From the Sector

Marco Lucietti joins the Board of Directors as the company advances its integrated model built on design, responsibility and Italian manufacturing excellence.

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

His appointment marks another step in C&S's ongoing transformation, as the company expands its role from a garment maker with deep roots in denim to a design-driven manufacturing partner for premium, luxury and urban fashion brands. The ambition is to build an integrated business model in which the experience gained through the company’s own brands and the expertise of its manufacturing services continuously strengthen one another.

This evolution is reflected in the company’s new brand statement, “Made by design, made to matter,” which embodies an approach where product culture, technological innovation and responsible growth come together. The company's vision is to transform creative ideas into scalable industrial realities through a short, fully integrated supply chain rooted in the historic textile districts of Central Italy.

Bringing this vision to life is the dialogue between the company's two strategic areas: on one side, research into trends, materials and consumer behavior – also fueled by firsthand retail experience – and on the other, the continuous evolution of the supply chain towards more transparent, efficient and responsible processes.

“Our ambition is to build an ecosystem where manufacturing, research, product culture and responsibility work together to create lasting value,” says Corneli. “Marco's appointment is an important milestone because it strengthens the organizational foundations of this vision and supports its long-term development. We want the experience generated by our brands and the expertise of our manufacturing services to reinforce one another, transforming creative ideas into relevant, scalable products designed to stand the test of time.”

Marco Lucietti brings more than twenty years of international experience in the textile industry, spanning strategy, corporate governance, sustainability, communications and organizational development. He will also continue his role as Adjunct Professor of Governance and Sustainability for Fashion at Sapienza University of Rome, while serving as Senior Advisor on selected international projects.

C&S is a garment maker and global partner for contemporary fashion brands. Since 1981, the company has supported brands in the development and manufacturing of collections by combining product culture, technical expertise and Italian manufacturing know-how across the textile districts of Central Italy. Building on its heritage in denim, C&S has expanded its expertise into the luxury and urban segments, developing an integrated model that combines product development, a short supply chain and responsible innovation. Made by design, made to matter captures the company's ambition: transforming creative visions into garments that combine quality, originality and lasting value.

At Carrington Textiles, we are pleased to announce the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, showcasing another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across our global operations.

The report reflects continued investment in technologies and initiatives that improve environmental performance while supporting long-term business resilience. From renewable energy and water stewardship to circular economy projects and product innovation, sustainability remains embedded in how we operate across the Group.

Among this year's highlights is the completion of a new wastewater treatment plant in Pakistan, significantly strengthening water treatment capacity at CTi ahead of becoming operational later this year. The site has also expanded its circular economy initiatives through the reuse of biomass and coal ash in brick manufacturing and projects that support local biodiversity.

At MGC in Portugal, investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency has continued, with solar generation capacity increasing to 8.3 MW and further projects underway to reduce natural gas consumption and carbon emissions. At Pincroft in the UK, continued progress has been made through Combined Heat and Power (CHP), the ongoing development of its Carbon Roadmap and wider decarbonisation initiatives.

The report also highlights how the RTS Textiles Group continues to expand the use of innovative fibres and technologies that combine comfort, protection and performance with a reduced environmental impact, supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.

John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Group, said: "Building on the foundations established in previous years, this report highlights our progress and reaffirms our commitment to responsible manufacturing, innovation and transparency across our global operations."

At Bluezone ISKO is debuting its FW 27–28 Collection, structured around a trio of core sensory pillars: color, texture, and touch. This season, the textile leader showcases a creative vision where emotional connection and advanced technical innovation come together. The entire range is anchored by a dedicated commitment to eco-conscious material creation, utilizing patented processing technologies and high-quality Next-Gen materials powered by RE&UP. 

ISKO FW27–28 collection: Supreme Colors and beyond 
Anchoring the new season is Supreme Colors, a concept that highlights ISKO’s deep mastery of color innovation through a broad and adaptable shade spectrum spanning various product lines. Enhanced by strong yarn character, fast fading properties, and laser-compatible finishing techniques, the range delivers a high-definition visual depth alongside authentic, vintage denim characteristics. 

Building upon this color-focused story, Iconic Craft redefines fabric texture as a central design element. Bold surface treatments, multi-layered structures, and progressive finishes produce highly tactile textiles that fluidly shift from heritage authenticity to experimental, techno-inspired aesthetics. Completing the collection's sensory profile is ISKO™ Wondersoft, which prioritizes the physical hand-feel by introducing fluid, silky, and remarkably soft qualities that balance everyday durability with refined comfort. 

Capsule Collections: Four Creative Expressions 
This seasonal design philosophy comes to life across four distinct capsule collections, each exploring the overarching aesthetic theme through a unique point of view: 

• City Glam 2.0: Explores the boundaries of denim through a polished, metropolitan lens. It introduces a balance of matte and glossy finishes to add subtle luminosity and elevated sophistication while respecting denim’s classic roots. 
• D.Lite 2.0: Concentrates on lightweight fabric weights and fluid comfort. This capsule features flexible, exceptionally soft denim qualities designed for effortless movement and a relaxed aesthetic, meeting the modern demand for comfort-first apparel without losing a sleek edge. 
• Chino’s Utility: Reimagines traditional chino archetypes with a contemporary, laid-back sensibility. Classic, seasonless navy and beige baselines are updated with progressive colorways, tactile surfaces, and technical weave constructions that blend functional wear with elegant style. 
• Natural Meal: Presents an organic exploration focused on off-white and natural ecru palettes. Centered on raw authenticity, this capsule pairs clean tonal depth with distinct 
• fabric textures, offering a softer, more organic take on denim culture that highlights material character and mindful engineering. 

“Our presence at Bluezone highlights a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of what denim can be,” said Fatma Korkmaz, Product Development Manager at ISKO. “This season, we are shifting the conversation toward an immersive, sensory experience where color depth and intricate textures take center stage and blending it with the incredible circular capabilities of RE&UP, to show the industry that high-end design and environmental responsibility belong together.” 

ISKO™ Luxury by PG – H.A. HUMAN ART 
Running alongside the core range, ISKO™ Luxury by PG debuts H.A. HUMAN ART, a visionary project celebrating artisanal craftsmanship in the era of artificial intelligence. Created by Paolo Gnutti, this line returns the focus to analog, human creativity, emphasizing tactile experimentation and emotion-driven design. The concept explores eight distinct directions, spanning tailored denim structures and highly textured black surfaces to multi-colored weaves, faux-fur techniques, and innovative reverse-side prints, merging artisanal spirit with premium technical luxury

In a big win for lower impact products, eVent Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof and breathable fabric technologies, is partnering with PELLIOT, one of China’s fastest-growing outdoor brands, to bring their flagship PFAS-free alpineST and windstormST laminates to the rapidly expanding China outdoor market. Founded in 2012, PELLIOT is a leading Chinese high-performance outdoor lifestyle brand. The company has a long history of supporting elite mountaineers and explorers in scaling the world’s highest peaks and conducting expeditions of significant scientific value.

PFAS in functional textiles has become a significant industry concern, making the transition to PFAS-free materials a clear market imperative. PELLIOT specializes in high-performance outdoor gear for mountaineering, travel, hiking, and skiing. Through this partnership with eVent Fabrics, PELLIOT is expanding its next-generation product range, further cementing its position as an industry benchmark for functional outdoor apparel.

“This partnership with PELLIOT represents a big step forward in the global reduction of PFAS in consumer apparel,” said Chad Kelly, Vice President of eVent Fabrics. “As one of the fastest growing outdoor apparel brands in China, PELLIOT is a volume leader, which means this partnership could have a real effect on attitudes towards PFAS in China’s explosive, multi-billion dollar outdoor sports market.”

"At PELLIOT, we are not only committed to crafting top-tier, versatile professional outdoor apparel for enthusiasts worldwide, but also to advancing material innovation and responsible product development," said Zhao Le, Vice President of PELLIOT. "The environmental hazards associated with traditional chemical materials, such as PFAS, have become a pressing concern for the entire outdoor industry. Driving the transition toward PFAS-free and low-carbon textiles is not only an inevitable industry trend but also a fundamental responsibility and mission for leading brands. We look forward to partnering with eVent to steer the industry away from its reliance on traditional PFAS-based fabrics while continuing to deliver the performance consumers expect."

Designed with the planet in mind, the PFAS-free alpineST membrane is laminated with performance face fabrics and backers, and finished with a C0 DWR finish. Ideal for demanding activities, alpineST provides the ultimate shield from the elements. The alpineST laminate can be found in the PELLIOT SS27 alpineST Hard Shell Jacket.

The windstormST laminate combines eVent’s plant-based membrane with recycled / low impact face and backer fabrics. Finished with a C0 DWR for sustainable performance, this softshell laminate completely blocks wind while repelling light rain and snow. Perfect for a wide-range of conditions, windstormST will be used in PELLIOT’S FW26 windstormST Soft Shell Jacket.

AkzoNobel has taken note of a presidential decree signed by the President of Russia placing the company’s Russian subsidiaries under temporary external administration as of July 13.
 
Under temporary external administration, operational oversight is transferred to a designated external entity, while underlying ownership remains unchanged. AkzoNobel is currently reviewing the decree and assessing its implications. Russia represents less than 2% of AkzoNobel’s revenue and is not material to the company’s overall financial performance.
 
The company remains committed to supporting its employees and safeguarding its interests as shareholder of AkzoNobel’s Russian subsidiaries.
 
Following the EU sanctions introduced in 2022, AkzoNobel discontinued a significant part of its activities in Russia. The remaining operations have since been fully localized and ringfenced, operating independently without financial support from Akzo Nobel N.V.

 

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Under the coordination of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), ten European project partners are developing and integrating platforms, technologies, and viable business models for circular textile production over four years. ALADIN stands for Advanced LocAl and Digital Innovation Network for Circular Garments and aims to establish viable business models for circular textile production.

The concept is based on four pillars:

• A digital platform for services provided by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Regional cooperation to promote local production
• Technologies for recycling strategies
• Local and renewable raw materials

The project partners come from six different countries (Germany, Romania, Belgium, France, Czechia, Italy) and bring a wide range of expertise to the table, for example in the areas of design, embroidery, printing, digitalization, recycling, AI, and microfactory production.

This diverse range of experiences enables a high-performance digital infrastructure for B2B and B2B2C relationships. The partners will develop innovative technologies such as a Digital Product Passport module, or an AI-supported ecodesign assistant and apparel textiles including ring-spun recycled cotton yarns, while ensuring a broad transfer of project results to make a lasting impact. This will result in a network that jointly utilizes the infrastructure - from design and production to customer service and recycling.

To validate the approach, three specific use cases are being implemented: a semi-automated T-shirt, a smart parka, and a circular, versatile blazer dress. These products use sustainable materials such as bio-based fibers and recycled textiles, which are processed in a way that makes them easier to recycle at the end of their life cycle. Production takes place locally in microfactories, and the products are custom-made according to customer specifications.

In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups and further stakeholders will be actively involved in two Open Calls. Innovations within the ecosystem are also promoted, for example in the areas of automation, production technologies, and digital services.

In the long term, the project aims to establish a Europe-wide network of microfactories, create new jobs, and significantly increase the use of sustainable materials. At the same time, the project intends to reduce waste and strengthen regional value creation.

To this end, ALADIN brings together industry, customers, policymakers, and academia - to promote sustainable, circular textile production. In this way, ALADIN will also serve as a model for similar networks, thereby multiplying the positive effects on the market and the environment.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101294463. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

With its fifth participation at Pitti Uomo, CHINA WAVE once again underscored the dynamic rise of Chinese designer brands on the international stage. The showcased collections demonstrated how Chinese labels are increasingly defining themselves through distinctive design languages, technological innovation and cultural authenticity, attracting growing attention from the global fashion industry. 

As the flagship brand of the collective presentation, SEPTWOLVES impressed visitors with a collection combining functionality, sustainability and Chinese cultural heritage. Alongside its further enhanced Business Travel Jacket featuring advanced technical innovations, the Wulin World Heritage Collection and the sustainable polo line crafted from natural fibres attracted particular interest. International buyers praised SEPTWOLVES for translating traditional Chinese craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage into a contemporary design language with global appeal. The collections led to intensive discussions with buyers and distributors from Europe, South America, the Middle East and Central Asia, reaffirming the brand's growing international potential. 

For SWOF CARE, the hat wear brand, direct engagement with the international market was the central focus. The new SUPER SWOF "SS Super Classic" collection and the handcrafted BLACK LABEL line successfully combined traditional Chinese millinery with a contemporary design aesthetic. Particularly valuable for the brand was the immediate feedback received from international buyers and industry professionals, providing important inspiration for future collection development. At the same time, numerous concrete business opportunities emerged, with buyers expressing interest in sourcing solutions, product customization, long-term distribution partnerships and agency collaborations. Establishing new partnerships to further accelerate the brand's international expansion also ranks among the lasting achievements of its participation. 

With its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Oriental aesthetics, ZIFEI WANG became one of the creative highlights of CHINA WAVE. Combining artistic expression with premium ready-to-wear fashion, the collection impressed international buyers as well as renowned showrooms and premium boutiques. Particular praise was given to its successful balance between avant-garde creativity and commercial relevance. The successful presentation in Florence further strengthened the brand's international positioning while paving the way for future presentations across Europe like the forthcoming Milan Fashion Week in September.  

SOARIN presented its unique design philosophy under the guiding concept "I Become." Through plant-based dyeing techniques, innovative material research and the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the brand developed a distinctive creative signature. International buyers and industry professionals particularly appreciated its creative originality and innovative use of materials. Discussions during the fair generated promising prospects for future collaborations and international showcases. 

SOARIN WORLD, the pioneering Chinese label under the SOARIN brand, presented a collection rooted in an Eastern interpretation of beauty while embracing a forward-looking design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from ethnic cultures, nature and humanity, the brand reinterprets traditional Chinese aesthetics through a contemporary lens, creating garments that bridge heritage and modernity. International buyers and industry professionals praised the collection's distinctive cultural identity and sophisticated craftsmanship, recognising its strong potential for premium retail and concept stores. The presentation in Florence further strengthened SOARIN WORLD's international visibility and opened promising opportunities for future collaborations and market expansion. 

For KIMUSSO, Pitti Uomo represented far more than a platform for presenting a collection. The avant-garde womenswear label used the direct exchange with international buyers to further refine its positioning in the global market. Immediate feedback confirmed the brand's particular strength within the progressive concept store and curated premium boutique segment. The exhibition therefore marked an important milestone in reflecting on the brand's identity from an international perspective and further sharpening its future strategic direction. 

Under this year's theme, "The Pitti Pool," Pitti Uomo 110 once again proved to be a meeting point for the ideas, perspectives and partnerships shaping the future of the global fashion industry. Through its fifth participation, CHINA WAVE demonstrated how naturally Chinese designer brands have become part of this international creative ecosystem. From technological innovation and sustainable material concepts to a confident expression of cultural identity, the participating labels presented their own distinctive visions for the future of fashion, attracting significant interest from international buyers and key industry decision-makers. 

CHINA WAVE has long evolved into far more than a collective exhibition. The platform connects Chinese designer brands with international business partners, creates new market opportunities and fosters creative dialogue between East and West. The successful presentation in Florence clearly demonstrated that Chinese brands are increasingly recognised as drivers of innovation, design excellence and cross-cultural exchange. Following this milestone edition, attention is already turning to the next chapter: from January 12 to 15, 2027, CHINA WAVE will return to Pitti Uomo 111 in Florence, bringing a new wave of Chinese creativity to the international stage. 

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, in partnership with the Business Coordination House (BCH), will welcome filtration professionals from across the world to FILTREX™ India 2026, taking place on 7–8 October 2026 at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi. 

Recognised as one of the leading meeting points for the filtration industry in the region, FILTREX™ India brings together decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and innovators from across the entire filtration value chain. The two-day conference and tabletop exhibition will provide a platform to explore technological advances, market developments and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the future of filtration. 

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 conference will feature a comprehensive programme covering some of the industry's most pressing topics, including filtration standards and regulations in India, automotive filtration, industrial filtration, clean water and clean air. The event will also provide extensive networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and discover new business opportunities. 

The programme includes keynote presentations and technical sessions delivered by internationally recognised experts from leading organisations, including MANN+HUMMEL, Ahlstrom, Camfil, Hollingsworth & Vose, UY Trienviro and Schlegel und Partner. Topics will range from next-generation filtration materials and air quality solutions to wastewater recycling technologies and the implications of evolving European chemical compliance requirements for international markets. 

"Launched in Europe in 2004, FILTREX™ has grown into a recognised international platform for knowledge exchange within the filtration industry," said Murat Dogru, General Manager at EDANA. "The Indian market continues to play an increasingly important role in the global filtration landscape, making FILTREX™ India an ideal forum for bringing together international expertise and local innovation to address shared challenges."

As global demand for effective filtration solutions continues to grow—driven by challenges related to air quality, water treatment, industrial processes and sustainable technologies—FILTREX™ India 2026 will offer participants valuable insights into the innovations and collaborations shaping the industry's future.

The first chapter of Catalyst Club debuted in Florence, bringing together creative directors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, journalists and innovators from across the fashion and textile industry for an evening of dialogue, exchange and connection.

Hosted at the Soko Innovation Hub and developed in partnership with Pioneer Denim, the gathering took place around a single long table, bringing guests together in an informal and convivial setting designed to encourage open conversation and the sharing of ideas.

During his opening speech at the dinner, Matteo Urbini, MD of Soko Chimica, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: "It’s a real pleasure to host an evening where we can finally move past virtual networking and connect in person. Getting together live is still the best way to build authentic relationships and make real things happen."

Set within a relaxed and convivial environment, free from presentations, panels and formal agendas, the evening encouraged guests to engage openly, allowing ideas, perspectives and future visions to flow naturally. Conversations touched on sustainability, creativity, manufacturing and innovation, generating valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration while introducing the purpose of Catalyst Club: a community designed to bring together the people shaping the future of fashion, denim and innovation through dialogue, exchange and shared inspiration.

The first chapter was realized with the support of Pioneer Denim, whose commitment to innovation and industry collaboration reflects the values at the heart of the initiative.

The Florence gathering represents the beginning of a journey that will continue through future chapters, expanding a network of professionals united by the belief that meaningful change starts with connection.

About Catalyst Club Catalyst Club is a curated community that brings together the people shaping the future of fashion, denim and innovation. Through intimate gatherings and meaningful conversations, it creates opportunities for ideas, perspectives and collaborations to emerge and evolve.

About Soko Soko is an innovation-driven chemical company serving the global fashion and textile industry. Through research, partnerships and its Soko Innovation Hub, the company promotes collaboration, sustainability and knowledge-sharing across the supply chain. Soko is the creator and organizer of Catalyst Club.

About Pioneer Denim Pioneer Denim is a leading denim manufacturer recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality and responsible production, supporting global brands through advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

The undersigned associations, representing several European industrial sectors, call on EU institutions to maintain the current legal text of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), adopted in 2019. While the signatories recognise the importance of ensuring that the SUPD delivers measurable and meaningful environmental outcomes, reopening the Directive now will create legal uncertainty, add disproportionate burden for economic operators that are already navigating partial and often divergent national transpositions, and increase the risk of regulatory overlaps or contradictions with existing and upcoming legislation. Moreover, there is currently insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of the current SUPD to justify a revision, as described below: 

• Insufficient evidence to inform a revision of the SUPD. 
  An impact assessment of the SUPD cannot be carried out at a moment when several of its provisions are not yet in place. While a first report on the state of implementation of the SUPD was published in April 2026, it remains partial, and reporting is not harmonised, preventing meaningful comparison of data across countries. Taking the example of consumption reduction targets, Member States and other EEA countries only reported data on SUP products placed on the market in 2022 and, even for this report, did so using different indicators. Crucially, since the target on consumption reduction is set for 2026, no data are yet available on whether that target has been achieved. In summary, the partial application of the SUPD and the limited data available suggest that a revision of the SUPD would be premature at this time. 
• Preventing further fragmentation and gold-plating. 
  The transposition of the SUPD has produced significant regulatory fragmentation, uneven enforcement, and widespread instances of gold plating, creating persistent uncertainty for companies active across multiple Member States. The result is a patchwork of national rules that undermines the integrity of the Single Market, inflates compliance costs, and fails to deliver proportionate environmental benefits. These structural shortcomings must be fully recognised in the evaluation of the SUPD and effectively addressed prior to considering a reopening of the Directive. 
• Ensuring legal certainty for economic operators. 
  A revision of the SUPD would create legal uncertainty for companies and Member States that are still implementing several of its provisions. While the SUPD entered into force in mid-2021, the date of application for most of its provisions is at a later stage. Furthermore, the EU Commission has only recently adopted some of the implementing decisions and guidelines on the current SUPD. Any change to the SUPD at a moment when companies are still adapting to new obligations, and Member States are still in the process of implementing some key provisions, would create legal uncertainty for economic operators who do not know whether targets or the scope of the SUPD may change. Legal uncertainty carries significant economic costs for economic operators, notably in terms of investment delays likely to persist throughout the entire SUPD revision process (2–3 years). 
• Avoiding overlaps with other legislation. 
  Revising the SUPD while the Ecodesign and Packaging Regulations are still being implemented, and as negotiations on the Circular Economy Act (CEA) begin, increases the risk of regulatory overlaps and contradictions. These frameworks cover intersecting areas and a revision of the SUPD in parallel with the CEA would almost inevitably lead to duplicative or conflicting provisions. Even if the EU Commission ensured full coherence in its proposal, the co-legislators could still introduce provisions that diverge from or contradict the SUPD framework, further undermining legal certainty and the functioning of the Single Market. 

At a time when EU leaders have made regulatory simplifications and a fully integrated Single Market central to Europe’s competitiveness agenda, we urge EU policymakers to focus legislative efforts where they are most needed and avoid reopening a framework that has yet to deliver concrete results.