#Sustainability

2022-08-04

Message from Spinnova’s new CEO Kim Poulsen

The new Spinnova CEO Kim Poulsen has made a public statement at the start of his tenure. Among other things, he talked about how and why Spinova will be able to change the traditional textile industry.

Read his statement here: "Green textile revolution, a great step for humankind. To begin with, I couldn't be more thrilled to start my first day as the CEO of Spinnova. After starting its operations in 2014, Spinnova has shown impressive progress at the forefront of the green textile revolution. Spinnova’s ambitious mission is to transform the raw material base of the entire textile industry for the better.

So what is Spinnova? At the core of Spinnova is the most sustainable fibre production technology that is built differently from scratch. Spinnova’s technology is revolutionarily disruptive and the plant being built now for Woodspin will even be climate positive. The company is on a mission to transform the traditional textile industry with its revolutionary technology – all while building a global ESG trailblazer.

Why do I believe Spinnova can transform a traditional industry? Spinnova’s world-class innovative team combined with new disruptive technology allows us to shape what the future reality of textile can and will look like. We are a truly unique company with the potential to scale across many industries around the globe via multiple business model options. We already have strategic partnerships with global powerhouses like Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer. The partnerships with Adidas, The North Face, H&M Group, Bestseller and Marimekko stand as strong examples of what we can achieve with customers."

"How are we going to reach our target? It all starts with the relentless and uncompromising dedication to sustainability and planet Earth. Every day, our dedicated team of world-class professionals and team players work towards the common goal. Lastly, our current and future, partners across the value chain will walk the talk and inspire the way for a better environmental future.

On a personal note, I am incredibly humbled and honored by this once in a lifetime opportunity. At Spinnova, we all play for the common goal. This combined with Spinnova’s unique DNA which I would summarize with three words: genuine, honest, and dedicated. Keeping this in mind, I am ready to lead Spinnova on the journey to a more sustainable future. The unshakable dedication to the protection of our environment and planet Earth will continue serving as the driving force behind all our operations."

“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.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.