#Yarn & Fiber

2024-04-25

RadiciGroup, a pioneer in physical and digital nylon traceability

RadiciGroup, the world leader in the production of advanced textile solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the first physical and digital nylon traceability project. The Group has chosen Techtextil (Hall 9.1 – Stand D28) – a key fair for the European textiles industry taking place from 23 to 26 April in Frankfurt – to present to the market this practical project for transparency in the textile value chain, along with its first actual application: a gilet made from the yarn manufactured in one of the Group’s European industrial sites, which, thanks to a QR code on the garment, can reveal its origin and display information about its production process.

Product traceability is a key element in guaranteeing transparency along the entire supply chain, as it means each stage of production – from spinning to weaving and from packaging through to retail – can be monitored and recorded.

The project, made possible by a partnership with FibreTrace, allows manufactured nylon yarns to be traced both physically and digitally. In fact, RadiciGroup inserts a tracer (an inorganic additive) that is uniquely associated with the yarn and remains identifiable throughout all stages of processing – on both the fabric and the finished garment. Naturally, the tracer does not alter the esthetical, functional and technical performance of the yarns in any way.

In terms of digital traceability, during the production stages a scanner detects the presence of the tracer and can transmit the data relating to provenance onto a dedicated digital platform.

Finally, the consumer, via a QR code, can access the digital platform that provides all information concerning the provenance of the product and its journey through the supply chain.

“This project is the result of almost two years’ work by our Research & Development team. We’re very proud to bring to the market the first physical and digital nylon traceability solution and we plan to extend this initiative to other fibres produced by the Group,” emphasised Filippo Bona, R&D Manager of RadiciGroup Advanced Textile Solutions.

Traceability boosts consumer awareness of where clothes are really produced so people can make more sustainable buying choices. Moreover, traceability helps combat counterfeit goods and encourage products that are made in Europe, in line with the principles of Digital Product Passport Regulations promoted by the European Union.

At a time when sustainability has become essential for the fashion industry, RadiciGroup is placing its know-how and chemical knowledge of materials at the disposal of the sector’s future workers. For this reason, several outfits created by the young designers at POLI.Design are exhibited at the fair. The school, part of the Politecnico di Milano, is an internationally regarded centre for postgraduate training.

The talented youngsters were asked to design garments with some of the Group’s innovative yarns, such as Radilon® Chill-fit and Biofeel® Eleven. The first of these is a new RadiciGroup yarn that optimises the comfort and freshness of textiles, ensuring “thermal regulation” without the need for additional treatments; this was why Anna Bertini selected it to create a cycling suit, which maximises breathability and protection from UV rays. Biofeel® Eleven, meanwhile, is a wholly natural yarn with unique technical performance qualities, such as reduced water absorption, greater lightness and increased resistance. Ya - Sheng Yu used it to create an outdoor jacket that combines fashion trends in its design and colours with durability and an attractive tactile sensation courtesy of the RadiciGroup yarn. At the fair the young designer is also showing an outfit made from Renycle® recycled nylon yarns.

This collaboration bridges the gap between emerging designers and producers of materials, such as RadiciGroup: while the young talents bring creative freshness and innovative perspectives, RadiciGroup offers its experience and cutting-edge technology in the field of sustainable yarns. The aim is to create garments that not only embrace contemporary fashion but also respect the environment and are long-lasting.

“With a view to a future where the textile industry has less environmental impact, we are positioning ourselves as a strategic partner for our customers in areas such as the circular economy and innovation, offering practical and applicable sustainability solutions,” stated Bernardo Staiano, Business Area Manager, Apparel&Technical, for RadiciGroup Advanced Textile Solutions. “This is a path we undertook several years ago, which we want to continue to strengthen, collaborating with all the players in the supply chain to offer the consumer quality solutions that have less environmental impact and are, of course, traceable.”

RadiciGroup is taking a leading role at the fair, with a speech entitled "Sustainability Made Real in Synthetic Fibres" taking place on 23 April at 1pm at “Denim Talks”, Hall 8.0 (hall 8, ground floor), booth D20.

RadiciGroup: 21st Sustainability Report published

RadiciGroup has published its 21st Sustainability Report, covering the year 2024, confirming more than two decades of transparency and measurement in the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. From its first Social Report in 2004 to the current reporting aligned with the GRI Universal Standards, the Group is now preparing for its next challenge: the adoption of the criteria that will be set out by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Twenty years of Sustainability Report for RadiciGroup

The RadiciGroup Sustainability Report reaches an important milestone this year: twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.

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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.