#Raw Materials

2022-09-22

Sustainability scorecard for sheep farming

On 15 July 2022, the first ever Annual Report of the Sheep Sustainability Framework was unveiled at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo. The report was the first fruit of the Australian sheep and wool industry’s commitment to creating a data-driven yearly snapshot of its performance in matters relating to sustainability. International Wool Textile Organisation explores some of the most important points revealed in the report.

A World First

The report is the first of its kind and will go a long way towards improving sustainability in the sheep industry. It emerged from the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF), led by Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and Wool Producers Australia (WPA). The SSF focuses on four themes: caring for sheep, enhancing the environment and climate, taking care of all stakeholders in the industry, and ensuring financial resilience for the industry. The report measures the extent to which the industry is meeting these goals, in light of a nine focus areas and 21 priorities.

Key Findings from The Report

The first annual report of the SSF revealed the following important points, among others:

The Australian sheep industry is climate neutral as of 2021, and has held steady on net emissions. Gains in productivity have driven emissions intensity down by nine per cent between 2005 and 2020.

Rates of ground cover have improved, with 63.4pc of sheep grazing land over 50pc ground cover since summer 2019.

Worms and breech flystrike are among the biggest health challenges for the industry. Genetic improvement is one of the measures being used to prevent disease.

The industry is rapidly shifting away from the practice of mulesing. Non-mulesed and ceased-mulesed wool has increased as a proportion of the total clip (exact figures to be released in the mid-year update report).

Lucinda Corrigan, Independent Chair of the SSF Board says the report is an evolving document with more indicators under development. “In order to be able to create the data needed for the Annual Report, we undertook a Life Cycle Assessment of the entire Australian flock to determine the carbon footprint of our industry,” she explained. “We also harnessed satellite imagery to measure and display vegetation changes across our sheep-grazing regions. The deep insights generated from these projects represent an important development in our understanding of the impacts on and of our 234-year-old industry.”

The report is available to download on the SSF website:

https://www.sheepsustainabilityframework.com.au/

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.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.