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Welcome to Balena Weekly News, your trusted source for the latest updates on sustainable fashion. In this edition, we explore groundbreaking innovations, important regulatory changes, and inspiring achievements in the fashion industry. From pioneering sustainable materials to revolutionary strategies for major events like the Olympics, we're here to keep you informed on how the fashion world is making strides towards a more sustainable and circular future.

Let's dive in!

Balena CEO Interview: Prioritizing End-of-Life Solutions to Drive Fashion Material Innovation

In a recent interview with Just Style, Balena CEO David Roubach emphasizes that focusing on end-of-life solutions is key to unlocking innovation in fashion materials. David discusses how Balena is pioneering sustainable practices by developing materials designed with their entire lifecycle in mind, ensuring they are recyclable and biodegradable. He highlights our commitment to creating alternatives that do not compromise on functionality, durability or aesthetics while promoting circularity in the fashion industry.?

This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also paves the way for new advancements in material science.

Read the full interview here >>>

Paris Leads the Way in Sustainable Innovation with Circular Economy Strategy for the Olympics

Paris is setting a new standard for sustainability at the Olympics by integrating a comprehensive circular economy strategy. This approach focuses on using recycled materials, reusing temporary infrastructure, and ensuring a second life for resources post-Olympics. The strategy is built on three principles: reducing resource use, promoting sustainable design, and extending the life of materials. Highlights include a detailed "material footprint" assessment, prioritizing suppliers committed to sustainability, and innovative initiatives such as recycled sports flooring and sustainable furnishings. With these efforts, Paris 2024 aims to significantly lower its environmental impact and set a benchmark for future Olympic Games.

Read more about the Olympics circular approach here >>>

EU Enforces New Ecodesign Regulation to Boost Circular Economy

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) has officially entered into force in the EU, marking a significant milestone for the circular economy. The regulation sets performance and information requirements for almost all categories of physical goods, including repairability and durability. The regulation includes measures to ban the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, with provisions to extend similar bans to other sectors if needed. Companies will also be required to publicly disclose annual information on their websites, such as the number and weight of products discarded and the reasons for doing so. Additionally, the ESPR enables mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria, directing public funding towards more sustainable purchases.?

Read more on the regulations here >>>>>

Hellen Obiri to Debut Innovative Cloudboom Strike LS Shoes at Paris Olympics

Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri is set to make Olympic history at the Paris 2024 Games, not just for her performance but for her groundbreaking footwear. Obiri will compete in the Cloudboom Strike LS, a revolutionary running shoe developed by Swiss company On. These shoes are made from a continuous thread of thermoplastic film sprayed onto a carbon fiber mold, bonded with heat, and colored by an inkjet printer. This method reduces waste and energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing processes. The shoe's design offers a seamless, lace-free, sock-like fit and weighs only 170 grams, significantly lighter than its competitors. Despite initial reservations, Obiri wore these shoes to victory in the 2024 Boston Marathon and is now bringing them to the global stage in Paris. The 2024 Olympics will also feature other groundbreaking sustainable sportswear, showcasing the industry's shift towards sustainable practices and materials.

Read more about the shoes here >>>

Ganni Achieves 7% Reduction in Absolute Carbon Emissions through Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy

In 2023, Danish fashion brand Ganni achieved a notable 7% reduction in absolute carbon emissions, as detailed in their latest annual report. This reduction, which contrasts with the more common goal of emissions intensity, was accomplished through strategic shifts in material choices, transportation, distribution, packaging, product use, and end-of-life processes. Ganni’s comprehensive approach involved close collaboration with suppliers to identify and mitigate key sources of emissions, as well as fostering a sustainability-first mindset across the entire company. This transformation required significant internal alignment, financial investments, and the development of innovative materials. Ganni’s efforts underscore the challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability into the fashion industry, proving that significant environmental progress is achievable despite the sector’s growth-driven business model.

Get the full report here >>>

The stories we've shared highlight the incredible progress and commitment within the fashion industry towards sustainability and circularity. See you next week!