Bangladesh saw the closure of 130 garment factories this week as worker protests for higher wages and back pay continue, however there are claims outsiders are also adding to the unrest.

The European Commission has released guidance to help EU countries implement new renewable energy rules, focusing on heating, energy system integration, and non-biological renewable fuels. The updated directive sets a 42.5% renewable energy target for 2030 and introduces measures to accelerate project development and standardize national laws.

ICE cotton prices hit a one-week high due to strong demand and weather concerns, reaching 70.50 cents per pound. Despite a stronger dollar and lower crude oil prices limiting gains, weather disruptions and improved US crop conditions may boost exports and support prices.

Pantone's Spring 2025 report features natural, earthy tones that connect with the environment. The palette includes both vibrant and subtle colors, with seasonless shades like Eclipse and Antique White offering timeless options for spring fashion.

Cotton production in Punjab and Sindh dropped by 60% by August 31, leading to a reliance on expensive imports. A discrepancy in reporting figures and factors like heatwaves, pest attacks, and lack of government support have worsened the situation. Textile mills are importing 1.6 million bales as local purchases fall sharply.

The Woolmark+ roadmap by Woolmark marks the launch of a major 13-point future-facing programme that aims to accelerate low-impact production, promote circularity and enhance animal wellbeing and woolgrower livelihoods.

Better Cotton announced it is transitioning to third-party assessments and certification decisions which it believes complements the existing assurance process by adding a layer of independence and credibility.

ZDHC has released the first edition of its Air Emissions Guidelines which will aim to sensitise the industry, allowing suppliers to establish their baselines and understand air emission requirements as of now rather than testing.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) expressed readiness to collaborate on California's newly passed SB-707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 which aims to advance sustainability within the textile, apparel, and footwear industries through extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes.

Biotechnology company Tandem Repeat and aerospace and defence contractor Arctos Technology Solutions have been awarded $1.5m by the US Department of Defense (DoD)'s Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Programme to advance domestic bio-textile manufacturing.

Bangladesh has been missing out on a potential export business of recycled textile products worth $4-5bn per year due to a lack of a comprehensive policy framework on circular textiles which new research states could incentivise the “highly informal” post-industrial textile waste (Jhut) economy and trade.

Eleven major associations representing the global sewn products, textiles, apparel, and nonwoven industries have launched the "Alphabet Soup Collective," to enhance collaboration and bridge gaps across the supply chain.