#Sustainability

2023-03-23

Inditex signs €15m agreement with Conservation International to scale regenerative agricultural systems

Inditex, the fashion retail group behind Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home has signed a significant €15 million agreement with Conservation International, the global nonprofit environmental organization. The purpose of Inditex’s contribution is to expand and scale the work of the Regenerative Fund for Nature – launched in 2021 by Conservation International and Kering with the goal of transforming 1,000,000 hectares of crop and rangelands into regenerative agricultural systems by 2026.

The investment will work to enhance sustainability in the fashion industry, which is fundamentally dependent on agriculture for its raw materials. From cotton to wool, or leather to cashmere, most clothing begins on a farm or rangeland. Agriculture is also a significant driver of impacts on nature. Regenerative agricultural practices therefore offer a unique solution and have the ability to restore nature and yield environmental benefits. When done correctly, these farming and grazing practices increase soil fertility and function, restore water cycles, enhance biodiversity, and store carbon.

Conservation International’s fund will continue to prioritize projects that advance regenerative outcomes, with Inditex’s investment focusing on regenerative practices in the areas of man-made cellulosic fibres and cotton. Grants will go to farming groups, project leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders who are ready to test, prove and scale regenerative practices, which focus on working in harmony with natural systems.

Funds allocated to this collaboration come from Inditex’s #BRINGYOURBAG initiative – following the elimination of plastic shopping bags, in 2021, Inditex commenced charging customers for single use paper shopping bags to encourage the use of reusable bags. Full proceeds generated through the shopping bag charge initiative are being invested in environmental and social projects in collaboration with non-profit organizations such as Water.org, WWF or Action Social Advancement (ASA), among others.

“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.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.