#Sustainability

2023-02-16

SABIC joins global together for sustainability initiative

SABIC, a global leader in the chemicals industry, has joined Together for Sustainability (TfS), a procurement-driven initiative created by chemical companies with the goal of assessing, auditing, improving sustainability practices within their supply chains. Building on SABIC’s global network and commitment to driving sustainable solutions through collaboration, the move will enable SABIC to help raise sustainability standards in procurement in partnership with a network of 40+ other chemical companies.

Khaled Saleh Al-Kharboush, Vice President of Global Procurement at SABIC, said, “Embedding sustainability into the company’s procurement processes, policies and culture as a foundational pillar is a key part of SABIC’s sustainable procurement strategy. Joining TfS will enable us to reach our goals faster, to allocate our resources to value-adding activities, and to proactively contribute to enhanced ESG performance in close collaboration with our industry peers.”

By joining TfS, SABIC will also gain access to established methodologies and infrastructure that will help accelerate the implementation of its sustainable procurement strategy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Collaboration is vital to increasing the industry’s transparency on upstream value chains to support further reductions in scope 3 greenhouse emissions. Members of TfS jointly operate global supplier assessments and audit programs through independent experts, eliminating the need for each member to conduct their own assessment programs and greatly reducing the burden on suppliers to participate in numerous different programs.

Bertrand Conquéret, President of TfS, said, “The arrival of SABIC strengthens TfS’s global leadership and opens up a new region, namely the Middle East. Together and with our strategic partners we will continue to increase our impact on the sustainability performance in chemical supply chains around the world.”

The move signals yet another way SABIC seeks to deliver sustainable solutions by collaborating and exchanging ideas with experienced industry peers. In addition to TfS, SABIC co-chairs the LCET Initiative, an effort developed with the World Economic Forum (WEF) focused on upscaling low-carbon emitting technologies in chemical production to put the industry on track to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The company is also a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, a global community of companies dedicated to building a circular economy for plastic.

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.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.