#Sustainability

2021-07-01

Pascal Chalvon Demersay appointed to lead Solvay’s government affairs

New chief sustainability and government affairs officer will focus the group's advocacy on its Solvay One Planet ambitions.

Solvay has appointed Pascal Chalvon Demersay to chief sustainability and government affairs officer, effective July 1, 2021. The integration of new responsibilities to his current role as chief sustainability officer reflects Solvay’s strong commitment to its ambitious Solvay One Planet program.

“Companies which are not serious about sustainability will simply fail and disappear,” commented Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay. “Pascal brings a rock-solid industrial experience and credibility, combined with an inspiring vision of the future which will contribute to shaping our outreach to the world.”

Chalvon Demersay was the architect and an instrumental driving force behind Solvay’s 2030 sustainability program, Solvay One Planet, which is an integral element of the group’s G.R.O.W. strategy.

“ I am honored to take on the responsibility of government affairs as I believe the combination of sustainability and government affairs will help to reinforce our group’s positioning externally, and encourage us to accelerate and scale-up our internal sustainability journey,” said Pascal Chalvon Demersay.

Chalvon Demersay assumes responsibility for government affairs from Alexis Brouhns, previously head of government and public affairs, who retires after more than 16 years of service to the group and a remarkable career of public service before joining Solvay, where he held several high-ranking political and diplomatic roles within Belgian and EU institutions.

Chalvon Demersay graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique de Paris. He started his career in 1990 as a site manager and held several management positions on different continents. In 2007, he joined Bluestar Silicones, which integrated the Solvay group’s former silicones activity, and became their CEO in 2010. In July 2015, he was appointed president of Solvay Energy Services and later became Solvay's chief sustainability officer in 2016.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

Europe’s textile future at a turning point: New 2030 Circularity Blueprint aims to scale recycling and unlock investment opportunities

The EU textile system is at a critical crossroads. Today, less than 1% of discarded garments are recycled into new garments, despite EU-wide obligations for separate collection. In response, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) is launching the 2030 Circularity Blueprint, in partnership with ReHubs. This ambitious initiative is designed to support the transformation of the EU textile ecosystem to advance textile-to-textile recycling and drive the transition to a circular economy.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.