Textiles and apparel sustainability update

Covestro has developed performance fibres which are derived partly from carbon dioxide (CO2), and Lenzing has launched a new version of its Tencel Lyocell fibre with Refibra technology. Sympatex has expanded its range of recyclable performance laminates, and Advansa has developed a fibrefill product which is derived from recycled waste materials. PrimaLoft has collaborated with Parley for the Oceans in the development of insulation materials which incorporate fibres derived from ocean waste, and has developed an insulation manufacturing technique which will help it to reduce its CO2 emissions. DuPont Biomaterials has collaborated with Ecopel in the development of a luxury faux fur fabric and with Lenzing in the development of an environmentally sustainable apparel fabric collection. Schoeller Textil has developed a biodegradable apparel fabric collection, Cone Denim and Intrinsic Advanced Materials have developed a biodegradable denim fabric collection, and Advance Denim has developed a denim collection which is made using aniline-free dye. Masland Contract has developed a collection of carpet tiles which contain recycled materials, and Tarkett has developed a technology which is able to recover and recycle materials contained within carpet tiles. Eastman, Circular Polymers and CARE will establish a supply chain for recycling materials from post-consumer carpet, and Zero Waste Scotland and the National Bed Federation will collaborate in order to increase mattress recycling. 32 industry-leading companies have signed the Fashion Pact in a bid to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry, Fashion for Good has launched a project to reduce the use of virgin polybags in the industry, and Nike and Ocean Conservancy have launched the Arctic Shipping Corporate Pledge. Kontoor Brands has published a policy relating to the use of raw materials sourced from forests, and PVH has announced new greenhouse gas emission targets. Elevate Textiles has announced new sustainability targets and has expanded its participation in the activities of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme, and Levi Strauss & Co has launched a water conservation strategy and will employ the Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification scheme in its supply chain. Lenzing will invest Euro40 mn in improving the environmental sustainability of its operations and has presented the results of a project which explored the use of blockchain technology. H&M Group and IKEA Range & Supply have conducted a study to investigate the chemical content of recyclable textiles, and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) has released details of a microfibre shedding test methodology. Also, TMC has welcomed three new members to boost its research efforts and international reach. © Textiles Intelligence Limited 2020.