The Hot Button Report serves as a critical tool for assessing viscose and other man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) producers on their forest sourcing practices and use of recycled textile fibres. It is a key reference point for over 550 global apparel brands participating in the CanopyStyle initiative, making its updates particularly consequential for sourcing decisions across the textile industry.

A Leaner, Clearer Framework

One of the most notable structural changes in the updated framework is the reduction of the rating system from seven categories to five. According to Canopy, this simplification is designed to offer clearer goals and expectations for producers, with defined targets expressed in both volume and percentage terms. The criteria have also been tailored to reflect the varying capacities of small, medium, and large MMCF companies, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach may not equitably serve the diversity of producers operating at different scales.

The rating system will now use just three shirt colours — green, yellow, and red — to represent overall risk levels. Producers found to be sourcing fibres from known high-risk locations will automatically receive a red shirt designation, indicating the presence of Ancient and Endangered Forests or other controversial sources within their supply chains. This automatic classification sends an unambiguous signal to brands and sourcing partners about supply chain risks.

Greater Weight for Next Gen Solutions and Landscape Conservation

A significant development within the revised framework is the increased weighting assigned to companies that are actively investing in Next Gen Solutions. These include fibres produced from recycled textiles, as well as participation in landscape-level forest protection initiatives. Canopy has emphasised that these shifts directly address the mounting pressures of the global climate crisis and an increasingly stringent international regulatory environment.

The focus on Next Gen Solutions reflects the growing recognition within the industry that forest sourcing practices must evolve beyond harm reduction toward active contribution to circular and resilient fibre systems.

Industry Consultation and Legal Review

The development of the updated Hot Button Report framework was not conducted in isolation. Canopy stated that the process included consultation with all 28 rated MMCF producing companies and select brand partners. A legal review was also undertaken to ensure the framework’s compliance with international legislation — an important step given the tightening of environmental regulations in key markets globally.

Canopy senior lead MaryAnn Ramirez commented on the evolution of the Hot Button Report: “The Hot Button helped change the conversation about where fashion’s fibres come from. Ten years ago, the industry was asking whether viscose could be sourced without destroying the world’s most vital forests. Today, we have the opportunity to build a fibre system that is circular, resilient, and keeps forests standing. Hot Button is a system that must feel fair, equitable, and consistent year-to-year so producers can plan with confidence. At the same time, it must remain flexible enough to credit diverse pathways to impact.”

What This Means for the MMCF Sector

For MMCF producers, the revised Hot Button Report sets a clearer path forward while raising the bar on responsible forest sourcing. The updated framework’s three-colour system removes ambiguity in how risk is communicated, and the tailored targets across company sizes ensure expectations are proportionate and achievable. At the same time, the emphasis on Next Gen Solutions and landscape-level conservation signals that the direction of the Hot Button Report is firmly aligned with the broader sustainability demands now shaping the global textile industry.

With over 550 apparel brands anchored to the CanopyStyle initiative relying on the Hot Button Report for their sourcing decisions, the impact of these updated criteria will be felt across a wide span of the fashion supply chain when the 2027 edition comes into effect.

Addressing the Demands of the Asian Weaving Market

The Asian textile market continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by high production volumes, rising quality standards, and an accelerating push toward automation and process reliability. Weaving mills across the region are actively seeking technologies that enhance efficiency and sustain long-term competitiveness.

Stäubli’s weaving solutions are built to help manufacturers achieve stable processes, consistent fabric quality, reduced downtime, and reliable performance across extended production runs. At ITMA ASIA 2026, visitors at the Stäubli booth will have direct access to technologies responding to the concrete needs of modern weaving mills — from faster preparation and precise shedding to flexible patterning and dedicated lifecycle support.

Stäubli’s participation at the event reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across China and Asia. The company combines a strong local presence with technical expertise and global application knowledge, working closely with weaving mills to address day-to-day production challenges.

Weaving Preparation Technologies on Display

SAFIR PRO S37 — Automatic Drawing-In System

The SAFIR PRO S37 will be presented as a high-performance automatic drawing-in system developed specifically for filament yarns and demanding weaving applications. With advanced yarn handling and textile automation capabilities, the system supports greater efficiency and consistent preparation quality at the feed stage of production.

MAGMA — Automatic Warp-Tying Machine

Also on display will be the MAGMA automatic warp-tying machine, engineered for coarse and technical yarns. Its single and double-knot capability, combined with optoelectronic double-end detection, enables flexible and reliable warp changes across a wide range of demanding production applications.

Jacquard Technology: Precision Across Every Application

Stäubli’s comprehensive Jacquard technology portfolio covers formats ranging from 80 to 25,600 hooks, combining precision, reliability, and advanced control technology to enable high-quality woven fabrics and broad creative possibilities across segments.

SX PRO with Harness

The SX PRO with harness will be showcased as a versatile Jacquard solution designed to deliver performance, reliability, and flexibility across a wide range of fabric types — including terry, apparel, upholstery, tapestry, silk fabrics, and technical textiles.

N4L PRO

Complementing the Jacquard area, the N4L PRO will also be on display. This machine provides genuine added value to premium fabrics by enabling brand names to be woven directly into selvedges, offering manufacturers a distinctive and functional capability.

Optimised Shedding Systems for Asian Weaving Mills

Stäubli’s frame weaving solutions are engineered to meet the demands of high-speed industrial weaving, supporting stable shedding performance, fabric quality, and operational reliability. Several shedding systems configurations will be featured at Stäubli ITMA ASIA 2026.

S1628 Cam Motion

The S1628 cam motion is designed for air-jet and rapier weaving applications, delivering a robust shedding solution suited to demanding production environments with speeds reaching up to 1,200 rpm.

S3018 Rotary Dobby

The S3018 rotary dobby will be presented in two configurations, offering weaving mills a flexible shedding option adaptable to a range of production requirements.

S3060 Rotary Dobby

The S3060 rotary dobby will also be featured, highlighting its suitability for air-jet weaving applications with operating speeds of up to 800 rpm.

Case Study: JIEDE Textile and the Power of Proven Shedding Solutions

JIEDE Textile, a large-scale denim producer based in Guangdong Province, China, demonstrates what proven shedding systems and weaving solutions can achieve at industrial scale. Integrating spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing operations, JIEDE Textile holds an annual denim fabric production capacity of 100 million metres, supplying high-quality denim fabrics to customers worldwide.

Since implementing Stäubli weaving solutions, JIEDE Textile has recorded clear improvements in production efficiency and process stability. Stäubli’s dobbies perform reliably at high speeds, helping reduce downtime and fabric defects while improving batch-to-batch consistency across large production runs.

Currently, a total of 430 Stäubli S3060 rotary dobbies are in active operation at JIEDE Textile — a direct demonstration of the performance and reliability that Stäubli’s textile automation technology delivers at scale.

Wang Lihua, General Manager at JIEDE Textile, stated: “For us, Stäubli is more than an equipment supplier. It is a key technology partner. From solution design to ongoing service, they support us throughout the entire lifecycle.”

Technical Textiles and Industrial 3D Weaving

Driven by growing requirements across aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial applications, the technical textiles market continues to expand, creating new opportunities for advanced weaving technologies and high-performance composite materials.

For more than a decade, Stäubli has been actively engaged in industrial 3D weaving. Building on this experience, the company has developed the TF platform into a highly modular and configurable weaving system capable of adapting to evolving products, materials, and applications.

At ITMA ASIA 2026, visitors will be able to view samples of technical fabrics woven on Stäubli TF machines, illustrating the practical potential of these advanced weaving systems in real-world technical textile production.

Member Engagement Driving UKFT’s Agenda

Mansell emphasised that direct engagement with businesses remains central to how UKFT shapes its work. So far this year, the organisation has visited more than 60 textile businesses to better understand the challenges they face. It has also worked with over 100 textile companies at export shows and connected with many more through events, webinars and roundtables.

“Our members and their challenges sit at the heart of everything we do, so our work starts with the conversations we have with you,” Mansell told attendees.

He acknowledged that much of the work carried out by a trade association happens quietly behind the scenes but stressed that it remains vital to the UK textile industry.

Government Representation and Policy Advocacy

A significant portion of UKFT’s efforts involves representing the textile sector to various parts of government, both at Westminster and across the four nations, as well as in Europe and increasingly in the United States. This work spans a range of policy areas, from changes in emissions permitting with the Environment Agency and lobbying on international trade regulations to campaigning for the expansion of the BICS energy scheme and pushing for the best possible terms for UK manufacturers within free trade agreements.

Mansell highlighted UKFT’s sustained campaign to promote the economic and security advantages of using public procurement to support UK textile manufacturing. He also drew attention to the organisation’s ongoing push for UK businesses to receive the same level of export support as their international competitors, describing the current lack of financial support for exports as “indefensible.”

Export Promotion and International Presence

To bridge that gap, UKFT has raised £250,000 over the last two years to fund export promotion activities. In 2026 alone, the organisation has promoted UK textile manufacturing at a series of major international trade shows. These include showcasing apparel fabrics at Milano Unica, Intertextile Shanghai and VIATT in Vietnam, as well as highlighting the innovation and technical capabilities of the sector at Techtextil in Germany and CINTE Techtextil in China.

Mansell also noted that UKFT’s President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, visited a narrow fabric weaver, a wool sorter, a bedding manufacturer and a technical textiles company this year, further raising the profile of UK textile manufacturing on the global stage.

Tackling Sustainability Compliance and Regulation

Growing regulatory complexity was identified as one of the most pressing concerns for textile businesses. Mansell outlined an expanding list of obligations facing manufacturers, covering product safety, packaging, Extended Producer Responsibility, Digital Product Passports, supply chain transparency, environmental claims, chemicals, water usage and international trade compliance.

In response, UKFT has developed a suite of practical resources including guides, webinars, workshops and its Regulation and Policy Newsletter. The organisation has also introduced Sustainability Clinics, green claims audits, circular design resources and its annual Sustainability Conference. Additionally, UKFT helps businesses connect with research organisations and funding opportunities and is working with fibre innovators to help them better understand the UK textile industry.

The 2026 UKFT Regulation Summit, held in June, and the Textile Innovation Showcase at the Sustainability Conference were highlighted as key events supporting businesses in this area. UKFT also launched its Textile Industry Advancement Days this year, bringing textile professionals together to identify challenges, share expertise and shape the next steps for advancing product development, process efficiency and textile innovation across the sector.

Addressing the Skills Gap in Textile Manufacturing

Skills remain a long-term challenge for the industry, with businesses repeatedly reporting difficulties in finding the right people, developing technical capability and passing knowledge between generations. Mansell said this is slowing companies’ ability to innovate, invest and grow.

To help raise awareness of career opportunities, UKFT has talked to more than 7,500 young people about careers in textiles over the past couple of years through careers events around the country. The organisation has brought education providers and businesses together through its UKFT Education Partners Conference and developed training and industry-focused continuing professional development opportunities in partnership with Leeds, Manchester and Huddersfield universities.

Through the support of its partners, UKFT provides more than £250,000 a year in training support through programmes including the Young Textile Technician Training Fund, Made IT and the Weavers x UKFT Bursary.

Mansell revealed that the organisation has this year undertaken its largest piece of research into skills challenges facing the UK textile industry, speaking in depth to more than 65 businesses. The ambition, he said, is to develop a vocational skills system that directly supports UK textile manufacturing and avoids the shifting goalposts of government-backed skills provision.

Innovation and Technology for Textile Manufacturing

Mansell noted that members are increasingly asking how textile innovation and emerging technologies can make their businesses more productive, competitive and resilient. Questions about artificial intelligence, robotics and digital transformation are becoming more common, and the most frequent query UKFT receives is simply: “Where do I start?”

The UKFT Weaving Conference was positioned as a forum to begin answering those questions. “Today isn’t about technology for technology’s sake,” Mansell said. “It’s about understanding what is possible, seeing real examples, and understanding where these technologies can genuinely improve productivity, quality, efficiency and decision-making.”

A Collective Voice for the Sector

Mansell closed by reaffirming UKFT’s passion for the sector and its role in ensuring the right environment exists to support the growth and evolution of textile manufacturing in the UK. He urged members to maintain an open dialogue with the organisation, stressing that continued conversation about challenges and needs is essential for UKFT to deliver meaningful support.

“We can bring the industry together. We can give you a collective voice. And we can help you understand what is changing,” he said. “But to do that, we need you to keep talking to us, keep telling us what your challenges are, and where you need our support.”

The dual-arm machines can recognise, pick and sort products without requiring item-specific training or predefined stock-keeping unit (SKU) data. This capability addresses a longstanding challenge in AI-powered fashion returns, where garments arrive in different conditions, packaging formats and combinations that make conventional automation difficult.

The deployment follows a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, enabling warehouse personnel to concentrate on monitoring operations, managing exceptions and maintaining quality standards.

AI System Handles Unfamiliar Products

Sereact’s Cortex physical AI platform supports multiple robotic configurations, including single-arm picking systems, dual-arm return-handling units and humanoid robots. The platform draws on operational experience across its robotic systems to improve its ability to recognise and handle unfamiliar objects.

Chris Walton, SVP Contract Logistics at CEVA Logistics, said: “One of the toughest challenges is returns handling, due to its extreme operational nature and scale, unpredictable volumes, manual quality checks, seasonality, value decay, and a disproportionately high cost per unit.”

“Our Robotics-as-a-Service model classifies items faster, reduces manual touchpoints, and delivers consistent, predictable quality on a large scale. For our customers, this transforms returns from a cost driver into a controlled, high‑performance service.”

Zalando Expands Robotics Collaboration

Zalando participated as a strategic investor in Sereact’s Series B funding round in July 2026. The companies are also working together to expand intelligent automation throughout their European logistics networks.

Masood Choudhry, SVP Logistics at Zalando, said: “By solving the most complex challenges in modern fulfilment today, we are actively shaping the future of e-commerce logistics for fashion and lifestyle,”

Returns represent a substantial operational burden for online fashion retailers. Zalando reports that approximately 50% of its online sales are returned, making efficient processing essential to controlling logistics costs and maintaining product value.

By automating labour-intensive sorting tasks, AI-powered fashion returns technology could help retailers improve processing consistency, reduce manual intervention and manage fluctuating return volumes more effectively.

Exports to European Union countries grew by 1.3% to €2.69 billion, translating to an increase of €35.1 million year-on-year. Meanwhile, sales to markets outside the European Union rose by approximately 5% to €1.09 billion, adding €51.9 million. Despite the faster pace of growth in non-EU destinations, the EU continues to account for around 71% of Portugal textile exports in this period.

Non-Knitted Clothing Leads Product Category Growth

Breaking down the performance by product category, non-knitted clothing and clothing accessories recorded the strongest increase in absolute terms. Exports in this segment rose by 8.5%, adding €54.7 million to reach a total of €696.5 million.

Knitted clothing and clothing accessories, which remain the single largest export category for the Portuguese textile industry, grew by 1.3% to €1.46 billion — an increase of €19.3 million compared with the same period last year.

Among the other strong performers, impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated fabrics — which include products intended for technical applications — saw exports rise by 13.8% to €259.2 million, representing an additional €31.4 million. Wadding, felt, nonwovens, and cordage articles grew by 7.3% to €253.6 million. Carpets and other textile floor coverings recorded a 17.2% increase, reaching €76.4 million. Other made-up textile articles, a category that encompasses a significant share of home textiles, also performed positively, though more moderately, rising 2.1% to €518 million.

On the other side of the ledger, man-made staple fibres recorded the largest decline in absolute terms. Exports in this category fell by 26.4%, from €153.2 million in the first eight months of 2025 to €112.8 million — a reduction of €40.4 million. Man-made filaments also declined by 11.2% to €53.6 million. Other vegetable textile fibres fell by 16.2%, while cotton exports dropped by 4.6%.

France and the Netherlands Drive Export Market Gains

Among destination markets, Spain retained its position as the largest customer for Portugal textile and clothing exports, with purchases of €873.3 million — virtually unchanged from the €874.2 million recorded in the same period of 2025, representing a marginal decline of 0.1%.

France, the second-largest destination, posted the biggest absolute increase among key markets. Exports to France grew by 4.1%, equivalent to an additional €22.2 million, reaching a total of €559.2 million. Germany, in third place, recorded a decline of 2.6% to €307.1 million, €8.3 million below the prior-year figure.

The United States, ranked fourth, increased its purchases of Portuguese textiles and clothing by 3.1% to €300.9 million, an uplift of €9.1 million. The Netherlands stood out as another strong performer, with exports growing by 10.2% — an additional €21.3 million — to reach €230.1 million.

Italy registered the largest absolute decline among major destinations, with exports falling 11.1% to €191.6 million, a reduction of €23.9 million. Exports to the United Kingdom also fell by 2.6% to €221.6 million.

Among the remaining markets within the top ten destinations, Belgium grew by 9% to €109.8 million, Canada increased its purchases by 12.7% to €79.8 million, and Sweden posted growth of 7.4% to €74.2 million.

Emerging Markets Record Notable Increases

Beyond the ten main destination markets, several emerging economies recorded particularly strong increases in clothing exports from Portugal. Poland grew by 25% to €63.9 million, representing an additional €12.8 million compared with the same period of 2025. Mexico recorded a 71.7% rise to €43.4 million, adding €18.1 million year-on-year. Vietnam registered an 88.2% increase to €20.5 million, an uplift of €9.6 million.

These figures from INE collectively reflect a broadly positive trajectory for Portugal textile exports through August, underscored by growth in technical textiles, woven apparel, and expanding trade relationships across both established and emerging markets.

A Milestone Edition Anchored in Three Core Themes

Marking its 30th anniversary, TITAS 2026 was structured around three defining pillars — Sustainability, Functional Applications, and Intelligent Manufacturing. Exhibitors across the three-day event showcased a wide range of innovations spanning recycled fibres, circular textile solutions, high-performance fabrics, and digitally enabled manufacturing technologies.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability remained the central thread running through TITAS 2026. Participating companies presented advances in textile-to-textile recycling, mono-material fabrics, resource-efficient production processes, and low-carbon materials. The collective focus reflected the industry’s growing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint through material science and circular design.

Functional Textiles Gaining Ground

Functional textile innovation was equally prominent. Exhibitors introduced moisture-management fabrics, cooling yarns, and breathable materials suited for sportswear, outdoorwear, and a broad range of technical applications. These functional fabrics underscored the expanding role of performance-driven textile innovation in addressing the needs of today’s end-use markets.

Intelligent Manufacturing and Digital Technologies Take Centre Stage

One of the more forward-looking aspects of TITAS 2026 was its emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technologies within textile manufacturing. Smart factory solutions, AI-assisted production systems, and traceability technologies were prominently featured, demonstrating the industry’s growing emphasis on operational efficiency and sustainable production at scale. Intelligent manufacturing, long a topic of discussion, was visibly transitioning from concept to implementation across multiple exhibiting brands.

Strengthened International Presence

International participation at TITAS 2026 was notably broadened this year. A new Italy Pavilion made its debut, while the Korea Pavilion expanded its footprint and the Japan Pavilion made its return. These national pavilions added depth to the event’s global character and provided buyers and sourcing professionals with access to a wider range of regional manufacturing expertise.

The event also hosted a series of seminars covering textile circularity, sustainability regulations, digital product passports, and emerging manufacturing technologies — providing delegates with both strategic insight and practical knowledge relevant to current industry developments.

Taiwan Textile Select: A New Showcase for the 30th Edition

To mark its 30th edition, TITAS introduced Taiwan Textile Select, a new initiative designed to connect innovative textile materials with finished apparel. Presented alongside the show’s Trend Zone, this showcase highlighted Taiwan’s capabilities across the full value chain — from textile development and functional applications through to garment manufacturing. The initiative offered buyers a more integrated view of what Taiwanese manufacturers can offer across product categories.

Business Outcomes and Market Significance

With strong buyer participation, extensive business matchmaking, and an estimated USD 60 million in potential business opportunities, TITAS 2026 reaffirmed Taiwan’s position as an important sourcing and textile innovation hub for the global industry. The combination of sustainable textiles, functional fabrics, and intelligent manufacturing solutions across a single platform made the 30th edition one of the event’s most substantive gatherings to date.

Mission Organisation and Structure

The trade mission has been organised by the Italian Trade Agency in close collaboration with ACIMIT — the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers — and Confindustria Moda. The programme will feature dedicated workshops on 20 October in Santa Catarina and 22 October in São Paulo, covering two of Brazil’s key textile manufacturing regions.

The delegation brings together 18 textile machinery manufacturers alongside companies with expertise in yarns, fabrics, and clothing accessories, collectively representing a broad cross-section of the Italian textile supply chain.

Planned activities include technical presentations, business-to-business meetings with Brazilian manufacturers, and site visits to local production facilities.

Regional Focus Areas

Activities in Santa Catarina will engage with the textile manufacturing centres of Blumenau, Joinville, and Brusque. The São Paulo leg of the mission will cover Americana and Denim City São Paulo, an established hub for textile and denim innovation.

Italy’s Textile Machinery Exports to Brazil

Brazil holds the tenth position among the leading export destinations for Italian textile machinery. Exports to the country reached €48 million in 2025, with an additional €20 million recorded in just the first half of 2026 — an indication of steady and sustained commercial momentum.

Within the export mix, finishing machinery accounts for the largest share at 57%. Accessories and other machinery each represent 11%, while knitting machinery contributes 10% — pointing to meaningful opportunities for Italian technology suppliers active in Brazil’s knitwear and textile manufacturing sectors.

ACIMIT President’s Perspective

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, highlighted the strength of the existing relationship and the potential for further collaboration. “Brazil is a market of great interest to our industry, with which we have well-established commercial relations and significant prospects for collaboration,” he said.

Salvadè noted that the mission would serve as a platform to strengthen dialogue between Italian suppliers and Brazilian manufacturers, while showcasing the role that innovative, flexible, and sustainable technologies can play in the modernisation of Brazil’s textile industry. He also pointed to the growing interest among local manufacturers in improving production efficiency, sustainability, and technological capabilities as a driver for further engagement.

Participating Companies

The 18 Italian textile machinery companies taking part in the Brazil textile industry trade mission are Biancalani, BTSR, Color Service, Corino Macchine, Durst, Reggiani Macchine, Erhardt + Leimer, Ferraro, I.M.A., Itema, Lawer, M.C.S. Officina Meccanica, Mesdan, Monti-Mac, MSJK (MS Printing & JK Group), Pinter Caipo Italia, Salvadè, and Savio Macchine Tessili.

The 93% recycled-content figure applies specifically to the newly developed raw yarn, calculated against its total weight. It does not represent the recycled content of the finished fabric or garment, which will vary depending on overall material composition.

Addressing Technical Challenges in Recycled Composite Fibre Development

Composite fibres are well regarded in the textile industry for their capacity to deliver enhanced functionality, refined textures and distinctive visual characteristics. However, integrating different polymers into a single fibre while simultaneously maximising recycled-material content and maintaining consistent production quality presents a significant technical challenge.

Toray has tackled this through its proprietary polymer design and composite spinning technologies, successfully incorporating recycled raw materials into both the polyester and nylon components of the fibre. The company plans to verify the technology’s suitability for mass production while continuing research aimed at further increasing the recycled-material content of composite fibres.

The development responds to growing demand within the fashion industry for recycled materials, particularly among brands that seek to align sustainability goals with the quality and performance standards expected in premium product segments. For high-end and luxury applications, recycled content alone is not sufficient — fabrics must also deliver the required appearance, tailoring characteristics, drape, texture and durability.

ARTIROSA® CX: Sustainable Textile with Premium Aesthetics and Functional Performance

To bring the new recycled composite fibre to market, Toray developed ARTIROSA® CX by combining its composite-spinning expertise with the weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing capabilities of Japan’s established textile-producing regions.

Fabric Design and Aesthetic Character

ARTIROSA® CX features a dense, finely textured surface with a crisp, sophisticated handle. Its aesthetic is intentionally differentiated from the conventional appearance typically associated with functional outerwear textiles, offering a more refined character suited to contemporary urban fashion. This approach reflects an intent to position the sustainable textile not as a compromise but as a material capable of meeting the expectations of premium apparel markets.

Functional Properties and PFAS Considerations

Material selection, fabric construction and post-processing can be tailored to deliver practical performance characteristics including waterproofing, durable water repellency and wind resistance. The specific properties achieved will depend on the material composition, design and processing methods applied in each case.

Toray has also indicated that the water-repellent agents used for ARTIROSA® CX are not intentionally formulated with substances classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. This approach is intended to align functional performance with material choices that reflect evolving environmental considerations within the industry.

Target Markets and Commercial Plans

Toray plans to market ARTIROSA® CX across a range of applications, including men’s and women’s outerwear, urban outdoor clothing and premium casual wear. The company intends to leverage Japan’s textile craftsmanship and processing expertise to develop materials that meet the evolving requirements of fashion brands and their customers.

Further textile development under this initiative will explore nylon blends, combinations with natural fibres and additional post-processing techniques, with the aim of expanding the range of available textures and functional properties within the premium outerwear fabric category.

ARTIROSA® CX is scheduled for commercial launch in the Autumn/Winter 2027 season, with Toray targeting first-year sales of 200,000 metres.

Extending Recycled Materials into High-Value Textile Applications

The development of ARTIROSA® CX underscores the technical complexity involved in moving recycled composite fibre technologies into more demanding textile applications, where consistent quality, refined aesthetics and reliable functional performance are all required simultaneously.

By incorporating recycled raw materials into both the polyester and nylon components of the fibre, Toray is seeking to extend the capabilities of composite fibres into applications that have traditionally been considered beyond the reach of recycled-material solutions. The company’s immediate next steps will focus on validating mass-production feasibility and pursuing further increases in recycled-material content across its composite fibre range.

The government-backed roadmap, developed by the Cotton Development Board (CDB), calls for expanding cotton cultivation from 39 to 53 of the country’s 64 districts. The plan is structured across short-, medium- and long-term phases, with interim targets set for 2029 and 2040.

A Phased Roadmap for Cotton Cultivation Growth

The CDB has charted a clear production timeline: 500,000 bales of lint cotton within the next four years, one million bales by 2040, and the full target of 1.9 million bales by 2050. Lint cotton refers to the clean, raw fibre separated from cotton seeds following the harvesting process.

CDB Executive Director Md Rezaul Amin confirmed the scope of the initiative in remarks to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. “We have taken short-, medium- and long-term plans to boost cotton production” by around 8.5 times, he said, referring to the planned expansion of cotton cultivation across additional districts.

The long-term target also includes expanding the total cultivation area to 200,000 hectares. Districts identified for expansion include Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Cumilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Barishal, Bhola, Barguna, Chattogram, Feni, Cox’s Bazar and Nilphamari, among others.

The Weight of Cotton Imports on Bangladesh’s Economy

Bangladesh ranks among the world’s leading exporters of ready-made garments, yet remains almost entirely reliant on imported raw cotton to sustain its textile and apparel industries. The country is simultaneously one of the world’s largest cotton importers, with annual demand estimated at close to eight million bales.

Domestic cotton production currently meets only three to four percent of total national requirements, though locally grown cotton covers approximately 18 to 20 percent of fibre used in manufacturing fabrics for the domestic market.

Official figures show that Bangladesh spent Tk 80,000 crore — equivalent to approximately $6.51 billion — importing 7.3 million bales of raw cotton and yarn during the 2025–26 fiscal year. The scale of this import expenditure has intensified government focus on developing a stronger domestic raw material base.

Expanding Cultivation Across New Agricultural Frontiers

The CDB’s expansion strategy targets land that has not traditionally been used for cotton cultivation. Plans include promoting cotton farming on elevated riverine islands — known locally as chars — in the northwestern Barind region, on suitable hilly terrain, and on comparatively less fertile or low-productivity agricultural land. Saline and drought-prone zones have also been designated as potential production areas.

Bangladesh currently produces two varieties of cotton: upland cotton and hill cotton, each suited to different soil conditions. CDB officials noted that cotton cultivation could also be introduced alongside vegetables, pulses and spices within orchards, providing farmers with additional options to diversify income.

Political and Parliamentary Momentum

The initiative gathered traction following a September 13 meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. At that meeting, the CDB was directed to prepare a detailed proposal after assessing the country’s full potential for expanding cotton cultivation.

Three days later, the parliamentary standing committee on the agriculture ministry issued a recommendation for swift and effective measures to raise domestic cotton output and reduce the significant financial burden of cotton imports.

Cotton as a Profitable Cash Crop for Farmers

CDB officials have highlighted both the economic and environmental case for expanding cotton farming. Dr Md Gazi Golam Mortuza, a soil nutrition and water management specialist at the CDB, described cotton as one of Bangladesh’s most profitable cash crops, particularly given the decline of jute cultivation in recent years.

“No other crop in the country is now as profitable as cotton,” he said, noting that higher production could improve farmer incomes while simultaneously reducing cotton imports. According to Mortuza, cultivating cotton on one bigha of land costs approximately Tk 15,000, with farmers able to earn Tk 60,000 by harvesting 15 maunds of raw cotton — one maund being equivalent to 37.32 kilograms.

Mohammad Mofazzal Hossain, a senior ginning officer at the CDB, also pointed to soil health benefits that cotton cultivation can bring, particularly in areas where continuous farming of the same crop — such as maize — has caused soil degradation over time.

Staffing Gaps Pose a Challenge to Implementation

Despite the ambition behind the expansion plans, the CDB faces a significant internal challenge: a serious shortfall in technical staffing. The organisation currently employs 483 people against 864 approved positions — a gap that officials acknowledge could complicate the effective rollout of the programme. Recruiting additional technical specialists has been identified as a necessary step before the cotton cultivation targets can be fully pursued.

A History of Cotton Development in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s efforts to develop domestic cotton production stretch back to the period immediately following independence. The Cotton Development Board was established in those early years to help meet the raw cotton needs of local textile industries. The country’s first cotton was grown in the Rangpur region in 1976.

In 1978, during the government of President Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh imported cotton seeds from the United States for the first time and began expanding cotton research. By 1980, the government had established the Cotton Research Center and Seed Production Farm at Jagadishpur in Chowgacha upazila of Jashore district.

Institutional growth continued in 1994 under former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, when three major CDB farms were renamed as Cotton Research, Training and Seed Multiplication Farms and a separate Cotton Farm was established at Sripur in Gazipur district.

The latest roadmap builds on this institutional foundation, representing a renewed effort to expand the role of domestic cotton cultivation in Bangladesh’s agricultural economy while reducing the Bangladesh textile industry’s dependence on foreign suppliers.

Achieving the targets will require expanding cotton cultivation into suitable new territories, strengthening research capacity, and filling the technical workforce gaps that currently constrain the Cotton Development Board’s operational ability.

A Partnership Rooted in Over a Decade of Industry Trust

Archroma’s role as ZELAN’s global distribution, marketing, and technical support partner traces back to 2015, when Teflon EcoElite with ZELAN R3 was launched by Chemours and Huntsman Textile Effects — a business that Archroma itself acquired in 2023. Under the renewed arrangement with Nicca, Archroma will continue to serve as the sole textile industry distributor of ZELAN DWR products and the associated Teflon EcoElite technology on a worldwide basis.

Alongside its distribution responsibilities, Archroma will lead marketing initiatives for these solutions and maintain technical support services for mills and brands across all geographies, consistent with its existing role.

HIGH IQ® lastingrepel^PRO Assurance Program Integration

ZELAN finished textiles will also become eligible for Archroma’s forthcoming HIGH IQ® lastingrepel^PRO assurance program — a consumer-facing mark designed to recognize DWR performance, durability, and sustainability. This integration is expected to provide brands with a credible and well-recognized quality signal in the market.

ZELAN R3: A PFAS-Free DWR With Plant-Based Credentials

At the core of this technology is ZELAN R3, recognized as the textile industry’s first renewably sourced DWR and one of the most significant PFAS-free durable water repellent options available today. The formulation contains 63% plant-based materials, sourced from non-GMO and non-food-source feedstock. It delivers strong water repellency and long-lasting durability while preserving breathability performance across all fiber types.

ZELAN R3 is bluepass certified and is published on the ZDHC Gateway at Conformance Level 3.1, reflecting its alignment with established chemical compliance standards in the textile sector. Beyond performance, ZELAN technology helps brands deliver effective rain and stain protection with good runnability for uninterrupted processing.

What This Means for Mills and Brands

Speaking on the agreement, a spokesperson from Nicca stated that when the company acquired the ZELAN business, it took on not only industry-leading technology but also the trust that mills and brands had placed in the platform over more than a decade. Retaining Archroma as the exclusive textile industry distribution partner was a deliberate decision to ensure customers continue working with the same product, the same Teflon EcoElite support, and the same partner they have relied upon — without the need to rebuild relationships from the ground up.

Roland Borufka, Product Manager for Finishing and Technical Textiles at Archroma, noted that PFAS-free durable water repellents have moved well beyond niche status and now represent a baseline expectation among major outdoor and outerwear brands. He added that ZELAN has been central to this industry-wide shift, and that as Nicca’s exclusive distribution partner for the textile sector, Archroma is positioned to support customers through this transition with consistent supply and technical expertise across all the markets where they operate.