#Sustainability

2021-09-16

Ahlström Collective Impact makes a significant investment into UNICEF’s Global Education Program

Ahlström Collective Impact (ACI), a joint responsibility initiative by a group of companies and foundations has decided to make an investment of 600,000 € into UNICEF’s Global Education Program. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is one of the members and founding partners of the initiative.

Initiated by the Eva Ahlström Foundation in 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact is a unique co-operation model designed for targeted strategic investments that support the realization of selected United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahlström Collective Impact is committed to creating change by investing in a better future for children in partnership with UNICEF Finland.

For 2021, Ahlström Collective Impact has selected the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality and 17. Partnerships for the goals. In order to support the goal for quality education, Ahlström Collective Impact has decided to direct its investment of 600,000 euros to UNICEF’s Global Education Program.

“Ahlstrom-Munksjö is strongly committed to sustainability and to respecting the highest standards of human rights. Together with Ahlström Collective Impact and UNICEF Finland we leverage our long-term and global commitment while taking Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s strategic giving and donations program further,” says Tarja Takko Ahlstrom-Munksjö's EVP People, Safety and Communication.

In 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact focused on supporting the COVID-19 crisis aid to children in order to support their wellbeing and health during the pandemic. This year the focus is on education.

“The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the learning crisis and widened deep gaps in access to quality education. To safeguard children´s future, we must safeguard their education,” Tarja Takko emphasizes.

To address the learning crisis, UNICEF strives to ensure every student, especially the most marginalized children in low- and middle-income countries, gains a solid foundation in basic reading and mathematics.

Ahlström Collective Impact consists of Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Ahlström Capital, Antti Ahlström Perilliset, Destia, Glaston, Eva Ahlström Foundation, Walter Ahlström Foundation, Suominen Corporation and Enics.

Learn more about Ahlström Collective Impact:

https://ahlstromcollectiveimpact.com/

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.