#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2025-03-01

Filo 63 highlights sustainability and innovation with C.L.A.S.S.

At the 63rd edition of Filo, the initiative “Sustainability from A to Z”, developed in collaboration with C.L.A.S.S., focuses on responsible innovation and expanding knowledge through technical insights, case studies, and direct industry testimonials. This initiative aims to guide companies through the complexities of sustainability while aligning with the evolving market landscape. The proposals presented by C.L.A.S.S. as part of this initiative closely relate to discussions within “Dialoghi di Confronto”, offering further opportunities for industry insights.

The C.L.A.S.S. exhibition space at Filo 63 showcases projects and solutions implemented by selected organizations and companies. This season, the focus is on “green chemistry” and the role of advanced natural fibers, particularly cotton and linen, where companies have adopted comprehensive innovation strategies, making traceability an essential requirement.

In the cotton segment, Supima®, a premium cotton grown in the United States and accounting for less than 1% of global cotton production, is featured. Renowned for its extra-long staple, Supima® offers exceptional strength, softness, and long-lasting color retention. To ensure authenticity and traceability, Supima® has introduced the AQRe™ Project (Authenticated Quality and Responsible Engagement), a blockchain-based digital platform developed in collaboration with TextileGenesis™, allowing real-time supply chain monitoring. Additionally, Oritain™ forensic testing verifies the cotton’s origin at every production stage, ensuring that all SUPIMA®-branded products meet the industry's increasing demands for transparency and sustainability.

For linen, the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, representing the European agro-industrial supply chain, plays a crucial role. In 2025, the organization accelerates its sustainable transformation with key initiatives, including:

+ + + Evolution of Flax-Linen certifications

+ + + Launch of a digital Flax-Linen traceability platform (developed with TextileGenesis - Lectra, set to debut in May 2025)

+ + + Publication of environmental footprint datasets and development of B2B calculation tools

+ + + Scientific validation of Flax-Linen's functional properties

+ + + New sourcing platform for innovative materials and textile solutions

A notable Italian innovation in green chemistry is also highlighted at C.L.A.S.S., featuring REVECOL® by ERCA Textile Chemical Solutions. This 100% Made in Italy breakthrough transforms waste materials, such as used vegetable cooking oil, into high-performance textile auxiliaries, reducing CO? emissions by up to 72% compared to traditional chemical processes. With certifications including GRS, RCS, ZDHC, bluesign®, and GOTS, REVECOL® is setting new industry standards in sustainability, circularity, and performance.

Throughout Filo 63, the C.L.A.S.S. team is available to discuss these innovations with professionals interested in sustainability, traceability, and technological advancements in textiles.

Additionally, two key discussions within Dialoghi di Confronto further explore these themes:

+ + + On February 26 at 3:30 PM, Giusy Bettoni, CEO & Founder of C.L.A.S.S., interviews Roberto Ghioldi, Sales Director of ERCA TCS, about REVECOL®'s role in sustainable textile chemistry.

+ + + At 4:00 PM, a panel discussion on advanced natural fibers highlights traceability and innovation opportunities, featuring industry experts and TextileGenesis™ representatives.

Paolo Monfermoso, General Manager of Filo, emphasizes that this collaboration with C.L.A.S.S. has reached a new qualitative level, particularly in its focus on natural fibers. He highlights the high level of research and innovation demonstrated by producers of wool, linen, cotton, and silk and reaffirms Filo’s commitment to offering tangible solutions to real industry challenges.

Giusy Bettoni, CEO & Founder of C.L.A.S.S., states that this edition further strengthens Filo and C.L.A.S.S.'s shared vision of promoting responsible innovation. She underscores the importance of linking projects within the C.L.A.S.S. space with discussions in Dialoghi di Confronto, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of the textile industry. This edition particularly focuses on “green chemistry” and natural fibers, reinforcing their timeless value and their promising future in sustainable fashion.

The 63rd edition of Filo closed with positive results

The 63rd edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres Exhibition, closed today in Milan by performing very positive results. Despite the current economic downturn, buyers have appreciated highly valuable collections proposed by the exhibitors, which have shown the ability in innovation and research for sustainability of Italian and foreign textile producers.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.

Cotton Incorporated appoints Bev Sylvester as Chief Marketing Officer

Cotton Incorporated announces the appointment of Bev Sylvester as chief marketing officer. In this newly created role, Sylvester will oversee Cotton Incorporated’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, consumer engagement and global outreach to increase demand for cotton and strengthen its relevance in the marketplace.