#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-08-20

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

SAITEX production in Vietnam © 2026 SAITEX

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

One of the report's key findings is the performance of the company's fabric mill, where production increased by 22% while electricity consumption per metre of fabric fell by 22%, greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, water consumption by 9% and waste generation by around 25%. According to SAITEX, approximately 85% of its denim fabric production now meets the chemistry requirements for Cradle to Cradle Certified® Material Health Gold and bluesign®.

The company has also expanded its digital transparency initiatives. Through its Made2Flow platform, SAITEX provides product-level Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data that supports the creation of Digital Product Passports (:s), giving brands greater insight into the environmental footprint of fabrics and garments.

The report also highlights challenges that slowed progress. Planned investments in solar energy and closed-loop water systems were delayed by permitting procedures, infrastructure constraints and the limited availability of economically viable renewable energy storage in Vietnam. In addition, changing customer demand influenced environmental performance. Increased orders for garment-dyed products, vintage washes and heavier fabrics raised water and steam consumption, while a higher share of Better Cotton in production reflected customer purchasing decisions rather than changes in manufacturing capabilities.

Beyond its own operations, SAITEX continued to promote knowledge sharing across the industry. During 2025, the company contributed to the GIZ-supported To the Finish Line initiative, providing environmental management training and technical guidance that reached more than 2,100 participants from 790 manufacturing facilities. SAITEX also participated in ZDHC's Supplier to Zero pilot programme and published its 90/10 Onshoring Model white paper, proposing a hybrid manufacturing framework that combines large-scale production in Vietnam with regional manufacturing in the United States.

Looking ahead, SAITEX plans further investments in renewable energy, circular manufacturing systems, advanced chemical management, Life Cycle Assessments and Digital Product Passports. The company aims to source 100% renewable electricity for its apparel manufacturing operations by the end of 2028.

"We don't believe better ways of working should be guarded. We believe they should be shared, tested and improved. Our Impact Report is about passing on what we've learned, because good ideas are meant to travel," said Sanjeev Bahl, CEO of SAITEX.

SAITEX 2025 Impact Report

SAITEX releases 2023 Impact Report: Shaping the future of sustainable denim

SAITEX, globally recognized for its leadership in sustainable denim manufacturing, has unveiled its 2023 Impact Report. The comprehensive document highlights the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, offering a transparent account of achievements, challenges, and future goals.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Barmag presents metering pump solutions at ASE China

From September 15 to 17, 2026, Barmag’s Pumps Division will present its solutions for the precise delivery and metering of adhesives, sealants, and other high-viscosity media at ASE China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The focus of the exhibition will be on high-precision gear metering pumps that help plant managers sustainably optimize material usage, process stability, and product quality. (Booth E4235).

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.