, through our robust contract manufacturing network, we directly support hundreds of jobs across the U.S. supply chain. Our company is a catalyst for employment and innovation in domestic textiles, producing essential components for U.S. military and law enforcement applications.

“The U.S. textile industry is vital to our nation’s industrial base. We supply the U.S. military, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, our industry pivoted rapidly to manufacture lifesaving PPE for frontline workers. Despite these contributions, the current de minimis threshold has created an unfair advantage for foreign competitors, particularly China, by allowing them to bypass duties and flood the market with underpriced goods — at the direct expense of American jobs.

“I am encouraged by President Trump’s commitment to ending de minimis eligibility for Chinese imports. I urge the administration to move swiftly to eliminate this loophole for all imports and restore a level playing field that protects U.S. manufacturing, jobs, and national security.”

Ron Sytz, CEO of Beverly Knits
“I am truly thankful to President Trump for closing the de minimis loophole for Chinese imports. This loophole has been devastating to my family’s 44-year-old textile manufacturing business in Gastonia, North Carolina, forcing us to lay off 175 workers and significantly reduce capacity in our plants. We can’t compete against subsidized imports from China that enter the U.S. duty free through the de minimis loophole. With the administration’s action, our company which provides hundreds of jobs and supports our community and the U.S. economy, will once again have a level playing field that will allow us to expand, invest and hire more associates here in the United States.”

Mr. Aji Dwi Yuniarso represented DyStar to receive Platinum award of Zero Accident delivered by Head of Manpower of Banten Province Photo DyStar
04.05.2025

DyStar: Awards for Excellence in Workplace Safety and Health

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, has been honored with three prestigious awards at the 2025 Provincial Occupational Safety and Health (P2K3) Awards, recognizing its exceptional performance in workplace safety and employee well-being.

The awards were presented by the Banten Provincial Government to PT. DyStar Colours Indonesia - Gabus Plant, the company’s largest manufacturing plant in Indonesia. DyStar received the following accolades:

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, has been honored with three prestigious awards at the 2025 Provincial Occupational Safety and Health (P2K3) Awards, recognizing its exceptional performance in workplace safety and employee well-being.

The awards were presented by the Banten Provincial Government to PT. DyStar Colours Indonesia - Gabus Plant, the company’s largest manufacturing plant in Indonesia. DyStar received the following accolades:

  • Platinum Award for Zero Accidents (2018–2024)
  • Gold Award from the Committee of Occupational Safety & Health Development (P2K3)
  • Silver Award for HIV & AIDS Prevention Program

Mr Clement Yang, Vice President of DyStar Global Manufacturing said, “DyStar is honored to be recognized for our collective commitment to health and safety. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our employees in upholding the highest safety standards as we pursue manufacturing excellence in a safe and responsible environment. Safety is a core value embedded in our global culture—one we consistently uphold across all our operations.”

Mr Sunarto Djuardi, Regional Vice President for DyStar Southeast Asia said, “Health and safety have been our highest priority since we commenced production at Gabus in 1997. These awards underscore DyStar’s ongoing commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture, adopting innovative risk management strategies, and maintaining consistent compliance with the highest occupational health and safety standards.”

The Platinum Award was granted in recognition of DyStar’s outstanding achievement of 3.1 million work hours assessed between 2018 and 2024 without a single accident. This remarkable record reflects the company’s disciplined safety culture and its dedication to protecting both employees and contractors.

The Gold Award, presented by the Committee of Occupational Safety & Health Development (P2K3), acknowledges DyStar’s success in maintaining an effective internal safety and health committee at the Gabus Plant, in compliance with national OHS regulations.

DyStar also received the Silver Award for its extraordinary efforts in promoting HIV/AIDS prevention programs in the workplace, reinforcing its commitment to creating not only a safe and pleasant working environment but also one that is inclusive and free from health-related discrimination.

As a company at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, these awards further highlight DyStar’s ongoing investment in employee well-being and strengthen its leadership in the global chemical manufacturing sector.

Source:

DyStar

04.05.2025

CARBIOS files its 2024 Universal Registration Document

CARBIOS, (Euronext Growth Paris:  ALCRB), a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, announces to its shareholders and the financial community that its 2024 Universal Registration Document including the annual report, the management report and the report on corporate governance was filed with the French Financial Market Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) on April 30, 2025 under the number D.25-0354.

Copies of the Universal Registration Document are available in French free of charge, pursuant to applicable law, and can be downloaded from the Company's website at www.carbios.com under the “Investors – Regulated information” section, as well as on www.amf-france.org. An English version will follow shortly.

CARBIOS, (Euronext Growth Paris:  ALCRB), a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, announces to its shareholders and the financial community that its 2024 Universal Registration Document including the annual report, the management report and the report on corporate governance was filed with the French Financial Market Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) on April 30, 2025 under the number D.25-0354.

Copies of the Universal Registration Document are available in French free of charge, pursuant to applicable law, and can be downloaded from the Company's website at www.carbios.com under the “Investors – Regulated information” section, as well as on www.amf-france.org. An English version will follow shortly.

More information:
Carbios
Source:

Carbios