#Sustainability

2021-05-12

Ascend commits to 80% GHG reduction by 2030

Ascend Performance Materials today published its latest sustainability report highlighting the company’s performance and initiatives across three pillars: Empowering People, Innovating Solutions and Operating Without Compromise.

2020 Sustainability Report highlights emissions reduction strategy and other initiatives

The company, which is the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, announced in the report an aggressive goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030.

The report, Empowered People, features stories of Ascend employees who raised their hands and advocated for a sustainable initiative, from Rachell Gold’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion to Andy Leigh’s effort to create post-industrial and post-consumer recycled polyamide products.

“In our 2018 report, we said we have a responsibility to lead the industry in sustainability,” said Chris Johnson, Ascend director of sustainability. “Despite the challenges in 2020, people across Ascend played an active role in advancing our efforts.”

In addition to employee-driven success stories, the report details the company’s initiatives and innovations around sustainability.

“Our report highlights the work we are doing to fulfill that commitment,” said Johnson. “Whether it’s the nitrous oxide abatement project in Pensacola, Florida, the solar power purchasing agreement for our plant in Chocolate Bayou, Texas, or the cogeneration units in Decatur, Alabama, we are making considerable investments to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint.”

The report mirrors Ascend’s purpose statement – to create performance materials that improve the quality of life today and inspire a better tomorrow – announced last year, said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “Sustainability sits at the heart of our purpose, and it is exciting to see our company mature so quickly in such a vital effort.”

Ascend’s sustainability report can be read at:

http://ascendmaterials.com/sustainability.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.