#Yarn & Fiber

2024-11-28

ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei returns to ISPO 2024 with sustainability and performance at its core

ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei is set to make a remarkable appearance at ISPO 2024, taking place from December 3rd to 5th in Hall B2, Booth 111 at the Future Lab. Renowned for its premium stretch fiber innovations, ROICA™ continues to elevate the textile industry with its commitment to sustainability, performance, and modern fashion needs.

Central to its showcase this year is the ROICA Eco-Smart™ family, a groundbreaking portfolio of sustainable stretch fibers. This includes ROICA™ V550, the world’s first Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold stretch yarn, which partially degrades into CO2 and water under ISO 14855-1 standards. Also featured is ROICA™ EF, a recycled stretch fiber made from pre-consumer materials and certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. Together, these fibers embody ROICA™’s ethos of responsible innovation, offering solutions that blend environmental consciousness with superior performance.

At ISPO, visitors will also explore the ROICA Innovation Gallery, a curated exhibit of cutting-edge fabrics developed in collaboration with industry leaders. Brugnoli Fabrics, for instance, demonstrates the versatility of ROICA™ V550 in loungewear and active styles, while Cifra WKS showcases seamless, ergonomic garments crafted for maximum flexibility and breathability. Other notable partners include Dresdner Spitzen, Iluna Group, and INNOVA Fabrics, each highlighting how ROICA™ fibers enhance their designs with sustainability and functionality.

This commitment extends beyond materials to finished garments showcased in the ROICA Contemporary Wardrobe section. Standout pieces include cycling bib shorts by Bioracer, made with a fabric blend that features 46% ROICA™ V550, and multifunctional shapewear from Stellawear, designed with ECONYL® nylon and ROICA™ fibers. Socklab® further exemplifies innovation with its Cradle to Cradle Certified® GOLD sock, a testament to the seamless integration of eco-conscious design and high performance.

Stylish garments from Bioracer © 2024 Asahi Kasei

A highlight of ISPO 2024 will be a collaborative workshop on December 3rd at 11:45 AM in Hall B2, Pink Stage, featuring ROICA™’s partnership with TENCEL™ by Lenzing. The session will explore the shared vision of these two industry leaders in driving circularity and sustainability in textiles, underscoring the importance of end-of-life solutions for modern fabrics.

From its heritage as a pioneer in stretch fiber technology to its forward-thinking approach to sustainability, ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei continues to set new benchmarks in the textile industry. ISPO 2024 promises to be a platform where visitors can experience firsthand how ROICA™ merges innovation with responsibility, crafting fibers that redefine performance and style for contemporary wardrobes and sportswear alike.

Spring-set blueberry front from EDELVISSA © 2024 Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei Advance to showcase high-performance non-woven and fibers at Techtextil 2026

Asahi Kasei Advance will present its portfolio of high-performance nonwovens, flame-retardant fabrics, and advanced textile and fiber solutions designed for various industries during its first-ever exhibition at Techtextil 2026. Techtextil is the leading international trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, taking place from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt, Germany. Asahi Kasei Advance will highlight 14 brands, with special focus on four key materials as its debut at the exhibition in Hall 12.1 at booth C35.

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.