#Recycling / Circular Economy

2025-05-08

Eurofins Sustainability Services introduces first recycled plastics testing that leverages properties of plastics

Eurofins Sustainability Services, a full-service provider for retailers, brands, and manufacturers of consumer products, has grown its extensive service offering to include recycled plastics testing for the textile, apparel, and footwear industries. By using the most advanced methodology, this is the first service of its kind that can accurately verify recycled polymer content in recycled plastics. It does so by focusing on their physical and chemical properties, instead of analysing generic markers.

Plastic pollution is a global environmental threat, and many industries have found innovative ways to incorporate recycled plastics into products to achieve circular goals and meet consumer demand for more sustainably produced products. Being able to prove the composition of materials used is key, as there are significant regulatory and consumer concerns regarding greenwashing and authenticity of claims.

Eurofins Sustainability Services’ recycled plastics testing provides Softlines industries with a novel and reliable solution. Unlike audits and testing focused on chemical markers, this testing is based on evidence of recycled content and delivers the following advantages to brands:

+ Substantiate marketing claims and avoid greenwashing, building consumer trust and protecting brand reputation

+ Support a low-risk, transparent supply chain, build trust within supply networks and ensure the authenticity of purchased materials

+ Fulfill regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with growing regulatory requirements through the provision of scientific evidence and documentation

+ Quality results and testing that delivers comprehensive and precise analysis, identifying intentional manipulation of samples

+ Customised solutions, with a full suite of services and customised reports tailored to specific requirements

Given the challenges many industries and brands are experiencing in recycled plastics verification, Eurofins Sustainability Services is hosting a webinar on 8 May to introduce this innovative service offering.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

Usha Yarns secures growth equity investment from Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonisation.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

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.