Fashion
BioFibreLoop spins breakthrough in Lignin-based sustainable textiles
The achievement marked a step forward in replacing harmful chemicals used in functional textiles with bio-based, recyclable alternatives. However, progress now hinges on securing a stable supply of high-quality lignin. The absence of standardisation across the EU complicates sourcing, as lignin properties vary depending on extraction processes, and several specialised suppliers have exited the market, the European Commission said in a press release.
The EU-funded BioFibreLoop project, led by Germany’s DITF, has achieved a breakthrough by spinning lignin-cellulose fibres, advancing sustainable textiles for outdoor, active, and workwear.
Aiming to replace harmful chemicals with bio-based, recyclable alternatives, the project now faces challenges in sourcing high-quality lignin due to lack of EU standardisation.
DITF has been testing lignin’s suitability for fibre production and coatings that provide textiles with functions such as liquid, gas, and bacterial protection—essential for sustainable yet high performance fabrics. The project aims to ensure these lignin-coated textiles are both biodegradable and recyclable, aligning with the European Green Deal.
Despite market volatility, new wood refinery plants in Europe promise to stabilise supply. BioFibreLoop sees this as an opportunity for lignin producers to secure large-scale demand by entering the textile market. If successful, the project could strengthen Europe’s bio-based supply chains and resilience against global disruptions.
“Our good research results on the use of lignin in textile products together with the great market potential will strongly motivate the establishment of biorefineries for suitable lignin variants in Europe,” said Thomas Stegmaier, technical coordinator at DITF.
BioFibreLoop (Circular biobased technical textiles with innovative bio-inspired non-toxic functionalisation) will continue until 2027.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
ICE March 2026 cotton futures settled at 64.53 cents per pound, down 0.28 cents or 0.43 per cent. New contract-low closes were recorded for December 2025, March 2026, May 2026, and July 2026 for the second consecutive session.
ICE cotton futures remained weak ahead of WASDE report, with March 2026 settling lower and several contracts hitting new lows.
A softer US dollar offered limited support, while market caution persisted amid weak demand and muted buying.
US government’s reopening and recent export sales data had little impact, and analysts expect higher supply estimates as December’s first delivery date approaches.
The dollar fell to a two-week low, improving foreign buying interest, while Wall Street’s sharp decline and fading expectations of rate cuts added to overall market caution.
Total volume traded today stood at 94,153 contracts, while yesterday’s cleared volume of 115,071 contracts ranked as the eighth-highest on record.
The US government reopened after a 43-day shutdown, with most federal services resuming, and cotton prices remaining flat. Loan programmes will offer temporary relief to growers.
USDA export net sales for the week ending September 25 were 200,600 bales, including 199,500 Upland bales and 1,100 Pima bales for the 2025–26 season. This was the last weekly US cotton sales report issued before the shutdown.
Market sentiment remains under pressure as sellers are not realising profits despite competitive pricing, and demand is expected to stay muted.
Market analysts said the upcoming USDA report may show higher supply and a slight reduction in export projections. The December contract remained under pressure as the first delivery date approaches on November 21.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2025 was trading at 62.93 cents per pound (up 0.03 cent), cash cotton at 60.40 cents (down 0.40 cent), the March 2026 contract at 64.56 cents (up 0.03 cent), the May 2026 contract at 65.76 cents (up 0.06 cent), the July 2026 contract at 66.85 cents (up 0.04 cent), and the October 2026 contract at 67.33 cents (down 0.26 cent). A few contracts were unchanged from their previous close, with no trading recorded so far today.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Translated by
Nicola Mira
Published
November 14, 2025
Pull&Bear is going all-in on the colour blue. After dropping a first collaboration with French artist Thomas Lélu earlier this year, a capsule collection themed around Valentine‘s Day, the Inditex group’s fashion chain has teamed up once again with Lélu to present a second jointly designed collection, now available on the Pull&Bear e-shop.
The collection is called ‘Objets’, and is characterised by a light-hearted, ironic urban style, with prices ranging from €9.99 for a silver key ring with a hat charm, to €29.99 for a tasselled scarf. It also includes items such as a smartphone case, a hat, a beanie and a tote bag, all of them featuring Lélu’s distinctive lettering and blue colour.
In addition to these accessories, the collection comprises a unisex fragrance and a limited-edition vetiver and vanilla-scented candle called ‘Unexpected Wood’, developed by Ane Ayo and Marina Merce of Swiss fragrance specialist Firmenich. All the items are inscribed with messages in English, such as ‘You will never find another me’ or ‘It’s never too late to start now’.
This second drop with Lélu is the latest in a long list of collaborations launched in recent months by Pull&Bear with other consumer brands and artists. Among the label’s most recent partnerships, one with Italian coffee machine producer Bialetti, a capsule collection with Portuguese artist Braulio Amado, and a collaboration with emerging label Lueder, presented during the latter’s London Fashion Week show as part of the BFC’s Newgen project.
Pull&Bear was founded in 1991 and is based in the town of Narón, Spain. As of the end of 2024, the label operated 800 stores, between directly owned and franchised ones, and catered to over 200 markets with its e-shops. It is part of the Inditex group, along with other brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Bershka, Oysho, Zara Home and Lefties.
In fiscal 2024, Pull&Bear increased its revenue by 4.6%, up to €2.469 billion. In the same year, the Inditex group, under Marta Ortega’s leadership, grew its revenue by 7.5%, reaching €38.632 billion.
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The deal, valued at an aggregate base purchase price of $600 million in cash, remains subject to customary adjustments, the company said in a release.
VF Corporation has closed its $600 million sale of the Dickies brand to Bluestar Alliance.
The deal follows an earlier agreement for the iconic workwear and streetwear label, which operates in 55 countries.
Bluestar CEO Joseph Gabbay praised Dickies’ strong legacy, while VF CEO Bracken Darrell said the brand has a bright future and strong growth potential under its new ownership.
The transaction follows the definitive agreement announced earlier this year, under which Bluestar Alliance committed to acquiring the Dickies brand. Known for its century-long heritage in performance workwear and its influence across streetwear culture, Dickies today has distribution in 55 countries and continues to resonate with a wide spectrum of global consumers.
Bluestar Alliance CEO Joseph Gabbay highlighted the brand’s deep legacy, noting that the company has followed Dickies for many years and values the strong foundation built by VF Corporation. He said the firm aims to unlock further growth by leveraging its consumer insights, operational capabilities, and brand-building expertise.
“Dickies is an iconic American workwear brand with a bright future, and I am confident that under Bluestar Alliance’s ownership, it will continue to improve and realize its significant growth potential,” said VF’s president and chief executive officer, Bracken Darrell.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
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