Helix Sleep Announces Partnership With Steinhafels Furniture

PHOENIX, Ariz. — September 26, 2025 — Helix Sleep, a direct-to-consumer sleep brand, announced today its newest retail partnership with Steinhafels, Wisconsin and Chicagoland’s leading furniture and mattress retailer.

“We’re so excited to add Steinhafels to our growing retail program,” said Jerry Lin, Co-Founder of Helix Sleep. “Their long-standing presence in the Midwest, strong customer loyalty, and reputation for quality align well with what Helix stands for. We’ve seen strong results with our retail partners, and we’re excited to bring that same success to Steinhafels as we expand access to our lineup of personalized, high-performance mattresses.”

Beginning this month, Helix will roll out in 13 Steinhafels superstores across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The in-store assortment will feature three of the brand’s top-selling models, Midnight Luxe, Twilight Luxe, and Midnight Elite, offering a range of firmness levels to meet diverse sleep needs. Customers will have the opportunity to experience Helix’s signature features in person, including zoned lumbar support, GlacioTex™ cooling technology, and advanced hybrid construction. All Helix mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified, free from harmful chemicals and fiberglass, offering peace of mind alongside performance.

“At Steinhafels, we’re always looking to bring innovative sleep solutions to our customers, and Helix is a perfect fit,” said Jessica Stark, Director of Merchandising at Steinhafels. “Helix has built a reputation for delivering mattresses that combine personalization with exceptional comfort and support. By adding Helix to our lineup, we’re giving our customers even more options to find the mattress that truly matches their unique sleep needs.”

Helix is uniquely positioned to support high-volume retail partners through domestic mattress assembly, in-house production of proprietary foams and coils, and a growing national manufacturing footprint. To support the launch, Helix will also run co-branded digital retargeting campaigns aimed at driving foot traffic to Steinhafels stores. Backed by a top-tier national sales and training team, the brand is prepared to deliver a high-touch, consistent retail experience at scale.

Founded in 1934 and now 100% employee-owned, Steinhafels has built a strong reputation for offering high-quality, affordable furnishings and a seamless in-store and online shopping experience. Known for its deep roots in the community and commitment to customer service, Steinhafels combines trusted expertise with a broad selection of styles to help customers create comfortable, personalized living spaces.

Originally launched as a DTC brand in 2015, Helix Sleep has grown into a category leader through its commitment to personalized sleep solutions and product innovation. For more information on Helix Sleep, visit www.helixsleep.com.

Posted: September 28, 2025

Source: Helix Sleep / 3Z Brands

Filo64 Opening Ceremony: Innovation, Sustainability, Legality — The Future Of Made In Italy

BIELLA, Italy — September 23, 2025 — The opening ceremony of the 64th edition of Filo, under the title “Innovation, Sustainability, Legality: the future of Made in Italy”, has taken place this morning at Fiera Milano Rho – Hall 14.

In his speech, Paolo Monfermoso, responsible of Filo, recalled two dates: 1994, when the first edition was held, and 2025, when Fiera Milano Rho was chosen as the exhibition venue. These two dates mark Filo’s constant growth and its impressive figures. Today, the fair hosts 109 exhibitors, including 68 Italian exhibitors and 41 foreign ones, coming from 16 countries: Austria, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Japan, India, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the USA and Uzbekistan.

Paolo Barberis Canonico, President of Unione Industriale Biellese, focused his attention on two concepts. “The first one – sustainability – should not be seen as an obligation, but as an additional competitive advantage that Italian companies gained through investments and entrepreneurial commitment and that we must now leverage in the markets. The second concept is aggregation: our industries are suffering attacks from structured and well-organised economic systems – not individual companies. The response to this aggression is joining forces: we must give up a bit of our corporate sovereignty to achieve much greater goals.”

Mr. Barberis Canonico concluded his speech with an “invitation to entrepreneurs to be more proactive, also towards legislators, and to actively participate in various technical working groups, which are the best place where presenting proposals, ideas and objectives for the whole sector.”

Elena Chiorino, Vice-President of Piedmont Region, took the floor saying that: “Filo is much more than a trade fair: it is an international showcase that confirms Piedmont and Italy as benchmarks for high-quality textile industry. Innovation, sustainability and legality are not slogans, but they represent those pillars on which building the future of Made in Italy, and Filo proves how our production system can turn them into concrete projects. Today more than ever, we need a serious approach to circularity that can transform the challenge of re-using materials into an opportunity for growth. As Region, we stand alongside those companies that invest in quality, skills and creativity: this is the way to strengthen international competitiveness and guarantee work and development for our territories. It is no coincidence that Piedmont’s textile industry will also be featured in the Italian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, with the event “Ancient looms, new visions: Piedmont and Japan together in the name of sustainable textile industry”, a unique opportunity to show to the world the innovative strength of our roots.”

In his video message, the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, underlined how “Filo is now an essential event for Made in Italy textile industry. We are facing the challenge of circular supply chains, which the government is addressing through policies and initiatives which can generate economic value. I am confident that, once again, textile sector will not just manage to face this challenge, but it will use it to strengthen its leadership worldwide.”

The round table discussion was the focus of the second part of Filo64 opening event. In her introduction, Laura Ricardi – moderator – drew attention to a “textile industry that is undergoing significant change and is currently experiencing a difficult economic downturn. However, there are signs of improvement that confirm the solidity of a system that can successfully face the challenges of innovation, sustainability and legality.”

Ms Ricardi then gave the floor to Luca Sburlati, President of Confindustria Moda, who once again emphasised the need for defending Made in Italy textile supply chain by leveraging legality: “Without transparency, compliance with regulations and protection of people and work, there can be neither innovation nor sustainability: legality is therefore one of the necessary pillars of Made in Italy. Defending the legal supply chain means defending quality, ethics and international reputation of our sector. At Confindustria Moda, we work every day to support companies that invest in these values, because legality is not a cost but a competitive advantage that protects healthy companies and strengthens domestic economy. The future of Made in Italy will be increasingly intertwined with legality, sustainability and innovation: this is our challenge and, at the same time, our greatest opportunity to continue to make Italian fashion a benchmark worldwide. Supply chain and brands must stay together in defending these values.”

According to Francesca Rulli, Co-founder of Ympact and Founder of 4sustainability: “Sustainable fashion is no longer a choice, but a shared responsibility. Tools such as traceability, digital passports and measurement of environmental and social risks and impacts are transforming supply chains, making them more ethical, transparent and competitive. After a more chaotic initial phase, the transition is consolidating around clear priorities and taking on a systemic dimension. In a country like Italy, where know-how, responsibility and innovation have always been distinctive factors, this structured approach began years ago: with Ympact, 3,500 Italian companies have now started assessing risks and measuring ESG impacts, and over 300 of them have chosen to undergo periodic checks on their level of implementation with Assurance 4sustainability. The systemic approach is growing, making easier for brands to choose partners for sustainable production, representing an opportunity to strengthen the efficiency of processes and the positioning of our production system.”

Giovanni Marchi, President of MagnoLab, stressed how “Innovation can generate value by being collaborative and systemic. At MagnoLab, we connect specialist expertise across the whole supply chain to transform insights into ready-to-apply solutions: this is the belief we started with, and experience confirms that projects develop better in a network capable of enhancing the specificity of each player and the complementarity with others belonging to the network. Our invitation to companies wishing to address circular economy issues is to meet us and design new paths towards sustainability together, for textile industry and more.”

Finally, Mauro Chezzi, Deputy Director of Confindustria Moda and Association Representative for Retex.Green, focused on European regulations: “For textile-fashion supply chain, the regulatory path for sustainable transition has been confirmed at all key stages. Recently, the European Parliament has approved the introduction of an obligation for Member States to establish Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textile industry. The EU Commissioner for the Circular Economy has urged Member States not to wait for 20 months as provide in the Directive for national implementation. Italy is already ahead on this: the draft Decree is already being prepared and is expected to be published in the Official Gazette within the year. This means that the time is fast approaching when producers will have to take responsibility for the practical management of the collection, sorting and recycling of textile waste. Retex.Green is already defining its operating model. My advice is to get ready to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. Concretely, taking part in the Consortium’s activities to stay up to date with the new requirements is something successful, understanding the impact of the new legislation and participating in designing new regulatory framework.”

The 64th edition of Filo takes place at Fiera Milano Rho, Hall 14, on the 23rd and the 24th of September 2025.

Posted: September 28, 2025

Source: Filo

Oritain Extends Cutting-Edge Origin Verification To Leather For EUDR Readiness

LONDON — September 22, 2025 — Oritain, a global leader in product origin verification, today announced the expansion of its services into leather. This development will enable the fashion, luxury fashion and automotive industries to meet the rising demand for traceability, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Oritain’s proprietary methodology already trusted across apparel, food, and agriculture, can now verify the geographic origin of leather from key producing countries across Europe, Africa and South America. This capability is increasingly vital as regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are enforced and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) mandates a Digital Product Passport. Such regulations require companies to disclose traceability information that proves their supply chains are transparent and ethically sourced.

The global leather goods market is projected to grow from $493 billion in 2025 to $904 billion in 2035, according to Future Market Insights (FMI, 2025). Meanwhile, the luxury leather goods segment alone is expected to generate over $66 billion in revenue in 2025, as reported by Statista (2025). These growth figures underscore the growing pressure on brands to demonstrate responsible sourcing.

“Leather sourcing is facing heightened scrutiny for its environmental and human rights impacts” said Alyn Franklin, CEO of Oritain. “Our origin verification programs give brands and tanneries the insights they need to make meaningful changes in their supply chain, meet regulatory obligations and build lasting trust with their customers.”

Traceability is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic imperative. Regulatory frameworks are tightening, and consumer expectations are shifting towards transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices. Brands that fail to meet these standards risk reputational damage, legal consequences, and loss of consumer trust.

Oritain’s extensive origin database and forensic expertise provide a unique solution for brands navigating increasingly complex supply chains. The service is designed to verify sourcing claims made by intermediaries and tanneries, enabling brands to identify deforestation and labor risks, supporting end-to-end supply chain mapping. Whether it’s bespoke handbags, premium footwear, or high-end automotive interiors, Oritain’s product origin verification is tailored to meet the unique needs of the fashion and automotive sectors, offering both precision and adaptability.

This launch follows Oritain’s recent expansion into the timber industry, another commodity highly relevant to concerns surrounding deforestation and subject to scrutiny by regulators. This broader business expansion into new sectors reflects Oritain’s commitment to innovation, and its role in helping clients set new standards for transparency and accountability.

“Our customers are looking for ways to get visibility into their supply chains. Extending our service to leather means we can stand alongside them and have a positive impact on the wider industry, delivering on our vision of being the source of truth in global supply chains” said Paul Bentham, chief product and technology officer at Oritain.

Posted September 26, 2025

Source: Oritain

 

Mayer & Cie. Files For Insolvency Under Self-Administration

ALBSTADT, Germany — September 25, 2025 — On 23 September 2025, Mayer & Cie., a manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines in Albstadt, filed an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings in self-administration at the Hechingen District Court.

Headquarters of Mayer & Cie. in Albstadt.

Mayer & Cie. specializes in the manufacture and sale of circular knitting and braiding machines, almost all of which are exported and are valued by textile manufacturers worldwide. The company is owner-managed in the fourth generation and recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. Mayer & Cie. employs around 280 people at its headquarters in Albstadt. Their wages and salaries are secured for three months via the insolvency benefit.

Mayer & Cie. operates in a market that is currently in turmoil due to global events. For example, the trade conflict between the USA and China and the war in Ukraine led to reluctance to invest worldwide. Turkey, an important export market, is struggling with high inflation, which means that textile manufacturers there are no longer competitive. At the same time, state-subsidized manufacturers from China offer their textile machines at low prices on the world market. This led to a slump in sales of almost 50 percent last year – with increased costs at the same time.

Self-administration offers companies a legal framework to reposition themselves while business operations are ongoing. In contrast to regular insolvency proceedings, corporate responsibility remains in the hands of the management, which controls the restructuring itself. The company management is supported by the experienced restructuring expert Martin Mucha from the law firm Grub Brugger, who joins the company as a general representative. In self-administration, the competent local court does not appoint an insolvency administrator, but a (provisional) administrator. The latter monitors the proceedings in the interest of the creditors. Attorney Ilkin Bananyarli from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has been appointed as the provisional administrator of Mayer & Cie.

“On Thursday, together with the management, I informed the workforce about the insolvency application. At the same time, the necessary steps were taken to maintain business operations. We intend to continue business operations as usual and will concentrate with all our commitment on maintaining the company’s core competencies,” explains attorney Martin Mucha.

Posted: September 25, 2025

Source: Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG

GenuTrace And Refiberd Partner To Deliver Verified Forensic With Ai Traceability For The Textile Industry

BRIGHTWATERS, N.Y. — September 24, 2025 — GenuTrace, LLC, a leader in forensic supply chain verification, and Refiberd, an AI-driven innovator in textile sorting, today announced a strategic collaboration to deliver a dual-layer validation system. The system combines forensic science and AI to verify the authenticity and origin of fiber, yarn and fabric.

“We ask one question — ‘If you claim it, can you prove it?’ Verifying fiber and yarn composition before fabrication means that sustainability claims are not just aspirational; they’re scientifically proven,” said MeiLin Wan, founder and CEO of GenuTrace.

In a market where recycled and conventional fibers increasingly overlap, supply chain integrity is more critical than ever. The partnership combines Refiberd’s AI-enabled hyperspectral imaging technology—capable of rapidly classifying fibers, yarns and fabrics by their spectral fingerprints”—with GenuTrace’s forensic stable isotope analysis that verifies the true geographic origin of cotton. This two-step system delivers unparalleled confidence in feedstock claims before fabrics are ever produced.

“To manufacture effectively, you must first know what you’re working with — down to the fiber. With our AI-enabled hyperspectral system, we can precisely verify cotton-based materials before they’re made into fabric. This validation is the critical foundation for making textile processes scalable and reliable,” said Sarika Bajaj, founder and CEO of Refiberd.

In 2025, Refiberd was named winner of the Global Fashion Agenda Trailblazer Programme and recognized as Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year in the CFDA x eBay Circular Fashion Fund. These awards highlight Refiberd’s leadership in advancing circularity and scaling AI-powered textile recycling solutions.

Driving Circularity With Proof

This collaboration empowers brands and manufacturers to “Trace it Before You Make It”, ensuring authenticity and sustainability at the earliest stages of production. By integrating high-speed AI classification with forensic origin isotope testing, GenuTrace and Refiberd can help to deliver a baseline for virgin and recycled materials such as recycled PET, nylon and other materials, that safeguards quality, efficiency, and trust across global supply chains.

Posted: September 24, 2025

Source: GenuTrace, LLC

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 Garners Strong Support From Industry Partners

SINGAPORE — September 23, 2025 — The region’s much-anticipated exhibition for sourcing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions across the entire textile and garment value chain will open next month on October 28.

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 has already seen strong interest from textile and garment industry professionals in the region since visitor registration was launched in March. Held from October 28-31, 2025, at the Singapore Expo, the exhibition will gather technology providers and key stakeholders from the entire textile and garment value chain.

To-date, the Singapore edition has drawn the support of over 80 textile and garment industry organizations. Among them are All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Asosiasi Pertekstilan Indonesia (API), Association of Iran’s Textile Industries (AITI), Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), International Trade Centre (ITC), Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) and Sri Lankan Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA). Many of the associations are organizing visiting delegations.

Kamran Arshad, chairman APTMA sees the 2025 edition as a good opportunity for their association members to explore the latest innovations that can help boost their business competitiveness.

He enthused: “Our members look forward to attending ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 as the gains they make in automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency will translate into higher productivity, lower costs and stronger compliance with global buyers. As such, we have promoted the exhibition to our members and response has been encouraging as Singapore is more accessible to us.”

Joseph Ikpe, National President of the Garments and Footwear Factory Owners Association of Nigeria (GAFFOAN), also sees great value for his members to attend the exhibition. He said: “This exhibition is a key opportunity for us to see advanced machinery and make the right investment decisions. It is timely as the Bank of Industry Fashion Fund offers loans for equipment purchases at favourable rates.”

He added: “We are sending a delegation as we hope to keep abreast of trending technologies and find solutions that will make our industry more efficient and competitive. With Africa gaining attention as a sourcing destination, now is the time to invest in technology that matches our ambitions.”

The much-anticipated textile machinery showcase features 19 product sectors encompassing the entire textile manufacturing value chain. Buyers will be able to source technologies and products from over 800 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions.

Early bird visitor badge registration will close on September 28, according to the organizer ITMA Services. Project Director Sylvia Phua, advised: “Visitors planning to attend the exhibition have a few days left to secure their badges at 50 percent off regular rates. Those who require a visa can submit their application supported by our invitation letter to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or through its authorised visa agent.

“Participants will find that Singapore offers exceptional value for industry professionals beyond business: a short stay can be both productive and cost-effective. Visitors can enjoy the island’s exciting tourist hotspots and renowned food scene — from affordable hawker fare to Michelin-starred dining — making their visit a delightful cultural experience for every budget.”

For more information on the exhibition, visit www.itmaasiasingapore.com or download the app.

Posted: September 23, 2025

Source: CEMATEX, CTMA & CCPIT TEX

CiCLO® Technology Takes Home ‘Behind The Seams Award’ For Innovation And Leadership In Tackling Microplastic Pollution

GASTONIA, N.C. — September 19, 2025 — Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM) announced that the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA) has recognized CiCLO® Technology with the 2025 Home Excellence Behind the Seams Award. This honor underscores the company’s commitment to addressing one of the textile industry’s fastest-rising concerns: microplastic pollution caused by the shedding of synthetic textiles. The Behind the Seams Award recognizes a supplier partner who has made an exceptional impact on the textile industry through innovation, meaningful partnerships, integrity, and leadership that drives positive change.

Hector Torres, Business Development & Brand Activation at Intrinsic Advanced Materials (L) and Cheryl Smyre, Vice President Advanced Materials at Parkdale Mills, Inc. (R) accept the Behind the Seams Award for CiCLO Technology.

“We are honored and grateful for the recognition from such a prestigious organization,” said Andrea Ferris, CEO and co-founder of IAM and co-inventor of CiCLO technology. “HFPA’s mission to advance the growth of the global home fashion product industry by setting standards for excellence is vital to the health of our industry; for CiCLO technology to receive the Behind the Seams Award is tremendous validation for what we set out to achieve when developing it.”

Research from the Ocean Conservancy indicates that each year, an estimated 6.5 million metric tons of microplastic pollution are released globally from textiles. CiCLO technology addresses this challenge by enabling synthetics to break down more like natural fibers, such as wool, rather than persisting in the environment. Seamlessly integrated into existing supply chains, it gives brands and retailers a practical way to lessen their environmental impact while maintaining performance, durability and recyclability.

The award also highlights the scientists and entrepreneurs who turned a complex problem into a practical solution. Their work bridges advanced materials science with fashion, home, and performance textiles, giving brands a way to differentiate while staying ahead of evolving expectations, from regulatory discussions on microplastics to corporate commitments to circularity.

The recognition comes as CiCLO technology gains traction in new markets and partnerships with global brands. The team is also active in raising consumer awareness about microplastic fiber pollution and sharing knowledge across the textile supply chain. By working directly with manufacturers, brands and retailers, CiCLO technology helps the industry take practical steps toward reducing environmental impact.

Posted: September 23, 2025

Source: Parkdale Mills Inc.

Purpose-Driven And Material Innovation: Xpore Teams Up With Patagonia And Industry Leaders At “From Material Science To Mission: 2025 Circular Economy Forum”

TAIPEI — September 18, 2025 — BenQ Materials hosted the groundbreaking “From Material Science to Mission: 2025 Cross-Industry Circular Economy Forum” at the Taiwan Textile Research Institute on September 16. This milestone event gathered global brand Patagonia, the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association, Chung Hwa Pulp Corp., and the Circular Taiwan Network to explore how material innovation, product footprint, responsible supply chains, and cross-industry collaboration can advance sustainable transformation. The collective goal: to position “Sustainable Manufacturing in Taiwan” as a trusted global hallmark.

Xpore Teams Up with Patagonia and Industry Leaders at “From Material Science to Mission 2025 Circular Economy Forum

BenQ Materials: Cross-Industry Vision and Leadership

Dr. ZC Chen, chairman of BenQ Materials, opened the forum by emphasizing that enterprises should not merely serve as suppliers, but as “co-creators of sustainable value.” Expanding from electronics into textiles, BenQ Materials is driving cross-industry circularity through its performance textile brand Xpore. The pioneering Xpore e2cycle – the world’s first and only recycled PET fabric derived from LCD waste — demonstrates how e-waste can be transformed into high-performance, durable, and functional textiles. This innovation connects the electronics and textile sectors, realizing the vision of “upcycling and upvaluing” materials to prolong their lifecycle and boost value.

Patagonia: Sustainability DNA and Collaborative Action

Matt Dwyer, vice president of Global Product Footprint at Patagonia, delivered a keynote titled “Product Footprint: A Balancing Act,” reviewing a decade of progress and challenges in implementing preferred materials – fibers and raw materials that improve environmental or social sustainability outcomes, now used in over 95 percent of Patagonia’s products. Dwyer underscored Patagonia’s pledge to eliminate PFAS by 2025 and to push the “Waste Economy,” such as transforming discarded fishing nets into NetPlus® nylon, diverting over 6.2 million pounds of ocean-bound nets since 2018. He highlighted the company’s “Fair Trade” initiatives, showing with data how these raise employee satisfaction, enhance product responsibility, and build consumer trust, while moving toward the “living wage” goal.

Xpore and Patagonia: Opportunities and Challenges in Partnership

Dwyer spotlighted the journey of collaboration with Xpore: from rigorous audits to enduring partnership, Patagonia recognized the potential of Taiwanese suppliers in the global chain. When Xpore debuted in 2020 with its PFAS-free, solvent-free material, Patagonia quickly initiated discussions in pursuit of high-performance yet eco-friendly solutions.

The real test came with Patagonia’s thorough audits in 2023, examining wages, safety, worker welfare, and even conducting direct interviews with frontline staff. Xpore’s transparent pay practices, above-standard benefits, and honest culture enabled it to pass in one attempt—often a rare feat among textile factories. This transparency and commitment accelerated the partnership and deepened mutual trust.

Today, Xpore and Patagonia have moved beyond a traditional client–supplier model, becoming true problem-solving partners. Xpore’s highest-grade Ultra nanoporous film is now featured in the Patagonia M10® Waterproof Alpine Anorak, designed to withstand extreme environments with outstanding performance and comfort — all through a PFAS-free process that exemplifies the best in technological and sustainable innovation.

Xpore’s story demonstrates that Taiwan’s textile industry can not only match global standards in technology, but also excel in ESG, supply chain responsibility, human rights, and transparency — offering a blueprint for how material science can be mission-driven and setting a new bar for sustainable transformation.

Textile Association: Innovation Through Design

Dr. Cam Huang, secretary-general of the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association, shared stories of “the Oscars of the textile world,” highlighting the industry’s dual strengths in high-performance and sustainable design, and urging more companies to make sustainability the core of brand value.

Chung Hwa Pulp: From Forest to Future Materials

Kirk Hwang, chairman of Chung Hwa Pulp Corp., spoke on “From Forest to Purpose,” demonstrating commitment to responsible forestry and circular manufacturing. By expanding pulp into biofibers and low-carbon packaging, coupled with energy transformation, Chung Hwa Pulp aims for 50 percent green energy self-sufficiency by 2030, embodying sustainable innovation in raw materials.

Circular Taiwan Network: Good Ideas + Good Governance = Good Business

Charles Huang, chairman of the Circular Taiwan Network, called for breaking linear thinking and advancing Circular Collaboration for Climate Crisis (CC4CC). Only through cross-industry and international cooperation can a sustainable ecosystem be built, citing the limited impact of global carbon reduction efforts over the past 30 years.

Co-Creating a Global Mark for “Sustainable Manufacturing in Taiwan”

With its purpose-driven approach and focus on material innovation, BenQ Materials aims to lead Taiwan into a new era of sustainable manufacturing. From global brand Patagonia to Taiwanese leaders in material science, textiles, and circular industries, all participants echoed the call to establish the “Taiwan Can Lead” alliance. By integrating ESG, circular economy, and responsible supply chains, they aspire to make “Sustainable Manufacturing in Taiwan” a global standard and to propel cross-industry transformation toward a sustainable future.

Posted: September 23, 2025

Source: BenQ Materials

Turning Waste CO₂ Into High-Performance Foam For Sustainable Fashion

VIENNA/SACRAMENTO, Calif. & NEW YORK CITY — September 23, 2025 — Borealis, Infinium and Fullstride Ventures introduce a new sustainable material for the apparel industry: a high-performance foam made using captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. One of the first applications of this innovative material is in Fullstride’s carboncup™ bra cup, marking a major step toward circularity in intimate apparel.

The foam is produced through a multi-step process that begins with capturing waste carbon dioxide (CO₂) that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Infinium’s proprietary process transforms this waste CO2 into eNaphtha — a low-carbon, drop-in alternative to fossil-based naphtha. Borealis then uses the eNaphtha to polymerize into polyethylene, the raw material for foam production. The result is a sustainable high-performance material that is efficiently processed in existing manufacturing and recycling infrastructure, all while meeting the stringent requirements of intimate apparel applications.

Fullstride’s carboncup is the first commercial application of the new foam material, partially made from CO2-derived eNaphtha, where it offers the same comfort, breathability, and long-lasting support as conventional foam, but with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to the 100-percent fossil-based polyurethane pads.

“This breakthrough innovation not only diverts carbon from the atmosphere but also reduces dependence on finite fossil resources,” says Yossi Nasser, CEO of Fullstride, “It significantly reduces our product’s carbon footprint and represents a meaningful leap forward for sustainable fashion.”

Infinium is one of the first companies to supply commercial volumes of eNaphtha to the market, enabling an additional pathway to decarbonizing plastics production and reducing global CO2 emissions. The material is produced at the company’s Project Pathfinder facility in Corpus Christi, Texas. The site is ISCC PLUS certified, ensuring the traceability of the sustainably produced feedstock from its point of origin throughout the entire chain of custody via a mass balance approach.

“Together with Fullstride and Borealis, we’re reimagining what carbon can be,” said Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium. “By creating eNaphtha that enables Borealis to produce next-generation plastics with dramatically reduced carbon footprint, we’re helping move entire industries toward a cleaner future.”

The carboncup is one of the first outcomes to result from the collaboration announced by Borealis and Infinium in August 2024, when the two companies revealed plans to use Infinium’s eNaphtha to produce low-carbon plastics from captured CO₂. Its launch marks a significant step toward circularity in the apparel industry and shows how collaboration across the value chain can unlock new ways to keep carbon in use and out of the atmosphere.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of innovation to offer circular solutions in delicate applications,” says Dirk Langhammer, vice president, Circular Economy Solutions. “By transforming atmospheric carbon into high-quality polymers in intimate apparel, we’re furthering our customers’ desire for sustainable living.”

Samples of the carboncup bra cup will be on display at our booth at K Show 2025, Düsseldorf, Germany, 8–15 October, Hall 6, Stand A43

Posted: September 23, 2025

Source: Infinium

Kemin Industries Acquires CJ Bio Subsidiary CJ Youtell Biotech

DES MOINES, Iowa & SHANGHAI — September 23, 2025 — Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, is pleased to announce its acquisition of CJ Youtell Biotech, the enzymes and fermentation subsidiary of CJ Bio. This strategic move strengthens Kemin’s position as a global leader in enzyme innovation for markets such as animal feed, food, aquaculture, textiles, paper and pulp, and biofuel industries.

With this acquisition, Kemin has full ownership of CJ Youtell’s fermentation plants and its enzyme product portfolio. CJ Youtell brings to Kemin a world-class fermentation platform, including strategically located plants in Shandong and Hunan, China. These newly integrated assets will expand Kemin’s enzymes business, enabling the delivery of high-performance, sustainable enzyme technologies directly to customers worldwide.

“We are pleased to welcome CJ Youtell into the Kemin family,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO, Kemin Industries. “This acquisition is a bold step forward in our ongoing strategy to provide cutting-edge fermentation solutions directly to our customers. Adding CJ Youtell to our portfolio further enhances Kemin’s expertise and dedication to supply high-quality and innovative enzyme ingredients and solutions across industries and around the world.”

The addition of the new facilities in China supports Kemin’s growth in R&D with laboratories and technical teams specializing in bioengineering, biochemistry, and enzyme formulation. With product innovation, manufacturing efficiencies, and the delivery of high-quality finished products, Kemin will be able to optimize production costs, reduce supply chain risk, and offer competitively priced, high-quality enzyme solutions across multiple markets and industries.

“The acquisition of CJ Youtell marks a powerful expansion of Kemin’s enzyme capabilities,” said Michelle Lim, president, Kemin Enzymes. “For over 40 years, Kemin has been formulating and delivering enzyme solutions across multiple markets and industries. With CJ Youtell’s fermentation expertise now part of our portfolio, we offer customers a fully integrated solution — from proprietary strain development and manufacturing to final formulation and application support.”

This integration builds on Kemin’s decades of enzyme expertise to create a seamless, end-to-end offering to customers. By combining in-house fermentation with advanced formulation, technical sales support, and Customer Laboratory Services, Kemin is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored, high-performing enzyme technologies. These expanded capabilities enhance Kemin’s agility and accelerate innovation, empowering customers to stay ahead in competitive and evolving markets.

Posted: September 23, 2025

Source: Kemin Industries

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