#Research & Development

2026-08-20

Outdoor Industry Association completes Clean Heat CoLab initiative

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has completed its multi-year Clean Heat CoLab initiative, bringing together outdoor brands and technology experts to accelerate the adoption of electrified process heating in textile manufacturing. The collaboration focused on reducing emissions from thermal processes such as dyeing, washing and finishing, which remain among the most carbon-intensive stages of textile production.

Founded by OIA together with Patagonia, L.L. Bean, New Balance, REI Co-op and W.L. Gore & Associates, and supported by Global Efficiency Intelligence (GEI), the initiative progressed through three phases: research, development of an open-source electrification assessment tool and supplier training.

The first phase examined the potential of replacing fossil fuel-based process heat with electric technologies in textile mills. Based on these findings, the partners developed the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, enabling manufacturers to assess electrification opportunities without carrying out a full feasibility study.

According to OIA, the tool has also been adopted beyond its own membership. The Apparel Impact Institute has used it to screen more than 60 textile mills in China, Vietnam and India, identifying 16 facilities for further investment-grade analysis and potential support for heat pump implementation.

The third phase focused on practical implementation through supplier workshops in Taiwan and Vietnam, complemented by online training sessions for manufacturers worldwide.

Although large-scale electrification across the textile industry is expected to take time, OIA says the initiative has established an important foundation by providing research, practical tools and technical knowledge for manufacturers and brands seeking to reduce emissions from textile production.

Outdoor industry leaders launch open-source tool to decarbonize textile mills

Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Moving Advanced Recycling from Innovation to Implementation

The Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 explores technologies, markets, financing and scale-up of innovative recycling solutions for waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC. Europe’s chemical and materials sector faces growing pressure to close carbon loops, strengthen raw-material safety and resilience and meet increasingly ambitious EU recycling targets. Against this backdrop, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany.

Fashion for Good launches Cotton Reloop Matrix Project to unlock commercial scale for recycled cotton

Fashion for Good today announces the launch of the Cotton Reloop Matrix Project, a cross-industry initiative that will map and physically validate the quality of commercially available recycled cotton yarns against brand specifications, giving the industry a data-backed overview of how quality, price, and recycled content intersect. The project is convened with Fashion for Good partners Arvind, BESTSELLER, C&A, Interloop, Reformation, and Shahi, together with ecosystem partner Uster.

Italian textile finishing specialist injects digital agility into luxury textile manufacturing with Kornit Digital

1st October 2026 – Kornit Digital, a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, shares the news that Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, one of Italy's leading textile dyeing and finishing specialists, has integrated the Kornit Presto MAX into its production environment to expand its premium textile offering to improve manufacturing efficiency and support growing demand for sustainable, agile fabric production.

ReHubs names Béatrice Moureaux CEO to advance textile recycling in Europe

ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the European alliance as it continues to strengthen its work to scale textile-to-textile recycling across Europe. Béatrice has served as Board Advisor to ReHubs since December 2025, working closely with its Board, team and members on the organisation’s strategy and projects. She brings more than 25 years of experience across technical textiles, advanced fibres, nonwovens and circular innovation.

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.