#Sustainability

2021-09-16

Ahlström Collective Impact makes a significant investment into UNICEF’s Global Education Program

Ahlström Collective Impact (ACI), a joint responsibility initiative by a group of companies and foundations has decided to make an investment of 600,000 € into UNICEF’s Global Education Program. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is one of the members and founding partners of the initiative.

Initiated by the Eva Ahlström Foundation in 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact is a unique co-operation model designed for targeted strategic investments that support the realization of selected United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahlström Collective Impact is committed to creating change by investing in a better future for children in partnership with UNICEF Finland.

For 2021, Ahlström Collective Impact has selected the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality and 17. Partnerships for the goals. In order to support the goal for quality education, Ahlström Collective Impact has decided to direct its investment of 600,000 euros to UNICEF’s Global Education Program.

“Ahlstrom-Munksjö is strongly committed to sustainability and to respecting the highest standards of human rights. Together with Ahlström Collective Impact and UNICEF Finland we leverage our long-term and global commitment while taking Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s strategic giving and donations program further,” says Tarja Takko Ahlstrom-Munksjö's EVP People, Safety and Communication.

In 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact focused on supporting the COVID-19 crisis aid to children in order to support their wellbeing and health during the pandemic. This year the focus is on education.

“The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the learning crisis and widened deep gaps in access to quality education. To safeguard children´s future, we must safeguard their education,” Tarja Takko emphasizes.

To address the learning crisis, UNICEF strives to ensure every student, especially the most marginalized children in low- and middle-income countries, gains a solid foundation in basic reading and mathematics.

Ahlström Collective Impact consists of Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Ahlström Capital, Antti Ahlström Perilliset, Destia, Glaston, Eva Ahlström Foundation, Walter Ahlström Foundation, Suominen Corporation and Enics.

Learn more about Ahlström Collective Impact:

https://ahlstromcollectiveimpact.com/

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.