From the Sector

At the event titled "The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Apparel Industry," coordinated by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), delivered a speech. In order to strengthen their competitiveness, the Customs Union should be updated without further delay.

Mustafa Gültepe: The Customs Union in its current form is limiting rather than supporting our cooperation. We would like the ongoing technical contacts to be completed as soon as possible. Because we know that permanent competitive advantage in the EU market can only be possible with the full modernization of the Customs Union.

Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), said that the Customs Union between the European Union (EU) and Türkiye in its current form has a limiting effect rather than supporting cooperation between the parties.

Gültepe, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), underlined that a permanent competitive edge in the EU market can only be attained through the full and comprehensive modernization of the Customs Union.

The event titled “The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Apparel Industry,” organized by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), brought together exporters, international brands, industry professionals and experts.
In his opening remarks, Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that the apparel industry is among Türkiye’s most vital sectors, thanks to its high value-added production, employment generation, and export performance.

Highlighting the European Union as a strategic market for the Turkish apparel sector, Gültepe continued as follows:

TÜRKİYE should be included in the EU'S FTAs with third countries
“We export approximately 70 percent of our apparel products to Europe. We hold a strong position in many European markets, particularly in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Our strategic advantage as a nearshore supplier further reinforces our competitive standing. However, we are aware that in the medium and long term, these advantages alone will not be sufficient.

With this awareness, we are determined to accelerate our twin transformation—digital and green. We are effectively utilizing EU funds to support this transition. To date, we have secured a total of 37 million euros in grant funding from the EU for our completed and ongoing projects. 

Today, in areas such as recycling, carbon footprint reduction, digitalization, and social compliance, we have reached—or even surpassed—European standards. I have no doubt that we will successfully complete the twin transformation.

Find attached the full press release of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB).

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its report on Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge with new topics in line with the European Union’s Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal. Specific scientific research is needed to better protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals and to develop balanced and effective regulatory measures.

The report introduces new topics to reflect ECHA’s growing responsibilities. It also covers emerging topics in waste and recycling that aim to support circularity and enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness. 

For example, more specific research is needed on:  

• chemical emissions and exposure from the waste stage of materials to help create more accurate emission estimates to avoid potentially over-conservative regulatory measures;
• recycled non-fossil fuel resources, to improve our understanding of their hazards and support EU policies that aim to reduce pollution and promote sustainable growth; and
• the valuing of environmental impacts to assess the effectiveness and proportionality of chemicals regulation and specific regulatory actions under, for example, REACH and the Batteries Regulation.

Dr Sharon McGuinness, ECHA’s Executive Director, said: 
“Since ECHA’s first report in 2023, we have seen important, regulatory-relevant scientific research get underway. For example, new research has been initiated on developing analytical methods to detect and measure PFAS for use by enforcement authorities and on generating monitoring data on a specific phthalate that is a chemical of concern.   

“Our updated report reflects the European Commission’s Clean Industry Deal and Competitiveness Compass, by inviting more specific research to support the circular economy and innovation in Europe.”

Other research needs added to the report include developing better methods to monitor chemicals in water environments, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, and how chemicals can contaminate drinking water from materials that come into contact with it.

Background
The Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge report is part of an evolving research and development agenda aiming to support and inspire the research community. The list of research needs is not exhaustive. The report reflects ECHA’s current priorities, including the Agency’s new tasks. It was originally developed to support the work under the Partnership for the assessment of risk from chemicals (PARC). 

PARC is a seven-year EU wide research and innovation programme under Horizon Europe which aims to advance research, share knowledge and improve skills in chemical regulatory risk assessment.

ECHA’s role in PARC is to ensure that the funded scientific research addresses current regulatory challenges related to chemical risk assessment and adds value to the EU’s regulatory processes.

The Boards of Directors of INDA and EDANA have officially approved the formation of the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) and have concurrently agreed to become its founding members. Both Boards have also approved a motion authorizing each organization to appoint six representatives from each founding organization – current chair and 5 additional representatives. 

This move marks a major milestone in the collaborative vision outlined in the organizations’ jointly signed Letter of Intent from September 2024. The Board votes follow extensive planning and consultation and includes the recommendation to formally establish GNA as a non-profit association under the laws of the United States. 

By aligning strategic resources and deepening collaboration, the GNA will provide a unified and coordinated approach to the key opportunities and challenges facing the global nonwovens industry. The Alliance is designed to accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency, expand international reach, and foster long-term industry growth—all while strengthening the services and support delivered to members at both regional and global levels. 

Under the GNA framework, INDA and EDANA will continue to operate as independent legal entities, maintaining their regional focus and advocacy efforts. As founding members, however, both organizations will participate in aligning leadership, staffing, and programmatic initiatives to advance shared objectives and cross-border priorities. 

In the immediate term, INDA and EDANA will focus on laying a strong foundation for GNA, including establishing the organization and solidifying its governance structure. Looking ahead, Allied Membership is expected to be open to any not-for-profit trade, industry, or professional association whose mission aligns with that of the founding members—offering an inclusive platform for broader collaboration across the global nonwovens value chain.

“The formation of GNA is a milestone for our industry. By working together across regions, we can accelerate innovation, speak with a stronger voice globally, and deliver even greater value to our members,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “This is not a merger—it’s a strategic alliance built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of nonwovens.” 

“With the creation of GNA, we are positioning the nonwovens industry to meet global challenges with greater unity and impact,” said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. “This collaborative structure allows us to scale our efforts, strengthen our influence, and pursue solutions that benefit our members worldwide.” 

GNA will be governed by a Board composed of six members from each founding organization –five appointed representatives plus the current Chair–, ensuring balanced representation and a regional perspective. This governance structure will promote transparency, long-term strategic alignment, and organizational stability while guiding shared policies, priorities, and programs.

Modern Meadow, a U.S.-based leader in bio-design, has chosen Menabò Group as its partner for the development of the INNOVERA™ brand and the development of its global communication strategy. 
 
With over forty years of experience in integrated communication, the Italian agency led every phase of the project, from the creation of the visual identity and brand payoff to the definition of strategic positioning. Menabò also oversaw the concept, design, and content of the dedicated website; supported brand communications across online and offline touchpoints; assisted during major international trade events; and developed media relations assets for global outreach. 

INNOVERA™, previously known as BIO-VERA®, is crafted using plant-based proteins, biopolymers and recycled rubber, achieving more than 80% renewable carbon content. Completely animal-free, INNOVERA™ replicates the look and feel of collagen found in leather, yet it is lightweight, twice as strong as traditional leather, and available in various colors, haptics and finishes. 
 
INNOVERA™ is not presented as an outright alternative to animal leather, but as a lowimpact, high-performance option that tanneries and brands can offer their customers across fashion, footwear, the automotive industry, and interior design, while upholding the highest standards in aesthetics and quality. 
 
The official debut of INNOVERA™ took place at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, the premier international event for sustainable innovation in fashion, held from June 3 to 5. Alongside the product showcase, Modern Meadow contributed to the summit dialogue with the participation of its CEO David Williamson, PhD, in the panel discussion “Bio-Design Futures,” which explored the future of bio-design and the role of renewable materials. 
 
In an environment where sustainability communication demands transparency and credibility, Menabò Group shaped a storytelling approach that highlights INNOVERA™’s tangible benefits and performance qualities. With this project, the agency reinforces its international presence as a trusted partner for brands driving innovation and sustainability on a global scale. 

ECHA’s redesigned Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory is now available in the Agency’s new chemicals database, ECHA CHEM.

The C&L Inventory includes information on more than 4,400 EU-level harmonised classifications and seven million classifications notified or included in REACH registrations. Altogether, the inventory includes data on around 350 000 substances.

The integration of classification and labelling information into ECHA CHEM follows the initial launch of the database in January 2024, which featured information on over 100 000 REACH registrations submitted by companies. The new inventory is designed to help users easily locate the classification with the highest agreement and to bring clarity on the source behind the classification information. It incorporates recent regulatory developments, such as the new CLP hazard classes and is built with stability and growth in mind.

In this first version, the classification information is accessible in a visual format per substance with complementary approaches, such as application programming interfaces (APIs), being explored in future releases.  

Mercedes Viñas, Director of Submissions and Interaction, said:
“This is an important milestone in further developing a comprehensive database for all chemical data gathered by ECHA. The redesigned C&L Inventory comes with an enhanced user interface and simplifies access to classification information for users.”

Mike Rasenberg, Director of Hazard Assessment, added:
“Hazard classifications are the cornerstone of regulatory risk management of chemicals. The redesigned C&L inventory improves the clarity on the current and upcoming mandatory classifications harmonised at the EU level, helping companies to prepare and implement the required safety measures.”

On March 31, 2025, DEMGY Group took a decisive step in its international development strategy by acquiring the American company TOOL GAUGE, which specializes in the manufacture of plastic components for the interior of aircraft cabins. This acquisition will enable DEMGY to consolidate their position as one of the world leaders in high value-added plastics processing for civil and military aeronautics.

With this operation, DEMGY is extending its footprint on the North American market, a strategic territory for the aerospace sector. The American company, now renamed DEMGY Pacific, is thus joining a group already present in France, Germany, Romania and the United States, bringing the total number of the group's industrial sites to 10.

Recognized expertise for the benefit of American aerospace
Based in Tacoma, Washington State, TOOL GAUGE has nearly 60 years of experience in the processing of high-performance polymers and the machining of precision parts. Recognized for its operational excellence, it has been awarded the Silver Performance Excellence Award by Boeing for 9 consecutive years.

The company has two complementary production units: one dedicated to plastic injection, particularly for interior fittings in aircraft cabins, and the other specializing in the machining of metal and plastic parts. This technical expertise considerably strengthens DEMGY's offering to major clients in the aerospace sector.

Airbus, Boeing: DEMGY stands out as a key partner
This strategic acquisition enables DEMGY to become a tier 1 supplier for Boeing and Airbus, as well as a tier 2 supplier for all their equipment manufacturers in Europe and North America. This positioning considerably strengthens the group's visibility and attractiveness on the global aerospace market.

"By strengthening its leadership in high value-added plastics processing for the aerospace and defense industries, the DEMGY Group has become one of the world's leading, if not the leading, supplier of plastic parts for cabin interiors directly to Airbus and Boeing, as well as to all American and European aircraft equipment manufacturers," says Pierre-Jean LEDUC, Chairman and CEO of DEMGY Group. "This enables us to deploy our high and extreme performance plastics solutions on a much larger scale".

Integration driven by DEMGY Group's cross-functional synergies
DEMGY Pacific will be managed by Mike Walter, also President of DEMGY Chicago, and Eric Wilmoth, Vice-President of Operations. Both will be tasked with implementing industrial and commercial synergies with all the entities of the group, particularly in terms of injection, assembly and decoration.

This integration will promote the development of global solutions to meet the growing demands of the aerospace industry in terms of lightness, performance and durability.

Target of 200 million euros: managed growth
With its 10 industrial sites and 950 employees, DEMGY forecasts sales of over 130 million euros by 2025. Our group's ambition is to reach 200 million euros by 2030, capitalizing on its unique know-how, capacity for innovation and proximity to major customers.

Materials lightening at the heart of decarbonization
For several years, DEMGY has been committed to reducing the carbon footprint of industries, by designing polymer materials that are lighter than metal, durable and recyclable.Thanks to our circular Multiplasturgy® offer, we integrate eco-design from the product development phase.

The European Chemicals Agency brings forward a proposal for an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), substances. The aim is to reduce the harmful effects of these carcinogenic chemicals for both workers and the public.

At the request of the European Commission, ECHA has assessed the risks posed by certain Cr(VI) substances to workers and the public as well as the socio-economic impacts of potential restrictions.

The Agency concluded that an EU-wide restriction is justified as Cr(VI) substances are among the most potent workplace carcinogens and pose a serious risk to workers’ health. People living near industrial sites that release these substances into the environment are also at risk of lung and intestinal cancers.

ECHA proposes to introduce a ban on Cr(VI) substances, except in the following use categories when they meet defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions:

1. Formulation of mixtures
2. Electroplating on plastic substrate
3. Electroplating on metal substrate
4. Use of primers and other slurries
5. Other surface treatment
6. Functional additives/process aids

Such a restriction could replace the current authorisation requirements under REACH, ensuring that the risks associated with Cr(VI) substances are effectively controlled once they are no longer subject to REACH authorisation. Additionally, barium chromate is included in the scope of the restriction to avoid regrettable substitution.

The restriction could prevent up to 17 tonnes of Cr(VI) from being released into the environment and avoid up to 195 cancer cases each year. Over 20 years, the total monetised benefits are estimated to be €331 million or €1.07 billion, depending on the restriction option chosen. The total cost to European society is estimated at either €314 million or €3.23 billion. These costs include investments in measures to reduce environmental releases and worker exposure, cost of closures and relocations, and replacing Cr(VI) substances with safer alternatives.

All stakeholders have the opportunity to provide information backed by robust evidence during a six-month consultation, which is expected to start on 18 June 2025. ECHA is planning to organise an online information session to explain the restriction process and help stakeholders take part in the consultation.

Next steps
ECHA’s scientific Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis will evaluate the restriction proposal. In their evaluation, they will consider the scientific evidence received during the consultations.
The European Commission, together with the 27 EU Member States, will take the decision on the restriction and its conditions – based on ECHA’s proposal and the committees’ opinion.

ECHA is the EU’s chemicals agency responsible for implementing EU chemical regulations.

adidas announced preliminary results for the first quarter of 2025. The company’s revenues grew nearly € 700 million and reached € 6,153 million in Q1 (2024: € 5,458 million).

In currency-neutral terms, sales increased 13%. Excluding Yeezy sales in the prior year, currency-neutral revenues for the adidas brand increased 17% during the quarter, driven by double-digit growth across all markets and channels.

The company’s gross margin improved 0.9 percentage points to 52.1% (2024: 51.2%). The year-over-year increase of the gross margin for the adidas brand was even stronger at 1.6 percentage points. Operating profit improved strongly to € 610 million in Q1 (2024: € 336 million), reflecting an operating margin of 9.9% (2024: 6.2%).

Having completed the sale of the remaining Yeezy inventory at the end of last year, the company’s results for the first quarter of 2025 do not include any Yeezy contribution.

adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden:
“I am very proud of what our team achieved in Q1. Double-digit growth across all markets and channels in today’s volatile environment shows the strength of our brand and underlines the great job our people are doing. The operating profit of € 610 million and the 9.9% operating margin prove the great potential of our company. A great quarter!”

adidas will publish its final set of financial results for the first quarter on April 29, 2025.

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership to introduce ‘Sporttech pavilion’ – a dedicated area showcasing sports and activewear textiles and accessories under Techtextil India 2025. It is a premier platform dedicated to the rapidly expanding sports and fitness textiles at Techtextil India 2025. This strategic alliance aims to provide a major boost to the segment aiming to showcase innovations in speciality fabrics, yarns, sportswear and gear, high-performance textiles and sustainable materials, generating remarkable opportunities for the entire textile universe, especially, for sportswear brands.

The Indian sports and fitness textiles sector are transforming remarkably, driven by the evolving consumer lifestyles, advanced material innovations and growing government support. Amidst this backdrop, this partnership marks a significant leap of growth for the specialised textiles segment, which is envisioned as a game-changer in the Indian sports and activewear market.

The demand for cutting-edge moisture-wicking fabrics, compression wear, breathable textiles and sustainable sports and fitness fabrics are at an all-time high. Rising health consciousness consumers and increasing appetite for high-performance sportswear, are also contributing to the growing demand. This makes Techtextil India 2025 the perfect launchpad for this specialised segment. This collaboration seamlessly aligns with the growing push for self-reliance in textile manufacturing, bundled with the Indian government’s focus on technical textile innovations and expanding domestic production capabilities. Industry leaders are recognising this as the perfect time to showcase national innovations in fitness textiles on the global stage of Techtextil India.

Industry figures highlight growth of this segment:

• The Indian sportswear market: valued at USD 10.2 million in 2024
• Expected to reach USD 16.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2025-2033*1 according to a recent report by IMARC Group.
• Global sportswear market size was valued at USD 206.64 billion in 2024.
• Expected to reach USD 350.45 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period.

This segment will see an expansion of the exhibitor profile with inclusion of:

• Sports textile material producers including compression fabrics, breathable textiles, suppliers of sustainable and recycled textiles suitable for sports equipment and gear manufacturers
• Producers of sports and fitness equipment with an emphasis on textile-based products like: yoga mats, fitness bands, straps, & etc
• Accessories and footwear manufacturers for products like gloves, bands headgear and socks using innovative materials; manufacturers and brands showcasing new textile technologies in sports footwear and performance shoes
• Smart textile manufacturers producing materials embedded with sensors for fitness tracking; chemical suppliers for sports textiles
• Producers of finishing chemicals that enhance performance e.g. anti-odour, UV protection, water-repellent coatings
• Manufacturers of various fitness textiles and activewear materials and textile machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers, suppliers of technology for fabric testing, dyeing, and finishing for sportswear and more.

With such an extensive product showcase, the expo aims to attract visitors from major sportswear retailers and distributors, product developers, fitness enthusiasts, fashion designers, research and development professionals, textile institutes, sourcing specialists and other professionals from the textile spectrum looking for the next big breakthrough in the segment. The dedicated space for Sporttech Pavilion will serve as a powerful business catalyst connecting material innovators, sportswear brands and textile manufacturers with national and international sourcing leaders.

A significant delegation of Italian textile machinery manufacturers will participate in Techtextil North America, the trade fair set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from May 6 to May 8. ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, together with Italian Trade Agency, has organized a dedicated exhibition area, where 21 Italian manufacturers will showcase their latest innovations.

The ACIMIT member companies exhibiting in the Italian pavilion include: 4M Plants, Bianco, Bonino, Color Service, Fadis, Flainox, Ima, Marzoli, Monti Antonio, Monti-Mac, Omr, Ramatex, Ramina, Reggiani Macchine, Siltex, Simet, Stalam, Tecnorama, Unitech, Zanfrini, Zappa.

The U.S. textile industry remains one of the most significant sectors within American manufacturing, with annual sales exceeding 64 billion USD and a workforce of over 500,000 employees. U.S. textile companies are among the leading investors in technology, as evidenced by the value of U.S. textile machinery imports, which amounted to approximately 1 billion USD in 2024.

For Italian manufacturers, the U.S. market ranks as the fourth largest export destination after China, Turkey, and India. In 2024, Italian exports to the United States reached 112 million euro, remaining stable compared to the previous year. “The 2025 edition of Techtextil North America,” commented Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, “comes at a time of economic uncertainty for the global textile machinery industry. However, the increased number of Italian companies attending the fair, compared to recent editions, reflects a cautious optimism regarding the development of projects within the U.S. textile sector.”