From the Sector

Eine aktuelle Studie der Bertelsmann Stiftung zeigt, dass Nachhaltigkeit für Unternehmen kein „Nice-to-have“ mehr ist, sondern ein strategischer Faktor für Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Innovationskraft. Der Prüf- und Forschungsdienstleister Hohenstein unterstützt Produktionsstätten der Textil- und Lederindustrie dabei, umweltfreundliche Produktionsprozesse dauerhaft umzusetzen, die Arbeitssicherheit zu verbessern und sozialverträgliche Arbeitsbedingungen zu fördern.

Transparente Bewertung in dreistufigem Scoring
Das modulare Zertifizierungssystem OEKO-TEX® STeP analysiert und bewertet anhand von sechs Modulen die wichtigsten Bereiche einer Produktionsstätte. Nach einem Online-Assessment und dem Besuch der Hohenstein-Auditoren vor Ort wird der Nachhaltigkeitsgrad der Produktionsstätte in einem detaillierten Abschlussbericht und Zertifikat ausgestellt. Das höchste Level des dreistufigen Scorings zeigt die Umsetzung im Sinne eines Best Practice Beispiels an – darüber kann sich zum Beispiel die TVU Textilveredlungsunion GmbH im mittelfränkischen Leutershausen freuen – eine Auszeichnung für vorbildliche Nachhaltigkeitspraktiken.

„Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltbewusstsein sind seit Jahrzehnten fest in unserem Unternehmen verankert“, betont TVU-Geschäftsführer Christoph Hausner. „Unsere STeP-Zertifizierung ist ein wichtiger Beleg für unser Engagement. Sie ist für uns ein Ansporn, unsere Prozesse weiterzuentwickeln und neue Wege für eine nachhaltigere Textilveredelung zu finden.“ Das global agierende Familienunternehmen hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die textile Zukunft zu gestalten. Diesem Ansatz folgt die TVU-Gruppe konsequent: Neben höchsten Umwelt- und Sozialstandards forscht das Unternehmen an neuen Rohstoffquellen, um nachhaltige Alternativen für die Textilindustrie zu entwickeln.

Nachhaltigkeit als Innovationsmotor
„Dass wir das höchste OEKO-TEX® STeP Level erreicht haben, ist für uns kein Grund uns auszuruhen, sondern eine Bestätigung und ein Impuls für Innovation“, erklärt Klaus Christ, Leiter Forschung & Entwicklung der TVU-Gruppe. „Deshalb engagieren wir uns unter anderem in verschiedenen Forschungskonsortien, um nachhaltige Alternativen für die Textilindustrie zu erschließen.“

Ein Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der Nutzung pilzlicher Rohstoffe. Pilze produzieren während ihres Wachstums wertvolle Nebenprodukte, die bisher oft ungenutzt bleiben. Die TVU erforscht gemeinsam mit ihren Partnern die Verwertung dieser sogenannten Seitenstromprodukte, insbesondere Polysaccharidfasern und Pilzfarbstoffe. Besonders vielversprechend sind dabei Chitosanfasern und Pyomelaninfarbstoffe, die als nachhaltige Alternativen für herkömmliche textile Anwendungen dienen könnten.

Ausblick: Weiterentwicklung nachhaltiger Prozesse
Im Oktober steht das nächste STeP-Audit für die TVU an. „Wir freuen uns darauf und schätzen die Bewertung durch OEKO-TEX bzw. die Auditoren von Hohenstein“, sagt Geschäftsführer Christoph Heubeck. „Für uns ist klar: Nachhaltigkeit fördert Innovation – und Innovation fördert Nachhaltigkeit. Dieses Prinzip treibt uns an, immer wieder neue Maßstäbe zu setzen.“

In Anbetracht globaler Herausforderungen und dadurch steigenden Energiekosten sowie einer geringeren Lieferketten- und Versorgungssicherheit, erkennen Unternehmen zunehmend die Notwendigkeit, ihre Produktions- und Geschäftsmodelle nachhaltig auszurichten. Funktionieren bestehende Systeme gut, riskieren Firmen meist ungern Veränderungen. Fehlende Erfahrung trägt zusätzlich dazu bei, dass technische Innovationen häufig als komplex und aufwendig wahrgenommen werden. Das Fraunhofer-Institut für Gießerei-, Composite- und Verarbeitungstechnik (Fraunhofer IGCV) unterstützt Unternehmen aktiv dabei, eine Transformation des Produktionssystems bewerten, planen und durchführen zu können. Dabei werden Prozesse sowohl ökologisch als auch ökonomisch betrachtet und Produktionssysteme effizienter gestaltet. 

Energie sinnvoll nutzen
„Wir helfen Unternehmen zum Beispiel dabei, selbsterzeugten Strom, zum Beispiel aus Photovoltaikanlagen sowie Niedrigpreis-Zeitfenster optimal auszunutzen und die Energieeffizienz in der Produktion zu steigern.“, sagt Vincent Kalchschmid. Er ist Experte für nachhaltige Produktionssysteme am Fraunhofer IGCV. Wie das funktionieren kann, zeigt ein Beispiel aus der Industrie, bei dem ein Unternehmen mehrere Wärmebehandlungsöfen zur Metallverarbeitung betreibt. Dieses stand vor der Herausforderung, ineffiziente Belegungspläne zu optimieren, die zu unnötigen Aufheiz- und Abkühlzeiten führten. Durch eine gezielte Analyse der Produktionsabläufe konnte das Unternehmen eine energieoptimierte Belegungsplanung umsetzen. „Wir haben die Belegung der Öfen so angepasst, dass die Maschinen konzentrierter und unterbrechungsfreier ausgelastet sind und unnötige Warmhaltezeiten zwischen den Chargen minimiert wurden. Dafür brauchte es in kürzeren Zeitabschnitten mehr Personal und eine entsprechende Logistik, um das verarbeitete Material zwischenzulagern. Aber dank dieser Anpassungen konnte der Energieverbrauch stark reduziert werden, sodass die Effizienz im ökologischen und wirtschaftlichen Sinne gesteigert werden konnte.“

Unabhängigere Energieversorgung
Ein Hauptaugenmerk bei der Steigerung der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit von Produktionssystemen liegt auf der Gestaltung der Energieversorgung. „Durch die Nutzung von eigenerzeugtem Strom, beispielsweise aus Photovoltaikanlagen, und der Integration von Energiespeichern können Unternehmen ihre Versorgungssicherheit und Energiepreisstabilität in Teilen selbst sicherstellen“, erklärt der Fraunhofer-Experte. Um die Entscheidung für eine entsprechende Investition fundiert und unter Abwägung der wirtschaftlichen Randbedingungen zu treffen, bedarf es einer ganzheitlichen Betrachtung. Daher analysieren Kalchschmid und sein Team im ersten Schritt alle bestehenden Energieströme eines Unternehmens. So lassen sich energetische Zusammenhänge im Unternehmen besser verstehen und passende Maßnahmen ableiten. Woher kommt die Energie? Wann wird sie wofür genutzt? Wo wird Energie verloren? Wie sollte Energie gespeichert werden? „Durch den Einsatz von Softwaretools können wir individuelle Szenarien entwickeln, diese simulieren und so sicherstellen, dass sich strukturelle Anpassungen am Energiesystem auch wirtschaftlich lohnen“, sagt der Wissenschaftler und fährt fort: „Nicht jedes Unternehmen hat die gleichen Voraussetzungen. Je nach Standort und Gebäude bieten sich verschiedene erneuerbare Energieträger an. Aber auch die Produktionsumgebung und Produktionszeiten setzen einen festen Rahmen, in dem wir uns bewegen müssen.“

Ressourcen und Kosten einsparen
Neben einer nachhaltigen Energieversorgung setzt das Team am Fraunhofer IGCV auch ein Augenmerk auf die Ressourceneffizienz. „In vielen Branchen ist es möglich, die Materialeffizienz durch organisatorische Maßnahmen zu verbessern. Wir beraten Unternehmen, wie sie ihren Materialeinsatz optimieren und Abfälle vermeiden können.“ In einem aktuellen Projekt untersuchen Kalchschmid und seine Kolleg:innen beispielsweise, wie die Fertigung von Flugzeugrümpfen so gestaltet werden kann, dass Restmaterialien wiederverwendet werden können. „Bisher fielen bei der Produktion signifikante Mengen von Composite-Abfällen an. Eigentlich neuwertiges Material, das schlichtweg entsorgt wurde“, gibt der Experte zu bedenken. Um dem entgegenzuwirken, untersuchen die Ingenieur:innen neue Prozessketten, in denen diese Reste für die Herstellung von Sekundärbauteilen verwendet werden. Eine simulationsgestützte Auslegung der Prozessketten stellt dabei eine Verarbeitung vor Ablauf der Resthaltbarkeit des Materialabfalls sicher. „Durch unsere Anpassungen könnten wir große Mengen an Abfall vermeiden und damit den gesamten Produktionsprozess ressourcenschonender auslegen. On top könnte das Unternehmen Materialkosten einsparen. Eine Win-Win-Situation und ein großartiges Beispiel für eine gelungene Kreislaufwirtschaft.“

Was ist zu tun? Daten und Testmöglichkeiten schaffen
Um die Unternehmen bei dieser Transformation zu unterstützen, ist es entscheidend, dass sie über die nötigen Daten und Transparenz verfügen. „Daten sind der Schlüssel zur effektiven Umsetzung nachhaltiger Maßnahmen“, sagt der Fachmann. Möglich sei das mithilfe gezielter Energiemonitoring-Systeme, mit denen Unternehmen in der Lage sind, ihren Verbrauch genau zu tracken und zu optimieren. „Neben fehlenden Daten zeigt unsere Erfahrung, dass es auch an niederschwelligen Möglichkeiten für Unternehmen fehlt, innovative Technologien zu erkunden und auszuprobieren.“ Dem Ingenieur zur Folge könnten öffentlich geförderte Projekte der erste Schritt zu dauerhaften Veränderungen sein, insbesondere in wirtschaftlich unsicheren Zeiten.

Mayer & Cie. will participate in ITMA Asia from October 28 to 31, 2025, which takes place in Singapore. ITMA Asia + CITME brings together the international market leaders in the industry and offers a platform for the exchange of information on the latest technologies, sustainability and digitalization. Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner of Mayer & Cie., says: "For us, ITMA Asia is both an opportunity for customer loyalty and a door opener for new business relationships in one of the most dynamic textile regions in the world."

At its booth, the manufacturer of circular knitting machines and braiding machines will be showing a new circular knitting for jacquard fabrics – the OVJA 2.4 EC II – and will provide an overview of its digital and smart solutions. Another focus is on the machines of Mayer & Cie's "Performance Line": circular knitting machines, which are the most efficient solution in their respective classes. 

OVJA 2.4 EC II
"The OVJA 2.4 EC II belongs to our product group of circular knitting machines, which are engineered in Germany and manufactured in our factory in China”," says Benjamin Mayer, explaining the machine exhibit at ITMA Asia. “These machines are predominantly aimed at customers from China and Southeast Asia.” Thanks to a new system for single needle selection, the machine impresses with a significantly reduced cylinder height. In addition, fewer knitting elements are required, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the machine. The OVJA 2.4 EC II produces fabrics for sports and leisure wear; it is also widely used in the field of home textiles, especially mattress cover fabrics – and all this at an attractive price. 

New Control 5.0 machine control system
The new Control 5.0 machine control system for circular knitting machines from Mayer & Cie. has been available since early summer 2025. It makes Mayer & Cie. circular knitting machines Internet-ready – and thus fit for the digital future of textile production. Control 5.0 is a prerequisite for knitlink, Mayer & Cie's digital platform. It is available as an upgrade kit for all machines built from 2001 onwards and is now part of every newly delivered mechanical circular knitting machine.

knithawk
knithawk is a tool for optical defect detection. It sits directly at the knitting point, where the knitted fabric is made. The camera unit, which "scans" the knitted fabric using infrared light, is quickly installed. If knithawk detects a serious or recurring error, the machine is stopped. The tool also creates an error log. 
In this way, knithawk can prevent knitting errors from continuing through many meters of knitted fabric. Thanks to knithawk, resources such as water, natural fibers, polyester and energy are not used for nothing.  knithawk is available for single jersey machines from Mayer & Cie. Customers can order it directly as part of their new machines or equip existing machines with knithawk via upgrade kit. 

120 years of Mayer & Cie. 
The year 2025 is an anniversary year for Mayer & Cie.: On July 8, 2025, the family-owned company celebrated its 120th birthday. The green MCT emblem stands for precision, durability and reliability worldwide, in the field of circular knitting machines as well as in braiding machines.

"We are proud to have taken this path – and we will continue to do so with innovative strength and reliability", says Managing Director Benjamin Mayer.
However, current conditions cast a shadow over the anniversary year. The order situation remains tense in the German textile machinery industry. In view of the various crises worldwide, a trend reversal is not yet in sight. It is difficult for Benjamin Mayer to give an outlook for the future: "We are well positioned as a company, have answers to the needs of the market and modern processes in production. But no one can predict how the world situation and with it the economic situation will develop."

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation, REACH. The update has been prepared by the authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, who submitted the initial proposal in January 2023.

The five authorities, acting as the Dossier Submitter, have completed their evaluation of the more than 5 600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the 2023 consultation. Based on the evidence gathered, they have updated their initial restriction proposal. This updated report, called the Background Document, forms the basis for ECHA’s committees’ opinions. This document may still be updated further, based on the evaluation of the committees.

The five authorities have, among other things, identified and carried out assessments for eight sectors that were not specifically named in the initial proposal. These sectors are:

• printing applications;
• sealing applications;
• machinery applications;
• other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals;
• military applications;
• explosives;
• technical textiles; and
• broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts.

In addition, they have considered alternative restriction options, beyond a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations for certain applications. These options involve conditions allowing the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS where the risks can be controlled. These alternative options have been assessed by the Dossier Submitter for:

• PFAS manufacturing;
• transport;
• electronics and semiconductors;
• energy;
• sealing applications;
• machinery applications; and
• technical textiles.

ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) continue to evaluate the proposed restriction. The Agency aims to provide the European Commission with a transparent, independent, and high-quality RAC and SEAC opinion as soon as possible.
The European Commission will ultimately decide on the restriction in consultation with the EU Member States.

Background
The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. It was submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people. The six-month consultation ran from 22 March to 25 September 2023.
Currently, ECHA’s scientific committees, comprised of independent experts from EU Member States, are evaluating the proposal.

Around the world, used textiles are still rarely recycled and pile up into huge mountains of waste. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) drew attention to this problem. However, the low recycling rate is also due to the fact that only a small percentage of used textiles are actually suitable for recycling into high-quality materials and for demanding applications. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are addressing this problem with their research. Europe's largest textile research center has launched two research projects with a total project volume of over 4.2 million euros.

To promote the recycling of high-performance fibers such as carbon and glass fibers, the DITF will establish a center for the development of high-performance fiber composite structures based on recycled high-performance fibers (HiPerReF) over the next two years. There, scientists are developing a complete process chain for the industrial-scale production of highly oriented semi-finished products from recycled carbon and glass fibers. In order to achieve maximum performance in the component, the interaction of all machines and equipment is being optimized to produce commercially available semi-finished products such as prepreg and non-porous composite plastics with a fiber volume fraction of over 45 percent.

The CYCLOTEXUM project focuses on recycling classic textile waste into high-quality yarns. The aim is to intelligently combine existing mechanical, physical, and chemical process steps so that fine, uniform yarns can be produced from secondary raw materials. The Material Flow and Cost Accounting (MFCA) developed at the DITF makes it possible to review all technological developments for economic efficiency and sustainability.

The research work of the two centers provides the national and global textile industry with effective tools and solutions for an effective textile circular economy.

SNC Kherib et Cie. has awarded ANDRITZ an order to supply a complete spunlace line for its plant located in Bejaia City, Algeria. The start-up is scheduled for the end of Q3 2026.

This will be the very first ANDRITZ spunlace line installed on the African continent. The line will process both viscose and polyester fibers, enabling SNC Kherib to produce high-quality spunlace roll goods for the wet wipes markets to meet the growing needs of African consumers. This project marks a significant step in the development of the spunlace industry in Africa and opens the door to new opportunities for local converters.

The project is a family investment, with each member of the Kherib family actively involved. As a pioneer in the African market, SNC Kherib is leading the way in introducing advanced spunlace technology to the region.

Farid Kherib, founder of SNC Kherib, states: “We are proud to collaborate with a global leader like ANDRITZ. This partnership highlights our commitment and passion for developing innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of the African market using state-of-the-art equipment.”

The value of the order will not be disclosed. It is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2025.

Based in the Bejaia area of Algeria, SNC Kherib is a family business dedicated to a wide range of activities including the production of nonwovens (viscose and cotton cleaning cloths, polyester wadding for mattress and pillows, etc.), PVC cling film, PP woven bags, as well as PVC doors and sandwich panels.

• Over 250 exhibitors from across all fashion segments will present their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries – spanning womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, accessories, and homewear. 
• The Core Istanbul with 24 leading Turkish designers, including internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, Mehtap Elaidi, Hatice Gökçe, and Sudi Etuz, bringing Turkish design to the global stage. 
• Strong womenswear, menswear, and kidswear segments proving the creativity, high-quality craftsmanship, fast turnaround, and sustainable approaches of Turkish fashion  
• A diverse seminar program featuring trend talks and expert panels: Industry leaders such as Tatiana Aldrich (WGSN) will explore Autumn/Winter 26/27 trends, while discussions address topics including Gen Z, conscious luxury, digital transformation, and future design strategies. 

From 20–22 August 2025, IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection will once again bring the global apparel industry together in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul. Following a record-breaking February edition with over 34,000 professional visitors from more than 150 countries, the 8th edition is set to offer an expanded exhibitor portfolio, curated trend showcases, high-calibre runway presentations, and deep market insight. Over 250 exhibitors from across all sectors of the fashion industry will showcase their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries.  This August visitors can explore a 360° fashion showcase across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim brands, shoes, accessories, activewear and homewear, alongside other specialist participants. Leading names will unveil their latest collections, offering buyers a complete spectrum from premium to commercial lines.  

IFCO Segments  
TheCore Istanbul: Design Excellence Meets Global Reach 
The spotlight will shine brightly on The    Core Istanbul, where 24 of Türkiye’s most influential designers will present their latest collections. These include internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, whose architectural silhouettes are stocked in concept stores from Paris to Hong Kong; Mehtap Elaidi, a champion of contemporary womenswear seen at trade shows across Europe and the Middle East; and Hatice Gökçe, known for redefining menswear codes and collaborating with global cultural projects. Meltem Özbek and Özlem Süer continue to attract international buyers with their sophisticated, feminine aesthetics, while avant-garde label Sudi Etuz by Şansım Adalı has made waves at Paris Fashion Week. This mix of established names and rising talents positions Turkish design firmly on the global fashion map. Among the other rising and established talents unveiling their creative vision are Aylin Çetinkaya, Bahar Korçan, Belma Özdemir, Ceren Ocak, Elif Cığızoğlu, Emre Erdemoğlu, Erkan Demiroglu, Gokay Gundogdu, Gökhan Yavaş, Gönül Altunışık, Mehmet Emiroğlu, Mert Erkan, Murat Aytulum, Özlem Erkan, Özlem Kaya, Tanju Babacan, and Yakup Biçer, each brining a distinctive signature to the international stage.  

Turkish Womenswear 
Türkiye’s womenswear sector is experiencing strong growth, driven by its blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and rapid production capabilities. Offering everything from sleek minimalist tailoring to statement-making eveningwear, Turkish brands are increasingly present in global retail spaces, e-commerce platforms, and multi-brand boutiques. Backed by combining creative direction, premium craftmanship, high-quality fabrics, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, and competitive lead times, they can respond swiftly to shifting market demands – a capability highly valued by international buyers. For many retailers, sourcing in Türkiye also means reduced supply chain risks compared to distant manufacturing hubs, while benefitting from the country’s proximity to Europe and its customs union with the EU.  

With 125 exhibitors in this category alone, IFCO provides a concentrated view of the sector’s capabilities – from high-end designer pieces to large-scale production for global retail. Türkiye’s proximity to Europe, its customs union with the EU, and advanced logistics infrastructure allow for delivery times as short as 2–4 weeks to major European markets – a significant advantage over longer supply chains from Asia. Export destinations such as Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Gulf markets continue to show strong growth, with analysts forecasting double-digit annual increases supported by sustainable production investments, digitalisation, and global marketing initiatives. As one of the top brands İpekyol, one of Türkiye’s most influential womenswear brands and part of the Ayaydın-Miroglio Group, which also owns Twist and Machka, proudly marks its presence at IFCO. İpekyol operates over 240 stores domestically and internationally, with a retail presence spanning the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and select European fashion capitals. Known for its modern, feminine aesthetic and high-quality fabrics, İpekyol is a benchmark for Turkish womenswear’s – proving that Turkish brands can thrive in both domestic and international fashion markets. 

Menswear: Tradition Meets Modern Market Demands 
Türkiye is a powerhouse in menswear manufacturing, blending heritage tailoring skills with modern production efficiency. In 2024, Turkish menswear exports exceeded USD 3 billion, reflecting robust demand from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The country’s menswear segment benefits from high quality-to-price ratio, attracting both luxury and mid-market buyers; agility in production, enabling rapid adaptation to emerging trends; expanding focus on sustainability, from organic fabrics to eco-friendly finishing techniques 

At IFCO, leading menswear brands such as DS Damat, Kiğılı, JAKAMEN and Sabri Özel, UCLA, NCS will present collections that merge refined tailoring with contemporary silhouettes. From premium business attire to casualwear with global appeal, Turkish menswear offers a breadth of choice that meets the needs of diverse retail formats. 

Kidswear: A Market on the Rise 
Türkiye’s kidswear industry is emerging as a high-potential segment, supported by strong domestic consumption and growing export demand. With 21 exhibitors at IFCO buyers will find collections that combine playful, fashionforward design with the stringent quality and safety standards required for children’s apparel. Key competitive advantages include fast fashion capability for kidswear, enabling seasonal refreshes multiple times a year; competitive small-batch production for niche and premium children’s brands; increasing eco-conscious offerings, including organic cotton and non-toxic dyes.  
Export growth is particularly strong in European markets, the Gulf region, and Russia, where Turkish kids wear is valued for its design appeal, comfort, and durability. 
 
IFCO Frame Program 
IFCO Trends 
The Trend Area in hall 8, curated by the Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), will present forward-looking insights into colour palettes, silhouettes, and fabric innovations for upcoming seasons – framed within cultural and social narratives that help brands connect with consumers worldwide. Istanbul Fashion Connection Apparel and Fashion Fair – is curated by the expertise of Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), offering visitors an inspiring perspective on the fashion codes of the upcoming season. This special space blends academic knowledge with industry vision, reflecting not only seasonal trends but also the evolving cultural and social dimensions of fashion. From next season’s color palettes and silhouettes to fabric innovations and design details, each theme is presented through a curated lens aligned with global trends. Powerful visual storytelling supports each concept, allowing visitors to experience the latest in fashion both aesthetically and conceptually. 

IFCO Shows 
IFCO Shows is set to capture the pulse of the fashion industry. With the participation of womenswear, menswear, and kidswear brands, this special event will present a dynamic and inspiring fashion showcase featuring the latest collections from leading labels. Drawing strong attention from fashion professionals, buyers, and influencers, the runway will highlight the standout trends of the season. Each collection, reflecting its own unique style language, will bring to life the diverse spirit of fashion through colors, silhouettes, fabrics, and creative details. Positioned as a key showcase of the fashion industry, IFCO Shows not only sets the direction for sector professionals with the latest trends but also contributes to Istanbul’s vision of becoming a global fashion capital. 

IFCO Seminar Program 
The three-day IFCO seminar program promises a compelling blend of trend insights, expert discussions, and cutting-edge industry perspectives. Opening with a keynote by Tatiana Aldrich, WGSN Client & Trend Consultant, attendees will explore the Autumn/Winter 26/27 macro trends, key colors, and standout pieces shaping both women’s and men’s fashion. Thought-provoking panels moderated by industry leaders such as Belma Özdemir and Sinan İz will dive deep into pivotal themes including Gen Z’s reshaping of fashion culture, the evolution of menswear with inclusive identities, and the urgent call for conscious luxury grounded in sustainability and circularity. Further sessions spotlight the transformative impact of digital technologies on fashion retail, with insights from experts Almila Bayraktaroğlu and Esra Bağdat on e-commerce trends and AI applications. A dedicated panel on the “Digital Transformation 

Roadmap for Ready-to-Wear” brings together influential voices from İTKİB, KOSGEB, and sustainability leaders, outlining the future of fashion commerce and innovation. Concluding the program, industry and academic experts collaborate to discuss design and creativity strategies for the future, emphasizing competitions and partnerships that will nurture emerging talent and drive the sector forward. 
This seminar series is designed to empower attendees with actionable knowledge, foster meaningful dialogue, and highlight the fashion industry’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. 

Eastman announced a formal strategic partnership with Huafon Chemical to establish a joint facility to produce cellulose acetate yarn. The facility will be dedicated to localized production and product innovation of Eastman Naia™ cellulose acetate filament yarns in China.

“China is the world’s largest textile supply chain hub and a frontier for product and technology innovation,” said Ruth Farrell, general manager of Eastman’s textiles business. “This strategic partnership will provide us with greater capacity and further enhance the innovation and product development capabilities of Naia™ yarn while enabling Eastman to fulfill its brand promise of making sustainable textiles accessible to all.”   

This collaboration demonstrates Eastman’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepens its market presence in China by enabling a more agile supply chain response to meet the market demand for high-quality, innovative and sustainable textile materials in the region.  

“Through cooperation with Eastman, we look forward to combining local advantages with international resources to achieve a fully localized chain — from technological innovation, product development and production to service — and jointly promoting the sustainable development of the textiles industry,” said Congdeng Yang, director of the Huafon-Eastman collaboration program.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, recently attended the 2025 NCSL Legislative Summit hosted in Boston, Massachusetts. Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs, and Kevin Conroy, Senior Manager of Government Affairs, connected with hundreds of state legislators, their staff, international delegates, and many who visited INDA’s booth amongst the thousands of attendees.

Attendees were eager to learn more about flushability, the California Collection Study, the ins and outs of the nonwovens industry, the federal WIPPES Act, and state legislation on wipes. Wes and Kevin provided hands-on demonstrations and educational discussions to help policymakers understand how nonwoven products are made, used, and regulated — and the importance of accurate wipes labeling for consumers and the environment. This year marked the second time in recent years that INDA has exhibited at the event.

“Having a booth at the 2025 NCSL Legislative Summit allowed us to engage directly with state legislators, policy stakeholders, and many of the thousands of attendees on wipes labeling, the WIPPES Act, and other key issues shaping the nonwovens industry today,” said Wes Fisher. “The meaningful conversations and hands-on product demonstrations showcased the essential role nonwoven fabrics play in everyday life, from consumer households to critical industrial applications.”

The annual NCSL Legislative Summit hosts one of the nation's largest and most influential gatherings of state legislators, staff, corporations, government agencies, and trade associations. State and national media publications cover the event, disseminating news and stories across the country.

Since the beginning of the year, Oerlikon Textile Inc. has been offering a crimper repair service, making it the company's first location worldwide to do so. The workshop in Charlotte specializes primarily in Fleissner and Neumag crimpers.

Crimping is one of the most important and demanding steps in the staple fiber process. A uniform and stable crimp is crucial for optimum product quality. This makes it even more important to keep the essential components in good condition and repair them promptly to prevent production downtime.

Competence center established
In addition to the right equipment, this precise work also requires appropriate specialist personnel. Oerlikon Textile Inc. has built up a competent team at its Charlotte site, which offers a complete overhaul including pressure roller and chamber repairs, as well as checking the pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems. Each crimper is delivered pre-set and undergoes a thorough test run. These services are, of course, also covered by a warranty. “With this new service, we can work closely with our customers and guarantee the best service with OEM standards and short response times,” says Daniel Möller-Langmaack, Team Leader Service Sales Staple Fiber at Oerlikon Neumag. “This repair center is another important step in helping our customers to be successful and profitable in their business,” adds Tilmann Seidel, Vice President and Head of Customer Services at Oerlikon Neumag.