Tent Conference 2025 Success Despite Winter Storm 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — January 23, 2025 — Despite the ice, snow and bitterly cold temperatures, ATA’s Tent Rental Division (TRD) Tent Conference kicked off on January 7 in Louisville, Ky. One hundred attendees braved Winter Storm Blair and the usual travel delays that accompanied it to attend the two and a half-day event.

“Once again, proof that tent folks are among the most resilient in any industry,” says TRD Chair Nick Deninno of B&R Innovations. “Despite flight delays and a record snowstorm, it didn’t stop the bourbon from flowing and we had a fantastic turnout.”

While some were unable to make it in time for the afternoon Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum tour or the Bourbon Tasting Tour on Whiskey Row, most arrived at the evening’s welcome reception eager to share their travel stories, catch up with old friends and make new ones.

The following day featured several education sessions focusing on how to build or enhance your company’s online presence, what steps to take now to sell your company in future, and the latest code updates impacting the industry.

The annual TRD business meeting was also held that afternoon and included an overview of the growth in new members as well as the association’s plans for the new year. It was during this meeting that outgoing TRD Chair Steve Belliveau with Anchor Industries was presented with an award and a gift in appreciation of his many years of service to the industry. “Thank you to all for your support,” Belliveau said. “It’s been a true honor to work with so many dedicated individuals as your chair in an industry that I truly love. I look forward to continuing to support and work with our organization in my ex-officio role as past chair.”

Nick Deninno with B&R Innovations will serve as the new TRD chair and Brian Stumph with Fred’s Tents is the new vice chair. Belliveau will remain on the TRD Board as the immediate past chair.

Once the TRD business meeting and education sessions were concluded, it was time for the most exciting and competitive portion of Tent Conference — the scavenger hunt! Attendees were randomly assigned to ten different teams that were then sent out across downtown Louisville to score as many points as possible by following clues and completing various challenges. The winners were as follows:

  • 1st Place: Not Your Average Joe
  • 2nd Place: Orange Blossoms
  • Better Luck Next Time: Blame Canada

Education sessions concluded the following day with an in-depth look at the complexities involved in staging the Kentucky Derby for a full week each year followed by a panel discussion focusing on how to prepare for and successfully execute large scale projects like the Derby, large music festivals and other major events.

“Tent Conference is one of my favorite events in the industry, and Tent Conference 2025 exceeded expectations,” says Deninno. “The intimate setting provides a unique opportunity to connect with peers without the pressure of sales from vendors. The education sessions were spot-on, delivering valuable insights tailored to industry leaders and managers. The TRD has an exciting lineup of education and certification programs planned for 2025. Plus, we’re already looking forward to the Tent Expo in January 2026, which will feature the much-anticipated return of the TRD Soap Box Derby!”

Be sure to mark your calendars for January 27-29, 2026, when the TRD Tent Expo will take place at Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. Don’t want to wait that long to receive industry-focused training and education? Choura Events in Torrance, Calif. will be hosting an Essentials of Anchoring Course on Feb. 25 and a TRD Bootcamp on Feb. 26.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA)

Gildan Unveils Fresh Styles And Product Innovations At The Impressions Expo

CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados — January 23, 2025 — Gildan — an apparel manufacturer of quality, affordable basics, comfortable styles and iconic apparel — is pleased to showcase the latest styles and product innovations from its portfolio of brands — Gildan®, Comfort Colors®, American Apparel®, and its most recent addition under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel, Champion® — at the Impressions Expo Long Beach in California. The brands will be onsite at the three-day expo to feature the newest innovations, showcase recently launched collections, host interactive booth displays with live printing and giveaways and provide an exclusive sneak peek into 2026 styles.

“The innovations and styles we’re introducing across our brands underline and strengthen our position as the industry’s preferred choice for decorators,” says Emma Budzisz, Vice-President of Marketing at Gildan Activewear SRL. “We are confident that these updates will further support our growth ambitions as we continue implementing our Gildan Sustainable Growth strategy.”

Gildan® 

Gildan®, the smart choice for decorators, is excited to announce new product innovations for 2025. The innovative Plasma Print Technology aims to enhance the direct-to-garment printing process by reducing the need for pre-treatment. This development is designed to offer softer fabrics, brighter colors, improved ink coverage, and enhanced print consistency. The brand’s Soft Cotton Technology, is a fabric innovation that redefines softness and comfort and will be incorporated in the brand’s new Light Cotton™ collection, offering customers a softer touch and improved printability qualities, all at the same durability and value as before.

Gildan will also debut new styles, including additions of 3000 and 3000B to the new Light Cotton collection, 75000, 19500 and 19000 to the Gildan Hammer Maxweight collection, as well as SF008 and SF100 to the Softstyle™ Midweight Fleece collection. With these, Gildan continues its legacy as the smart choice for decorators and printers alike.

Comfort Colors® 

Comfort Colors® is celebrating 50 years of spreading good vibes as the soft, high-quality, garment-dyed ring-spun cotton shirts brand. To mark five decades of unbeatable comfort and endless nature-inspired hues, Comfort Colors® is introducing fresh new colors in their best-selling 3023CL and 6030 styles, along with new youth styles 1467Y and 1745Y  as well as a cozy Fleece Dorm Blanket.

Tradeshow attendees can also expect a preview of the brand’s 2026 collection, featuring fresh silhouettes for women. Comfort Colors continues to celebrate the beauty and essence of Colors Inspired by Nature™ with its Pigment Pure™ dyeing and reactive hues in each cozy garment.

American Apparel®  

Staying true to its roots, American Apparel® continues to craft premium apparel with its lineup of new colors in the iconic 2001 and 2001CVC styles and the introduction of the Super Heavyweight collection which offers customers a new, street-style oversized fit.

The brand will also feature its recently launched Logo collection, known for its effortless style and softness, available exclusively on Amazon for customers and decorators. With these, American Apparel® reaffirms its dedication to Crafting the Culture and shaping timeless memories for its customers with a blend of apparel and pop culture.

Champion® 

Having partnered with Authentic Brands Group, the owner of the Champion® brand through a licensing agreement for the printwear channel, Gildan is pleased to present the brand’s confident, bold, and stylish collection, featuring authentic athletic apparel. Tradeshow attendees can explore the extensive collection, including the styles S450, S600, S650, S700, S790, S800, P800, P930, CO125, CO200, S101, RW01W, S149, T137, T425, T105, T453W, 8187, S162, which embody the Champion spirit of individuality and uniqueness in athletic apparel.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Gildan

Polyamide 6 Copolymers From Envalior Earn Certification For Recyclability

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — January 23, 2025 — Envalior is excited to announce that its Durethan® C38F polyamide 6 copolymers can be recycled into polyethylene multilayer packaging, using waste from flexible polyethylene packaging. This milestone follows a comprehensive study conducted with the independent institute cyclos-HTP. Based on the cyclos-HTP certificate, Envalior’s next step will be to have the product series included in the new minimum standard for assessing the recyclable design of packaging in accordance with the German Packaging Act by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).

“We look forward to when the recyclability of film systems based on Durethan C38F in the polyethylene waste stream will finally be formally established. This will save our customers from potential charges that are currently being discussed for packaging that does not meet the minimum standard,” explained Wolfram Littek, Technical Marketing Manager for Envalior’s Intermediates business.

Maintaining high quality in polyethylene recyclate

The cyclos-HTP Institute has developed a test program called CHI-C8-PEF-1, in which the recyclability of flexible polyethylene multilayer film systems is tested and evaluated using original packaging. The comparative tests with the Durethan C38F series showed that the polyamide content of the packaging in the quantities normally used does not significantly deteriorate the properties of the polyethylene recyclate, and in some cases even slightly improves them.

“The quality of the resulting recyclate is so excellent that it can be processed not only into high-quality compounds for injection molding, but also into blown film, making film-to-film recycling possible,” Littek said.

Envalior expects similar certifications for the recycling of polyethylene packaging films with polyamide content to emerge in other European countries as part of the new European Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

“The inclusion of our Durethan C38F copolymers in the German minimum standard will be a blueprint for further certifications in Europe. As a founding member of the new independent Advanced Packaging Association (APA), we actively support these regulatory processes and raise awareness of how sustainable, resource-saving, climate-friendly and efficient multilayer packaging with polyamide is in the fight against food waste,” Littek said.

Tie layer ensures good compatibility of polyamide 6 with polyethylene
The Durethan® C38F series is made up of caprolactam, isophthalic acid and isophorone diamine. Its good compatibility with the polyethylene waste stream is based on the very low content in the respective packaging and on a tie layer. This tie layer helps it mix well with polyethylene in both the multilayer packaging and the recycled material.

Protecting the climate by reducing food waste

Polyamide has been an indispensable component of flexible, co-extruded multilayer packaging systems based on polyethylene for years, which are mainly used to package foods, such as meat, cheese and sausage. Compared to purely polyethylene-based counterparts, the packaging can be designed to be more than half as thin. This saves resources and reduces the amount of packaging waste. The polyamide films also acts as an aroma and oxygen barrier, which means that the food has a long shelf life while maintaining the same high quality. The films thus help to reduce the amount of food waste.

“The films thereby make an important contribution to climate protection,” explained Littek. “This is because greenhouse gas emissions from wasted food are a major contributor to global warming.”

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Envalior

Tonello Presents: DENIM RENAISSANCE: The Art Of Italian Luxury At Kingpins New York

SARCEDO, Italy — January 23, 2025 — Tonello is proud to unveil DENIM RENAISSANCE: the art of Italian luxury at Kingpins New York on January 22-23 — a project that celebrates the elegance of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetics.

Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE

DENIM RENAISSANCE is more than a collection—it’s a tribute to Italy’s boundless beauty and cultural legacy. Inspired by the art, architecture, and timeless allure of Italian culture, each piece captures the essence of luxury. By merging artistry with innovation, the collection transforms denim into a sophisticated canvas for expression.

Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE

With refined gold accents, opulent textures, and meticulous attention to detail, the garments offer a modern yet enduring vision of style. The collection features a variety of jeans, skirts, dresses, gilets, and jackets, showcasing versatility and elegance.

At the heart of DENIM RENAISSANCE lies a commitment to responsibility. Each piece has been crafted using Tonello’s advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact, redefining true luxury as both exquisite and mindful.

Why Kingpins?

Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE

Kingpins New York is a prestigious event that gathers the most influential players in the denim industry. For Tonello, it is the ideal platform to demonstrate how heritage and innovation coexist seamlessly, setting new standards in sustainable luxury. Visitors will have the chance to experience the collection up close, interact with our team, and explore the technologies that bring DENIM RENAISSANCE to life.

Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE

Explore this extraordinary collection and discover how Tonello continues to lead the industry by blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the world of DENIM RENAISSANCE in New York.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Tonello srl

Courtney Harold Joins Green Theme Technologies As Head Of Marketing

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M — January 23, 2025 — Green Theme Technologies (GTT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Harold as head of Marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Harold brings a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and product innovation.

Courtney Harold

“I am thrilled to join GTT and help lead the initiative to bring EMPEL’s innovative, water-free, and PFAS-free DWR technology to market,” Harold said. “GTT’s commitment to surpassing industry standards is precisely the challenge fueling my passion for solving complex problems.

I look forward to spearheading the marketing initiatives to position EMPEL as the leading brand in the DWR sustainable performance fabrics.”

As GTT continues to dominate the water-free and sustainable DWR space, Courtney’s expertise in brand building, market entry strategies, and product innovation will be instrumental in positioning EMPEL for continued growth and success.

Courtney’s career began at Hill Holliday Advertising, where she built a solid foundation for creating impactful value propositions for the retailer Marshalls. She continued to enhance this foundation as a member of the inaugural branding team at Polartec, contributing to the development of a leading brand that resonates with both consumers and industry professionals.

At Sappi Release Papers, Courtney led efforts to establish specification programs targeted at apparel and footwear product developers, resulting in a unique partnership with Nike.

For more than 10 years, Courtney launched the first footwear supplier tradeshow for the world’s largest footwear tradeshow and staged the MAGIC apparel tradeshow in China, a highly complex market. She has also developed market entry strategies for several fashion, outdoor, and apparel brands entering the Chinese market, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the supply chain, the global retail sector, and the crucial connection between product development and market positioning.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT)

Oerlikon Barmag And Evonik – Strategic Partnership In The Growing Market For Chemically Recycled PET

REMSCHEID/ESSEN, Germany— January 23, 2025 — Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik have announced their cooperation to promote chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. Both companies are committed to develop technologies for robust and efficient depolymerisation and purification processes, coupled with an integrated concept for repolymerisation and the associated EPC business models.

Jochen Adler, CTO, and Georg Stausberg, CEO, both Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, Dr. Max Preisenberger, Head of Catalysts at Evonik, Lukas Adamek, Head of Strategy & Business Development Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, and Dr. Gerd Löhden, SVP R&D Smart Materials Evonik at the official founding of the new partnership between Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik.

Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik are both leading suppliers in their respective key markets. The Remscheid-based machine and plant manufacturer Oerlikon Barmag contributes its expertise in polymer processing for the production of chemical fibers and packaging materials to the new partnership. In addition, as a core brand of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, the company has excellent international market access in the polymer processing industry.

Evonik is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals, dedicated to driving sustainability initiatives and developing next-generation solutions. The partnership with Oerlikon Barmag aims to advance technology and process solutions for the chemical recycling of PET, leveraging innovative catalytic processes.

Investing in a sustainable future

The partners plan to fully launch and commercialize the jointly developed chemical recycling technology solution by the end of the current decade. The intensive involvement and active participation of other companies within the ecosystem (including feedstock, technology and production) and the establishment of a global development partner network are planned.

“We are firmly convinced that with Evonik we gained a strong and experienced partner in the field of specialty chemicals, and together we will establish a significant market position as a total solution provider in the growth market for chemical recycling of PET, but also drive the next generation of sustainability within the plastics industry,” says Georg Stausberg, CEO of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions.

“This partnership marks a great step forward in the chemical recycling of PET. Our new catalytic processes and chemical technologies will complement the current mechanical recycling approach enabling high recycled PET content from heavily contaminated and mixed PET waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled. This way we are actively supporting a sustainable circular economy,” said Max Preisenberger, Head of Catalysts at Evonik.

Seamless integration into PET production processes

The PET recycling technology will bring numerous advantages. From a chemical perspective it is a highly efficient process, and it can be seamlessly integrated into existing PET production processes. Operational costs, investment cost and scalability are the key drivers in the development.

The combination of cooperational know-how in catalyst and process technologies will allow a chemical recycling of polyester materials from many closed- and open-loop sources, which need chemical technology to allow for high, fossil-like recyclate qualities.

“The strong and complementing technological knowhow and expertise of both companies in combination with Oerlikon Barmag’s market access and PET processing knowhow, establishes a competitive and unique partnership within the emerging chemical PET recycling industry. With the goal of creating a circular economy for all types of PET waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, we want to scale our technology to a significant size and make it available to global PET producers and processors. In this way we will enable our customers to become more sustainable and contribute to a circular economy,” explains Lukas Adamek, Head of Strategy & Business Development of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Oerlikon Barmag /Evonik

Manufacturing Solutions Center Offers M1 Programming Training For Stoll Flatbed Knitting Machines

CONOVER, N.C. — January 22, 2025 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College will provide M1 Programming training for Stoll Flatbed Knitting machines February 3-7 to individuals interested in learning about flatbed knitting or improving their flatbed knitting skills.

Class size is limited and is structured to the individual needs of attendees. Core concepts covered in the program include the functions of the M1 software, stitch formation, programming of various stitch structures, and shape attributes. The program will be held at the MSC II facility in Conover, N.C.

For more information about the program and costs, visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org

Posted: January 22, 2025

Source: The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

Street Furniture For The European Capital Of Culture Chemnitz 2025 Made With Textile-Reinforced Concrete Features A KARL MAYER Warp Knit Reinforcement

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 21, 2025 — This year, the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, together with 38 municipalities from the region, is presenting itself as a lively and surprising place in eastern Germany, in the heart of Europe. Art and culture enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse program under the motto “C the Unseen” with around 150 projects and more than 1000 events — and to taking a breather in the “Big C”.

The street furniture for relaxing was developed in the laboratory of the “Lightweight Construction in Civil Engineering” research area at the Chair of Lightweight Structures/Plastics Processing at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). The prototype is to be followed by 20 series products distributed throughout the city. Its name, “Big C”, refers to its design as the letter C.

Innovative and sustainable processes and materials were used to create the arch-shaped designer item: concrete for the main body with a reinforcement made from a carbon warp knitted fabric with weft insertion.

The textile reinforcement enables savings in concrete, slim shapes and maximum force absorption, as the reinforcing fibers are absolutely stretched in the warp knitted structure. The RS MSUS-G/HG warp knitting machine with weft insertion and its innovative successor, the WEFTTRONIC® II G, from KARL MAYER are predestined for its production.

Jürgen Troeltzsch

“We are delighted to be able to contribute to the Chemnitz 2025 Capital of Culture program with our technology. Big C once again stands for the versatile application possibilities of our warp knitting machines with weft insertion,” said Dr. Jürgen Tröltzsch, Special Specification Project manager at KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit.

Relax with a good environmental conscience

Unlike concrete reinforcements, textile reinforcement structures do not corrode and therefore do not require the usual concrete cover with a thickness of 2.5 to 5 centimeters. This enables a filigree design and saves up to 80 percent concrete — a building material that is considered one of the most important climate killers.1 High-strength fine concrete with CO2-reduced cement and a suitable form work system for casting the concrete were also developed to ensure an impressive environmental balance.

Textile reinforced concrete

The “C the unseen” lettering could thus be integrated into the concrete body during casting. A newly developed 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard formwork was also used for the first time for the cost-effective production of the curved special component. The concrete base of the “Big C” was manufactured using a 3D concrete printing process. To improve seating comfort, the seating surfaces in the lower curve of the approximately 1.80 meter high Big C can be covered with ergonomically shaped wooden slats.2

Flexible, fast and easy to maintain – the WEFTTRONIC® II G

With the WEFTTRONIC® II G, KARL MAYER offers a profitable and versatile production machine. The all-rounder produces between 350 and 400 meters of textiles per hour at a speed of 1,600/min, depending on the stitch density and material used. Thanks to the high variability of the machine in terms of yarn density in the filler yarn and weft yarn areas, the textile mesh structure can be ideally adapted to the reinforcement requirements in carbon concrete. The WEFTTRONIC II G is just as flexible when it comes to yarn. The common technical fibers glass, carbon and polyester can be processed. The resulting open grid articles have widths of 4.6 to 6.2 meters.

In addition to being efficient, the innovative warp knitting machine with weft insertion is low-maintenance, durable and extremely easy to operate. Variants are available in gauges of E 6, E 10 and E 18. The equipment features include a solution for stabilizing the selvedges, monitoring the weft yarn tension and a central suction device. 

1 https://bi-medien.de/fachzeitschriften/baumagazin/hochbau/zukunftspreis-carbon-ersetzt-stahlbewehrung-im-beton-b11177

2 “Big C“ – nachhaltige Stadtmöbel für die Kulturhauptstadt Europas Chemnitz 2025 | TUCaktuell | TU Chemnitz https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tu/pressestelle/aktuell/12498

Posted: January 22, 2025

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Overcoming Challenges In Sustainable Textile Logistics

The container ship CMA CGM Marco Polo is loaded and unloaded at the Georgia Ports Authority’s Port of Savannah Garden City Terminal, Savannah, Ga. (GPA Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

By Rohit Dev Sethi

The global textile industry, a cornerstone of modern commerce, faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices across its operations. Logistics, encompassing shipping, transportation, and distribution, stands out as a critical area for reform due to its significant environmental footprint. With rising consumer awareness and regulatory pressures, the textile industry is pivoting towards greener logistics solutions. This article explores the challenges in sustainable textile logistics and highlights solutions like smart packaging and local sourcing to minimize environmental impact.

Challenges In Sustainable Textile Logistics

The logistics sector for textiles involves a complex network of global supply chains, characterized by extensive transportation across continents. This system depends heavily on fossil fuels, resulting in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, inefficient supply chain management can lead to excessive energy consumption, delays, and wastage.

Another significant challenge is packaging waste. Conventional textile packaging often involves single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, contributing to the growing problem of landfills and ocean pollution. The industry’s reliance on air and sea freight further exacerbates carbon emissions, with air transport being particularly detrimental to the environment.

Lastly, the globalized nature of textile production creates challenges in balancing cost efficiency with sustainability. Brands often prioritize low-cost production in distant locations over local sourcing, leading to a longer carbon-intensive supply chain. Aligning economic priorities with environmental sustainability remains a tough balancing act.

Solutions for Sustainable Logistics

Despite these challenges, the textile industry is making strides toward sustainability by adopting innovative solutions. Two key strategies—smart packaging and local sourcing—have emerged as effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of textile logistics.

Smart Packaging: Reducing Waste And Emissions

Smart packaging technologies are revolutionizing the logistics landscape by focusing on material efficiency and waste reduction. For instance, biodegradable and recyclable materials are replacing traditional single-use plastics. Packaging designed to be lightweight and compact minimizes the space required for transportation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Another promising innovation is the use of reusable packaging systems. Some companies have adopted returnable packaging models where customers can return the packaging for reuse, significantly cutting down on waste. Additionally, advances in packaging technology now allow for temperature regulation and moisture control, ensuring the safe transportation of textiles without relying on plastic wraps or foam.

Smart packaging also leverages digital technologies to enhance sustainability. For example, RFID tags and QR codes provide real-time tracking of goods, improving supply chain transparency and reducing the risk of overproduction or excessive inventory. This not only minimizes waste but also ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.

Local Sourcing: Building Shorter, Greener Supply Chains

Local sourcing, another transformative approach, addresses the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. By prioritizing local suppliers and manufacturers, textile companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Shorter supply chains mean fewer emissions from freight and quicker delivery times, benefiting both the environment and operational efficiency.

Incorporating local sourcing into logistics strategies can also enhance resilience. Localized supply chains are less susceptible to global disruptions, such as geopolitical conflicts or pandemics, ensuring steady operations. Moreover, supporting local economies aligns with broader corporate social responsibility goals, fostering goodwill among communities and consumers.

To effectively implement local sourcing, businesses must assess the availability of raw materials and production capabilities within their regions. Partnerships with local artisans and smaller manufacturers not only reduce environmental impact but also preserve traditional craftsmanship, adding value to textile products.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future

The journey toward sustainable textile logistics requires collaboration across the industry. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, logistics providers, and policymakers, must work together to create a conducive environment for sustainable practices. Governments can incentivize green logistics through subsidies or tax benefits, while manufacturers can innovate with eco-friendly materials and production methods.

Technological advancements play a crucial role in achieving sustainability. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can optimize delivery routes, reduce idle time, and improve inventory management, further cutting emissions. Blockchain technology enhances transparency in the supply chain, ensuring that sustainability claims are verifiable and trustworthy.

Consumer behavior also drives change. Growing demand for sustainable products compels brands to rethink their logistics strategies. Educating consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases and encouraging the return or reuse of packaging fosters a culture of responsibility.

Conclusion

Sustainable textile logistics is not merely a trend but a necessity for the future of the industry. Overcoming challenges like high emissions and packaging waste requires a multi-faceted approach involving smart packaging, local sourcing, and technological innovation. By committing to these practices, the textile industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact, meet regulatory standards, and align with consumer expectations for greener operations. Collaboration and innovation will be the driving forces behind a sustainable and resilient textile logistics ecosystem.

Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director at India-based ColossusTex

January 21, 2025

How The Digital Product Passport Will Reshape Fashion Supply Chains

By Barbara Oswald

The textile and apparel industry is on the cusp of transformation. The EU Green Deal targets carbon neutrality by 2050, reinforced by regulations such as the Green Claims Directive and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). These mandate unprecedented transparency in supply chains. Central to this transformation is the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a revolutionary tool that enhances transparency, sustainability and traceability across the product life cycle.

Legislative Moves

Sustainability is now a key market driver as consumers increasingly demand proof that purchases align with their ethical standards. Until now, companies in the fashion sector have relied on voluntary certifications to demonstrate sustainability. However, while these can be effective, they often only address a single issue — for example, organic — leaving room for inconsistencies in their application and interpretation.

New European Union (EU) legislation is ushering in a paradigm shift. Fashion brands operating in the EU will need to transition from market-driven, voluntary compliance to legislatively mandated compliance. Adherence to regulatory baselines for assessment and verification will reduce the issues related to perception and consistency.

Introduced in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, described the EU Green Deal as Europe’s “man on the moon moment.” At its core, the deal seeks to establish a climate-neutral EU by 2050. A critical pillar of this ambition is promoting a circular economy, where products and materials are used, reused and recycled to minimize our dependency on virgin resources.

The EU Green Deal has already resulted in several pivotal legislative initiatives, including:

  • Green Claims Directive — expected to take effect in 2025 but still subject to legislative finalization, this directive will require companies to substantiate all environmental claims through impartial, third-party verification. The aim is to eliminate misleading greenwashing practices; and
  • ESPR — replacing the Ecodesign Directive, the ESPR mandates that products be durable, repairable and recyclable. Although requirements may vary depending on the product, this regulation enables consumers to make informed decisions by ensuring the attributes are clearly communicated.

What Is The Digital Product Passport?

The DPP is the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy for achieving the sustainability goals outlined in the Green Deal. Serving as a digital twin to each physical product, the DPP documents the product’s entire lifecycle, capturing key events alongside critical sustainability data.

The exact metrics are currently being finalized by the EU and may evolve, but currently, they follow the key principles of durability, repairability, recyclability, recycled content, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. Each metric will be presented in a standardized format as a comprehensive score to ensure consistency and comparability. The DPP enhances trust in environmental claims by  centralizing and systematizing the collection and verification of this information through third-party assessment bodies accredited by EU member states.

With reliable and transparent data at their fingertips, consumers are empowered to make informed, sustainable purchasing decisions with greater ease, fostering confidence and driving demand for eco-friendly products.

Each DPP consists of three key components:

  • Verified environmental data on the product’s sustainability metrics
  • DPP platform — stores and provides access to verified data; and
  • QR code on the product, offering consumers instant access to the verified data without overwhelming them

Beyond point-of-purchase benefits, the DPP also functions as a comprehensive digital biography, tracking the product’s journey from cradle to grave. This will include details such as ownership, maintenance and repair history, facilitating true circular economy practices.

While currently an EU initiative, the potential for the DPP to become a global tool is undeniable, with far-reaching implications for fashion supply chains worldwide. However, widespread adoption would require international cooperation and alignment with non-EU regulations.

Next Steps

Compliance with the requirements of the EU Green Deal and ESPR, including the DPP, will be mandatory for all businesses operating in the EU. While some regulations are still being finalized, companies must act now to ensure readiness.

Key actions include:

  • Conducting an environmental control audit to evaluate current practices and identify gaps in compliance;
  • Appointing an accredited third-party assessment body to support the transition; and
  • Working with an accredited third-party assessment body, such as bluesign, enables compliance and sustainability for textile manufacturers, fashion brands and retailers. Through the bluesign SYSTEM, for example, businesses can ensure consumer safety, minimize environmental impact, and transition seamlessly to the requirements of the DPP.

Services include:

  • Expert consultation on chemicals and textiles to ensure products are safe, sustainable and compliant;
  • Data verification for product labels in accordance with DPP requirements; and
  • Development of an action plan to enhance sustainability efforts.

As the EU’s ambitious sustainability agenda reshapes global markets, businesses must prepare for a wave of legislation that will fundamentally alter how they operate.

Editor’s Note: Barbara Oswald is COO of Bluesign Technologies AG, Switzerland

January 21, 2025

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