#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2025-09-18

Responsible innovation at FILO64: the new FILO space curated by C.L.A.S.S.

This season focus? Advanced Natural Fibers, Traceability, and Next-Generation Communication — showcased in an exhibition area and completed by two FILO Dialogues

A new step forward in the collaboration between C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle and Sustainable Synergy) and FILO: a new open and collaborative space designed for those seeking inspiration and practical tools to navigate the path of Responsible Innovation.

Not just a stand, but a dynamic platform: accessible to everyone, able to cross boundaries and connect people, materials, and ideas. A place where vision, research, and new value-driven narratives meet to imagine the future of textiles.

Key players selected to represent the focus of this first edition: - Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp

- BembergTM by Asahi Kasei

- SUPIMA®

- Haelixa (for traceability, now crucial for the entire sector)

- The InsideOut Value System by C.L.A.S.S. strategy for a next-generation communication

Communicating sustainability: the new challenge

In a landscape clouded by confusion, lack of transparency, scandals, and greenwashing, consumer trust is increasingly fragile. This creates an urgent need to provide authentic information, grounded in clear, real, and measurable values, and to rebuild a relationship of trust that supports and guides consumers with information enabling more conscious, value-driven everyday choices. Aesthetics and performance remain fundamental to people’s choices. Today, however, it is just as important to communicate clearly and sincerely the invisible yet measurable values: ethics, social initiatives, traceability and transparency, environmental responsibility, health, circular economy practices, design, ingredients, production, dyeing, and finishing.

From this need arises the InsideOut Value System by C.L.A.S.S., an initiative that expresses these values through the universal language of art. With the support of artist Gianluca Cannizzo, values are transformed into immediate visual icons, capable of going beyond words and entering the realm of direct perception. Icons capable of making sustainability concrete, understandable, and tangible: a push toward a more conscious, verified, engaging, and trustworthy culture of consumption.

Two dialogues to go beyond the exhibition

Alongside the physical space, C.L.A.S.S. presents two FILO Dialogues: moments of reflection and in- depth discussion with leading voices aligned with this edition’s focus.

++++++ 23rd September, 3.00 PM

“The New Era of Fibres: Knowledge, Traceability, Research, and Sustainability”

A journey through advanced natural and regenerated fibres, traceability technologies, and new perspectives.

Speakers: Paolo Pezzin (Napapijri – VF Corporation), Giorgia Carissimi (Albini Next/Albini Group – representing SUPIMA®), Ettore Pellegrini (BembergTM by Asahi Kasei), Fausto Pozzi (Brunello), Letizia Scopelliti (Haelixa).

Moderator: Giusy Bettoni, CEO & Founder di C.L.A.S.S.

++++++ 24th September, 10.30 AM

“InsideOut – Making Values Visible: Why Trust Is the New Luxury”

Trust as the new fashion capital: transparency, authentic data, and innovative languages that build value through the identification of values.

Speakers: Giusy Bettoni (C.L.A.S.S.), Chiara Tronville (journalist and communication consultant), Simone and Manuela Gaslini (Filatura Astro).

Moderator: Chiara Puglisi, Skytg24 journalist.

From September 23 to 24, join this events at FILO64 – Responsible Innovation Area curated by C.L.A.S.S.

A space to discover fibers, technologies, and narratives that are reshaping the future of textiles, always in step with the times and contemporary values.

The 63rd edition of Filo closed with positive results

The 63rd edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres Exhibition, closed today in Milan by performing very positive results. Despite the current economic downturn, buyers have appreciated highly valuable collections proposed by the exhibitors, which have shown the ability in innovation and research for sustainability of Italian and foreign textile producers.

Filo 63 highlights sustainability and innovation with C.L.A.S.S.

At the 63rd edition of Filo, the initiative “Sustainability from A to Z”, developed in collaboration with C.L.A.S.S., focuses on responsible innovation and expanding knowledge through technical insights, case studies, and direct industry testimonials. This initiative aims to guide companies through the complexities of sustainability while aligning with the evolving market landscape. The proposals presented by C.L.A.S.S. as part of this initiative closely relate to discussions within “Dialoghi di Confronto”, offering further opportunities for industry insights.

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.