A new assessment of 100 top fashion brands reveals limited momentum in sustainable cotton adoption, widespread failures in transparency, and rising dependence on fossil-derived fibres. The Cotton Rankings 2025, developed by Solidaridad and Good on You, expose stark contrasts between industry rhetoric and practice, highlighting how sourcing decisions shape cotton’s uncertain role in fashion..
Fashion for Good has launched The Next Stride, a twelve-month footwear innovation project, bringing together major brands and material pioneers. Focused on replacing fossil fuel–based soles with bio-based polymers, the initiative seeks scalable, high-performance solutions to cut environmental impact and drive systemic change across the global $400 billion footwear industry.
China’s textiles and apparel sector stands at a crossroads of sustainability, competitiveness, and workforce responsibility. With decarbonisation targets, rising labour costs, and export diversification, the industry faces profound transformation. Policies under the 14th Five-Year Plan and “dual carbon” strategy will determine how the sector adapts to shifting global sourcing and compliance landscapes.
ReHubs has announced a comprehensive strategy to industrialise textile circularity across Europe by 2032, establishing systematic coordination between recyclers, manufacturers, and brands. The alliance plans to mobilise substantial investment through integrated supply chain management and strategic financing orchestration across European markets.
The US National Cotton Council has released survey findings showing widespread consumer confusion about microplastic pollution sources, particularly regarding synthetic clothing's contribution to environmental and health risks. Research reveals significant barriers preventing consumer action, including unclear guidance and uncertainty about effective solutions for reducing personal microplastic exposure.
The US Cotton Trust Protocol has introduced a Field Partner Programme pilot designed to provide brands and retailers with traceable regenerative cotton. Beginning with the 2025 crop year, the initiative establishes a framework combining practices and outcomes, supporting sustainability goals, while creating clear supply chain pathways. It aligns with the Trust Protocol’s wider commitments to verification, transparency, and continuous improvement.
A comprehensive analysis of 145 global case studies has uncovered why circular economy initiatives often failed. The research highlighted systemic traps, design flaws, and financial constraints that obstructed progress. By exploring breakdowns in recycling, reuse, and supply chain practices, the study revealed overlooked weaknesses and offered insights into building more resilient circular business models.
Trade policy uncertainty has surged to unprecedented levels across global markets, creating widespread disruption for businesses and economies worldwide. New data reveals sharp increases in import volatility, with developing countries bearing disproportionate impacts from unpredictable policy shifts and weakened international trading frameworks.
The three-day Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics opened today at National Exhibition and Convention Center, featuring over 3,700 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions. Eight overseas buyer delegations will attend, including first-time delegations from Brazil and Türkiye, alongside established programmes from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam for international sourcing opportunities.
Fashion companies are rethinking how they work internationally by paying much more attention to local differences in consumer behaviour and cultural preferences. New research shows how brands modify their digital platforms and products to suit different cultural contexts around the world. This shift makes local adaptation a key business strategy rather than just an operational task.
