#Sustainability

2026-01-29

Apparel Impact Institute announces strategic realignment of climate solutions portfolio to accelerate decarbonization

Today, Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) announced the strategic realignment of its Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) grant program to prioritize funding for projects that accelerate supplier-focused electrification.

First introduced in 2023, Climate Solutions Portfolio grants fund scalable fashion decarbonization solutions, with individual awards of up to $250,000 per project. The grant program has been realigned to focus on projects accelerating the electrification of Tier 2 factories in the apparel sector. This targeted approach will sharpen the fund’s impact and accelerate progress on one of the industry’s most urgent sustainability challenges: supplier decarbonization.

Key CSP Grant Program enhancements

Supplier-Focused Applications: The program will shift to a supplier-led application process, ensuring proposed technologies are pilot-ready with engaged supplier partners.

Stronger Industry Engagement: In collaboration with lead funders and global partners, Aii will communicate funding opportunities to build a robust pipeline of suppliers ready to test and adopt proven and promising solutions.

Streamlined Application and Review: A simplified application and scoring system and standardized guidelines enhance the application process.

“Refocusing the CSP Grant Program to align with a core industry challenge helps ensure that every grant moves us closer to supporting the sector’s transition to electrification,” said Pauline Op de Beeck, Aii climate portfolio director. “This evolution strengthens the program’s ability to identify, test, and scale the most promising solutions in partnership with suppliers.”

The realigned CSP program will continue piloting innovative decarbonization technologies, creating a pipeline of solutions for Aii’s Deployment Gap Grant (DGG) program. With $1.25 million available in grant funding, the DGG accelerates the deployment of vetted solutions by leveraging brand co-funding across shared suppliers.

Applications for 2026 CSP Grants will be open April 1 - May 15 and October 1 - November 13. Applications for 2026 Deployment Gap Grants will be open February 2 - March 13 and July 1 - August 1.

https://apparelimpact.org

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

OEKO-TEX® chooses TextileGenesis to advance digital traceability for organic cotton

OEKO-TEX® today announced a full collaboration with TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, to digitally trace and authenticate organic cotton, strengthening fraud prevention across the supply chain. This announcement follows a successful pilot and brings together OEKO-TEX®’s certification expertise and closed testing system with TextileGenesis’ digital traceability platform to deliver a secure, end-to-end solution for managing certified organic cotton flows.

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.