#Sustainability

2020-02-20

Toray and MIDORI ANZEN launching Japan’s first uniforms certified by MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®

MIDORI ANZEN Co., Ltd., and Toray Industries, Inc., today announced that their jointly developed work uniforms have become the first in Japan to be qualified a MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®, a traceable product label that guarantees that a textile product has been manufactured using sustainable processes under environmentally friendly and socially responsible working conditions. OEKO-TEX® certification is a key benchmark for safety and customer confidence in more than 100 countries. MIDORI ANZEN will launch the new uniforms in January this year.

In Japan, the Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center (see note below) conducts OEKO-TEX® certification tests. These which encompass everything from the chemicals used in textile products to wastewater and gas emissions in manufacturing processes and working environments.

Certified uniforms from MIDORI ANZEN (c) 2020 Toray

To qualify for MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®, it is necessary in advance to secure two other certifications. One is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which covers more than 300 hazardous chemicals. The other is STeP by OEKO-TEX®. This focuses on the environmental impacts of manufacturing sites, working environments, and other aspects of safety, health, and social responsibility.

MIDORI Apparel Vietnam Hoa Binh Co., Ltd. (left), Penfabric Sdn. Berhad (right) (c) 2020 Toray

Products carrying the MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label thus employ safe materials, having passed the world's most strict analytical tests for hazardous substances, and are made at facilities that are sustainable in terms of the environment and working conditions. Such products also contribute to attaining several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The materials producer covered by this MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label is Penfabric Sdn. Berhad, a Toray Group unit in Malaysia that has received both STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and STeP by OEKO-TEX®. The uniform Sewing Factory with STeP by OEKO-TEX® Certification is Midori Apparel Vietnam Hoa Binh Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of MIDORI ANZEN.

In the years ahead, MIDORI ANZEN and Toray will together broaden the lineup of uniforms carrying the MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

HEAD launches more sustainable(1) BOOM RAW racquet on Earth Day by using Toray’s bio-circular carbon fibers

HEAD continues to innovate with the launch of the BOOM RAW tennis racquet, an encouraging development in the search for a more sustainable future for racquet sports. All of the carbon fibers are bio-circular carbon fibers in the limited-edition and highly innovative BOOM RAW racquet, which offers the same explosive power - along with the same fun, feel and easy playability - as the regular, in-line BOOM racquet. The bio-circular carbon fibers are manufactured by Toray and its subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe.

Toray develops durable reverse osmosis membrane

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a highly durable reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (see glossary note 1). This innovative offering guarantees the long-term provision of high-quality water. It also maintains the superior removal performance of Toray’s existing membranes vital for reusing industrial wastewater and treating sewage.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

OEKO-TEX® chooses TextileGenesis to advance digital traceability for organic cotton

OEKO-TEX® today announced a full collaboration with TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, to digitally trace and authenticate organic cotton, strengthening fraud prevention across the supply chain. This announcement follows a successful pilot and brings together OEKO-TEX®’s certification expertise and closed testing system with TextileGenesis’ digital traceability platform to deliver a secure, end-to-end solution for managing certified organic cotton flows.

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

ENDURANCE Program: Driving operational sustainability at Magnera

As Magnera enters a new year, the company is reflecting on a key sustainability milestone from 2025: the launch of ENDURANCE, its global, employee-led initiative focused on waste reduction and sustainable innovation. Launched on Earth Day 2025, this initiative has generated more than 250 improvement submissions from team members across Magnera’s global operations, demonstrating strong engagement and shared accountability for sustainability across the organization.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.