#Sustainability

2015-02-10

SCS Global Services joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

SCS Global Services (SCS), a leading third-party verifier of environmental and social performance claims, is pleased to announce that it has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) as an affiliate member. SCS will work to promulgate SAC initiatives and promote the Higg Index, the Coalition’s sustainability measurement tool, in an effort to drive improvements across apparel and footwear supply chains.

With its membership in the SAC, SCS Global Services joins more than 150 global brands, retailers and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations, and academic institutions, which are collectively committed to improving supply chain sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries.

SCS aims to advance the Higg Index, a tool which gauges environmental sustainability and guides supply chain decision-making toward better efficiency and sustainability impact. The Higg Index is an open source, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices.

Membership to the SAC deepens SCS’ existing engagement with global apparel and footwear supply chains. SCS pioneered the certification of recycled content claims for textiles and apparel, developed the Responsible Source™ standard for synthetic polymers and fiber, and certifies responsibly manufactured commercial fabrics against the Association of Contract Textiles facts® ecolabel. SCS also assisted the development of the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) through participation in the Textile Exchange’s GRS International Working Group.

“We are pleased to be joining the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and are confident that it will have a positive impact on product sustainability over time and become a model for how industries can collaborate in making a positive impact on value chain performance,” says Alicia Godlove, Materials Manager for Environmental Certification Services at SCS. “We look forward to our collaboration with the Coalition and our other colleagues in this important effort.”

“We welcome the addition of SCS Global Services to the Coalition, and look forward to their participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability, “ said Coalition CEO Jason Kibbey. “Having SCS as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the apparel industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.” There are currently more than 150 members of the SAC, the majority of which are global brands and retailers including: adidas, C&A, Gap, H&M, JC Penny, Kohl’s, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, Macy’s, Nike, Nordstrom, Puma, REI, Target, and VF Corporation.

More information on SAC, the complete Higg Index, and a full list of members can be found at www.apparelcoalition.org.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

Europe’s textile future at a turning point: New 2030 Circularity Blueprint aims to scale recycling and unlock investment opportunities

The EU textile system is at a critical crossroads. Today, less than 1% of discarded garments are recycled into new garments, despite EU-wide obligations for separate collection. In response, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) is launching the 2030 Circularity Blueprint, in partnership with ReHubs. This ambitious initiative is designed to support the transformation of the EU textile ecosystem to advance textile-to-textile recycling and drive the transition to a circular economy.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.