#Natural Fibers

2025-05-15

Better Cotton joins policy hub coalition to contribute to regulatory discussions

Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has joined the Policy Hub, a Brussels-based coalition, to contribute to key EU policy discussions.

Launched in 2019, the Policy Hub fosters technical debates on emerging regulations and convenes its network to develop collaborative, consensus-based positions to influence and align on key EU policies such as the Empowering Consumers and Green Claims Directives, the Omnibus proposal, and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Hélène Bohyn, Policy & Advocacy Manager at Better Cotton, said: “Amidst the current deregulation trend, the Policy Hub is a great vehicle for industry stakeholders to come together to demonstrate and keep the momentum of all the efforts that are being invested in driving the sector towards sustainability.”

As part of the coalition, Better Cotton will offer its perspective on farm-level realities, enhancing the recognition of cotton and the role of standards in supporting the transition of the textile industry towards sustainability and circularity.

Marina Prados Espínola and?Antoine?Demarche, Co-Directors at the Policy Hub, said: “We are delighted to start a new chapter of collaboration with Better Cotton, whose broad expertise in agricultural practices and?on-the-ground farm?realities will strengthen our policy efforts at the European level.”

By adding its voice to this coalition of 40+ members, Better Cotton aims to support the representation of the broader spectrum of the textile supply chain, bringing context-specific realities to the table of EU policy discussions, whilst promoting the environmental and social sustainability attributes of cotton as a natural fibre.

As part of the Policy Hub’s Advisory Group, Better Cotton will work alongside other members such as Textile Exchange, Fashion for Good, the Social and Labor Convergence Program, the Organic Cotton Accelerator and Fair Labor Association.

BCI warns against ‘dangerous dilution’ of EU corporate directives

The approval of the European Commission’s Omnibus I proposal by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, accepting controversial changes to key sustainability directives is of great concern. These changes, namely to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), threaten to significantly dilute business reporting and due diligence obligations.

Rieter adjusts group structure in preparation for Barmag integration

The planned acquisition of the “Barmag” Division of OC Oerlikon will create the leading system provider worldwide for natural and man-made fibers. Rieter is confident it will receive all regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Rieter Group is therefore adjusting its Group structure as of January 1, 2026, to take this acquisition into account and to be able to provide an even more agile response to market challenges.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories fulfilling order for customized spider silk application from leading performance sports brand

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“Company” or “Kraig Labs”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it is fulfilling an order for spider silk from a globally recognized performance sports apparel brand as part of a confidential pilot development program.

Navis TubeTex announces U.S. partnership with Icomatex

Navis TubeTex, a global leader in advanced dyeing and finishing machinery solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Icomatex (www.icomatex.com), a respected European manufacturer of high-quality stenters and textile finishing equipment. Under this agreement, Navis TubeTex will exclusively represent the Icomatex stenter line in the United States.

ADVANSA launches ADVA®tex: A new step toward textile-to-textile recycling

ADVANSA has introduced ADVA®tex, a new filling fibre made entirely from recycled pre-consumer textile waste, positioning the material as a significant step forward in textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. The fibre is designed for use in duvets, pillows, mattresses, and furniture applications and is available in three versions.

KARL MAYER celebrates 35 years of EL pattern drive

KARL MAYER is celebrating an anniversary this year: on 30 November 1990, the first warp knitting machine with electronic guide bar control, the KS 4 EL, was delivered – another milestone for patterning. As early as 1980, the SU gearbox with the MRS42SU had initiated the transition from mechanical chains to digital data.