From the Sector

adidas announced its latest edition of Move For The Planet - the annual initiative that focuses on making sports facilities more resilient against extreme weather conditions, across the globe. By inspiring everyday athletes to track movement, funds are raised to help deliver sustainability education and help improve the places that sport is played.

For every ten minutes of relevant activity logged in the adidas Running app – or, for the first time, Strava - between 12th-25th May, adidas will donate €1 - up to a total of €1.5 million - to several projects across the globe.  Participants can choose from over 100 trackable sports and movements including running, swimming and wheelchair rugby – and add to the 400,000,000 minutes of movement already logged since the initiative began in 2023.

Working with its partners – Common Goal and UN Climate Change - adidas will donate the funds to implement and upgrade infrastructure for communities impacted by extreme weather. This includes weather-resistant facilities – such as water harvesting and purification systems introduced into projects such as United Through Sport in South Africa and waste management processes like the system implemented through Enabling Leadership in India.

The funds raised also provide accessibility to an education platform for global NGOs and organizations, that enable education on more sustainable actions – using the power of sport to help ensure its future in communities. This year, it will directly impact projects such as Girls United in Mexico, El Rio in Colombia, Red Deporte in Spain and United Through Sport in South Africa.

Since its inception, Move For The Planet has helped introduce sustainability education programs to over 8,000 individuals and over 23,000 people have had access to improved sporting facilities across all participating projects.

Ashley Czarnowski, Senior Director, Global Purpose Marketing at adidas said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Move For The Planet for a third year. It’s an extremely important initiative that helps to support sporting communities facing the effects of extreme weather.  With the continued expansion of sports and projects included in Move For The Planet, we can’t wait to see the movement and impact grow even further. This year we are calling for the adidas community to be catalysts for action; motivating the people in their lives to join in and get moving.”

To help inspire more movement, a new roster of global adidas athletes join Move For The Planet for the first time. This will include FIFA World Cup winner Alexis Mac Alister, Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup Champion Valentina Höll, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ferdinand Omanyala and renowned health and fitness coach Massy Arias. Featuring in a series of short films inspired by their own connection to foundational sporting spaces, each athlete outlines the communities that rely on them, and the role these facilities play for the next generation of athletes.

Rute Caldeira, Head of Impact at Common Goal said: “Move for the Planet exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving the urgent action needed to make sports facilities more resilient. This partnership is invaluable to us, as it combines innovation with impact. Leveraging sports-for-good organizations, deeply rooted in the fabric of their communities, is a game-changing strategy in our approach to this goal. Over the past two years, Move for the Planet has delivered transformative results, enabling real and lasting improvements in some of the most resource-scarce regions of the world. We’re thrilled to continue this vital work into a third year, building a brighter future for the communities who need it most.”

Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Sports for Climate Action Lead at UN Climate Change, said: “This partnership aims to strengthen sustainability knowledge and action within the sports community, as it brings together diverse expertise and best practice case studies to sport organizations and sport NGOs. By sharing perspectives, needs and collaborating on solutions, we can drive positive change, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact through sport.”

Denim is timeless. From casual Fridays to nights out, from factory floors to fashion runways - jeans have become an essential part of modern life. But there's one thing even the most loyal denim lovers can't deny: on warm days, they can make you sweat. Outlast Technologies GmbH is changing that - by making denim that helps you sweat less and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

After intensive research and development, Outlast introduces its temperature regulation technology into denim fabrics - without compromising the rugged authenticity and durability denim is known for. The result is a smarter, more comfortable denim that adapts to the body's temperature, no matter the season or activity.

“Jeans are the undisputed icon of modern fashion - they work for every occasion,” says Volker Schuster, director of R&D at Outlast Technologies GmbH. “But when the temperature rises, they can become uncomfortable. That’s exactly the problem we wanted to solve. Our solution is a denim fabric that works with your body, not against it.”

The innovation lies in embedding natural wax directly into the fibers before the denim is woven - creating intelligent fabrics that interact with your body. When it’s warm, these fibers absorb excess body heat and store it, helping to reduce sweating and keep you feeling comfortably balanced. As temperatures cool or your activity level decreases, the stored warmth is gradually released - helping to prevent chills. The result? Jeans that intuitively adapt to your body’s needs, so you stay comfortable, whatever the day brings.

Achieving this level of functionality, however, was no easy task. The challenge was to ensure that the temperature-regulating effect could withstand the intense wash and finish treatments typical in denim production - all while preserving the look, feel, and durability expected of high-quality jeans.

To meet these demands, Outlast found the perfect partner in AGI, the renowned denim producer from Pakistan. With its deep expertise in denim manufacturing, AGI played a key role in refining the integration of temperature regulation technology - resulting in denim products that are highly attractive to both brands and end consumers alike.

Equally appealing to end users is the lasting performance of the innovation: the natural wax is embedded inside the fiber itself. This means the temperature-regulating function does not wash out or diminish over time. Unlike surface treatments, the technology remains effective throughout the entire life cycle of the garment.

With this development, Outlast reaffirms its position as a pioneer in temperature regulation textiles - bringing comfort, performance, and innovation to one of the world’s most beloved fabrics.

Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals, has won major awards in key categories at the Just Style 2025 Excellence Awards. It took home a coveted Innovation Excellence award for its bio-based PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 durable water repellent (DWR) and an Environmental Excellence award for advancing water circularity at its Mahachai plant in Thailand.

The awards recognize Archroma’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the textile and fashion sector with win-win innovations that protect the environment while delivering value for brands and mills, local communities and end-consumers.

“As an industry leader working with brands and suppliers worldwide, we feel a deep responsibility to make an impact by putting sustainability at the core of our innovations. Archroma tackles the industry’s biggest challenges head-on - such as developing cleaner and longer-lasting functional effects and reducing water consumption,” Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma, said. “We are honored to be recognized in the Just Style Excellence Awards, and we will continue to strive for a better tomorrow through people-centered sustainability.”

Innovation Award for DWR Breakthrough
Archroma won its Just Style Excellence Award for Innovation for developing an effective DWR that is non-PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and non-formaldehyde, as well as 50% renewable carbon content based on ASTM D6866. PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 not only provides excellent water repellence on all kinds of fibers but also achieves a soft handle that makes fabrics more comfortable to wear, along with improved longevity. This makes it ideal for sports apparel, outdoor wear and home textiles.

PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 also has excellent runnability, which ensures reproducible performance and high production safety, even at elevated temperatures. This is helpful for mills seeking to solve challenges like roller build-up, yellowing and chalk marking in mass production. As a crosslinker-free solution, PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 can also be combined with other products to improve wash and dry-cleaning resistance.

Environmental Award for Water Circularity
The Just Style Excellence Awards jury also recognized Archroma for its success in advancing water circularity with an innovative Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand, reclaiming up to 90%-95% of wastewater.

Using advanced technologies from global water treatment innovator Gradiant, the plant is capable to convert wastewater into clean water for reuse and to recover concentrated brine that industry partners can use for applications such as resin regeneration and chlorine production. This not only significantly reduces the plant's dependence on freshwater from local supplies but also creates a model for sustainable textile dye production as part of a circular economy.

The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate the top achievements and innovations in the global textile and apparel sector to encourage companies to pursue excellence and drive positive change.

Technically and economically viable lightweight production based on fiber-reinforced plastics and multi-material systems requires an integrated approach. Due to the almost unlimited combination possibilities of different materials and the very complex interactions between materials, component design, manufacturing processes and the machine and system components, an optimal production process requires a direct link between materials science, process engineering and production technology.

As the official center for “Composite-based Lightweight Production” of the RWTH Aachen Campus, AZL Aachen GmbH uses its strong network to provide these capacities and possibilities on an interdisciplinary basis. Within walking distance, researchers and students are working on the latest technologies for the cost-efficient development and production of lightweight components on one of the largest research landscapes in Europe - the RWTH Aachen Campus: Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production of RWTH Aachen University, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) of RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Plastic Processing in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design (SLA) of RWTH Aachen University, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, Welding and Joining Institute (isf) of RWTH Aachen University.

Exklusive insights into the latest lightweight technologies

Once a year, the AZL Open Day offers an exclusive and unique insight into the R&D capacities of the institutes in the field of lightweight construction and sustainable mobility. This year, nine AZL partner institutes opened their machine halls and research laboratories on April 9, 2025 to provide interested industrial players with comprehensive insights into their current focus areas along the value chain. Among other things, the institutes presented high-precision laser processes for plastics processing, new joining processes for thermoplastic composites, 5-axis CNC machining with real-time quality management, large-format 3D printing and their own tape lines & tape integration. Design, prototyping and testing of products & solutions such as crash-optimized vehicle structures, thermoplastic pressure vessels, digital twins for structural-mechanical monitoring as well as prototyping and recycling approaches for battery systems were also demonstrated. The range of topics, key activities & infrastructure, seen at the Open Day, enables new technologies to be tested under real production conditions and efficiently brought to market maturity.

“The AZL Open Day is a great opportunity to discover the numerous technology centers, labs, prototyping and testing facilities that are available on the Aachen campus, that makes it unique in its kind. The AZL organization and teams located there are a true catalyst for new projects and development for the Composites industry: they are creating the link between Market analysis & technology scouting, academic research resources and business opportunities with their industrial partners. They are currently working on several topics that are at the forefront of Composites” reports Éric Pierrejean, CEO of the JEC Group. Apart from being there as an interested participant, he also gave the audience an insight into the key topics and trends in the composites industry as seen at this year's JEC World Show.

Efficient use of established infrastructures & know-how

As a one-stop shop for lightweight solutions, AZL offers an interface for successful cooperation between research and industry. In close coordination between scientific developments and specific customer requirements, solutions are developed in a targeted and tailor-made manner: as part of the AZL partnership, consortial projects or individual projects. In addition to the know-how of the institutes, cooperation with the AZL's industrial partner network also enables direct access to the necessary infrastructure of components, materials, tools and machine and system parts, which can be tested, developed or newly constructed in integrated process chains on a large scale.

Thanks to the close networking between science, industry and the AZL team of experts, companies can access an established infrastructure and utilize synergies for their projects.
The date for the next AZL Open Day will be announced in the second half of the year.

ISKO’s new FW 26/27 collection explores a diverse and ambitious vision for sustainable denim. With a strong focus on fiber innovation, the collection incorporates organic and regenerative cellulosic fibers, alongside Next-Gen circular materials powered by RE&UP — transforming end-of-life textiles into high-performance fabrics that rival the durability and comfort of virgin fibers.

Among the highlights of the FW 26/27 collection is RECODE DENIM, ISKO’s latest breakthrough in circular denim technology. Built on advanced recycled content and proprietary weaving innovation, RECODE sets a new benchmark for quality, resource efficiency, and scalability — seamlessly integrating sustainability with style.

This season also marks the debut of new fabric technologies that elevate denim’s potential for both performance and creativity:

• ISKO™ We’Raw – delivers an authentic raw denim aesthetic that resists shrinkage, fading, and distortion, even after repeated home washing.
• ISKO™ FitWise – engineered for lasting structure and a smart, adaptive fit with zero compromise on comfort.
• ISKO™ Wondersoft – combines silky softness and authentic denim texture using sustainable fibers like modal and lyocell.

From rich textures to sculpted silhouettes, the collection embraces a deep winter palette — dark indigos, blackened hues, and earthy browns – further elevated by TINTED MANIA, a curated series of tone-on-tone color effects that enrich the visual depth of each garment. Fabric weights range from 9 oz to 15 oz, offering versatility and adaptability across seasonal applications.

ISKO™ Multitouch, introduced in SS26, remains a key fabric concept for the FW 26/27 season. Known for its ability to deliver multiple textures and finishes from a single fabric, it continues to empower designers with options like 3D effects, permanent embossing, vintage-inspired wash-downs, and soft or firm hand feels – all achieved through responsible finishing processes that reduce environmental impact.

“With this collection, we’re continuing to merge fashion and function – introducing new updates in finishing and construction that reflect the latest industry trends,” said Fatma Korkmaz, Product Development Manager at ISKO. “We see a clear resurgence in demand for stretch, and have focused on delivering smart, adaptive solutions that meet both performance and aesthetic needs. We’Raw, FitWise, and RECODE Denim aren’t just technical breakthroughs — they embody our vision for the future of denim, where innovation, comfort, and responsibility go hand in hand.”

Jeanologia introduces its new concept “ONE TECHNOLOGY. ALL POSSIBILITIES” at Kingpins Amsterdam. This statement of intent emphasizes laser technology as a tool for expression, efficiency, and transformation. One system, infinite possibilities to redefine denim and bring any creative vision to life. Through an exclusive capsule collection, the company highlights the boundless potential of laser as an aesthetic, versatile, and transformative tool.

At this year’s Kingpins in Amsterdam, Jeanologia presents a fresh perspective on laser technology not just a technique, but as an essential tool for designers, brands, and laundries looking to differentiate themselves, innovate, and embrace a more conscious, efficient, and emotionally connected model.

Pure Vintage: A tribute to classic denim. Garments that recapture the essence of authenticity by recreating natural wear effects with impeccable realism. Laser technology, combined with the Atmos washing process, achieves finishes that evoke decades of history, honoring both aesthetics and the environment.

Creative Possibilities: An innovative concept that positions laser as a medium for artistic expression, unlocking new creative possibilities. Vector designs, hyper-realistic images, drill effects, and visual textures stimulate the imagination, proving that technology can be both emotional and at the forefront of creative vanguard.

Denim Métiers by Jeanologia: As a special highlight, Jeanologia presents ‘Denim Métiers’, a unique exhibition creating a bridge between denim as an industrial material and haute couture. Conceptual garments that elevate denim into an artistic, refined dimension, creating a distinctive language that breaks both technical and aesthetic boundaries.

In the words of Carme Santacruz, Jeanologia’s Creative Director: “With ‘ONE TECHNOLOGY. ALL POSSIBILITIES’, we aim to go beyond the traditional technical view of laser and reveal its true essence as a versatile, emotional, and artistic tool, capable of adapting to every brand, designer, and production challenge.”

With this new proposal, Jeanologia wants to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable innovation, pushing the textile industry toward a more creative, efficient, and conscious future.

RE&UP announced a new partnership with Marchi & Fildi to co-develop a new generation of premium recycled cotton yarns. The collaboration – currently at pre-industrial stage – combines RE&UP’s cutting-edge textile-to-textile recycling technology with Marchi & Fildi’s deep expertise in sustainable yarn development and manufacturing.

With the goal of reaching all levels of the textile value chain, the project represents a key milestone in the evolution of circular innovation. The recycled cotton fibers used in the initiative come from RE&UP’s fully integrated process, which transforms post-consumer waste into high-quality raw materials ready for industrial application.

RE&UP and Marchi & Fildi bring together a powerful blend of innovation and excellence. This collaboration is driven by a shared belief: that circularity must go hand in hand with uncompromising quality. By combining RE&UP’s breakthrough recycling technology with Marchi & Fildi’s expertise in premium yarn development, the two companies are laying the groundwork for scalable, high-performance solutions that can elevate the entire textile value chain.

Rieter has stood for pioneering innovation in textile technology for 230 years. Founded in 1795, the company has grown from a trading company to a global technology leader. With a clear focus on automation, digitization and sustainability, Rieter is shaping the future of yarn production and continues to set standards in the industry.

Rieter, a world leader in developing and manufacturing systems for yarn production with staple fibers, is celebrating its 230th anniversary this year – a history characterized by change, innovation and growth.

The Rieter success story began on April 15, 1795, when Johann Jacob Rieter founded the company J.J. Rieter & Cie. in Winterthur, Switzerland. Rieter started as a trading company for exotic spices and cotton, and on April 23, 1795, the first cotton bale had already arrived at the Waaghaus trading house on Marktgasse in Winterthur.

Initially involved in spinning mills and textile manufacturing, Rieter continued to develop over the 19th century and shifted its focus to building industrial machinery. Acquiring the buildings of the former Töss Abbey in Winterthur in 1833 was an important step. In addition to spinning mill machines, the company’s product line also included machines for winding, knitting, and weaving.

In 1891, Rieter converted into a stock company, which was a significant milestone in the company’s history. In the decades that followed, Rieter set new technological standards again and again. For example, the company was the first machine factory in Switzerland with electronic data processing and Rieter set up a modern laboratory for testing materials. It was joined by prototype workshops, a textile laboratory, and a test spinning mill to support further innovation.

Despite economic challenges, Rieter has always used times of crisis as an opportunity to increase its efficiency and hone its strategic focus. Along with its subsidiaries Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM, and Temco, today Rieter is distinctive and well-known in the market. The company is a leader in spinning mill technology and contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain with state-of-the-art machines, systems, and components.

Rieter’s success is based not only on technological excellence, but above all on the people who drive the company forward. The approximately 4 800 employees worldwide are the company’s greatest asset. With their expertise, innovative spirit, and passion, they set new standards every day and play an active role in shaping Rieter’s future.

From Rieter’s perspective, the future of spinning mills is automated, digital, and intelligent. Research and development activities are being intensified – in both the areas of autonomous transport systems and collaborative robotics, as well as for ESSENTIAL, Rieter’s digital spinning mill platform. The goal is to fully automate the value creation process of spinning mills by 2027. This will enable spinning mills to reduce their yarn manufacturing costs and maximize their returns. Customers can then concentrate fully on their yarn business and rely on Rieter’s technology and know-how for their operations.

With 230 years of experience, strong innovative power, sustainable solutions and a global sales and service organization, Rieter looks to the future with confidence.

Based on preliminary figures, the CHT Group, a global supplier of specialty chemicals based in Tübingen, demonstrated its resilience and strategic foresight in the 2024 financial year. Despite volatile global conditions, the company recorded sales growth to EUR 614.3 million (+2%) and a significant increase in EBIT to EUR 21.1 million - an increase of EUR 13.4 million compared to the previous year. Growth came primarily from the APAC region (+13.7%), while the markets in EMEA (-2.5%) and the Americas (+0.4%) remained stable.

The clear future course is also evident on the investment side: at 44.2 million euros, the CHT Group invested more than ever before - particularly in the further development of digitalization, expansion of the global production sites and increasing sustainability. In Germany alone, investments amounted to 9.2 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 124%.

Sustainability as a growth driver
Sustainability is not a trend, but has been an integral part of our corporate strategy for many years. The company is currently developing its Strategy 2030+ and continues to systematically pursue the goal of anchoring sustainability along the entire value chain.

The key sustainability targets include:

• Reduction of specific water and energy consumption by 10% by 2025
• Introduction of an energy management system at all production sites
• Increase the proportion of sales accounted for by sustainable ECO Range products to 80%
• Over 90% of the relevant purchasing volume with sustainably-certified suppliers
• Climate neutrality by 2045, with scientifically validated interim targets of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi):
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Scope 1+2 by 42 % by 2030,
  • Scope 3 by 25 % - CHT is aiming for a reduction of 95 % in all areas by 2045.

The sustainability strategy is based on three central pillars:

1. People – social responsibility, safe working conditions and human rights in the supply chain
2. Planet – environmental and climate protection, resource conservation, circular economy
3. Performance – sustainable products, innovation and economic stability

The globally operating company focuses on sustainable specialty chemicals solutions in markets such as textiles, paints and coatings, construction, automotive, electronics and consumer care.  The CHT Group is a foundation company and part of the Reinhold Beitlich Foundation. Its values - responsibility, innovation and sustainability - are firmly anchored in the corporate culture.

Reinforcement of the management team underlines ambitions
With the appointment of Dr. Christian Rink as CFO in October 2024 and Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli as COO on April 1, 2025, the management team was expanded in a targeted manner. Dr. Christian Rink brings extensive experience from the international foundation company Bosch, while Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli has extensive experience from the international chemicals group Evonik. These are ideal prerequisites for driving forward operational excellence, financial strategy and sustainability transformation.

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “In the flexible packaging sector, we are currently seeing a huge trend away from conventional and non-recyclable mixed material laminates towards fully recyclable mono-material composites, both for blown and cast films. Our state-of-the-art MDO stretching units enable enhanced mechanical properties for all-PE or all-PP films. Thus, PET films commonly used in material composites can be replaced. By downgauging, we also reduce production costs to a competitive level, making recyclable films a profitable choice.”

MDO for blown film lines
With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18μm (with properties of a 25μm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul-off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all-PE film achieves the required barrier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH barrier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustainability benefits.