#Sustainability

2021-07-29

Five fashion companies join the Foundation’s Network as partners

Fashion brands and retailers Inditex, Lacoste, Primark, PVH Corp, and Ralph Lauren Corporation have joined the Foundation’s Network as Partners.

Inditex, Lacoste, Primark and PVH Corp have previously been Core Partners and Participants of the Foundation’s Make Fashion Circular initiative, with Primark and PVH Corp brand, Tommy Hilfiger, also part of the Foundation’s Jeans Redesign project.

The Foundation’s work on Fashion started back in 2017 and brought together leaders from across the fashion industry to work with cities, philanthropists, NGOs, and innovators to create a circular economy for clothes. Make Fashion Circular now enters its fourth year, and has made strides in redesigning the fashion industry, including establishing its vision and demonstrating that creating clothes for a circular economy is possible today through projects like The Jeans Redesign - where some of the biggest names in fashion have, to date, put more than half a million pairs of circular jeans on the market.

The Foundation and its fashion Partners, including strategic partner H&M Group, will be working to drive momentum towards the Make Fashion Circular vision where clothes, products (apparel, footwear, accessories) are used more, made to be made again, and made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs. As Partners of the world’s leading circular economy network, their collaborative efforts will be key to drive systemic change and scale solutions globally.

Inditex

Inditex is one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups with eight distinct brands focused on a fit-to-customer-demand model in a sustainable way through a digitally integrated platform of stores and online.

https://www.inditex.com

Lacoste

Since the very first polo was created in 1933, Lacoste relies on its authentic sports heritage to spring optimism and elegance on the world thanks to a unique and original lifestyle for women, men and children. At the juncture of sport and fashion, Lacoste frees us up, creates movement in our lives, and liberates our self-expression. In every collection, in every line, Lacoste’s timeless elegance is captured through a combination of the creative and the classic. Since its beginnings, the crocodile’s aura has grown more powerful with every generation who has worn it, becoming a rallying sign beyond style. Passed from country to country, from one generation to the next, from one friend to another, Lacoste pieces become imbued with an emotional connection that raises them to the status of icons. The Lacoste elegance - both universal and timeless - brings together a large community, in which everyone respects and recognizes each other's values and differences. LACOSTE is an international brand from MF Brands Group, established in 98 countries, throughout a network of 1100 shops.

https://corporate.lacoste.com

Primark

Primark is an international retailer that offers the latest fashion, beauty and homeware. Famous for offering the best value for customers; for great basics and everyday essentials, or the latest trends at prices everyone can afford. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penney’s name, Primark is in 14 countries across Europe and North America, and still growing: Today, it has 396 stores and employs more than 65,000 people. Primark is committed to a better future for people and the planet and is working to become a more sustainable business. This includes joining the United Nations’ Fashion Charter (UNFCCC), supporting the Charter’s net-zero ambition and committing to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Alongside this, the business has signed up to Textiles 2030, the WRAP initiative to accelerate the fashion and textile industry’s move towards circularity and system change in the UK. Primark continues to expand its Primark Cares label – clothing and other products which are made using more sustainable materials or manufacturing methods which now account for more than a quarter of all clothing sales.

https://www.primark.com/en/primark-cares

PVH Corp.

PVH Corp. is one of the world’s largest global fashion companies, connecting with consumers in over 40 countries. Our global iconic brands include Calvin Klein, TOMMY HILFIGER and our Heritage Brands. Our 140-year history is built on the strength of our brands, our team and our commitment to drive fashion forward for good. That’s the Power of Us. That’s the Power of PVH.

https://www.pvh.com

Ralph Lauren Corporation

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has sought to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company’s brand names—which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children and Chaps, among others—constitute one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

https://corporate.ralphlauren.com.

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.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.