PARIS — May 19, 2025 — The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is proud to spotlight a growing wave of innovative architectural and civil engineering applications featuring flax and hemp fibers. As the global construction industry turns toward sustainable solutions, flax and hemp are emerging as high-performance, low-impact alternatives for a new generation of bio-based architecture.
Pioneering Structural Applications
For the first time, flax is stepping beyond interior and insulation use to form key structural elements in buildings. At the forefront of this transformation is the University of Stuttgart’s ITECH Research Pavilion 2024 program in Germany. Two extraordinary lightweight structures have been created using filament-wound flax fibers, demonstrating the material’s strength and design flexibility.
The main pavilion, a semi-permanent structure, features 20 flax fiber roof beams, crafted from Terre de Lin’s 100 Tex rovings and industrially processed by HA-CO Carbon GmbH. A second, smaller pavilion incorporates cowound wood and Safilin’s 200 Tex flax fibres in its columns and roof structure. Both projects highlight coreless robotic winding technologies and deliver striking examples of sustainable construction methods.
Sustainable Façade Innovation
Flax is also proving its value in cladding and façade systems. French manufacturer Temca recently completed 880 lightweight shading panels using Bcomp’s ampliTex™ flax fibre material for the Cité Scolaire Internationale Jacques Chirac business school in Marseille. Designed by renowned architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta for Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est, the system uses RTM-moulded ampliTex™ combined with UV-resistant gelcoat and fire-rated resin, providing a nature-inspired, energy-efficient solution with drastically reduced weight and hardware requirements compared to traditional materials.
Meanwhile, Dutch composite innovator NPSP continues its work integrating bio-based materials in public infrastructure. In collaboration with Alliance member Procotex and material partner Nabasco, NPSP has delivered striking façades across Europe, including the vibrant green cladding of Amsterdam’s NEMO Science Museum, designed by Renzo Piano. Nabasco® Natural panels offer both design freedom and top fire safety standards, paving the way for bio-based façades in modern urban design.
Civil Engineering and Urban Greening
DEMGY, a leader in recyclable moulded composites, has partnered with green roof experts PLANTIKA to introduce FLAXCOMP® sandwich base panels for rooftop garden modules. Replacing aluminum with perforated flax composites, the solution enhances water drainage and aeration while reducing environmental impact. If successful, the trial may lead to full flax composite construction in future urban greening projects, marking a critical advance toward circular building solutions.
“These projects reflect the growing ambition of our industry to deliver carbon-smart, beautiful, and high-performing structures using natural European fibers,” said Bruno Pech, Innovation Project manager.
The Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp continues to support its members and partners in advancing bio-based innovation across architecture and civil engineering.
Posted: May 20, 2025
Source: The Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp
BRIGHTWATERS, N.Y. — May 19, 2025 — GenuTrace LLC, a supply chain consultancy specializing in traceability, brand protection, and product authentication, announces its official launch. Founded by industry pioneer MeiLin Wan, GenuTrace addresses one of today’s most urgent challenges: scientifically proving product origin and authenticity.
“At GenuTrace, we ask one powerful question: If you claim it, can you prove it? Paper trails aren’t enough. We help brands back their claims with science — and build real transparency from farm to finished product,” Wan stated.
Wan, a former executive at Applied DNA Sciences, has led advancements in forensic traceability for over two decades. Her work with DNA tagging, isotope analysis, and genomic testing has set new benchmarks — particularly in the cotton and textile industries, where verified traceability is critical for sustainability, compliance, and consumer trust.
GenuTrace launches at a pivotal moment, as brands face mounting pressure to prove product origin and sustainability claims amid rising regulatory scrutiny, consumer demand for ethical sourcing, and surging counterfeit trade. Global counterfeit goods are projected to hit $1.79 trillion by 2030¹, while in the United States, more than 5,300 shipments were detained in FY2023 under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act². At the same time, 71 percent of consumers expect traceability, yet nearly half distrust sustainability claims³. In this environment, evidentiary proof isn’t optional — it’s a business imperative.
GenuTrace meets this need by delivering science-based solutions to verify origin, back up sourcing claims, and ensure full supply chain visibility. By combining stable isotope analysis, chemical tracers, and material fingerprinting with blockchain, digital product passports, and AI-powered mapping, GenuTrace helps brands meet global regulations like the UFLPA and EUDR. This fusion of forensic science and digital infrastructure turns traceability into a defensible asset — essential for brand integrity and regulatory compliance.
GenuTrace’s core offerings include:
Origin Verification: Using technologies such as stable isotope and elemental analysis to scientifically confirm material provenance
Full Supply Chain Traceability: Tracing material flow from source to shelf, including risk mapping, risk analysis, and third-party validation
Strategic Communications: Supporting clients with tools and messaging to substantiate and share their traceability commitments with regulators, customers, and consumers
Through a global network of laboratories and strategic partners, GenuTrace delivers both pilot and commercial — scale solutions — integrating forensic science, physical tracers, blockchain, and digital product passports to provide secure, end-to-end visibility from source to shelf. Serving industries from textiles and food to personal care and agriculture, GenuTrace ensures authenticity, regulatory compliance, and supply chain integrity.
Learn more at https://www.genutrace.com
1 Research and Markets. Counterfeit Goods Global Market Report 2024. April 2024.
2 U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP Operational Statistics – Forced Labor Enforcement. December 2023.
3 McKinsey & Company. The State of Consumer Trust in Sustainability Claims. February 2024.
DURHAM, N.C. — May 19, 2025 — The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) proudly supports the educational development of future textile professionals through Student Chapters at textile educational institutions globally. Each year, Student Chapter Faculty Advisors honor a senior undergraduate from their chapter with the Student Chapter Award, recognizing them for academic achievement and contribution to the chapter, school, or society. The Association proudly recognizes these Student Members for their dedication to their education and awards them with a certificate, a copy of Color Vision and Technology, and one year of free Student Membership in AATCC to continue their professional development as they start their careers.
Faculty Advisor Mohammad Tajul Islam shared “Abir Hossain has consistently demonstrated strong academic achievement and a … deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of apparel manufacturing and technical textiles. Notably, his participation in national-level competitions, such as winning the Textile Talent Hunt 8.0, highlights his innovative approach and problem-solving skills. Abir has engaged in internships and hands-on projects, such as his work at Urmi Garments Ltd. and as Founding Chair of the AATCC AUST Student Chapter, Abir’s dedication to bridging academia and industry has left a lasting impact on both the chapter and the student community.”
Hossain hopes to begin his career in the garment industry and after gaining experience aims to complete his master’s degree at the North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles.
Valle
Alicia Valle
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Degree: Apparel Merchandising & Management, Apparel Production & Management focus
Hometown: Pomona, Calif.
Faculty Advisor Helen Trejo shared “Alicia Valle is a senior in the Apparel Production & Management option at Cal Poly Pomona. Alicia stands out for her diligence and support of peers in textile lab courses. Alicia’s holistic academic experiences exemplify ‘learn by doing’ and efforts towards inclusive excellence.”
Her advisor also shared that Valle serves as a role model for her peers through her proactive Presidency of the AATCC SoCal Broncos student organization and position as an Instructional Student Assistant in the Apparel Merchandising & Management department. She is also a College of Agriculture Peer Advisor, where she is a teaching assistant for freshmen and transfer student “First Year Experience” courses.
After completing her current degree, Valle hopes to pursue a career in industry in a role that combines creative development with hands-on technical work, such as product development, production management, or technical design. She is also considering pursuing a master’s degree or specialized certifications to continue expanding her skill set and stay competitive in the field.
Lima
Milla Lima
Fashion Institute of Technology
Degree: Textile Development and Marketing, minor in Ethics and Sustainability
Hometown: Denver, N.C.
Faculty Advisor Whitney Crutchfield shared “Milla serves as a role model for other students in the Textile Development and Marketing department. She is actively engaged in coursework, research, and extracurricular activities related to the department. Milla is part of a research team lead by TDM faculty working on a project funded by an EPA grant and is a champion for sustainability and environmentally-sound practices in the textile industry.”
Lima serves as the Vice President of the Student Chapter at FIT and has demonstrated dedication to the chapter with enthusiasm and professionalism. She is cited by her advisor as an instrumental part of the Chapter leadership, being proactive and communicative with her peers and with faculty and industry partners.
Lima hopes to pursue a career in textile development, with a focus on material innovation or sustainability-driven production, She looks forward to staying in New York to build industry experience, and plans to later continue her education to further refine her expertise.
Akbar
Amna Akbar
NED University of Engineering & Technology
Degree: Textile Sciences
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Faculty Advisor Muhammad Dawood Husain shared “Amna Akbar has been an active member of AATCC since 2022, playing key roles and becoming Vice President in 2025. She has led initiatives like career seminars, Olympiads, and industry visits, and is currently working on organizing professional training on AATCC standards. Her leadership and dedication continue to Astrengthen the chapter’s impact and reach.”
Akbar has actively developed her career, completing the Unilever Engineering Possibilities training program and Digital Marketing and Advertising Certificate through NFTP along with internships at Demin Prive, Younus Textile, and Smart Lab at NEDUET. She’s also represented AATCC at the 9th Color & Chem Expo Pakistan 2024 for memberships and led AATCC members to attend GTex Expo 2025.
After graduation, Akbar hopes to start her career in the textile industry in the manufacturing and quality assurance sectors. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) to strengthen her management skills and broaden her career opportunities
Patel
Hetul Patel
North Carolina State University — Wilson College of Textiles
Degree: Polymer and Color Chemistry, Science and Operations focus
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Faculty Advisor R. Bryan Ormond shared “Hetul Patel has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, showcasing a strong commitment to his studies. He is an inquisitive learner, always seeking to deepen his understanding of complex concepts. One of his notable strengths is his ability to receive and act upon feedback, which has led to significant growth and improvement throughout his academic journey. His achievements are a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Hetul Patel has demonstrated significant service to our school and the AATCC Student Chapter. As an active member, he consistently attends meetings and has been a key representative for the club over the past two years. Notably, he represented the chapter on the Tompkins Textile Student Council, showcasing his leadership and commitment. His dedication and active participation have been invaluable to the chapter’s success and visibility within the university community.”
Patel has worked in the Pilot plant at the Wilson College of Textiles Zies Textiles Extension, where he learnt to apply wet processing and finishing knowledge and made valuable connections. After graduation, Patel plans to work in the dye industry and provide sustainable solutions to the textile industry in his hometown, Ahmedabad.
Faculty Advisor Becky Flax shared “Janely Tirado is an exceptional individual. She has demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement and endless persistence when working toward her goals. Throughout her time at Jefferson, she served as a peer mentor in the First Year Seminar Course, a research assistant in our Bruner Materials Characterization Lab, and an academic peer tutor. Her presence in a class elevated the work outcomes of her peers due to the high standards she sets for herself, but also her unwavering support for her classmates.
During times when TJU’s AATCC student chapter engagement flagged, Janely was an active member. Janely received the 2023 Delaware Valley Section Scholarship and attended the 2023 AATCC Textile Discovery Summit. When the current AATCC chapter leadership asked her to present her experiences with internships, grant writing, and textile testing, she enthusiastically said yes! She has been a core component of the AATCC TJU Student Chapter, and we will sincerely miss her. Now at Nike, Janely is accomplishing great things, and we could not be more proud.”
Tirado has graduated and begun her career in Kids FW Materials Development at Nike. She hopes to continue growing as a professional, exploring all aspects of textile materials from ideation to creation.
Patel
Abigail “Abby” Patel
University of Delaware
Degree: Fashion Merchandising and Management; Minor in Business Administration
Hometown: Mickleton, N.J.
Faculty Advisor Adriana Gorea shared “Abby has achieved Dean’s List for 6 semesters of college, and she also holds a Destination Delaware scholarship and a university scholarship.
Abby has been the president of Sustainable Fashion club since September 2023 and brings awareness to the school about the harmful impacts of the fashion industry in regard to sustainability and ethics. She has been able to educate peers about how they can upcycle and recycle what they have instead of throwing items away. She demonstrates understanding of the importance of educating others on sustainability and hopes to have a positive impact on the fashion industry in the near future.”
After graduation, Patel hopes to begin her career in the fashion industry as a merchandiser, buyer, or in sourcing and to continue her work in sustainability awareness.
Posted: May 19, 2025
Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
MUMBAI, India — May 19, 2025 — Dun & Bradstreet India, a provider of business decisioning data and analytics, has released a new report titled ‘Navigating the Fault Lines of Global Trade: An Indian Perspective,’ offering a comprehensive analysis of the shifting trade landscape and its implications for Indian exporters.
As global trade tensions intensify and the United States recalibrates its economic engagement, the report reveals that the trade environment has changed significantly. Indian businesses need to be ready to mitigate rising risks while seizing newly emerging export opportunities.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Trade Reset in Motion: Recent U.S. tariff actions mark a significant shift in global trade strategy, impacting a wide range of trading partners including India through broad, cross-border measures.
Margins Under Pressure: Of India’s 3,934 product lines exported to the U.S., over 3,100 now face a 10% flat tariff, and 343 are hit with a 25% rate. Sectors like iron & steel, machinery, textiles, and chemicals are the most exposed.
Opportunities Taking Shape: The report identifies 360 high-potential products where India is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market. Big opportunities lie in specialty chemicals, pharma inputs, home textiles, and industrial components.
Smart Product Strategy: Products are mapped into four zones—Sweet Spots, High Risk–High Reward, Margin Traps, and Non-Core to help businesses focus where it matters most.
“This marks an important shift in the global trade landscape,” said Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet. “India is at a point where thoughtful, strategic steps can help turn current global changes into long-term success. As supply chains diversify and trade policies evolve, Indian exporters have a chance to strengthen their role in key sectors. To fully leverage this shift, India must adopt forward-looking strategies that balance risk management with market expansion, especially in margin-sensitive industries like specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and advanced manufacturing inputs.”
The report can be downloaded for free from the website of Dun & Bradstreet India
GENEVA — May 19, 2025 — Better Cotton, a cotton sustainability initiative, will welcome cotton farmers, retailers, brands, environmental activists, and innovators to its annual conference, which takes place in İzmir, Türkiye, June 18-19.
Under the overarching theme “It Starts with Farmers,” the 2025 Better Cotton Conference will catalyse lively debate and collaborative action as it explores the sector’s most pressing issues and interests, from climate finance and regenerative agriculture to traceability, sustainability claims, and industry regulations.
Alan McClay, CEO at Better Cotton, said: “The Better Cotton Conference puts global cotton farming communities at the centre of its discussions. They form the backbone of the fashion and textile sectors, and it’s through this lens that we can reach a consensus as an industry that drives progress for everyone, right back to the start of our supply chains.”
The conference will explore four important and interconnected themes: Nurturing Equality — A Fairer Future for Farming Communities; Restoring the Environment — Turning Climate Commitments into Action; Deepening Impact with Data — Unlocking Insights for a Stronger Cotton Industry; and Shaping our Future — Policy, Collaboration and Industry Evolution.
Confirmed keynote speakers include ex-Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori, who now serves as an independent Director of Bunge Global, SA., one of the world’s largest agricultural companies; social and environmental advocate Lavinia Muth, whose work in ethically driven fashion and agriculture has spanned 15 years; and climate justice campaigner Tori Tsui, who is a senior advisor for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and Climate Justice lead for Brian Eno’s Earth Percent.
With only one month until the event, Muth said: “I’m excited to join the Better Cotton Conference to challenge and reimagine cotton farming as if relations matter. This isn’t just about better practices, it’s about deeper relationships: cotton as kin, land as ancestor and labor as sacred and precious. Let’s move beyond sustainability as a checklist and toward justice as a practice.”
Kobori, who was involved in the establishment of Better Cotton 15 years ago, added: “I have followed and supported the organization’s extraordinary progress with great interest. I am looking forward to learning about Better Cotton’s latest impacts as well as its future plans and how I can best support these.”
The event will welcome farmers and field-level representatives from Australia, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Pakistan, Türkiye, the United States, and Uzbekistan.
Organisations also set to participate over the two days include: IKEA, Textile Exchange, John Lewis, the Fair Labor Association, the Organic Cotton Accelerator, FS Impact Finance, Solidaridad, Cotton Australia, and Farmer Connect.
After the conference, Better Cotton will host interested attendees for farm tours at which they will see first-hand how Turkish cotton farmers have been implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.
MADRID — May 15, 2025 — Recover™, a materials science company and large-scale producer of sustainable, high‑quality recycled cotton fiber and cotton fiber blends, and Intradeco, a global vertical manufacturing group and prominent player in the textile industry, offering high-quality apparel across an extensive range of categories, are pleased to announce the formation of a strategic joint venture aimed at producing Recover™ recycled cotton fiber and revolutionizing the textile production landscape in the Western hemisphere. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Anders Sjöblom, CEO of Recover™.
The joint venture will be based in El Salvador, leveraging the region’s strategic position within the Americas’ textile economy offering near shore quick and flexible models to our customers supply chains. This partnership will be the beginning in a process of developing closed textile loops and more circular textile systems in the mid-term. This collaboration will enable both companies to capitalize on the growing importance of the CAFTA region, where major global brands and retailers are establishing production hubs in response to recent potential trade tensions in the Americas.
The new processing plant in Central America is strategically located close to textile waste and production streams, allowing it to operate in a cost-efficient manner, offering fast lead times while lowering the supply chains carbon footprint. Additionally, the initiative will simplify compliance with the UFLPA for U.S. textile and apparel manufacturers, while also addressing the increasing demand for nearshoring.
Recover brings its proprietary process and know-how to produce low-impact, high-quality recycled cotton fiber, which will be a cornerstone of the joint venture’s operations. This technological expertise will enhance the venture’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable textile solutions to the market.
“We are thrilled to partner with Intradeco to bring our sustainable textile solutions to the Americas and address the increasing demand for nearshoring in the region. This joint venture is another step in our journey to enable large-scale sustainable change in fashion through business value and inspiration. Together, we aim to support changed trade patterns and drive innovation and sustainability in the textile industry,” said Anders Sjöblom, CEO of Recover.
“Intradeco is excited to partner with Recover to enhance our production capabilities and deliver high-quality, recycled products at scale to our customers. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability,” said Jaime Miguel, CEO of Intradeco.
Recover now offers sustainable and cost-competitive solutions for brands and retailers in most major textile production hubs, serving customers from Spain, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, and now El Salvador.
The joint venture is set to commence operations in 2025, with initial shredding activities being temporarily managed out of Recover’s Spain-based factory.
HONG KONG — May 16, 2025 — Crystal International Group published the 16th Sustainability Report that summarizes the positive strides on people, environment and communities in 2024. The Report illustrates the Group’s progressive transition to the next milestone — Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 (CSV2030), while accelerating all-round innovation in smart manufacturing.
The Report covers Crystal International’s sustainability vision, strategies, key initiatives, achievements, and performance in 2024. It is in compliance with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure requirements of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) as well as with reference to the GRI Standards. This is also the first year to adopt double materiality approach to holistically assess business sustainability from both the financial and impact perspectives, with reference to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group.
Key Highlights of the Report
Cover Design Concept
three lively characters symbolize our commitment to Regenerating Nature, Resourcing People, and Revitalising Community under CSV2030.
The dynamic graphics and patterns reflect the boundless possibilities.
Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 (CSV2030) – Impact for Better
8 impact areas across environmental, social and community
Referenced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Highlights towards CSV2030 in 2024
Net zero target validated by SBTi
New 2-million tree planting target by 2030
No coal-fired units in wholly-owned factories
3 factories achieved zero operational waste to landfill
Empowered 70,300 women through CARE programme since 2016
Regenerating Nature:
Expanded Group’s solar PV with total capacity at 20 MW
Identified 200 energy efficiency measures to be completed by 2028, with 120 measures completed
Verified Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon inventory against ISO14064-1:2018 standard
Recycled or recovered to energy over 70% of waste generated
Connected recyclers and upstream suppliers to establish a local-to-local recycling network in Vietnam, closing the loop for our denim products
Achieved verified Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) 4.0 industry-leading average score of 78.3, surpassing the industry median of 46.2
Applied greener chemistries, 80% Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) conformance of chemical formulations
Increased water recycling rate up to 60% through expanding onsite wastewater treatment plant in the denim factory in Vietnam
Innovative Manufacturing
Developed smart manufacturing models – FLAP for garment factories and FLOCK for mills
Modernisation Centre in Vietnam deployed over 300 automated machines and robots in knits factories, and saved 34% time to make a basic T-shirt since 2020
Digital Product Creation: saved 50% denim physical samples compared to 2018
Smart transformation at denim factory in Vietnam with smart Warehouse Management System, smart AGV System, smart Cutting System, and smart Production Lines
Resourcing People:
Provided group-wide training programmes covering all job levels from executives to workers, e.g.
Established regional Shared Services Centres (SSCs) to empower about 760 managers as identified in the Crystal Manager Curriculum
Organised talent programmes for future executive succession
Recognised as Better Work High Performance Factory: all factories in Vietnam
Achieved ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard certification in five factories
Improved gender equality through women empowerment
Launched RISE Respect programme in the intimate factory in Vietnam, empowered 190 change makers
Expanded first-ever Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. women empowerment programme in the sportswear factory in Cambodia
Caring for our employees
Launched employee wellness programmes in all operating countries
Organised vision screening and provided no-cost, quality eyeglasses for workers in need at denim factory in Vietnam
Implemented Worker Voice Programmes in Vietnam, China, and Cambodia
Revitalising Community:
Caring for our communities
Contributed USD500,000 and 8,200 person-hours via community activities, health and medical care, education and environmental stewardship, benefitting over 40,000 individuals
Reduced ocean pollution in Sri Lanka by installing an ocean strainer
Rebuilt workers’ homes destroyed by super typhoon in Vietnam
Awards and Recognition:
Received more than 70 global and local awards, 6 awards from customers in 2024, including
Two-time A-list in CDP Climate Change
UN Women 2024 Asia-Pacific Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards – Leadership Commitment
Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards (HERA) 2024 Carbon Neutral Award – Grand Award; Commendation for the Best ESG Report – Mid-cap; Commendation for the Excellence in Social Positive Impact; Commendation for Excellence in Environmental Positive Impact
EY Sustainability Excellence Awards 2024 – Outstanding Company
HKMA 2023 Best Annual Reports Awards – Certificate of Excellence in ESG Reporting
HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2024
The Sustainability Report 2024 is now available for download at the Sustainability Report section of the Group’s corporate website. https://www.crystalgroup.com/sustainability-report
LONDON — May 16, 2025 — Sheep Inc., a natural fiber specialist and pioneer of carbon-negative design, announced the launch of its latest breakthrough: The Merino Swimshorts — crafted entirely from Reda Active 100-percent ZQ-certified Merino wool, with a Yarnaway™ biodegradable lining that leaves no trace, no microplastics, and no compromises. This is swimwear, reimagined.
A New Wave In Natural Performance
Two years of research, trials, and fine-tuning have led to a world-first: Swimshorts made entirely from fully traceable natural fibers — engineered for performance and built to return to the earth. At the core: ZQ-certified Merino wool, sourced from ethical, regenerative farms in New Zealand. A naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, quick-drying fiber that moves with the body — whether in water, on sand, or out to lunch. Merino’s technical properties, long championed in activewear, now find their place by the pool.
Inside: a biodegradable Yarnaway lining, developed to decompose completely in marine and soil environments. Unlike traditional synthetic mesh linings, this leaves zero microplastic residue, offering peak comfort without planetary cost.
This Isn’t Sustainable. This Is Restorative.
Sheep Inc.’s design philosophy is simple: natural fibers, future-first thinking. These swimshorts are built with zero shortcuts, and a commitment to regenerative sourcing — from fiber to finish. Each pair is fully traceable, with a woven in Connected Dot™ linking you to the journey of your swimshorts: the farm, the fiber, the makers. Transparency, built in.
Why Merino? Why Now?
Because natural fibers outperform synthetics — when sourced and engineered correctly. merino wool doesn’t cling, overheat, or retain odors. It breathes. It stretches. It dries quickly. It’s swimwear that works with your body, not against it.
And crucially, it’s made to return to the earth — not pollute it.
A Category-Breaking Garment
In a market saturated with petroleum-based synthetics, Sheep Inc.’s Merino Swimshorts stand apart as a first-of-its-kind, natural alternative. Every detail — from the biodegradable lining to the merino fiber — is proof that innovation doesn’t need to come at a cost to the planet.
Natural Innovation, Refined
“These swimshorts are a material rethink,” says Sheep Inc. co-founder Edzard van der Wyck. “We wanted to prove that swimwear didn’t have to be plastic to perform. So we worked with the best natural materials on Earth, and the best people who knew how to shape them.”
PRODUCT DETAILS
Main Fabric: 100% Reda Active ZQ-certified Merino Wool
BRUSSELS — May 16, 2025 — EDANA is pleased to announce the expansion of the Stewardship Programme CODEX™, a key part of its voluntary industry initiative to ensure product safety, transparency, and consumer confidence. This expansion increases the number of trace chemicals covered in the CODEX, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship and high safety standards.
The CODEX™ is the core
The voluntary Stewardship Programme core is its CODEX, which features:
An evolving list of trace chemicals, purposefully chosen by EDANA (including, but not limited to, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, furans, phthalates, formaldehyde, metals). These are not intentionally used to manufacture absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) but may be present in trace amounts.
Guidance values for each substance, based on existing related regulations, regulatory guidance, related existing standards or industry experience.
Standardized consumer relevant test methods to evaluate products for possible traces of substances.
A Voluntary Commitment to Safety and Transparency
The EDANA Stewardship Programme was created to provide science-based guidance on the safety of absorbent hygiene products, including baby diapers, menstrual products, and incontinence products. As a voluntary initiative, it reflects the industry’s proactive approach in going beyond regulatory requirements to enhance trust and transparency.
By broadening the CODEX, EDANA and its members continue to support best practices in substance management and regulatory alignment.
Why This Expansion Matters
More Chemicals Covered — The CODEX now includes a broader list of substances not to be present in AHP in a higher concentration than the respective guidance value. These are not intentionally used to manufacture AHPs but may be present in trace amounts.
Enhanced Consumer Confidence — By voluntarily increasing substances, the industry demonstrates its commitment to ensuring safe and high-quality absorbent hygiene products. EDANA’s member companies keep safety at the very heart of what they do.
Alignment with Best Practices — The expansion reflects the latest scientific knowledge and supports companies in staying ahead of regulatory developments. The voluntary CODEX™ represents a living program; it is a proactive work to keep adding substances.
The expansion of the EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX is the result of ongoing collaboration with industry experts, scientists, and regulators, ensuring it remains a trusted reference for product stewardship.
Learn more about the EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX in the following page: https://www.edana.org/how-we-take-action/edana-stewardship-programme-for-absorbent-hygiene-products?utm_source=press+release&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=expanding+stewardship+programme+codex
MARSHALL, Ind. — May 15, 2025 — Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers feature a rectangular shape and doors on the bottom, so they require substantially less floorspace for the same capacity as conventional hoppers. For example, a standard 1 cubic yard capacity hopper requires 25 square feet of floor space due to the angled side (to allow dumping), while a 1-cubic yard drop bottom hopper fits into just 11.5 square feet of floor space.
Drop Bottom Hopper in action.
Various models are available depending on the weight of scrap or waste being handled, with capacities from 1,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds. Each model allows an operator to empty the hopper from the safety of the forklift. Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers are ideal for a wide range of wood, metal, and other scrap and waste handling making them well suited for use in woodworking shops, fabrication facilities, machine shops, placing stone and gravel, and more.
Their unique space saving design fit in tight spaces and allow shops to make productive use of every inch of floorspace. With widths as narrow as 20-inches, they are ideal for molding scraps, off-spec lumber and other long, narrow materials. Casters can be added to more easily move them on the production floor. Each model allows an operator to empty the hopper without leaving the forklift — either with the Dump-from-Seat™ or the optional remote control (for hydraulically controlled doors).
Iron Bull representatives are available to assist in sizing and selection as required. For example, wood shops can likely use a lightweight model with 1,000 capacity and a single drop door. For heavier wood and medium metal scrap, a standard 2,000-pound capacity hopper with a single drop door or double drop doors will likely suffice. Heavy duty hoppers are available with up to 30,000-pound capacity for extreme applications like steel mills, metal fabricating, stone, gravel, and other heavy materials. All Iron Bull Drop Bottom Hoppers are manufactured in Marshall, Indiana with industry-leading lead times.
Located in Marshall, Indiana, Iron Bull is a leading manufacturer of advanced scrap handling hoppers, and Roll Over Protection systems for tractors. Since 2014 they have designed and manufactured a complete lineup of standard and custom hoppers for a wide variety of products and industries. The name “Iron Bull” reflects what they strive for in every customer interaction — quality products that are tough and strong. Each product includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition to premier equipment, Iron Bull strives to provide fast, friendly customer service and technical support.
PARIS — May 19, 2025 — The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is proud to spotlight a growing wave of innovative architectural and civil engineering applications featuring flax and hemp fibers. As the global construction industry turns toward sustainable solutions, flax and hemp are emerging as high-performance, low-impact alternatives for a new generation of bio-based architecture.
Pioneering Structural Applications
