#Sustainability

2024-11-28

bluesign® welcomes designer denim maker LIM Group as first laundry system partner in Italy

As part of their growing denim initiative, bluesign®, the leading global sustainability solutions provider for the textile industry, proudly announces LIM Group as their first laundry system partner in Italy. This partnership enables bluesign® to be a one-stop resource for LIM teams working with top designers, luxury houses, and international labels on their denim programs. Recognized as the gold standard in chemical management, bluesign’s impact reduction work in the textile supply chain has gained even more importance regarding compliance with the EU legislation such as CSDDD, CSRD and ESPR.

Factory from the outside © 2024 bluesign

With LIM’s exceptional craftsmanship and bluesign®’s trusted expertise, this collaboration sets a new standard for European clean denim manufacturing.

Founded and managed by the Stevanin family since the 1980s, LIM’s laundry has distinguished itself in the fashion industry with its expertise in denim washing and unique dyeing techniques. LIM also integrates eco-friendly technologies, including ozone and laser machinery, wastewater purification systems, and renewable energy-powered operations. With a strong reputation for creativity, technical expertise, and eco-conscious practices, LIM collaborates with some of the world’s most prestigious brands and luxury houses, including Valentino, Balenciaga, Gucci, Dsquared2, Maison Margiela, Replay, Jacob Cohen, and Dondup.

“Renowned for its expertise in washing and dyeing processes while working in collaboration with the world’s top names, LIM has established itself as a leader in the denim industry. Their integration into the bluesign® system reinforces the importance of bluesign in fostering sustainable practices in laundry and dyeing,” said bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht. “We are excited to work with the Stevanin family and LIM Group teams globally as they help us expand the reach of our mission to enable clean denim manufacturing globally.”

As the first bluesign® laundry system partner in Italy, LIM Group is at the forefront of reshaping the country’s textile manufacturing landscape. The company’s use of advanced technologies aligns perfectly with bluesign®’s vision for reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.

“Joining the bluesign® system marks a pivotal moment for LIM as we continue to prioritize sustainability in our operations and with our brand partners,” shares Gianfranco Stevanin, CEO and Co-Owner of LIM Group. “Our relationship not only strengthens our commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing but also enables us to deliver innovative solutions that meet the expectations of today’s conscious consumers. We are proud to collaborate with bluesign® to set new standards for transparency, accountability, and sustainable production.”

Storm Creek achieves bluesign® PRODUCT status

Storm Creek (ASI#/PPAI#) is proud to announce a meaningful sustainability milestone: the company has achieved bluesign® PRODUCT status: becoming the first US-based supplier in the promotional products industry to earn this globally respected certification. While this marks an industry first, for Storm Creek, it represents something far more important: a continuation of doing what they believe is right.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

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.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens with focus on AI, circularity and new sourcing regions

More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world are gathering at Paris-Le Bourget as Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens its doors from August 31 to September 2. With around 500 textile manufacturers and a similar number of apparel and accessories suppliers, the trade fair reflects the ongoing transformation of global sourcing and the growing diversification of supply regions.