#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2024-05-09

First Swiss cycling brand to launch bluesign(R) PRODUCT - Pushing the boundaries of sustainability in cycling

Possenia, a trailblazing newcomer in the cycling industry, proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement: it is Switzerland’s first cycling brand to introduce the bluesign® PRODUCT label, marking an important milestone in sustainable cycling apparel in Europe. These environmentally conscious, premium cycling essentials are now available on Digitec Galaxus as well as directly through Possenia’s own website.

Committed to innovation and environmental responsibility, Possenia offers a range of premium cycling apparel crafted with the planet in mind. By obtaining bluesign® certification, Possenia ensures that every product meets the highest standards of sustainability and quality craftsmanship, empowering cyclists to ride confidently while minimizing their environmental footprint © 2024 Possenia

As a brand committed to premium quality, innovation and sustainability, Possenia has risen above traditional industry barriers to obtain bluesign® PRODUCT certification for a large proportion of its product range, aiming to bring the remaining portion into its bluesign® PRODUCT ranges by 2025. This milestone underscores Possenia's unwavering dedication to revolutionizing the cycling industry with environmentally responsible practices and options.

"At Possenia, we are driven by a passion for sustainability and a desire to push the boundaries of what's possible," says Possenia CEO and Co-Founder, Melissa Vostriakova. "Being the first Swiss cycling brand to offer bluesign® PRODUCTs is a testament to our commitment to creating a happier, more sustainable future for all."

The bluesign® PRODUCT label represents the gold standard in responsible production, ensuring that every aspect of manufacturing meets strict chemical, environmental and worker safety criteria. By partnering with bluesign® technologies, Possenia ensures that its products are made with the utmost care for both the planet and its inhabitants.

Possenia stands out not just for its innovative ethos and ethical manufacturing, but also for the exceptional quality and accessibility of its products. Their bluesign® PRODUCT range of cycling essentials, epitomizes this commitment, offering conscientious cyclists a compelling choice. Crafted from fabrics trusted to be put on the shoulders of grand tour winners, these garments combine premium performance with ethical integrity, catering to individuals who demand excellence in both their gear and their principles.

“Our vision is to create responsible cycling wear that is accessible to all to drive a shift towards a more sustainable cycling industry. Sustainability must absolutely not only be prohibitively priced if we as a society truly want to pave the way for a better future. Sustainability must become both the default option and be affordable rather than just another luxury option on the market for those who can afford it,” says Michael Kenyon, Executive Member of Possenia’s Board of Directors.

Possenia’s cycling range incorporates almost exclusively bluesign® APPROVED recycled and commercially biodegradable fabrics as well as bluesign® APPROVED trims and finishes. A critical component of Possenia’s approach, in collaboration with bluesign® Technologies is strict chemical management, a cornerstone of impact reduction.

CEO of bluesign® Technologies, Daniel Rufenacht says “many sport enthusiasts, like cyclists, spend a great deal of their lives outdoors and have a deep connection to their environment. Possenia understands this and has aligned its key values with what’s really important for us as a society: the long-term health of our planet. When it comes to chemical management, we know that chemicals represent more than 20% of industrial water pollution and around 25% of chemicals used globally are attributed to the textile industry. It’s one of the most critical levers in sustainability.”

The availability of Possenia's bluesign® PRODUCT styles on Galaxus signifies a significant step forward in making sustainable, premium cycling apparel accessible to wider reaches of the Swiss market. From on-the-bike wear such as jerseys and cycling shorts to off-the-bike wear such as hoodies and t-shirts, each item in the Possenia lineup reflects the brand's unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Possenia wants to inspire cyclists worldwide to perform at their best, ride with confidence, and all the while minimize their environmental footprint.

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.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

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.