[pageLogInLogOut]

#Sustainability

Outdoor industry leaders launch open-source tool to decarbonize textile mills

Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals.

The Textile Heating Electrification Tool equips decision-makers with essential data and insights to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with electric solutions. This innovation addresses the pressing need for decarbonization in the textile and apparel industry, which accounts for approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and faces growing demand due to population increases and consumer trends. 

Key features of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool include: 

+ Data management system

+ Modeling and simulation module

+ Implementation checklist

+ Manufacturer and supplier finder

The Clean Heat CoLab builds on the findings of the 2023 Electrification of Heating in the Textile Industry study, which highlighted the potential for electric heating technologies to reduce emissions and costs for textile mills. Extending those insights, the CoLab transformed research into actionable solutions. Through beta testing with nominated facilities, the tool was refined to meet the needs of textile manufacturers worldwide. 

“At REI, we believe advancing climate solutions requires broad cooperation. While we have an ambitious goal to halve our emissions by 2030, we can’t meet it without the help of our brand and manufacturing partners,” said Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI. “Electric heat technologies are a crucial component to decarbonizing textile manufacturing. This tool provides REI and our value chain partners valuable information and analysis to accelerate decision-making about decarbonization investments.” 

Developed under OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab, the tool reflects a collaborative, pre-competitive approach to solving complex climate challenges. OIA Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here. 

“Since 2021, Patagonia has partnered with Outdoor Industry Association, through its Clean Heat CoLab, on providing the industry with solutions to decarbonize heating emissions from textile mills,” said Kim Drenner, Head of Environmental Impact at Patagonia. “Over the years, this work has brought together several brands and suppliers funding research and now the development of a tool that supports suppliers in identifying electrified technology to replace fossil fuel-based heat systems in their facilities. This work would not be possible if it wasn’t for the collaborative environment that OIA fosters.” 

The tool is now freely available here. To ensure widespread adoption, Global Efficiency Intelligence will create comprehensive training materials, including user guides, tutorial videos, and FAQs, in five languages. Additionally, online training workshops will give suppliers an opportunity to interact with the tool and ask questions. Register here for the upcoming information session on February 13. 

“A tool that shortens the discovery and due diligence process for implementing electric manufacturing equipment can significantly accelerate decarbonization in the textile supply chain. We are really pleased with the outcome of this collaboration with leading outdoor industry brands,” said Markus Wieser, Climate Team Leader at W.L. Gore & Associates. 

“We’re proud to have led the development of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool to help textile and apparel companies decarbonize their operations and supply chain. By providing clear, data-driven pathways to electrification, this tool offers a powerful blueprint for cutting carbon emissions at scale,” said Dr. Ali Hasanbeigi, CEO and Research Director at Global Efficiency Intelligence. 

“We are thrilled with the launch of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, a vital step in our collective effort to decarbonize the textile industry. This tool combines expertise from across the outdoor industry to provide textile mills with actionable insights to transition to cleaner, more sustainable heating technologies,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at Outdoor Industry Association.



More News from Outdoor Industry Association

More News on Sustainability

#Sustainability

Pioneering open-source framework shows how early innovation drives a just and net-zero fashion future

The non-profit H&M Foundation, in collaboration with Accenture, has unveiled From Signals to Systems Change, an insight report calling on the fashion industry to rethink its role in transformation. At its core is the Reimagined System Map, a pioneering open-source framework that visualises how early-stage innovation could drive a just and net-zero textile future.

#Nonwovens

EDANA calls for clarity and consistency on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, considers the European Commission’s recent U-turn on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) a missed opportunity to deliver a clear and effective framework to help effectively fight global deforestation.

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing confirmed as global leader in Canopy sustainability ranking

Lenzing AG has once again taken first place in this year's Hot Button Report published by the Canadian non-profit organization Canopy. With 34.5 out of 40 points and no known risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests, Lenzing remains one of the most sustainable companies in regenerated cellulose fiber production – setting a benchmark for responsible business practices in the textile and nonwovens industries.

#Sustainability

Key takeaways from the 2025 Textile Exchange conference

Brands and retailers, suppliers, innovators, recyclers, farmers, non-profit organizations, and academics convened at Textile Exchange’s Annual Conference, held in the Lisbon Conference Centre.

Latest News

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Nike unites innovation, design and product teams to accelerate athlete-centered innovation

Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse are joining forces under a new, athlete-focused creation structure aimed at accelerating innovation and driving growth across NIKE, Inc. The new setup unites the Innovation, Design and Product teams from all three brands into a single “creation engine” that will enable greater sharing of insights, technology and manufacturing methods throughout the innovation process. This integration is part of Nike’s new Sport Offense strategy and is designed to enhance the creation of products that help athletes perform at their best.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

DORNIER celebrates its anniversary at ITMA Asia + CITME

To mark its 75th anniversary, machine and plant manufacturer Lindauer DORNIER will be presenting the latest developments in its rapier and air-jet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore (Hall 2, Stand B401) from 28 to 31 October 2025. The focus will be on energy-efficient weaving technologies, new IoT solutions for networked textile production and systems for the series production of modern fibre composite components.

#Natural Fibers

BCI warns against ‘dangerous dilution’ of EU corporate directives

The approval of the European Commission’s Omnibus I proposal by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, accepting controversial changes to key sustainability directives is of great concern. These changes, namely to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), threaten to significantly dilute business reporting and due diligence obligations.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

All systems go for Sweden’s imogo in Singapore

With a new strategic partner, its showroom now open in Sweden, and the successful commissioning of a Dye-Max spray dyeing system for a key H&M supplier in Bangladesh, imogo is looking to make a splash at next week’s ITMA Asia+CITME in Singapore (October 28-31).

TOP