#Raw Materials

2024-08-01

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.”

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.