#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2024-08-22

ERCA becomes first bluesign® system partner in Brazil

bluesign® thrilled to announce that ERCA, a leader in innovative chemical solutions for the textile industry, has become the first bluesign® system partner in Brazil. This milestone marks a significant step in bluesign’s global expansion, further solidifying bluesign® presence across numerous continents.

As part of the ERCA Group, which operates with manufacturing plants in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, ERCA is dedicated to responsible innovation and sustainability. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge chemical specialties, including their revolutionary REVECOL® range, which transforms waste materials like exhausted vegetable oil into high-performance textile solutions, and is bluesign approved.

ERCAs commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility aligns perfectly with bluesign’s mission to drive sustainable practices within the textile industry. By partnering with bluesign, ERCA Brazil underscores its dedication to reducing environmental impact and ensuring the highest standards of safety and sustainability in its products.

"We are immensely proud to be the first company in Brazil to become a bluesign System Partner," said Sidnei Maturano, ERCA Brazil’s President. "This achievement reflects our team's tireless efforts to prioritize sustainability and responsible manufacturing. We believe that bluesign's rigorous standards will not only benefit our company, but also our customers and the environment."

He added:"The benefits of being a Bluesign System Partner are numerous. For Erca Brazil's customers, this certification ensures that products are manufactured using safe chemicals, reducing the risk of harmful substances in the supply chain. This commitment to safety and sustainability aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

Laboratory in the new factory building © 2024 ERCA

Furthermore, Erca Brazil’s bluesign System Partner status demonstrates its dedication to resource conservation and energy efficiency. By implementing bluesign's best practices, Erca Brazil can reduce its environmental footprint and minimize waste throughout its operations.

This partnership not only highlights ERCA's leadership in Brazil but also reflects bluesign’s growing influence and commitment to sustainability across the globe. With partners now spanning multiple continents, bluesign continues to lead the charge in transforming the textile industry for a more sustainable future.

Storm Creek achieves bluesign® PRODUCT status

Storm Creek (ASI#/PPAI#) is proud to announce a meaningful sustainability milestone: the company has achieved bluesign® PRODUCT status: becoming the first US-based supplier in the promotional products industry to earn this globally respected certification. While this marks an industry first, for Storm Creek, it represents something far more important: a continuation of doing what they believe is right.

bluesign releases 2025 revisions of its Chemical Reference Lists

Effective July 1, 2025, bluesign has published updated versions of its three core chemical reference lists: the bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCES LIST (BSSL v16.0), the bluesign® SYSTEM BLACK LIMITS (BSBL v7.0), and the bluesign® RESTRICTED SUBSTANCES LIST (RSL v16.0). These updates reflect bluesign’s ongoing commitment to safe chemical management, environmental protection, and regulatory alignment.

bluesign to showcase sustainable textile solutions at Intertextile Shenzhen and Shanghai 2025

The global authority on sustainable textile production and chemical management, bluesign is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at both Intertextile Shenzhen (June 11 - 13, 2025) and Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics - Autumn Edition (September 2 - 4, 2025), marking the company's inaugural collaboration with these leading global textile trade fairs.

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.