#Sustainability

2022-06-23

Copenhagen Fashion Summit: STTI calls for responsible purchasing practices and global standardisation on due diligence

STTI spokesperson and Vice President BGMEA Miran Ali called for a globally standardised approach to due diligence at the prestigious Global Fashion Summit last week.

Mr Ali was speaking at a panel focusing on the upcoming due diligence legislation, led by OECD due diligence head Tyler Gillard, alongside Maxine Bedat, founder and director of New Standard Institute and author of the book “Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment” and Sebastian Herold, deputy head of division sustainable textile supply chains and sustainable consumption at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

He made clear that for manufacturers it is crucial to have a globally standardised approach and not fragmented regulation in different countries, regions and states. He went on to say that “The terms of trade have changed. The Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI) was created to give the supply chain a voice. If we are going to make change as an industry there needs to be a discussion on equal terms.” Maxine Bedat backed Miran Ali’s pledge and stated that “We have to shift away from passing the buck to manufacturers. There is a tendency of brands to cascade requirements up into the supply chain, but this is old fashioned.” She called for approaching legislation and compliance to be two way streets.

This year’s Global Fashion Summit was clearly focused on industry wide alliances and the STTI alliance among manufacturers was often referred to. At the same time, the summit also laid bare that despite the steps forward taken by the formation of alliances, much of the heavy lifting is still be done.

The STTI and its partners are working hard on building the necessary infrastructure to create structural improvement of purchasing practices, working on the development of model contract clauses with Rutgers University, researching options for arbitration with GIZ, creating collaborations with Multi Stakeholder Initiatives building purchasing practices codes, and developing a long-term mechanism for measuring progress on commercial compliance by brands and retailers, among other activities.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.