#Textile chemistry

2023-05-17

ZDHC committed comminity announcement May 2023

As of May 2023, ZDHC welcomes two new Friends of ZDHC to the ZDHC Committed Community.

As a Friend:

The Lacoste brand was founded by a French tennis legend and four time international champion, René Lacoste. Drawing inspiration from sporting values of high standards, fair play, and daring, Lacoste has passed down these values through the generations and cultivated elegance as a way of being and inventing one's life in their brand.

As a responsible fashion player, Lacoste has dedicated itself to creating and introducing a new model for sustainable fashion. Their innovative and ambitious co-construction approach involves all of their partners and takes into account the overall environmental impact, including that of their suppliers. In line with their commitment to "acting for the planet," Lacoste has joined ZDHC's Roadmap to Zero Programme. One of Lacoste’s pillars is to fight against pollution for consumers and the environment by optimising the use of chemical products. By adhering to our Roadmap to Zero Programme, Lacoste continues on its journey towards sustainability, seeking to reduce its environmental footprint and create a better future for all.

"Chemical management in facilities producing our Lacoste goods is key to ensuring the well-being of local communities and planet protection. To accomplish this with the most advanced tool of such matter, Lacoste is very motivated to be part of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme."

-Raynald Anquet, VP Global Quality at Lacoste Operations

As a Friend:

New Look began its journey in 1969 with a single store located on Taunton High Street. Today, it has expanded its reach to become a global retail powerhouse, boasting 432 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, with its products shipped to 65 countries.

New Look recognises that chemicals used within their value chain, from raw material extraction to the finished products, can have serious environmental impacts if not managed correctly. As such, improving chemical management across all their value chains is a key focus of their sustainability strategy going forward. By joining ZDHC’s Roadmap to Zero Programme, New Look will be implementing an industry leading framework to manage and mitigate the risks associated with the use and discharge of harmful chemicals.

“Being a Friend of ZDHC improves transparency of chemical management within our value chain and helps us identify priorities to meet our sustainability goals."

-Katie Pryce, CSR Manager at New Look

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.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

RUDOLF is pioneering the future of technical textiles by developing innovative, functional solutions

At Techtextil 2026, RUDOLF presents its latest innovations for textile auxiliaries, textile care and construction chemicals. Based in Geretsried, Bavaria, the company draws on more than 100 years of experience and continues to position itself as a global technology partner focused on quality, innovation and sustainability.

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.