#Yarn & Fiber

2020-09-03

Lenzing creates unprecedented level of traceability

Most of the top 100 fashion brands have announced targets for 100% sustainable fibers target by 2025 , but less than 5% of those brands can trace their textile inputs to verify the sustainability credentials of the fiber producers. This helps explain why the first ‘core priority for immediate implementation’ of the CEO Agenda (from Global Fashion Agenda) is supply chain traceability.

To address this pressing challenge, three sustainability pioneers in the fashion industry – Lenzing, ArmedAngels and Schneider – joined hands with TextileGenesis™ to create an unprecedented level of traceability. The fiber-to-retail traceability pilots covered 45 garment styles each containing LENZING™ ECOVERO™ specialty viscose fibers or AUTHENTICO® organic wool, from supply chains spanning six countries.

Using the innovative Fibercoin™ technology of the TextileGenesis™ platform, Lenzing, ArmedAngels, and Schneider were able to issue digital blockchain ‘assets’ (or tokens) in direct proportion to the physical shipments of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and Authentico® fibers. These digital tokens provide a unique ‘fingerprint’ and authentication mechanism, preventing adulteration and providing a secure, digital chain-of-custody across the entire textile value chain.

“We at ARMEDANGELS believe that sustainable products start with transparency. But product traceability in the textile supply chain can be quite a challenge. Our aim is always to make a difference. To find the best partners, to push boundaries together and find solutions! Cooperating with TextileGenesis™ and conducting two successful real-time blockchain-based traceability projects showed us that it is not only about sustainability, fraud protection, quantification and accountability, but also a true return on invest. Plus, the platform provides a true global language for supply chain tracking” says Martin Hoefler, CEO and Founder of ArmedAngels.

Lenzing has been at the forefront of the digital traceability and showcased a ‘first of a kind’ blockchain-enabled traceability for TENCEL™ branded fibers at the Hong Kong fashion summit last year. “The objective of this pilot was to demonstrate scalability across all generation of wood-based cellulosic fibers and therefore we chose LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers – the most sustainable viscose - for traceability. We believe that traceability and sustainability are deeply interconnected, and as market pioneers we are paving the way for the rest of the industry. The combination of physical markers in LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and the supply chain traceability on TextileGenesis™ creates the industry’s most comprehensive fiber assurance mechanism – brands can be fully sure they actually receive when they pay for Lenzing’s sustainable fibers” says Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO and Board member of Lenzing. In Q4 2020, Lenzing will roll out TextileGenesis™ globally for its TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers portfolio.

Schneider Group – industry’s leading wool tops producer – demonstrated complete farm to retail traceability for its AUTHENTICO® program (a sustainable wool program with deep engagement among sheep-growers in Australia, New Zealand and Argentina).

“Schneider led the way with Organic wool tops production and carbon neutral wool offering, and is again paving the way for the wool industry to an unprecedented level of traceability. Our AUTHENTICO® wool program is unique due to its grass-root engagement with growers, and we wanted to offer the possibility for brands to have the complete supply chain visibility for AUTHENTICO® wool. The pilots with TextileGenesis™ demonstrates the scalability of the technology across the supply chain and creates an innovative way to offer complete assurance to brands and consumers” says Jeffrey Losekoot CEO of The Schneider Group.

TextileGenesis™ is an industry-leading traceability platform for the fashion industry and invented Fibercoins™ technology (patent pending). It’s a global network of sustainable fiber producers, leading brands, and key industry organizations to accelerate the adoption of fiber-to-retail traceability. “Fashion & textile is one of the most fragmented industries resulting in highly opaque supply chains. Our focus from the beginning has been to build a truly scalable fiber-to-retail traceability platform for the industry. In five years, we believe that majority of top 100 brands will only source sustainable and traceable textile raw materials” says Amit Gautam, CEO & Founder of TextileGenesis™.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.