8th- 12th July 2024
Ecotextile News
The purpose-led multimedia news platform for sustainability in the global fashion and textile industry.
We’re back with this week's Briefing! It’s been a busy week here at Ecotextile News, as we’ve been working to get the new edition of our magazine out to you all- so keep an eye out???
In the meantime, sit back, relax and let us catch you up with a summary of the most important news of the week in just a few minutes????
Monday
??On Monday we brought the news that Textile Exchange has put back the roll out of its new eTrackit digital traceability system for raw materials due to complexities in developing the product with pilot technology partner TextileGenesis .
The project is part of a planned transformation of Textile Exchange's traceability system to support the tracking of textile raw materials certified under the industry body's standards system.
??We also brought the exciting story where, In an exclusive interview with Ecotextile News at last week’s Première Vision , EURATEX - European Apparel and Textile Confederation president Mario Jorge Machado spelt out his ambitions to improve the sustainability of the European textile industry while protecting economic viability.
In addition to calling for harmonised sustainability regulation throughout Europe, he supports efforts to eliminate the de minimus exemption for imports – a nod to improving supply chain traceability – and also wants tax breaks for sustainably made goods.
Tuesday
??On Tuesday we revealed that waste treatment plants for Bangladesh's garment and textile factories are ineffective at removing microfibres which are leaking into waterways and the environment, according to a new study.
Textile effluent treatment plants are designed to remove harmful materials and chemicals from wastewater so it can be reused or released safely into the environment.
??We also released the story that Zara owner Inditex集团 is being urged by campaigners to reduce its use of air freight after its transport-related CO2 emissions increased by 37% to a record high last year.
The Clean Clothes Campaign , Public Eye and other campaign groups were said to be urging shareholders to put pressure on Inditex at the Spanish fashion group's annual meeting, which happened on Tuesday.
Wednesday
??On Wednesday we revealed that, ahead of a potential London listing, Chinese-owned ultra fast fashion company SHEIN has announced plans to invest €250 million ($270m) in sustainability and circularity in Britain and Europe over the next five years.
The company has launched a €200 million ($216m) 'Circularity Fund' to support British and European start-up brands, designers and artisans engaged in advancing circularity, and will put a further €50 million ($54m) into what it called broader ESG efforts.
??We also revealed that Japanese biotechnology company Spiber Inc. has announced partnerships with Italian mills Marzotto Group , FILATURA PAPI FABIO S.P.A. and RD Gruppo Florence to use its Brewed Protein fibres.
Spiber's Brewed Protein is made from plant-derived biomass, such as sugar cane and farm waste, using a proprietary fermentation process to produce polymers that can be transformed into a variety of forms, including textiles.
Thursday
??On Thursday we released the unfortunate news that Swedish textile dyeing innovator Coloreel , known for its sustainable instant thread dyeing technology, has filed for bankruptcy.
The company said it had been unable to scale quickly enough to secure the backing needed from investors and potential industrial partners.
??We also revealed six out of 10 major companies are underselling their sustainability efforts for fear of being accused of greenwashing, according to a new study.
Data insights company Connected Impact and data science specialist Ringer Sciences examined the corporate communications of FTSE 100 companies and 100 major players in the US.
Friday
??Today, we disclosed that the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) (SBTN) has issued fresh guidance to help businesses set science-based targets for their nature impacts following a pilot programme.
The SBTN has unveiled a new target-setting guide, with updated technical guidance and resources aimed at helping companies set science-based targets for nature.
??Finally, we announced that Zara owner Inditex has bought a stake in US cellular agriculture start-up GALY which is working to develop lab-grown cotton.
Galy claims its cotton grown in the lab from plant stem cells can lead to significant savings in water, land and chemical use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
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