#Yarn & Fiber

2021-06-10

Birla Cellulose’s Grasim Vilayat site achieves the EU BAT Compliances

Birla Cellulose’s Grasim Cellulosic Division, Vilayat, India has successfully commissioned the Carbon-disulphide Adsorption Plant (CAP) and has achieved the stringent level of sulphur-to- air emission norms stipulated in the EU BAT references (EU Best Available Technologies BREFs) for the viscose manufacturing process.

This initiative is in line with Birla Cellulose's aim to apply the best available technologies (EU BAT) at all of its fibre locations and investments of $170 million are in progress in order to achieve this by the end of 2022.

“Adapting the best available technologies is an important milestone towards achieving global leadership in sustainable practices in the MMCF industry”, informed Mr H K Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer of Birla Cellulose, “we are investing in innovation to continually improve our performance. This is the reason that our products come with sustainability credentials that are global benchmarks.” Birla Cellulose has already achieved Carbon Neutrality in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by sequestration of carbon in its managed forests. Birla Cellulose is also ranked #1 in Canopy’s Hot Button Report for its sustainable forestry practices and innovations in NextGen solutions. Birla Cellulose has also established the global benchmark for lowest water intensity in the viscose manufacturing.

Grasim Vilayat has installed state-of-the-art closed-loop technologies to recover and recycle CS2, which is the key raw material for viscose manufacturing process. With these technologies, the site is able to significantly reduce its emissions and achieve 90-95% recovery in terms of sulphur and recycle it back to the process. In addition to this, the site also meets all other EU BAT parameters. This was confirmed by an audit conducted by Sustainable Textile Solutions, UK (STS) recently. The site also meets the ZDHC MMCF responsible viscose production standards.

Vilayat is one of Birla Cellulose's flagship sites and post the ongoing expansion, it will be the world's largest MMCF manufacturing site. The on-going expansion project at Vilayat site is also designed to comply with EU BAT requirements and designed to achieve low energy consumption.

The Vilayat will supply eco-enhanced fibres, Livaeco by Birla CelluloseTM (Viscose & Modal variants) to sustainability conscious Brands globally. Livaeco by Birla CelluloseTM range of products comes with outstanding sustainability credentials such as EU BAT norms, FSC® certification, low water and energy consumption and complete supply chain traceability from forest-to-fashion using GreenTrackTM platform.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

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.

Texhibition Istanbul to bring together more than 500 exhibitors for 10th edition

The 10th edition of Texhibition Istanbul Fabric and Textile Accessories Fair will take place from 9 to 11 September 2026 at Istanbul Expo Center. More than 500 exhibiting companies across five halls and 42,850 square metres will present new-season collections, materials and technologies, bringing together Türkiye’s textile production strength with an increasingly international sourcing community.

Greater efficiency for tomorrow’s textile industry

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Barmag, together with BB Engineering (BBE), will present innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable production of synthetic yarns at the Egy Stitch & Tex Expo in Cairo, Egypt. Under the motto “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.,” experts from Barmag and BBE will present technologies spanning the entire textile value chain — from melt to yarn — at the ATAG Ltd. booth (Hall 1, Booth C1).

Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE officially has kicked off

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Running for four consecutive days until 5 September, the exhibition is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, and invites all to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Asia's fashion capital.

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).