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12.08.2025

100 Tage Bundesregierung: Südwesttextil zieht kritisch Bilanz

Umsatzrückgang und Beschäftigtenverlust prägen das erste Halbjahr der Textilindustrie in Baden-Württemberg. Nach 100 Tagen Bundesregierung stehen erste Schritte der Wirtschaftswende neuen Bürokratiebelastungen und einem nicht gegenfinanzierten Rentenpaket 2025 gegenüber. Südwesttextil fordert eine konsequente Entbürokratisierung des Arbeitsmarkts und ein klares Bekenntnis zu einer zukunftsfesten Sozialpolitik, die den demografischen Wandel und die Generationengerechtigkeit berücksichtigt.

Im ersten Halbjahr hat die baden-württembergische Textilindustrie einen Umsatzrückgang von 4,1 Prozent verzeichnet. Die Anzahl der Beschäftigten ist in der gesamten Branche im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um 2,4 Prozent gesunken. Der Wirtschafts- und Arbeitgeberverband Südwesttextil sieht den Wirtschaftsstandort unter großer Belastung durch Bürokratie, Strukturveränderungen und demografischen Wandel. 

Umsatzrückgang und Beschäftigtenverlust prägen das erste Halbjahr der Textilindustrie in Baden-Württemberg. Nach 100 Tagen Bundesregierung stehen erste Schritte der Wirtschaftswende neuen Bürokratiebelastungen und einem nicht gegenfinanzierten Rentenpaket 2025 gegenüber. Südwesttextil fordert eine konsequente Entbürokratisierung des Arbeitsmarkts und ein klares Bekenntnis zu einer zukunftsfesten Sozialpolitik, die den demografischen Wandel und die Generationengerechtigkeit berücksichtigt.

Im ersten Halbjahr hat die baden-württembergische Textilindustrie einen Umsatzrückgang von 4,1 Prozent verzeichnet. Die Anzahl der Beschäftigten ist in der gesamten Branche im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um 2,4 Prozent gesunken. Der Wirtschafts- und Arbeitgeberverband Südwesttextil sieht den Wirtschaftsstandort unter großer Belastung durch Bürokratie, Strukturveränderungen und demografischen Wandel. 

100 Tage Bundesregierung: Wirtschaftspolitische Konsequenz gefordert
In dieser Woche ist die schwarz-rote Bundesregierung seit 100 Tagen im Amt und sieht die Umsetzung der Wirtschaftswende eingeleitet. Südwesttextil bewertet positiv, dass zentrale Vorhaben aus dem Koalitionsvertrag, wie das steuerliche Investitionssofortprogramm, die Abschaffung der Gasspeicherumlage oder das neue Vergabebeschleunigungsgesetz, bereits umgesetzt wurden. Dies ist aber nicht ausreichend, um eine wirtschaftspolitische Trendwende einzuleiten, wenn gleichzeitig US-Zölle den Handel erschweren und Gesetzesvorhaben wie das Tariftreuegesetz und das Rentenpaket für neue Bürokratie und Belastungen sorgen. 

Rentenpaket 2025: Südwesttextil kritisiert fehlende Gegenfinanzierung, Reformen und Generationengerechtigkeit
Das Rentenpaket wurden in der letzten Woche im Bundeskabinett mit drei zentralen Gesetzesvorhaben beschlossen. Aus Perspektive des Wirtschafts- und Arbeitgeberverbands Südwesttextil gehen sowohl die Mütterrente III als auch die Stabilisierung des Rentenniveaus auf 48 Prozent des jeweils geltenden Durchschnittslohns bis 2031 an der Realität vorbei. Südwesttextil-Hauptgeschäftsführerin Edina Brenner: „Diese Rentenpolitik entbehrt jeglicher Gegenfinanzierung und belastet jüngere Generationen mit einer enormen Hypothek. Wir benötigen dringend Reformen, die das Renten- und Sozialsystem zukunftssicher machen und dabei nicht ausblenden, dass Beitragszahlende einer immer größeren Gruppe von Leistungsbeziehenden gegenüberstehen.“ Mit der Entwicklung von Reformen erst ab dem nächsten Jahr zu beginnen, ist viel zu spät. Um das Rentensystem langfristig zu sichern und generationengerecht zu finanzieren, bedarf es vielfältiger Ansätze. Andere Länder in Europa zeigen bereits, wie eine Kombination aus progressiver Anpassung des Rentenalters an die Lebenserwartung, einer ergänzenden Kapitaldeckung durch Aktien und mehr privater Vorsorge funktionieren. Darüber hinaus ist entscheidend, dass die Anreize für Arbeit über das gesetzliche Renteneintrittsalter hinaus erhöht werden. 

Forderung nach Reformen: Bürokratieabbau und attraktive Beschäftigung als Schlüssel zur Zukunft
Die Aufhebung des Anschlussverbots bei sachgrundlosen Befristungen für Personen, die die Regelaltersgrenze bereits erreicht bzw. überschritten haben, begrüßt Südwesttextil dagegen ausdrücklich. Dies hatte bisher die freiwillige Weiterarbeit nach Renteneintritt deutlich erschwert. 

Aus Perspektive des Wirtschafts- und Arbeitgeberverbands Südwesttextil gelte es vielfältige Stellschrauben zu bewegen: „Um Wirtschaftskrise und demografischen Wandel zu bewältigen, bedarf es der Entbürokratisierung im Bereich von Beschäftigung und der Mobilisierung von Potenzialen. Dazu zählt die Verlängerung der Lebensarbeitszeit ebenso wie die erleichterte Zuwanderung von Fachkräften aus Drittstaaten. Nach wie vor muss der vollständige Zugang zum deutschen Arbeitsmarkt deutlich beschleunigt und digitalisiert werden.“ 

Auch den Sozialversicherungsbeiträgen droht in den nächsten Jahren ein starker Anstieg. Eine Prognose des IGES Institut berechnet selbst bei einem Basis-Szenario einen Anstieg des Gesamtsozialversicherungsbeitrags auf 48,6 Prozent des Bruttolohns für 2035. Damit sinkt die Attraktivität des deutschen Arbeitsmarktes im Verhältnis zu europäischen Nachbarländern nicht nur aus Arbeitgeber-, sondern gerade auch aus Arbeitnehmersicht. Die Sozialabgaben müssen daher dringend begrenzt und langfristig unter 40 Prozent gesenkt werden.

Source:

Verband der Südwestdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie Südwesttextil

Stroffe Eni Alves Santana Enia, Pixabay
12.08.2025

Investoren für Einzelhandelsgruppe DER STOFF gesucht

Aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen wurden durch die Geschäftsleitungen der HEMKON Stoff GmbH sowie der DER STOFF Stoffhandels-GmbH am 09.07.2025 die Einleitung eines Insolvenzverfahrens in Eigenverwaltung beantragt. 

Der in Münster ansässige Rechtsanwalt Eric Coordes aus der Wirtschaftskanzlei Mönig unterstützt die Eigenverwaltung beratend, Herr Rechtsanwalt Dr. Immo Hamer von Valtier von der Hannoveraner Kanzlei InsoTreu wurde zum vorläufigen Sachwalter bestellt. 

Unterstützt wird die Eigenverwaltung im Bereich Controlling von Carsten Menzel und Andreas Santen (Beckmann Unternehmensentwicklung GmbH) sowie durch die auf Sondersituationen spezialisierte MENTOR AG, welche den strukturierten Investorenprozess leitet. 

Die Unternehmensgruppe DER STOFF wurde vor rund 25 Jahren gegründet und bietet in den aktuell 39 bundesweit vertretenen Filialen eine große Auswahl an Stoffen, Kurzwaren, Zubehör sowie Nähmaschinen. Zusätzlich betreibt das Unternehmen zwei Onlineshops.

Aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen wurden durch die Geschäftsleitungen der HEMKON Stoff GmbH sowie der DER STOFF Stoffhandels-GmbH am 09.07.2025 die Einleitung eines Insolvenzverfahrens in Eigenverwaltung beantragt. 

Der in Münster ansässige Rechtsanwalt Eric Coordes aus der Wirtschaftskanzlei Mönig unterstützt die Eigenverwaltung beratend, Herr Rechtsanwalt Dr. Immo Hamer von Valtier von der Hannoveraner Kanzlei InsoTreu wurde zum vorläufigen Sachwalter bestellt. 

Unterstützt wird die Eigenverwaltung im Bereich Controlling von Carsten Menzel und Andreas Santen (Beckmann Unternehmensentwicklung GmbH) sowie durch die auf Sondersituationen spezialisierte MENTOR AG, welche den strukturierten Investorenprozess leitet. 

Die Unternehmensgruppe DER STOFF wurde vor rund 25 Jahren gegründet und bietet in den aktuell 39 bundesweit vertretenen Filialen eine große Auswahl an Stoffen, Kurzwaren, Zubehör sowie Nähmaschinen. Zusätzlich betreibt das Unternehmen zwei Onlineshops.

„Unsere eindeutige Zielsetzung ist es, im Rahmen der Restrukturierung möglichst viele Filialen und damit auch Arbeitsplätze zu erhalten. Wir haben zusammen mit unserem Beraterteam bereits einige Maßnahmen umsetzen können und sehen dem Investorenprozess gespannt entgegen“, erläutert die Geschäftsführerin Dr. Nina Konjer, die die Unternehmensgruppe gemeinsam mit ihrem Vater Gerrit Konjer und dessen Gründungspartner Klemens Niehoff leitet. 

„Unser Fokus bei der Investorensuche liegt auf strategischen Investoren mit gleichen oder angrenzenden Sortimenten, für die DER STOFF eine sinnvolle Ergänzung darstellen könnte. Die etablierte Marktpräsenz und das qualifizierte Personal bieten strategischen Investoren eine attraktive Investitionsgelegenheit. Dabei ermöglicht das Insolvenzrecht eine bedarfsgerechte Anpassung der Standort- und Kostenstruktur“, ergänzt Jennifer Baumann von der MENTOR AG. 

Aktive Interessenten können sich für weitere Informationen direkt an die MENTOR AG wenden. Ansprechpartner sind Uwe Borgers (uwe.borgers@mentor.ag) und Jennifer Baumann (jennifer.baumann@mentor.ag).

Source:

Mentor AG

Toyota Accelerates Production Innovation with Stratasys’ 3D printing technology Photo: Toyota / Stratasys
11.08.2025

Toyota Accelerates Production Innovation with Stratasys’ 3D printing technology

Longstanding partnership with Stratasys increases worker safety, and fuels on-demand factory tooling 
Stratasys Ltd. announced that Toyota’s production engineering group is accelerating innovation on the factory floor through its strategic collaboration with Stratasys. The automaker is empowering automotive workers to seamlessly integrate advanced 3D printing technology in their manufacturing process, taking tools, fixtures and jigs from initial concept to working prototype in just one day. 

Through the more than 10-year partnership with Stratasys, Toyota engineers have access to industrial-grade 3D printers and advanced materials designed to withstand tough factory conditions. These Stratasys high-performance polymers reduce reliance on external suppliers and long lead times, giving frontline engineering teams the ability to iterate rapidly and adapt to shifting production needs in real time. 

Toyota is currently using the Stratasys F3300, F900, Origin One, F770, Neo800, H350, F370, J850, and Fortus 450mc printers to produce robust factory tooling, end-use parts, and functional prototypes throughout its North American facilities. 

Longstanding partnership with Stratasys increases worker safety, and fuels on-demand factory tooling 
Stratasys Ltd. announced that Toyota’s production engineering group is accelerating innovation on the factory floor through its strategic collaboration with Stratasys. The automaker is empowering automotive workers to seamlessly integrate advanced 3D printing technology in their manufacturing process, taking tools, fixtures and jigs from initial concept to working prototype in just one day. 

Through the more than 10-year partnership with Stratasys, Toyota engineers have access to industrial-grade 3D printers and advanced materials designed to withstand tough factory conditions. These Stratasys high-performance polymers reduce reliance on external suppliers and long lead times, giving frontline engineering teams the ability to iterate rapidly and adapt to shifting production needs in real time. 

Toyota is currently using the Stratasys F3300, F900, Origin One, F770, Neo800, H350, F370, J850, and Fortus 450mc printers to produce robust factory tooling, end-use parts, and functional prototypes throughout its North American facilities. 

By integrating Stratasys industrial 3D printing solutions across its North American operations, Toyota can transform ideas into durable, customized tools that support workflows, enhance worker safety, and withstand wear and tear. Much of this work is powered by the Toyota Add Lab, the company’s in-house additive manufacturing center that was opened in January 2023 and dedicated to accelerating R&D and factory innovation. 

“Sometimes we start with nothing more than a sketch on paper or an idea in our heads,” said Dallas Martin, Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Toyota North America. “We can model it digitally and hold a working part in our hands the very next day. That speed lets us move quickly, implement safer solutions, and continuously iterate to improve our processes.” 

The collaboration reflects Stratasys’ broader commitment to helping automotive leaders transform their manufacturing workflows with scalable, cost-effective additive solutions that drive innovation. From jigs and fixtures to ergonomic aids and complex assembly tools, additive manufacturing is helping Toyota team members solve production challenges with unprecedented speed and flexibility. 

“Additive manufacturing has transformed how our teams collaborate and innovate,” said Lisa Bednar, Group Manager, Production Engineering at Toyota North America. “Instead of sending an idea out and waiting weeks for a part, we’re building it ourselves, refining it the same day, and getting it into production faster. It’s not just about speed — it’s about giving our people the tools to think differently and act immediately.” 

Thanks in part to the Add Lab’s innovations, Toyota engineers have used 3D printing to redesign a door assembly fixture, creating a lighter, more ergonomic tool on-site in just a few days. In another case, they developed a custom window alignment jig that turned a multi-person job into a one-person task, boosting both safety and efficiency. 

“Toyota is a standout example of how leading manufacturers are leveraging additive manufacturing to deliver meaningful operational impact,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Industrial Business Officer at Stratasys. “Their teams are using our technology to move faster, adapt on the fly, and build safer, more efficient production environments. We’re proud to support a partner that’s turning bold ideas into real-world, measurable improvements on the factory floor.” 

Source:

Stratasys Ltd.

11.08.2025

adidas mit zweistelligem Wachstum im zweiten Quartal 2025

Die wichtigsten Entwicklungen im zweiten Quartal 2025 in Stichworten:

Die wichtigsten Entwicklungen im zweiten Quartal 2025 in Stichworten:

  • Marke adidas wächst im zweiten Quartal um 12 %, mit starken Zuwächsen in allen Kategorien, Vertriebskanälen und Märkten
  • Umsatz von 6,0 Mrd. € beinhaltet negative Währungsumrechnungseffekte in Höhe von rund 300 Mio. €
  • Bruttomarge verbessert sich trotz unvorteilhafter Auswirkungen von Wechselkursen, Geschäftsmix und Zöllen um 0,9 Prozentpunkte auf 51,7 %
  • Betriebsergebnis steigt um 58 % auf 546 Mio. €
  • Operative Marge verbessert sich um 3,2 Prozentpunkte auf 9,2 %
  • Gewinn aus fortgeführten Geschäftsbereichen erhöht sich um 77 % auf 375 Mio. €
  • Prognose für das Gesamtjahr unter Berücksichtigung der erhöhten Unsicherheit durch US-Zölle und makroökonomischer Risiken bestätigt

Prognose für das Gesamtjahr
Prognose unter Berücksichtigung der Unsicherheit durch US-Zölle und makroökonomischer Risiken bestätigt
Seit adidas Anfang März seinen Ausblick auf das Gesamtjahr veröffentlicht hat, haben die externe Volatilität und die makroökonomischen Risiken signifikant zugenommen. Während das Unternehmen seinen Ausblick bestätigt, bleibt die Spanne der möglichen Ergebnisse jedoch vergrößert. Das Unternehmen sieht auf der Grundlage der starken Ergebnisse des ersten Halbjahres, des anhaltenden Markenmomentums und des starken Auftragsbestands für den Rest des Jahres 2025 weiterhin Verbesserungspotenzial. Gleichzeitig bleibt die erhöhte Unsicherheit im Zusammenhang mit potenziellen direkten und indirekten Auswirkungen der höheren US-Zölle bestehen.

Für 2025 währungsbereinigter Umsatzanstieg im hohen einstelligen Prozentbereich erwartet
adidas geht davon aus, weitere Marktanteile hinzuzugewinnen und den währungsbereinigten Umsatz des Unternehmens im Jahr 2025 im hohen einstelligen Prozentbereich steigern zu können, was eine Fortsetzung des zweistelligen Wachstums der Marke adidas widerspiegelt. Ein deutlich verbessertes, breiter aufgestelltes und umfassenderes Produktsortiment in Kombination mit einem gesteigerten Fokus auf lokale Verbraucherpräferenzen sowie die deutlich verbesserten Beziehungen zu den Einzelhändlern werden die Haupttreiber des prognostizierten Umsatzwachstums sein. Zusätzlich werden wirkungsvolle Marketinginitiativen das Markenmomentum weiter stärken und das prognostizierte Umsatzwachstum unterstützen.

Weitere Verbesserung des Betriebsergebnisses auf 1,7 Mrd. € bis 1,8 Mrd. €
Während adidas weiterhin die Investitionen in Marketing und Vertrieb erhöhen wird, wird Effizienz im Bereich der Betriebsgemeinkosten es dem Unternehmen ermöglichen, sein starkes Umsatzwachstum in überproportionales Gewinnwachstum zu verwandeln. In Kombination mit der anhaltenden Steigerung der Bruttomarge wird dies den Erwartungen zufolge zu einer weiteren signifikanten Verbesserung der Profitabilität im Jahr 2025 führen. Das Unternehmen erwartet demnach für 2025 weiterhin eine Verbesserung des Betriebsergebnisses auf einen Wert zwischen 1,7 Mrd. € und 1,8 Mrd. €.

Nachdem der Verkauf der verbliebenen Yeezy Bestände im Jahr 2024 abgeschlossen wurde, sind im Ausblick des Unternehmens keine Umsätze mit Yeezy Produkten im Jahr 2025 (2024: rund 650 Mio. €) oder Gewinne (2024: rund 200 Mio. €) enthalten.

Source:

adidas AG

11.08.2025

Cinte Techtextil China 2025: Refreshed fringe programme

Industries around the world are transforming to meet modern demands – with technology advancing, markets changing, and sustainability as vital as ever – and the technical textiles and nonwovens sector is no exception. At this year’s Cinte Techtextil China, fringe events will be organised into four key segments to help industry players adapt: Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and Industry Insight. With an impactful lineup of events, speakers, and product showcases, the organisers expect the array to draw significant interest at the show, taking place 3 – 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Key themes highlight insights and business exchange in modern economic climate

Sustainability

Industries around the world are transforming to meet modern demands – with technology advancing, markets changing, and sustainability as vital as ever – and the technical textiles and nonwovens sector is no exception. At this year’s Cinte Techtextil China, fringe events will be organised into four key segments to help industry players adapt: Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and Industry Insight. With an impactful lineup of events, speakers, and product showcases, the organisers expect the array to draw significant interest at the show, taking place 3 – 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Key themes highlight insights and business exchange in modern economic climate

Sustainability

  • Sustainability Forum: taking place in the Econogy Talks seminar area, the forum will address the dual challenges of environmental protection and technological innovation, and outline how manufacturers need to adapt production methods to suit transformation requirements for the sector. Speakers will use insights and practical case studies to show how the integration of technology and design, and innovative business models, can drive the sector towards a greener future.

    Moderated by Dr Guoxiang Yuan, Graduate Supervisor of Donghua University and Research Fellow of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, guest speakers include Mr Dominique Simard, Founder & CEO of Rethink Fashion; Ms Jackie Liu, Business Leader from 3M China Limited; and Mr Kinor Jiang, Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
  • Econogy Tour: an insightful tour of independently verified sustainable exhibitors, led by Mr Karl Borgschulze, Managing Director of Consulting Service International. The tour will shine a spotlight on the global companies making positive environmental impacts through innovative product design, production processes, or supply chain management. Combining ‘ecology’ and ‘economy’, Messe Frankfurt’s innovative ‘Texpertise Econogy’ initiative promotes a greener, business-friendly future for the textile industry.  

Artificial Intelligence

  • AI Panel Discussion: focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with using AI for automated textile material inspection, the panel will offer insights into AI’s enhanced accuracy, reduced labour costs, and real-time inspection capability in high-speed manufacturing environments. Participants include Prof Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre Director of Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) and Cheng Yik Hung Professor in Fashion of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mr Eric Sham, Senior Consultant at AiDLab; and Ms Dorothy Yeung, Assistant Manager of Business Development at AiDLab (moderator).

Industry Insight

  • China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC): held for 12 consecutive years, the influential conference is organised by the China National Industries Textile Association (CNITA), and has become an important platform for attendees to understand the global nonwovens market, relating to policies, technological developments, and applications. Featuring a range of high-profile speakers, each session focuses on various companies’ nonwoven or related product advancements and development status, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. This year’s conference theme is ‘Breaking the Deadlock and Reconstruction.’

Innovation

  • Innovation Space: an exhibition area focused on spotlighting the technical textile and nonwoven sector’s cutting-edge advancements. The space serves as a guide to drive industry upgrades, providing visitors with a high-quality showcase of new materials, new products, and new technologies.
  • Innovation Product Awards and Presentation: the event provides a valuable opportunity for innovators to promote their products to key industry players and potential collaborators, encouraging technological innovation, green development, and high-end applications, and accelerating the adoption of new technology. Outstanding products will be awarded the ‘2025 Innovation Product Award.’

During the three-day fair, other events include various livestreamed tours, focusing on textile application areas such as medical; protective; filtration & separation; automotive; and tent & composite materials. Meanwhile, the ‘Kingsafe Dangs’ National University Students’ Nonwovens Development and Applications Showcase aims to promote and recognise innovation from the next generation. This is set to boost the show’s design and entrepreneurial exchange, with the corresponding awards ceremony giving added visibility to some of the industry’s most promising talents.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 3 – 5 September 2025.

The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Mumbai Photo: Simon, Pixabay
11.08.2025

ReCycle Zone at Techtextil India

In a major push to advance circularity and environmental accountability in the technical textiles sector, Techtextil India 2025 will launch the dedicated ‘ReCycle Zone’ in collaboration with the Society of Plastics Engineers India (SPE India). Reclaim, Reuse and Reimagine are among the key features of the zone at the upcoming edition of Techtextil India scheduled from 19th – 21st November 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
 
As industries across the globe adopt circular economy models and sustainable production practices, the ReCycle Zone will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders working to transform textile and plastic waste into value-added materials. The initiative reflects Technical India’s ongoing commitment to driving responsible innovation by converging recyclers, solution providers, machinery manufacturers startups and policy enablers under one roof. This new industry focused zone will spotlight sustainable innovation and next-gen recycling technologies.
 
Spotlighting on Textile Waste Management and circularity, this ReCycle Zone will host companies specialising in: 

In a major push to advance circularity and environmental accountability in the technical textiles sector, Techtextil India 2025 will launch the dedicated ‘ReCycle Zone’ in collaboration with the Society of Plastics Engineers India (SPE India). Reclaim, Reuse and Reimagine are among the key features of the zone at the upcoming edition of Techtextil India scheduled from 19th – 21st November 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
 
As industries across the globe adopt circular economy models and sustainable production practices, the ReCycle Zone will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders working to transform textile and plastic waste into value-added materials. The initiative reflects Technical India’s ongoing commitment to driving responsible innovation by converging recyclers, solution providers, machinery manufacturers startups and policy enablers under one roof. This new industry focused zone will spotlight sustainable innovation and next-gen recycling technologies.
 
Spotlighting on Textile Waste Management and circularity, this ReCycle Zone will host companies specialising in: 

  • Garment, agro-textiles and medical textiles waste recycling
  • Plastic and PET waste recycling for textile applications
  • Fibre to fibre and yarn regeneration 
  • Sorting, shredding and advanced recycling machinery 
  • EPR compliance, traceability and green certifications 
  • AI and automation in waste management systems 

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by connecting buyers, suppliers, R&D specialists and sustainability officers.
 
To deepen the technical engagement, SPE India will curate a series of focused knowledge sessions and panel discussions within the ReCycle Zone. Experts from academia, policy think tanks and leading corporates will weigh in on topics such as circular product design, industry compliance and mandates, advances in waste recovery, and investment outlook in green tech.
 
The launch of ReCycle Zone aligns with India’s national efforts towards sustainable manufacturing, driven by programs like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and PM MITRA Parks (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel). As technical textiles play an increasingly important role across sectors such as defence, healthcare, automotive and agriculture, integrating recycling and circular design into their production processes has become essential.
 
The zone further reinforces Messe Frankfurt India’s role in nurturing a sustainable business ecosystem through its leading industry platforms. Techtextil India will mark the 10th edition of India’s most comprehensive exhibition for technical textiles, nonwovens, and composites. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, the show will cover 12 diverse application areas from protective wear and functional fabrics to smart textiles, filtration and mobility solutions.
 
Scheduled from 19th – 21st November 2025 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, the show will bring together global and domestic exhibitors, solutions providers, institutional buyers, research organisations and key industry bodies for three days of business, innovation and networking.
 
Adding momentum to the industry dialogue the India edition of the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference one of the most prestigious global conferences for fibre and material innovations, will take place on 18th November 2025 also at NESCO, Mumbai – one day prior to Techtextil India show.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India

11.08.2025

17th Colloquium on Recycling for Textiles with accompanying trade exhibition in Chemnitz

On 3 and 4 December 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.  
 
Closing cycles  
The thematic focus is on technologies for textile recycling, circular and sustainable textile products, and the implementation of circular economy principles. Other topics include the collection, sorting and management of textile waste, as well as successful cooperation models for a circular textile industry. A concluding pitch session offers start-ups and universities the opportunity to present innovative ideas and solutions as forward-looking alternatives to conventional processes.  
 
Trade exhibition celebrates its premiere 

On 3 and 4 December 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.  
 
Closing cycles  
The thematic focus is on technologies for textile recycling, circular and sustainable textile products, and the implementation of circular economy principles. Other topics include the collection, sorting and management of textile waste, as well as successful cooperation models for a circular textile industry. A concluding pitch session offers start-ups and universities the opportunity to present innovative ideas and solutions as forward-looking alternatives to conventional processes.  
 
Trade exhibition celebrates its premiere 
For the first time, the colloquium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. Companies, research institutions and service providers will present their products, services and latest research and development results. The trade exhibition offers participants numerous opportunities for direct exchange and the initiation of new collaborations – supported by networking opportunities during conference breaks, at the business lunch and the evening event. 
 
‘The colloquium has established itself as an important platform for professional exchange in the textile industry. With the new trade exhibition, we are expanding the concept to include a valuable component for direct knowledge transfer and the presentation of innovative solutions,’ explains Johannes Leis, STFI expert for textile recycling and circular economy. 

Source:

Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI)

11.08.2025

DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025: Ready to inspire?

The Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) was created in January 2010 as an outgrowth of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. DNFI is an organization that works to further the interests of natural fibres by serving as a platform for information exchange and by raising awareness of the benefits of natural fibre industries to the world economy, environment and consumers. 

Celebrating Breakthroughs in Natural Fibre Innovation – DNFI Award 2025 
The DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025 shines spotlight on groundbreaking developments in the world of natural fibres. Its mission: to highlight innovative achievements, amplify the work of leading researchers, innovators and producers, to create new pathways for commercial impact. From sustainability to smart materials, the award honors those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with nature’s finest resources. 

The Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) was created in January 2010 as an outgrowth of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. DNFI is an organization that works to further the interests of natural fibres by serving as a platform for information exchange and by raising awareness of the benefits of natural fibre industries to the world economy, environment and consumers. 

Celebrating Breakthroughs in Natural Fibre Innovation – DNFI Award 2025 
The DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025 shines spotlight on groundbreaking developments in the world of natural fibres. Its mission: to highlight innovative achievements, amplify the work of leading researchers, innovators and producers, to create new pathways for commercial impact. From sustainability to smart materials, the award honors those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with nature’s finest resources. 

The DNFI Award 2025 will be judged across three categories: Innovative products, components or applications; innovative processes or procedures; and research and science projects. Entries will be evaluated based on outstanding scientific work and technical feasibility, the extent to which the innovation improves or increases the effectiveness of existing products or processes, and its potential to open up new markets or sectors for products made from natural fibres.

Candidates for the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025 are requested to send the application with the appropriate submission form by email to: Secretariat[at]dnfi.org.
 
Entries will be accepted until 30th September 2025. The winner will be announced in a press release in October 2025 and invited to attend the DNFI plenary session on 14 January 2026. The award ceremony will take place the following day, 15 January 2026, at the Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The 2025 award will once again be sponsored by the DNFI member organisation The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF).

All characteristics at a glance: The Denkendorf Fiber Chart. Photo: DITF
All characteristics at a glance: The Denkendorf Fiber Chart.
11.08.2025

Denkendorf Fiber Chart revised

A companion during studies and for practical use in the workplace: generations of textile experts have used the Denkendorf Fiber Chart to keep track of all the important characteristic values of textile raw materials. Following the first two editions in the 1970s and 1980s, scientists in Denkendorf have comprehensively revised the Fiber Chart. The third edition is now available in digital form for the first time.

The overview shows all important natural and synthetic fibers in SEM, microscope, and fiber array images, as well as a force-elongation diagram for each. It describes their chemical properties with key characteristic values such as specific strength, elongation, or hysteresis. Relevant brand names complete the overview and enable reliable guidance in the selection of materials for various products.

A companion during studies and for practical use in the workplace: generations of textile experts have used the Denkendorf Fiber Chart to keep track of all the important characteristic values of textile raw materials. Following the first two editions in the 1970s and 1980s, scientists in Denkendorf have comprehensively revised the Fiber Chart. The third edition is now available in digital form for the first time.

The overview shows all important natural and synthetic fibers in SEM, microscope, and fiber array images, as well as a force-elongation diagram for each. It describes their chemical properties with key characteristic values such as specific strength, elongation, or hysteresis. Relevant brand names complete the overview and enable reliable guidance in the selection of materials for various products.

The Denkendorf Fiber Chart has a long tradition and has been a household name in the textile world for decades. With their many years of testing experience, participation in standardization committees, and numerous industry contacts, the scientists in Denkendorf worked closely with manufacturers and users to compile a comprehensive chart more than 50 years ago. The third edition of the Denkendorf Fiber Table is available as a poster and in digital form. The online platform offers a search function for fiber properties, allowing individual fibers and their properties to be compared. Data sheets and high-resolution images complete the offer.

In July, the DITF web shop was launched, enabling the textile research center to transfer knowledge. In addition to the fiber table, publications on research results and tickets for specialist events can be purchased.

Source:

Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf

Open House at BBE Technikum Photo BB Engineering
Open House at BBE Technikum
08.08.2025

BB Engineering at K 2025: Proven and new technologies for PET recycling

Under the motto “Closing the Loop. Opening Potential,” BB Engineering (BBE) and Barmag will be presenting innovative and profitable technologies for sustainable plastics processing at K 2025. BBE will be focusing on high-performance extruders, highly efficient melt filters, and integrated recycling solutions for highquality rPET melts. A special highlight: the parallel Open House event at the BBE Technical Center with live demonstrations. 
 
BB Engineering (BBE) will once again be appearing at K 2025 together with its parent company Barmag (a member of the Swiss Oerlikon Group) and its associated brands, showcasing its expertise in extrusion, filtration, and recycling. Under the motto “Barmag Recycling Technologies – Closing the Loop. Opening Potential,” the companies will place a clear focus on profitable sustainability at their joint booth 10H12 and provide information about a wide range of products and services. 

Under the motto “Closing the Loop. Opening Potential,” BB Engineering (BBE) and Barmag will be presenting innovative and profitable technologies for sustainable plastics processing at K 2025. BBE will be focusing on high-performance extruders, highly efficient melt filters, and integrated recycling solutions for highquality rPET melts. A special highlight: the parallel Open House event at the BBE Technical Center with live demonstrations. 
 
BB Engineering (BBE) will once again be appearing at K 2025 together with its parent company Barmag (a member of the Swiss Oerlikon Group) and its associated brands, showcasing its expertise in extrusion, filtration, and recycling. Under the motto “Barmag Recycling Technologies – Closing the Loop. Opening Potential,” the companies will place a clear focus on profitable sustainability at their joint booth 10H12 and provide information about a wide range of products and services. 

Extrusion technologies 
BBE's origins lie in extrusion: the company can look back on decades of experience and many thousands of extruders delivered. Its single-screw extruders are suitable for a wide range of polymers such as PP, PET, rPET, PA, and PE, and are particularly well suited for demanding applications in film production, synthetic fiber spinning, and high-quality PET recycling. With screw diameters ranging from 30 to 360 mm, the systems cover a wide processing spectrum and enable throughputs of 3 to 6,000 kg/h, depending on the material and process requirements. In addition to singlescrew extruders, BBE also offers extrusion cascades for high output rates while meeting the highest quality requirements. 

Efficient filtration for melt qualities 
BBE perfectly complements its extrusion technology with a comprehensive range of melt filters – including the innovative COBRA filter, which sets new standards in continuous polymer filtration. This powerful system features automatic valve switching and integrated inline intermediate cleaning. This equipment enables continuous, uninterrupted operation with consistently high filtration quality – a clear advantage, especially when processing recycled plastics with varying material properties. With a maximum filter area of 24 m² and a throughput of up to 4,000 kg per hour, the COBRA filter impresses with its high efficiency and stable process conditions. 

Integrated recycling solutions for high-quality rPET melt 
For many years, BBE has been dedicated to developing highperformance technologies for plastics recycling. In addition to a broad portfolio of extruders, melt filters, and the VarioFil® R filament spinning system, which are designed for PET recycling, BBE offers VacuFil®, a fully integrated system for PET recycling via liquid-state polycondensation. 

VacuFil® combines large-area, gentle melt filtration with precise IV control, thus ensuring consistently high quality of the rPET melt. The modular system concept allows flexible adaptation to different material qualities and areas of application in the recycling process. The capacity is 150-4,000 kg/h. The central component of the system is Visco+®, the liquid-state polycondensation unit for targeted viscosity adjustment. Continuous adjustment of the IV results in a homogeneous melt with optimal processing properties – ideal for high-quality end products in the fiber, film, or packaging industry. 

Open House at the BBE Technical Center 
At the BBE Technical Center in Remscheid, visitors can experience the entire product portfolio live, thanks to its proximity to the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center. Here, BBE is hosting an open house event on two days of the K show, where PET waste is recycled on the test facilities and spun directly into high-quality recycled yarn (POY). The new COBRA filter will also be on display here. The yarn produced is then further processed using BBE's JeTex® airtexturizing system with a new auto-doffing unit. (October 10 and 13, 2025, participation by individual invitation) 

Source:

BB Engineering

08.08.2025

Euratex welcomes Southeast Asia FTAs

EURATEX strongly supports the swift conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the European Union and four key Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. These FTAs are essential to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the European textile and apparel industry.

The European textile sector is highly globalised, with over €60 billion in annual exports and more than half generated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With rising global competition, particularly from China, the EU must act decisively to diversify trade, reduce dependency, and unlock new opportunities in the ASEAN region.

EURATEX advocates for FTAs that ensure:

EURATEX strongly supports the swift conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the European Union and four key Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. These FTAs are essential to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the European textile and apparel industry.

The European textile sector is highly globalised, with over €60 billion in annual exports and more than half generated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With rising global competition, particularly from China, the EU must act decisively to diversify trade, reduce dependency, and unlock new opportunities in the ASEAN region.

EURATEX advocates for FTAs that ensure:

  • Open and efficient markets through reduced tariffs and fewer trade barriers
  • Legal certainty and protection of intellectual property rights for European businesses
  • Sustainable development goals, aligned with international social and environmental standards
  • Complementarity between EU trade and industrial policy, including better access to raw materials
  • A rules-based trading system that ensures fair enforcement and accountability
  • Strong support for WTO principles, including reforms on subsidies, public procurement, and IPR

Each of the four partner countries presents unique opportunities:

  • Indonesia: As a major Southeast Asian economy, a deal would improve market access, reduce non-tariff barriers, and strengthen EU investment.
  • Thailand: A strategic trade hub, offering prospects for resilient supply chains and streamlined customs procedures.
  • Philippines: An emerging market with growing demand and potential for enhanced cooperation on EU standards.
  • Malaysia: A CPTPP and RCEP member, offering EU companies a gateway to wider Asian markets and high-value manufacturing partnerships.

To ensure mutual benefit, EURATEX highlights the need for modern rules of origin, effective customs enforcement, non-tariff barrier elimination, and public procurement access. Cumulation provisions, such as including Türkiye in the Malaysia agreement, should also be considered.

In the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty and global overcapacity—especially in the synthetic fibre segment—these FTAs offer a strategic response. They not only secure fair trade but also reinforce the EU’s presence in a region vital to the future of sustainable and competitive textiles.

Source:

Euratex

07.08.2025

Lenzing: Revenue and earnings growth in first half of the year

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reported both revenue and earnings growth year-on-year in the first half of 2025. In the second quarter, however, international tariff measures and the resultant uncertainty led to tangible stress along the textile value chain and slowed the Lenzing Group’s recovery. Market prices remained at a low level while costs for raw materials, energy and logistics continued to be high. 
 

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reported both revenue and earnings growth year-on-year in the first half of 2025. In the second quarter, however, international tariff measures and the resultant uncertainty led to tangible stress along the textile value chain and slowed the Lenzing Group’s recovery. Market prices remained at a low level while costs for raw materials, energy and logistics continued to be high. 
 
The Lenzing Group generated revenue of EUR 1.34 bn in the first half of 2025, which was higher than in the same period of the previous year. The operating earnings trend benefited significantly from the positive effects of the performance program. EBITDA grew by 63.3 percent to EUR 268.6 mn, which included positive exceptional effects from the sale of surplus EU emission allowances amounting to EUR 30.6 mn and the valuation of biological assets amounting to EUR 12.5 mn. The EBITDA margin rose from 12.5 percent to 20 percent. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) amounted to EUR 109 mn (compared with EUR 18.9 mn in the same period of the previous year), which corresponds to an EBIT margin of 8.1 percent (compared with 1.4 percent in the same period of the previous year). Earnings before tax (EBT) amounted to EUR 22.1 mn (compared with minus EUR 22.3 mn in the same period of the previous year). Earnings after tax improved significantly to EUR 15.2 mn (compared with minus EUR 65.4 mn in the same period of the previous year).  
 
“Lenzing made further progress on its path to operational recovery in the first half of 2025. Our performance program is making a clear contribution to earnings improvement. At the same time, we are seeing tangible effects from the growing uncertainties in international trade in the second quarter – particularly as a consequence of the aggressive tariffs policy. These developments not only affect our visibility, but also our earnings. For this reason, we are all the more determined to continue our measures to secure our turnaround in the long term and further strengthen our margins,” notes Rohit Aggarwal, Lenzing Group CEO.  
 
The Lenzing Group’s performance program is comprehensively geared towards strengthening long-term crisis resilience and enhancing agility in the face of market changes. The aim is to sustainably improve EBITDA and generate free cash flow through increased profitability and consistent cost excellence. Measures such as acquiring new customers for key products and expanding into smaller markets were implemented in order to strengthen sales activities and thereby revenue growth. At the same time, Lenzing is implementing measures to significantly improve its cost structure, which are being reviewed and further developed on an ongoing basis. Over EUR 130 mn in cost savings were already achieved in 2024. Progress was made especially in terms of product costs and product quality. The Managing Board also expects further efficiency gains in the coming quarters, especially in production costs and overhead functions. The ongoing improvements in structures, processes and personnel expenses are expected to lead to an increase in both revenue and margins. The Managing Board anticipates cost savings of in excess of EUR 180 mn in the current financial year.  
 
Lenzing has also successfully strengthened its capital structure over the course of the year to date. A syndicated loan of EUR 545 mn was concluded in May. The structure of the loan comprises a EUR 355 mn term loan with a three-year term and a revolving line of credit of EUR 190 mn, also with a three-year term and extension options totaling two years. In addition, a new EUR 500 mn three-year non-callable hybrid bond was successfully placed on the market. With these measures, Lenzing secures its financing until 2027 and can continue to focus fully on implementing its successful performance program to enhance margins and free cash flow as well as to improve the cost position. 
 
Outlook
For 2025, the IMF forecasts global growth of three percent, followed by 3.1 percent in 2026 – marking a slowdown compared to the previous year (2024: 3.3 percent). The projection remains below the pre-pandemic historical average. At the same time, the IMF warns of persistently high risks to the global economy: a renewed escalation of trade conflicts, geopolitical tensions, or tighter financing conditions could dampen growth and reignite inflationary pressures.  
 
In an environment characterized by uncertainty and a persistently high cost of living, consumers are anticipated to remain cautious. This is exerting a lasting negative impact on their propensity to spend. Given the announced tariff increases, the rise in spending on apparel in the USA in the first half of the year is to be regarded as a temporary, one-off effect and is unlikely to continue over the course of the remainder of the year. 
 
The currency environment is expected to remain volatile in regions relevant to Lenzing.  
 
In the global bellwether market for cotton, market analysts’ current forecasts anticipate a slight increase in stocks to around 16.3 mn tons for the coming 2025/26 harvest season. 
 
Lenzing will continue to consistently implement its performance program and will conduct ongoing evaluations in order to leverage further cost potentials and further improve its revenue and margin generation.  
 
At present, the Lenzing Group confirms its guidance for the 2025 financial year of year-on-year higher EBITDA.  
 
The ongoing tariffs conflict and associated uncertainty are negatively affecting market expectations and are continuing to exert a very restrictive effect on earnings visibility.   
 
In structural terms, Lenzing continues to expect growing demand for environmentally responsible fibers for the textile and apparel industry as well as the hygiene and medical sectors. Lenzing is therefore very well positioned with its strategy and is pushing both profitable growth with specialty fibers and the further expansion of its market leadership in the sustainability area. 

Source:

Lenzing AG

OBHE's homogenization technology stands for the thermomechanical recycling of processed post-industrial polyester waste. Photo: Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG / Barmag
OBHE's homogenization technology stands for the thermomechanical recycling of processed post-industrial polyester waste.
07.08.2025

Barmag at K 2025: Focus on sustainability

With a clear focus on sustainability, Barmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, will present comprehensive solutions from its Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Neumag product brands for the plastics industry at K 2025. Under the motto "Barmag Recycling Technologies – Closing the Loop. Opening Potential," Barmag will inform trade visitors about its wide range of services in the field of plastics manufacturing and processing from October 8 to 15. 

"Our technologies enable our customers to achieve a closed-loop economy in the plastics industry, particularly in the packaging and chemical fiber industries. From melt preparation and cleaning to melt conveying, granulation, and spinning—we have all the technologies in-house, everything from a single source," says Barmag CEO Georg Stausberg, referring to innovative technologies for polycondensation and extrusion systems, new recycling solutions, sustainable manufacturing processes for filtration applications, and high-quality gear pumps.

With a clear focus on sustainability, Barmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, will present comprehensive solutions from its Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Neumag product brands for the plastics industry at K 2025. Under the motto "Barmag Recycling Technologies – Closing the Loop. Opening Potential," Barmag will inform trade visitors about its wide range of services in the field of plastics manufacturing and processing from October 8 to 15. 

"Our technologies enable our customers to achieve a closed-loop economy in the plastics industry, particularly in the packaging and chemical fiber industries. From melt preparation and cleaning to melt conveying, granulation, and spinning—we have all the technologies in-house, everything from a single source," says Barmag CEO Georg Stausberg, referring to innovative technologies for polycondensation and extrusion systems, new recycling solutions, sustainable manufacturing processes for filtration applications, and high-quality gear pumps.

Polycondensation and sustainability
High-quality melt has a direct impact on the end product. It forms the basis for high-quality bottle, film, and fiber polyester. OBHE's homogenization technology stands for the thermomechanical recycling of processed post-industrial polyester waste such as bottle flakes and film. The Oerlikon Barmag Homogenizer ensures a homogeneous melt, enabling a targeted increase in viscosity to produce defined rPET precursors for further processing, such as melt, granulate or fiber material for direct spinning. 

Extrusion and recycling – extrusion pumps as a key factor
Ever more precise product tolerances are a key feature of the further development of modern products such as capacitor films, packaging films, monofilaments, stretched film strips, tubes, and window profiles. At this year's trade fair, Barmag will be presenting extruder pumps that significantly improve extrusion processes: The product flow is conveyed homogeneously thanks to constant pressure build-up and reduced pulsations. The result is extruded end products of consistently high quality. At the same time, the extruder is relieved, which leads to less wear. Another advantage is that fluctuations in material viscosity are compensated by the extruder pump. The wide product portfolio of the GE and GC series covers delivery volumes from 4.7 to 12,800 cm³/rev, offering tailor-made solutions for a wide range of extrusion requirements. 

Pump solutions for polymer production and processing 
Another focus is on the monomer, pre-polymer, and polymer discharge pumps of the GL and GD series. With delivery volumes from 4.7 to 21,100 cm³/rev, these pumps are suitable for different production capacities and a wide viscosity range—for maximum versatility in various processes. All pump models are also available as complete units, including the drive train and other components. This allows for individually tailored system solutions.

The ZP series continues to offer high-precision gear pumps that are ideal for demanding applications such as viscosity measurement thanks to their exceptional metering accuracy and wide viscosity range. 

Precision that sets standards – metering technology for versatile industrial applications
The precise dosing of demanding media plays a central role in many industrial sectors. Whether in the chemical, plastics, paint, or coatings industry, Barmag pumps handle even the most complex PUR applications reliably and efficiently. The highly accurate and safe handling of toxic or low-viscosity media is particularly challenging. With the GM and GA series and the matching components, Barmag offers the ideal solution for these sensitive areas of application. Pumps in the GM series achieve precise dosing thanks to low-pulsation feed of the flow rate. The multi-stage GM pump conveys low-viscosity media even under high pressure. Ideal for precise dosing processes under the most demanding conditions.

The Barmag drum pump is specially designed for pumping and dosing highly viscous media such as adhesives or silicones. It enables reliable extraction directly from drums or other large containers – even under pressure conditions of up to 250 bar. What makes it special is not only that it discharges highly viscous materials from the drum, but also that the medium can be dosed directly without any further intermediate stops.

The proven durability of Barmag gear pumps enables sustainable, efficient production and makes an important contribution to conserving resources.

Solutions for plastic recycling
Barmag's joint venture company BB Engineering (BBE) has been an expert in extrusion and filtration for decades. Its single-screw extruders are designed for a wide range of polymers such as PP, PET, rPET, PA, and PE and are particularly suitable for demanding applications in film production, synthetic fiber spinning, and high-quality PET recycling. With screw diameters ranging from 30 to 360 mm, the systems cover a wide processing spectrum and enable throughputs of 3 to 6,000 kg/h, depending on the material and process requirements. In addition to single-screw extruders, BBE also offers extrusion cascades for high output rates combined with the highest quality requirements. 

Efficient filtration for the purest melt qualities 
As an ideal complement to extrusion technology, BBE offers a wide range of melt filters, including the new COBRA filter, which sets new standards in continuous polymer filtration. This high-performance system is equipped with automated valve switching and integrated inline intermediate cleaning. This ensures uninterrupted operation with consistently high filtration quality – a decisive advantage, especially when processing recycled materials with varying input consistency. With a maximum filter area of 24 m² and a throughput of up to 4,000 kg/h, the COBRA filter offers exceptional performance density and process stability. 

Integrated recycling solutions for high-quality rPET melts
BBE has been intensively involved in the development of efficient technologies for plastics recycling for many years. In addition to a broad portfolio of extruders, melt filters, and the Spinnanlage VarioFil® R for PET recycling, the company offers VacuFil®, a fully integrated system for innovative PET LSP recycling (liquid state polycondensation).

VacuFil® combines large-area, gentle melt filtration with precise IV control, ensuring consistently high quality of the rPET melt. The modular system concept allows flexible adaptation to different material qualities and application areas in the recycling process. The central component of the system is Visco+®, a liquid phase polycondensation unit for precise viscosity adjustment. Continuous adjustment of the IV results in a homogeneous melt with optimum processing properties – ideal for high-quality end products in the fiber, film, or packaging industry. 

Open House at the Recycling Technology Center
Thanks to its proximity to the trade fair, visitors to the BBE Technology Center can experience live how PET waste is turned into high-quality recycled yarn (POY). On two days of the trade fair (October 10 and 13, 2025), there will be an open house where visitors can also see how the yarn produced is further processed using the JeTex air texturing system with a new auto-doff unit. (Participation by individual invitation).

Source:

Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG

07.08.2025

SGL Carbon: Half Year Report 2025

  • Weak demand from semiconductor customers weighs on Group sales and earnings performance
  • Restructuring of Carbon Fibers business unit successfully on track
  • EBITDA margin almost stable at 16.0% in half-year comparison 
  • Sales forecast for 2025 slightly adapted, adjusted EBITDA expectations confirmed

Increasing uncertainty about the future development of global trade, tariff increases between the US and Europe, and weak demand in some of their markets are weighing on SGL Carbon's sales and earnings performance. On the other hand, the restructuring of SGL's Carbon Fibers business unit is showing initial signs of success. After six months of fiscal 2025, SGL Carbon generated sales of €453.2 million, down 15.8% on the previous year (H1 2024: €538.0 million).

  • Weak demand from semiconductor customers weighs on Group sales and earnings performance
  • Restructuring of Carbon Fibers business unit successfully on track
  • EBITDA margin almost stable at 16.0% in half-year comparison 
  • Sales forecast for 2025 slightly adapted, adjusted EBITDA expectations confirmed

Increasing uncertainty about the future development of global trade, tariff increases between the US and Europe, and weak demand in some of their markets are weighing on SGL Carbon's sales and earnings performance. On the other hand, the restructuring of SGL's Carbon Fibers business unit is showing initial signs of success. After six months of fiscal 2025, SGL Carbon generated sales of €453.2 million, down 15.8% on the previous year (H1 2024: €538.0 million).

The decline in sales within the Group is primarily attributable to negative volume effects, while currency and price effects played only a minor role. In particular, the continuing weak demand from semiconductor customers in the Graphite Solutions business unit weighed on sales development. Furthermore, the Carbon Fibers business unit reported lower sales as a result of the discontinuation of unprofitable business activities as part of the restructuring.

The cost savings resulting from the restructuring of Carbon Fibers and a slight improvement in adjusted EBITDA in the Process Technology business unit were unable to offset the shortfall in earnings contributions from the decline in the high-margin semiconductor business. Adjusted EBITDA, an important key figure for the Group, decreased by 16.2% compared to the first half of 2024 to €72.5 million (H1 2024: €86.5 million). The adjusted EBITDA margin remained almost unchanged at 16.0% compared to the previous year (H1 2024: 16.1%).

Taking into account depreciation and amortization of €25.8 million (H1 2024: €27.0 million) and non-recurring and special items of minus €49.9 million (H1 2024: €3.6 million), EBIT for the first half of 2025 amounted to €3.2 million (H1 2024: €55.9 million). The non-recurring and special items result in particular from restructuring expenses of €47.0 million.

The restructuring announced in February 2025 showed initial success in the first half of 2025, with positive adjusted EBITDA for the Carbon Fibers (CF) business unit. The discontinuation of loss-making business activities resulted in a 15.1% decline in sales to €93.5 million (H1 2024: €110.1 million) but also led to an increase in adjusted EBITDA for CF from minus €4.4 million to €5.2 million year-on-year.

"As part of the CF restructuring, production at our site in Lavradio (Portugal), which mainly produced acrylic fibers and precursors for carbon fibers, was closed down. Production and consequently also our business activities in the acrylic fibers and precursors product areas were completely discontinued at the end of June 2025. CF will focus in future on profitable products with greater differentiation from the international competition," said Dr. Stephan Bühler, member of the Executive Board responsible for this area.

It should be noted that the adjusted EBITDA of the CF business unit includes an earnings contribution of €4.7 million from its equity-accounted joint venture BSCCB (H1 2024: €7.9 million). The decline in BSCCB's earnings contribution is due to the costs of expanding production capacity and volatile demand from automotive customers. Excluding the earnings contribution of the equity-accounted BSCCB, adjusted EBITDA for CF would have been €0.5 million (H1 2024: minus €12.3 million).

The Composite Solutions (CS) business unit was also unable to avoid the increasing uncertainty in the automotive industry about future growth prospects. CS sales declined by 11.7% to €59.1 million in the first half of 2025 (H1 2024: €66.9 million). It should be noted that the first six months of the previous year still included sales from a contract with an automotive customer that expired in the second quarter of 2024.

As a result of lower volumes and the associated lower utilization of production capacities, CS's adjusted EBITDA decreased by €2.7 million to €5.4 million (H1 2024: €8.1 million) compared to the same period last year. Accordingly, the adjusted EBITDA margin of CS declined to 9.1% (H1 2024: 12.1%).

Outlook
Increasing trade barriers, especially due to US tariff policy, are having a negative impact on the business development of their customers and sales markets. In particular, the high level of uncertainty about future developments in the automotive industry is currently weighing on demand for the company’s products. This also includes expected sales of electric vehicles, which are the main drivers of demand for silicon carbide semiconductors. Special graphite components from SGL Carbon are required to manufacture these high-performance semiconductors.

In light of the current economic environment and the expectations for developments in the sales markets in the upcoming months and taking into account restructuring measures in the Carbon Fibers business unit, the sales forecast for fiscal year 2025 is adjusted on July 14, 2025. Consolidated sales for the full fiscal year 2025 are expected to decline by 10% to 15% compared with the previous year (2024: €1,026.4 million). Previously, SGL Carbon had expected sales to decrease by up to 10% (slight decline) compared with the previous year.

Due to the discontinuation of loss-making business activities in the Carbon Fibers business unit and cost savings as part of the successful restructuring and associated improvement in profitability, the forecast for the Group's adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2025 remains unchanged in the range of €130 million to €150 million.

Source:

SGL Carbon

Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO von Lectra Foto: Lectra
Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO von Lectra
07.08.2025

Lectra: Modebranche braucht digitale Transformation

Wirtschaftliche Unsicherheiten, fragile Lieferketten und geopolitische Spannungen fordern von den Unternehmen heute mehr denn je eine schnelle Reaktionsfähigkeit. Gleichzeitig steigt der regulatorische Druck, denn ab 2027 verlangt die EU mit der CSRD und dem digitalen Produktpass volle Transparenz über Herkunft und Nachhaltigkeit von Produkten. Wer zukunftsfähig bleiben wolle, müsse schon heute handeln. Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO von Lectra erklärt, wie die Modebranche auf digitalen Fortschritt reagiert:
 
Die Modebranche steht vor einem entscheidenden Wendepunkt: Nachhaltigkeit und digitale Transformation entwickeln sich vom Nice-to-have zum Must-have. Unternehmen müssen entsprechend handeln und ihre Strategien anpassen. Viele der etablierten Marken sehen sich von digital geprägten Wettbewerbern bedroht, die immer mehr Marktsegmente erschließen. Da sie nicht über Preis oder Bequemlichkeit konkurrieren können, müssen sie andere innovative Wettbewerbsvorteile finden, um sich langfristig behaupten zu können.
 

Wirtschaftliche Unsicherheiten, fragile Lieferketten und geopolitische Spannungen fordern von den Unternehmen heute mehr denn je eine schnelle Reaktionsfähigkeit. Gleichzeitig steigt der regulatorische Druck, denn ab 2027 verlangt die EU mit der CSRD und dem digitalen Produktpass volle Transparenz über Herkunft und Nachhaltigkeit von Produkten. Wer zukunftsfähig bleiben wolle, müsse schon heute handeln. Maximilien Abadie, Deputy CEO von Lectra erklärt, wie die Modebranche auf digitalen Fortschritt reagiert:
 
Die Modebranche steht vor einem entscheidenden Wendepunkt: Nachhaltigkeit und digitale Transformation entwickeln sich vom Nice-to-have zum Must-have. Unternehmen müssen entsprechend handeln und ihre Strategien anpassen. Viele der etablierten Marken sehen sich von digital geprägten Wettbewerbern bedroht, die immer mehr Marktsegmente erschließen. Da sie nicht über Preis oder Bequemlichkeit konkurrieren können, müssen sie andere innovative Wettbewerbsvorteile finden, um sich langfristig behaupten zu können.
 
Gleichzeitig werden regelmäßig Vertriebswege angepasst, Beschaffungsstandorte verlagert und Verkaufsstrategien neu geplant. Weltpolitische sowie lokale Ereignisse schaffen zusätzlich Unsicherheit in der Produktion und Fragilität in der Lieferkette. Um auf solch einem schnelllebigen Markt wettbewerbsfähig zu sein, reichen isolierte Lösungen nicht aus. Wer im digitalen Geschehen mithalten will, braucht integrierte, skalierbare und vernetzte Systeme.
 
Unvorhersehbare Geopolitik sorgt für Unsicherheit in der Produktion
Das Arbeitsumfeld der Modebranche ist in den letzten Jahren viel komplexer und zugleich fragmentierter geworden – ein Trend, der sich voraussichtlich weiter verstärken wird. Ein aktuelles Beispiel für diese Entwicklung ist die Einführung neuer US-Zölle vom 2. April 2025, die nicht nur die Modebranche, sondern die gesamte globale Industrie unter Druck gesetzt haben. Laut einer Umfrage von Deloitte stufen die CFOs deutscher Großunternehmen die Geopolitik als das mit Abstand größte Risiko für ihr Unternehmen ein, denn unvorhersehbare politischen Entwicklungen erzeugen große Unsicherheiten.
 
Davon betroffen sind vor allem die Produktionsketten. Auf aktuelle Veränderungen muss kurzfristig und flexibel reagiert werden, um Lieferengpässe und somit das Verlustrisiko zu minimieren. Klassische, auf Effizienz ausgerichtete Liefernetzwerke stoßen in solchen Situationen an ihre Grenzen. Oft greifen viele Wettbewerber auf denselben Pool an Lieferanten zu und sind so besonders anfällig für Störungen. Um regional differenziert und agil reagieren zu können, müssen Modeunternehmen ihre Lieferketten modernisieren.
 
Die Lieferketten der Zukunft
Während traditionelle Lieferketten in einer zunehmend unvorhersehbaren Welt Schwächen offenbaren, gewinnen „antifragile“ Modelle an Bedeutung. Sie zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass sie nicht nur Belastungen standhalten, sondern sich durch sie weiterentwickeln. Moderne Analyse-Tools ermöglichen sowohl die Auswertung solcher Ereignisse, um daraus zu lernen, als auch die Simulation alternativer Szenarien und damit eine schnelle, datenbasierte Reaktion im Krisenfall. 
 
Die genaue Überwachung der gesamten Lieferkette wird künftig auch regulatorisch gefordert, denn Unternehmen sind unter der Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) der EU verpflichtet, ihre vollständige Wertschöpfungskette offenzulegen. Die Auflagen dienen der besseren Nachvollziehbarkeit von Produktionsprozessen und müssen bis 2027 vollständig umgesetzt sein. Außerdem soll der digitale Produktpass (DPP) zusätzlich Transparenz über Herkunft, Materialeinsatz und Nachhaltigkeit jedes Produkts schaffen. 
 
Die Lieferkette der Zukunft ist somit nachhaltig und transparent, sie ist flexibel und resilient sowie dynamisch und effizient. Dadurch werden nicht bloß kurzfristige Gewinne, sondern die Belastbarkeit des gesamten Systems maximiert. Dafür bedarf es digitaler, integrierter Lösungen, die die Liefernetzwerke koordinieren, überwachen und reibungslose Abläufe ermöglichen. 
 
Integrierte, digitale Lösungsansätze 
Derartige digitale Lösungen verbessern nicht einfach die Effizienz einzelner Aufgaben, sondern sorgen für Robustheit und Flexibilität entlang der gesamten Produktionskette. Faktoren wie Ressourcenverfügbarkeit wurden bisher oft gegenüber kurzfristigen Gewinnen vernachlässigt, was zum Scheitern einiger Unternehmen, zum Beispiel während der Corona-Pandemie, geführt hat. Deshalb investieren Unternehmen inzwischen vermehrt in digitale Lösungen, mit denen sie ihre Kompetenzen und Strukturen für eine schnelle Transformation aufbauen und sich langfristige Stabilität sichern.
 
Der integrierte Ansatz der Zukunft folgt dabei drei Leitlinien: „Create better“ implementiert nachhaltige, innovative Designs, beruhend auf datenbasierten Trendanalysen; „Manufacture better“ betont effiziente, resiliente Lieferketten, automatisierte Prozesse und digitale Produktpässe für mehr Transparenz; „Market better“ fordert zielgerichtete Omnichannel-Strategien sowie datengetriebene Entscheidungen im Marketing für personalisierte Kundenerlebnisse. Wer diese Bereiche intelligent miteinander verknüpft, kann im modernen Marktumfeld bestehen und gleichzeitig ökologisch und ökonomisch erfolgreich sein.
 
Alles in allem muss sich die Modebranche neu erfinden. Und das geht, aufgrund der wachsenden Ansprüche an Nachhaltigkeit, Resilienz und Transparenz nur mit innovativen digitalen Lösungen. Unternehmen, die heute in integrierte Systeme investieren, schaffen die Grundlage für langfristige Wettbewerbs- und Anpassungsfähigkeit in einem zunehmend volatilen Marktumfeld. Denn wer Nachhaltigkeit, Datenintelligenz und Kundenzentrierung miteinander verbindet, erfüllt nicht nur die rechtlichen Anforderungen, sondern stärkt auch sowohl seine Marke als auch die Kundenbindung.

Von Links: Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero (HSNR); Dr. BSc. Mike Russel (AUAS); Joel Schüßler (HSNR); Yulia Brisson-Zelenina (AUAS); Başak TETİKÖZ (ITU ARI Teknokent); Saskia Stoker (AUAS); Dr. Zeynep Erden Bayazit (ITU); Kathryn O'Brien (EUEI); Paula Whyte (Momentum Marketing Services). Foto: FAIR FASHION
Von Links: Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero (HSNR); Dr. BSc. Mike Russel (AUAS); Joel Schüßler (HSNR); Yulia Brisson-Zelenina (AUAS); Başak TETİKÖZ (ITU ARI Teknokent); Saskia Stoker (AUAS); Dr. Zeynep Erden Bayazit (ITU); Kathryn O'Brien (EUEI); Paula Whyte (Momentum Marketing Services).
07.08.2025

FAIR FASHION soll Wandel zu nachhaltiger und fairer Modebranche vorantreiben

Als einer der am wenigsten nachhaltigen Sektoren der Welt steht die Mode- und Textilindustrie vor erheblichen ökologischen Herausforderungen, von der Mikroplastikverschmutzung bis hin zu übermäßigen Treibhausgasemissionen. Das von der Europäischen Kommission kofinanzierte Projekt „FAIR FASHION“ bringt die Hochschule Niederrhein mit Partnern aus Irland, Dänemark, der Türkei und den Niederlanden zusammen, um kleine Unternehmen und Lehrende mit innovativen Werkzeugen zu unterstützen und den grünen und digitalen Wandel in der Modebranche zu fördern, für eine nachhaltigere und gerechtere Zukunft.
 
„Modeunternehmen stehen heute unter anderem vor der Herausforderung, Lieferketten zu überprüfen, inklusive Einstellungskriterien umzusetzen und sicherzustellen, dass Umweltansprüche überprüfbar und messbar sind“, sagt Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero, Professorin für Sales und Marketing am Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften der Hochschule Niederrhein. „Nur so wirken sie authentisch – und das ist heute ein wichtiges Kriterium, um Kundinnen und Kunden von sich zu überzeugen.“
 

Als einer der am wenigsten nachhaltigen Sektoren der Welt steht die Mode- und Textilindustrie vor erheblichen ökologischen Herausforderungen, von der Mikroplastikverschmutzung bis hin zu übermäßigen Treibhausgasemissionen. Das von der Europäischen Kommission kofinanzierte Projekt „FAIR FASHION“ bringt die Hochschule Niederrhein mit Partnern aus Irland, Dänemark, der Türkei und den Niederlanden zusammen, um kleine Unternehmen und Lehrende mit innovativen Werkzeugen zu unterstützen und den grünen und digitalen Wandel in der Modebranche zu fördern, für eine nachhaltigere und gerechtere Zukunft.
 
„Modeunternehmen stehen heute unter anderem vor der Herausforderung, Lieferketten zu überprüfen, inklusive Einstellungskriterien umzusetzen und sicherzustellen, dass Umweltansprüche überprüfbar und messbar sind“, sagt Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero, Professorin für Sales und Marketing am Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften der Hochschule Niederrhein. „Nur so wirken sie authentisch – und das ist heute ein wichtiges Kriterium, um Kundinnen und Kunden von sich zu überzeugen.“
 
Ein langfristiges, nachhaltiges Branding – und kein schneller Marketingtrend – das sei wichtig, um zwischen der riesigen Konkurrenz zu überzeugen: „Auf dem heutigen, sich schnell entwickelnden Markt fordern Verbraucher:innen, insbesondere die Gen Z und Millennials, mehr von den Marken, mit denen sie interagieren. Es reicht nicht mehr, dass eine Marke nur ein Produkt verkauft, sie muss auch für etwas stehen. Konzepte wie Authentizität, Inklusivität und Nachhaltigkeit sind zu entscheidenden Elementen des Brandings und Marketings geworden“, sagt Alexandro Dreyer Duarte, Student der Hochschule Niederrhein, der seine Abschlussarbeit im „FAIR FASHION“-Projekt schreibt. „Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher neigen dazu, Produkte von Marken zu kaufen, die ihre Werte verkörpern.“ Das Problem: Auf dem Markt versuchen einige Unternehmen durch Greenwashing, also Übertreibung oder Fälschung von Umweltverpflichtungen, oder Bluewashing, ein Akt der Falschdarstellung von Werten und Handlungen eines Unternehmens, die Marke ins rechte Licht zu rücken. 
 
Das Projekt „FAIR FASHION“ möchte in diesem Spannungsfeld Europas Mode- und Textilindustrie stärken, indem es gemeinsam mit Lehrenden, Mentor:innen, Unternehmen, Branchenexpert:innen und Hochschulstudierenden arbeitet, um Hochschulen praktische Ressourcen und umsetzbare Strategien zur Förderung der Twin Transition bereitzustellen. „Unser Ziel ist es, Lehrende, Unternehmen und zukünftige Fachleute mit dem Wissen und den Werkzeugen auszustatten, die benötigt werden, um grünere Praktiken und Spitzentechnologien zu nutzen“, sagt Sue Rossano-Rivero.
 
Zu den Partnern des Projekts zählen unter anderem die Hochschule Amsterdam (AUAS), bekannt für ihr Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI), die die wissenschaftliche Leitung innehat, sowie die Technische Universität Istanbul (ITU), deren anerkannte Fakultät für Textiltechnologie und Design gemeinsam mit dem führenden Technologiepark der Türkei, ITU ARI Teknokent, die Bootcamps des Projekts organisiert und Forschung sowie Entwicklung unterstützt. Zudem begleiten das European E-Learning Institute (EUEI) und Momentum Marketing Services das Projekt in der Entwicklung und Umsetzung praxisnaher Lernmaterialien und im Marketing.
 
„FAIR FASHION“ verbindet Hochschulen, Unternehmen, politischen Entscheidungsträger:innen und Branchenexpert:innen, um Ideen auszutauschen, Innovationen voranzutreiben und ein Netzwerk zu schaffen, das sich für dauerhafte Veränderungen einsetzt. Innerhalb der Hochschule Niederrhein ist „FAIR FASHION“ ein kollaboratives Projekt zwischen dem Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften und dem Fachbereich Textil- und Bekleidungstechnik, mit dem Einsatz von Prof. Dr. Anne Schwarz-Pfeiffer. Gemeinsam soll eine neue Generation von Führungskräften inspiriert werden, Kreativität, Verantwortung und Nachhaltigkeit in den Vordergrund zu stellen. Lehrende unterstützt das Projekt beispielsweise mit einem Toolkit für die Lehre zum Thema Zukunft und Nachhaltigkeit. Die so genannten „Green+Digital Bootcamps“ bringen Studierende, Lehrenden und Branchenführer:innen und Gründer:innen zusammen, um reale Herausforderungen zu lösen. Ein Mentoring-Programm verbindet Studierende und Unternehmer:innen und fördert Führungsqualitäten und Innovation in der Mode.
 
„FAIR FASHION“ ist dabei nicht nur eine Forschungsinitiative, sondern unterstützt auch die Mission der Hochschule Niederrhein in den Bereichen Lehre und Internationalisierung. Durch die Verbindung verschiedener Fachdisziplinen schafft das Projekt praxisnahe Lernmöglichkeiten, die Studierende optimal auf die Herausforderungen der globalen Modeindustrie vorbereiten. So trägt „FAIR FASHION“ maßgeblich dazu bei, den Wandel zu einer nachhaltigen und fairen Modebranche voranzutreiben und gleichzeitig eine zukunftsfähige, verantwortungsbewusste Führungsgeneration auszubilden.

07.08.2025

Konzentration im stationären Modehandel auf neuem Höchststand

Im stationären Modehandel erobern die Großbetriebe immer höhere Marktanteile, während kleine und mittlere Fachgeschäfte Umsätze verlieren und - vielfach mangels Nachfolger - zum Teil ihre Läden schließen. So ist laut BTE-Berechnungen auf Basis der letzten Umsatzsteuerstatistik für das Jahr 2023 der Umsatz-Anteil der Unternehmen in den Größenklassen ab 100 Mio. Euro Netto-Umsatz auf den Rekordwert von 64,7 Prozent gestiegen. 2016 lag deren Umsatzanteil noch unter 60 Prozent, 2010 sogar unter 50 Prozent.  
 
Insgesamt gab es im Jahr 2023 laut letzter Umsatzsteuerstatistik 12.453 vorwiegend stationäre Handelsunternehmen, die mehr als 50 Prozent ihres Umsatzes mit Bekleidung erzielten. 2016 waren es noch 17.312, 2010 sogar 22.891 Unternehmen. 
 
Kleine und mittlere Unternehmen bis 100 Mio. Euro Umsatz stellten damit 2023 zwar 99,65 Prozent aller Unternehmen, kommen aber nur auf einen Marktanteil von 35,3 Prozent. 2016 lag deren Marktanteil noch bei 40,6, 2010 sogar noch bei 52,0 Prozent. Online- bzw. Versand-Händler mit einem Sortimentsschwerpunkt bei Bekleidung sind hierbei nicht berücksichtigt. 

Im stationären Modehandel erobern die Großbetriebe immer höhere Marktanteile, während kleine und mittlere Fachgeschäfte Umsätze verlieren und - vielfach mangels Nachfolger - zum Teil ihre Läden schließen. So ist laut BTE-Berechnungen auf Basis der letzten Umsatzsteuerstatistik für das Jahr 2023 der Umsatz-Anteil der Unternehmen in den Größenklassen ab 100 Mio. Euro Netto-Umsatz auf den Rekordwert von 64,7 Prozent gestiegen. 2016 lag deren Umsatzanteil noch unter 60 Prozent, 2010 sogar unter 50 Prozent.  
 
Insgesamt gab es im Jahr 2023 laut letzter Umsatzsteuerstatistik 12.453 vorwiegend stationäre Handelsunternehmen, die mehr als 50 Prozent ihres Umsatzes mit Bekleidung erzielten. 2016 waren es noch 17.312, 2010 sogar 22.891 Unternehmen. 
 
Kleine und mittlere Unternehmen bis 100 Mio. Euro Umsatz stellten damit 2023 zwar 99,65 Prozent aller Unternehmen, kommen aber nur auf einen Marktanteil von 35,3 Prozent. 2016 lag deren Marktanteil noch bei 40,6, 2010 sogar noch bei 52,0 Prozent. Online- bzw. Versand-Händler mit einem Sortimentsschwerpunkt bei Bekleidung sind hierbei nicht berücksichtigt. 

Source:

BTE Handelsverband Textil Schuhe Lederwaren

This piece of fabric is coated with a new non-stick material made via a technique called nanoscale fletching, developed by researchers in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in U of T's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Photo by Samuel Au, University of Toronto
This piece of fabric is coated with a new non-stick material made via a technique called nanoscale fletching, developed by researchers in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in U of T's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
05.08.2025

University of Toronto: Safer alternative to conventional PFAS

A new material developed by University of Toronto researchers could offer a safer alternative to the non-stick chemicals commonly used in cookware and other applications. 

The substance is capable of repelling water and grease about as well as standard non-stick coatings; it also contains far lower amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of chemicals – that includes Teflon – that have raised environmental and health concerns.

It was developed in the Durable Repellent Engineered Advanced Materials (DREAM) laboratory at U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering using a novel chemistry technique described in Nature Communications.

“The research community has been trying to develop safer alternatives to PFAS for a long time,” says Kevin Golovin, an associate professor in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering who heads the DREAM lab. “The challenge is that while it’s easy to create a substance that will repel water, it’s hard to make one that will also repel oil and grease to the same degree. Scientists had hit an upper limit to the performance of these alternative materials.” 

A new material developed by University of Toronto researchers could offer a safer alternative to the non-stick chemicals commonly used in cookware and other applications. 

The substance is capable of repelling water and grease about as well as standard non-stick coatings; it also contains far lower amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of chemicals – that includes Teflon – that have raised environmental and health concerns.

It was developed in the Durable Repellent Engineered Advanced Materials (DREAM) laboratory at U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering using a novel chemistry technique described in Nature Communications.

“The research community has been trying to develop safer alternatives to PFAS for a long time,” says Kevin Golovin, an associate professor in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering who heads the DREAM lab. “The challenge is that while it’s easy to create a substance that will repel water, it’s hard to make one that will also repel oil and grease to the same degree. Scientists had hit an upper limit to the performance of these alternative materials.” 

Since its invention in the late 1930s, Teflon – also known as polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE – has been prized for its ability to repel water, oil and grease alike.

Its non-stick properties are the result of the inertness of carbon-fluorine bonds, with PFAS molecules consisting of chains of carbon atoms, each bonded to several fluorine atoms.

However, this chemical inertness also causes PFAS to resist the normal processes that would break down other organic molecules over time. For this reason, they are sometimes called ‘forever chemicals.’ 

In addition to their persistence, PFAS are known to accumulate in biological tissues, and their concentrations can become amplified as they travel up the food chain. 

Various studies have linked exposure to high levels of PFAS to certain types of cancer, birth defects and other health problems, with longer-chain PFAS generally considered more harmful than the shorter-chain variety.

Despite the risks, the lack of alternatives means that PFAS remain ubiquitous in consumer products: in addition to cookware, they are used in rain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and cosmetics.

The material Golovin’s team have been working with is an alternative to PFAS called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

“PDMS is often sold under the name silicone, and depending on how it’s formulated, it can be very biocompatible – in fact it’s often used in devices that are meant to be implanted into the body,” says Golovin. “But until now, we couldn’t get PDMS to perform quite as well as PFAS.” 

To overcome this problem, PhD student Samuel Au developed a new technique called nanoscale fletching which involves bonding short chains of PDMS to a base material – which Au likens to bristles on a brush.

“To improve their ability to repel oil, we have now added in the shortest possible PFAS molecule, consisting of a single carbon with three fluorines on it. We were able to bond about seven of those to the end of each PDMS bristle,” says Au.

“If you were able to shrink down to the nanometre scale, it would look a bit like the feathers that you see around the back end of an arrow, where it notches to the bow. That’s called fletching, so this is nanoscale fletching.” 

The team coated the new material on a piece of fabric, before placing drops of various oils on it to test its repellency.

The coating achieved a grade of 6 on an American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists scale – placing it on par with many standard PFAS-based coatings.

“While we did use a PFAS molecule in this process, it is the shortest possible one and therefore does not bioaccumulate,” says Golovin. 

“What we’ve seen in the literature, and even in the regulations, is that it’s the longest-chain PFAS that are getting banned first, with the shorter ones considered much less harmful. Our hybrid material provides the same performance as what had been achieved with long-chain PFAS, but with greatly reduced risk.” 

Golovin says the team is open to collaborating with manufacturers of non-stick coatings who might wish to scale up and commercialize the process. In the meantime, they will continue working on even more alternatives. 

“The holy grail of this field would be a substance that outperforms Teflon, but with no PFAS at all,” says Golovin. “We’re not quite there yet, but this is an important step in the right direction.” 

Source:

Tyler Irving, University of Toronto

05.08.2025

HDE: Zurückhaltende Konsumlaune

Nachdem sich die Verbraucherstimmung in Deutschland zuletzt weiter aufgehellt hatte, legt der Aufwärtstrend im August eine Pause ein. Das geht aus dem aktuellen Konsumbarometer des Handelsverbandes Deutschland (HDE) hervor. Demnach bewegt sich der Index nahezu auf dem Niveau des Vormonats. Ob die Stagnation der Verbraucherstimmung der Beginn eines negativen Trends ist, bleibt abzuwarten und ist von den wirtschaftspolitischen Maßnahmen der Bundesregierung sowie von der Entwicklung der geopolitischen Rahmenbedingungen in den kommenden Monaten abhängig.

Die Konsumlaune der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher ist weiterhin von Zurückhaltung geprägt. Sie planen, sich in den nächsten Wochen verstärkt auf das Sparen zu konzentrieren, ihre Sparneigung steigt. Zwar geht auch die Anschaffungsneigung der Verbraucher nach oben, jedoch nur geringfügig. Sie liegt damit noch immer unter dem Vorjahresniveau. Vorsicht bestimmt weiterhin das Handeln der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher. Eine spürbare Erholung des privaten Konsums ist daher in nächster Zeit nicht zu erwarten.

Nachdem sich die Verbraucherstimmung in Deutschland zuletzt weiter aufgehellt hatte, legt der Aufwärtstrend im August eine Pause ein. Das geht aus dem aktuellen Konsumbarometer des Handelsverbandes Deutschland (HDE) hervor. Demnach bewegt sich der Index nahezu auf dem Niveau des Vormonats. Ob die Stagnation der Verbraucherstimmung der Beginn eines negativen Trends ist, bleibt abzuwarten und ist von den wirtschaftspolitischen Maßnahmen der Bundesregierung sowie von der Entwicklung der geopolitischen Rahmenbedingungen in den kommenden Monaten abhängig.

Die Konsumlaune der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher ist weiterhin von Zurückhaltung geprägt. Sie planen, sich in den nächsten Wochen verstärkt auf das Sparen zu konzentrieren, ihre Sparneigung steigt. Zwar geht auch die Anschaffungsneigung der Verbraucher nach oben, jedoch nur geringfügig. Sie liegt damit noch immer unter dem Vorjahresniveau. Vorsicht bestimmt weiterhin das Handeln der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher. Eine spürbare Erholung des privaten Konsums ist daher in nächster Zeit nicht zu erwarten.

Auch mit Blick auf die konjunkturelle Entwicklung in den kommenden Wochen sind die Verbraucher zurückhaltend. Ähnlich wie bei den Unternehmen fallen ihre Einschätzungen nur etwas positiver aus als im Vormonat. Eine erneute Rezession fürchten die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher somit nicht, doch ein signifikantes Wachstum halten sie offenbar auch für unwahrscheinlich. Deutlich optimistischer zeigen sich die Verbraucher hingegen, wenn es um die Entwicklung ihrer eigenen Einkommenssituation geht. Hier legen ihre Erwartungen zu, was an der grundsätzlich niedrigeren Inflation und den zuletzt gesunkenen Energiepreisen liegen könnte.

In den vergangenen Monaten hatte sich die Verbraucherstimmung stetig verbessert. Da ein gesamtwirtschaftlicher Aufschwung jedoch nicht in Sicht ist, gerät der Aufwärtstrend nun ins Stocken. Die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher agieren weiterhin mit Vorsicht und warten auf Impulse. An eine kurzfristige wirtschaftliche Erholung glauben sie nicht. Aufgrund der vorherrschenden Unsicherheit wird es in den kommenden Monaten voraussichtlich keinen Schub beim privaten Konsum geben.

Das jeweils am ersten Montag eines Monats erscheinende HDE-Konsumbarometer basiert auf einer monatlichen Umfrage unter 1.600 Personen zur Anschaffungsneigung, Sparneigung, finanziellen Situation und zu anderen konsumrelevanten Faktoren. Das Konsumbarometer, das vom Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI) im Auftrag des HDE erstellt wird, hat eine Indikatorfunktion für den privaten Konsum. Es bildet nicht das aktuelle Verbraucherverhalten ab, sondern die erwartete Stimmung in den kommenden drei Monaten.

Source:

HDE Handelsverband Deutschland

05.08.2025

AEQUALIS4TCLF: Strategy, Education, and Social Innovation in Europe’s TCLF Industries

On the 1st and 2nd of July, 19 textile, clothing, leather, and footwear representatives from 8 European countries gathered at Amsterdam Fashion Institute in the Netherlands to drive forward the Erasmus+ Blueprint AEQUALIS4TCLF project. This bold initiative is set to transform the TCLF industries through a strategic, educational, and social lens, paving the way for more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready sectors.

One of the project’s key deliverables is the upcoming European TCLF Skills Strategy, designed to respond to the impact on companies’ workforce of the rapidly technological, circular and social transformations. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative insights from stakeholders, ranging from businesses and policymakers to education providers, the updated strategy will inform the development of consecutive tailored national skills strategies. These strategies will then be rolled out by national project partners, with strong support from industry, education and institutional actors.

On the 1st and 2nd of July, 19 textile, clothing, leather, and footwear representatives from 8 European countries gathered at Amsterdam Fashion Institute in the Netherlands to drive forward the Erasmus+ Blueprint AEQUALIS4TCLF project. This bold initiative is set to transform the TCLF industries through a strategic, educational, and social lens, paving the way for more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready sectors.

One of the project’s key deliverables is the upcoming European TCLF Skills Strategy, designed to respond to the impact on companies’ workforce of the rapidly technological, circular and social transformations. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative insights from stakeholders, ranging from businesses and policymakers to education providers, the updated strategy will inform the development of consecutive tailored national skills strategies. These strategies will then be rolled out by national project partners, with strong support from industry, education and institutional actors.

AEQUALIS4TCLF is also pioneering change in the classroom. Eight brand-new curricula focused on sustainable and digital fashion have already been developed, and then respective training content are under development. To ensure accessibility and engagement, partners are creating an array of innovative learning resources, from interactive e-books and videos to hands-on activities and assessments. All materials will be available online and free of charge, equipping learners and educators alike for the green and digital transitions.

At its heart, AEQUALIS4TCLF is also a social project. A rich programme of workshops, both online and in person, is being rolled out across all partner countries, addressing critical topics such as diversity, innovation, and wellbeing in the workplace. Meanwhile, a TCLF network-building effort is underway to boost collaboration at both local and European levels. This includes the creation of regional TCLF Pacts for Skills, tailored to the unique needs of local economies, and two European-level networks: one uniting education providers to share best practices and foster excellence, and another engaging regional public authorities in supporting TCLF education for the new era.

The AEQUALIS4TCLF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

Source:

European Commission; AEQUALIS4TCLF