Herman Miller And John Pawson Introduce Pawson Drift Sofa Group

ZEELAND, Mich.— July 24, 2025 — Herman Miller has introduced the Pawson Drift Sofa Group, a new lounge collection by world-renowned architect John Pawson. Marking the London-based designer’s debut collaboration with the brand, Pawson Drift Sofa Group was created with lounging in mind. Distinguished by its generously proportioned cushions set within a rectilinear, solid wood joinery and square edge frame, the collection includes two sofa sizes (80″ and 93″), a left- or right-chaise sectional, and a lounge chair.

Herman Miller and John Pawson introduce Pawson Drift Sofa Group

A spacious, welcoming sanctuary, the Pawson Drift Sofa Group offers continuous support. Incorporated into the cushion design is a responsibly sourced down feather jacket for an added layer of comfort. Beneath the cushions, a sturdy frame and fabric suspension system work together, ensuring individuals are perfectly comfortable whether they’re sitting, lounging, or napping.

With a recessed, solid hardwood frame and wrap-around design, each piece is crafted to be admired from every angle. The frame can be specified in white oak or walnut. The cushions are carefully constructed to maintain their shape, and are available in a variety of premium textiles and leathers, including three fabrics that are Greenguard™ Gold Certified to help promote cleaner indoor air — Rowan, Beck, and Isa.

In line with Herman Miller’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the Pawson Drift Sofa Group was designed with a focus on more sustainable material choices, featuring over 80 percent natural1, plant-derived components. This includes the use of natural latex foam in the cushions, offering a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based foam. The cushions are made of plant-based latex and rest on a hidden suspension system of textile straps under cotton decking. The frame is made from North American hardwood. The result is a more environmentally responsible option that delivers exceptional comfort.

Since leaving to start his own firm in 1981, Pawson has designed everything from a monastery, art galleries, yacht interiors, hotels, ballet sets and a winery to retail spaces and private homes. He brings the same rigorously simple approach to his furniture design, creating pieces that complement the surroundings, enhancing the experience of space rather than overwhelming it.

“Like all my work, this sofa group is the outcome of a process of stripping right back to the point where one’s primary experience of space and objects is rooted in the quality of proportion, surface, and light,” says Pawson.

Posted: July 28, 2025

Source: Herman Miller

Functional Fabric Fair New York Wraps Summer 2025 With Invigorated Focus On Innovation And Sustainability In The Performance And Fashion Apparel Industries

NORWALK, Conn. — July 28, 2025 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, successfully concluded its Summer 2025 edition at the Javits Center in New York City, marking a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural Day 0 Sustainability Workshop and steady attendance across the three-day event.

Bringing together more than 2,100 apparel executives, product developers, designers, and sourcing professionals from top performance and athletic brands including Alo, Calvin Klein, Carhartt, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Rhone, Under Armour and many others, the fair continued momentum in attendee quality and engagement.

The Day 0 Sustainability Workshop, held on July 21, was a standout success. Making its New York debut, the full-day, deep-dive conference had more than 150 attendees who participated in presentations and interactive round table discussions aimed at advancing sustainability across the global textile supply chain. Curated by respected industry leaders Jill Dumain, Todd Copeland and Kevin Myette, the sold-out program delivered actionable strategies and candid insights into material innovation, supply chain complexity, climate impact and responsible sourcing.

“We’re at a critical turning point for sustainability in our industry, and the conversations that happened on Day 0 are shaping how we move forward,” said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President. “Functional Fabric Fair is proud to be driving these efforts with meaningful programming, expert education and opportunities to build real solutions.”

Following Day 0, the exhibit hall opened July 22–23 with more than 150+ highly-vetted exhibiting companies focused on sustainable innovation, alongside a dynamic lineup of Expert Talks covering industry trends, sourcing strategies and materials innovation.

Program Highlights:

  • Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub: Making its U.S. debut, this curated display featured 33 cutting-edge materials and suppliers, putting sustainability front and center. The showcase highlighted innovative sustainable products, materials and dyes including inkjet technology using living fungi and bacteria to create self-composing, regenerative print media; biomaterials forming next-gen textiles from plants grown in regenerated wetlands; and enzymes capable of breaking down blended fibers into their constituent building blocks. The displays represented varying levels of commercial scalability.
  • Expert Talks: Sponsored by CovationBio® bioPTMEG, this free-to-attend stage drew strong crowds across both days. Sessions tackled hot topics from tariff impacts and circularity to women’s leadership and 3D garment technology.
  • Trend Forum: Presented twelve key fabric categories with sustainable samples accessible via QR code for streamlined sourcing.
  • Networking Events: Including the AATCC “Social in the City,” Happy Hour sponsored by Sorona, and daily Complimentary Coffee hosted by Coloro, fostering connections across the textile supply chain.

Voices from the Show Floor:

“Innovation, performance and sustainability. This fair shapes our short-term and long-term sourcing strategies and it helps us make informed decisions about where the world and industry is headed towards,” said attendee Gurvinder Malhotra, vice president, Global Raw Materials at Alo.

“Functional Fabric Fair continues to impress with the caliber of attendees and brands you want to meet with. The quality of conversations here makes it the most valuable sourcing event we participate in,” said Peter Lucier of exhibiting company WidePlus International.

“As a first-time exhibitor, we are very happy with the quality of attendees and their genuine interest in synaptic fabrics. The Functional Fabric Fair has provided an excellent platform for showcasing our innovations to the right audience,” added Ray He of Jooya Textile.

“We’re seeing a noticeable shift among fashion and apparel brands — sustainability, eco-design, and circularity are no longer niche concerns but core business drivers. There’s a growing understanding that innovation and circularity don’t stand in the way of profit, on the contrary, they can be profitable, especially in the realm of sustainable functional products,” said Alexa Dehmel, performance sportswear design expert, strategic advisor, and Head Judge and Functional Fabric Curator of the Trend Forum at Functional Fabric Fair.

Save the Date for Upcoming Functional Fabric Fair Events:

  • Portland Fall: November 11–13, 2025, — Sustainability Workshop on November 11
  • NEW! Orlando Winter co-located with the PGA Show: January 21–22, 2026
  • Portland Spring: April 7-9, 2026, — Sustainability Workshop on April 7
  • New York Summer: July 7-9, 2026, — Sustainability Workshop on July 7

Posted: July 28, 2025

Source: Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® – RX  Global

Barnet Europe Celebrates 50 Years Of Success – Relocation To A Sustainable Future Site Planned

AACHEN, Germany — July 15, 2025 — Barnet Europe is celebrating 50 years of successful business operations this year. The company was founded in 1975 by Bertold Schmid under the name Cherotan Fibers. With its acquisition by the international Barnet Group in 1990 and the rebranding to Barnet Europe in 1995, the foundation was laid for the company’s current position as a leading supplier of technical fibers, yarns, and high-performance recycled textile raw materials.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Markus Wolff of the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce presented a commemorative certificate to Managing Director Bernd Lenzen in recognition of five decades of entrepreneurial success, continuous transformation, and innovation.

At the same time, Barnet Europe is looking ahead: In the first quarter of 2026, the company will relocate to a new, state-of-the-art site in Eschweiler. This new location will consolidate existing operations from Germany and Belgium under one roof. The facility will not only offer cutting-edge working conditions, but also outstanding sustainability potential and is designed to support continued growth.

“Fifty years of Barnet Europe is not just a moment to reflect, but a strong foundation for the future,” Lenzen said. “With our new location, we’re creating the ideal conditions to drive our development and growth forward in a consistent and sustainable way.”

Barnet Europe

Barnet Europe is part of the internationally active Barnet Group, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C. The company develops and supplies technical yarns fibers, polymers, and sustainable recycled materials for applications in the automotive, construction, paper, textile, and plastics industries. Founded in 1898 in Albany, N.Y., the Barnet Group is recognized worldwide for reliability, innovation, and sustainable solutions.

Posted: July 25, 2025

Source: Barnet Europe – W. Barnet GmbH & Co. KG

Lectra’s First Half 2025: Stable Revenues And Limited Decline In EBITDA

PARIS — July 24, 2025 — Today, Lectra’s Board of Directors, chaired by Daniel Harari, reviewed the consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2025, which have been subject to a limited review by the Statutory Auditors.

1. A PARADIGM SHIFT AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL

The deterioration in the global economic situation since early March continued throughout the second quarter, extending to all geographical areas and all sectors of activity. The US tariff announcements on April 2 came as a shock that increased the uncertainty weighing on the business climate, particularly for the Group’s customers, who are highly exposed to international trade.

While the direct impact of these measures is limited for Lectra, the indirect impacts, linked to the reactions of the customers concerned, together with the lack of visibility, have led to a pause in their investment decisions. The Group’s customers — brands and subcontractors alike — must adapt to this new economic situation, whether in terms of pricing policy, production, investment or future strategy, and are waiting for negotiations to be concluded before choosing their options.

The 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, announced on April 9 and due to end on July 9 was followed by further announcements. The frequent changes in the decisions of the US administration and the negotiations still underway have contributed to persistent uncertainty.

The direct impacts of tariffs remain limited, and are under control

European and Chinese exports to the United States account for less than 10 percent of Lectra’s sales. Starting in April, Lectra has taken several measures to deal with the new commercial situation: the Group has reflected the full impact of customs tariffs on price lists in the United States for equipment, consumables and parts and maintenance contracts. It also rerouted some shipments to Mexico to avoid customs formalities and removed several products from the Chinese and American catalogs.

Indirect impacts are characterized by high customer wait-and-see position

Lectra’s three strategic markets are highly exposed to tariffs.

Particularly in the fashion and automotive sectors, the United States’ dependence on imports is very strong. Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the need to diversify sources of supply and their countries of origin seems clear and will require additional production capacities and relocations.

In the Group’s three strategic markets, the turbulence of the last few months represents medium- and long-term development opportunities for Lectra, irrespective of the tariff rates ultimately decided, and will necessarily lead to structural changes in the industrial landscape and supply chains.

2. Q2 2025

The slowdown that affected the Americas and Automotive from mid-March onwards spread to all geographies and sectors. Indeed, the successive announcements, then the shock of “Liberation Day” on April 2, have led to a strong wait-and-see attitude from customers. New systems orders were accordingly 27 percent lower in the second quarter.

Q2 2025 revenues were down 4 percent on an actual basis and 2 percent on a like-for-like basis, reflecting the continued slowdown that began in mid-March.

EBITDA before non-recurring items (€19.2 million) declined 3 percent, resulting in a recurring EBITDA margin before non-recurring items of 15.2 percent, down 0.7 percentage point on an actual basis (0.2 percentage point like-for-like).

Considering the amortization of intangible assets (5.7 million euros), income from operations before non-recurring items was down 6 percent on a like-to-like basis, to 8.9 million euros. Net income reached 5.3 million euros, up 20 percent on an actual basis, driven by a reduction in tax expense.

3. FIRST HALF 2025

To facilitate analysis of the Group’s results, the financial statements are compared to those published in 2024 that consolidated Launchmetrics as of January 23 (“actual”) and, for the analysis of variations, to the 2024 Proforma statements that consolidate Launchmetrics as of January 1, expressed at 2024 exchange rates (like-for-like). Proforma revenues and EBITDA increased by 2.5 million euros and 0.3 million euros respectively compared to the reported financial statements.

H1 2025 revenues amounted to 261.3 million euros, down 1 percent. This breaks down into 69.3 million euros in non-recurring revenues, down 7 percent, and 192.0 million euros in recurring revenues (73 percent of revenues), up 2 percent, including 43.6 million euros in revenues from SaaS subscription contracts (17 percent of revenues, +13 percent).

The ARR at June 30, 2025 was 90.9 million euros, up 6 percent on a like-for-like basis (+2 percent on an actual basis) compared to the level at the end of 2024, confirming the relevance of Lectra’s strategy.

In a context of declining revenues, the gross margin reached 190.0 million euros, up 1 percent, and the gross margin rate stood at 72.7 percent, up 1 point, thanks to the favorable sales mix and strengthened cost control.

EBITDA before non-recurring items reached 40.4 million euros, down 4 percent, with an EBITDA margin before non-recurring items of 15.4 percent, down 0.6 point.

Income from operations before non-recurring items amounted to 19.2 million euros, down 9 percent.

Net income, following a tax expense of 3.6 million euros, was stable at 11.1 million euros.

Free cash flow before non-recurring items remained high in the first half of 2025 at 33.0 million euros, reflecting good management of the working capital requirement, which was negative by 41.6 million euros, benefiting from lower receivables and a further reduction in inventories.

As of June 30, 2025, the Group’s balance sheet remained very strong: shareholders’ equity stood at 343.8 million euros and net debt at 34.1 million euros after disbursement of the second tranche of Launchmetrics’ share capital (20.5 million euros), the acquisition of Glengo Turkey (1.7 million euros), and dividend payments (15.2 million euros). Net debt consisted in financial debt of 94.6 million euros and cash of 60.6 million euros, reflecting the continued deleveraging of the company.

4. OUTLOOK

In the Annual Financial Report 2024 published February 12, 2025, Lectra reiterated its long-term vision, as well as the objectives of its 2023-2025 strategic roadmap. The Group then underlined, in a deteriorating environment, its resilient nature, the quality of its fundamentals, and the pursuit of its strategy with a focus on the development of its SaaS business.

Following the series of announcements on tariffs, the 2025 outlook had not been updated when the first quarter 2025 results were published on April 24, 2025.

At the end of the second quarter, there were still no signs of significant improvement that would point to an upturn in activity. The economic and political context remains uncertain and continues to lead to a strong wait-and-see attitude on the part of the Group’s customers. In this context, the annual objectives announced by the Group in February 2025 are no more relevant.

The Company remains attentive to the evolution of the situation and relies on its solid fundamentals, notably its low net debt and high free cash flow generation, to pursue its strategy.

The 2024 Annual Financial Report, as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations and the financial statements for H1 2025 are available on lectra.com. Q3 and the first nine months of 2025 earnings will be published on October 29, 2025 after market. 

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: Lectra

Trivantage® Expands Trusted Marine Cover Line With New Fabric

BURLINGTON, N.C. — July 24, 2025 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for marine fabrics and hardware, has introduced Hydrofend Soft, a new cover fabric designed to protect delicate surfaces in marine and outdoor environments. Building on the trusted performance of the Hydrofend line, this addition combines proven weather defense with the added benefit of a soft knit backing for scratch-resistance.

“Hydrofend Soft is ideal for use on high value, delicate or scratch-sensitive surface items, ” said Keith Purves, Business Development and Product Training manager at Trivantage. “It’s a great choice for covering antique and competition boats, patio furniture, RV windshields, airplane covers, and more.”

Hydrofend outperforms uncoated fabrics with up to six times greater water resistance, helping to guard against rain, moisture, and the elements. The Soft addition is woven from durable polyester monofilament yarn to provide high tear and tensile strength, engineered to withstand repeated use season after season.

This fabric is backed by a limited 5-year warranty and is now available in Bold Black, Desert Beige, Meteor Grey, and Iron Grey. To learn more about Hydrofend Soft, visit: https://www.trivantage.com/fabric-marine-hydrofend.

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: Trivantage 

bluesign® Celebrates 25 Years With A Message From Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO Of bluesign®

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — July 23, 2025 — bluesign recently released the following statement from its CEO Danial Rüfenacht: “25 years ago, bluesign was born out of a bold idea, that sustainability could be embedded into the DNA of product creation. Twenty-five years later, we are proud to be a beacon of trust, innovation, and responsibility, and to partner with industry leaders worldwide in building a more sustainable future together.

“2024 marked another successful year for bluesign System Partner companies and bluesign overall. Adverse impacts were reduced across our manufacturing partner companies for another consecutive year, and the number of companies that are part of our ecosystem has increased; so has the number of approved bluesign articles and products.”

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO Of bluesign®

“This is a testimony to the effectiveness of the bluesign total solution approach, working with 900+ partners along the various stages of textile production, from chemical suppliers to fashion brands and retailers, to enable the production of safer and cleaner products for the planet and its people.

“While we increased our external outreach, 2024 also witnessed internal changes within bluesign, setting us up to better serve our customer needs. Coming close together with our parent company, stems from the same purpose. Together with SGS, by reaching out to over a thousand brands, we are driving a transformative shift that is defining the future of textile production and creating lasting value for people and the planet.

“Against the backdrop of the urgency of the climate crisis but also economic and political instability, focusing on where one can have the most impact on sustainability is essential, and primary data and information to that end are necessary. bluesign is the gold standard in the market for exactly that. The assessments and improvement roadmaps we offer to textile manufacturers, chemical suppliers and fashion brands that are part of our network enable sustainability, safety and integrity across the textile value chain.

“Additionally, transparency and accountability in the industry are more important than ever with the increase in regulatory requirements across the European Union and more globally, but equally in the face of changing consumer expectations towards more sustainable purchases.

“I would like to conclude by thanking bluesign employees and our System Partner companies in making, every day, our vision of a safer and better planet a reality. I look forward to new partners joining us in our mission to create a world where textiles enrich lives without compromising health or the environment.”

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: bluesign®

Vivobarefoot Launches Ground-Breaking Vegan Sneaker Made With Mushroom-Based Material 

LONDON — July 24, 2025 — Vivobarefoot has debuted a forward-thinking addition to its lineup: the Gobi sneaker, made with 98 percent natural materials. This launch marks a substantial move toward eliminating plastic from the brand’s vegan offerings.

According to Charlotte Pumford, Vivobarefoot’s Director of Sustainability, creating a durable vegan shoe without synthetic materials has long been a challenge. “We’ve been seeking a vegan plant-based material that can perform at the level people expect from everyday footwear,” she told Forbes.

This innovation was made possible through a collaboration with HyphaLite™, a company pioneering the use of mushrooms. By combining mushrooms with certified natural latex, the team developed a leather-like material that is animal-free and plastic-free.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Early prototypes lacked durability and were overly absorbent. Over time, the team refined the material to withstand daily wear.

Vivobarefoot emphasizes longevity as a key component of sustainability. A product that quickly degrades, even if biodegradable, doesn’t necessarily support a circular model. That’s why the Gobi is not only tough but also designed for repair – tying into the brand’s Revivo programme, which refurbishes and reuses worn footwear to keep products out of landfill longer.

The company is also transparent about the complexity of achieving full biodegradability. While the Gobi is 98 percent natural, they acknowledge that moving from natural to truly compostable involves more than just switching materials.

A breakthrough for the brand was developing a fully natural outsole, typically one of the least sustainable parts of any shoe. Partnering with Natural Fiber Welding, Vivobarefoot created a sole made from natural rubber and other plant-derived materials. This took over a year and required multiple prototypes to achieve the right balance of durability and flexibility.

Innovating in this space is not cheap. Next-gen materials come at a high cost, especially for smaller brands. Vivobarefoot aims to reduce this barrier by collaborating openly with other companies in the industry, sharing knowledge to help scale and lower the price of sustainable alternatives.

New regulations in the EU, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), will soon require brands to prioritize product longevity and prohibit the destruction of unsold inventory. With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation also on the horizon, Vivobarefoot’s early commitment to circular practices positions it ahead of the curve.

These shifts represent a broader industry reckoning with sustainability, but for Vivobarefoot, it’s a journey they’ve been on from the very beginning. The Gobi is currently available via Vivobarefoot’s website and selected retail partners.

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: Vivobarefoot

BELLA+CANVAS Debuts The Washed Collection: A New Standard In Garment-Dyed Apparel

LOS ANGELES — July 23, 2025 — BELLA+CANVAS, a producer of premium blank apparel, is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Washed Collection — a vintage-inspired line of garment-dyed essentials that redefine the meaning of everyday wear.

The Washed Collection is a bold step forward in garment dye innovation, delivering unmatched individuality in every piece. Crafted from 100-percent ring-spun cotton (18 singles, 6.5 oz), these short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees offer the kind of broken-in feel usually found only in your favorite old band tee. With a nostalgic color palette spanning 28 rich, washed hues, no two garments are exactly alike — each is a one-of-one.

“You thought you knew garment dye, but you haven’t seen it like this,” says the BELLA+CANVAS creative team. “This collection is all about texture, tone, and the timeless appeal of perfectly imperfect dyeing.”

Designed for creators, retailers, and consumers alike, the Washed Collection is print-ready and built for comfort, perfect for screen printers, fashion brands, or anyone wanting to make a bold-yet-effortless statement.

Collection Highlights:

  • 100-percent ring-spun cotton
  • Available in Unisex Heavyweight Garment Dye Tee (Style 4810GD) and Unisex Heavyweight Garment Dye Long Sleeve Tee (Style 4851GD)
  • 28 Washed Color Options
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern durability
  • Each piece is uniquely dyed — no two are alike

This is more than a drop — it’s a response to the growing trend towards craftsmanship, individuality, and iconic style from day one.

The BELLA+CANVAS Washed Collection is available now. To explore the collection and see campaign assets, visit: https://www.bellacanvas.com/washed-collection

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: BELLA+CANVAS

Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) And Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) Announce Strategic Partnership

KOWLOON, Hong Kong — July 22, 2025 — The Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) have announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing ethical practices in production facilities around the globe. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to protecting workers and supporting companies in achieving their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives.

The partnership will see the two organizations working closely together to support suppliers in improving labor standards, ensuring a safe and fair working environment for all employees. WRAP’s expert team will help ESCP and its members to strengthen their sourcing capabilities in countries such as India and Bangladesh.

In addition, WRAP will pilot the ESCP Worker Helpline, launching a co-branded helpline at 40 apparel factories in various countries, starting with Vietnam. This helpline will provide workers with a confidential resource to voice concerns and seek support, further enhancing labor standards and worker rights in the industry.

Carmel Giblin, president & CEO of ESCP, said: “Our partnership with WRAP represents a significant development in our mission to create a fair and just environment for workers everywhere. By collaborating with WRAP, we can amplify our efforts to promote responsible practices and support companies in their journey towards sustainability wherever they are in the world.”

Avedis Seferian, president & CEO of WRAP, said: “With a shared focus on safeguarding worker rights and promoting responsible manufacturing, WRAP and ESCP will leverage our combined expertise to foster responsible supply chains while reducing audit fatigue for factories. Together, we can empower companies to align their practices with ethical standards, ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect, manufacturing facilities are operated responsibly and efficiently, and brands are run diligently and competitively.”

The partnership will also facilitate the development of new resources and training programs, enabling responsible companies to meet their ESG objectives while fostering transparency and accountability in their supply chains. By working together, ESCP and WRAP aim to establish a benchmark for ethical production that benefits workers, businesses, and communities alike.

Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP)

The Ethical Supply Chain Program was founded by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), and now champions integrity and sustainability across all sectors. We facilitate communication, certification and cooperation between manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and retailers worldwide to build a network with transparency at its core. But we’re much more than an ethical rubber stamp, our program is a commitment to respect, fairness, and inclusivity. Together, we can create a better life for workers worldwide.

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP)

Transformers Foundation Launches The First Cross-Industry Benchmark For Water Usage In Indigo Dyeing Processes

NEW YORK CITY — July 22, 2025 — In response to rising concerns over vague sustainability claims and the growing need for credible environmental data in the denim industry, Transformers Foundation — with support from NDL – Naveena Denim Ltd. and the Indigo Council — has launched “A Reference for Water Consumption During Indigo Dyeing” — the first cross-industry benchmark for water usage in indigo dyeing processes.

This inaugural study establishes baseline and best-in-class water use metrics for both rope and slasher dyeing systems, based on real-world data collected from seven mills across Pakistan, Türkiye, Italy and China. Developed through months of collaboration with dye experts, mill technicians, machinery manufacturers, and chemical suppliers, the report is designed to bring clarity and consistency to one of denim’s most debated sustainability topics.

The study finds that water consumption during post-dye washing and rinsing varies significantly between rope and slasher dyeing methods. However, it also demonstrates that with the right practices in place, water usage can be substantially reduced. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate monitoring, consistent process control, and smart water management in improving dye efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact.

The Indigo Council includes a coalition of denim industry leaders: Candiani Denim, Crescent Bahuman, Diamond Denim, Naveena Denim, Soorty, Orta, and Advance Denim. Machinery support was provided by Morrison Textile Machinery and Karl Mayer, with additional technical oversight from bluesign® and DyStar.

The launch of this report arrives at a critical moment. With the EU Green Claims Directive, the UK Green Claims Code, and multiple lawsuits in the US targeting misleading environmental claims, stakeholders across the denim supply chain are being called to back sustainability statements with measurable, transparent data. This paper offers a tool to do just that — giving brands, mills, and innovators a shared benchmark for water usage and an evidence-based way to compare new dye technologies or chemical systems.

As the report notes, this is not about choosing rope vs. slasher or prescribing one technology over another. Instead, it is about establishing a clear and adaptable framework that helps the entire industry move beyond unsupported claims and toward meaningful change.

The Indigo Council and Transformers Foundation hope this initiative inspires other industry stakeholders — especially mills and suppliers — to come together, share data, and co-develop open-source tools that strengthen sustainability from the supply side outward.

This work is emblematic of what’s possible when commercial competitors collaborate for shared progress.

Andrew Olah, founder at Transformers, said: “One of the most encouraging findings in this report is the willingness of mills to work together and share data transparently, a testament to Transformers culture of collaboration. It’s a powerful reflection of the strength and integrity of our supply chain. Prior to this report, claims like ‘80 percent less water’ have frequently gone unchallenged. Without transparency and specificity, such figures become marketing jargon: just enough to sound responsible, never enough to be meaningful. Real sustainability requires real data, and this report provides exactly that.”

Rashid Iqbal, executive director at Naveena NDL, said: “Naveena NDL Denim has been focused on optimizing and innovating in denim production from the very beginning. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate on this industry-first benchmark for water consumption. Setting industrial standards prevents sustainability from becoming a buzzword, and keeps brands and suppliers accountable.”

Paolo Leidi, Technical director at Transformers, said: “This report marks a historic first in the denim industry, bringing together mills from across the globe to share verified, third-party data on actual water use. Our goal was not to rank mills, but to equip brands, designers, and retailers with meaningful benchmarks, enabling them to assess how seriously a mill is addressing water reduction. Most importantly, this report proves that open, honest collaboration is possible even among competitors when it comes to critical sustainability issues. We hope it sets the stage for ongoing cooperation across the supply chain, building a more transparent and responsible industry.”

Posted: July 24, 2025

Source: Transformers Foundation

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