Eastman Highlights Molecular Recycling and Responsible Supply Chain at Textile Exchange Conference

NaiaTM Renew, a sustainable fiber made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified waste materials, was featured at the 2023 Textile Exchange Conference, where Eastman showcased its expertise in molecular recycling and responsible supply chain management.

A Showcase of Sustainable Materials and Innovative Recycling Technology

Eastman's patented molecular recycling technology breaks down waste materials into basic molecular building blocks, which are then used to create new, high-quality fibers that are indistinguishable from those made from virgin fossil sources. This technology offers a sustainable solution to the problem of textile waste, which often ends up in landfills or incinerators.

In addition to its commitment to molecular recycling, NaiaTM is also certified by FSC and PEFC, and has been awarded the Canopy Dark Green Shirt. NaiaTM also supports the reforestation project of SOS Mata Atlantica in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Many fashion brands, including Patagonia, Vince, Reformation, and COS, are using NaiaTM cellulosic fibers in their recent collections.

Overall tone:

The article is positive and upbeat, highlighting the sustainability and innovation of NaiaTM Renew fibers. It also emphasizes Eastman's commitment to responsible supply chain management.

Former workers of the Croatian garment factory Orljava are filing a complaint against their German buyer, OLYMP, to the German National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The complaint alleges that OLYMP failed to act in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by failing to conduct appropriate risk-based due diligence and failing to meaningfully engage with relevant stakeholders in relation to its decision to stop working with Orljava.

Workers' Demands:

The workers are demanding that OLYMP:

Ensure indemnification to the 172 workers that lost their jobs at the time of Orljava's closure for damage caused by delayed payment and high inflation

Mitigate the harm caused to workers, which could include supporting them in finding alternative employment and/or consulting with them about resuming production for the brand in Požega, where the Orljava factory was based.

Background:

Orljava was a state-owned garment factory in Croatia that had been operating for decades. OLYMP was its main customer. In 2021, Orljava became insolvent and was declared bankrupt. All 172 workers lost their jobs.

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, a prominent player in the apparel industry's technical solutions segment, is introducing two cutting-edge thermal insulation products, DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, under their comfortemp brand. What sets these products apart is their use of low-level Bisphenol A (BPA) recycled PET fibers (rPET), emphasizing Freudenberg's dedication to innovation and sustainability.

These new additions to the comfortemp range offer eco-conscious and high-quality alternatives to traditional down insulation, elevating both comfort and environmental responsibility. DOWN FEEL WA 150LB is an ultra-light, loose fiber insulation with exceptional loft, while FIBERBALL WB 400LB uses clusters of fine fibers for optimal breathability and minimal clumping after washing, ensuring lasting comfort.

What sets these products apart is their commitment to eco-friendliness. They are crafted from 100% GRS-certified rPET fibers and exceed OEKO-TEX  STANDARD 100 Class I certifications, which are the most stringent, suitable even for babies. Notably, these products contain less than 1 ppm BPA, showcasing Freudenberg's commitment to unwavering quality standards.

Merry Chen, Head of Global R&D and Product Compliance at Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, stressed their dedication to sustainability, ensuring safer, responsible products that prioritize quality and performance. The products not only exemplify their commitment but are part of the House of Sustainability (HoS) initiative, offering innovative solutions for a more sustainable apparel industry.

In addition to DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, Freudenberg introduces HO 80xR to their European comfortemp range, showcasing their environmental commitment and circular design principles, with 70% recycled polyamide fibers. These innovations are set to make waves globally and support a more sustainable future in the apparel industry.

In a game-changing move, Trumpler, a respected leader in leather chemicals since 1868, has partnered with Archroma, a global specialist in sustainable solutions within the specialty chemicals industry. Together, they introduce DyTan, an innovative leather production process set to transform the industry by offering eco-friendly and cost-effective leather production.

DyTan is a result of collaboration, blending Archroma's revolutionary AVICUERO System with Trumpler's bio-based fatliquors and retanning agents. This eco-conscious approach replaces traditional metal-based leather tanning processes, offering impeccable shavability, exceptional color depth, and impressive resistance to migration and abrasion. 

Moreover, DyTan reduces environmental impact by eliminating metal salts and reactive aldehydes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from fashion and automotive upholstery to furniture.

At the heart of DyTan is Archroma's patented AVICUERO System, designed to covalently cross-link collagen fibers in leather, offering energy and water savings of up to 23%, along with reduced CO2 emissions. Hein Vugs, Managing Director of Trumpler Group, envisions a more sustainable leather industry without compromising quality. 

Mark Garrett, Archroma Group CEO, sees DyTan as a remarkable milestone in the leather production history, benefitting the industry and the environment. Trumpler's global partnership with Archroma ensures worldwide distribution and support for the AVICUERO System, promising a bright future for eco-conscious leather producers.