#Sustainability

2024-11-19

Cone Denim introduces first solar panel installation at mill in Jiaxing, China

Cone Denim® has taken the next step toward increasing renewable energy usage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the construction and launch of its first rooftop solar project in Jiaxing, China.

The installation follows Cone’s recent commitment to obtain 100% renewable energy by 2030 © 2024 Cone Denim

“This project is a great accomplishment for Cone towards our sustainability efforts,” stated Cone Denim Vice President of Manufacturing, Brad Johnson. “The solar panel installation demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation across our manufacturing facilities and platforms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Johnson, alongside other members of the Cone Denim Jiaxing team, announced the official launch of the installation through a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 18. The celebration marked the first solar panel installation for Cone, and the fourth overall for its parent company, Elevate Textiles®.

The solar panel initiative will generate 9 MWH of electricity annually. Johnson estimates that this new clean energy source will provide a 17% reduction in the plant’s annual GHG emissions.

“This launch provides Cone Denim the opportunity to scale our efforts on clean energy and carbon reduction, all on-site in Jiaxing,” added Johnson. “By implementing this on our industrial site, we are preserving the natural landscape without requiring any additional surrounding land resources.”

The solar panel project efforts follow Cone’s recent announcement of its commitment to reach its 2030 sustainability goals. The commitments, set by parent company Elevate Textiles, are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and state a target for a 46.2% reduction in Scope 1, 2, 3, and GHG emissions. The company also has an ambition to attain 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

“The installation, alongside our other efforts like Zero Liquid Discharge at our plant in Parras, Mexico, proves our efforts to maintain our reputation as a sustainable supplier committed to trust, traceability and transparency,” stated Johnson. “With the solar panel addition, we hope to serve as a leader in sustainable offerings and innovations, while continuing to inspire change across the industry.”

Artistic Milliners acquires majority stake in Cone Denim

Artistic Milliners, a global leader in denim innovation, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles. The new multi-national company will operate under the historic Cone Denim name. Artistic Milliners' Pakistan operations and business will continue to operate independently. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Cone Denim to launch collaborative hub The Cone Collective

Cone Denim® will debut The Cone Collective, a virtual hub for its cross collaborations with designers and students at the end of June. The Cone Collective is a creative initiative within Cone Denim aimed at supporting and highlighting designers, brands, and students who help tell Cone’s story using its denim fabric through unique creations and art.

Cone Denim 2025 Sustainability Report highlights key initiatives, sustainable innovations, and collaborative projects

Cone Denim®, a leading denim innovator for more than 130 years, is pleased to release its 2025 Sustainability Report. Within the report, Cone reflects upon its sustainable progress over the previous year and discusses metric goals set by parent company Elevate Textiles that it aims to achieve by 2030.

Cone Denim and AMK Atelier honor Rooted collaboration at Kingpins Amsterdam

Cone Denim® will debut Rooted, a denim collaboration with AMK Atelier and videographer Eduard Nijgh, at Kingpins Show Amsterdam April 16-17. The collection follows the work of farmers at De Stadsgroenteboer in Amsterdam, documenting wear patterns and testing fabric durability for a full year in custom workwear designed by AMK Atelier. Rooted garments utilize a range of Cone Denim fabrics, including the most recent Cone Denim Community Deforestation selvedge fabric.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.