#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.

Closing the Footwear Loop reveals challenges and opportunities for circular footwear

The footwear industry faces one of the most complex circularity challenges in the fashion sector. A new Phase 1 report from the Fashion for Good initiative Closing the Footwear Loop, developed together with Circle Economy, provides new insights into the composition, condition and recycling potential of post-consumer footwear waste.

The updated poster on biodegradable Polymers in various environments has been released

As part of the PerPlacsBio project, nova-Institute has updated its popular poster on the biodegradability of polymers in different environments. The updated version reflects current standards, certifications and the latest scientific findings. The poster can be used to assess biodegradable alternatives for use in agriculture and forestry, and it is now available in German for the first time.

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.

Barmag and Hitech Automation enter into partnership for an auto-doff system for texturing machines

Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD. of Surat, India, have agreed to an exclusive partnership to jointly market Hitech’s Doffmatic automation solution for Barmag’s proven manual eFK texturing machines. In many texturing facilities, manual doffing processes remain heavily operator-dependent – resulting in issues such as increased scrap, inconsistent quality, and limited productivity.

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The heart of the technical textiles and nonwovens world will beat in Istanbul

Only 1 day remains until HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition opens its doors. Bringing together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and industry professionals from around the world, HIGHTEX 2026 is preparing to showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry. As the countdown to this major event continues, Istanbul is once again getting ready to become the meeting point of the global technical textiles industry.

Grasim Industries announces fresh investment of ₹3094 Crore to expand Lyocell capacity

Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group and a global leader in cellulosic fibres, today announced an investment of ₹3,094 crore, for Phase II Lyocell capacity of 110K TPA at Harihar, Karnataka. This expansion will consist of 2 lines of 55K TPA (150 Tons per day) each. The first line is expected to be commissioned by 2028, and the second line is expected to be commissioned by 2030.