Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.), the global leader in jeanswear, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the launch of the LS&Co. Energy Accelerator Program (LEAP) to increase access to renewable electricity for LS&Co.’s supply chain, starting in India. The program is aligned to support LS&Co.’s near-term supply chain emission reduction target of 42 per cent by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline year) as part of its long-term journey to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

LEAP will offer suppliers the best available pricing, terms, and return on investment to enable renewable energy procurement. This comes at a time when there is a significant opportunity to increase awareness and technical capacity with Indian suppliers as they navigate the diverse and evolving renewable electricity landscape. The program will be shared with the company’s textile and apparel manufacturing suppliers in India, including in-depth training modules, financial analysis, and access to Schneider Electric’s advisory services.

“We are committed to incentivising renewable energy in our supply chain and know our path to our near-term supply chain emissions reduction target is through proven, scalable solutions that fit each supplier,” said Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer at LS&Co. “Between Schneider Electric’s expertise and the robust network of renewable electricity opportunities available in India, we’re now in a position to better support our suppliers in their own sustainability strategies – and to deliver on ours.”

Levi Strauss & Co and Schneider Electric launched the LS&Co Energy Accelerator Program (LEAP) in India to expand renewable electricity in the supply chain.
The initiative supports LS&Co’s 42 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.
LEAP provides suppliers with training, financial analysis, and access to advisory services to adopt scalable clean energy solutions.

For the first stage of LEAP, LS&Co. will support textile and apparel manufacturing suppliers in India to transition to renewable electricity, with a goal of later expanding the program to other business partners and geographies. Suppliers that join LEAP will also have the opportunity to explore individual purchase opportunities, such as on-site solar or certificate purchasing, or join a multi-buyer cohort for a power purchase agreement (PPA).

“I am happy to learn that Levi Strauss & Co. has taken steps to increase access to renewable electricity for their supply chain,” said Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. “I welcome this initiative, and this shows that businesses can benefit from clearer and more accessible renewable energy opportunities.”

Schneider Electric has advised companies, including LS&Co., on more than 1.3 TWh of aggregated renewable electricity procurement across supply chain programs managed on behalf of clients in multiple markets. LS&Co. was a participant alongside four other companies in the first multi-buyer power purchase agreement (PPA) cohort for Walmart’s Gigaton PPA program in the US, managed by Schneider Electric, which will serve as a model for any group PPAs developed through LEAP. 

“At Schneider Electric, we believe that accelerating the transition to renewable energy across global supply chains is essential to achieving meaningful climate impact. We’re proud to partner with Levi Strauss & Co. on the LEAP initiative, which exemplifies how companies can lead with purpose and scale proven solutions to empower their suppliers,” said Steve Wilhite, President, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business. “By combining our deep expertise in renewable energy advisory with LS&Co.’s bold sustainability vision, we’re helping unlock new opportunities for cleaner energy in India and beyond.”

“As India embarks on an ambitious journey towards a greener, more resilient future, it’s inspiring to see global brands like Levi Strauss & Co. embracing this shift and empowering their supply chains to adopt renewable energy. At Schneider Electric, we are proud to support this transition through Levi Strauss & Co. Energy Accelerator Program (LEAP), combining our expertise with a shared purpose to accelerate decarbonisation, foster industrial innovation, and build a sustainable India for generations to come.” – Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India & MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India

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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)

On 23 September 2025, Mayer & Cie., a manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines in Albstadt, filed an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings in self-administration at the Hechingen District Court.

On September 23, 2025, Mayer & Cie, a 120-year-old Albstadt-based maker of circular knitting and braiding machines, has filed for self-administered insolvency.
Hit by global crises, cheap Chinese competition, and a 50 per cent sales slump, the 280-employee firm seeks restructuring while continuing operations.
Lawyer Martin Mucha supports management; Ilkin Bananyarli is provisional administrator.

Mayer & Cie. specialises in the manufacture and sale of circular knitting and braiding machines, almost all of which are exported and are valued by textile manufacturers worldwide. The company is owner-managed in the fourth generation and recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. Mayer & Cie. employs around 280 people at its headquarters in Albstadt. Their wages and salaries are secured for three months via the insolvency benefit.

Mayer & Cie. operates in a market that is currently in turmoil due to global events. For example, the trade conflict between the USA and China and the war in Ukraine led to reluctance to invest worldwide. Turkey, an important export market, is struggling with high inflation, which means that textile manufacturers there are no longer competitive. At the same time, state-subsidized manufacturers from China offer their textile machines at low prices on the world market. This led to a slump in sales of almost 50 percent last year – with increased costs at the same time.

Self-administration offers companies a legal framework to reposition themselves while business operations are ongoing. In contrast to regular insolvency proceedings, corporate responsibility remains in the hands of the management, which controls the restructuring itself. She is supported by the experienced restructuring expert Martin Mucha from the law firm Grub Brugger, who joins the company as a general representative. In self-administration, the competent local court does not appoint an insolvency administrator, but a (provisional) administrator. The latter monitors the proceedings in the interest of the creditors. Attorney Ilkin Bananyarli from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has been appointed as the provisional administrator of Mayer & Cie.

“On Thursday, together with the management, I informed the workforce about the insolvency application. At the same time, the necessary steps were taken to maintain business operations. We intend to continue business operations as usual and will concentrate with all our commitment on maintaining the company’s core competencies,” explains attorney Martin Mucha.

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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, today announced two strategic leadership moves to accelerate innovation and growth.

Robert Johnston has been promoted to chief operating officer from his previous role as executive vice president, operations, and Doug Kelliher has been appointed executive vice president, product. Kelliher will join the company’s global leadership team, while Johnston continues in his leadership capacity. Both executives report directly to CEO Gary Smith.

The LYCRA Company has announced leadership changes to drive growth and innovation.
Robert Johnston, a 35-year veteran, is promoted to COO, expanding his role to include product development alongside operations and IT.
Doug Kelliher, with 30+ years in product leadership, joins as EVP, product.
Both report to CEO Gary Smith, aiming to accelerate innovation and deliver value-driven solutions.

Robert Johnston, Chief Operating Officer

Johnston, a 35-year veteran of The LYCRA Company and its predecessor organizations, will expand his leadership to include product development, in addition to his current oversight of global manufacturing operations and IT. In his new role, Johnston will manage R&D talent, lab resources, and pilot production to drive innovation across the product portfolio, supporting strategic growth priorities identified by Kelliher’s team.

“I’m honored to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer and help shape the future of our innovation pipeline,” said Johnston. “Our teams around the world are deeply committed to excellence, and I look forward to working across functions to strengthen our operations and advance product development.”

Doug Kelliher, EVP, Product

Kelliher will lead the product management team in developing and executing strategy across fibers, fabrics, and garments. His team works to deliver differentiated solutions that add value and meet the needs of today’s consumer. With more than 30 years of product leadership experience at Timberland, Velcro Companies, Polartec and Milliken & Company, Kelliher brings deep expertise to his role.

“I’m thrilled to join The LYCRA Company and contribute to its legacy of innovation,” said Kelliher. “With the strength of our global team and a clear focus on differentiated products that fulfill market demands, I’m confident we can unlock new growth opportunities and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

“As the apparel industry continues to evolve, our focus remains on delivering high-performance solutions that meet consumer needs and help brands and retailers differentiate and thrive,” said Gary Smith, CEO of The LYCRA Company. “Doug and Robert bring exceptional leadership, vision, and industry expertise to their roles, strengthening our ability to co-create with customers, accelerate innovation, and bring transformative technologies to market faster and more efficiently.”

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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)