#Man-Made Fibers

2026-06-11

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.

According to Textile Exchange, the study identifies key environmental hotspots across different polyester production routes and includes new data on both thermomechanical and chemical recycling technologies. It also provides what is believed to be the first publicly available data on the environmental impacts of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production in Southeast Asia, a region that accounts for more than half of global virgin PET production.

The assessment focuses on virgin polyester production in Southeast Asia and recycled polyester production in China, Europe and the United States. Like all Textile Exchange LCA studies, it follows a cradle-to-gate approach, covering impacts from resource extraction through fiber formation. In addition, the study incorporates a broader “LCA+” methodology, including an assessment of human rights impacts associated with polyester production.

One of the central findings is that the environmental performance of polyester depends heavily on the production technology used. Key impact hotspots identified include the production of virgin fossil-based feedstocks, waste collection and sorting for recycled polyester, energy consumption and transportation.

To support industry-wide environmental modelling and progress tracking, the data from the study will be integrated into several major sustainability databases, including the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), Ecoinvent and the Quantis World Apparel and Footwear Life Cycle Assessment Database (WALDB). Textile Exchange notes that the data is primarily intended as proxy data for situations where source-specific LCA data is unavailable.

The polyester study is the second publication in Textile Exchange’s ongoing series of fiber-specific LCA studies. Earlier this year, the organization published its cotton LCA study, with additional assessments scheduled for release throughout 2026 and 2027.

To ensure scientific rigor and impartiality, the study was conducted in accordance with ISO standards, led by specialized LCA consultants, reviewed by independent expert panels and developed in consultation with a broad range of industry stakeholders.

Textile Exchange emphasizes that, as with all LCA data, results should be interpreted carefully and within their intended context. The organization advises against direct comparisons between different studies, regions or production systems, as methodological choices, assumptions and system boundaries can significantly influence outcomes.

Explore the full LCA study:

https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/polyester-life-cycle-assessment/?utm_source=polyesterlca_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=polyesterLCA&utm_term=null&utm_content=general

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

Textile Exchange unveils agenda for 2026 conference in Vancouver

Textile Exchange has released the agenda for its 2026 Conference, which will take place from October 12–16 in Vancouver, Canada. Under the theme “The Implementation Era,” the event will focus on translating sustainability commitments into practical action and scaling solutions across businesses, supply systems, and landscapes.

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.

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.