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#Raw Materials

Wool shoes at the Paris Olympics

The Olympic flame’s journey to Paris 2024 has been a global spectacle, and it took on a particularly sustainable twist in Guadeloupe. Legendary French sprinter Marie José Perec played a pivotal role in carrying the flame, and she did so in style—wearing Circle Sportswear’s innovative SuperNatural Runner shoes, which are made with merino wool.

Unlike traditional running shoes, the SuperNatural Runner boasts an upper made of 50% Woolmark-certified wool and 50% TENCEL LUXE™ derived from wood fibers. The Woolmark-certified Merino wool offers a unique feel and comfort in the running world, exceptional breathability, and natural odor resistance.

This unique combination offers exceptional breathability, comfort, and durability, while also being kinder to the planet.

Perec carried the Olympic flame on a boat around Guadeloupe, where she embraced the opportunity to showcase the SuperNatural Runner’s performance in a challenging environment. Her choice to wear these eco-friendly shoes during such a high-profile event underscores the growing importance of sustainable fashion and sports.

“I am delighted to partner with Circle Sportswear, a brand that shares my values and commitment to a more planet-friendly sport,” says Marie José Pérec. “Together, we are working to promote more sustainable running and to support the next generation of athletes. The SuperNatural Runner and the partnership with The Woolmark Company are part of this innovative approach that favors both performance and sustainability.”

Circle Sportswear co-founder and CEO, Romain Trebuil, shares Perec’s enthusiasm. “The SuperNatural Runner is the first bio-based running shoe made from The Woolmark Company Merino wool, circular and entirely manufactured in Europe,” he said. “Our goal is to be the Game Changers in the world of running by reaching the same high standards for performance and ecology.”



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#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative strengthens regenerative focus in standard update

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened the regenerative focus of its field-level standard with the launch of a new version of its Principles & Criteria (P&C), which marks the next step in the organisation’s journey to becoming a regenerative standards system.

#Raw Materials

Global production expected to decline in 2026/27 as policy shifts and weak demand reshape trade

Early projections for the 2026/27 season indicate that global cotton lint production will decline by 4% to 24.9 million tonnes, while world consumption is expected to remain stable at approximately 25 million tonnes, according to the April 2026 issue of Cotton This Month.

#Raw Materials

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

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#Man-Made Fibers

Selenis and Kintra Fibers partner to scale 100% bio-based synthetic fiber technology

Selenis, a leading global specialty polyester manufacturer, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with materials science company Kintra Fibers to scale Kintra’s patented fiber-grade PBS resin - a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material designed for textile applications.

#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, has been awarded €135 million in funding under the Netherlands’ Nationale Investeringsregeling Klimaatprojecten Industrie (NIKI) program. The funding will support Reju’s planned industrial-scale Regeneration Hub at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, covering both the investment phase and ongoing operations, and represents a critical milestone on the path toward final investment decision.

#Techtextil 2026

TTL showcases nonwoven and needlefelt solutions at Techtextil 2026

Technische Textilien Lörrach GmbH & Co. KG (TTL), part of the Yanpai Group, will present its latest nonwoven and needlefelt solutions for industrial applications at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt.

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