From the Sector

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will showcase packaging materials combining high performance protection, CO2 emission reduction and waste prevention at Fachpack 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from September 23-25. Evolon® packaging solutions offered by Freudenberg are particularly suited for packaging automotive components with sensitive surfaces. 

Evolon® packaging materials provide superior surface protection for a wide range of automotive parts, including molded plastics and painted elements. The high-end textiles make an important contribution to the quality goals of OEMs and tier suppliers by preventing damage to transported parts and lowering rejection rates.

Recycled content and low CO2 footprint
Evolon® textiles have a small carbon footprint because their manufacturing process uses low-CO2 energy, and the fabrics are lightweight and reusable. Furthermore, Evolon® packaging materials are made of up to 85% recycled content. “By replacing virgin raw materials with recycled content, we’ve been able to cut the carbon footprint of our fabric production by 35%. We are actively exploring the possibility of manufacturing Evolon® using 100% recycled content to drive CO₂ emissions down even further,” explains Jean-François Kerhault, Director Global Sales & Marketing General Industry at Freudenberg Performance Materials. 

Although Evolon® fabrics are lightweight – from 80gsm to 300gsm – they nevertheless still provide the high mechanical strength properties required for automotive packaging applications. This conserves raw materials and reduces the weight of transported loads. In particular, the new Evolon® Ultra Force is approximately 50% lighter than PVC-based materials with similar high mechanical strength, while containing a minimum 50% recycled content and no PVC.

Waste prevention
Evolon® materials play an important role in decreasing waste when it comes to transporting automotive parts. Above all, the high-end materials provide superior surface performance which directly reduces scrap of transported parts. 
In addition, packaging waste is also prevented because Evolon® technical packaging textiles are designed for reusable packaging containers. Single-use packaging is avoided. Moreover, Evolon® packaging material lasts for the entire production cycle of a car model.

The October 2025 edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS, taking place from October 29–30 in Munich, will spotlight a topic that is vital for the future of the textile industry: the role of recyclers in an increasingly circular economy. Under the new Focus Topic “Textile to Textile – the role of recyclers”, the fair aims to provide in-depth insights into one of the most pressing challenges of the industry.

The linear textile model is nearing its end. With increasing regulatory pressures such as Extended Producer Responsibility EPR and Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules PEFCR, circularity is shifting from aspiration to necessity. While mechanical recycling of PET bottles is well established, textile-to-textile T2T recycling remains at an earlier and more complex stage of development.

Recyclers are now playing a pivotal role in the transition to circular systems. However, many are still adapting to the scale and technical challenges involved. T2T recycling is not a standalone solution and it is part of a broader transformation that also requires reducing overproduction, encouraging reuse and repair, and rethinking design and consumption models.

The urgency is clear: the global textile industry generates 92 million tonnes of waste annually, yet less than 1% is recycled into new clothing (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). Unlike downcycling or waste-to-energy methods, T2T recycling retains material quality, enabling the production of new garments from existing ones. The ultimate goal is a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and reduces dependency on virgin resources.

In Europe, policy is accelerating this shift. The EU Waste Framework Directive mandates separate collection of textiles by 2025. In parallel, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles promotes the reduction of virgin material use and enhances resource efficiency. These initiatives are driving investment in sorting technologies, digital product passports, and advanced recycling systems.

Regina Goller, Head of Material Strategy and Future Trends, explains:
“Circularity is the key topic of our time – and textile-to-textile recycling is a core pillar of the circular economy. The industry is working intensively on solutions, and much is already possible, even on a large scale. At the same time, new regulations are demanding concrete action. At PERFORMANCE DAYS, we see it as our mission to raise awareness – both for what is already possible and what lies ahead. We connect the right players and build the networks needed to truly close the loop.”

Scoop welcomed a vibrant crowd of fashion insiders and leading buyers to Olympia National for the opening day of ‘The Magical Edition’. With an inspiring curation of over 200 contemporary designer collections, the atmosphere buzzed with creativity and discovery. Guests from standout retailers including Sister, The Cross, Macbees, Anya, Matthew Williamson and Doyle’s stepped into a world of enchantment where theatrical displays and imaginative styling brought an extra touch of wonder to the day’s events.

Stepping into Scoop was like entering an enchanted wonderland, where every detail of the show’s immersive theme transported guests into a magical escape. Visitors were met with mannequins gracefully perched on whimsical horse carousels and styled in standout designer collections from A Kjaerbede, Bl^nk, Conditions Apply, écotorie, Flabelus, Freedom Moses, Missoni, Psophia and Reinhard Plank. The atmosphere was enhanced by the melodic sound of a live xylophone player and the uplifting scent of Connock England fragrance that drifted through the air. Striking stylized floral artwork set the tone, leading into a spacious, light-filled venue adorned with cascading chandeliers and vibrant flower displays at every turn. An orange catwalk carpet ran through the space, guiding visitors past, a beautiful tree installation and two charming cafés wrapped in Scoop’s signature artwork. Staff dressed in eye-catching Dr Bloom uniforms added to the theatrical spirit, ensuring that every corner of the show felt curated, creative, and completely captivating.

Buyers explored the show’s thoughtfully curated collections, discovering standout seasonal highlights and reaffirming Scoop’s role as a key destination for sourcing fresh inspiration. The excitement was echoed by both new and returning designers, as the show continued to foster valuable connections and strong business opportunities across the board. 

In response to mounting global regulations and the push for a circular economy, CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) is launching ITMA Sustainability Forum: Accelerating the Green Transition on 30 October at Singapore Expo. 

The half-day forum is designed to help textile and garment manufacturers, particularly from South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, navigate the European Union’s evolving sustainability regulations, and access to green financing opportunities to support their transition. 

Held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, the forum brings together EU policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to facilitate cross-border dialogue and knowledge exchange. 

Singapore Fashion Council, the official association for the textile and fashion 
industry in Singapore, is the programme partner of the forum organised by ITMA Services. 

Mr Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX, said: “Sustainability has become a global priority. The textile industry must act swiftly to modernise production in line with regulatory demands and growing consumer expectations. This forum provides a much-needed platform for manufacturers to better understand the EU’s legislative landscape and the financing tools available for sustainable growth.” 

A key highlight of the forum will be the keynote presentation by Ms Kristin Schreiber, Director, European Commission DG GROW. She will provide a comprehensive overview of the EU’s sustainability roadmap and upcoming regulations driving the shift towards circular textile production.

Ms Schreiber said: “South and Southeast Asia are vital players in the global textile value chain. Many producers in these regions export to the European market, and their ability to align with upcoming requirements will be critical to a successful and inclusive transition. I look forward to exchanging perspectives at this forum on how we can collaborate globally to build a more sustainable and resilient textile industry.”

Under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, by 2030, all textiles placed on the EU market must be durable, recyclable, largely made from recycled fibres and free from hazardous substances. Manufacturers worldwide must act now to meet these requirements and remain competitive. 

Programme highlights 

• Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes
  Moderator: Ms Nicole van der Elst Desai, Founder, VDE Consultancy 
  Speaker: Mr Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO, ReHubs 
• Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability 
  Moderator: Mr Brandon Courban, Senior Advisor (Climate), Openspace Ventures
  Speakers:
  - Dr Rene Van Berkel, Senior Circular Economy Expert, Switch Asia, EU Policy Support Component
  - Ms Iris Ng, Head, Emerging Business & Global Commercial Banking, OCBC Bank
  - Mr Michael Rattinger, Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank

Source Fashion announces £500,000 investment in a scheme to support British Heritage manufacturers. On Day 2 of Source Fashion the show has unveiled a major new initiative designed to champion British manufacturing. The new scheme will provide each of 15 selected UK-based heritage manufacturers with a fully funded stand, marketing support, and brand development assistance, representing over £500,000 worth of support to run across the next three years.

Beginning February 2026, Source Fashion will form a dedicated British Heritage Pavilion to showcase the 15 curated, high-quality, heritage manufacturers, from across the UK. The selected businesses will receive support for three consecutive editions of the show, a move designed to help them build long-term visibility and growth.

“As Source Fashion grows into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it’s our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK,” said Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion. “This is about more than just giving away stands. We’re investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It’s a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.”

The programme will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. It aims to address a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad.
Each business will receive:

• A free stand at three consecutive Source Fashion shows in January 2026, July 2026 and January 2027.
• Dedicated bespoke PR and marketing campaigns
• Exposure through Source Fashion’s global content channels

To ensure the most deserving and high-potential manufacturers are selected, Source Fashion will work with their advisory board to identify manufacturers and makers that would benefit from the show.  

The first full cohort of heritage manufacturers will be announced in September 2025. While most participants are still under wraps, organisers have confirmed outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion include Courtnery and Co, The last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing. These companies represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be. The scheme aims to spotlight, with more names to be revealed in the coming months.

The 56th INNATEX in Frankfurt addresses urgent issues in the Green Fashion sector. From 19 to 21 July 2025 at the Messecenter Hofheim RheinMain, the international trade fair for sustainable textiles offers not only an exhibition of more than 200 Green Fashion labels but also a range of new elements. As a general trend, a rise in the number of young, progressive HERITAGE brands is evident.  

Increase turnover with the right digital strategy 
First there will be a motivating presentation by CDH Mitte (the wholesale and retail industry association for the German states of Hessen, Thuringia and Rhineland Palatinate) entitled ‘Digitalisation that sells – how textile and lifestyle brands are actually reaching new customers today’. Speaker Meltem Alca demonstrates, with the aid of a digital showroom, how emotive appeals to customers and modern sales psychology work. The presentation is aimed at fashion designers, labels, agencies and retailers. 

“Nowadays, anyone wanting to increase sales needs to sell in the same way that people make decisions – personally, intuitively, digitally,” says Meltem Alca. “Video, voice and neuro-sales tools make relationship-based sales strategies easier. These new concepts enable customers to be addressed through emotions, they are brain-friendly and they are measurable.” 
Likewise new to the programme is the Handelsverband Hessen’s expert session ‘Security in retail: shoplifting, rights, prevention’. In this Q&A session, Manuel Hable (Head of Security & Fraud Prevention at JC New Retail AG, the holding company for the Peek & Cloppenburg Group), Ina Kasperski (police superintendent at the State of Hessen Office of Criminal Investigation) and Stefan Siegel (Managing Director of security firm Rentario Sicherheitsmanagement GmbH) will be providing practical suggestions for dealing with a problem affecting physical retail stores ever more frequently. 
 
Foresight, progress and world events 
The keynote speech ‘On the state of sustainable fashion: what is important now’ explores why, despite climate change, the focus on sustainability is reducing while fast fashion flourishes. Speaker Nina Lorenzen of Fashion Changers presents the background and the opportunities that arise, even – in fact especially – for smaller businesses. 

“We all share the vision of a fair and sustainable world, but without a strategic view of sales, profitability and readiness to continue developing, businesses no longer get very far,” says Alexander Hitzel, INNATEX Project Manager. “That may seem obvious but it’s not at all easy in practice. From digitalisation and increasing levels of shoplifting to societal trends, change is evident on many different levels. Companies would do well to respond to this and act for the long term.” 

Three days of inspiration for fashion folk 
In the foyer, on all three days of the fair, Lena Huber will be welcoming visitors and exhibitors and sparking a fascination for plant-based textile dyeing. Fashion professionals can discover techniques for handling natural dyes in this interactive dyeing workshop staged in association with Fashion Campus 2030 and Halt.Clothing. 

Further highlights of the programme include the Community Talks with moderator Mirjam Smend (Greenstyle Munich): one of her panels concerns ideas for the circular economy (‘The second, third, fourth chance: keeping fashion and materials in circulation’), while the other looks at fashion that unites the zeitgeist and timelessness (‘Made to last: contemporary fashion with substance and attitude’). 

More and more younger brands 
The in-demand DESIGN DISCOVERIES, companies exhibiting at INNATEX for the first time, bring together some very diverse themes. mor Khadi Streetwear combines hand-spun denim from India with a casual street style. The latest line from the Berlin-based Zamt label creates minimalist unisex designs from deadstock materials. Sloppy Tunas is bringing along boardshorts made from recycled materials, while moefe has women’s office-wear in organic cotton. First-time exhibitors include Rotholz with casual coolness for women and men, and Patron Socks in fun patterns.

Source Fashion, a leading responsible sourcing show in Europe, returns to Olympia London from 8–10 July 2025 with the highly anticipated return of its Source Debates Stage, a bold and unfiltered platform tackling fashion’s most urgent challenges and exploring the ideas shaping its future.

Building on the success of its debut, the Source Debates Stage returns this season with a fresh line-up of thought-provoking sessions designed to challenge assumptions, spark honest conversation, and explore new thinking across sustainability, sourcing, innovation, and ethics. Each session invites attendees to engage with real-world issues and bold ideas, offering a dynamic space for collective insight and practical discussion.

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, comments, “The Source Debates Stage is designed to ask difficult questions and encourage collective problem-solving. As businesses are being tested like never before, these sessions are a call to arms provoking honest discussion about what needs to change, and how we get there together.”

Each session on the Debates Stage is interactive by design, encouraging attendees to engage directly with expert speakers. Highlights include:

• AI - Just because we can, does it mean we should? Jade McSorley, Head of Knowledge Exchange (Sustainability) - Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-led design. How do we ensure ethics, ownership, and creativity stay intact? 
• Can we decouple profit from volume - or is that a fantasy?  With industry pressures mounting, Simon Platts, Founder - SP&KO Consultancy, discusses whether reducing output can sharpen commercial strategy and increase brand value.
• Rethinking the rules - what would a smarter fashion system look like? Mark Sumner, Textiles Programme Lead – WRAP reimagines fashion’s supply chain from the ground up, asking what it would look like if we priced for reality, not just margins.
• Can luxury fashion really be sustainable? Dax Lovegrove, Consultant - Planet Positive, former Director of Sustainability, Versace, confronts the contradictions at the heart of high-end fashion, examining whether true sustainability can exist amid exclusivity, global supply chains, and opacity.

Set against the backdrop of this season’s overarching theme, ‘Thriving in a Volatile World’, the Source Debates programme is a vital forum for confronting the contradictions and complexities of modern fashion. From navigating uncertain economic conditions to rethinking consumption and innovation under pressure, these sessions are crafted to help businesses move beyond survival mode and uncover bold, practical strategies for long-term resilience. 

Scoop continues to be the UK’s leading premium womenswear show, offering a curated, inspiring space where both emerging and established designers can showcase their collections to top-tier retailers. As the only show of its kind in the UK, and increasingly a destination for European buyers, Scoop plays a vital role in launching brands, forging retail partnerships, and setting the tone for the season ahead.

Curated by Founder and Event Director Karen Radley, this season’s show features a dynamic edit of British and international designers. Newcomers making their debut include CAHU PARIS, NINEMOO, TETI MILANO, MAISON LECOMTE, RIVERPEACE, PROSPHIA, BOND EYE, BEALONI, V DE VINSTER, BELLE MAIS PAS QUE, TENNE THE LABEL, NOIRNINE, MA PETITE CAPSULE, and more.

Leading agents confirm Scoop's impact on brand growth and visibility. Daniel Morris of Morris Fyfe Agency calls it, “one of the most relevant shows in Europe,” crediting its thoughtful curation and strong buyer turnout for driving real business results. David Smith of Level One Showroom highlights Scoop’s fair, beautifully styled layout and its influence in elevating brands like Desigual, Grace & Mila, and Chicosoleil. Ian Campbell Smith of Palladio Associates, now showing for the 24th time, describes Scoop as “visually an assault on the senses,” and a key factor in his agency’s commercial success.

More than a trade event, Scoop is a creative and commercial catalyst. From high-profile launches like Psophia to retail connections with Selfridges and Anthropologie, designers benefit from unmatched visibility and access to influential buyers. As Campbell Smith puts it, “Scoop changed our business in a hugely positive way.” With its growing international reach and commitment to nurturing new talent, Scoop remains an unmissable platform for the fashion industry.

For agents and showrooms, Scoop’s value lies not just in exposure but in the consistent return on investment it delivers. “The brand and exhibitor mix ensures the right buyers come through the door,” says Daniel Morris, who notes that brands like Devotion Twins and Sorena have seen season-on-season growth since launching at the show. David Smith adds, “It’s the consistency and quality of visitors that make Scoop invaluable. Our designers gain visibility with buyers we simply wouldn’t reach elsewhere.” Ian Campbell Smith agrees, highlighting the show's broader reach: “Scoop has opened doors to international markets—including the Caribbean—that we’d never have accessed otherwise.”

Radley, said, “Each season, our goal is to create an inspiring and elevated environment where brands feel proud to present their collections and buyers are excited to discover what’s next. Scoop is about more than just fashion, it’s about storytelling, creativity, and connection. We’re thrilled to welcome such a dynamic mix of new and returning designers this July and to continue evolving as a key destination for both UK and international buyers.”

The Spring/Summer ’26 edition returns to Olympia National, Kensington from 13–15 July 2025, showcasing a vibrant celebration of style, innovation, and emerging design talent.

Fashion for Good announces today a strategic partnership with Altmat, a pioneering materials science company transforming agricultural waste into high-value materials, to advance its innovative Fibre Club initiative. Altag® Fibre Club is designed to fast-track the commercial adoption of next-generation fibres from agri-residue at scale, supporting the industry's transition toward circular materials.

The fashion industry faces a critical materials challenge: accounting for 91% of the industry’s total emissions and 30% of a product’s cost of goods sold (COGS), materials are pivotal to achieving climate goals and long-term competitiveness. Yet, the path to replacing conventional fibres with next-generation alternatives is riddled with systemic barriers.

For brands, integrating next-generation materials presents significant operational hurdles, from limited production capacity to premium pricing and complex sourcing logistics. Meanwhile, material innovators struggle with the capital-intensive scaling process, difficulty securing consistent offtake commitments, and navigating a fragmented manufacturing infrastructure ill-equipped for novel inputs.

These mutual challenges create a systemic deadlock: despite significant innovation in alternative materials, widespread commercial adoption remains elusive. Without structured collaboration frameworks that distribute risk and align incentives, the disconnect between promising innovations and commercial implementation continues to impede the industry's transition toward innovation.

To address the scaling challenges that have historically hindered material innovation adoption, Fashion for Good has partnered with AltMat through a collaborative framework that enables brands to pool resources and commit to minimum order quantities, thereby reducing financial risk for both innovators and manufacturers. The Altag® Fibre Club brings together a consortium of forward-thinking value supply chain partners — including Adalberto, Alok, Arvind, Bhaskar Denim, Jindal Textiles, Maharaja Shree Umaid Mills, Ltd, Positive Materials, Sambandam Spinning Mills Limited, Shahi Exports, Sutlej Textiles, Sweaters India and Industries Limited, and Vrijesh Natural Fibre & Fabrics (India) Pvt. Ltd. — to integrate AltMat's fibres into mainstream production processes. This collaborative model, which builds on Fashion for Good's successful first Fibre Club with textile-to-textile recycler Circ in 2024, in collaboration with Canopy, aims to overcome key barriers to adoption such as scalability, processing compatibility, and cost competitiveness.

Altag® Fibre Club will be launching at the Future Fabric Expo in London on 24-25 June 2025.

Textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will participate in the Future Fabrics Expo 2025 exhibition in London, England, 24th – 25th June. Held during London Climate Action Week, Future Fabrics Expo showcases sustainably and responsibly produced materials to the textile industry, and is considered a platform for exchange of knowledge and sourcing of sustainable textiles, materials and leading innovations for fashion, home and interior brands. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI is showcasing just such an innovation in the form of its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software. APEXFiz® supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling for various textiles including flat knitting, circular knitting, weaving, pile weave, socks, embroidery and print. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. Virtual samples can furthermore be used in e-commerce to gauge consumer demand before production begins, allowing production to be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. Virtual sampling on APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will be displaying virtual sample swatches at both the Curated Textiles Area and the SHIMA SEIKI booth to demonstrate just how real and expressive digital simulations can be. Virtual sampling is not limited in use for product planning and design by visitors, but is perfect for consideration by fellow exhibitors as well, as it gives them the opportunity to consider a truly sustainable method of planning, designing and evaluating their sustainable fabrics made from sustainable materials.