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#Sustainability

bluesign® driving strategic transformation toward a safer and more sustainable fashion industry

With news headlines like “Fast Fashion is Made with Alarmingly High Amounts of ToxicChemicals” (Business Insider) the textile industry continues to be under intense scrutiny as revelations about the widespread use of hazardous chemicals highlight significant risks to human health and the environment. Recently released reports expose alarmingly high levels of toxic substances such as PFAS , phthalates, lead, and cadmium in clothing - ranging from children’s garments to activewear, raising urgent concerns about consumer safety and environmental impact.

Celebrating its 25th year in progressing the clean chemical movement across fashion, bluesign®, a key brand within SGS’s sustainability portfolio, has been an industry leader in chemical management, environmental management and resource optimization for the textile industry. Leveraging SGS’s global network and proven leadership in sustainability and digital trust, bluesign® combines scientific excellence with innovative and actionable solutions to address the textile industry’s most pressing challenges.

Addressing Today’s Challenges with Our Solutions

With over 800 partners globally from household name brands to manufacturers and chemical makers, the bluesign® SYSTEM focuses on clean chemistry, clean manufacturing, and clean products to ensure worker safety, consumer safety, and reduced adverse environmental impact.

A key component of the system is its proactive approach to chemical change management. By working directly with chemical suppliers, textile manufacturers, brands, and retailers, bluesign® sets stringent criteria to eliminate carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic-for-reproduction (CMR) substances, while providing more sustainable alternatives. This not only ensures the safety of workers exposed to these chemicals during textile manufacturing but also enables brands to deliver textile materials and products that are safer for their consumers to enjoy.

Additionally, the bluesign® SYSTEM minimizes resource consumption by optimizing water, energy, and chemical usage, with tailored action plans to minimize this consumption, leading to a significant reduction in environmental impact.

By focusing on delivering measurable sustainability outcomes using a collective approach powered by decades of expertise, bluesign® reinforces its commitment to driving tangible progress in protecting human health, the environment, and natural resources.

A Call for Action

As consumer awareness of toxic chemicals in textiles grows, the demand for transparency and accountability in the industry has never been stronger. bluesign®, a trailblazer, stands as a beacon of trust, innovation, and responsibility, proving that safer and more sustainable textiles are not just possible—they are essential.

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign®, emphasizes the importance of proactive industry transformation: "The textile industry stands at a critical crossroads. For 25 years, we have been setting and evolving rigorous standards by successfully empowering chemical suppliers, textile manufacturers, and brands to adopt safer, more sustainable practices. In collaborating with stakeholders across the value chain, we are shaping the future of textile production, proving that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand, and creating lasting value for people and the planet."


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#Techtextil 2026

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

#Europe

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

#Technical Textiles

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.

#Spinning

Graf at EXINTEX – Strengthening presence in Latin America

Graf successfully participated in EXINTEX, one of the leading textile exhibitions in Latin America, together with its local agent Eurotecnica. The exhibition provided an excellent platform to engage with customers, partners and industry experts across the region.

More News on Sustainability

#Sustainability

Practical toolkit to drive coordinated climate action launched

An open-access workshop toolkit enables brands, suppliers, policymakers and investors across the textile industry to apply the System Map in their own work, identifying leverage points to halve emissions and enable a just transition.

#Raw Materials

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

#Sustainability

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

#Sustainability

GOTS version 8.0 released: advanced supply chain accountability, from fibre to finished product

Global Standard is pleased to announce the release of GOTS Version 8.0, the latest update to the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles. The updated Standard strengthens requirements for air emissions and waste management, as well as criteria for product safety. It introduces new provisions on circularity, microfibre management and updates in residue testing. Version 8.0 also elevates due diligence obligations and formalises governance requirements, including ESG disclosure, anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards, to support credible, responsible business conduct.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials presents Mehlerheytex and Filc at Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials will showcase textile innovations that increase efficiency, performance and sustainability in industry and mobility at Techtextil 2026. For the first time since the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, the MehlerHeytex brand will make its debut as a leading expert in coated technical textiles. Moreover, Freudenberg Performance Materials Filc (Filc), specialist for advanced needlepunch nonwovens and laminated materials, will present its groundbreaking solutions for automotive applications. Filc customers can benefit from the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and sustainability. The Freudenberg Performance Materials experts are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair at Stand A11 in Hall 11.0 from April 21 – 24, 2026.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.

#Research & Development

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

#Digital Printing

Mimaki takes DTF performance to the next level with TxF300-75Plus

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, announces the TxF300-75Plus, an upgraded model within its high-productivity direct-to-film (DTF) printing portfolio. Following on from the success of the original TxF300-75, this enhanced version reflects Mimaki’s commitment to continuously evolving its solutions to meet the changing demands of the market.

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