#Sustainability

2023-01-26

Extension of the transition period for meeting the production requirements

In order to give companies more time for production planning and, if necessary, conversion, the scheme owner has decided to extend the transition period for compliance with the production requirements according to den Green Button 2.0 by one year to 31st July 2024.

This means for companies:

The production requirements according to GB 2.0 at the level of fibres and materials, wet processes and ready-made garments will become binding after 31st July 2024.

Articles can continue to be produced according to GB 1.0 until this date. A later sale of articles already produced and ordered up to this date is possible.

The new requirements for the use of fibres and materials are binding from August 2024.

The deadline for meeting the requirements for corporate due diligence processes according to GB 2.0 does not change. Companies must complete their audit according to GB 2.0 by this summer (31st July 2023).

With the help of companies’ feedback, we gathered practical experiences concerning the production requirements and the list of approved fibres and materials which ultimately led to the extension of the deadline. The transition period has been extended from 31st July 2023 to 31st July 2024 in order to give companies more time for production planning and conversion. In addition, the evaluation procedure (benchmarking) of the certification labels that are recognised for the Green Button 2.0 is still taking place. Many certification labels have already been assessed and recognised (see this overview), but other labels have not yet been assessed. This is because many certification labels are also currently being revised and are introducing new standard versions. The Green Button assessment must be coordinated with these individual revision cycles. The extended transition period also gives companies the possibility to know earlier which certification labels can be introduced in the GB 2.0.

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.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

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.