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21.01.2025

45 Years Trevira CS®

Indorama Ventures exhibited the Trevira CS® brand together with 17 Trevira CS partner companies at the Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, from January 14-17, 2025.

This year Trevira CS is celebrating its 45th anniversary! In 1980 Trevira CS® was launched on the market, at that time a pioneer for permanently flame retardant textiles whose flame retardant properties neither wash out nor are lost through ageing or use. They are characterized by the fact that they meet all essential fire protection standards without the need for a chemical finish. Fabrics made from specially produced flame-retardant polyester can be labeled as Trevira CS after passing a brand test. Samples, brochures, pictures and short anecdotes from 45 years of Trevira CS will be on display in a special area of the exhibition stand, inviting visitors to browse and smile.

Indorama Ventures exhibited the Trevira CS® brand together with 17 Trevira CS partner companies at the Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, from January 14-17, 2025.

This year Trevira CS is celebrating its 45th anniversary! In 1980 Trevira CS® was launched on the market, at that time a pioneer for permanently flame retardant textiles whose flame retardant properties neither wash out nor are lost through ageing or use. They are characterized by the fact that they meet all essential fire protection standards without the need for a chemical finish. Fabrics made from specially produced flame-retardant polyester can be labeled as Trevira CS after passing a brand test. Samples, brochures, pictures and short anecdotes from 45 years of Trevira CS will be on display in a special area of the exhibition stand, inviting visitors to browse and smile.

In the anniversary year the focus of the Trevira CS® joint stand will be on permanent flame retardancy and the sustainability approaches of Trevira CS fabrics, which are known for their outstanding properties and versatility in the textile industry. Not only will the latest yarn and fabric developments from the 17 partners be presented, the three sustainability approaches from 1. pre-consumer recycling, 2. the Trevira CS take-back concept in cooperation with the company ALTEX Textil-Recycling GmbH & Co. KG in Gronau, Germany and 3. developments from chemically recycled raw material, but also all submissions to the Trevira CS Fabric Competition 2025. This encouraged Trevira CS participants to explore the interfaces between permanent flame retardancy, textile design, functionality and safety and to submit articles for five different categories.

The BREATHAIR® brand, a 3D upholstery material, was also be presented at the trade fair. This innovative and recyclable product has been specially developed for the upholstery industry and offers new possibilities for sustainable and comfortable furniture designs. Thanks to the nature of BREATHAIR®, it can be recycled at the end of its life cycle . Visitors to the trade fair will have the opportunity to experience the unique comfort of BREATHAIR® up close in a seating lab.

The Deja™ brand is an integral part of Indorama Ventures' commitment to long-term sustainability through recycling and bio-based materials. The product portfolio includes chips, as well as various staple fibers and filament yarns in multiple titer and yarn specifications.

In cooperation with Auping and TWE, Indorama Ventures and Deja™ developed an innovative mattress consisting of two basic components. This new design allows for easier disassembly and therefore more efficient recycling. The partnership aims to promote the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of mattresses. By using recyclable materials and reducing waste, the companies are actively contributing to a more sustainable future.

Source:

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

21.01.2025

ISKO with denim comfort and stretch innovation at Bluezone

Advancing stretch technology and material responsibility, ISKO’s SS26 collection supports the industry’s shift toward circularity and timeless design.

ISKO will showcase its latest advancements in fabric innovation and material responsibility at Bluezone, reaffirming its commitment to crafting denim that balances comfort, performance, and contemporary design.

ISKO’s SS26 collection reflects the brand’s dedication to cutting-edge technology and circular practices. From pioneering stretch solutions to unique finishes, the collection explores the industry’s growing demand for circularity and responsibility, while maintaining the style and quality synonymous with ISKO.

At the heart of ISKO’s SS26 is ISKO Comfort2, a fabric technology that combines the softness and elasticity of knit fabrics with the durability and strength of woven denim. A special weave with stretch in both the warp and the weft, it offers exceptional everyday comfort and movement without compromising strength.

Advancing stretch technology and material responsibility, ISKO’s SS26 collection supports the industry’s shift toward circularity and timeless design.

ISKO will showcase its latest advancements in fabric innovation and material responsibility at Bluezone, reaffirming its commitment to crafting denim that balances comfort, performance, and contemporary design.

ISKO’s SS26 collection reflects the brand’s dedication to cutting-edge technology and circular practices. From pioneering stretch solutions to unique finishes, the collection explores the industry’s growing demand for circularity and responsibility, while maintaining the style and quality synonymous with ISKO.

At the heart of ISKO’s SS26 is ISKO Comfort2, a fabric technology that combines the softness and elasticity of knit fabrics with the durability and strength of woven denim. A special weave with stretch in both the warp and the weft, it offers exceptional everyday comfort and movement without compromising strength.

Alongside heritage stretch technologies like ISKO Blue Skin™ for 360° stretch and ISKO Reform™ for the perfect fit across various weights, ISKO Comfort2 is crafted to meet the needs of today’s consumers, who value both high performance and responsibility.

Visitors can also discover ISKO™ Multitouch, ISKO™ Iconic, and ISKO Corduroy. ISKO™ Multitouch technology elevates denim right from the design stage, by offering diverse looks and textures all from a single material. This technology enables 3D effects, such as whiskers and cracked looks, without the use of harsh chemicals or resins, all while preserving the classic rigid aesthetic. Perfect for styles like wide-leg, balloon and flare.

ISKO™ Iconic transforms classic denim with versatile, washable finishes that enhance texture, contrast, and shine. Featuring vibrant coatings like Oxi and Proxy, plus glossy Mirror and Matrix resin-wash effects, these finishes create both modern and vintage-inspired styles.

Finally, ISKO Corduroy, the company’s latest fabric capsule collection, redefines comfort, blending a soft and cozy feel with functionality. Constructed with dense weaves and strong fibers, it offers durability for timeless style and long-term wear.

At the core of ISKO’s SS26 collection is its use of RE&UP’s Next-Gen materials – advanced recycled textile fibers that match the quality and durability of virgin materials. By integrating advanced, Next-Gen recycled materials, ISKO aims to contribute to the fashion industry’s transition to a circular economy, offering practical solutions that align with environmental goals.

More information:
BLUEZONE Isko Denim stretch fabric
Source:

ISKO, a trademark of SANKO TEKSTIL.

Solvay and Hankook sign MoU for circular silica Photo (c) Solvay S.A.
13.01.2025

Sustainable tire manufacturing: Solvay and Hankook sign MoU for circular silica

Solvay and Hankook announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of circular silica coming from biosourced and waste sourcing for tire production. This partnership combines Solvay's silica expertise and sustainability commitment with Hankook’s manufacturing capabilities and market leadership.

Solvay’s silica portfolio is recognized to ensure low rolling resistance, which contributes to lower fuel consumption for thermal engines and extended battery range for electric vehicles, but also provides high wear resistance, leading to longer tire life. In addition, highly dispersible silica (HDS) is instrumental to reach the circular ambition of tire manufacturers. In the continuity of the Livorno (Italy) rice husk ash (RHA) production, Solvay is continuously engaged in a substantial circular conversion in all regions with tire industry leaders.

Solvay and Hankook announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of circular silica coming from biosourced and waste sourcing for tire production. This partnership combines Solvay's silica expertise and sustainability commitment with Hankook’s manufacturing capabilities and market leadership.

Solvay’s silica portfolio is recognized to ensure low rolling resistance, which contributes to lower fuel consumption for thermal engines and extended battery range for electric vehicles, but also provides high wear resistance, leading to longer tire life. In addition, highly dispersible silica (HDS) is instrumental to reach the circular ambition of tire manufacturers. In the continuity of the Livorno (Italy) rice husk ash (RHA) production, Solvay is continuously engaged in a substantial circular conversion in all regions with tire industry leaders.

The companies will now jointly advance the technical development of circular silica, with the goal of mass production in the near future. Solvay products, currently at pilot phase, are under evaluation. This partnership aligns with both companies' commitment to sustainability and their shared goal of a more environmentally responsible automotive future.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards more sustainable tire manufacturing," said Bonhee Ku, President & CTO of Hankook Tire. "By collaborating with Solvay, we can advance the development of sustainable materials that enhance tire performance while contributing to a circular economy and a greener future."

An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Silica & Special Chem business added, "Silica is essential for high-performance tires. We are thrilled to collaborate with Hankook on circular silica solutions to address key industry challenges while offering superior performance and environmental benefits. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation.”

Source:

Solvay S.A.

30.12.2024

Autoneum: Wider sustainable polyester-based product portfolio for commercial vehicles

Autoneum expands its sustainable product portfolio for commercial vehicles with new polyester-based side and rear wall panels. Their carrier material consists of Propylat PET, the company’s eco-friendly and fully recyclable Pure technology made of 100 percent polyester. Autoneum’s components thus offer a significantly more sustainable alternative to the composite or thermoset resin panels commonly used in trucks today, which are difficult to recycle. Thanks to the unique material composition of Propylat PET, they contribute to optimized acoustic and thermal management.

Autoneum expands its sustainable product portfolio for commercial vehicles with new polyester-based side and rear wall panels. Their carrier material consists of Propylat PET, the company’s eco-friendly and fully recyclable Pure technology made of 100 percent polyester. Autoneum’s components thus offer a significantly more sustainable alternative to the composite or thermoset resin panels commonly used in trucks today, which are difficult to recycle. Thanks to the unique material composition of Propylat PET, they contribute to optimized acoustic and thermal management.

With the establishment of a dedicated Business Unit Commercial Vehicles at the beginning of 2024, Autoneum has set the course for further sustainable and profitable growth in this market segment on a global scale. Manufacturers of medium and heavy trucks as well as agricultural vehicles thus benefit not only from Autoneum’s existing production footprint and comprehensive product and technology portfolio, but also from the Company’s longstanding experience in the development and manufacturing of environmentally friendly monomaterials. Components such as the new polyester-based side and rear wall panels support customers in improving the environmental performance of commercial vehicles and are therefore an important step towards a circular economy also in this vehicle segment.

The carrier material of Autoneum’s sustainable trim components consists of 100 percent polyester. Thanks to the high content of recycled fibers and the excellent end-of-life recyclability of Propylat PET, the side and rear wall panels from Autoneum are considerably more environmentally friendly than the composite or thermoset resin alternatives commonly used in trucks today. Furthermore, additional components can be welded onto the material without the use of adhesives or other chemicals, which further increases the products’ recyclability at the end of their service life. Due to the unique material composition of Propylat PET, the components also improve the acoustic and thermal insulation of the vehicle interior and are characterized by minimal emission of volatile organic compounds as well as low odor. In addition, Autoneum continues to invest in the develop-ment of monomaterial components for commercial vehicles, where both the carrier material and the aesthetic surface are made entirely of polyester, thus further advancing the transition to a sustaina-ble circular economy.

Source:

Autoneum Management AG

17.12.2024

Reconomy & Fabacus: Digital Product Passports service as part of their textile EPR solution

Textile producers in the EU will soon be required to integrate Digital Product Passports (DPPs) into their operations under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into effect in 2024. These passports are set to become mandatory across certain product categories, starting with batteries in February 2027 and textiles later that year.

The ESPR is a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to promote a circular economy and enhance sustainability across the product value chain, particularly in sectors that are resource intensive and have significant potential for circularity, such as textiles.

DPPs will digitally record essential information about a product's lifecycle including material composition, weights, volumes, place of manufacture, carbon data, maintenance, ownership, care instructions and documentation. This requirement will apply to any products sold within the EU, regardless of where they are manufactured.

Textile producers in the EU will soon be required to integrate Digital Product Passports (DPPs) into their operations under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into effect in 2024. These passports are set to become mandatory across certain product categories, starting with batteries in February 2027 and textiles later that year.

The ESPR is a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to promote a circular economy and enhance sustainability across the product value chain, particularly in sectors that are resource intensive and have significant potential for circularity, such as textiles.

DPPs will digitally record essential information about a product's lifecycle including material composition, weights, volumes, place of manufacture, carbon data, maintenance, ownership, care instructions and documentation. This requirement will apply to any products sold within the EU, regardless of where they are manufactured.

While detailed category-specific requirements are still being finalised, given the length and complexity of procurement processes, producers are encouraged to act now, piloting solutions to assess data readiness and bridge gaps early.

Reconomy has partnered with Fabacus to deliver a robust, data-driven solution. This ensures compliance while enabling scalability and unlocking new opportunities for producers through DPP technology.

This latest offering will form part of Reconomy’s broader end-to-end textile EPR solution launched in April 2024 to help producers understand and meet their global legislative requirements and the timescales of different EPR schemes. This comprehensive one-stop shop offering includes regulatory monitoring, consultancy, data management, environmental compliance, material returns and end of life treatment.

Source:

Reconomy

acetic acid (c) Lenzing AG / Christian Leopold
10.12.2024

C.P.L. first license partner for Lenzing™ Acetic Acid Biobased

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, announces a significant milestone in its partnership with C.P.L. Prodotti Chimici srl, a renowned supplier of chemical products for the textile industry. LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, a by-product of pulp production, is at the center of this collaboration. Oniverse, which also owns the renowned fashion brand Calzedonia, will use LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased for dyeing textiles in the future.

Lenzing has always developed solutions together with partners to meet the industry's requirements for a circular economy. The strategic partnerships with C.P.L., the first licensing partner for LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, and Oniverse underline the trust of customers in Lenzing's biorefinery products. In addition, Lenzing enables improved visibility of its own products for partners and customers through co-branding, whether in the textile and nonwovens sector or in the biorefinery product portfolio.

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, announces a significant milestone in its partnership with C.P.L. Prodotti Chimici srl, a renowned supplier of chemical products for the textile industry. LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, a by-product of pulp production, is at the center of this collaboration. Oniverse, which also owns the renowned fashion brand Calzedonia, will use LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased for dyeing textiles in the future.

Lenzing has always developed solutions together with partners to meet the industry's requirements for a circular economy. The strategic partnerships with C.P.L., the first licensing partner for LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, and Oniverse underline the trust of customers in Lenzing's biorefinery products. In addition, Lenzing enables improved visibility of its own products for partners and customers through co-branding, whether in the textile and nonwovens sector or in the biorefinery product portfolio.

The biorefinery process at Lenzing makes optimal use of the renewable raw material wood, the starting material for pulp and fiber production, and converts it into valuable products such as bio-based acetic acid. LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, which has a carbon footprint that is more than 85 percent lower than fossil-based acetic acid, is used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical and textile industries and in processes in the textile sector, such as washing, dyeing and finishing.

Source:

Lenzing AG

Textilrecycling Graphik: Andritz
28.11.2024

ANDRITZ: Engineering order for textile recycling plant from Circ®

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an engineering order from US textile recycling innovator Circ in anticipation of its first large-scale textile recycling plant. The plant will be the first to recover cotton and polyester from blended textile waste.

Circ® is a pioneering company focused on sustainable solutions for the fashion industry. By converting fashion waste into reusable raw materials for fabrics, Circ reduces the need for petroleum and natural resources. The company’s mission is to build a truly circular economy to protect the planet from the cost of clothing.

ANDRITZ has been successfully conducting trials for Circ at the ANDRITZ Fiber R&D Center in Springfield, Ohio, USA, for several years. The successful partnership and recent developments have led to the decision to expand this cooperation.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an engineering order from US textile recycling innovator Circ in anticipation of its first large-scale textile recycling plant. The plant will be the first to recover cotton and polyester from blended textile waste.

Circ® is a pioneering company focused on sustainable solutions for the fashion industry. By converting fashion waste into reusable raw materials for fabrics, Circ reduces the need for petroleum and natural resources. The company’s mission is to build a truly circular economy to protect the planet from the cost of clothing.

ANDRITZ has been successfully conducting trials for Circ at the ANDRITZ Fiber R&D Center in Springfield, Ohio, USA, for several years. The successful partnership and recent developments have led to the decision to expand this cooperation.

The majority of fashion waste consists of polyester-cotton blends, which poses a significant challenge to achieving greater circularity. In particular, the separation of cellulosic and synthetic fibers from textile waste has been a major obstacle. Circ’s innovative recycling process can break down polycotton textile waste into its original components – polyester and cotton. The forthcoming plant will process 200 tons of textile waste per day, allowing cotton to be recycled for lyocell production and polyester to be reused for polyester production. This will reduce the need for virgin raw materials.

Conor Hartman, Chief Operating Officer at Circ, says: “We remain excited about this continued collaboration with ANDRITZ. Together, we will commercialize Circ’s innovative recycling process and take another step towards a truly circular fashion industry. With its expertise in engineering and building large-scale process equipment, ANDRITZ is the right partner to help us transform textile waste into recycled fibers on an industrial level.

Michael Waupotitsch, Vice President Textile Recycling at ANDRITZ, comments: “We are eager to support Circ in their vision of circularity because the technology they have developed is uniquely suited to solve one of the biggest challenges in fashion waste and recycling. With our holistic knowledge in resizing, mechanical separation, hydrothermal processing, recovery of cellulosic pulp as well as pulp cleaning and pulp drying, we have the right expertise to help them achieve their goals. Our experience in process development and machinery will help bring their innovative recycling technology to life.”

Adient Front Seat Cushion prototype Credits: Adient
Adient Front Seat Cushion prototype
27.11.2024

Adient, Jaguar Land Rover and Dow develop closed-loop PU foam seats

Adient, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dow have worked together to produce seat foam for the luxury car manufacturer’s vehicles using closed-loop recycled components. This represents an industry-first in the automotive sector, heading towards a circular economy and a lower CO2 footprint for cars as the end product.

In order to address the environmental impact of polyurethane (PU) foams used in car seats, the industry partners decided to team up. This means so-called ‘post-consumer’ PU molded foams have previously been collected from end-of-life vehicles, sorted, and shredded. On this basis, Dow produces a new, circular polyol, which is subsequently processed and integrated into Adient’s seating formulas. As a result, the Adient Front Seat Cushion prototypes are currently composed of 20% re-polyol from PU end-of-life vehicles.

Adient, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dow have worked together to produce seat foam for the luxury car manufacturer’s vehicles using closed-loop recycled components. This represents an industry-first in the automotive sector, heading towards a circular economy and a lower CO2 footprint for cars as the end product.

In order to address the environmental impact of polyurethane (PU) foams used in car seats, the industry partners decided to team up. This means so-called ‘post-consumer’ PU molded foams have previously been collected from end-of-life vehicles, sorted, and shredded. On this basis, Dow produces a new, circular polyol, which is subsequently processed and integrated into Adient’s seating formulas. As a result, the Adient Front Seat Cushion prototypes are currently composed of 20% re-polyol from PU end-of-life vehicles.

This is the first time, to the awareness of all parties involved, that a PU molded foam for seating applications has been produced under these conditions. This milestone represents a significant leap forward for the automotive industry, positioning PU at the heart of a circular economy system. By integrating recycled components into luxury vehicle seat foams, the partners are not only reducing the environmental impact but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in automotive manufacturing.

“Developing components with closed-loop recycled foams represents a major milestone for the team and simultaneously spurs us on to continuously increase the proportion of recycled materials in our seating systems in the future,” said Frank Toenniges, Director Sustainable Product Design & Business Process Improvements at Adient. “Additionally, it positions the actors along the value chain favorably to comply with the proposed European End-of-Life Directive.”

Andrea Debbane, Chief Sustainability Officer at JLR stated: “This breakthrough is a great example of how the automotive value chain can work as a collective to demonstrate that full circularity is feasible and unlock meaningful change at scale. This way of working holds significant potential for increasing sustainability and is critical to JLR's transition to more circular vehicles.”

As a next step, further research will be conducted to increase the percentage of re-polyol content. At the same time, the closed-loop seat foam will be tested with JLR on a production scale from early 2025.

14.11.2024

Twenty Years of Sustainability Report for RadiciGroup

Twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.

Over the years, the Report has steadily evolved and is now a true sustainability report that considers all ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) aspects, showing how they are also central to the company's business strategy. Over time, many new topics have been covered, the accuracy of the data has improved and the scope has expanded to include all Group companies: over 30 sites across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The information contained in the Sustainability Report shows RadiciGroup's strong commitment, starting with the investments made:

Twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.

Over the years, the Report has steadily evolved and is now a true sustainability report that considers all ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) aspects, showing how they are also central to the company's business strategy. Over time, many new topics have been covered, the accuracy of the data has improved and the scope has expanded to include all Group companies: over 30 sites across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The information contained in the Sustainability Report shows RadiciGroup's strong commitment, starting with the investments made:

  • between 2019 and 2023, €278 million were allocated to support the competitiveness of the Group's companies, of which €45 million in 2023 alone;
  • the amount invested in the environment in 2023 and earmarked for the introduction of Best Available Techniques and performance efficiency reached €4.2 million.

Twenty years of reporting have also allowed RadiciGroup to measure the results of the investments it has made, to such an extent that in 2023 it already achieved the first goal of its "From Earth to Earth" Roadmap to 2030, i.e., a Group-wide reduction of 83% in direct CO2 equivalent emissions compared to 2011.

A significant contribution to this result came from the commissioning of an EnviNOx plant at the Radici Chimica plant in Germany, which, thanks to this technological innovation, greatly reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions (- 92%).

The focus on responsible use of natural resources continues: In 2023, the share of electricity from renewable sources used for production processes was consolidated at 59%. The percentage of water resources saved through the practice of water recycling was also raised to 79%: some of our plants in fact reuse the same water up to 60 times and then return it to the environment. The theme of circular economy remains a cross-cutting one in many of the innovation projects, often also in a collaborative perspective with the rest of the supply chain. In particular, all Radicigroup companies work to contain the generation of scrap and waste through rigorous process management: 73% of all non-hazardous waste was recovered in 2023 and 56% of this was destined for internal recovery.

Even in the product area, measurement is fundamental, which is why RadiciGroup has long used Life Cycle Assessment studies to objectively calculate the environmental impact of its products and introduce environmental footprint mitigation solutions. This commitment is also evidenced by the numerous environmental certifications obtained by RadiciGroup plants.

With a view to promoting collaboration with customers, suppliers, scientific partners or independent experts in order to develop innovative and sustainable technologies or materials, RadiciGroup has strongly promoted open innovation projects: opportunities to stimulate a Group culture increasingly open to change and contamination with different fields of knowledge.

Regarding its employees, the Group has placed significant emphasis on training, particularly in fostering ESG awareness. In fact, in 2023, it organised its first large-scale training program focused on sustainability and circularity, engaging around 240 employees and delivering a total of 1,500 training hours. In addition, an internal human rights survey was launched, the results of which will form the basis for the formulation of a company policy on human rights and diversity.

Source:

RadiciGroup

30.10.2024

World’s first sports t-shirt made from 100% textile waste

For the first time, a piece of clothing is made entirely from textile waste – no bottles, no packaging, no virgin plastic. 100% biorecycled fibers. By developing and industrializing CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology to achieve 100% “fiber-to-fiber” recycling, the consortium collectively advances the textile industry's shift towards a circular economy.

CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and its “fiber-to-fiber” consortium partners On, Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon, and PVH Corp., parent company of Calvin Klein, unveil the world’s first enzymatically recycled polyester garment made from 100% textile waste using CARBIOS’ pioneering biorecycling technology.

For the first time, a piece of clothing is made entirely from textile waste – no bottles, no packaging, no virgin plastic. 100% biorecycled fibers. By developing and industrializing CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology to achieve 100% “fiber-to-fiber” recycling, the consortium collectively advances the textile industry's shift towards a circular economy.

CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and its “fiber-to-fiber” consortium partners On, Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon, and PVH Corp., parent company of Calvin Klein, unveil the world’s first enzymatically recycled polyester garment made from 100% textile waste using CARBIOS’ pioneering biorecycling technology.

This technological feat contributes to advancing textile circularity when, today, the majority of recycled polyester is made from PET bottles, and only 1% of fibers are recycled into new fibers.  The collective achievement marks an important milestone for the consortium’s ultimate aim of demonstrating fiber-to-fiber closed loop using CARBIOS’ biorecycling process at an industrial scale, and marks an important step forward for the textile industry’s shift towards a circular economy.

A plain, white T-shirt was a deliberate choice to showcase the technological achievement that made its production possible from mixed and colored textile waste.  By using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology, polyester is broken down using enzymes into its fundamental building blocks which are reformed to produce biorecycled polyester whose quality is on par with oil-based virgin polyester.  Petroleum can now be replaced by textile waste as a raw material to produce polyester textiles, that will in turn become raw materials again, thus fueling a circular economy, with the added benefit of a lower carbon footprint and avoidance of landfill or incineration.

The t-shirt’s production began with all consortium members (On, Patagonia, PUMA, PVH Corp. and Salomon) supplying rolls and production cutting scraps to CARBIOS in Clermont-Ferrand, France.  This textile waste consisted of some mixed blends with cotton or elastane, as well as various treatments (such as durable water repellent) and dyes which render them complex to recycle using conventional methods. The collected waste was deconstructed into its original monomers, PTA and MEG, using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology at its pilot facility. The resulting monomers were then repolymerized, spun into yarn and woven into new fabric by external partners, demonstrating the seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.  The resulting sports t-shirt made from 100% textile waste meets the quality standards and sustainability objectives of the apparel brands present in the “fiber-to-fiber” consortium.

CARBIOS’ demonstration plant in Clermont-Ferrand, France, has been up and running since 2021, and its first commercial plant, the world’s first industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling plant, is currently under construction in Longlaville, France.  In addition, CARBIOS recently announced several letters of intent with PET producers in Asia and Europe, confirming global interest in its biorecycling technology and advancing the international roll-out of its licensing model.

Source:

Carbios

Dress for Venice
Dress for Venice
14.10.2024

Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei lands at Smart Closet initiative with “A Dress For Venice”

Smart Closet is an innovative event dedicated to new generation fashion where C.L.A.S.S and Equipe International, through the InsideOut approach by C.L.A.S.S., come together to represent a smart wardrobe - beautiful, innovative, responsible - together with a new language of values with the aim to share the fully transparent journey behind each product and company, to show their outer and inner values. All values and concepts that are part of Bemberg™ identity.

Bemberg™ is the brand name of the regenerated cellulose fiber cupro, produced only by Asahi Kasei in Japan. It is a special fiber with a circular economy footprint thanks to the fact that it is made from a regenerated cellulose obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil with a closed-loop process. It guarantees certified sustainability credentials through its transparent and traceable approach. It delivers high quality and versatile applications, comfortable whatever the season: its blissful sensation glides on linings, outerwear, underwear, sportswear and even couture pieces. All perfect characteristics that fit in Smart Closet initiative.

Smart Closet is an innovative event dedicated to new generation fashion where C.L.A.S.S and Equipe International, through the InsideOut approach by C.L.A.S.S., come together to represent a smart wardrobe - beautiful, innovative, responsible - together with a new language of values with the aim to share the fully transparent journey behind each product and company, to show their outer and inner values. All values and concepts that are part of Bemberg™ identity.

Bemberg™ is the brand name of the regenerated cellulose fiber cupro, produced only by Asahi Kasei in Japan. It is a special fiber with a circular economy footprint thanks to the fact that it is made from a regenerated cellulose obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil with a closed-loop process. It guarantees certified sustainability credentials through its transparent and traceable approach. It delivers high quality and versatile applications, comfortable whatever the season: its blissful sensation glides on linings, outerwear, underwear, sportswear and even couture pieces. All perfect characteristics that fit in Smart Closet initiative.

The project chosen to participate with is the incredible capsule collection A Dress For Venice designed by eco-designer Tiziano Guardini, illustrated by artist Jacopo Ascari, and produced by Martina Vidal Venezia, a Venetian brand that has enriched the garments with some elements in Burano lace, an ancient art candidate to enter the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!
 
Inspired by the city of water, it’s made with Bemberg™ fabrics created by Infinity Srl with the textile printing done by Creazioni Digitali, which with the CreŌ | project  printed on Bemberg™ fabrics with low-water pigment inks technology . This collection truly represents and includes all the values of beauty, innovation and supply chain partnerships, all elements.

More information:
Bemberg™ Dress for Venice
Source:

C.L.A.S.S. Eco Hub

Graphic LM Wind Power
14.10.2024

Wind Turbine Blade Recycling: ZEBRA Project Demonstrates Closed-Loop System

The ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project marks a significant leap forward in the recycling and circular economy for wind turbine blades. This collaborative effort demonstrates a breakthrough in the complete recycling of thermoplastic blades achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

The ZEBRA project is a unique partnership led by the French Institute for Technological Research, IRT Jules Verne. Joining forces are industry leaders Arkema (resin supplier), Owens Corning (glass fiber supplier), LM Wind Power (blade manufacturer), SUEZ (dismantling and waste processing), CANOE R&D center (recycling technology), and ENGIE (life cycle analysis).

Each company played a crucial role in the development of the closed-loop recycling process:

The ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project marks a significant leap forward in the recycling and circular economy for wind turbine blades. This collaborative effort demonstrates a breakthrough in the complete recycling of thermoplastic blades achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

The ZEBRA project is a unique partnership led by the French Institute for Technological Research, IRT Jules Verne. Joining forces are industry leaders Arkema (resin supplier), Owens Corning (glass fiber supplier), LM Wind Power (blade manufacturer), SUEZ (dismantling and waste processing), CANOE R&D center (recycling technology), and ENGIE (life cycle analysis).

Each company played a crucial role in the development of the closed-loop recycling process:

  • Arkema developed and validated the generation of recycled Elium® monomer through thermolysis, and, together with its subsidiary Bostik, an innovative adhesive for the blade assembly that is recycled together with Elium® paving the way for industrial-scale implementation.
  • Owens Corning successfully recovered glass fiber at pilot scale, enabling its reintroduction into the production process for their Sustaina® product line.
  • LM Wind Power manufactured two wind turbine blades with Arkema’s Elium® resin and Owens Corning’s Ultrablade® fabrics; one blade including a large structural element made with recycled Elium® resin.
  • SUEZ provided cutting and grinding expertise for processing the blades.
  • CANOE R&D center optimized recycling for production and carbon blade waste, additionally developing methods for repurposing waste streams through mechanical recycling.
  • ENGIE conducted a comprehensive life cycle analysis demonstrating the environmental benefits of closed-loop ZEBRA blades and validated their economic viability.

A Sustainable Future for Wind Energy
The ZEBRA project successfully recycled Elium® resin and Ultrablade® fabrics from wind turbine blades and manufacturing waste, reformulating them back into usable materials. This closed-loop process addresses the growing challenge of end-of-life blade management within the wind energy industry.

  • Recycled Elium® Monomer: Arkema achieved a yield of over 75% in the thermolysis process, paving the way for industrial-scale production of recycled resin.
  • Recovered Glass Fiber: Owens Corning successfully retrieved glass fiber for remelting and reintegration into their Sustaina® product line.
  • Life Cycle and Cost Analysis: ENGIE's study confirmed the significant environmental benefits and economic viability of ZEBRA blades when assuming a closed-loop recycling system from production to end-of-life.

ZEBRA blade using Elium® thermoplastic resin, Bostik’s highly compatible adhesive and Ultrablade® fabrics is bringing the best closed-loop recycling solution compared to traditional thermoset system. The operating cost and investments for recycling facility are significantly lowered. The CO2 emission linked to the recycling operations is reduced as well. All those results are making the closed-loop recycling solution of ZEBRA blades a viable option both on economic and environmental standpoints.

By demonstrating the feasibility of full wind turbine blade recycling, the ZEBRA project paves the way for a more sustainable future in the wind energy sector.

Source:

LM Wind Power

“PLANET CONSCIOUS+”, a roadmap designed to support brands and mills to chart their sustainability journey. © 2024 Archroma
25.09.2024

Archroma: “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” vision for a more sustainable future

Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, honed its vision of the future of the apparel and textile industry with the announcement of “PLANET CONSCIOUS+”, a roadmap designed to support brands and mills to chart their sustainability journey.

“Over the past decade, Archroma has been on a mission to lead the textile industry towards a more sustainable future. But the world’s challenges are escalating – from climate change to economic and geopolitical instability. We believe that the time is right for us to realign our vision to guide the next phase of our development. ‘PLANET CONSCIOUS+’ encapsulates both our responsibility and our potential as a company that touches and colors people’s lives every day, all around the world,” Mark Garrett, Group CEO, Archroma, said.

“PLANET CONSCIOUS+” has six dimensions, the first four of which have been rolled out over the past few months:

Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, honed its vision of the future of the apparel and textile industry with the announcement of “PLANET CONSCIOUS+”, a roadmap designed to support brands and mills to chart their sustainability journey.

“Over the past decade, Archroma has been on a mission to lead the textile industry towards a more sustainable future. But the world’s challenges are escalating – from climate change to economic and geopolitical instability. We believe that the time is right for us to realign our vision to guide the next phase of our development. ‘PLANET CONSCIOUS+’ encapsulates both our responsibility and our potential as a company that touches and colors people’s lives every day, all around the world,” Mark Garrett, Group CEO, Archroma, said.

“PLANET CONSCIOUS+” has six dimensions, the first four of which have been rolled out over the past few months:

  • SUPER SYSTEMS+: Powerful end-to-end systems that combine processing solutions and intelligent effects, SUPER SYSTEMS+ deliver measurable environmental impact, more durable colors and effects, and cleaner chemistry as compared to the current market offering. This allows brands and mills to select the impact they want to achieve in line with their sustainability goals.
  • SAFE EDGE+: Groundbreaking initiative represents a major commitment to providing a roadmap for compliance and cleaner chemistries for use in the textile industry by combining The Safe Edge platform with Foundation+. Foundation+, Archroma’s beyond-compliance portfolio, is a curated selection of Archroma products that utilize innovative technologies to either design out hazardous or regulated substances or reduce them by more than 95% compared to the current industry standard limits.
  • ONE WAY+: Combining Archroma’s One Way Impact Calculator, a world-first online tool for sustainable value chain mapping, with its expert-led Sustainability Improvement Program (SIP), ONE WAY+ helps mills and brands overcome their specific challenges with products and tools that offers the highest operational excellence and productivity, achieves savings of resources such as water, energy, and creates differentiation with value-added end-products.
  • COLOR MANAGEMENT+: An advanced color design and development solution, COLOR MANAGEMENT+ helps mills and brands work together for improved sustainability. It incorporates the industry’s largest off-the-shelf color atlas selection alongside color standards created with Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ for reduced environmental impact and consistent and accurate color reproduction.

The remaining two pillars of “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” are being introduced today to underscore that innovation and transparency are the cornerstones of the Archroma way of working.

  • INNOVATION+: Archroma brings together science, our technological expertise and in-depth market, customer, and regulatory knowledge to create groundbreaking solutions that have a positive environmental impact. To accelerate the shift to a circular economy and help manufacturers use resources more efficiently, Archroma’s research and development teams across Americas, Asia and Europe focus on innovating for cleaner chemistry and durable effects.
  • COMMUNICATION+: By providing authentic, fact-based information to all stakeholders, Archroma helps improve transparency across the value chain. This enables mills and brands to communicate their sustainability goals and achievements with confidence and navigate issues like regulatory complexity and consumer skepticism.
Source:

Archroma

Photo: ALLIED Feather + Down
12.09.2024

GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Award for NEMO using traceable recycled down

ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D), a leader in high performance, ethically sourced, and recycled down, supplies down to NEMO Equipment’s GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Award-winning, fully recyclable Endless Promise® down sleeping bag collection.

AF+D is supplying down for NEMO’s Disco and Riff down sleeping bags. When these bags reach the end of their lifespan, they will be returned to ALLIED. After removing, cleaning, and reviving the down, ALLIED will incorporate the insulation into its RENU:TRACE offering, the world’s first and only fully traceable recycled down.

“Recyclable and naturally biodegradable, down is one of the most sustainable insulations on the planet and plays an important role in a circular economy,” said Daniel Uretsky, President with ALLIED. “We launched our RENU:TRACE recycled down program in 2022 as a way to recycle down in a closed loop, the only way to ensure this recycled material is 100% traceable and ethically sourced. We are proud to partner with NEMO on this award-winning collection.”

ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D), a leader in high performance, ethically sourced, and recycled down, supplies down to NEMO Equipment’s GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Award-winning, fully recyclable Endless Promise® down sleeping bag collection.

AF+D is supplying down for NEMO’s Disco and Riff down sleeping bags. When these bags reach the end of their lifespan, they will be returned to ALLIED. After removing, cleaning, and reviving the down, ALLIED will incorporate the insulation into its RENU:TRACE offering, the world’s first and only fully traceable recycled down.

“Recyclable and naturally biodegradable, down is one of the most sustainable insulations on the planet and plays an important role in a circular economy,” said Daniel Uretsky, President with ALLIED. “We launched our RENU:TRACE recycled down program in 2022 as a way to recycle down in a closed loop, the only way to ensure this recycled material is 100% traceable and ethically sourced. We are proud to partner with NEMO on this award-winning collection.”

All ALLIED down is 100% ethically sourced and traceable back to the region where it was produced, and unless traceable down is both sourced and recycled in a closed loop, it is virtually impossible to ensure that any recycled down comes from purely ethical sources. Before RENU:TRACE, brands had to make a decision to either focus on post-consumer recycled material OR ethically treated animals.
 
While NEMO is the first to participate, the RENU:TRACE program is available to all of ALLIED’s partner brands.

 

Source:

ALLIED Feather + Down

06.09.2024

Indorama Ventures: ISCC+ Certification for fiber manufacturing sites

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) has achieved ISCC+ certification for three of its fiber manufacturing sites. In addition to one already ISCC+ certified fiber plant, this marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. Across its entire business, a total of nine Indorama Ventures sites are now ISCC+ certified, offering a diverse range of sustainable products, including PTA, PET chips, fibers, and fabrics.

The newly certified high-performance fiber portfolio will serve customers who require technical yarns such as in the Mobility, Tire cords, Airbags, Industrial or Mechanical Rubber Goods sector. The new offerings include:

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) has achieved ISCC+ certification for three of its fiber manufacturing sites. In addition to one already ISCC+ certified fiber plant, this marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. Across its entire business, a total of nine Indorama Ventures sites are now ISCC+ certified, offering a diverse range of sustainable products, including PTA, PET chips, fibers, and fabrics.

The newly certified high-performance fiber portfolio will serve customers who require technical yarns such as in the Mobility, Tire cords, Airbags, Industrial or Mechanical Rubber Goods sector. The new offerings include:

  • Mass balanced (M.B.) polyamides PA6.6 and PA4.6 from the company’s sites in Obernburg (Germany) and Pizzighettone (Italy). Developed in collaboration with key partners, these products match the performance of standard polyamide yarns while reducing GHG emissions by approximately 55% at the polymer level.
  • Bio-based high-tenacity PA4.10 (M.B.) yarn made in Obernburg (Germany) for tire and specialties applications. This 100% bio-content polymer, produced from bio-based Sebacic Acid and bio-based Di-Amino Butane (DAB) component via mass balancing, supports significant GHG emissions reduction due to the innovative raw material.
  • Recycled PET yarns and tire cord fabric from Indorama Ventures’ site in Kaiping (China). These yarns and fabrics made from 100% recycled PET, represent the company’s efforts to drive the evolution towards circular practices and lower carbon products.

ISCC+ Certification
The ISCC+ (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a globally recognized standard for the sustainable production of biomass, and bio-based products, including recycled content. This certification ensures that materials are sourced and processed responsibly, reducing the environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.

 

Source:

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

03.09.2024

Teijin Companies at CAMX 2024

The Teijin Group companies Teijin Carbon America, Renegade Materials and Teijin Aramid will participate in CAMX. the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America, in San Diego, USA. At the TEIJIN booth, visitors can explore innovative composite solutions and learn about the comprehensive technical support and provided services.

Teijin's diverse network of materials companies excels across various fields, ranging from high-performance carbon and aramid fibers to cutting-edge industrial textiles and revolutionary, cost-effective prepreg composite solutions. The shared commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility unites Teijin in their mission to deliver eco-friendly solutions across multiple industries and applications, including pressure vessels, aerospace, and both defense and commercial aircraft construction.

The Teijin Group companies Teijin Carbon America, Renegade Materials and Teijin Aramid will participate in CAMX. the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America, in San Diego, USA. At the TEIJIN booth, visitors can explore innovative composite solutions and learn about the comprehensive technical support and provided services.

Teijin's diverse network of materials companies excels across various fields, ranging from high-performance carbon and aramid fibers to cutting-edge industrial textiles and revolutionary, cost-effective prepreg composite solutions. The shared commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility unites Teijin in their mission to deliver eco-friendly solutions across multiple industries and applications, including pressure vessels, aerospace, and both defense and commercial aircraft construction.

Teijin’s dedication to acquiring appropriate certifications for sustainable production and product development underscores the high level of commitment to lead in this field. In the past years, Teijin has continuously striven to minimize their carbon footprint and global impact, while also supporting customers on their own sustainability journeys. This year, Teijin Aramid achieved the EcoVadis Gold Medal recognition, placing the company in the top 5% of all companies across all industries globally and in the top 3% of all man-made fiber manufacturers worldwide.

Teijin Carbon has been awarded the ISCC Plus certification for its production in Germany and Japan and is on track to receive the same certification in the U.S. in the coming months. This accreditation allows the Teijin Carbon Group to prove to its customers sustainable products that contribute to a circular economy. Teijin Carbon is diligently working toward establishing new sustainability standards, promoting ecological innovations, and fostering partnerships for a more sustainable world.

Teijin is looking forward to engaging with customers and partners at CAMX 2024 in San Diego to discuss innovative ideas for the circular economy and recycling processes.

Teijin Carbon is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Tenax™ carbon fibers and carbon fiber-based materials, with production sites in the US, Germany, Japan and Vietnam. Teijin Carbon develops solutions for the aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics and sporting goods industries using high-performance technologies in an international environment. They work closely with their partners to create a fully circular value chain. The goal to make Teijin’s products net CO₂-free by 2050 aligns with the commitment to global society to find solutions and take action to combat it.

As a manufacturer of intermediate materials in the US, Renegade Materials is known for its product expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. Renegade Materials distinguishes itself by merging cutting-edge materials science with advanced prepreg manufacturing and testing equipment, all meticulously controlled by rigorous quality management systems. Renegade is steadfast in their commitment to the development and largescale production of advanced, multi-functional materials that offer engineered solutions to the current composite design, usage and affordability initiatives in the aerospace industry.

Teijin Aramid is a global leader in high-performance aramid fiber, a subsidiary of the global Teijin Group. Specializing in high-performance aramid fibers, their materials are used in automotive and aerospace industries, ballistic protection and more.

Source:

Teijin

ipictures, Pixabay
02.09.2024

New rPET recycling facilities in India

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited through its direct subsidiary – IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Limited - and Dhunseri Ventures Limited have formed a joint venture with Varun Beverages Limited, PepsiCo's second-largest bottling company globally outside the US, to establish several greenfield state-of-the-art PET recycling facilities in India.
 
The joint venture has begun the construction of two PET recycling facilities, planned for completion within 2025, with potential for more. One facility is in Kathua within the Jammu Division of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, situated in Northern India, while the other is in Khurdha within the State of Odisha, located in Eastern India. The aim is to reach 100 kiloton annual capacity of recycled PET (rPET) across all the facilities when combined.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited through its direct subsidiary – IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Limited - and Dhunseri Ventures Limited have formed a joint venture with Varun Beverages Limited, PepsiCo's second-largest bottling company globally outside the US, to establish several greenfield state-of-the-art PET recycling facilities in India.
 
The joint venture has begun the construction of two PET recycling facilities, planned for completion within 2025, with potential for more. One facility is in Kathua within the Jammu Division of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, situated in Northern India, while the other is in Khurdha within the State of Odisha, located in Eastern India. The aim is to reach 100 kiloton annual capacity of recycled PET (rPET) across all the facilities when combined.

This initiative aligns with the escalating demand for rPET content in India, driven by both regulatory mandates and a collective effort towards a circular economy for PET. The surge in demand reflects a significant shift, with projected volumes increasing from approximately 400 kilotons in 2025-2026 to over 1 million tons by 2031. Mandates such as the Indian government’s compulsory requirement of 30% recycled plastic content in plastic packaging by 2025-2026, escalating to 60% by 2028-2029, underscores the urgency and importance of this transformation. Moreover, this move aims to effectively cater to the needs of India’s beverage Brand Owners, many of whom have established ambitious sustainability goals in line with regulatory directions.

Source:

Indorama Ventures

26.08.2024

Oerlikon at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024

This year's ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 trade fair appearance of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division between 14 and 18 October 2024 will once again focus on current challenges for the global textile machinery industry: the replacement of old systems with energy-efficient and sustainable technology solutions, the use of digital software and hardware solutions to increase productivity and ensure material quality, and the traceability of all products to enable the recycling of the raw materials used in a future-oriented circular economy.

Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions offers complete solutions ranging from extrusion and polycondensation systems to texturized yarn, accompanied by automation and digital solutions. The supply of all process steps from a single source ensures a coordinated technology that guarantees the high quality of the fibers and yarns produced. The entire product portfolio of the supplier of machines and systems primarily to produce polyester, polypropylene and nylon will therefore take centre stage at this year's trade fair.

This year's ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 trade fair appearance of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division between 14 and 18 October 2024 will once again focus on current challenges for the global textile machinery industry: the replacement of old systems with energy-efficient and sustainable technology solutions, the use of digital software and hardware solutions to increase productivity and ensure material quality, and the traceability of all products to enable the recycling of the raw materials used in a future-oriented circular economy.

Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions offers complete solutions ranging from extrusion and polycondensation systems to texturized yarn, accompanied by automation and digital solutions. The supply of all process steps from a single source ensures a coordinated technology that guarantees the high quality of the fibers and yarns produced. The entire product portfolio of the supplier of machines and systems primarily to produce polyester, polypropylene and nylon will therefore take centre stage at this year's trade fair.

“The Chinese market continues to have enormous potential for us, even if it has not been able to match the previous times in terms of large new installations of manmade fiber plants and the associated expansion of production capacity for good two years. However, there is still a great need for renewal, especially in terms of sustainability. Shutting down old plants and replacing them with new, modern and energy-efficient technologies is the path to a better and lower-emission future for us all,” explains André Wissenberg, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “We have been contributing to sustainability with our technology solutions for decades. Be it by increasing energy efficiency with each new generation of machines or by processing new materials,” Wissenberg continues. Oerlikon is proud of the fact that the company has been offering solutions for the textile industry under the e-save sustainability label for 20 years and has saved over 15 million tons of CO2 thanks to the machines and systems developed and installed on the market during this time.

Source:

Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG

14.08.2024

Lenzing: Platinum status in EcoVadis CSR rating

The Lenzing Group has been awarded platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. The rating comprehensively covers the four most important practices in the area of corporate social responsibility: environment, fair working conditions and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

For the fourth time in a row, Lenzing has been awarded platinum status by EcoVadis. This puts Lenzing in the top one percent of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide. Lenzing achieved the greatest progress this year in the categories of sustainable procurement and ethics. Lenzing also outperformed the previous year in the areas of labor and human rights as well as certifications. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has developed into on of the largest and most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for companies and has created a global network of more than 130,000 rated companies worldwide. The methodological framework evaluates companies' policies, measures and activities, as well as their published reports on the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

The Lenzing Group has been awarded platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. The rating comprehensively covers the four most important practices in the area of corporate social responsibility: environment, fair working conditions and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

For the fourth time in a row, Lenzing has been awarded platinum status by EcoVadis. This puts Lenzing in the top one percent of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide. Lenzing achieved the greatest progress this year in the categories of sustainable procurement and ethics. Lenzing also outperformed the previous year in the areas of labor and human rights as well as certifications. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has developed into on of the largest and most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for companies and has created a global network of more than 130,000 rated companies worldwide. The methodological framework evaluates companies' policies, measures and activities, as well as their published reports on the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In line with its "Naturally Positive" sustainability strategy, the Lenzing Group has set ambitious targets in each of its core strategic areas to further strengthen its transition from a linear to a circular economy model. Every year, Lenzing provides updates on its sustainability initiatives and the progress made in its annual sustainability report. This level of commitment and transparency was also positively emphasized by EcoVadis in its assessment.

07.08.2024

CARBIOS and FCC Environment: Joint project for UK-based PET biorecycling facility

CARBIOS and FCC Environment UK, a recycling and waste management companies in the UK, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to jointly study the implementation of a UK-based plant using CARBIOS’ PET biorecycling licensed technology.  CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology is key to supporting FCC’s continuing goal of contributing to the circular economy by exploring new processes and technologies to produce recycled PET (r-PET) from PET plastic and textiles. For CARBIOS, this LOI confirms interest from the waste management sector, in addition to plastic producers, and would mean a foothold for its technology in the UK.

CARBIOS and FCC Environment UK, a recycling and waste management companies in the UK, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to jointly study the implementation of a UK-based plant using CARBIOS’ PET biorecycling licensed technology.  CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology is key to supporting FCC’s continuing goal of contributing to the circular economy by exploring new processes and technologies to produce recycled PET (r-PET) from PET plastic and textiles. For CARBIOS, this LOI confirms interest from the waste management sector, in addition to plastic producers, and would mean a foothold for its technology in the UK.

FCC’s continuing contribution to the UK circular economy
Recycling has plateaued in the UK in recent years, but UK Government policy very much supports a continual move to a more circular economy which FCC Environment supports. Achieving a circular economy however requires innovation and investment to deliver real environmental change. Exploring biorecycling is one way of doing this, so FCC is keen to understand this technology better by seeking an evidence based view on the advantages of using enzymes for the treatment of PET such as lower energy consumption and better circularity of the polymers back into the PET production lines. The depolymerization process developed by CARBIOS also facilitates the recycling of all kinds of PET waste, including problematic fractions such as polyester textiles, into high-quality recycled PET.

UK PET biorecycling plant would process hard-to-recycle waste
In order to tackle the plastic waste crisis, CARBIOS has developed a enzymatic depolymerization technology that enables efficient and solvent-free recycling of PET plastic and textile waste into virgin-like products. CARBIOS has ambitious plans to become a leading technology provider in the recycling of PET by 2035. In addition to the world’s first industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling plant which is currently under construction in Longlaville, France, this UK-based plant would process PET waste that is currently not recyclable using conventional recycling technologies, such as colored, multilayered or textile waste.