#Sustainability

2023-03-02

H&M Group driving further climate action in Bangladesh

H&M Group joins the policy roundtable by the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action in Bangladesh to discuss key reforms needed for the transformation of the renewable energy market and advance policy in Power Purchase Agreements and similar solutions like green tariffs.

Today, the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action gathered fashion brands, policy makers, garment manufacturers, experts, renewable energy developers, and financial institutions to identify key actions needed to transition the industry towards renewable alternatives. How to unlock some of the challenges the Bangladeshi garment industry faces in this area, and what role each stakeholder plays to push the development forward were discussed. The main focus was the need to advance policies for Power Purchase Agreements and similar solutions, like green tariffs, to enable the industry to procure renewable energy.

“We are happy to take part in this important conversation about how to increase the access to renewable energy for the suppliers we work with and what kind of overall business and legal environment is needed to achieve this. Given the changing legislations in the world, we want to make sure that our suppliers in Bangladesh do not fall behind,” said Yosef El Natour, Head of Production H&M Group.

"H&M Group supports the development of the necessary frameworks enabling our suppliers to move towards more renewable energy. Power Purchase Agreements can play a key role in the green transformation of the industry in Bangladesh, helping suppliers to remain resilient while ensuring that the local communities also benefit from this development."

Ziaur Rahman, H&M Group Country Manager for Bangladesh.

“We are grateful to the government of Bangladesh for their kind support to hold this dialogue, for their presence here today as we seek for solutions, looking at how can make the transition quicker, what are available tools and mechanisms in the context of Bangladesh as a leader in RMG sector and how can we design policies that drive innovation, that provide incentives to invest, and create a level playing field as needed,” says Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu Fashion Industry Charter Lead, UNFCCC.

At the closing of the event, it was clear that while many challenges lay ahead, the transformation of the energy market in Bangladesh requires all parties to work together proactively in developing new frameworks in order to proceed faster and meet our climate ambitions. All eyes will be put on the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in which public and private sectors from all industries will have to respond on the progress of their climate ambitions towards 2030.

H&M Group’s priority is to reduce its absolute emissions by 56% by 2030 – in line with its approved science-based target. In addition, the company has a goal to source 100% renewable electricity to run its operations and supply chain by 2030. H&M Group is committed to be part of the solution when fighting climate change and collaborating with others. The company also works to drive the agenda forward for new frameworks enabling additional renewable electricity into the grids.

“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.